Scootaloo and the School of Ghoulsby Silent BobChaptersBirthday GhoulBurning GhoulGhoul of the NightGhoul of WinterThe Captain's Third OptionA Shadowbolt's LamentA Ghoul's GoodbyeHoliday GhoulGhoul TrainGhoul SchoolSorting of the GhoulsSoulshard's SlumberMorning GhoulDeath's Tender HoofDeath's Tender HeartA Ghoul's Song of StormsDeath's Golden TicketLove and KinshipRelics of OblivionMemories of Nightmares PassedAlways and ForeverThe Ghoul Who LivedGhost of WinterThe String Between UniversesBirthday GhoulIn the wee hours of the morning, a tiny flash of light popped briefly into existence over the still sleepy, coffee-deprived town of Ponyville. A small slit in the fabrics of reality appeared soon after, from which came a tiny bone dragon, about the size of an owl, a small letter held in his claws. "Ugh..." it grumbled. "Twilight's going to be lucky she's already dead if I can't fall back asleep after this..." At that, he began to view its surroundings a bit more. A light snow fell upon the town below him, it looking like a picturesque seen of winter beauty only seen in paintings. Snow covered roofs were all that could be seen, with stringy, dancing icicles hanging off them. To add to the scene, the paths and roads through town were still unclear, completely overtaken by the null of the winter's white. However, the bone dragon was still... less than impressed. "Stupid mortal winter," he grunted. "It's always way too white..." He then squinted his eyes slightly. "...And too friggin' bright..." Taking a deep breath, it continued to scan its surroundings, eventually spotting his destination: a smoking chimney on the outskirts of town, it belonging to a medium sized building. "Thank the night," he said breathily. "Time to get this over with. As Yultide the Gift Pony would say: ho ho ho!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Like a tiny peganinja, Scootaloo crept silently through the front halls of the orphanage, the front door in her sight. It was still mostly silent, save for the occasional groan of the wind and the sound of the automatic heater powering on, though still... she heeded to caution. "So closssse," she whispered, grinning mischievously. A door creaked some ways away, causing her to pause in her steps, her eyes widening. Hoofsteps then began heading her way. Scootaloo gave a gulp as a tiny exclamation point appeared above her head. "Alright, rule one of life: don't panic. Think Scootaloo... what would Solid Blake do right now?" she whispered. Glancing about, she quickly spied a small cardboard box sitting by the front door, it having been used for a package. "Aha!" she smirked, quickly darting under it. There she waited another thirty seconds, the hoof-steps passing her. The front door then creaked open. "Ugh, somepony stole the paper again?!" a somewhat obnoxious voice growled. The door then slammed, disgruntled hoofsteps quickly making their way back down the hall. At that, Scootaloo lifted her box slightly, glanced about, and smiled widely, nopony in sight. "Yay!" she beamed. She then crept out from under the box, creaked open the door and stepped outside into the cool winter's null. She then took a deep, victorious breath, glancing about at her snowy surroundings. It was certainly cold out, and she quickly gave a shiver... though for some reason, it didn't feel quite as cold as it usually did, and a nearby thermometer did read the usual temperature... "Mmm, must just be the humidity," she quickly chirped, shrugging it off and taking a step forward, only for- "Scootaloo!" "Awwwww...." she sighed, turning about to gaze upon the orphanage's mistress, an elderly, stern looking pony. "Uhhh... good morning, Madame Hardknock." She quickly narrowed suspicious eyes. "What are you doing?" "Just going to be with my friends," she smiled. "Uhhh... if that's alright." "Mmmm... while conveniently forgetting that it's your turn to clean both the kitchen and the bathroom," she grunted, tapping her hoof. "B-But can't I do them later?" Scootaloo complained. "My friends and I were going to go snow shoveling... to try to get our Cutie-Marks in it." "Ugh," she groaned. "And there never was a more pointless escapade. You're to do your chores before heading out. I want a clean kitchen to eat in." "B-But Madam-" "No buts!" she growled. "Um... Ms. Hardknock… if it's alright with you... I wouldn't mind cleaning the kitchen," a tiny, accented voice called from behind her. The old caretaker turned to glance at its origin. "It's Scootaloo's birthday, you see," Pipsqueak smiled. "And well, it is an old tradition in my family..." He closed his eyes for a second, before taking a deep breath. "Well, it was an old tradition that nopony should have to clean the ship on their birthdays... or the orphanage in this case." At that, Madame Hardknock twirled about, raising an eyebrow Scootaloo's way. And to the young filly's surprise, a small, warm smile actually found its way to her cold lips. "Ah, that's right. I forgot what today was. Happy Birthday, Scootaloo." Scootaloo smiled widely. Ms. Hardknock raised a hoof. "However, I still want those chores done, though you can have Pipsqueak's help. The best gift I can give you is work ethic. You still want to be adopted, right?" "Y-Yes," Scootaloo squeaked, glancing downward. "Well, your chances will go up if I can tell prospecting parents that 'Scootaloo cleaned this spotless kitchen' when I give them a tour, and that could be this morning for all you know." She paused for a second, before stating in an almost rehearsed way, "the less worthless you look, the better your chances. Remember, Hearth's Warming Eve is the time of year for that." At that, Scootaloo gave a defeated sigh, Pipsqueak gazing at her sympathetically. "Yes, Madame Hardknock..." She then quickly joined his spotted side, the two sauntering down the hall towards the kitchen. "Oh, and Scootaloo," Ms. Hardknock called. "Y-Yeah?" she said, turning about. "Throw out those disgusting rotten eggs," she growled. "Weirdos stand even less of a chance than lazy brats." "W-Will do," she gulped, before giving Pipsqueak a betrayed look and hissing, "why did you tell her?!" "S-She must have seen the note," Pipsqueak said defensively. "I thought you'd be the first to see it..." "Ugh.." Scootaloo sighed, the two continuing on. As they did so, Ms. Hardknock took a deep breath, rolling her eyes ever-so-slightly. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Hey Rainbow!" Twilight smiled, walking into Sugarcube Corner and spying the blue pegasus sitting at a table. "Mornin' Twi," she smiled, sipping on a mug of hot cocoa, a satisfied, warm look coming upon her. "Mmmm... I don't know how, Mrs. Cake, but this stuff gets better and better each passing year!" "Oh, thank you dear," the cheery pony called from behind the counter. "I didn't do much, though, just added a bit of cinnamon to it is all." “Still, utterly awesome,” Rainbow grinned. “You’re too kind,” Mrs. Cake smiled, before turning to Twilight. "What can I help you with, Ms. Sparkle?" Twilight put on an anticipating smile. "One triple mocha with extra chocolate sprinkles, please, with soy milk, heated to about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit with a dash of whip cream on the top, but not too much because I don't want to spill over, oh, and with a bit of cinnamon on the top of it. Ooo, and about one and a half teaspoons sugar. Actually, make that one and a quarter... but... no wait, that's too little. Make that one and three-fourths. If you could, please!" Mrs. Cake took a deep, patient breath, hiding a blank look. "One triple-mocha." "Thanks!" Twilight beamed merrily, before taking her place at Rainbow's table, the blue mare rolling her eyes slightly. "So, what's got you up so early in the morning?" "Oh you know me," Rainbow smirked. "I love admiring the beauty of a fresh snow. How the entire town, it and all its vibrant colors, becomes overwhelmed by a simple, unifying white." "Wow, Rainbow! I never knew you were such a romantic!" Twilight said, smiling. Rainbow gave a cheeky grin. "Oh you haven't seen anything, yet. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, smelling flowers, and the laughter of children." Twilight's eyes widened in awe. "O-Oh my gosh!" she beamed. "R-Rainbow, you're finally letting out your more-" Dashie quickly chuckled. "Annnd you're just messing with me, aren't you?" Twilight groaned. "Haha! Yeah. Sorry, Twi, had to do it," she said, still chuckling. "Still, I wasn't lying about the latter. It's Scootaloo's birthday, you know." "Ah," Twilight said, her smile returning. "I suppose Flight Rainbow is ready for takeoff?" "You bet," she smirked, wiggling her wings slightly. "I like taking her out in the morning, you know, so she can spend the rest of the day with her friends. And believe it or not, I do like the view of dawn this early, at least during the winter." "You really love that kid, don't you?" Twilight said, admiration lacing her words. "Heh," Rainbow smiled, before sighing slightly and gazing at the reflection of herself in her mug. "She just... reminds me of somepony is all." "Her story is yours, just one hoof before it?" Twilight said sympathetically. Rainbow merely gave a chuckle, taking another sip of hot cocoa. "Sometimes, Twilight... I wish I could view the world the way you do." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Within the kitchen of the orphanage, a magic music rock blared: "And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, Don't carry the world upon your shoulders. For well you know that it's a fool, who plays it cool, By making her world a little colder!" Scrubba-dub-dub! One colt and one filly worked diligently, cleaning the counters to a spotless degree. "Hmmmm," Scootaloo sighed, sulking a slightly sorrowful head, a few thoughts of what she saw in the mirror earlier still eating at her mind Glancing away from Pipsqueak, she quickly prodded her new fangs, a worried look coming upon her. Pipsqueak quirked his head. "What's wrong, Scoots?" "Eh... nothing," she said, smiling (toothlessly) his way. "Sorry for getting angry with you earlier, by the way. I know you were just looking out for my health is all..." "Heh, no worries," Pipsqueak smiled. "Believe it not, I've actually eaten worse back aboard the Black Pearl." He then shivered slightly. "It prevented some rather... unsettling come-abouts of malnutrition." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, before returning to her scrubbing, staying silent as Hey Jude continued to play. Pipsqueak soon turned a curious eye her way. "That music rock of yours... a gift from Twilight?" "A gift from a ghost, for all I know," Scootaloo sighed. "It came for me yesterday, no return address." Pip's eyes widened. "D-Do you think it was-" "Captain J?" Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I don't know..." "Heh... you know, Captain J, that was my family's ole captain's initials," Pipsqueak smiled with just a hint of nostalgia. "Though I suppose this is someone different... maybe somepony in the military?" "Possibly..." Scootaloo said, before smiling slightly, her ponderous mind pondering something. "Sometimes I wonder if I had a single father or something... in the army or air defense force. Maybe it was this Captain J. What if my mother died while he was out serving, and he couldn't have the time to raise me… cus he was too engraved in his work or something. Too much of a noble soldier." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ In his quarters, Captain Jack smiled slightly before tossing a dart towards his wall. A small series of papers were bunched in a group in the middle of it, all with the names of prominent Equestrian figures upon them. He liked to call it 'Captain Jack's Boogy Board.' Thud! The dart landed, his eyes widening in delight as a promiscuous grin came to his face. "Ooooh yes! You're next, Princess Cadence!" he said, his grin widening. "Let's see if you really are the princess of love!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "It still doesn't explain who 'RD' is though," Scootaloo grunted. "All she left was a note saying 'don't run with scissors.' Was my adoption some huge joke or something?" "I'm sure it wasn't," Pip said, raising a hoof. "Maybe she or he was just a bit... daft." "Yeah... maybe," Scootaloo sighed. She then continued scrubbing silently again. However, a moment later it was broken by a knock on the window. "Hey Scoots!" a grinning, blue pegasus called. "Happy birthday, kid!" "Rainbow!" Scootaloo beamed. Rainbow's grin quickly turned into a warm smile, though she soon raised an eyebrow. "Watcha doin in there being Ms. Clean!?" she grunted. "Have you forgotten our tradition?" At that, Scootaloo squinted in thought for a second before nearly face-hoofing. "Oh, duh! Sorry, Rainbow... this Cutie-Mark stuff has just been eating my head lately..." "No worries, kid! Just quit scrubbing and get out here," Rainbow smirked. "Can't you do your chores later?" "Well... Madame Hardknock really wants them done..." she said, sulking slightly. "Don't worry, Scoots," Pipsqueak winked. "The kitchen's nearly done, and we already got the bathroom over with. Go on out, I'll handle the rest of this raunchy mess." "Pip... I can't just let you..." "Do you know how many times I had to swab the deck back in the day?" he smirked. "I'll have it over by the time you take off! Go on," he said, gesturing her out the door. "Hah! Looks like somepony's trying to score a date with you, Scoots," Rainbow grinned. "And hey, there's a lot worse out there." Pip rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Pip," Scootaloo squeaked. "I'll see you tonight, I guess." Pip gave a quick salute. "You bet. Just try not to get yourself killed!" Scootaloo put on an honest smile. "No worries, Rainbow Dash is the best flier there is. She'll keep me out of trouble." "Hehe, if you say so!" Rainbow grinned. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Wearing a wool sweater, Scootaloo smiled as she climbed upon Rainbow's back, positioning herself firmly and gripping her sides, her magic music rock still blaring. "Alright, Major Scoots," the pegasus smiled. "All systems ready for liftoff?" "This is Major Scoots to ground control, all systems ready," she smirked. "Then take your protein pills and put your helmet on!" Rainbow grinned. "You're about to really make the grade!" Before Scootaloo could even respond, Rainbow let loose a brilliant 'BEEYA!', before sailing into the early morning breeze, the snowy town quickly becoming a moving entity below her. "Woooo yeah!" Scootaloo cried, her mane rippling in the wind. She then glanced at her music locket, before shouting: "Volume Level: 25!" "Hang on tight, kid! Gonna show you a little bit of what I've been learning this year!" Rainbow smirked. "Ooo! Ooo!" Scootaloo called. "Do a barrel roll!" "Haha! Your funeral, kid! Just keep a good grip!" she called. Making sure that was true, Rainbow then spun about like a mad, sideways top. "Hahaha! YEEEEEES!" Scootaloo cried in joy, hanging on the best she could. Rainbow smiled widely. "All good back there, Scoots?" "Best I've felt all week!" she called. "Now that is what I'm talking about!" Rainbow said, her voice laced with a hint of pride. "That grip you were keeping though? Make it about twenty percent tighter, cus we're getting fancy up here!" "Huh? WAHHHHH!!!!!!!" Her ride began an epic upward arc, before actually performing a huge loopty-loop. "WEEEEEEEEE!" Rainbow gave a hearty laugh over the howling winds. "I'm gonna make an adrenaline junky out of you yet, kid!" She then glanced downward. "But hey... you really don't get a good idea of my awesome speeds way up here, though!" At that, she descended downward towards a snow-covered Everfree, the trees whizzing by below her in blurs, almost scraping at her hooves. "Woah! Rainbow! A-Are you sure this is safe?!" Scootaloo called. "Don't worry, Scoots," Rainbow smirked. "Believe it or not, I've flown over these woods a million times. The only way we'll hit something is if it appears out of thin air!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Null Space (The Space Between Spaces) The TARDIS "Another great journey to the New Lunar Republic, Doctor!" Derpy called, munching down on a muffin nearly the size of her. "I don't know how they learned to make muffins this big in the future, but we seriously need to learn!" "Maybe the next trip, Derpy," the Doctor smirked, before turning towards two other ponies within the TARDIS. "So, Bill and Ted, how are you liking your tour of history?" "A most excellent adventure, Dr. Whooves!" Bill called. "I totally think we're ready to ace our report, now!" Ted smiled confidently. "Well, I'm glad you've learned to appreciate it!" Dr. Whooves smiled proudly. “Now that is what I call a Hearth’s Warming Eve gift! From me to you to back to me again!” And naturally, upon his head, fit for the season, he wore a red Yuletide the Gift Pony hat. However, he quickly lifted a hoof, narrowing an eyebrow. "Still, do either of you want to tell me what not to do in medieval courting practices?" he asked, wincing slightly as he glanced at Ted's face, most of the fur having been burnt off of it. "I have solemnly learned that it is most uncool to say to a medieval princess, especially Princess Luna, that her flank is the best full moon I have ever seen!" "Or any princess for that matter," Derpy grunted, taking another bite of her muffin. "They're learning!" the Doctor cried in joy. "For the love of all that is good, they're learnin-" At that, the TARDIS began emitting a whirring sound. The Doctor quickly smiled. "Righto! Now for a tour of my time, Ponyville: 2012!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Right in Rainbow's path, the blue phone box that was the TARDIS materialized, hovering above the canopy of Everfree. "Rainbow! Look out!" Scootaloo shrieked. Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Huh-" "OOOOOF!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ THUD! "What was that?!" Derpy cried. "Bloody hell, did something just hit us?!" the Doctor growled, marching over to the front door and opening it. His eyes widened at the sight of the winter forest below him. "Doctor! I do declare, we are high in the air!" Ted called. "Woah! Totally awesome rhyme dude!" Bill complimented. "Ugh! Our coordinates must not have been sound," the Doctor grumbled. "We're supposed to be on the ground!" Ted's eyes widened. "Doctor! Your rhyme came just in time!" "Epically Maretallica, dude! The rhyming has been tripled!" Bill grinned, before the two leapt together and began an air guitar solo. "Oh that's it. We are so never visiting the eighties again," the Doctor groaned. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ The world spinning around her, Rainbow careened towards the Everfree forest, her eyes spinning in circles. Above her, Scootaloo struggled with her tiny wings to hover safely to the ground below. "Ugh! Stupid. TINY. WINGS!" she cried, sweating bullets as her strength began to wane. As her eyes widened, it finally gave way completely. "Oh CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP- -OOOF!" A snow bank quickly became filled with her wiggling presence. "Uuuugh...." she groaned, climbing out of her cold, new home and shaking the newly acquired snow off her. She took a glance around, spying blackened trees that had no right to still be alive. She was within the Everfree forest, or at least what she thought was it. However, for some reason, despite the freezing air... she didn't shiver. It was as if the cold, that would normally eat at her this time of year, (especially after climbing out of snow), had decided to be kind to her. Either that or every nerve in her body was refusing to work... "Weird," she said, shaking a debilitated head before glancing about. "R-Rainbow. You here?" As if to answer her, a groan soon followed. Twirling about, Scootaloo's chuckled slightly as she spied her idol climbing out of a snow-covered thorn bush. "Kid... please do me a favor and never tell your friends about this," Rainbow Dash moaned, wincing violently. "Hah, no worries Rainbow," she smiled. Scootaloo then gave her a look over. She was in bad shape, multiple bloody scrapes visible through her fur, though it wasn't unusual for her to perform 'totally intentional' crash landings. However, for some reason, what wouldn't normally be worthy of a second glance... quickly took hold of her. "Rainbow, you're uh... bleeding a little," Scootaloo said, quirking her head slightly. Drip... drip... drip... The blood was beginning to fall now, staining the snow red, and Scootaloo couldn't help but stare at it... Something about it was captivating to her. The red... delicious liquid... so salty... yet so sweet.... nourishment. "Tis just a flesh wound, no worries kid," Rainbow said nonchantly, quirking an eyebrow at Scootaloo's apparent concern. "Yeah..." Scootaloo said, continuing to stare blood intently, before nearly hypnotically saying, "just a flesh wound..." At that, she took a step forward, almost beyond her own will, as Rainbow began to glance about, taking hold of her surroundings. 'It's right there... take it... just a little sip,' a voice in her head chimed. 'She won't mind... she's your friend.' “Huh, where are we?” Rainbow grunted, still glancing about with a narrowed eyebrow. 'Sooooo good.... you know you want it... mmmm mmmm. Even better than rotten eggs...' "N-No," Scootaloo whispered, shaking her head rapidly, almost as if she wanted to send the strange thoughts flying from her mind."W-What the heck is wrong with me?" "Scoots?" Rainbow said. "Everything good? You didn't bump your head, did you?" 'The precious... you wants the precious... the precious is good...' The thoughts continued, as her sanity decreased. "K-Kid?" Rainbow said, her voice laced with concern. A beat of silence followed, broken only by a gust of wind... and eventually: "Feed me," Scootaloo droned, almost robotically, before taking another step forward, her head quirking again slightly. "W-What?" Rainbow said. "Feeed me...." Burning Ghoul"Feeeed me...." "Uhh... Scoots," Rainbow said, gulping as she backed away from the tiny pony, her magenta eyes feeling as if they were actually piercing her. It was even as if there was an almost... hypnotic quality to them. "If you're uh... hungry, we can get something once we're out of the woods. And you don't really need to sing about it." "Pleeease Rainbow," Scootaloo begged, gazing at her cuts intently. "I've never felt so hungry before!" "D-Did you not eat breakfast or something?" Rainbow stuttered, squinting a nervous eyebrow. "W-Why are you looking at me like that?" She then cracked a half-grin, giving a lying chuckle as she sweat-dropped. "O-Oh, I get it. This is some sort of weird joke." "It's no joke..." Scootaloo growled, licking her lips. "Please, don't make me take it from you…" "Take what?!" Rainbow gulped. "What do you want from me?" 'Takes it! Takes it!' "Sustenance... I need... sustenance...." "Scoots.... you're really starting to weird me out..." Rainbow said, continuing to nervously back away. 'Stupid, daft pegasus. She doesn't understand. That or she just wants to keep your food from you! Takes it from her! TAKES IT!' "I-I'm sorry Rainbow," Scootaloo whimpered, before reering back as if she was about to pounce at her. "B-But... oh my gosh, IT JUST LOOKS SO GOOD!" Rainbow's eyes widened in horror as Scootaloo began her attack- "Oi! Everypony alright down there?!" a certain, accented voice called. Scootaloo paused in mid-leap, quickly shaking her head in a daze. "W-What?" she whispered in horror. "W-What was I just about to do?!" At that, a slight thud could be heard as Derpy set the Doctor on the ground, her previously having carried him from the TARDIS, it still flying high above. Rainbow didn't answer him, instead she continued to glance at Scootaloo with eyes saturated with concern… and perhaps even a hint of mistrust. "Everything alright? What were you two doing down here?" the Doctor asked, quirking an eyebrow. "I uh... I'm not sure," Rainbow said, lowering an eyebrow Scootaloo's way. She simpered, thinking quickly. There was a way out of this, but it wouldn't be the best, nor the most satisfying for her idol's curiosity. "Er, sorry Rainbow," she quickly said, scratching the back of her head. "Kind of let that joke get out of hoof, didn't I?" "Y-Yeah," Rainbow said, nodding slowly. However, she quickly cracked a slight smile. "Yeah... but still, uhh... pretty good one, Scoots. B-But anyway, are you actually hungry?" Scootaloo quickly nodded. "Y-Yeah. The whole adrenaline rush I got flying with you... and the fall and everything. I'm starving!" "Yeah, sorry about that," the Doctor simpered, scratching the back of his brown-maned head. He then turned towards Bill and Ted, the two having slid to the ground via rope, giving them blank looks. "I thought I relayed those coordinates precisely." The two quickly sweat-dropped, grinning sheepishly. The Doctor soon turned back to Rainbow, sighing. "Anyway, could I give you two a lift back to town? It's the least I could do." "That'd be great, Doctor," Rainbow said, smiling. "Oh, and if you're hungry Scootaloo, I've got a muffin that'll blow your mind aboard the TARDIS," Derpy said with an almost mother-like tone. "C-Can't wait to see it," Scootaloo said, a shiver still spiraling up and down her spine. 'You haves five meals right here...' the voice in her head growled. 'Eats them... eats them!' "N-NO!" Scootaloo cried. "I'M NOT A VAMPONY!" The entire group turned towards her, quirking their eyebrows. Another beat of silence. "K-Kid. Are you sure you didn't bump your head?" Rainbow said, almost as if she were hoping it was true. "Ugh... I must have," Scootaloo said, starting to shiver slightly now, and not because of the cold. "Woah! Dude!" Ted said to Bill, his eyes widened as he glanced Scootaloo’s way. "There is most unusual activity happening in the Everfree Forest." "Oh my gosh!" Bill said. "You don't speak lies, my friend." "W-What are they talking about?" Scootaloo gulped, glancing the Doctor's way. Another moment of silence followed, the group continuing to stare at her. Derpy shook her head incredulously. "Y-You're uh..." "I uh... don't know how to say this," Rainbow gulped. "B-But... you seem to have... acquired an unusual condition," the Doctor stated. "You're totally sparkling!" Bill grinned. "WHAT?!" Scootalo said, her eyes widening in horror as she turned her head to glance towards her flank. Indeed, tiny little wisps of light popped in and out of existence about her form, twinkling like tiny little short-lived stars. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Scootaloo cried in horror. "W-Wait, now she's just smoking," Bill pointed out. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, before glancing at her back again. And true to what he said, instead of sparkling lights, blue smoke was rising from it instead. Scootaloo took a deep, relieved breath, wiping sweat off her forehead. "Oh good." However, her eyes soon widened. "Wait, THAT'S BAD TOO!" "Easy kid," Rainbow said, giving her a slightly dishonest, though reassuring smile. The Doctor nodded. "Yes, I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why you're spontaneously combustin-" Derpy quickly gave him a rib. "Ouch! What was that for?!" "Dude! I know why! She's totally a vampony!" Bill said, smiling. Ted's eyes widened, grinning Scootaloo's way. "That's so wicked! Can you like... turn into a bat?!" "She's not a friggin' ghoul," Rainbow growled, glaring at the two. "And who are you two knuckleheads, anyway?" "They're uh... the eighties incarnate," Derpy said. "Ah," Rainbow groaned, rolling her eyes. Scootaloo then let out a slight whimper, glancing away from Rainbow. "Chin up, Scoots," Rainbow smiled her way. "Cus you know, even if you were a ghoul, I wouldn't care. Those guys were alright on Nightmare Night for the most part." The Doctor raised a hoof, smiling Scootaloo's way. "It seems unlikely, anyway." "W-Why do you say that?" Scootaloo whimpered. "Well, as silly as vampires sound to me... well at least before Nightmare Night, I don't see any bite marks. If you were turning into one, wouldn't the bite have to have happened recently? Not that I know much about that sort of thing, however." "The Doctor's right," Rainbow said, scanning her over. "I don't see any holes, and you weren't bitten on Nightmare Night, right?" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. Rainbow narrowed her eyes. "It has to be something else, then." The Doctor raised a hoof, glancing at Bill and Ted. "I need to get these two back to their own time soon, but I'd be glad to give you a lift to a doctor." Dashie gave him a blank look. "You are a doctor." "Not that kind of Doctor," Dr. Whooves smiled, Rainbow rolling her eyes again. She then turned back to Scootaloo, her currently glancing sorrowfully towards the ground. "Come on kid, let's go get you to the hospital." She then put on a smirk, gazing at the snow bank the filly had just climbed out of. "And once you're all checked out, I'll buy you a scoop of ice cream." Scootaloo gave a tiny, but audible giggle, before smirking slightly. "Very funny, Rainbow." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Whelp, there's nothing physically wrong with her that I can see," a certain earth pony doctor grunted, currently putting a stethoscope on the filly’s chest. "Heart rate's normal." He then moved it away, bringing himself eye level with the filly. "Open your mouth and say, 'AHHHHH'." Scootaloo glanced away from him, shaking her head. "Come on Scoots, I'm sure everything will be alright," Rainbow smiled. She shook her head reluctantly once again. "Mmm mph," she hummed defiantly. The doctor sighed, rolling his eyes her way before giving a light smirk. "Wanna know a thing or two about what doctors learn in doctor school?" Scootaloo didn't respond. The doctor continued with, "well, there we take something called the Hippocratic Oath, which means I'm not allowed to say anything about a patient’s health if she doesn't allow it, not to anypony." The young filly gave him a hopeful look, before turning her head towards Rainbow with squinted eyebrows. The doctor quickly smiled, shaking his head.. "Nope, not even to her." He then gestured Rainbow out the door, grunting slightly. "If you could step out for a second, we'd both appreciate it." "Fine... whatever," Rainbow said, sighing, before sauntering off the chair she was sitting in and out the door, giving Scootaloo another quick, worried glance before-so. "Alright, you ready to show me that you haven't been brushing your teeth?" the doctor chuckled, smiling softly afterward. Scootaloo smiled slightly in return, before nodding slightly and opening her mouth. The doctor quickly examined it, one of his eyebrows quickly quirking in fascination. "Mmmm... got yourself a pair of wolf fangs, huh?" She nodded nervously. "I-Is it unusual, Dr. Stable?" He chuckled softly. "Well, I'd be a crappy doctor if I lied, so I'm going to go ahead and say no," Dr. Stable said, shaking his head. Scootaloo quickly gave a gulp. However, the doctor soon smiled afterward. "Not many ponies get a pair of those bad boys." She quirked an eyebrow. Dr. Stable chuckled softly. "Well, I'm no dentist, but I've heard of this kind of thing before. It's unusual, but nothing to be ashamed or worried about." Scootaloo sighed in relief. At that, the snarky doctor began writing a few things down on a nearby clipboard. "S-So am I going to be alright, doctor?" Dr. Stable quickly gave a sigh, glancing away from her. "Well... I hate to say it, kid... but I'm afraid..." Scootaloo's throat began to clench up, a slight shiver running up her spine as she nervously awaited his words. "...You and your friends have a pretty overactive imagination," he said, grinning. Scootaloo quirked her head. "Huh?" Dr. Stable gave another chuckle. "I'm going to go on a limb and say that what you saw as smoke was just snow evaporating." "B-But snow can't evaporate... it's frozen!" Scootaloo cried. "Heh, surprised me too when I got to Earth Science," he smiled. "Anyway, you're fine, kid. I just need you to sit tight for a second." At that, he quickly exited the room, closing the door. Upon seeing him, Rainbow quickly sat up from the floor with hope-filled eyes. The doctor sighed in a disgruntled manner. "Look, I don't know what you saw, but either you guys have overactive imaginations or this kid drinks blood instead of apple juice." "S-So you mean she's fine?" Rainbow said. Dr. Stable gave a shrug. "I can't find anything wrong with her." However, he quickly smiled. "Now go take her out to enjoy her birthday. There's plenty worse kids you could be babysitting." Rainbow smiled warmly in return, before turning towards the patient room. "Thanks, doctor. I mean it." Before she opened the door, though, Dr. Stable's slightly abrasive voice halted her once again. "However, next time please try to use the logical side of your brain when dealing with this sort of situation instead of the side that's been watching too many horror movies." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, you got it doc." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Scootaloo! Happy birthday!" Apple Bloom beamed towards a now non-smoking Scootaloo as she walked into Sugarcube Corner. "Hey guys!" Scootaloo called. "Come on over here, we got you your favorite shake!" Sweetie-Belle squeaked, gesturing her towards a table. Rainbow gave Scoots a smile. "Gonna be all good by yourself, kid?" "Y-Yeah, I'll be fine, Rainbow. Thanks for the ride!" she beamed, a hint of nervousness still in her voice. "Heh, alright. Catch you later," she smirked before making her way outside. At that, Scootaloo's two friends gazed upon her a mix of envy and awe as she made her way to her seat, glancing at her milk shake and licking her lips. "You got another ride from Rainbow?!" Apple Bloom grinned. "Yeah!" Scootaloo grinned back, the memories of that morning's trouble giving way to the better one's of it. "Awww man, it was so awesome! She even did this huge loopty-loop!" Sweetie-Belle's eyes widened. "And you hung on?!" "Barely," Scootaloo smirked. "But I knew Rainbow wouldn't let anything bad happen to me." However, she quickly gave a sigh, her memories returning. She then glanced towards the table, blankly. "Well... most anything." "Huh?" Apple Bloom said, quirking her head. "Er, nothing," Scootaloo said, shaking her head slightly before gripping the straw to her milkshake and taking a sip. However, to her surprise, instead of cold deliciousness filling her mouth, a horrible, putrid taste came instead. "ACK!" she quickly cried, spitting it out onto the table. "Woah! I thought you liked mint shakes, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, a slightly hurt expression on her. "I-I do," Scootaloo said, blinking rapidly. "W-What in the world?" "M-Maybe it was made wrong?" Sweetie squeaked. "N-No, I uh... had a sip of it. It's fine," Apple Bloom said in a guilty tone. Scootaloo took a deep breath, before nervously saying, "H-Heh, maybe I just hit a bad patch of it or something." At that, she leaned down and took another large sip, the putrid, sewer water flavor torturing her taste buds once again. She winced in digust, but nonetheless swallowed. "Mmmmmm," Scootaloo croaked, trying her best to hold back her look of disdain. "So yeah!" Sweetie said, moving on from the topic of conversation. "We should totally do our snow-shoveling thing after this. The weather ponies really went overboard this year! Rarity really needs a shoveling, and so does Twilight! Maybe we can make a few bits on the side, too!" "That sounds great!" Apple Bloom beamed. "What do you think Scoots?" Scootaloo stared blankly at her milk shake, apparantely lost in thought. "Scoots?" She blinked rapidly, turning her attention to her fellow Crusader. "Oh uh... sorry. A lot on my mind..." "Haha! You bet there's a lot on your mind," an obnoxious voice called, its origin soon entering Sugarcube Corner. "Like 'what is a blank flank supposed to ever do without a Cutie-Mark the rest of her life!' Definitely what I'd be thinking about!" "Hush, Diamond! You know how Scootaloo is on her birthday," Sweetie growled, shooting her a glare that could kill. And almost as if defy the universe and all of its cliches, Diamond actually quickly gave Scootaloo a guilty glance, before turning her attention to more... available targets. "Meh, maybe Scootaloo will get it..." she said somewhat reluctantly. "But you two? Haha! As if! Though I have to say, snow shoveling would be fit for you two!" "Shut up," Scootaloo finally growled, giving Diamond a glare as well. "Oh come on, Scootaloo! You know it's true!" the spoiled pony grinned. "You may have an excuse for why you haven't gotten yours, but these two?" She glanced towards them, a wicked smile on her face. "Seriously, how long have they been going at it? Almost everyone else has one!" "I said SHUT UP!" Scootaloo roared. And for a brief second, her eyes flashed a pure RED. With that, something overtook the spoiled pony. It was as if she had been put into a daze. She blinked, as if confused, and shook her head, her eyebrows narrowing. "Heh! That's telling her Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, patting her on the back. "I wish I had your lungs," Sweetie squeaked, smiling slightly. "Y-Yeah," Scootaloo gulped, her mind filling with strange thoughts once again. 'Drinks her blood... you've immobilized her... NOW DO IT!' Scootaloo quirked her head, licking her lips as a slightly wicked grin came across her face. "She would deserve it, wouldn't she?" Scootaloo whispered to herself, as Diamond continued to glance about the room as if she were lost. "Feeeeding timmmme...." "Scoots? What'd you just say?" Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. Scootaloo quickly shook her head, snapping out of it. "I mean uh.... man! Time for some more milk shake!" At that, her two friends smiled as she took another large, putrid sip. "Woah... uh... where am I?" Diamond Tiara asked, shaking her head in a daze. "You were just about to go home," Scootaloo grunted, glancing at her sideways. 'Nos... you mustn't let the food gets away...' Diamond gave an obedient nod. "Go home... I must go home... master says so..." She then sauntered out of Sugarcube Corner, almost as if in a drunken state. "Uh... she sounds like she just had a stroke," Apple Bloom said, a hint of concern in her voice. "Is she going to be alright?" "Eh, maybe she's just trying to weird us out or something," Sweetie squeaked. "Some new stupid bullying tactic." "Y-Yeah," Scootaloo whispered, before shaking her head. "D-Did I do that?" She then actually gave a slight smile. "You know... if I did... that's actually kind of cool." 'Stupid foalish pegasus... she was right there!' "But that isn't," she hissed silently. "Shut up, already!" At that, the same voice came from across the table. "It won'ts works on me," a version of Scootaloo with red, glowing eyes, and dripping bloody fangs called. "I'm your instinct. You NEEDS me to survive. Without me you would starve..." She then quirked her head slightly, before giving a wicked grin. "Like a homeless child!" Scootaloo's eyes widened in horror, though she quickly snapped them shut, squinting. "Scoots?" the concerned voice of Sweetie called. She flickered them open, and to her relief, the strange vision was gone. "I uh..." Scootaloo gasped, sweat dripping from her forehead. "I really need to use the bathroom!" As her friends gazed upon her with worried looks, Scootaloo quickly darted from the table, rushing into Sugarcube Corner's bathroom. "W-What is happening to me?!" Scootaloo cried, her eyes beginning to water. "I wasn't bitten! I know I wasn't bitten! But w-why-?!" And to make things worse, her soon eyes widened in horror as she noticed what was in the mirror... or what wasn't. She had no reflection. "S-Sweet Celestia," she gasped. "N-No!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Deep Beneath Canterlot Horsehood - Capital Division Headquarters Captain Jack's door creaked open, Starfire walking in and gazing about. She soon spied her target, giving him a slight sigh. "Captain Harness... wake up." "Ugh..." the captain groaned, smacking his lips as he was pulled from dream land. "Come on," Starfire grunted. "It's time." He gave another tired moan. "Time for coffee?" "Yes and no," she said. Captain Jack soon gave a smirk, to which Starfire's eye twitched at. "Don't you dare say-" "Time for the perculator?" Jack said cheekily. Starfire gave a growl, before fluttering into the air, two green balls of light soon forming on both of her hooves. Jack's eyes widened, his grin turning sheepish. FLING!.!.! A 'starbolt', as she liked to call them, sailed towards him from one of them, Jack quickly darting out of the bed. SMACK!.!.! A hole was burned straight through where he previously lay. "OK, OK!" Jack cried. "You've got my attention." "I hope so, because soon I'm going to start using you for target practice," Starfire growled, her hooves still glowing menacingly. Jack gave a remorseful sigh. "I just wish it wasn't time for this, though... but I haven't heard anything from Death in a year." Taking another deep breath, he then gave her a stern look. "Ready the Nimbus for flight. We're not taking any unneeded risks." Ghoul of the NightHorsehood Airship - The Nimbus On Route to Ponyville Invisible to the eye, the Nimbus trudged silently across the cool air of Northern Equestria, Horsehood's mobile base of operations. On the bridge below her zeppelin main-body, Jack Harness and Starfire sat, their eyes wary, and the former's haunted. Therefore, it was silent, save for the occasional status report of the bridge crew. "All systems nominal." "Holding steady at twenty-two kilometers per hour." "Pressure dropping below normal levels. Increasing." "Cloaking artifact working in expected perimeters. No unexpected hiccups." "Good, let's keep it that way for once," Starfire grunted, folding her arms as she sat. Jack remained silent, merely staring ahead of him out the front window, his mind in a place far away from where they currently tread. Starfire quirked an eyebrow his way. "Jack?" He didn’t answer her, the hum of the magic-powered engines the only thing that could be heard. "Equestria to Jack!" Starfire said impatiently. "Hmm... yeah?" Captain Harness said, yawning slightly. "Whatever's on your mind, you might as well spill it," Starfire groaned. "Horsehood needs its leader working at one hundred percent for this." Jack rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well... it would help if I didn't have my doubts about this," he sighed. "We're going to be taking some innocent kid away from her friends and what she's built as a family... all because of what she is." Starfire gave a dismissive huff. "You know she is a threat, captain. Scouts report she nearly fed on the Element of Loyalty," she said, her eyes narrowing. "Not only is she a risk to the innocent ponies there, but she's also a risk to Equestria's greatest tactical assets." "Assets..." Jack chuckled. "Amazing what ponies turn into when you're in our position. Assets, liabilities, and statistics. Sometimes I wonder if we're just as cold as any computer." A beat of silence. Starfire's gazed ahead of herself, away from Jack. "We'll be whatever we need to be for the good of Equestria," she said coldly. "Yes..." Jack sighed. "For the good of Equestria." Starfire gave him a glare. "Oh, don't give me that. That's all you view those notches on your bedside as, isn't it?" "Hey!" Jack argued. "This is different!" "Are you sure?!" "Look, I don't know, OK!" Jack cried, earning the attention of the bridge crew. "I just have a gut feeling that there's another option we're not thinking of." He took a deep breath. "I just wish I knew what..." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Scootaloo darted through Ponyville, gasping for breath, a burning sensation overtaking her as the late afternoon’s sun beat down on her. Her mind was filled with thoughts, some strange, and some stranger. As well as recent memories... "Scoots. Where are you going?!" Sweetie-Belle cried as she galloped out of Sugarcube Corner. "Uh... home. I just really need to get home! Not feeling too hot..." On the contrary, as she scurried into the orphanage's front door, she was still feeling anything but cool. Smoke was continuing to rise from her back, earning the curious eye of the pony who sat cleaning in the front hall. "Scoots! Holy Celestia, are you OK?!" Pipsqueak cried, gazing at the smoke. "I-uh...no! I-I just need to get to my room," she stuttered out, before giving a gulp. "B-But the smoke!" Pipsqueak squeaked. "It's uh... just um... snow evaporating, I got some on me earlier," Scootaloo said desperately, gazing at her flank once again. Luckily, the smoke seemed to be dissipating slightly at this point. "I-I've never seen snow 'evaporate' like that before," Pipsqueak said, still gazing at her intently. Scootaloo gave a sigh. "Just... just don't worry about it. I-I just need to be alone to think." "Well uh... if you say so," Pipsqueak said, Scootaloo beginning to saunter down the hall. However, before she made it too far, Pipsqueak's accented voice interrupted her again with: "wait! I almost forgot... you got a letter earlier..." “A wah?” Scootaloo said. "Yes, and it didn't come by the mail," Madame Hardknock’s stern voice said, its origin stepping into the scene, holding it. Scootaloo gave it a quick, curious glance, before continuing towards her room. "I-I'll uh... I'll read it later, OK? I just need to be by myself for a bit." "Hang on there," she grunted, halting her in her tracks once again. "You know... I've seen letters being delivered in unusual ways before. Via dragon... or via Derpy Hooves crashing through my front window." She then raised a hoof. "However, I've never seen letters just pop out of the fireplace." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "It uh... must be some new form of magic or something." "Quite the curious letter, too," Madame Hardknock continued, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "No return address... just some sort of strange symbol on it." She held the letter out to Scootaloo, her quickly gazing it over. Indeed, it was blank for the most part, just a black envelope. However, in the middle of it was a red, full moon. "Any idea who it's from?" Madame Hardknock asked. Scootaloo shook her head, her mind racing at the implications of the symbol... what it could mean. However, at the same time, a bit of hope leapt at her. Perhaps this letter could give her some answers. "Um.. no clue," Scootaloo said shakily. Madame Hardknock rolled her eyes. "Well, it's yours to read over when you want. Though still... very curious." "Y-Yeah... pretty weird," Scootaloo said, nodding as she accepted the letter and quickly scurrying to her room, Pipsqueak still gazing upon her with concern-laced eyes. "Mmmm... two targets right there...' the voice in her heard chirped. 'You're never going to makes it at this rate..." "Stop saying stuff like that!" she hissed. "I don't care what it takes! I don't care what I am! I'm not drinking anypony's blood! That's just wrong on so many levels!" At that, she sighed, opening the door to her small room. It had little of accommodations save for a bunk bed, of which she shared with another filly who was out at the moment. In fact, the only thing she really kept in it was the mysterious note that had come with her when she was put up for adoption. And now, she had another mysterious item to add to the collection. Taking a deep breath, she carefully chewed open the top portion of the envelope, a letter quickly falling to the ground with neat, articulated writing. Somewhat nervously, she began to read it over, her eyes widening more and more as she did so: Dear Scootaloo Wintercall, It is with great pleasure that I'd like to inform you that you have been accepted into the newly reopened Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy. At this moment, I’d be willing to bet you're probably very curious as to what this letter is about and who you are, and perhaps: who's sending it too. I can assure you that all questions will be answered in time and in person. However, for now, I would like to stress that you shouldn't panic if you are already turning back into your true form. I, myself, am not a vampire, so I couldn't imagine what you're going through. However, one of my dearest friends, Flutterfright, tells me there can be quite a bit of... confusion inherent to a young one, especially when it comes to dealing with her instincts. For your sake, you must fight these instincts, and cover up your true identity, for many a pony may not understand, even after what happened on Nightmare Night. However, this brings me to the next topic. Bogmorts is a school designed to help young ghouls such as yourself to control their powers, and more importantly: their instincts. And though it may not be of interest to you, but since this is a school of the Nightmare Realm, we will also teach you how to utilize fear simply for the purpose of good-hearted scaring, as that is a nature inherent to all of us on the other side. Whether or not you choose to embrace your heritage is up to you, though. As I said, I will meet with you in person soon to elaborate further, but you must take heed: there are forces at work beyond my sight. A group that calls themselves Horsehood may try to take you into custody for their own reasons. You may have a friend among them, but his current... affiliation is questionable. Do not allow them to take you, Scootaloo. No matter what. Looking forward to meeting you, - Twilight Soulshard, Temporary Headmistress of the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy. "O-Oh my gosh," Scootaloo said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I have to be dreaming or something... how in the world can I be a ghoul?!" She then scanned over the letter again, actually sighing in relief. "She said to fight my instincts, though... maybe there's a way I won't have to feed on blood." 'Perhaps... but on this side of the fence, you must makes do with what you have," her instincts growled. "Not listening to you," Scootaloo said, bringing two hooves to her pointed ears. "Not listening!" A knock then came to her door. "Scootaloo! You have somepony here to see you," the gruff voice of the Madame Hardknock called. Her eyes widened as she smiled slightly. "It must be Twilight's counterpart. And she seemed nice enough I suppose..." She then turned towards the door, before shouting, "come in!" At that, the door creaked open, revealing Madame Hardknock... and somepony who definitely wasn't Twilight Soulshard. Her ears sagged slightly at this as she glanced up at him nervously. He was a stern looking stallion, brown, and wearing a spiffy, clean suit, with a fedora topping his head. To complete his menacing presence, on his side he carried a slung submachine gun, to which Scootaloo recognized as a Thompson. And as soon as he saw her, he grinned wickedly. "That's her?" he asked. Madame Hardknock gave a nod. "Yep, that's the weirdo you're looking for." At that, Scootaloo gave a gulp, waving her hoof in a Jedi-like manner, hoping her mind-control powers would somehow kick in. "I am not the weirdo you're looking for." The stallion gave a smirk as Madame Hardknock raised her eyebrows. "You've got a lot to learn before you can pull that crap, kid." "W-Who are you?" Scootaloo squeaked, backing away from him. "Just a member of the Equestrian government," he said. "The good guys." "Horsehood," Scootaloo whispered, her eyes widening in horror. Madame Hardknock raised a suspicious, and perhaps slightly protective eyebrow. "What in Equestria does the government want to do with this kid?" "As cliche as it sounds: it's classified," he said, shooting her a glare. "And this isn't your business to deal with. Get out of here." "Fine, whatever," she growled. "Not my part to get between the government and its dealings..." As Scootaloo looked at her with pleading eyes, she then began to trot angrily away. Eventually, the two were all alone. "You're Horsehood, aren't you?" Scootaloo finally said, her eyes narrowing. "Horsehood?" the stallion smirked. "Is that some sort of band you kids are into these days?" "Don't lie!” Scootaloo shouted, stamping a hoof. “She said you'd come for me!" The stallion quickly chuckled. "Well, let's say I was part of Horsehood. How do you know I'm such a bad guy?" he said, giving her a smile she could just tell was false. "B-Because that's what the letter says!" Scootaloo squeaked, shaking her head. "Heh. Who are you going to believe, Scootaloo?" he said. "Some freak from the 'Nightmare Realm', or your own government?" Scootaloo narrowed her eyes, shaking her head. "And how do I know you're really part of the government? How do I know what Horsehood really is?!" “You’ll just have to trust me,” he said with a shit-eating grin. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Yeah, trust somepony who looks like he’s part of the Mafia. Fat chance!” The stallion shut his mouth for a second, glaring at her. Scootaloo tapped her hoof, waiting for a response. "Heh, you're smarter than I thought you'd be, kid," he finally admitted. However, his wicked grin soon returned, Scootaloo giving an audible gulp. "Not that it's a good thing for you, however. They say ignorance is bliss, and I'm inclined to believe it. I'm done trying to do this the hard way. Time for the more... satisfying way." At that, he began rising to his hindlegs, and as Scootaloo's eyes widened, he began to grip the machine gun.... "Hey, what are you doing?!" a voice squeaked nearby. The stallion paused. "Get out of here, kid. This is between me and your friend here," he growled, glaring down at Pipsqueak. "Yes, and her being my friend, I'd like to ask you again, sir: what exactly are your intentions towards her?" A beat of silence. Scootaloo could tell he was contemplating his options. "Mph, nothing, kid," he finally growled, moving his hoof away from the Thompson. He then glanced back at Scootaloo. "Looks like you're lucky: this time. However, we'll be seeing you real soon, freak." At that, he gave a horrid chuckle, before pulling out a pack of cigarettes from a saddle bag, lighting one as he trotted towards the front door. "Scootaloo, who the heck was that?! He looked like he was part of the mob!" Pipsqueak said, his eyes pleading for answers. "Are you in trouble or something? What's going on?!" Scootaloo took a deep breath, before gripping a hoody she kept nearby, hoping that by some off-chance it would keep her from burning alive. "It's too much to explain, Pipsqueak," she said, now visibly shaking in fear. "I... I just need to find Rainbow Dash!" Not giving him another glance, she scurried out of her room, down the front hall, and towards the front door. Panting, she swung it open, moving back out into the winter's null. And to her surprise, and to her relief, the burning sensation seemed to be at bay for now. "W-Well, at least I can walk around in the sun without becoming barbecue," she whimpered. “However… what the heck am I supposed to do?! I’m NOT feeding on anypony!” ’Hehehe… you know you wants to, though. For vampires, hunger burns like a fire. And when you try to extinguish it… you’ll take every ounce of water you can get. “It’s NEVER HAPPENI-” At that, a voice range out nearby: "Hey kid!" Rainbow said, smiling slightly, though with concerned laced eyes. "Been looking around for you. Your friends said you just ditched them! Are you OK?" Scootaloo gave a gulp upon seeing her, her eyes beginning to water. "N-No," she finally cried. "I'm anything but OK, Rainbow!" At that, Rainbow took a deep breath, moving close to her and setting a comforting wing upon her back. "Scootaloo... is it about this morning? What's going on with you?" A beat of silence. "I-I..." she finally whispered. "If I tell you... will you hate me?" "Scootaloo," she said instantly, smiling warmly as she gripped her in a somewhat awkward hug. "I could never hate you. Not in a million years. That wouldn't be very awesome, now would it?'" 'She lies. She will abandon you when she finds out what you are... just like your parents probably did.' "What if I was a monster though..." Scootaloo squeaked. "What if I was a monster who... who might hurt her friends!" "I know you'd never do that," Rainbow smiled, continuing the hug. "You're Scootaloo, the coolest little filly there is. Almost as cool as another little filly I knew. You could be the daughter of Discord for all I cared and I know you'd still never hurt anypony." 'Sentimental words floating in the wind... meaningless.' Scootaloo narrowed her eyes in resolve, ignoring the voice, even as her stomach burned for blood. "I-I wouldn't," she whispered. "And I'm going to make sure I never do." 'BAHAHAHAHAHA! More sweet nothings...' "NEVER!" she growled, stamping a hoof in resolve. At that, Rainbow released her from the hug, narrowing her eyes and gazing directly into the young filly's. "Scootaloo... you can tell me anything. You know that, right? I love you like the little sister I never had." Scootaloo's eyes continued to water. "Y-You really mean it?" "You and me, kid. It's our resolve against the world," Rainbow smiled. "We're tough customers alone, but tougher together. What hasn't killed us has made us stronger." Scootaloo took a deep breath, contemplating those words. Rainbow Dash was the Element of Loyalty, after all. Though she was a gruff pony… maybe she would actually listen. Scootaloo gave a slow nod, before beginning to shakily open her mouth, "a-alright... I guess I'll start with this m-morning-" "Scootaloo! Rainbow Dash!" Twilight Sparkle called, waving. "Hey, Twilight," Rainbow Dash beamed, before glancing back at Scootaloo, and then back to her. "Uh... hate to sound kind of bitchy, but would you mind leaving us alone for a tic?" Twilight gave a grin. "But I have some interesting news! You'll never guess who's popped in for a visit!" Rainbow Dash squinted an eyebrow. "Who?" "Follow me, I'll show you!" Twilight called. "Mmmm," Rainbow said, glancing back at Scootaloo. "What do you say, kid? Mind holding this off a second?" Scootaloo paused a second, before giving another shaky nod. "Alright," Rainbow said, before smiling again. "I promise we'll talk later, though. And I don't make a promise I can't keep." At that, Rainbow began trotting away; Twilight gazing back towards her curiously as Scootaloo remained standing there. "Actually, I meant for both of you to come!" Twilight said. Scootaloo quickly raised an eyebrow, beginning to trot towards them. "Come on Twilight, any hints?" Rainbow said. "Nope," Twilight smiled cheekily. "I want this to be a surprise!" "C-Could it be," Scootaloo whispered, shaking her head and giving a gulp. "P-Please don't let it be Horsehood again." 'It probably is... this is a trap set by them! They're using Twilight to get to you...' "Shut up!" she growled to herself. "Twilight wouldn't do that!" 'All food is the same... they looks out for each other. They don't care who the other is...' Scootaloo paused in her steps, contemplating her paranoid instinct's words, before shaking her head once again. "Yeah well, why don't you do me a favor and hush up so I can start looking out for myself!" 'Hehehe....' After a minute or so, they finally found themselves at the library, Twilight opening the door with a cheeky smile. It was completely dark inside, not a candle blazing. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of Spike's loud snoring. "Well, go on in!" Twilight said. Scootaloo and Rainbow glanced towards each other, each raising eyebrows, before slowly... and slightly nervously, stepping inside. SLAM!.!.! And as they did, the door became encased in purple energy, before slamming shut. "Woah!" Rainbow cried, twirling about and calling towards the outside world, "T-Twilight, what's going on?!" Twilight didn't answer. "Raiiinbow Dassssh," a throaty, demonic voice called from the blackness. "Long have I waited for this day.... At that, two glowing white eyes could be seen peering at them from the dark. At the same time, Spike's snoring ceased. "W-Who are you!?" Rainbow called, slamming a hoof as Scootaloo began to shiver. "Show yourself, you coward!" A bit of evil laughter came after that. "You sure you want that? "Yes! W-Wait! W-Why wouldn't I want that?" Rainbow gulped. As she spoke, Scootaloo began backing towards the door. The pair of glowing eyes seemed to be gazing directly at her. "Hehe... alright. I'll show myself... but I want you to make me a promise..." "What promise?!" "That I can have your soul..." "NEVER!" At that, the lights flicked on, revealing the cheery, undead, pale face of Twilight's counterpart. "...desire for a gift next Nightmare Night!" Scootaloo's eyes widened. Rainbow gave a disgruntled groan. "Ugh... Twilight Soulshard... I should have guessed!" "Hahaha!" she giggled, smiling warmly. "Sorry, wasn't my best scare, but I've been out of practice lately, you know!" Rainbow narrowed an eyebrow as the door opened, Twilight Sparkle trotting in with a smirk on her face. "Hah, sorry about that Rainbow, but you've had it coming with all the pranks you've pulled on me." Rainbow gave her a betrayed look. "Et Tu, Twilight?!" "Actually, that saying would make more sense if I was one among multiple betrayers," Twilight Soulshard beamed, before giving a slightly apologetic smile afterward. "Oh sweet Celestia! One egghead was enough, but now there's two I have to deal with?!" Rainbow groaned. "How are you even here, anyway? I thought the portal thingy you guys use was only open on Nightmare Night!" "Yeah, that's what I thought too," another voice groaned, a certain bone-dragon fluttering into the scene, Spike's counterpart. He was about the size of a small dog, a green mist hovering about his skeletal form. Upon seeing her, he quickly gave the undead Twilight a glare, his red pools for eyes glowing menacingly. "But someghoul just can't let sleeping dragons lie..." "Ugh, you're here too?!" Rainbow grunted. "You know, I still haven't forgiven you all completely for dragging that freaky douchebag Blackblood to our dimension." She then glanced about, smiling slightly. "Still, it'd be nice to see my counterpart. Where is she, anyway?" "Out reaping souls," Soulshard smiled. "You would know how she is: ever tenacious." Rainbow gave a wide, somewhat smug grin. "Haha, I still can't believe me counterpart is Death, though I'm somewhat glad she isn't here!" "W-Why's that?" Scootaloo squeaked. Rainbow shot her a grin. "Because this treehouse couldn't handle the amount of awesome that would be in it at once!" "Oh good god," bone dragon Spike cried. "She's an even bigger egomaniac than our Rainbow." "Hush, Spike," Soulshard said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, though I was looking forward to saying 'hi', and Happy Hearth's Warming Eve, by the way, I couldn't just open the portal for any occasion." "I figured," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "What brings you to this side of the fence?" "Multiple reasons," she said, smiling whimsically, her eyes twinkling as she glanced towards Scootaloo. "However, the most important is standing right before us." "Wait, what?!" Rainbow said, narrowing a suspicious eyebrow. The entire group turned towards Scootaloo, her giving a shiver once again. "I know you're probably scared," Soulshard said warmly. "But you read my letter, right?" Without saying a word, Scootaloo gave a slight nod. "What's going on, Twilight?!" Rainbow growled, glaring at her. "What do you want with Scoots?" "It's quite simple," Soulshard said. "I'm here to bring Scootaloo to the Nightmare Realm… for a temporary amount of time.” Rainbow's eyes widened as she glanced rapidly between her young friend and the Lich Queen. "To the Nightmare Realm?! But why?!" "Because," Soulshard sighed, glancing back at the young filly, her eyes peering right through her. She then took a deep breath, and with a whimsical, though serious tone said, "you're a vampire, Scootaloo. And if my assumption is correct: a very powerful one at that." The jaws of the entire room fell to the floor. "Ugh..." a moan came from the loft, Spike sauntering down the stairs, blinking rapidly. The entire room turned towards him, giving him blank looks. "W-What? Did I miss something good?" Ghoul of Winter"B-But that's impossible!" Rainbow cried. "How can Scootaloo be a ghoul?! She already has a counterpart a-and... that's how it works right? There's one for each of us on the other side!?" "Rainbow..." Twilight's counterpart sighed, glancing away from her slightly. "I couldn't tell you how it works. Noghoul or pony could. These kind of questions rank up there with things like, 'how did the universe come about', and 'how do people actually like Dave Mathews Band?'" "But still! There's some sort of order to this thing, right?" the real Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. "I just don't see how this is possible, either." Soulshard took a deep breath, squinting in thought. A beat. "Alright, let me start from the beginning," she finally said, composing herself before continuing with, "there once was a vampire named Sleighbell Wintercall, your father, Scootaloo." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "...And he is... and still is, one of the most honored and oldest among us..." she said, wincing slightly for some reason. "As his name suggested, he loved to stick around in our version of your Frozen North. I think he just admired the beauty of it." ☼☼☼ Over nine hundred and fifty years ago, a vampire pony with blood-red eyes and bat-like wings sat atop a massive frozen cliff, long shards of ice dangling precariously off its side. Despite the gusts of cold wind and an atmosphere that would be unpleasant to anyone else, a dreamy smile was held on his face. For his eyes gazed upon a winter-whipped land, it illuminated only by a pale moon dangling in the sky. And he wouldn't have it any other way. ☼☼☼ "There, he was one of the first to discover a portal to one of the other holiday worlds, that of Hearth's Warming Eve, and despite his somewhat... antagonistic appearance, he established peaceful and loving relations with them." ☼☼☼ Sleighbell stood stoically as he shook hooves with a jolly, plump pony with a tremendous white beard, and wearing a red, sagging hat and suit. "Let it be said on this day that there is good in the hearts of every living being!" the pony announced, smiling warmly in front of a crowd of various green-tunic-dressed 'elven' ponies, with even pointier and longer ears than the norm. "For even those with souls of fear, made for a holiday dedicated to the loathsome Nightmare Moon... also have room for warmth. May there be good tidings to ghouls, and good tidings to us all!" The group let out a cheer, as a small, yet satisfied smile crept over Sleighbell's fanged teeth. ☼☼☼ "However, holidays weren't the only thing he made contact with... for sitting within the space between spaces, that which is called Null Space, was a lonely entity crying for attention and warmth... something Sleighbell couldn't give him completely. Though he was determined to try." ☼☼☼ Standing in front of a glowing portal saturated by snowfall within the Frozen North, Sleighbell put on the best inviting smile he could. "You may stay here if you please, Nightmare Moon has decreed it," he said. "You don't need to heed to Eldritch Abominations any longer." *"S-So... I'm allowed in?" a desperate, sorrowful voice called from the portal. "Y-You're sure they'll... accept someone like me? A m-mistake... a leftover...?"* Sleighbell gave an incredulous chuckle. "Everyghoul here sympathizes with your position. We would be honored to have you among us. For if you consider yourself a freak... well... let's just say you'll be among friends." ☼☼☼ "However, the entity was... over-grateful, as the legends say. Over time, he rallied armies to a misguided cause, his plan to completely annex the entire Nightmare Realm and then move onto the real world... this world, with the purpose of subjugation. Naturally, our leader, the counterpart of your Nightmare Moon, wouldn't allow this. And so, two armies clashed..." ☼☼☼ In the shadow of a massive icy spire in the Frozen North, two legions of ghouls slammed together. CLING!.!.! CLANG!.!.! CLACK!.!.! Swords kissed with a tremendous fury of sparks. FWOOOOSSSSSHHHH!.!.! A multitude of arrows flew from side to side, whizzing through winter air and flesh. And in the middle of it, a nearly Royal Canterlot Voice made itself known: **"Sitting atop that Frozen Throne, he who would break the order of things glares down upon you!"* Nightmare Moon roared, beams of purple light surging through ghoul after enemy ghoul, emanating from a glowing, purple horn. "However, we will not let it be taken from us! Together, let's make his own frozen tides fall upon him, and blister his eardrums with the song of the night!.!.!"* ☼☼☼ "And naturally, one army prevailed..." ☼☼☼ SHHHIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! A sword cut through a red-eyed ghoul, sending his undead head flying. “AAAAGGGGH!” A massive rock sent careening from a catapult crushed another. "The enemy force has been shattered! We have a clear shot to the Frozen Throne!" a yellow-coated ghoul gasped, before collapsing on her flank, panting. Nightmare Moon took a deep breath. "Sorry to say it, Blackfire, and I know you tire, but I need your help!” she growled, glancing towards the massive, icy spire before her where a certain entity's blue holes for eyes gazed upon the battle. "You and Sleighbell are with me! We're going to take him down before he can escape back to Null Space!" Nodding warily, both Sleighbell and Blackfire formed alongside the Princess of the Night, before flapping bat, alicorn, and a single, long black wing and speeding towards the spire. ☼☼☼ "And there, the three... took care of him, though at a terrible cost. Something happened to Sleighbell upon that frozen spire that Nightmare Moon never speaks of. Something that would eventually put him in a great slumber for many years... But before he slept, he performed one last act of charity. He and four of the most prominent figures of the Nightmare Realm established the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy." ☼☼☼ An army of ghouls worked diligently on a construction project in the Frozen North, dragging stone upon stone via wooden sled and placing them upon each other to form the beginnings of a tremendous, pointy castle that dared to challenge the heavens. "Mmmm... bit over-dramatic don't you think?" Blackfire smirked, glancing at a blueprint of the finalized thing. "Everything about the Nightmare Realm is over-dramatic," Sleighbell said, sticking his tongue out. "You need not fix what needenth require fixing, I say." Blackfire rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Hmph, I’m just saying... it's not like I wanted to cover it with candy canes or anything." ☼☼☼ "And then he slept... for nearly nine hundred years, upon an alter buried deep within the ice. Though eventually, I was told to wake him, and I couldn't have been happier. I mean seriously, how often do you get to meet a living legend? He's pretty much our version of your Starswirl the Bearded. However... I probably should have been more cynical..." ☼☼☼ "THE TIDES OF THE NULL WILL COME AGAIN! HE WILL ENSURE THE DREAM'S SURVIVAL! HE WILL NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO HIS NEW LOVE!"* Sleighbell roared, gasping for breath as he sat up from his stone alter, Twilight backing away from him.* "W-What are you talking about," she gasped, shivering. "What tides? W-What dream?!" With manic laced eyes and a foaming mouth, Sleighbell pounced upon her, gripping her tightly by the shoulders as her eyes widened in horror. "CONTROL! CONTROL CAN BE BROUGHT TO WHAT COULDN'T BE BROUGHT TO HIS! OH GOD, HE WAS THE LAST... HE WAS THE LAST! TWILIGHT SOULSHAAAAAAAAAAARD!.!.!.!"** ☼☼☼ "And then he fled... fled to the real world one Nightmare Night behind everghoul's back. Rainbow kept a silent eye on him when she could, since she can travel between worlds easily. And to her joy, over time, he eventually regained his sanity on this side of the gates." She then took a deep breath, shivering slightly as she glanced towards Scootaloo. "And with it back, he fell in love with a mortal pony... and eventually had you, Scootaloo." Scootaloo blinked rapidly, shaking her head in disbelief. "S-So... I'm a half-ghoul?" Soulshard nodded. "In a sense." She quickly raised a hoof, however. "Though you're still fully vampire at heart, and capable of doing anything a full-'blooded' one could.... perhaps more." "I don't believe this!" Rainbow interrupted, stamping a hoof as she narrowed her eyes. "Is this some sort of trick?!" "Easy Rainbow," Twilight said, setting a hoof on her. "I know this is a lot to take in." "W-Why would I trick you?" Soulshard said in a hurt tone. "I-I don't know! B-But it makes more sense than this! How did Scootaloo wind up here?! In Ponyville?" At that, Soulshard glanced away from both her and Scootaloo. "That's where... things get ambiguous. All I can say is... and I'm sorry Scootaloo, but your mother has... passed." Scootaloo took a deep breath, gazing towards the floor without saying a word, as both Rainbow and Twilight moved to comfort her, the former throwing a wing over her back and the latter giving her a slight nuzzle. "W-What about my father?" Scootaloo eventually whimpered, her eyes watering ever-so-slightly. "His whereabouts are currently unknown," Soulshard stated, sympathy lacing her words as she continued to look away from her. Eventually, she took a deep breath, before meeting her eyes once again. "However, for now... let's move on to... other topics." At that, she gave a slight shiver. "As I stated in my letter, there are certain forces at work behind the scenes. A group called Horsehood is trying to take you under their... 'wing.'" "Horsehood?" the real Spike said, raising an eyebrow. "Who are they?" "Good question," Soulshard stated. "I only know about them through Rainbow, and she only knows about them because she knows of one of their members... a Captain Jack Harness." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "Captain... J..." she said breathily. "H-He helped put me up for adoption, didn't he?" Soulshard gave a curt nod. "Yes... but we haven't heard from him for a bit. Whether or not he's on your side is up in the air. And from what Death says about Horsehood… that’s anyghoul’s guess.” “What exactly are they?” Twilight asked. “Apparantely, they’re a shadowy organization with very… and I mean VERY loose ties to your government.” "What?!" Twilight shouted. "Princess Celestia hates secret organizations, though! Why would she authorize something like this?!" “Like I said, the ties are loose. I don’t know how much contact they have with your princess,” Soulshard replied calmly, before raising a hoof. “However, I do know that this group is not to be trusted, and they're going to be after Scootaloo here." Scootaloo gave a quick nod, before shakily saying, "I-It's true. One of their members tried to... come for me earlier." "What?!" Rainbow roared, her comforting wing on Scootaloo becoming a protective one. "I can't believe this! What do those bastards want with her?!" "I don't know," Soulshard quickly said, shaking her head. "From what Deathie says they view ghouls as a threat. Though it's possible they don't know that there is a way for me to bring Scootaloo here back to the Nightmare Realm. We might be able to negotiate with them…” Her eyes quickly narrowed. “But I think it’d best to just avoid meeting up with them altogether." "We need to get Scootaloo to the Nightmare Realm is what she's saying," bone dragon Spike grunted. "Scootaloo's not going anywhere," Rainbow growled, before cracking the tip of a limb with another threateningly. "And I don't care how many Horsehood... or ghoul flanks I have to kick to keep it that way." Both Soulshard and bone-dragon Spike's eyes widened. "B-But she needs to go!" Soulshard cried. "She has to learn how to control her powers and instincts! O-Once she has she can come back! Once she doesn't look like a threat to Horsehood..." "Then we'll take down the whole Celestia-forskaken organization!" Rainbow roared. "We're the Elements of Harmony, for friggin' sake! We'll get Princess Celestia, Luna, Shining... ANYONE on our backs that we can-" "R-Rainbow..." Scootaloo whimpered. "I... I need to go." Rainbow quickly snapped towards her, her eyes widening. "W-What?!" she cried. "Scootaloo... no! We can fix this! You won't need to-" Her mouth quickly shut as the young filly's eyes began to water once again. "Y-You don't know, Rainbow... what's been going through my head. Earlier, I was barely able to keep myself from... biting you..." "It's her instincts," Soulshard stated. "She won't be able to control them without help." "What about a cure!?" Rainbow gasped, glancing with pleading eyes towards Twilight. "Or a spell, anything?!" "I... don't know of any cure," Twilight said silently. "This isn't a disease," Soulshard said. "And she wasn't bitten. She is a vampire by birth. Trust me, the one shot there was to make her mortal has been used!" A beat. "Rainbow... it's the only way," Scootaloo said softly. Rainbow shook her head, wincing in painful thought. Finally, she took a deep breath. "Alright... fine," she said quietly. "She can go..." However, eyes then narrowed in resolve. "But you know what, if she goes, SO DO I!" Soulshard's eyes widened. “W-What?! T-That’s kind of a tall order!” Bone-dragon Spike raised an eyebrow, turning towards Soulshard. "Well... we are already bringing one mortal..." Rainbow quickly turned towards him. "Watchu talkin' bout?!" Soulshard gave a cough. "Well, remember when I uh... said I came for multiple reasons?" She then turned towards Twilight with a warm, thankful smile. "Your kind taught me so much during my short stay here. I learned how to have fun in ways beyond just scaring! And while my kind are starting to warm up to the mortal land’s ways... I was hoping to maybe... spread the love even further. To a new generation." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "W-What are you asking?" Soulshard took a deep breath. "Well I wanted to ask... if you're down for it... for you to come to my side of the gates to teach a class about your world. To give our students a sense of respect for it, so what happened with Blackblood and Trixie never happens again. And hopefully... on top of that... teach them there is more to life than just scaring." Twilight gave a slight, embarrassed chuckle. "W-Well I'm honored, really. I mean... I have always wanted to teach a little b-but... I-I have my studies to attend to and everything here... this is just..." At that, the Lich Queen actually gave her the best puppy-dog eyes she could muster... and so did Scootaloo. Sighing, Twilight gave a gulp, sweat-dropping. "Uh... how long are we talking?" "Just one semester," Soulshard smiled. "And then we'll return you as an honored guest of the Nightmare Realm back here come October." "O-Oh my..." Twilight gasped. "That still is a long time, though..." "P-Please, Twilight," Scootaloo begged. "It would mean a lot if you were there with me..." She then turned to Rainbow, smiling slightly. "And you too." "Heh, you bet your butt I’ll be there," she grinned. "Well, I don't know about you guys but I think a change of pace would be kind of cool," the real Spike joined in. The group turned towards him, raising their eyebrows. "What?" he shrugged with a smirk. "Like Twilight would be going anywhere without me." "W-Well uh..." Twilight said, gulping. "I'll have to write to Princess Celestia to make sure it's alright... and think about it a little more… your world was quite intriguing to visit, though... and we were actually talking about starting diplomatic relations with you if we could find a better means of transportation between the two sides..." "Come on, Twilight," Rainbow grinned. "I'll be going, and so would Spike! Think of it as an extended vacation to a creepy dead world! It might actually be kind of fun!" "Sounds relaxing," she replied sarcastically. "Hey, don't knock Edeathstria," bone-dragon Spike grumbled. "At least it isn't friggin' sunny as Fillydelphia there. Seriously! I need to buy some shades..." "I-I just wish there was something I could do there, though," Rainbow sighed. "To make myself useful." "I'm sure we could find something," Soulshard smiled. "You could teach a class on being awesome!" Scootaloo beamed, her tears beginning to evaporate. "Now we're talking!" Rainbow grinned. Soulshard then gave a nod. "Alright, but we'll need to tread lightly sometime soon. The portal can't stay open for long." She then turned towards Scootaloo. "Is there anything you want to pack?" She shook her head sorrowfully. "I... there really isn't much here for me... I don’t really have anything besides the fur on my back…" However, at that, a tiny voice made itself known. "What about us, though?!" Sweetie-Belle cried, her, Pipsqueak and Apple Bloom crashing through the door. “Guys?!” Scootaloo gasped. “What are you doing here?!” "Oh by the night... I thought this was supposed to be a secret meeting," bone-dragon Spike grumbled. “It doesn’t matter!" Apple Bloom growled, before glancing back at Scootaloo. "Why are you saying that you don’t have anything here for you?!” "I-I didn't mean that," Scootaloo sighed, glancing away from them. "I just meant... you know... stuff." "It doesn't matter! You can't leave, Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom pouted, her eyes beginning to water. "We still have to earn our Cutie-Marks together! We're three of a kind! We don't care if you're a vampire or a changeling or anything!" Scootaloo gave them a warm, tearful smile. "I-I need to go, though... I have to learn how to control my instincts... or I might end up... one day..." She gave a gulp, shivering slightly. 'Hehe... we'll sees about that.' "I'll be back, though," she continued, ignoring the voice and glancing towards Soulshard. "You said this was a temporary thing, right?" Soulshard nodded, smiling slightly. "Of course! You can stay or leave at your own convenience. As soon as you think your instincts are under control.” She then grinned slightly. “Oh, and just in case you're wondering, blood practically flows like water in the Nightmare Realm. You won't go hungry." She then lifted a hoof. "However, your instincts will still always demand the real thing." "Good… at least I’ll have a way to nourish myself…” she said, taking a deep breath as her eyes narrowed in resolve. “Then my decision stands," she continued. "I'm not going to hurt anypony... I'll make sure of it." "Then you'll make it happen," Pipsqueak smiled. "But we'll be there with you to support you!" Sweetie stamped a hoof, squeaking, "we're not about to let our friend go alone to some freaky Nightmare World!" "There is zero friggin’ political correctness in this treehouse… NONE!" bone-dragon Spike groaned. Ignoring him, Apple Bloom glanced towards Twilight Soulshard with pleading eyes. "Please, Ms. Soulshard! Can we come too?!" The Lich Queen blinked. "Well uh... I'm not really sure what our school could teach you all, though..." "Don't you teach magic or anything there?!" Sweetie squeaked, pointing to her horn. "Magic that could be done by unicorns?!" "Girls... even if they do, I'm not so sure your sisters would approve of this," Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. "They will when they learn you're going!" Apple Bloom grinned, before turning towards Rainbow. "And Rainbow too! And like Ms. Soulshard said, it'll only be for a half a year!" "Well... there are a few classes that will be teaching magic that would be... compatible with mortal horns..." Soulshard mused, scratching her undead head. "You can't seriously be considering letting them come!" Twilight argued. "Think of it, though," Soulshard said, pacing. "If we let them... the influence of the mortal world will be that much greater! They could teach ghouls their age things even you couldn't!" "Pleeeease, Twilight!" Sweetie beamed, both her and Apple Bloom giving puppy-dog eyes now too. Twilight glanced away from them, her eyebrows squinted in contemplation as a slightly annoyance-crafted vein throbbed in her forehead. "Alright... if your sisters approve, I suppose," she finally groaned. "Ugh, why do you two have to be so adorable?!" "I know! It's... so... sickening," bone-dragon Spike nearly gagged. "But damn it's irresistible!" Twilight turned to Pip. "And are you sure you're down for this, too, Pip?" Pipsqueak quickly gave a nod. "I have nothing here for me either..." he sighed. "We'll be teaching potion-making, too," Soulshard said, continuing to pace. "And there are a few other classes even non-magic ponies might be able to do..." "Ugh! How many friggin' mortals are we dragging along?!" bone-dragon Spike grunted. "Shush, Spike! I'm thinking!" Soulshard growled. “Are you sure they'll be safe, though?" Twilight said, lowering an eyebrow. Soulshard took a deep breath, halting in her pacing. "I can't be one hundred percent certain, but I can say entities like Blackblood are a rarity. My side is about scaring, not violence. I really don't think anything more will happen to them than the occasional goosebumps brought on by... overenthusiastic younglings." "Hmmm," Twilight mused, gesturing towards a nearby door. "Alright, then. Why don't me and you go discuss this in private?" "Good idea! We'll need to make sure everything is prepared properly," she beamed. "Wait!" Scootaloo called, as the two made their way to a private room. "What about Horsehood?" Twilight and Soulshard turned towards each other. "She's right... what if they decide to make their move," the former gulped. "Then we'll need to discuss quickly," Soulshard said. "Hopefully the bulk of them are still miles away..." ☼☼☼ … … Beyond the upper floors of the treehouse... … Through a multitude of twigs and branches... … The Airship Nimbus sat floating high above, an invisible predator waiting to strike at unsuspecting foes. "Target Twenty-three confirmed to be within the presence of both the Element of Magic and Element of Loyalty, as well as two unknown entities, most likely undead-class ghouls," a slightly panicked sounding radio squawked on the bridge. Jack Harness' eyes widened. "Ghouls?" he whispered. "Ready the captured Dalek stunning device and prepare to de-cloak the ship!" Starfire roared. "We aren't letting any nightmare-land scum harm the Elements!" The Captain's Third Option"Ready the captured Dalek stunning device and prepare to de-cloak the ship!" Starfire roared. "We aren't letting any nightmare-land scum harm the Elements!" "Belay that order!" Jack called immediately. Starfire's eyes widened as she turned towards Jack, her mouth agape in exasperation. "Jack?! You can't be serious!" "Also, I have an order of my own," he grunted, giving her a glare. "Calm down and THINK for a second, Starfire!" "Oh sweet Celestia! Give me one good reason why we're sitting here wasting time!" Starfire growled, the entire bridge crew now looking at her and her commander. "Because," Jack continued, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Look at the picture here: we have ghouls in the treehouse on a date that they are NOT supposed to be here. They must have a way to bring Scootaloo back to the Nightmare Realm!" "Oh you gotta be kidding me!" Starfire practically screamed. "Jack! For all we know they could be more rogues! Perhaps they're working for Sleighbell. You know what's been happening. The murders have increased... the sightings have tripled! For all we know, there could be a massive rogue ghoul army readying for invasion! I've seen it before, Jack. I've seen a group of them try. They were only stopped because our leader had the guts to do something about it. However, who's to say she will this time?!" "Is this what my organization is turning into?" Jack said, shaking his head in disbelief. "A huge ball of paranoid misconduct who’s only rule seems to be that old excuse: 'the ends justify the means'?! Damnit, I made this in Princess Celestia's honor of all ponies!" "And you shouldn't have!" Starfire snapped. "She was never willing to do what has to be done for our survival. If we did things her way we'd all be dead by now!” She then began to storm about the bridge, pacing, before snapping back towards Jack. “I'm not allowing them to bring another vampire into their fold! Not one who may have a connection to..." She gave a quick shiver. "Winter...." Jack took a deep breath. "Starfire, I know why you're doing this. You think you owe this side something for all the times you've slacked off doing what you were born for. But you don't need to overcompensate. Making peace with yourself doesn't have to come through the barrel of a gun." Starfire glanced away from him at that, thoughts racing through her mind as she squinted an eyebrow. Jack continued to gaze at her as she did, the eyes of the bridge crew as well. "No," she finally said, narrowing her eyes. "No! I'm not allowing it to happen again!" She then looked back towards Jack, giving a hint of a sigh. "You'll thank me for this, Jack. They'll all thank me for this!" He gave a moan. "And what will that be?" She took a deep breath. "You want to know? Well here it is! From this point forward, I am relieving you of command of Horsehood!" Jack's jaw nearly hit the floor. "What?!" She then began to glance about at every pony on the bridge with glaring eyes. "Any objections?!" she called, before marching to one pony, meeting him at eye level an inch away. "You?!" He shook his head. She marched to another. "Starfire... this is nuts!" "And how about you?!" she continued, ignoring him. "Want to follow Jack into the dark?! Somepony who won’t even reveal who the buck he really is?! Anything about his past!?" The crewmember shook her head as well. Starfire then twirled about to Harness, not even meeting him eye to eye. "Then it's settled. Relinquish your weapons, or I will be forced to take them from you." At that, Jack let out a growl before unholstering a stolen Ratzi Germane Luger, standing on his hind legs and aiming down its sights. "I'm not letting you do this. I've got my own skeletons in the closet to kill." He then narrowed his eyes. "However, I will relinquish one bullet: where do you want it?" Starfire began fluttering in the air, a vein throbbing in her forehead as two green suns formed on her frontal hooves. "You can't take me, alone, Jack. What makes you think you can take on the entire bridge?!" Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! A multitude of Thompsons were pointed at him. "Drop. The gun," Starfire growled. Jack gave a shiver, continuing to aim it at her. "DO IT!" Jack's eyes darted about, his mind calculating his chances. A beat. After a moment, he sighed, took a deep breath, and knelt down, setting the Luger on the floor. They were too slim. Starfire gave a smile, taking a deep breath as well, before turning towards the captain of the Nimbus. "Captain Brannihoof! Drop the Dalek stunning device." "Will do, ma'm," he said, giving Jack a glare before hitting a button on a nearby console. CLANK-CLANK! Various gears and mechanisms then whirred to life, the bomb bay doors of the Nimbus opening steadily; and out of it dropped a small, metal sphere towards the treehouse below. ☼☼☼ ... ... CRAAAAAASSSHHHH!.!.! "Woah!" "EEEEEEP!" A multitude of dust and wood fell down upon the gathering within the lobby, THUNK!.!.! A small, black sphere then crashed down upon its floor, forming a dent in its wood. "Uhhh! What the heck is that?!" 'mortal' Spike cried, backing away from it. "Whatever it is, that's definitely not a meteorite!" Dashie gulped. At that, both Twilight and Soulshard galloped into the lobby, their eyes quickly widening. "Oh night damnit! Do you think-" Soulshard cried. Twilight gave a quick nod. "Yeah! It can't be a coincidence!" She then narrowed her eyes, purple wisps of light forming about her horn. "Twilight! What are you doing?!" Spike yelled. "Whatever this thing is, I don't think it's a friendly neighborhood fruit basket," Twilight said, not even glancing at him, before giving a smirk. "Batter up!" "Annnd Twilight Sparkle steps up to plate!" Apple Bloom smiled. Twilight's horn began to glow brighter. "Annnd she swings..." Sweetie continued. A purple beam of light shot forth from it. BUUUUUUUUZZZZZZ!.!.! Only for it to strike an invisible barrier around the device, it breaking like a great wave around its form. "And misses...." Scootaloo winced. "W-What?!" Twilight gasped. At that, an obnoxious, robotic voice emanated from it: "HAW HAW HAW! PUNY PONY MAGIC IS NOTHING AGAINST THE MIGHT OF THE DALEKS! "The who?!" Twilight gasped. "Who the heck are the Daleks?! I thought Horsehood sent this!" "I-I don't know, but I think it might be time to skedaddle, Twilight," Spike gulped, pointing towards the door. "PREPARE FOR YOUR IMMINENT CAPTURE AND SUBSEQUENT TORTURE IN THREE FRELS!" Soulshard's eyes widened. "EVERYONE OUT!" "THREE!" "EEEP!" Scootaloo was tossed on Dashie's back before she flew towards the door. "TWO!" "What the heck is a frel?!" bone dragon Spike gasped, fluttering madly towards the exit. "ONE!" Pipsqueak's panted, closing in on it as well.... "Ooooh boy-" "EXTERMINATE!" ZAAAAAAAAAAAAP!.!.! "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!" A great wave of blue particles shot forth in a three-sixty degree arc from the device, completely saturating the interior of the treehouse. "ACK!" Spike slammed down upon his chest. "EEEEP!" The Crusaders were hit as well, still panting as they fell to the floor. "Bloody Horsehood!" Pipsqueak cried, him and everyghoul and pony else thudding to the ground… all except one. And silence fell. ☼☼☼ "All but one target neutralized," a radio squawked. "It's taking flight..." "Hmph," she grunted. "Did we get the vampire though? That's all that matters." A second of silence. "Roger that! Bringing her up now!" it squawked again, this time with a hint of pride. "Mmmm, I never thought I'd say this, but thank Celestia for the Daleks!" Starfire smirked. "You're making a huge mistake, Starfire," Jack Harness growled. "You have no idea what ghouls you're even capturing! Did you even bother to ID them?!" Starfire rolled her eyes, giving him a look. "You can't let me have anything, can you?! Look Jack, I know they don't have a means of travelling between the realms. Their power source is used up on Nightmare Night and Nightmare Night alone." "Unless they're making an exception," Jack said, raising a hoof. "Maybe they made a short-lived portal..." "I don't think they would, Nightmare Night is too important to them to risk not having a full-fledged way to get over here," Starfire growled, before marching to a nearby console and pressing a button, activating the radio. "Ground teams, how close are you?" As if to answer her, a voice immediately made itself known: "Heyo!" it called. A suited Horsehood agent flanked by three pegasi cronies walked through the entrance to the bridge, two of them carrying both Scootaloo and Twilight Soulshard. Jack's eyes widened upon seeing them. "I-Is that?" "Mph, that was quick," Starfire grunted, moving over towards the two as the Horsehood pegasi plopped them onto the floor. She then nudged Soulshard with a hoof, a hint of disappointment in her voice as she said, "Twilight Soulshard. The lover of my replacement... I never thought she'd go rogue..." "Oh sweet Celestia, Starfire! There’s no way she went rogue!” Jack cried, his eyes practically pleading for her to look towards sense. "You saw her yourself trying to take down Prince Blackblood on Nightmare Night!" "Yes, after she kidnapped the Element of Magic and had her dragged to the Nightmare Realm," she snapped, shooting Jack another look. "Obviously she's a volatile element, no pun intended." Jack facehoofed... hard. "Captain Brannihoof! Power the Nimbus' engines. Set course to Horsehood Headquarters!" Starfire ordered. "Yes, ma'm!" he said, throwing a salute, before turning to a pale-green coated unicorn on the bridge. "Skif, power the engines!" He returned the order with a blank look. "You're standing near a console that can do that, sir..." "Yes, but it sounds so sexy when I make it an order!" Brannihoof replied, grinning smugly. "Oh dear Celestia," the helmsman groaned, before hitting a few buttons, the loud hum of the engines soon filling the bridge as the zeppelin lurched forward. Captain Jack shook an incredulous head, glancing downward. "You'll thank me for this, later, Jack," Starfire smiled, trying to meet his eyes. "And when this is all over, and you've had a chance to see that I'm right, Horsehood is yours." "Thank you for what?" Jack laughed. "Ruining some kid's life?” He shook his head again, before glancing down at Scootaloo. "Starfire, take a good long look at that kid, and tell me: what do you see?" Starfire glanced towards her. "I see a threat to Equestria-" "What do you REALLY see?!" Starfire remained silent, glancing away, though to defy all odds, a hint of sympathy actually scratched the surface of her cool, green eyes. "Sucks to look at her that way, doesn't it?" Starfire shot him a glare. "You're not talking me out of this." Captain Harness shook his head. "I didn't think I'd be able to.” He then raised a hoof. “However, I still have a chance here to do something that's been a long time coming." At that, he took a deep breath, his mind wondering into the past. "A long time ago, some very wise words were whispered into my ear: that one day, all ponies with shattered consciences will have a chance to tip the karmic balance back into their favor.” He actually put on a slight smile. “Well, today is that day. I'm done trying to screw the pain away.” He paused for a brief second, Starfire quirking a suspicious eyebrow. “Remember when I said earlier; that I wished we had another choice? Well, I've thought of one." He reached for something in his oldschool coat's pocket... "Jack... what are you doing?" Starfire said, narrowing her eyes. "Creating a beacon,” Jack smiled. “I'm taking the third option." He gripped a cyanide capsule, quickly moving it to his tongue.... Starfire's eyes widened in horror. "Don't you dare!" she roared, surging towards him. "DON'T YOU BUCKING DARE!" And swallowed it. The mouths of the bridge crew parted. Starfire panted. And Jack... smirked. "See ya in a bit," he winked. At first, it seemed like nothing was going to happen. However, soon, Jack began to gag, as if he were swallowing an invisible rancid meal, before finally thunking to the ground, his eyes rolling to the back of his skull. Starfire stood still for a second, stunned, her eye beginning to twitch. … “Ma’m?” A second later, she glanced towards the heavens… "Starfire?" And then... all Hell broke loose: "RRRAUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHH! CAPTAIN! JACK! HARNESS!.!.!.!.!.!" And for a brief instant, her eyes flickered a pure BLACK! ☼☼☼ Two hundred miles away, Derpy's ear perked within the TARDIS. She turned towards the brown stallion within. "Doctor, did you hear that?" The Doctor squinted in thought for a second, brought a hoof to his chin, and then shook his head. "Nope." ☼☼☼ "All hands! Prepare to be boarded!" Starfire roared into the intercom, red klaxons beginning to blare. "Boarded by who, ma'm?!" Skif cried. She narrowed her eyes, before summoning her starbolts once again. She looked as if she was bracing for a coming storm. "Death." A Shadowbolt's LamentThe planes of death. A lonely, blank field of brown with little more than twisted, jagged black trees to keep one company. Well, that and a massive pair of golden gates that stood looming over all who visited. There, Captain Jack stood, silently observing them with curious, longing eyes. However, he didn't stay alone for long. For soon, a puff of smoke popped into existence near him, as well as an entity with pitch black eyes. "Ugh, you again?!" Rainbow Death teased. "Always sleeping on the job. What was it this time: the Daleks, a skydiving accident, or did you just pick the wrong mare to pull your little escapades on?" Jack rolled his eyes, before giving a sigh. "It's a little more... unusual than that." However, he then gave a chuckle, looking out on the brown fields, distant black mountains on the horizon. "You know, with the amount of times I visit this place... I sometimes wonder if I should just say screw it and set up a holiday home here or something." Rainbow gave him a blank look. "You know that's not how it works." "Yeah yeah..." he grunted. "Still, it's actually kind of relaxing." He then gave a slight smile. "Suicide might become a regular past-time for me." "Oh, what?!" Rainbow snapped. "Seriously?! Why the heck would you do that?! Do you know how many souls I have to reap a day?! I don't need you pulling false alarms!" Jack gave a slight chuckle, though Rainbow could detect a hint of sadness in it. "I didn't do it just to get on your nerves. I needed to get your attention." He then put on a slight smirk. "Let me ask you a question, Rainbow: Do you fear Death?" "Hey, that's my line!" Rainbow pouted, before simpering slightly, glancing to the side. "...That I stole from that one squid-faced guy who's charged with sea-deaths." She then glanced back towards Jack with a raised eyebrow. "But why don't I answer your question with a question: what kind of question is that question?!" "I'll take that as a 'no,'" Jack said, grunting slightly. "Well, how about the Death of the past?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow. ☼☼☼ Scootaloo's eyes fluttered open ever so slowly, and she immediately wished they hadn't. Every portion of her body ached, especially her chin, which she assumed hit the floor with some force. However, after a second or so she began to take hold of her surroundings. Her ears were the first thing to send information, them picking up a dim, mechanical hum. And next, her eyes. She was on the bridge of some sort of airship. A floor of metal stretched out from her, with multiple consoles with large, made-for-hooves buttons upon them lined from wall to wall. Working them were a number of individuals who had the same suits as the stallion who had visited her orphanage. "Hello there, Scootaloo," a cold voice said, doing its best impression of a warm one. Scootaloo blinked as a yellow mare with folded, pegasus wings, and piercing green eyes filled her sight. "H-Hi?" Scootaloo squeaked. She quickly gave a smile. "Don't be afraid. Though your probably wondering where you are. Welcome to the Horsehood Airship Nimbus." "H-Horsehood?" she whispered. "N-No.." She then gulped, groaning as she stood upon sore legs as she tried her best to compose herself. "P-Please. You need to let me go! I'm not a threat to Equestria! Ms. Soulshard's taking me to a school where I can learn how to-" She then gasped, noticing that who she spoke of was laying besides her, still unconscious. "So naive," the yellow mare sighed. "But you are just a child. I'm not surprised she would try to use trickery on you instead of taking you by force." She then gave a smile, however, taking a step closer to Scootaloo, her green eyes still gazing through her. "Not to worry though, I'm more than willing and capable of teaching you how to control your instincts and powers myself. I bet they're calling to you right now, aren't they?" 'Feeeed on her.... DO IT! YOU NEEDS SUBSISTENCE!' Scootaloo gave a shaky nod. The mare then gave her a somewhat sympathetic glance. "They can be dealt with in time. And once I'm done with you, perhaps you'll actually learn to appreciate what Horsehood is." She glanced towards a certain limp corpse, it wearing a wool uniform. "Unlike some ponies..." "W-Who is that?" Scootaloo squeaked. "Why is he... not breathing?" "I'll tell you why he isn't breathing!" a voice growled. Scootaloo quickly turned to view a puff of smoke dissipating nearby, a black-eyed blue pegasus quickly revealing herself. "R-Rainbow Death?!" she gasped. Rainbow gave a cocky grin with a wink. "The one and only!" Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Ten machine-guns were quickly trained on her. "Oh crap," she gulped. "Guns... why did it have to be guns?" "Did you honestly think we weren't expecting you?" the yellow mare grunted. Rainbow shook her head, lowering an eyebrow. "Yeah well, you sure you really want to be shooting those inside a friggin' zeppelin, ‘Starfire’?" Starfire tapped a hoof on the metallic floor, glaring. "This bridge is solid metal. The only thing that's going to be filled with holes is you!" Deathie gave a sigh. "Eh, it was worth a shot. But still, go ahead and shoot me all you like, I'm still not leaving this bridge without Scoots here.... and..." Her eyes widened. "And wait-WHAT?! T-Twilight?!" At that, she twirled about and shot the yellow mare a look that could kill. "What the heck is she doing aboard?! Jack didn't mention her!" "I have reason to believe she's gone rogue," Starfire growled, narrowing her eyes. "Please don't give me evidence to support that you're with her, Rainbow." Rainbow's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Are you serious?! Twilight LOVES the other side! She'd never do anything to hurt anypony over here!" "Then explain what she's doing here!" Starfire growled. "Did she flee after Nightmare Night? Is that what happened?!" Rainbow shook an incredulous head. "Oh by the night! That's your evidence?!" She took a deep breath. "Nightmare Moon found a way to create a temporary portal using Spike, that's how she's over here! Seriously! How could you possibly think that her student went rogue?! Have you gone insane, Blackfire?!" The yellow mare's eyes quickly widened. "Blackfire?" Scootaloo whispered, quirking her head slightly. "Yeah, that's right! I know who you are!" Rainbow roared, glancing about at the bridge crew. "Your leader may be all Bitch Templar about rounding up rogue ghouls, but wanna take a guess what she is herself?! They merely chuckled in response. Rainbow lifted an eyebrow. "It doesn't matter what she is," a pale-green pony wearing a red uniform said. "She’s one of us in the end.” He then turned towards Blackfire. “You've put your neck on the line for us more times than I can count, ma'm." Blackfire gave a sigh, throwing him her best version of a thankful smile. "Thank you, Skif." "What Skif said!" another pony called. "And thank you too, Captain Brannihoof," she moaned, rolling her eyes. She then glared towards 'Jack', letting loose a growl. "But still, when he wakes up, he's going to wish he could die!" "Jack didn't tell me diddly!" Rainbow snapped, storming before her before proudly stating, "I've actually been doing some research lately, believe it or not!" Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. Deathie simpered her way. "Er... well by that I mean Twilight's been doing research while I provided moral support," she coughed, before turning back to Blackfire, her eyes actually filled with a bit of hero-worship. "And after a bit, we learned some pretty crazy facts about you!” She then took a deep breath. “You're the counterpart of this world's Spitfire, and you definitely play the part! Cus you were the reaper before me, and a flank kicking one at that! I mean seriously, do you know how much I looked up to you when I was a foal?! I had like three posters of you in my room!" Scootaloo raised her other eyebrow. "Ehehe, alright maybe it was ten," she grinned, scratching the back of her rainbow-maned covered head. "But still! Can you blame me?! I mean seriously, what other reaper could have time to do her job AND lead the friggin' Shadowbolts at the same time?! I don't know how you did it!" "With the speed of a Wonderbolt's shadow," Blackfire chanted, sighing as nostalgia laced her words. "But then... you just gave it up," Rainbow practically whimpered. "What happened, Blackfire? Why did you just abandon your post? You were one of the founding members of Bogmorts for the love of the night!" A beat. Blackfire glanced away from her, gulping as tears began to form in her eyes. She then took a deep breath, as her fiery red mane slowly turned black, as well as the green orbs hovering about her hooves. "You... weren't there, Rainbow Death," she whimpered. "You didn't... see what happened to Sleighbell during the end of that horrible battle..." At that, she closed her eyes. "And yes, I mean horrible..." She gave a shiver, her eyes practically filled with tears when she opened them. "In a bad way...." "Talk to me then," Rainbow said warmly. "Tell me what happened. I'm not really... good with the whole heart to heart thing, but I can try!" "It doesn't matter," she gulped, glancing towards Twilight. "Even if she hasn't gone rogue, I know he has. I can feel it in my heart. He was tainted that day beyond anything you can imagine." Her eyes then narrowed in resolve. "And that means his daughter is coming with me. I can protect her from him and anything else the world throws at us! And I can teach her the ways of the night!" Scootaloo's eyes widened in awe. "Then you can teach her... but Horsehood isn't the right place for that," Rainbow smiled warmly, getting looks from the suited members of the bridge crew, to which Rainbow quickly shot glares at in return. "Yeah, that's right! I don't trust any of you rotten bastards! The only good one among you is Jack!" She puckered her lips in thought. "Eh, even if he can't really control that house-sized libido of his." Scootaloo gave her a curious glance. Rainbow Dash gave a grin. "Ehehe, I'll explain when you're older, kid." However, she then took a deep breath, before turning back towards Blackfire. "Please, if you want to look after her, Twilight's about to bring her to your flank-kicking school! You can come with us. Wouldn't she be safer there than here?" Blackfire remained silent at that, taking in her words. "I'm not sure..." She then began to pace in thought for a brief moment, though it didn't last long. To Scootaloo’s sagging ears, she eventually shook her head. "No," Blackfire said, stamping her hoof lightly. "No, I don't believe so." Her eyes then narrowed in resolve. "The only ghoul I trust to protect her is myself!" Rainbow began to back away from her. "Blackfire... listen to reason! Please! I don't want to fight you!" "Then you are wiser than I thought!" she growled, lifting off the ground and shooting Rainbow a glare, tears forming in her eyes once again. "He was my BROTHER for god sake! Scootaloo here is the only piece of him I have left!" Rainbow desperately shook her head. "Please, Blackfire…” she whimpered, before shivering at the sight of the guns pointed at her. "And did I mention I really hate those things?!" "Lock and load, gentlemen!" Captain Brannihoof enthused, whipping out a revolver. "If Blackfire wants the kid, Blackfire gets the kid! Let's see if you really should fear the reaper!" "Hm, and I wonder what will happen if we kill Death?" Skif pondered. Captain Brannihoof gave a smirk. "Hopefully what both of us hope will happen." He then grinned, glancing at the bridge crew proudly. "Everypony! When we're done here, we're going to drink until every One becomes a Ten!" "Now that actually sounds pretty fun!" Skif grinned. "And you'll buy the keg, Skif!" "Ugh..." CHICK-CHICK! CHICK-CHICK! CHICK-CHICK! Any gun that wasn't cocked became so. "You can take Twilight and leave," Blackfire said softly, narrowing her eyes. Black orbs then formed once again on her frontal hooves as she hovered above the floor. "But Scootaloo stays with me!" "R-Rainbow, p-please just listen to her," Scootaloo gulped sorrowfully. "Blackfire can look after me until I can control my instincts..." Rainbow took a deep breath, smiling at her. "Kid, you've been through enough. You deserve to be with your own kind. And trust me, Bogmorts is a blast! I remember one time I got so drunk that they caught me trying to scare-" She then winced slightly. "Er... actually, that's another thing for when you're older." Scootaloo shook her head. "Why do you even care?!" Rainbow paused for a second in thought, before giving her a whimsical glance. "Ever wondered why you never run with scissors?" she smirked. The young filly's eyes widened, her mouth parting. "Y-You! You're-!?" Rainbow nodded. "That's right! And the only thing better than one Rainbow looking after you is two!" she grinned. "You! You are the most arrogant reaper I've ever met!" Blackfire suddenly shouted. "Hey," she pouted in a genuine hurt tone. "I think cocky is a nicer word." Scootaloo quickly nodded in agreement. "See, she thinks so too!" "Alright, enough talk, time to bite the bullet, freak!" Captain Brannihoof grunted, stepping towards her and waving his revolver. "Careful with that; you'll shoot someghoul's eyes out," Rainbow said, sticking her tongue out before twirling her scythe and grinning confidently. "And since you bastards aren't going to let me do this the easy way, guess we're going to have to do it the awesome way!" At that, the bridge crew looked at each other, raising eyebrows, before glancing back at Rainbow and glaring, their hooves now on the various triggers of their weaponry. "Oh crap..." she gulped. "WAX THE BITCH!.!.!" RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!.!.! A thousand pieces of lead sailed across the bridge, Scootaloo shrieking in horror as Rainbow winced. The light of muzzle-flashes danced on the walls, turning the bridge into brightly flashing cage of death, smoke quickly joining in the fun. The firing continued for three eternally long seconds before... CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! The gunfire became a rapid-series of clicks, the crew grunting at their weaponry in frustration. "Bucking short mags!" one growled. "Meh! Doesn't matter! Nothing could have survived that!" The smoke then began to clear, every Horsehood eye glancing towards the spot they had fired upon in anticipation. And every single one soon narrowed. For there stood Death, wincing with her eyes sealed shut... within a purple bubble shield. Scootaloo let out a gasp, before smiling wide. "Twilight!" "Ugh," Soulshard groaned, wincing as she rubbed her head, her horn glowing brightly. "I feel worse than when I went mortal clubbing for the first time... well at least the morning after." At that, Rainbow began blinking, feeling her body over for holes. "Ehehe!" she grinned. "Totally knew that was going to happen!" Twilight rolled her eyes, giving her a glare. "Rainbow, you are such a stupid, cocky mare!" Rainbow gave her a frown, to which Twilight soon smiled at. "But you're my, stupid cocky mare!" Scootaloo couldn't help but smile. "Very sweet," Blackfire growled, narrowing her eyes. "But perhaps you'll be a little smarter than your lover. I'm giving you both another chance to leave. However, Scootaloo stays with me!" "Uh-uh! I don't trust you any more than I could throw you!" Twilight grunted. "Which is like one inch, egghead," Rainbow said, sticking her tongue out. At that, Blackfire stamped a hoof as she prepared a throwing arm, her black starbolts pulsating. "Then noghoul leaves this airship!" "Ma'm! We're reloaded!" a crewmember announced. “THEN TAKE AIM!” Twilight gasped. "OPEN FIRE-" Scootaloo closed her eyes. However, before they could do so, a sound soon filled the cabin, it resembling a motor powering down. "Ma'm, someone just de-cloaked the ship!" another crewmember shouted. "WHAT?!" Blackfire roared, quickly glancing about... only to notice that Jack's corpse was no longer on the ground. "Oh son of a-" Jack gave a grin, him standing near a console. "Gotcha, bitch." "Yep, that's Jack for ya," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. "What in the world?!" Scootaloo cried. The immortal pony merely chuckled. "Eh, it's kind of complicated, Scootaloo," he smiled. "Let's just say that while the universe may want to get rid of me, it's going to have a rough time doing it." "He's a 'fixed point in time and space'," Rainbow explained in an annoyed tone, making quotation marks with her hooves. "In other words... he's a cheating bastard." "Like it matters!" Blackfire roared. "What good does decloaking the-" At that, a massive roar emanated from the outside land. Blackfire's jaw practically fell off her face. "Oh... you've GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Scootaloo quickly glanced out the bridge window, for hovering in front of the Nimbus over a lonely stretch of farmlands was a massive, fifty foot long version of bone-dragon Spike. "How did you-?!" Twilight gasped, though with a slightly impressed tone. Jack merely smiled, pressing a button that activated a loud-speaker, his voice emanating into the outside world. "Eh, there was a report of a third target 'flying away.' I went on a hunch that the dragon I saw on Nightmare Night was with you... and was probably looking for wherever you were taken." "HAH! You bet, whoever you are! Took me a bit to get to this size, too. But guess what?! No sign of Horsey Douchebag Link! I think I'm good for once!" Spike grinned. However, he quickly glanced about him in a paranoid manner. "Well, I *think I'm good for once..."* he gulped. "How the hell did that little bastard get to that size?!" one of the members of the crew shouted, Blackfire shooting him a glare. "That's his natural size," Twilight smirked. "He just uses shrinking magic for easy travel." "Yep, and guess who holds the cards now?! This guy!" Spike smirked, every member of the crew now glancing at him at this point. "Now let my friends go before I turn your blimp into my finest masterpiece of care-free pyromania!" "You won't dare! They'll perish in the flames!" Blackfired roared. "Will they?" Spike grinned. He then gestured behind Blackfire. Blackfire quirked a confused eyebrow as she spun about... only to spy a few wisps of light floating in the air, the sure-fire sign of a unicorn having used a teleportation spell. "OH NIGHT DAMNIT!" she screamed, her eye beginning to twitch again. "WHY WAS NOPONY WATCHING HER?!" "Uh... well... the dragon..." Skif gulped. "Was a bit distracting." Blackfire facehoofed. "UGH!" "Righto!" Spike continued. "Since you gave us a countdown to doom earlier with your little Dalek thingy, I think I'll return the favor!” He then gave another smirk. “You have twenty seconds! Twenty... nineteen... eighteen... fifteen... ten..." Blackfire gave a gasp, quickly moving to the intercom. "ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! NIGHT DAMN YOU, SPIKE! Red klaxons began to blare as a series of panicked shouts echoed about. "Don't need to tell us twice, ma'm!" a crew-member gasped as a fury of Horsehood members pushed and shoved to get to the various access points of the bridge. Composing herself the best should could, Blackfire quickly bolted for one of them. However, before exiting, she turned to give the bridge one last look, her eyes filled with remorse. "I will find a way to protect your daughter from yourself, brother... no matter what. Even if I have to hunt you to the ends of this blasted land." ☼☼☼ As Scootaloo watched from the ground, nearly fifty Horsehood members took panicked flight from the Nimbus, either via pegasus wings, teleportating, or repelling on ropes. "Three.... two.... one!" Spike grinned. "Baby won't you light my fire!" FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!.!.! Flames danced in the little filly's eyes as the zeppelin was turned into a torch, via a jet of fire roaring from the dragon's mouth. And naturally, both Scootaloo and Twilight collapsed on their flanks. However, Deathie merely quirked her head. "Huh," she said. "I wonder if the mortal version of Diedco insures massive war blimps." A Ghoul's GoodbyeThe next few hours went by rather quickly for Scootaloo, them being hectic at best. Both versions of Rainbow and Twilight, as well as the rest of the Crusaders congregated together, with Jack Harness watching from the sidelines (and stealthily giving the 'real' Rainbow a look-over occasionally.) Soon, a plan was set into action. The Crusaders and Pipsqueak would set out to wake the rest of the Elements, including two very grumpy sisters... ☼☼☼ "You wanna do what?!" Applejack shouted, her exasperated voice filling her farm house’s living room "I don't believe this! This whole thing sounds like some sort of tale tale! How can lil' Scoots be a vampire?!" "We told you already!" Apple Bloom cried. "Her father was-" "And like I said, it sounds like you're pullin my hoof," Applejack grunted, before giving a heavy sigh. "Listen, I liked my counterpart from that Nightmare Realm n' everything, but those folks seem to have an entire different way of livin' than us regular ole' ponies. And you want to spend an entire half of year on their side of the fence?!" "It won't be that bad," Apple Bloom grumbled. "Twilight's working on a spell that should be able to turn their rotten food into fresh stuff we can eat. Why don't you talk it over with Ms. Soulshard for a little bit?" “Ugh, this is too crazy, I really don’t think there’s-“ “Pleeeeeeeeease,” Apple Bloom said. And puppy dog eyes were given. "Resistance is futile," Pipsqueak smirked. Applejack closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Alright. I'll hear her out, but I ain't makin' any promises." Apple Bloom gave a wide smile before she immediately gripped her sister in a hug. "Thanks sis, I knew you'd understand!" Applejack gave a warm smile in return, releasing her. "Well, I won’t say that, but it won't hurt to-" Before she could finish, Apple Bloom was already half way up the stairs to her room. Applejack's eyes widened. "APPLE BLOOM! DON'T YOU DARE START PACKIN'!" The rest of the Crusaders and Pipsqueak couldn't help but stifle giggles. ☼☼☼ "Alright, so, with the powers of light and dark magic combined..." Twilight said, gazing at the burning fields where the Nimbus had crashed. "We should be able to create a large enough gravimetric singularity..." Soulshard continued. "To create a large enough temporary pocket vacuum...." "To starve the flames!" Soulshard finished, now grinning. At that, the two gazed at each other with raised, impressed eyebrows. "Geeky hoof!" the two giggled, bouncing two purple hooves together. "Oh dear night," Rainbow Death groaned, before turning towards her counterpart with a cocked eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to spend an entire semester around these two eggheads?" "Remember Rainbow, you're doing this Scootaloo," Rainbow chanted to herself, shaking her head in both disbelief and horror. "Yep, totally doing it for Scootaloo." ☼☼☼ "Captain Jack Harness, you have some splainin' to do!" Princess Luna roared with her Royal Canterlot Voice nearby, glaring at the simpering captain as she tapped an agitated hoof. "Why have thou wrecked my beautiful night with thy flaming air titan?!" The captain raised an eyebrow, quickly fixing his mane. "Since when did you start listening to that 'I Love Moosey' radio show?" Luna gave a sheepish grin. "Ehehe. Tia has been getting us into modern mediums of entertainment lately... they have been most indulging!" Her gaze then turned serious. "Do not try to change the subject, however. If you believe that Horsehood is becoming a rogue entity, action must be taken against them!" "I'll take care of them," the captain sighed. "They're my responsibility. And Blackfire is still out there... there's no telling how far she will be willing to go in order to 'defend Equestria'." "Thou speak as if that is a malicious act!" Luna said, lowering an eyebrow. "If it's carried out her way, yes. It's possible she might even start an international incident if she heads to where we think Sleighbell snuck off to, and I don't even want to think what will happen if she messes with that Dalek remnant sec in the Eastern Deserts..." Jack grunted, before gazing towards Canterlot. "I will need your help with one thing, though: we need to close down our-" He then winced slightly. "Their headquarters in Canterlot. It's probably already being pulled through a 'sterile sweep', though, meaning by the time we get there nopony or database will be left." "We shall rally some of our elite guards to see if we can stall their progress," Luna nodded. "Wilt thou be joining us?" Jack shook his head, giving a warm smile. "I want to say goodbye to somepony first." ☼☼☼ "So wait?! You're going to be going to the Nightmare Realm!?" Pinkie bounced in front of Scootaloo, who quickly gave a nod. The pink mare's eyes widened in horror. "And you're not going without about a hundred of my famous cupcakes?!" Scootaloo opened her mouth to respond, but by the time she could, Pinkie was already half-way to Ponyville. Jack Harness, both Rainbows and Twilights, both Spikes (the undead version back to his miniature size), the Crusaders (and now trial Crusader Pipsqueak), and the rest of the Elements huddled together near an entrance to the Everfree Forest. "You are absolutely positive they will be one hundred and ten percent safe under your care, darling?" Rarity gulped, gazing directly into the Lich Queen's eyes. "I want your solemn word." The Lich Queen sighed. "I can't give you that, but I can say that Bogmorts is an absolutely safe school now, and your counterparts will be there as well." "Hm, Applemoon will?" Applejack said, lifting an eyebrow. "Well that makes me feel better, I guess." "And dear Scarity too," Rarity pondered, scratching her chin. "You know, I wonder if she took my advice on added the extra curl to her mane?" "I uh... didn't notice," Soulshard simpered. Rarity rolled her eyes. "My dear Lich Queen, undead or not, you have a lot to learn about unicorn elegance." Soulshard sweat-dropped, smiling sheepishly. "Well uh... I'm sure Scarity can teach me a thing or two." At that, Applejack turned towards Apple Bloom. "Are ya absolutely sure you're down for this?" Apple Bloom gave a nod, glancing towards Scootaloo, who sulked her head slightly. "You don't have to come," Scootaloo said sorrowfully. "I feel like I'm-" Apple Bloom gave her a blank look. "Don't feel guilty about anything! What kind of friends would we be if we didn't support you?" "Yeah! Plus, I think Bogmorts might be able to teach me things about magic I could never hope to learn here!" Sweetie beamed. "And I miss my life of adventure," Pipsqueak sighed, glancing towards the western seas. "Captain Sparrow never did give us a dull day, and though one on land may be a change of pace for me, I suppose a little diversity doesn't hurt." "Ya sure you don't want me or Big Mac to come along though?" Applejack said, still glancing at Apple Bloom, scratching her head. "Neither of us would mind too much." Apple Bloom shook her head, giving her a warm, but sad smile. "I don't want to drag anymore Apples away from granny. She needs her family nearby." Applejack gave a chuckle, giving her an slight nuzzle complete with a look of approval. "You may not have your Cutie-Mark, but you're showin' signs of maturity beyond most fillies, ya know that?" She then poked the young Apple's chest. "And you got a stout heart to go with it." "So do you, my Sweetie Belle," Rarity whimpered, her eyes beginning to tear up. "Even if you do drive me mad at times, I wouldn't give you up for all the gems I have!" she stated dramatically. "Dawww, don't worry sis! Hey, who knows? Maybe I'll learn a bit of alchemy so I can make you all the gems you need!" At that, Rarity's eyes widened as she glanced towards Soulshard. "Y-You teach alchemy!?" Soulshard nodded with a smile. "Well.. the class is being offere-" "Sweetie! It is imperative that you come back with top level grades at this school!" Rarity said sternly, gems now actually forming in her eyes. "Especially in an alchemy class." The entire group rolled their eyes. "Scootaloo," Fluttershy squeaked, smiling down at her. "I know your friends are coming with you, but I just thought... well if you didn't mind... that maybe another couldn't hurt." At that, she pulled out a small, blue vampire bat who was resting inside her mane. Its eyes immediately fluttered open as it cocked its head, giving several adorable little squeaks as it gazed upon Scootaloo. Scootaloo's eyes widened in delight. "Oh my gosh! He's so cute-" Before she could finish, she noticed Rainbow was smirking at her. "I mean uh... he's so cool!" she coughed, grinning slightly. "What's his name?" "Fangs," Fluttershy smiled. "I uh... didn't name him, it's a bit-" "And he has a cool name, too!" Scootaloo beamed. "He's all yours, Scootaloo. I figured that... it'd be appropriate," she said. Fluttershy then gave a deep sigh, gazing at Fangs one last time. "Alright little guy, I guess this is goodbye." Fangs gave her his best equivalent of a smile, before nuzzling her slightly and fluttering over to perch on Scootaloo's back. "Heh," Captain Harness smiled proudly, glancing down on Scootaloo. "You know, the last time I saw you you were just a little thing. Only about the size of my arm. Though even then I knew you'd grow up to be a trooper." "I... wish I had more time to get to know you, Captain Harness," Scootaloo said sorrowfully. "Likewise," he sighed, before putting back on his smile. "But you know, Blackfire often spoke about your father. And everything she ever said about him... came from the heart. I believe he was a thoroughly good man..." The captain put on a smirk. "No matter what size of teeth he had." Scootaloo gave a slight chuckle. "Your mother too," Captain Jack continued. "I once knew her... a long time ago." Rainbow Death gave him a look. "Not in that way, Rainbow. It was legit," he growled. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "And well, I can say one thing Scoots," he said, kneeling down at her level. A beat of silence followed, before Jack took a deep breath. "You have her eyes." And at that, those eyes began to water ever-so-slightly. ... As well as both Spikes’. "W-What?" bone dragon Spike whimpered. "I have something in my..." He then blinked, remembering his eyes were essentially two red balls of light. "W-Wait, I can't really use that excuse can I? Oh n-night damnit... how am I even crying?!" "It's alright Spike, I won't tell anyghoul you're a big ole softy on the inside," Soulshard said, giving him a slight hug. Another few minutes passed as the group said their last goodbyes, and eventually, the lot of them turned towards the Everfree Forest, Twilight now hovering a large case of cupcakes Pinkie had brought. However, one last voice called to them before they entered the dark. "Scoots," Captain Jack said. Scootaloo turned towards him, raising an eyebrow. "I promise I'll find your father, alright?" he said, before smiling. "Good luck over there." At that, Scootaloo took a deep breath, nodding, before throwing a hoof up towards her forehead in a salute. "Goodbye, Captain." Captain Jack returned the salute with a wink. "Goodbye, Scootaloo." And for a brief second, he wished he could still feel even a tad bit of warmth. An instant later, the groups finally parted officially, Captain Jack sauntering back towards town with the rest of the Elements. "Um sir... if you don't mind me asking," Rarity said, scratching her head. "Who exactly are you?" Captain Jack took a deep breath. "Captain Jack Harness," he sighed, before giving her a look-over, raising an eyebrow, and grinning. "And who are you?" ☼☼☼ "The portal is right up ahead," Soulshard called, leading the way through the dense brush of Everfree. "Hopefully we're not too late!" "Yeah, I mean no offense to you guys, but I really don't want to be stuck on this side until Nightmare Night," bone-dragon Spike grunted. "Hey, you can always become Twilight's number two assistant!" Rainbow Dash grinned. The real Spike gave her an annoyed look for some reason. "And I can take you clubbing!" Soulshard beamed. "And I have to say, I'm glad that stench suppression spell is working properly. I didn't want to offend anpony!" "Yeah... really peachy," bone-dragon spike grunted. "Though I guess it's better than TAG bodyspray." "I wouldn't mind housing you two for a bit," Twilight smiled. "I'm sure Ms. Soulshard here could help me with my studies!" "We would make one heck of a team!" Soulshard grinned. "Perhaps while we're at Bogmorts you can teach me more about this... Light Magic of yours." Twilight raised a hoof. "Speaking of which," she continued. "You say Bogmorts isn't near your version of Ponyville?" Soulshard shook her head. "It's actually far north of it, and I mean very far north... as in it's in the Frozen North." "Glad I packed a sweater," Rainbow sighed. "Though us pegasi can take the cold pretty well. Helps for winter weather jobs." "I hope so," Rainbow Death grunted. "Because even I think the place is cold... and it's very dark as well. Sometimes you can only see about two feet in front of you even with a light source." At that, Rainbow squinted in thought. "Hm... dark because of... snow storms, by any chance?" Deathie raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, why do you ask?" "Oh, nothing," Rainbow smirked whimsically. "Hey, I think I see something!" 'mortal' Spike called, squinting at a glowing light closer by. "Ah, that's the portal!" Soulshard called, smiling. The group then entered a clearing, and indeed, a glowing vortex of twirling light sat above a mix of grass and brambles. "Oooooo," Sweetie oozed. "It's... so beautiful!" "Don't get too excited, kid, dimensional travel isn't exactly nice on the stomach," Rainbow Death groaned. "Haha, gee, sure would be nice not to have a stomach right now! Oh hey, wait!" bone-dragon Spike grinned, before gaining an elbow from both Twilights. "Ouch! Oh night damnit!" he cried, glancing at the mortal Spike. "They're going to be teaming up on me the whole time, aren't they?!" "Mhmmm," Spike nodded. "Just uh... when you want to say smartass comments, let's make them a Spike-thing only." Bone-dragon Spike shook his head desperately. "Can't be done. Cannot. Be. Done." "Alright," Rainbow Death said. "Everypony and ghoul... and dragon... into the portal. One by one. Scoots, me and you will go first." "Hey, wait!" the real Rainbow said. "Why don't I take Scoots first?" "Because... uhhh..." Rainbow Death said, squinting in annoyance. "Because I know the way ahead!" "But we're all going to the same place! And it's safe on the other side, right?" "Oh good Celestia, I can see where this is going," Spike groaned. "How about you both go at the same time," Scootaloo suggested. Both Rainbows looked at each other. "Hmmm, is it possible?" the 'real' one asked. "Well... yeah," the other said, taking a deep breath. "Alright, the two of us will go through together." She then gave Scootaloo another glance. "Just make sure to hold your breath before entering, alright? Because you're going to have the wind knocked out of you." Scootaloo gave a nod as both Rainbows turned and flew (while aggressively shoving against each other slightly) into the portal, quickly disappearing with a flash of light. "Whelp Scoots," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "You're up. At least you won't need to send us a postcard!" Scootaloo nodded, stepping forward, closing her eyes, and taking a deep breath. "Right... here goes nothing, I guess." She then stepped into the portal.... And instantly, the wind was indeed kicked out of her. She gasped for air, her stomach feeling like it had been sent through an earthquake. However, luckily, it didn't take long for her to compose herself. Looking about, she found herself within a large, cylindrical hall of sorts, with a marble floor of black and red diamonds. Surrounding her, upon the walls, were various doors, all with little markings on them. There was one with mistletoe on it, another with a sponge, another with a Spring Festival egg, one with a turkey, and even one with a bloody butcher knife. "Greetings, honored guests of the mortal realm!" a bombastic voice then called, its origin stepping into the chamber. "Darksong Shadowbane, the red and black alicorn and most feared creature in all of Edeathstria welcomes you to the TEMPLE OF THE DOORS! DUN DUN DIDDILY DOOM DUN DUN!" As Scootaloo's eyes widened, a loud-speaker began playing a tune as bombastic as the overpowered alicorn's voice. "Night damnit, Darksong," Rainbow Death groaned. Holiday GhoulScootaloo gawked at the sight of a five foot tall alicorn entering the scene, his black eyes gazing upon her curiously as his red mane flowed in a wind that came from the portal... and soon, that wasn't the only thing. "OOF!" both Twilights cried as they entered the Nightmare Realm, followed by: "Ack!" "Eep!" "Uggggh...." Clatter! "Bloody Hell!" ...As the rest of the group jettisoned out of a glowing yellow doorway behind the young filly, each landing less than gracefully. The 'mortals' of the group then gazed upon Darksong, Rainbow putting on a glare, Twilight giving a slight smile, and the Crusaders backing away in fear. "Ah, more mortals!" Darksong grinned wickedly. "I'm glad! For now I have all the elements I need for my perfect feast!" The Crusaders gave a gasp. "EEEP! HE'S GOING TO GOBBLE US UP!" Sweetie cried, before scurrying back towards the yellow doorway behind her. Its door was quickly encased with black magic, however, slamming shut, and revealing what was upon it: paintings of the six Elements of Harmony surrounding their two princesses, the two chasing each other in a circle while trying to nip at each other's tails. It was the door to reality. "You don't wish to partake in Darksong's breakfast he has prepared?" Darksong said in a hurt tone, before putting on a ginger smile and clapping his hooves. "Darksong has prepared mortal versions of hay bacon and eggs! As well as apple crisp!" "Heh, thank you, Darksong," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "Ah, the student of the light!" he called, before quickly giving her a guilty glance. "Darksong... I mean, uh... I… never had the chance to apologize for my hoof-" "It's quite alright," Twilight smiled warmly, before giving a wink. "As long as your breakfast makes up for it!" Darksong sighed in relief, before gesturing towards the entrance to the hall. "Come then, mortal band of students and heroes! You must tell Darksong if his apple crisp is too sweet!" A tiny voice, however, soon halted him in his tracks: "Um... Mr. Darksong, is it?" Scootaloo squeaked. "What exactly is this place?" "A good question, my young student of the night!" he smiled, before gesturing about and dramatically stating: "the Temple of the Doors is a gateway to every other holiday realm, as well as the world from which they are spawned from!" He leapt in front of the doorway with the egg upon it. "The Spring Festival, led by Carrotlove the Spring Bunny!" And then in front of the one with the sponge upon it. "The Spring Cleaning holiday, led by Billy Hays the Oxyclean Pony!" And in front the one with a mistletoe upon it. "And of course, Hearth's Warming Eve! (the holiday that sold out)," he added with a cough, before smiling widely again. "Led by the honorable (but fat), diligent (when it comes to being a corporate mascot) Yuletide the Gift Pony!" "Oooooo," Sweetie and Apple Bloom chirped. "We should definitely visit there! Imagine all the free toys and stuff we could get on a factory tour!" Sweetie beamed. Darksong quickly frowned. "But children, don't you wish to see more of the Nightmare Realm? The realm spawned from the GREATEST HOLIDAY TO EVER GRACE THE MORTAL LANDS!?" "Yeah but... yoyos," Apple Bloom said, twirling a hoof into the floor with a frown. "And slinkees!" Sweetie grinned. “And besides, who doesn’t love Hearth’s Warming Eve?!” The two then leapt together before singing: "It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, 'Be of good cheer'! It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's the hap-happiest season of all! With those holiday greetings, And gay happy meetings, When friends come to call, It's the hap- happiest season of all!" Rainbow Death and Soulshard merely gazed at them blankly. "Children, I believe you have the wrong idea of what it truly is..." Darksong then gave a huff, grunting forth: "It's the most corporate time of the year! With the kids always yelling, For what new garbage they're selling, 'Buy it or be queer!' It's the most corporate time of the year! It's the crap-crappiest season of all! That now makes mothers tremble, At what sort of resembles, A Zerg rush to the mall! It's the crap-crappiest season of all!" Rainbow Death gave a smirk before continuing with: "There'll be parties for hosting, Your boss to be toasting, So that holiday bonus you may know! And though its long-ago stories, May have been quite heart-warming, It's now just a big stupid light-dancing show!" The two then lept together and sang: "It's the most corporate time of the year! There'll be much annoyance, As you try to keep buoyant, In that flood of shopping and beer! It's the most corporate time of the year!" "Yeah, the Nightmare Realm hasn't exactly been on good terms with Hearth's Warming Eve ponies lately," Rainbow Death grunted, glancing at the mortals of the group. "They say the Twinkling Lands used to be a holiday of bright cheer, of warmth and heart... and now it's just covered in factories. The holiday has lost its meaning." She then narrowed her eyes. "Plus, that stupid holiday is starting to encroach on our territory! Every year, advertisements come on earlier and earlier... soon they'll be placing friggin' wreaths out on Nightmare's Eve instead of pumpkins!" She then turned towards Twilight Soulshard, grinning. "But not us! We're not selling out! We're totally working hard to preserve what Nightmare Night is!" Soulshard blushed slightly. "Well, we're trying to at least. Our efforts have met with... mixed results, as you all know." Rainbow Dash gave a chuckle. "Yeah, I'll say." "Anyway," Twilight Sparkle said, rolling her eyes. "How about that breakfast... we haven't exactly had a chance to eat." "Right! TO DARKSONG'S DINING ROOM OF DOOM!" Darksong shouted, before blushing slightly. "He hopes he has folded the napkins properly." ☼☼☼ "Not bad, Darksong," Twilight smiled, sipping on a cup of coffee after finishing her last apple crisp. Darksong, now wearing a pink 'kiss the cook' apron smiled widely, before gingerly clapping his hooves again. "Darksong Shadowbane is glad you approve, child of light! Though he is afraid he had to go off a Nightmare Realm cookbook. However, he was sure to use fresh and not rotten fruits, though he still wonders if he prepared the earth worms properly for the extra flavor in the apple crisp..." At that, the mortals in the group's eyes widened in horror, before immediately gagging and spitting out whatever they had in their mouths. "Oh no! Did Darksong do something wrong?!" he gasped, glancing away from them in shame. "Mmm, well I don't know about the mortal food but your nightmare food is good," Rainbow Death called, busy chowing down on an apple crisp... which Scootaloo now noticed was squiggling with live earth worms as well as apples. She then glanced down at her apple crisp... only to notice the same thing. She gave a shrug, before continuing to munch. "I think I'm going to be sick," Twilight groaned, her cheeks puffing outwards with a green coloring. "Er Darksong, mortals don't really like... earth worms," Soulshard said, simpering. "No offense, but you... probably should have used a mortal cookbook instead of trying to make a nightmare one compatible." "Meh, whatever. You've got a wicked touch, Darky," Rainbow Death beamed, patting him on the back. "How are things working out with Nightmare Moon, by the way?" "Ooo! Well, we had a most enjoyable time zombie hunting the other day!" Darksong said, his spirits lightening. "Zombie hunting?" Sweetie said, scratching her head and gulping down a glass of water, still wincing. "Yeah, the Nightmare Realm kind of has a minor... pest control problem," Soulshard simpered. "Though we love all zombies, really, even the more… mindless ones, they tend to eat up our crops. So, we make sport out of neutralizing them." "Ten time zombie hunting tournament extraordinaire!" Raindow Death beamed smugly, patting a hoof on her upper chest. "Got ten skulls on my cabinet from the last hunt alone, the Tank varieties, too... as well as three gold trophies!" "And yes, that's quite impressive," Twilight Soulshard explained to the mortal visitors in a proud tone. "Ooooo," they all beamed, all except Rainbow Dash, who folded her arms. "Pffft, give me a scythe and I could do that," she pouted. Raising an eyebrow, Twilight quickly changed the subject with: "So, what's next on our plate?" she asked. "Well, Darksong has some more apple crisp-" Darksong said. "NO!" Twilight cried, before giving him a slightly apologetic glance and yawning again. "I mean uh... I'm fine, Darksong." She then took a deep breath. "Anyway, I don't know about you all, but the whole Horsehood adventure tonight has made me kind of tired." Soulshard gave a nod, before explaining: "Well, us teachers..." she said, before glancing at Rainbow Dash. "And honored visitor, will be taking an airship up to Bogmorts so we may arrive early. It has quarters upon it if you wish to sleep." She raised a hoof. "However, the students will be going by the Bogmorts Express." She then glanced on a ticking clock on the wall, with two bat-wings upon it as clock-arms. Her eyebrows quickly rose. "Actually, we should probably get going sometime soon." "I won't be joining you all, though," Rainbow Death said, scooting out from her chair and giving the group a smile. "I gots some more souls to reap. But I'll pop in Bogmorts in a bit. I've got a class to teach as a side job, after all." She then turned towards Soulshard, giving her a hug and a wink. "Catch you later, Ms. Egghead Queen." Soulshard rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Reap tight, and don't let the souls bite." Rainbow then turned towards Scoots. "Oh, and Scoots, some of the ghouls here may be a bit... intimidating to someone not used to the place, but give it time and I'm sure you'll warm up to them." She then turned towards Pip and the Crusaders. "You guys as well. Just uh... time. Time is good" "Will do, Rainbow," Scootaloo smiled. At that, Death gave one last smile before disappearing in a puff of smoke. "Show off," Rainbow Dash grunted, as Darksong began to stand up. "Well then, Darksong is going to get back to his knitting," the alicorn smiled, turning towards the door. "Farewell, travellers from the mortal realm! May the winds of the nightmare carry you swiftly to where you wish to go!" He then paused, however, before glancing at Twilight Sparkle. "Oh, and before he leaves, he almost forgot." Twilight raised an eyebrow as his horn began glowing for a brief second. Soon, a spellbook appeared before him, which he handed to the mortal mare. "This is Synergy: To Intertwine the Realms. It contains the spell Darksong used to bring dead food to life, and it should contain whatever else you need to make your stay here enjoyable." He then gave a warm smile. "May it help you with your own task of synergy." "Thanks, Darksong," Twilight smiled, as the group stood up from the table and began making their way out of the Temple. ☼☼☼ The Everdead Forest was a peaceful, but haunting place. A place filled with blackened trees and red, thorny, devilish bushes that would make even the Everfree Forest give a shiver. It didn't help that the trees actually seemed to be alive... sometimes giving low groans and turning about on their own, almost as if they were gazing upon the group. It was also the first place Scootaloo had a chance to see the outside world of the Nightmare Realm. There honestly wasn't much to behold, as fog stretched all around them, obscuring their vision after a good sixty feet or so. But what was still apparent was the high moon that watched over them from the heavens, its light piercing through the fog. Fangs didn't seem to mind the atmosphere, however, as the little bat seemed to be enjoying the sight the whole way, perking his head about in curiosity occasionally. Oddly enough, it felt natural for Scootaloo to be here as well. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she was truly in her element. She had always wondered why she felt so... alone and out of place in Ponyville, even with people constantly giving her sympathy and attention she never really asked for. However, now she knew the reason. She just wished her now mortal-to-her friends would enjoy the sights as well. "M-Ms. Soulshard," Sweetie shivered, shrinking in fear as a scream emanated out of nowhere from the deeper woodlands. "A-Are we getting c-close to Terrorsville?" "Mhmm," Soulshard said, nodding her head with a smile. "I wish it wasn't so, though, the Everdead Forest is so horrible this time of year!" "H-Horrible?" Apple Bloom gulped, quirking an eyebrow. "You say that like it's a good thing!" "Welcome to opposite land," Spike grunted. "At least, that's how Twilight explained it to me. It is a good thing here." Sweetie gave a sigh. "This place is going to take some getting used to..." At that, the group came upon the sound of flowing water, which soon turned out not to be water at all. For flowing before them was a small creek of blood. Upon seeing it, Scootaloo's stomach gave a rumble, and the voice in her head, which had been quiet for a while now, chirped: 'Nots as good as fresh bloods, but its will sustain you...' "Ah, Wolfbane Creek!" Soulshard smiled. "I almost forgot about it. Go ahead and drink up, Scoots! I bet you're getting hungry by now." Scootaloo gave a nervous nod as she began bending down towards the creek. However, before she took a sip, she took a glance at her friends, and it felt like their eyes were gazing through her... 'They thinks you're a freak... food never thinks anything more...' Scootaloo winced, and before her tongue leapt into the blood, she paused. "I uh... I'm not hungry." She then lifted her neck up, gulping slightly. "Come on, Scootaloo, you need to feed yourself," Soulshard said encouragingly. "Regular nightmare food won't give you strength." "W-Where does that blood come from, though?" she asked. "Noghoul knows for sure," Soulshard said whimsically, before sighing slightly. "However, the legends say that all blood belonging to those who have died in the mortal world... leaks into the Nightmare Realm, and flows through our rivers." Scootaloo's eyes widened in horror. "Ugh, why did you tell her that?!" bone-dragon Spike grunted. "She might as well learn now before she picks it up off the streets," Soulshard argued. "Yeah, well way to throw her into the deep end right off the bat," he groaned, before wincing. “No cheesy pun intended.” At that, Rainbow gave a smile before stepping to Scootaloo's side. "Scoots... it's alright. Even if those stories are true, you didn't do anything to hurt those ponies." Twilight Sparkle quickly nodded. "In the end, everything we eat has something that has died in it," she stated. "Decomposing corpses eventually erode and fertilize the soil from which plants gain the nutrients they use to grow. It's all part of the great circle of life." The Crusaders grimaced slightly at that, Twilight giving an apologetic smile. Spike, however, gave a smirk: "It's the Circle of Life! And it moves us all! Through despair and hope, Through faith and love..." "Yeah, yeah. Very funny, Spike," Twilight growled. "Go on Scoots, nopony will judge you," Rainbow said, standing beside her now. With that, Scootaloo took a deep breath before kneeling down... and taking the first slurp of the most delicious substance she had ever tasted in her life. It was salty... yet sweet, her throat tingling in delight as its warmth made itself felt all the way down. Her eyes widened... and at that, she began to slurp it up with a vigor she had never had for any other food. "So... goooood," she called, Rainbow wincing slightly at those words. "Oh my gosh this is... wow. It's indescribable!" "J-Just take all you need," Rainbow gulped. 'Fresh bloods is ten times better... just ask Rainbow if you can have a little nibble... or one of your other friends... if they truly likes you... they will lets you. Hehehe… and Pipsqueak has a crush on you... Pipsqueak wills allows it.' Scootaloo shook her head, wincing, as she took one last gulp. "I'm not doing that," she whispered. "This is good enough." She then stood up, wiping the red substance off her mouth, as Rainbow gave her a pat on the back. "There ya go, not so bad, was it?" Scootaloo turned towards Rainbow, shaking her head in disbelief. "You have no idea, Rainbow. No idea..." Rainbow took a deep breath, before turning towards Soulshard. "So, onward to Terrorsville?" Soulshard gave a nod. "Onward!" ☼☼☼ True to its name, Terrorsville was a Nightmare Night themed version of Ponyville. Twilight's treehouse was nothing but a blackened, dormant husk, a stark contrast to its vibrant, colorful 'real' world self. The carousel boutique was somewhat similar to the real world's... save for the bat-winged ponies encrusted on its poles, and the cobwebs hanging off every inch of it. However, the most creepy sight lay before them. The Town Hall was a puke greenish entity, and filled with veins: and it actually seemed to be alive... pulsating ever so slightly. And to complete its ghastly sight, hovering over the top of it was a red, fiery eye that gazed down upon the town, swiveling every which way. And naturally, there were jack o'lanterns... EVERYWHERE. "Big Brother is watching you," Spike smirked, glancing at the eye. "Actually, the Edeathstrian Legion is watching you," Soulshard stated. "Huh? Why's that?" Twilight asked. “Yeah, and since when did Edeathstria have a military again?” bone-dragon Spike said, raising an eyebrow. “Ugh, noghoul tells me jack when I wake up…” "Certain... issues have come up," Soulshard sighed, before whispering into Twilight’s ear, "I'll explain more later. It's nothing to do you with, however." And as soon as Twilight spoke, the group began to garner attention. "Hey everyghoul, Twilight's back!" a pony resembling Vinyl Scratch with a sideways baseball cap grinned. "Twilight?! I thought you were at Bogmorts!" another pony called, apparently the nightmare version of Mayor Mare. She was pretty much a skeleton, with a perpetual, black grin etched on her face. "Ehehe, hi everyghoul," Ms. Soulshard said, simpering. "How are things coming with Nightmare Night?" "Awful, just terrible!" a version of Dr. Whooves grumbled, with a gray coat and glowing red eyes. "We only have two-hundred and fifty three days left and we still don't have any good scares planned! For the love of the drums, please come back!" Soulshard raised an eyebrow. "I've only been gone for like a month, Dr. Whoovenstein." The gathering was now growing even larger. Scootaloo and her friends, despite having seen most of them on Nightmare Night, were now becoming slightly nervous. There was a version of Colgate with a blood covered dentist outfit, a version of Lyra Heartstrings (who she knew as Lyra Heartstab) wielding a bloody Michael Mayers-like butcher knife, and even a version of Octavia who seemed to be wrapped in mummy-like-bandages, holding a blackened cello. However, to their delight, Slendermare stood among the group as well: a certain Eldirtch Abomination they had actually grown to sort of like during Nightmare Night, black tendrils licking off his, or her (it was never quite certain, despite its name) back and into the night's breeze. "Everyghoul, I promise I'll be back before Nightmare Night to help supervise things," Twilight smiled. "But I'm sure you can all handle yourselves." "B-But that would require us to think for ourselves!" one of them cried, 'Derpy-Stitched', the counterpart of the ditzy mailmare who, as her name suggested, seemed to be stitched together. "You've done that for us the last forty years!" Soulshard took a deep breath, giving them blank looks. "Fine, alright, how about I stop in in a month or so to-" "DEAL!" they all grinned. Soulshard rolled her eyes. "Hey Twilight, what's with the mortals?!" one of them called. "We brought them here for the annual Winter Pony Sacrifice Festival," bone-dragon Spike grinned. "We thought you'd all enjoy them." The Crusader's eyes widened in horror, though Rainbow and Twilight merely gave him a glare. "Pony wah?" Lyra Heartstab called, scratching her head. "Nothing," Soulshard sighed, giving Spike a glare as well. "But while I'm here, I'd like to introduce you all to Scootaloo, the daughter of Sleighbell Wintercall!" At that, the entire group let out a gasp, to which Scootaloo gave a nervous smile with a wave. "Sleighbell Wintercall!? The vampire of the north!?" "Oh my gosh! THE Sleighbell?! I thought he was still sleeping!" "I heard he went nuts... fled to the mortal realm! He had a kid?!" "He who fought in the Battle of Icecrown... this is unprecedented!" Soulshard shook her head, grunting at her own stupidity as the crowd began to swarm a clearly overwhelmed Scootaloo. "Hooo boy, maybe it wasn't the best idea to introduce her," Soulshard whispered to herself. "Ya think?" bone-dragon Spike grunted. The undead Twilight then turned back to the crowd. "Er yeah... but we need to get going now," Soulshard simpered. "Goodbye everyghoul, and may the night watch over you!" Ignoring her, the crowd continued to swarm like a flood of liquid annoyance about the young filly, asking question after question: "So, did you ever meet your father? What's he like?" "Are you half-ghoul, or full ghoul, or what? It's not like it matters, though!" “Can I have your autograph?! Please please please please please!” Soulshard’s eye began to twitch. "UGH! PLEASE, EVERYGHOUL! TRY TO GIVE HER SOME SPACE!" she roared with demonic distortion in her tone, the group of mortals backing away from her slightly. She quickly threw them a sheepish grin. "Dawwwww..." the group groaned. The group of mortals then sighed in relief as the crowd began to disperse, before heading towards a train station on the far side of town... that also seemed to serve as a zeppelin port. A massive black airship, with a Jolly Rogers symbol upon it and chains dangling down its side, floated slightly above it. "Oooo," Pipsqueak said, smiling. "Now that is my kind of airship!" Apple Bloom cocked an eyebrow. "Pipsqueak, seriously, were you actually a pirate?" she asked. "I thought that was just a Nightmare Night thing." "Well, what better thing to be than what you know best?" he smiled. Apple Bloom shook an incredulous head. "I wish I had time to show you all around the treehouse," Soulshard smiled. "But we're getting pressed for time." Twilight nodded. "I'm sure I'll have another time to see it. But I do want to get aboard the airship and start planning my lessons." She then turned to Spike, smiling. "Did you bring the supplies I asked?" "Uhh, yeah," Spike grumbled, dragging a large suitcase behind him. He then began to list off: "Fifty-six parchments, seventy-three quills, thirty-six bottles of ink... and thirteen industrial-sized containers of 'Time for the Perculator' coffee." "I'm all set, then," Twilight said, before smiling widely. "You know, I'm actually looking forward to trying to teach. I just hope the little ghouls won't be a handful!" "Oh, I'm sure the Element of Magic will be more than enough to keep them at bay," Soulshard smiled with a wink. "Hehe, we'll see," Rainbow grinned. ☼☼☼ And as the group trotted on, a pair of blue eyes watched from the woods, their owner quickly quirking its head slightly and smiling in delight. "Tandem venit Wintercall filia? Lucem ac tenebras filia ... Vellem mihi numquam hoc hodie!" Ghoul TrainThe Bogmorts express, unlike the rest of the Nightmare Realm, was surprisingly less-than over-the-top. It was merely a pitch-black train, cars stretching a far ways back beyond the station. There, Scootaloo saw a multitude of other ghouls her age, a few resembling fillies and colts in Ponyville. "Now, are you going to be a wretched little ghoul at Bogmorts, Dinky Stitched?" Derpy Stitched chirped merrily, Dr. Whoovenstein standing proudly beside her. "You bet, mom!" she beamed, smiling brightly. "I'm going to learn all I can about mechanical resurrection, so maybe one day I'll be able to make myself a sister!" Dr. Whoovenstein grinned. "Now that's my girl! Let me hear your creepy laugh!" "BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Dinky cackled forth, it honestly sounding more adorable than evil. Still, Dr. Whoovenstein beamed down upon her, his eyes actually beginning to water. "By the drums, the vocal chords I crafted you are phenomenal. But not as phenomenal as what you've done with them. You're going to make me proud, kid!" "Awwwww," Derpy cooed, giving Dr. Whoovenstein a quick hug, him blushing fiercely. They were some of the last to arrive, so they honestly there weren't that many others to behold, most of them being counterparts of ponies who Scootaloo had rarely interacted with in the real world. With nothing much left to do or see, the quartet of Crusaders prepared to come aboard. "Alright, Scoots," Twilight Sparkle winked. "Remember, no matter what these guys may seem like, they're built for scaring and caring, none of them..." She gave a wince. "Well... most of them aren't truly evil." "Still uh... might be best if you chill with the little devils you know," Rainbow smiled, glancing at her mortal friends. Soulshard rolled her eyes, before pulling Rainbow towards the pirate-themed Zeppelin behind them. "They'll be absolutely fine! Quit worrying, will you? Come and tell me more stories of these... Wonderbolts of yours!" "Heh, now that is something I can talk about," Rainbow smiled, giving Scootaloo one last glance. "Take care, kid. I'll see ya in a blink!" "Bye, Rainbow! Have a good trip aboard that crazy zeppelin thingy!" Scootaloo waved, as Soulshard led the rest of the group away. A beat of silence followed, Pipsqueak glancing over the Zeppelin with dreamy eyes. "Mmmm, if only we could go aboard that beauty." And to answer him, a voice soon made itself known. "Yar HAR HAR HAR! That I agree with ya, matey!" The group twirled about, raising curious eyebrows, only to gaze upon another Pipsqueak. He sort of resembled what the young colt looked like on Nightmare Night, with a black eye-patch and a red bandanna. In one of his hooves, he held a rotten apple, quickly taking a bite of it. "Ello, lads," he grinned wickedly, gazing upon the group as he walked out of a shadow and into the moonlight... And it was at that moment that it was revealed that he was more than just a (more) piratey version of Pipsqueak, for as soon as he walked into its light, his flesh immediately vanished, leaving nothing but flesh-encrusted bones. The group immediately gave a gasp, backing towards the train, though Pipsqueak held his ground. "Oi, what's got your jimmies in a rustle?" pirate Pipsqueak said, gazing at them with a hurt expression. "Haven't ya' evah danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?" "Er, sorry," Pipsqueak said, smiling slightly. At that, counterpart Pip’s eyes squinted, before he smiled in delight. "Now ain't that a bloody sight worth drinkin' a pint o’ tar rum to! Bloody Hell, ya some sort of Fearlin' lad? Cus ya look just like meself!" "I'm actually your counterpart," Pipsqueak said, beaming. "Countahpart?!" Pirate Pip said, his eyes widening. "Oi, pardon me tongue, but I didn't know thar be mortal land lovah's comin aboard this har mechanical landship!" "Ms. Soulshard is making a special exception for us," Pipsqueak replied, still smiling. "I'm Pipsqueak, by the way. What's your name?" "I'm Shipmate Pipbossa, mah good lad," he said, smiling as he held out a hoof for Pipsqueak to shake. "Hoof aboard da Flyin' Dutchman." He quickly winced, however. "Well, that was til the bloody thing went and got itself sunk off da Western Shores." "Mmm... Kraken?" Pipsqueak said, raising an eyebrow. "Aye, govenah, close, but we calls em' Leviathans. Nasty bit of tentacles that could swallow ships whole! Ungrateful beast went and turned against' me captain, Davy Bones." "Yeah," Pip sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Same bloody thing happened to my ship, the Black Pearl. Well, sort of." Pipbossa gave a smirk. "Oi, well shimber me timbers, guess you're in da same metaphorical boat as me then, YAR HAR HAR HAR!" "You could say that," Pip said, sighing again. “Davy Bones, though… that sounds familiar…” "Um... Pipbossa," Scootaloo spoke up. "If you don't mind me asking, what in the world's a Fearling?" Pipbossa gave a wicked grin. "I believe yur answer lies nearby." The group raised their eyebrows, and not too soon after that they began to feel... nauseous, a cold tingle running down each of their spines. And then, appearing before them was the Queen of the Swarm, a small Changeling-like creature close to her side, though with the distinguishable feature of having black wings made of smoke, instead of instectoid-like ones. "Q-Q-Queen CHRYSALIS?!" Sweetie shrieked, her and the rest of the group all-but-ready to dart it into the train like bats out of hell. "Relax," she groaned, her voice a distorted, but actually sort of soothing tone, as she held up a holed hoof. "I don't know what you all are doing here, but I mean you no harm. For I am not the Queen Chrysalis you know. I am Queen Vereolis." "Yeah well, sorry if we don't take your world for it after your counterpart kidnapped us!" Scootaloo growled, her fangs glistening in the moonlight. At that, however, the tiny 'Changeling', at her side gave a slight whimper, the group's feelings of animosity quickly turning into that of guilt. Queen Vereolis then bent down to face it with a warm smile. "Metus, don't worry about them. I'm sure you'll fit in fine in this school." "Metus?" the group said, scratching their heads. "Aye, means 'Fear' in tha ole language," Pipbossa said with a surprising amount of cultural knowledge. "Tha Fearlings be creatures that, like thar name suggests, feed off fear instead of good ole' love like in yur world." "She is one of my finest students in the art of it, as you're... probably feeling right now. She can generate it in those around her, even passively," Queen Vereolis said proudly, and at this point Scootaloo was beginning to notice a bit of a strange accent in her voice. "However, I believe I've taught her all I know. A school run by the actual Elements of Fear themselves is the next step for her. After that, she'll be able to instill enough terror in the mortal world to feed us for years to come!" "How come we didn't see any Fearlings last Nightmare Night, though?" Apple Bloom said, scratching her head. Queen Vereolis gave a chuckle. "We don't feed in Equestria, we feed in the Changeling Nation of Savarance." The group's eyes widened. "Believe it or not, they have a holiday like Nightmare Night there," Queen Veroelis continued. "And our world and the one of Nightmare Night happen to be intermingled." "Best not to think too hard about it, mates," Pipbossa grunted. "It'll drive ya mad just like it drove me ole' captain, tha one before Davy Bones, him seekin' out the answers noghoul else dared to find within uncharted waters... sailing to the ends of this world." Apple Bloom gave a shiver. "W-What did he find?" Pip paused for a second, before answering in a deadly serious tone: "Nothing. He found nothing." A beat. "All aboard who's comin' aboard!" a trainmate called, breaking the silence. Pipbossa cracked a smile. "Anyway, nuff' with the existential nonsense, time to get aboard, shall we?" "I suppose it's time we part ways, then, Metus," Queen Vereolis said warmly, giving her a small nuzzle. At this point, Scootaloo couldn't be filled with any more shock. "Goodbye, my wretched little student." She then leaned closer, whispering, "mожет судьба наблюдать за вами." "Goodbye, mommy, and may fate watch over you, too," Metus replied in a warm tone, giving the Fearling queen a hug, the Crusaders one last look, and then climbing aboard the train. Pipbossa and the Crusaders soon followed. ☼☼☼ The main hall of the fear train was slightly cramped, though not too claustrophobic, at least for Scootaloo. Fog graced the floor and cobwebs hung off its ceiling, only dim torches on the wall giving them light. If there ever was a haunted train, it was this. "News from the Western Front!" an older ghoul called, waving a sack of papers around titled 'Necropolis Times'. "Cthulhu vows to send Null Space soldiers to quell augmented rogue forces! Nightmare Moon negotiates with Princess Luna to acquire modern projectile weaponry!" "W-Wah?" Scootaloo cried. "What's going on?" "Nasty bit of skirmishes out that way," Pipbossa explained. "Lotta good ghouls' dyin', and bad ones too, fortunately. Buncha minor Eldritch Abominations and ghouls be teamin' up out that way to cause a ruckus. Raidin' border towns, generally being a bunch of bumblin' sea scum, that kinda thing. Not a full blown war, though. Nothin' ta worry bout." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "Null Space?" "Aye, where dat nasty piece of work Blackblood came from," Pipbossa explained. "It's where a buncha monstas live that make even us shiva. Cthulhu n' the Old Gods, things that could outlast the prime universe if they wanted to, them beyond time itself. Why they wants ta fight us is beyond this seaghoul, though." Pipbossa then gave a chuckle, shaking his head. "Oi, I can see where this be goin', heh. I'm becomin' Captain Exposition aboard this har vessel. Not that I mind, I spose, but I need ta get a bit of shut eye." He quickly gave a smile. "I'll be seein' ya lot in a bit, I be ponderin'. Hope dis trip goes smoothly for tha lot of ya." He then gave them a small nod before turning into a nearby vacant quarters, biting another bit off his apple. As the group moved on, they heard him say one last thing: "Bloody Hell! When I get to Bogmorts I'm gonna eat a whole bushel of these damned things! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!" Nearby, a certain entity raised a trollish eyebrow, grinning wickedly. The Crusaders (And yes, Pip was now pretty much a part of them) quickly gave chuckle, however, before spotting another empty cabin, moving in and gazing about. It was somewhat sparse, just like the train, with long cobwebs stretching between the two far walls near the window to make a quartet of hammocks. However, before them were a set of comfortable-looking seats. "Heh, I guess this is home for the next day or so," Sweetie smiled, quickly taking one of them. "And you know, I never thought that the ghouls here would be so... nice, though I guess they seemed on the level come Nightmare Night, too" Apple Bloom stated, before shrugging. "Maybe us 'regular ole' mortals' might be able to fit in after all!" "I just hope they don't crowd me again," Scootaloo grumbled, folding her arms. "I seriously don't want to become a celebrity... I'm just here to control my powers, nothing more." "You gotta admit though, it's kind of cool," Sweetie said, nudging her slightly. "Haven't you always imagined what it'd be like to be Twilight Sparkle or one of the other famous ponies in Ponyville?" "Yeah," she sighed. "But now that I do, I don't really like it... I'm not surprised Twilight doesn't like to blab about being an Element too often." "Well, at least none of the ghouls our age have bothered you about it," Pip said optimistically. And naturally, that optimism was soon shattered. "Is that the car?!" a voice, best described as nails sliding down a chalk board, shrieked from outside. "Yeah! I think it is!" "Spoke too bloody soon," Pipsqueak grunted. "Oh no..." Scootaloo grumbled, quickly glancing about for a place she could hide. However, it was too late, for soon the door swung open, and she wished it hadn't, for standing at the entrance was Diamond Tiara... if she were a transparent banshee like creature with glowing red eyes, and wearing a gray, hole-filled cloak. Her teeth were as sharp as daggers, and her eyes seemed to be similar in nature, them piercing through Scootaloo with intensity. Topping her head was a black crown of sorts, whose bottom actually appeared to melt downward: tendrils of black, transparent goo squiggling across the banshee queen's face. "That's her! That's her! The daughter of Sleighbell!" 'Diamond Tiara' called with glee. Soon, another counterpart entered the room, this one of Silver Spoon. She was a bit less pronounced than her 'friend', though she still had this certain intensity about her. Two red, demonic horns topped her head, and leaping off her flank was a tail of a similar nature. Thin, red, with a triangular tip at the end. "Huh, other than the voice they seem more pleasant than our versions," Sweetie whispered to Pip. "Give it a second..." Pip grumbled. "Oh my gosh! You have no idea how cool it is to meet you!" 'Diamond' called, her breath smelling of rotten onions and whipping Scootaloo's face as she hovered in front of her. "Uh... hi," Scootaloo said, sweat-dropping. "Nice to meet you-" "I'm Bloody Tiara! The daughter of Wicked Rich! I'm sure you've heard of me already, though," she smirked smuggly. "And I'm Silver Tongue!" Silverspoon's counterpart grinned, quickly showing why she was named that, a snake-like tongue that appeared to made of solid silver whipping out of her mouth. "It's so totally awesome to meet you, Scootaloo!" "H-Heh, thanks," she said, sulking back slightly. "B-But uh, no offense, if you don't mind, we kind of want some privacy... it's been a really long day." "Oh, but how would I introduce you to the rest of my friends, then!?" she said, grinning. "The soon to be most glorified students in the house of Blackfire!" Scootaloo's eyes widened. "B-Blackfire?" "That's right!" Bloody Tiara smirked smugly. "I mean, I know that you probably want to get into your father's house and all, which is..." She put on a fake smile. "Cool and all, but the house of Blackfire... now that is a house worthy of someghoul of your caliber!" "Houses? How does that all work?" Sweetie said, raising an eyebrow. Diamond ignored her, gazing at Scootaloo continuing with: "Wanna hang out for a bit? We totally have some of the best sour sweets in our car! Dirty Dotson's Rancid Flavored Beans!" "Hey, my friend asked you a question!" Scootaloo said, frowning. Giving an annoyed grunt, Diamond turned towards Sweetie. "There are four houses in Bogmorts, each representing certain... qualities of character." "And the house of the Blackfire is the one for ambition!" Silver grinned, looking at Scootaloo. "Something I bet your father knew all about!" "Well, actually," Sweetie said, raising a hoof. "From what Ms. Soulshard described, he seemed to just admire the simple things in-" "Meh, what do you know?!" she growled, glaring at the mortal, and her eyes flickering red at the mention of 'Ms. Soulshard.' "Come on Scootaloo, what are you doing hanging around with these mortals, anyway?" "And there it is..." Pipsqueak muttered to himself. "Those mortals are her friends," a voice suddenly grunted, Scootaloo's eyes widening. Descending from the ceiling on a single string of web was a spider-pony hybrid that looked suspiciously like her: an orange entity with mandibles, a plethora of blackened eyes, and eight narrow, spike-tipped legs. She quickly dropped behind Diamond, giving her a growl. The two bullies immediately twirled about, giving a slight gasp. However, they soon composed themselves and began laughing wickedly. "Oh look, miss blank flank's trying to jump in web with her counterpart! Trying to leech a bit more fame, daughter of Shelob?!" "I am not!" she snapped. "I just don't want her jumping in web with you!" She then turned towards Scootaloo, cocking an eyebrow with a slight smile as she looked her over. "I'm Scootaweb, by the way. I think I remember seeing you on Nightmare Night. Heh, never thought I'd see you here, though." "That makes two of us," Scootaloo smiled. Scootaweb continued to look her over, suddenly smirking slightly. "Oooo, and wicked wings, by the way," Scootaweb motioned. Scootaloo narrowed an eyebrow, before glancing towards her backside, noticing she now had a new set of bat-wings instead of pegasi-wings. She quickly gave a gasp as Fangs, who had been perched on her shoulder, blinked his eyes open, and glanced about in a daze. "Woah! Those weren't there a second ago!" Apple Bloom cried. "T-They weren't," Scootaweb gulped. "I guess... the transformation is complete." "Yep, and now that it is, you're one of us!" Bloody Tiara grinned. "Come on, you don't want to hang out with any of these losers, do you?! Mortal, or spider!" Scootaloo immediately gave her a blank look. "Thank you for your kind, tactful offer," she said sarcastically. "But home is where the heart is, and my home happens to be the other side of the gates." Bloody shook her head incredulously, almost as if Scootaloo were telling her the sky was green. (It was in fact, a mixture of black and blood-red swirling lights.) "Oh, come on, Scootaloo! You're so above-" "I said: I'm fine!" Scootaloo growled. Silver Tongue then rolled her eyes, glancing at Bloody Tiara. "I told you it was a hopeless cause. She's too set in mortal ways. I bet she won't even last long at Bogmorts!" "You're making a big mistake, Scootaloo," Bloody Tiara grunted. "Blackfire's house is the house to be! And if you hang out with us we'll tell you all you need to-" "I've met Blackfire," Scootaloo growled, Tiara and Silver Spoon quickly giving her a look of awe. "And let me tell you, she isn't what she's cracked up to be." "Ugh! Yeah right! Noghoul knows where friggin' Blackfire is!" Bloody quickly shouted. "Lying won't get you far in Bogmorts!" "You can believe what you want, but would you mind believing it in your own car?" Pipsqueak groaned. "Fine, whatever!” Bloody shouted, before storming out of their own. “See you, losers!" "Um... still though, would you mind if I got your autograph?" Silver said, smiling sheepishly. "SILVER!" Bloody roared, the demon-pony quickly giving a gulp and scurrying out of the door. Scootaloo then took a deep breath, glancing at Scootaweb. "Anyway... sorry we kind of stole your car; we didn't even know you were in here." "It's alright," Scootaweb smiled. "I got plenty of sleep. I think I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the sights for now." At that, Sweetie quirked an eyebrow, glancing out of the window to view a fog filled badlands the train was travelling through. "Hmmmm... they're uh... beautiful." "Horrible, you mean!" Scootaweb grinned, her mandibles clicking in delight. "You guys gotsta learn the lingo here! I'm sure you'll pick it up soon enough, though." "So uh, where are the rest of our counterparts?" Apple Bloom asked. "Oh, they're in another car chillin'." She then glanced away from both her and Scootaloo, however. "Might be best if you guys avoid them, though... at least for now..." "Huh? Why?" Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. Scootaweb simpered. "It's uh... nothing personal... it's just your... teeth," she said. "You see, Apple Doom is sort of a Lycan, and Lycans and Vampires have this... thing... that's been going on for a while now. A minor bit of conflict in the Underworld." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Maybe once we get to know each other, though-" Scootaweb quickly shook her head. "Ehehe, trust me... just uh... no. Not for now. Maybe later. Earn your house a few points or something and maybe she'll look the other way. But maybe me and you can hang out later!" she smiled encouragingly, her mandibles now clicking in excitement as she gestured towards the door. "Anyway, I think I'll leave you guys alone for now. I'll see you in the Great Hall if I don't see you again on the train!" "Take it easy," the group called, smiling. "Heh, at least she seemed nice enough," Sweetie smiled, before wincing slightly. "But her uh... mandibles. I honestly don't think I'm ever going to get used to that." "Yeah," sighed Scootaloo. "Same here." She was lying, of course. They couldn't feel more natural to behold. "You know, I wonder why they always call us mortal?" Pipsqueak said, scratching his head. "Don't they live and die too?" Sweetie gave a smile, before beginning to explain: "Well, I think it's just..." "OI! WHAT BLOODY SCURVY BOUND YELLOW-BELLY BILGE-RAT STOLE ME APPLE STASH?!" a voice shouted from the hall. "TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!" another voice cackled. Suddenly, a pale-ghostly form of Princess Celestia sailed by the door, the group barely able to catch a glimpse of her in the window, levitating a small sack of apples in front of her with her horn. "PRINCESS TROLLESTIA! YOU ROTTEN POLTERGEIST! ROYALTY OR NOT, I'D GUT YA LIKE A BLOODY EEL IF YA HAD ANY GUTS LEFT!" Pipbossa's voice roared, its origin apparently storming by. The car sweat-dropped. "Hoo boy," Sweetie gulped. ☼☼☼ Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga... The Bogmorts express, an hour later, passed out of the brown badlands and into a snowy wilderness, blackened pine trees completely covered in cold, still white. As every little ghoul and mortal slept soundly aboard, creeping through the halls came a being of black mist and pale blue eyes, setting its sights on Scootaloo's quarters. "Iam venit eleifend magna," it whispered. "Now comes the link." Ghoul School"Scoots! Take one guess where we are!" Apple Bloom said with an odd mix of mirth and wariness. Scootaloo gave a terrific yawn, Apple Bloom wincing slightly at the look of her now two to three inch long fangs. "Mmmm... the North Poll?" "No silly, we're at Bogmorts!" Sweetie grinned. "Or at least the town near it." Scootaloo's eyes widened as she blinked their thoroughly rested, now piercing red selves. "Man, I must have really been out of it..." "You slept like a rock bein' doused in warm milk, sugar," Apple Bloom smiled, before waving her towards the door. "Come on, let's get going, though! You too, Pipsqueak." "Mmmm, Captain Sparrow!" Pipsqueak grunted groggily, his eyes still shut. "What arrrr ya doin'?" "Come on, Pipsqueak!" Apple Bloom said, giggling as she shook him. "OI! WEST ZEBRICAN TRADE COMPANY SHIP FIRIN' UPON US! GOTTA MAN ME POST!" Pipsqueak cried, suddenly rocking himself out of his web and landing with an 'oof' on the floor. The group of fillies couldn't help but laugh as Sweetie crept over to help Pipsqueak up on his hooves. "Ugh," Pipsqueak groaned, rubbing his head as his eyes fluttered open. "Was I bloody sleep talkin' again?" "Hahaha, at least it wasn't the worst case scenerio," Scootaloo smirked. "Remember when you slept walked that one time and almost attacked Ms. Hardknock with an umbrella? 'Yar, ye undead swine! Eat cutlass!'" The group let out another hysterical laugh, Pipsqueak rolling his eyes with a bemused smile. "Got myself in a ruddy bit of trouble with that one." "Ya kids getting off the train or are you looking to find out how hobos live?" a train mate grunted from the door, signaling them towards the train's entrance. "One second!" Sweetie beamed merrily, the train ghoul giving her an annoyed look as he moved on. She and the rest of the crusaders then gave a shiver, before opening up their travelling sacks and pulling out thick wool sweaters. "Awwww, Granny Smith stitched me this one," Apple Bloom smiled…. at least before noticing the red heart on its front. She quickly sweat-dropped at that. "Uggh, I'm definitely gonna get made fun of for this, though." Shrugging, she then sighed, slipping it on. "Ah well, better than being an icicle." "Yeah, I don't want to have to thaw you by a fire or anything," Scootaloo chuckled, now glancing out the window for the first time. It was steamy, even if their cabin was quite cold, meaning the temperature outside must have been quite brutal. Then again, if her father could take it, so could she. She quickly moved towards the window, rubbing off a bit of fog to view an arctic wasteland. At least from this view, there wasn’t even a tree to add a bit of diversity to the barren, fields of white. Bogmorts must have been on the other side. "Jeez, couldn't pick a more habitable place to set up a school, couldn't they?" she said with a smirk. "Talk about a test of endurance," Pipsqueak grunted, now wearing a brown sweater himself. "And I thought the time Captain Sparrow took a trip around the Northern Pass was bad. Only the seals would build a school up there." At that, a voice made itself known from the door. "Oi, you lot bout done gettin' yur knickers on?" Pipbossa grinned, now in fleshy form without the moon upon him, his face slightly flush. "Was wonderin' if I could stay round with ya, if that's alright." "Na, that's fine," Sweetie said, before smirking slightly. "Did Princess Trollestia give you trouble the whole trip?" Pipbossa gave a hearty sigh. "Lass, ya have no ideah. The way she was pickin' on me I thought I might have bloody painted a target on meself. Safety in numbahs, I always say." Creeping past him then came Metus, giving a somewhat hopeful look towards the group, almost as if she wanted to say something to them, before sauntering on. Scootaloo couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She knew her position well. Lonely, insecure, and most of all... unsure where she belonged. "Hey, Metus!" Scoots quickly called, giving her a bright smile. Metus' eyes widened slightly, almost as if surprised anyghoul was talking to her, before she quirked her head and glanced at the young filly as if she were a sight to be studied. "You're Scootaloo," she merely stated. "Errr, yeah, that's me!" Scootaloo beamed, sweat-dropping slightly. A beat. Metus continued to gaze upon him with analytical eyes, before eventually saying, "you know. I thought the daughter of Sleighbell would be menacing. Unapproachable. But you... you're not what I expected." "Oh... uh," Scootaloo said, sighing slightly. "Sorry to disappoint you, I guess." She then squinted an eyebrow, however. "I'm not disappointed. You just seem... friendly, is all." "Heh, well thanks!" Scoots smiled. Pipsqueak raised his eyebrows. "She seems a bit... off," he whispered to Sweetie, who quickly gave him a look. "Be nice," she whispered back. "We shouldn't go judging books by a cover. Queen Veorlis isn't Queen Chrysalis, after all." "I'm just saying…" Pip grunted. "But yeah, I..." Scootaloo said, wincing slightly. "I mean, we, were wondering if you'd like to hang out with us," she smiled. "You know, experience this whole new thing... together!" "Hmmm… interesting," Metus stated blankly, though Scootaloo thought she heard a bit of relief in her voice. "Yes, I think I'd like that. It might be... fun." "Well, come on then! Let's get going before we end up heading back to Terrorsville," Apple Bloom grinned, leading them the way down the train. At this point, Scootaloo could actually feel a bit of... something rising in her. It seemed to be a mix of both apprehension and excitement. She couldn't tell which was overpowering which... but she could say one thing: it wasn't necessarily a bad feeling. After a minute or so, they had made their way down the train and out the back door... and as soon as they did, their jaws dropped. Before them sat a castle that would rival anything she had ever seen, even Princess Celestia's. Even through the heavy snow that fell all around them, she could still see its looming presence in detail. There were spires and turrets shooting up every which way, with no particular order to them, and massive walls of ice-encrusted stone forming an ancient boundary around its perimeter. To put it bluntly: it was the epitome of over-the-top, both literally and figuratively, as it seemed content to pierce the storms above like an angry, smited archer shooting at god. "Now that... is a sight worth travelling across any sea for... even the sea between seas..." Pipsqueak said, his eyes filled with wonder. Before the castle was a small town of sorts, and looking it over she soon realized: even ghouls needed heat, at least some of them, as she could see plumes of smoke rising from chimneys on every house within it. Scootaloo felt lucky she had even seen it, the castle overtaking it by a grand degree. "Alright, sourcubes!" a voice called, its origin making itself known through a throng of tiny ghouls'. "Sourcube?!" Apple Bloom said, her eyes widening as she viewed the sight of Applejack... at least a very furry, clawed, and yellow-eyed version of her. "If I can have yall's attention, please!" 'Applejack' announced again, this time gaining their heed. She then smiled. "Yeah, I know it's a wicked sight. Had my jaw dropping down to the core of the world first time I saw it, too. But yall want to see the inside of it, right?" The group gave a series of enthusiastic cheers. "Good to hear!" she called. "To those of you who don't know me from Terrorsville, mah name's Applemoon, me n' my brother Big Macinslash beside me are the ground keepers of this here school... well, what little ground ain't covered in snow that is." "Eeeeeyup," another voice called, a horrific, Lycan version of Big Macintosh. "Mmmm, why was I expecting him to be a chatterbox or something?" Scootaloo smirked. "I guess every version of Big Mac is a pony of few words," Apple Bloom shrugged. Pipsqueak quirked an eyebrow. "You know, I wonder what part of this place isn't covered in snow?" he asked. "A few portions are used for growing food," Sweetie stated, gaining odd looks from her friends. "What?! I did some reading on the way." She then cleared her throat. "Anyway, apparently, they used a bit of magic to keep a few areas in 'snow shields', including what's called the Forbidden Forest.'" "Oi, I forgot how much of a bookworm you could be, Sweetie," Scootaloo chirped, smiling her way. "Mmmm, might come in handy," Apple Bloom smirked. "Uh uh! You two are taking your own notes, this time!" Sweetie grunted. "We're not making this a repeat of school in Ponyville!" Before she could respond, Scootaloo was interrupted by the voice of their caretaker. "We'll be takin' ya up to the school," Applemoon continued. "Now, everyghoul give one last check to see if ya remembered all yur sweaters and homemade tar soup, cus as soon as we step hoof away from this here train platform she's heading back home!" At that, the group did as they were commanded. Scootaloo gave a brief look through her sack, it having only a sweater she didn't need, her now not-so-mysterious message left from her adoption, and a few goodbye and good luck notes. 'Live long and party! It's always best at dusk, anyway!' - Pinkie Pie. 'I hope the sweater I gave you will keep you warm in the coldest of nights. Good luck, dear Scootaloo.' – Rarity. Smiling warmly, despite the cold environment, she closed her sack. She was all set. At that, a series of screams could be heard, what looked like ghostly, bat-winged pegasi pulling a series of carriages into sight. "Void Callers are giving the all clear, ma'm," one of them announced, giving Applemoon a stern glance. "We have the green light. However, they have announced they want to inspect every last one of the young ghouls for... contamination." "Mmmmm, yeah," Applemoon groaned, rolling her eyes. "Fine, it's Shadowed's orders in the end, I suppose." "Void Callers? Contamination?" Sweetie said, the group turning to Pipbossa for guidance. "Bloody Hell, I knew this was going to happen," he laughed. "Ah well. The Void Callers be creatures of Null Space. Nasty, hooded blokes who will suck the happiness right out of ya. Last I heard they were workin' for Cthulhu. Must have made good on his promise to send soldiers to tha Nightmare Realm." "So they're uh... Elrdrick Abominawatchamacallits? Like Slendermare?" Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. "Eldritch Abominations," Sweetie corrected. "What she said," Apple Bloom groaned, rolling her eyes. Pipbossa gave a nod. "Mmmm, that they be, lasses." "Creatures of Null Space," Metus said, gazing Pipbossa over. "My mother always said they were real..." Pipbossa gave a hearty laugh. "Well, it's good that ya be believing in ghost stories, lass,” he said, before narrowing his eyes and saying in a low tone, “You're in one." He then took a bite out of a frozen apple, wincing as it nearly shattered his teeth. "Ah, damnit all! I hope they have some bloody fires goin' inside that school of thars." "M-Me too," Pipsqueak shivered. "Never was one for the cold." "Alright, everyghoul hop aboard!" Applemoon called. The group gave nods, some more (though slightly jittery, thanks to the cold) excited murmurs echoing about as they climbed aboard the multiple carriages. Though Applemoon gave Apple Bloom a slight smile as she lept upon the wooden vessel, the only thing Scootaloo received was a set of narrowed, suspicious yellow eyes. ☼☼☼ "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click!" a void reaper growled in a low, menacing tone, it and his kin of four others circling the group of (surprisingly) frightened ghouls as they stood upon a high, outer tower. They were nearly ten hoof tall, humanoid, hooded beings. And just as Pipbossa had described, their mere presence gave Scootaloo a feeling of pure dread... of hopelessness, and everyghoul in the group seemed to feel the same way. Scootaloo could just tell they weren’t shivering because of the cold. They were ten times worse than even Metus, who's slight bit of passive fear she generated Scootaloo was now starting to get used to. "Mmmm, what does six clicks mean again, Big Mac?" Applemoon asked Big Macinslash. "Not sure," he grunted. "Should have brought mah translation guide." "S-Sis..." Apple Doom, the sister of Applejack's counterpart shivered. "W-What are these guys here for, exactly?" "Orders from above," Applemoon sighed. "Sorry, I can't tell ya much, sept the last thing I want to do is cross Shadowed." Scootaloo watched with wary eyes as the group of Void Callers continued to circle... …And then, one paused. Quirking its head, almost as if it were curious, it began to turn to Scootaloo… slowly, before beginning to drift towards her, hovering an inch across the snowy, stone floor. Scootaloo gave a gulp, before taking a nervous step backward, the group of her friends doing the same thing. "Hey! Watcha doin thar?" Applemoon growled angrily towards the being, though Scootaloo thought it was probably more for Apple Bloom's sake than hers. "Yeah, I know there's a few mortals among them, don't mean ya gotta give em a whiff of those nasty cloaks of yours." The Void Caller merely gave a dismissive growl, continuing to close in on the young vampire and her friends. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click-CLICK!.!.!" That seemed to catch the other creatures' attentions, for they soon joined in with their brother, the quintet of them forming a line and pausing. The clicks they emitted were now starting to sound like that of a rattle snake's tail. "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Hkkkkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Get away from them, moon damnit!" Applemoon roared, now galloping forward to stand in front of the group. "W-What do you think they want with you?" Pipsqueak squeaked. Scootaloo shook her head. "I-I'm not sure... but...” She then squinted. “…Why do they seem familiar?" They then began moving again, growing ever closer to her... "EEEP!" the group shrieked. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click!.!.!" …And then came the piercing light of the Nightmare Realm's moon, a blue beam from the heavens landing upon the creatures and sending them into a spasm of hideous shrieks. "Yeah, like that don'tcha?!" a certain voice called from the heavens. Her eyes widening in awe, Scootaloo looked up to see Rainbow Dash, her busy completely desecrating a portion of the titanic snowstorm above, actually piercing a massive hole in the cloud layer that seemed to be nearly a half a kilometer up, though she was sure it was just her imagination. The Void Callers continued shrieking, flying off the tower and into the storm. "Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' bout," Applemoon grinned. "Use the stick if nothin' else works!" "Mmmm.... Shadowed's not gonna be happy, though," Big Macinslash grunted. "Yeah well, he should know better than to trust Cthulhu's cronies. I don't care if they say he's on our side," Applemoon muttered. "You kids OK?" Rainbow Dash smiled, landing besides a now very relieved Scootaloo, the group of young ghouls in the crowd looking at her in amazement. "Y-Yeah," Scootalloo gulped. "I'm fine..." She then shook her head in disbelief. "Jeez, that was amazing, though, Rainbow Dash!" "Heh, well, just doing my new job," Rainbow grinned. "Job?" Sweetie said, raising her eyebrows. "Yeah! You see, seems the mortal world has one leg up on the Nightmare Realm, that being noghoul here knows a darn thing or even how to do weather control, especially not at the level of yours truly!” she smirked smugly. “I'm in charge of keeping the storms over the castle at bay, as a few werewolves here will probably like." "Mmmmm... moooooon," Applemoon droned dreamily, her and the rest the Lycans in the group basking in the light of it. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Mmmm... yeah." She then leaned closer to Scootaloo. "I wonder how long she's been up here?" she whispered. Scootaloo gave a slight giggle. "Whelp, thank ya kindly Rainbow Dash. Our Rainbow could never do anything like that," Applemoon grinned, snapping out of her moon transfixiation. "S-She couldn't?" Rainbow Dash said in disbelief, before smiling widely. "I mean, uh- of course she couldn't! She may be the Queen of Death, but I'm still the Queen of the Skies!" "Meh, I don't care what that Lycan says, Rainbow Death could totally do that," Bloody Tiara muttered to herself. "Mortals thinking they're tough stuff in our realm, bleh!" "Shut up! You may not love the moon, but some of us here appreciate it," Apple Doom growled, her sharp teeth gritted. "Bah, I'm not surprised you'd be a mortal lover," she grunted. "Yeah, well, I learned my lesson after Nightmare Night. But apparently, you haven't!" "Thank ya kindly again, Rainbow Dash. Dunno what got into those crazy things," Applemoon smiled, before gesturing the group towards a tower entrance. "If yall will follow me, now, though. There's one heck of a feast waitin' for ya." ☼☼☼ The Great Hall, like the castle, was also an impressive sight to behold. There were four, long tables stretched across its length, with a massive, long black carpet stretching between the second and third down the middle length of the hall as well, with the symbol of Edeathstria upon it at three points, a strange thing that looked like a white, spiky wreath. A massive blood fountain sat in the middle of the hall, the carpet stretching around it in two, from which Scootaloo eagerly gathered a goblet of the delicious substance. The ceiling of it was actually transparent (thanks to Twilight Sparkle’s magic), and high above, Scootaloo could see the hole Rainbow had cleared in the heavens was still just that... a hole. Apparently, pegasi magic wasn't something to be underestimated anywhere, as Rainbow was currently in the hall as well, and not outside keeping it clear. This let a brilliant moon beam down upon everyghoul, one brighter than she had ever seen in the Nightmare Realm, its layers of fog usually obscuring it to a degree. Some of the ghouls seemed to love this, while others, like Scootaweb, winced slightly. On the far side of the room was a fifth table, where a number of ghouls (and ponies, now) sat: the teachers and staff of the school. Behind them were four, flowing banners. One was black, with a large, detailed red moon upon it. The next was blue, with a black camarilla painted over it. After that was a red one with a scythe upon it, a green snake circling its stem. The last was green, with a nasty looking eyeball in the epicenter with a mass of black tendrils stretching every which way from it. Scootaloo was easily able to point out the members of the staff table, as she had seen many before. Twilight Sparkle sat there, chatting with Ms. Soulshard about something. Rainbow Dash was next to them, talking with Applemoon, though with a bit of apprehension on her face. On the other side was a smirking pony who Scootaloo recognized as Trixie Elphaba, the counterpart of Trixie, a pony who had nearly brought Nightmare Night to ruin for both sides of the fence, though she made up for it slightly at the end. She merely glanced upon the ghouls in the hall, as if studying them. There was also Big Macinslash, Flutterfright (Fluttershy's counterpart), and a few empty chairs. However, in the middle of it sat a set of jagged, black set of metal armor, with red spikes jutting out of it at multiple angles. It seemed to be sitting still. Shrugging slightly at this, Scootaloo made her way back to her table, where her and her new friends were sitting and enjoying a massive feast. There was everything from apple pies to blood pies, from scrambled eggs (both rotten and regular) to hay bacon. Scootaloo supposed they had Twilight Sparkle to thank for the non-rotten food most ghouls seemed to enjoy eating. "I'm sorry..." Metus said mournfully, glancing at Sweetie next to her. "For what?" Sweetie said, raising an eyebrow. "You haven't done anything!" "It's just... the fear I seem to put in ghouls around me... I can't really control it..." "Oh, that?" Sweetie smiled, shrugging. "Don't worry about it, I'm starting to get used to it!" "Oh... that's good," Metus said blankly, blinking. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. She was a bit of an odd duck. Though still, she was sure she could call her a friend after a while. After all, what wasn't weird about the Nightmare Realm? After a few more minutes of dining and chatting, Twilight Soulshard tapped a glass set upon the staff table, smiling merrily. "Hello, young ghouls from all stretches of Edeathstria!" she announced, standing up. "May I have your attention please!" At this, most of the ghouls in the hall quickly gave her attention, all except the ones hanging around Bloody Tiara (and their numbers were growing quite large.) “Ahem. Please, may I have your attention!” Twilight called again. The chatting didn’t cease. A vein then sprung forth upon the Lich Queen's head. “Hooo boy, here it comes,” Pipsqueak winced. "I SAID. MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?!" Soulshard roared in her demonic voice (something Scootaloo was still getting used to.) To Scootaloo and her friends' giggles, Bloody’s group quickly snapped their attention towards her, the banshee queen’s eye twitching slightly. "Thank you," Soulshard smiled. "Anyway, I'm sure you'd all appreciate a long, boring speech by me, but I'll try to keep it brief. First off, and for the first time in nearly two centuries, welcome to the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy!" Everyone in the audience let out a cheer, even Bloody and her ilk. "What was once Edeathstria's prime academy for learning the art of scaring, magic, and everything in-between, is now back in business! And despite its... somewhat chilly location, I'm sure you'll all find warmth within these sacred halls eventually. For in them have treaded many of Edeathstria's most famous figures, and were constructed by the highest tier of them! Those of which the four houses that you will eventually be divided into represent!" She cleared her throat, pointing at the banner with the moon upon it. "The House of Noctus, founded by Nightmare Moon, our loving princess, who unfortunately due to more... pressing matters is unable to attend the gathering. " "Awwwwww...." The undead Twilight gave a slight, hidden sigh, before pointing towards the flag with the eyeball on it. "The House of Void, named by our friendly ambassador from Null Space, Slendermare!" The group let out a cheer. "Alright, Slendermare!" Apple Bloom called, grinning. Scootaloo and the Crusaders raised an eyebrow at her, to which she shrugged at. "What? He turned out to be a pretty good dancer." Soulshard then turned towards the next banner, it with the scythe upon it, before, in a somewhat disgruntled tone announcing, "The House of Mortus, founded by Blackfire, the longest living and most famous reaper in Edeathstrian history!" Scootaloo clopped her hooves politely, though Bloody's banshee-spawn voice nearly made her deaf via her over-enthusiastic cheers. Scootaloo caught Rainbow giving her a slight glare, to which she was grateful for. "And finally, the House of Winter, founded by the oldest vampire to ever walk this world, Sleighbell Wintercall!" Scootaloo took a sorrowful gulp upon hearing her father's name, before joining her friends in enthusiastic applause. Soulshard then raised a hoof. "Unfortunately though, as much as I'd love to continue to lead this school, that task has not been appointed to me.” The young ghouls about gave a series of confused murmurs. "Huh?" "What in the world?" "Mom said Ms. Soulshard was going to be leading this place... what's going on?" "Sorry," Soulshard simpered, before clearing her throat. "No, that task has been appointed to someghoul much more experienced than myself. Someghoul who has thoroughly earned the title with his continued, honored service to Edeathstria.” She then smirked, glancing at something directly ahead of her. “Someghoul who should be here.... right about... now." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, looking towards the two, massive metal doors to the hall. ... C-CLANK! They suddenly flung open, a large blast of cool, winter air sailing into it. "Oooooh yeah!" Scootaweb grinned a few chairs down from them. "I hope this is who I think it is!" Scootaloo raised an eyebrow her way, before glancing back at the door. Suddenly, a series of blackened tendrils began creeping around the edges of its frame, clinging to the wall, looking almost like shadows. Then, making a piercing noise that sounded sort of like a loud hiss, the tendrils lept from the door and began sliding across the walls. They were massive looking entities, ten in all, over ten hooves thick and stretching the length across the hall, all heading towards that set of armor sitting in the middle of the staff table. As Scootaloo watched with awe, the tail ends of them eventually followed the tips, and after a few more seconds, there was nothing left of the tendrils at all.... CLANK! Then, to her shock, the metallic armor took a step to the left, the interior of it now looking... much darker than before. CLANK! It took another step, a light growl emanating from it. "Friggin' wicked!" Apple Doom called a few seats away. "It's him!" CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! Slowly, menacingly, the shadowy armor continued to move, before finally, it stood in front of the staff table, its metallic head facing their way. Twilight Soulshard then quickly moved to its side with a massive smile on her lips. "Ghouls of Bogmorts, may I introduce you to the first headmaster to grace these halls in nearly two hundred years," she announced, before leaping an enthusiastic hoof his way, and roaring with enthusiasm Scootaloo had never heard from her before: "My brother, SHADOWED ARMOR!" And the hall erupted into a roar of applause. Sorting of the GhoulsThe applause continued for a good few minutes, the armor standing absolutely still, with no indication it was even watching them. Twilight Soulshard continued to gaze upon it with adoring eyes, looking back at the audience every few minutes or so. When it finally died down, there was a few more seconds of silence... ... And then… nothing happened. Soulshard raised an eyebrow, glancing at Shadowed with slight hint of annoyance. "Shadowed..." she whispered to him. A beat. ... Silence continued to fall as Twilight moved over to his side. "Ugh," she grunted, tapping him slightly. "Edeathstria to Shadowed..." At that, she finally got a response from it, what sounded like a loud, hoarse whisper: "Mph." "Come on! They're expecting a speech!" Twilight silently growled towards him. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. This... headmaster was far from what she expected. To be honest, she was expecting an old, Starswirl the Bearded-like ghoul with a black, cobwebbed beard or something to fit the nightmare theme, not he who seemed to be a warrior. He almost seemed to have a reluctant quality to him. Though perhaps he was just a bit thick... which wouldn't be much better. "Very well..." he hissed back. There was another few seconds of nothing before his whisper for a voice once again echoed through the hall: "Greetings, younglings of the Nightmare Realm," he droned in an almost apathetic tone, though it being a whisper it was hard to tell for Scootaloo. Still, as soon as he spoke, there was a renewed series of applause. Ms. Soulshard smiled her usual merry smile, though with a hint of nervousness on her face, before the applause died down, and Shadowed continued with: "I am Shadowed Armor, commander of the Northern Forces of the Edeathstrian Legion, and former Senior Instructor of the Necropolis Guard Academy. You will report to me any suspicious activity sighted or unusual behavior from your fellow students. Your classes start at 0700 hours. Rest up. That is all." Clank! Clank! Clank! Shadowed then began to make his way back around the table. The ghouls of the hall looked at each other, as if unsure of what to do, before giving a series of polite applause, as Ms. Soulshard gave his brother a look that could kill. And then, yet another new voice made itself known: "Easy there, Shadowed! Don't want to show too much enthusiasm, they might think you're faking it!" it chirped, this one actually sounding deceptively soothing, as it echoed from a small door on the left of the staff table. Scootaloo's eyes then widened as the most beautiful pony, or ghoul, she had ever seen entered from it. Pink, with a broken heart for a Cutie (or Putrid, as she knew them as) Mark. She had long, angelic wings stretching from her about the size of Princess Celestia's, though she wasn't nearly that size. "P-Princess Cadence?!" Apple Bloom squeaked, gazing upon her nearly hypnotic presence. Pipbossa immediately gave a growl. "Nay, that be no mortal princess, lass. That be Princess Congeria, everyghoul's favorite Siren." His eyes then narrowed with a spite none of his new friends had seen from him before. "We've... met before. Don't trust that witch, that's all I can say." He then turned his attention back on Shadowed, watching him as he made hushed conversation with her. "Uggggh... wives," Shadowed growled in a low tone, pausing in his steps. "Why did god see fit to create a problem that can't be dealt with via surgical strikes or decapitation?" "Because that would take the fun out of life, sweetie," Princess Congeria smiled, scooting to his side and giving him a peck on the helmet. He threw her back a light grunt. "And furthermore, why did god have to make that problem so irresistible?" he said, taking a deep breath. Still, at least one ghoul had enthusiasm for her arrival. "Princess Congeria, I wondered when you'd get here!" Twilight chirped merily. The princess immediately turned, smiling wide. "Twilight Soulshard! It's so good to see you!" she beamed back. And yes, the two of their voices could now be heard by the hall. The two then stood across from each other, before beginning a small little hoof-bumping routine to an almost unbearably happy jingle: "Moonlight, Moonlight, Make them dread our wake! Hail to the eventide, And make the mortals quake!" They then giggled fanatically, as Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and pretty much the entire hall gazed at them with blank looks. Both Ms. Soulshard and Princess Congeria turned towards the students, the former simpering, but the latter holding her ground with a smile as if to say, 'buck you, I do what I want!' At that, Soulshard took a deep breath and turned back to Shadowed, giving him another annoyed look. "But anyway, come on, Shadowed! You can do better than that lousy speech!" she hissed. If Shadowed had eyes, they would be narrowing. "I am a soldier, Twilight. I should be out bashing heads on the field of battle, not patting heads in the field of academics. That's more of... your line of business. Why Nightmare Moon believed I would be fit for a task of a nurturer is beyond me." Soulshard rolled her glowing, white eyes, giving a huff. "Fine, would you like me to continue?" "I thought you'd never ask," he grunted, before continuing to march back around the table. As Twilight Sparkle gave her a sympathetic glance, and 'Shining' a raised eyebrow, Ms. Soulshard then faced the crowd of students again, simpering. As she did so, Scootaloo caught Trixie chuckling slightly, sticking a playful tongue out at her. "Well, it appears I will be leading the activities for this evening... as Shadowed is..." She shot him a glare. "Very tired from his long trip." Shadowed merely stood motionless in response... SHIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGG!.!.! …Before unsheething a massive, glowing blue sword and beginning to sharpen it with a whetstone, ignoring the looks of awe from the crowd, and pretty much everything else around him. "Seriously, hunny?" Princess Congeria said, giving him a sarcastic smirk. "Ugh... be quiet, woman," he hissed, continuing to sharpen his blade. "Constant vigilance and a sharp sword. That's the only thing this school needs. To be honest, I'm happy they brought most of the children here. It makes guarding them easier. It's a perfect location to safeguard our youth, really, and that's all it is and ever will be to me: not a school, a fortress." Princess Congeria raised an eyebrow. "But don't you think you're frightening them a bit?" "Good, then I'm doing my job," he said, with not even a hint of a chuckle. "They need to be alert. A little taste of their own medicine won't hurt them, because even ghouls need fear. Fear makes you quick. Fear makes you tread delicately. And most importantly: it makes you as sharp..." He looked down upon his sword. "As a well-made blade." Princess Congeria rolled her eyes, before turning her attention back to Twilight. "As stated earlier," Ms. Soulshard continued. "Each of you will be divided into one of the four honored houses whose banners wave behind me!" She then gestured towards them. "Alright! Maybe we'll get into your father's house, Scoots," Sweetie chirped. "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, gazing at its banner longingly. "That would be pretty cool." "I just hope we all get placed in the same one..." Apple Bloom gulped. "I wonder how the whole thingamajig works." Almost as if to answer her question directly, Soulshard then continued with: "Now, each house represents the characteristics of the founders, of which will be elaborated upon shortly. Naturally, if you share the same traits as one of them, you will be placed into their house..." She then smiled warmly. "Though take heed: your say can and will affect the verdict of your placement. Choose wisely." She then glanced towards the massive, metal doors of the now freezing hall. "However, since the only ghoul who could possibly select your placement accurately is someone who could read minds, it's unfortunate that placements could be... miscalculated... unless we had someone like that among us, of course." The students about the hall glanced at each other worriedly. "Oh no! What if they make the wrong call and we all end up in separate houses!" Sweetie gulped. "I mean, the ghouls here are nice and all but I don't really want to-" "Hang tight, Sweetie, I don't think Twilight's done," Pipsqueak smiled. Indeed, Twilight then grinned widely. "Oh wait! We do happen to have someghoul like that!" Shen then cleared her throat before announcing, "everyone, give it up for everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood Eldritch Abomination, and both founder and leader of the House of Void, the Slendermare!" At that, the eyes of everyghoul (and even pony) in the hall widened in delight as the monstrosity that was the Slendermare slowly crept through the doors to it: his evil, black tendrils licking into the moonlight, and his blank face quirking about occasionally as if to 'scan' various fillies and colts. At that, a mass of black confetti fell from the ceiling, as a singing voice that sounded suspiciously like Pinkie's blasted from a loud speaker: "Slendermare, Slendermare! Friendly neighborhood Slendermare! Rapes your mind, (But with care), Friendly neighborhood Slendermare! Watch out! (OH GOD!), Here comes the Slendermare!" At that, the Slendermare halted in its treks, and Scootaloo could just tell it was giving Twilight Soulshard a glare. "Mmm... think I went overboard?" she said, sweat-dropping towards the teachers. "Nooo, it was fine," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "Not bad, Lich Queen," Trixie Elphaba smirked. "Pretty awesome if I say so myself, did you get Pinkie to record that on Nightmare Night?!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "It was perfect, sourheart," Princess Congeria beamed. However, Shadowed merely paused in his sword sharpening, before giving her a blunt, annoyed: "Yes.” Soulshard gave him another glare, before turning back towards the students and the Slendermare, who was now right before the platform the staff were on, it 'gazing' at the students. "Alright, Slendermare! Let's begin!" Soulshard chirped merily. "YAY, SLENDERMARE!" the students cheered. At that, the Slendermare silently crept a tendril to the back of Soulshard's undead head... before actually digging it through her skull and into her brain. The mortal ponies' eyes widened in horror, Sweetie's jaw nearly dropping. "OH CELESTIA! NO, SLENDERMARE, NO!" she shrieked. She then halted, noticing the ghouls in the crowd were gazing upon her as if she had lost her marbles, to which she grinned sheepishly at. "Everypony, relax," Soulshard smiled. "This is perfectly safe and normal! And by that I mean it definitely doesn't cause brain damage, right Slendy?" she continued in a hopeful, though slightly nervous tone. Slendermare merely shrugged. Soulshard's eyes widened in horror, before she gave a half-cough, half-laugh, and glanced back at the students. "Right! Totally safe!" "Ugh, and this was the acting headmistress," Bloody Tiara grumbled to herself. "Shut up, Twilight knows what she's doing!" Apple Doom growled, her yellow eyes piercing into (or through) the banshee. She then turned back towards her, gulping. "I think..." Twilight then took a deep breath, and nodded towards Slendermare. "Alright, go ahead." It gave another curt nod, before in the blink of an eye, Twilight's white, glowing eyes flickered off, revealing nothing but the black holes of her sockets, much to the continued unnerve of the mortals in the hall. However, after a second or so, she began to drone forth in an almost zombie-like way: "Greetings, honored students of Bogmorts. I am Tkla-wet'sra-srtrnotiumla-trian'osla-sra'ok-nor sara Trikno'lasthrila' de R'leh son Cthulhu-fs'da." "Oh come on!" Sweetie cried to herself. "How am I supposed to remember that?!" "...Though you may call me Slendermare," he continued. "I have assimilated this mind for use as a temporary way of simulacrum communication. And what a strange, maze-like mind it is. But I digress.... Long have I waited for the day when hooves, claws, and talons dare tread upon these ancient halls yet again, for Bogmorts is much more than just a school for some: it is a home, and it can be, if given the proper love: your life. Secrets hide from even my mind within these hallowed tunnels, towers, and dungeons, planted there by ancient forces beyond even the founders. On a red moon, perhaps you will have the chance to find some. Though perhaps you'll wish you didn't...." He then paused, before continuing with: "However, I am not here to talk about Bogmorts, as much as I'd love to. I am here to sort you into what may as well be called your family for the next semester and onward. For that, I will need to access your mind... The mortals in the hall gave a slight gasp, as well as some of the not-so-undead ghouls. The Slendermare sighed. "No, it will not be in this manner, it will be slightly more... pleasant. However, to continue, as stated by the Lich Queen: each house represents certain characteristics of a ghoul... of equal strengths and weaknesses. Some may have certain advantages over the other, perhaps, but in the end, it does not matter, for only together are we strong. You cannot build an empire with just soldiers, or fortify it with just builders. And you cannot hope to make their lives worth living without artists, entertainers and others of their ilk. Strength must be forged with unity and cooperation. It must be forged through the fires of synergy." Pipsqueak squinted an eyebrow, before smirking and saying: "I see what he did there." "However, sometimes it's best to keep these classes... separated," the Slendermare continued. And by now, you're probably wondering what the four founders represent. Though if you aren't, I'd say it's *time you've begun.*" The Slendermare paused, before continuing with an odd poem as his tendrils gestured towards the four banners, one each at a time: "Oh poor Blackfire who sailed to distant seas, Never have I seen one with more fire than thee, A heart of ice, I dare not say, Burning with desire it was each day. The one before you is of the timeless null, Filled with logical beings of wisdom and old, And from my homelands I give the gift, Of strengthening an already strong mind's lift. Nightmare Moon, a vessel of strength, Perhaps eternity will meet its length, And unlike her counterpart's woeful life, Her's spawns courage to parry strife. And then there's Sleighbell, the odd ghoul out, Who only wished for his time without, Petty conflict or inner strife, Nothing for all but peace-filled lives. Together these traits can be made to forge, An almost perfect, diamond sword, That which can cut through any manner of Hell, From beyond or from within thyself." He then stopped, his puppet Soulshard actually giving a hint of a smile, as the hall erupted into enthusiastic applause. "Heh, not bad, though he could have gone for more multi-syllabic rhyming words," Sweetie smiled. Scootaloo merely rolled her eyes, sticking her tongue out at her. "Not everyghoul is a bookworm, you know." "You mean uh... everypony," Sweetie said, raising a somewhat concerned eyebrow, and Scootaloo could tell it wasn't just because she had said the wrong pun. "Oh, heh... right," Scootaloo sighed. "Thank you for the warm applause," Slendermare said. "Now, let's begin the sorting, shall we? When I call your name, please come towards me. Then, when sorted, head to the table facing downward from the banner of your house." There was a pause, the ghouls and mortals in the crowd taking deep, anxious breaths, before Slendermare cleared his throat and called: "Dinky Stitched!" The somewhat apprehensive looking, but still smiling little ghoul Scootaloo had seen at the train station made her way to Slendermare. She then stood facing the ghouls in the hall, before giving a slight gulp. Slowly, the Eldritch Abomination touched a tendril to the back of her head, and after a few moments, it began to fluctuate ever so slightly, turning a blueish color. "Mmmmm... this mind is already on the road to peace... though there is some minor conflict within..." Slendermare said to himself. "You desire it more than anything else, however... Not a very hard choice, you are." After a moment, Slendermare took a deep breath before announcing: "WINTER HOUSE!" At that, Dinky gave a huge sigh of relief, before heading over towards the assigned table, the hall, including the teachers, stomping and clapping hooves. "Alright, Dinky!" Apple Bloom cheered. "Heh, she seems just as sweet-hearted as her counterpart, or as horrific-hearted as they'd say here," Pipsqueak said, clapping enthusiastically. "You know, I gotta say, with the whole counterpart thing this is actually making this pretty easy to get used to," Sweetie smiled. "Bloody Tiara!" Slendermare then called, her quickly making her way to Slendermare with a cocky grin on her face, the eyes of her friends following her intently. Slendermare then tapped his tendril against her head, before muttering: "Mmmmm... a storm brews within this one. You think the world doesn't give you enough, and you desire more... "Just hurry up and put me in Mortus House," Bloody said impatiently. Slendermare's puppet cocked an eyebrow. "I have not finished examin-" "Pleeeeeeease," she said, giving him puppy-dog eyes, at least the best a banshee could give. And as it soon turned out, even Slendermare was not resistant to them. "Very well, then.... MORTUS HOUSE!" There was a mix of enthusiastic and unenthusiastic applause as she made her way to Backfire's table, her giving a wicked smirk. "Wow, what a twist," Pipsqueak muttered, rolling his eyes. "Didn't see that coming like a bloody iceberg." "I just hope none of us get placed in the same house as her," Sweetie grunted. "Yeah, it'd be nice not to have to put up with her for once, at least her counterpart. Maybe we'll even be in separate classes!" Scootaloo said hopefully. "Vlad Seed!" Slendermare then called. Scootaloo's eyes widened as she spied a black cloaked, fanged version of Babs made her way to Slendermare. She looked strikingly like a female, filly version of Nosferatu. "Woah! I didn't even know Babs' counterpart was here!" she said, smiling slightly. "Oooo, and she's a vampire too!" Sweetie squeaked. Slendermare touched a tendril to her head, pausing in thought for a second, before announcing: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" There was more thunderous applause as the counterpart of Scootaloo's one-time bully made her way to Nightmare Moon's table, smiling proudly. "Heh, I guess she was pretty brave, facing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon like that back in Ponyville," Sweetie beamed. "I think that house suits her." "Do you think we're going to get into Nightmare's house, though?!" Apple Bloom grinned. "I mean, it's a pretty big compliment to be called brave n' stuff." “Mmm, I dunno… I mean, are you sure that’s the best house there is?” Sweetie said, quirking an eyebrow. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "What other house do you have in mind?" "Metus!" Slendermare then called, the group's new friend slowly rising to her legs and calmly making her way towards the Eldritch Abomination. "Good luck, Metus! I hope we get into the same house!" Scootaloo called. "I hope so, too," Metus said, and to Scootaloo's shock, with a hint of a smile. "It's been... interesting hanging around ghouls who actually..." She paused, before taking a deep breath. Scootaloo gazed at her sympathetically. She knew exactly what the young Fearling was about to say. "It's cool. Carry on," Scoots said, Metus nodding appreciatively before moving towards the Slendermare. "Personally, she still kind of creeps me out a bit," Pipsqueak muttered, Sweetie quickly elbowing him. "Aye matey, that be true-" Pipbossa said, before gaining an elbow from Apple Bloom as well. "Oi, we're bloody surrounded!" he cried to Pipsqueak, who quickly chuckled. "Mmmmm... a powerful mind is within you," Slendermare mused. "A hint of inner conflict though, as well, on multiple levels... for you desire inner-peace, but the duty to your people outweighs it..." He then paused for a second, before announcing: "VOID HOUSE!" There was a roar of approval from her new friends, a hint of a smile creeping on her once again. "Wow, I honestly didn't think she had that much of a brain in her," Apple Bloom said, blinking. Sweetie shook her head. "She's just... a little weird, not dumb.” Apple Bloom then gave a sigh. "Yeah... but this means I'm never going to get in the same house as her... so much for our group of friends..." Sweetie lowered an incredulous eyebrow at her, before shaking her head. "Nips!" Slendermare cried, a version of the slightly... annoying pony Snips making his way to him. At first, Scootaloo couldn't tell what exactly was so horrific about him, until he opened his mouth to say something... or his mouths, as it soon turned out. Like a certain horror monster who lurked in the depths of space, he seemed to have a double-mouth, a mini-mouth within the bigger one, that would leap out of the latter when he spoke. "Oh Celestia, I'm not getting to sleep tonight," Sweetie gulped, shaking her head. "Huh? I thought you said you watched Alien like five times!" Scootaloo said, grinning slightly. Sweetie quickly chuckled nervously, sweat-dropping. "Oh uh... did I?" "You were just trying to look cool on Nightmare Night, weren't you?" Apple Bloom smirked. "No..." Sweetie said. "Uh huh," Apple Bloom said, folding her arms, her smirk widening. There was a beat, before Sweetie continued with: "Ugh, look! Aliens just really freak me out, OK?!" she cried. The group giggled wildly. "WINTER HOUSE!" the sorting Slender cried, Nips double-ginning merrily before heading towards the table. "Give me Nosferatu any day, but keep space monsters away from me," Sweetie grumbled, hugging her chest with her arms. "Pipbossa!" Slendermare then called. "Oi!" Pipbossa cried, nearly jumping out of his seat as he dropped the apple he was munching on. He quickly sweat-dropped, his friends smirking at him. "Well, bloody hell! I just didn't expect em' to call me so soon," he grunted. "Good luck, pirate Pip!" Sweetie beamed, the undead pirate gaining a slightly envious look from the living one. "Thank ya lass, and if I don't see any of ya before the night's end... well metaphorically speaking, I hope it ain't our last meeting," he called. After a few more seconds, he positioned himself in front of everyone's favorite horrific Eldritch Abomination. "Mmmmm... well there's no mystery of who you are, Pipbossa," Slendermare said to him. "Well, though a simple lad I may be, that's a pirate's life for thee," he said, smiling slightly. "Bravery beyond leagues... and a hint of nobility too... I can see it within you without even looking! NOCTUS HOUSE!" "Wooo yeah!" Sweetie cheered, clapping enthusiasically. "Alright, Pirate Pip!" Scootaloo cheered. "HAHAHA! NOW WHERE BE THE APPLES AT THIS NEW TABLE?!" Pipbossa shouted merrily, before leaping enthusiastically over to his new seat. There were a few more names called, the anxiety within Scootaloo increasing more and more as the night went on. She could see it in her friend's faces as well. Not one of them wanted to be the pony to break their sacred trio, even if it did seem like they would be able to hang out with each other anyway. Pip also seemed to be a bit nervous as well, despite his usual calm demeanor. And Scootaloo had to admit, even if with a little guilt, that while she had always seemed him as a bit of a background item, she wanted him at her side during this whole crazy business. What was funny though, at least to Scootaloo's mind, was that none of them even seemed to know which house they wished to get into for sure, save for the one that didn't have Bloody in it. "Pipsqueek!" Slendermare called. "Oi! Finally," Pipsqueak cried. "The knot in my chest was getting tight enough to burst!" "Go for the House of Noctus!" Apple grinned enthusiastically. "Nono! The House of Void!" Sweetie smiled. The two then glanced at each other, squinting eyebrows. "I thought we were going to try to get into the same house!" they cried in unison. "Easy, girls," Scootaloo smiled. "Even if we don't get into the same house, we'll probably be able to see each other easily, no matter where we end up sleeping." "Mph," Sweetie said, folding her arms. "I still say we should all go for the House of Void. You guys totally have brains, you just need to use them once and a while!" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom gave her a blank look, to which she gave an apologetic smile back at. "A mortal mind... it's been a long time since I've examined one of yours... as equally complex as a ghoul's but with slightly different priorities," Slendermare muttered, the tendril touching Pip's head glowing red and fluctuating rapidly. Pipsqueak didn't respond. He merely took a deep breath. "I sense a lot of guilt in you... as well as anger, so much anger..." Slendermare mused. "However, you, like your counterpart are a being of bravery... and nobility, despite what title you may have had on the sea. But what do *you** want, Pipsqueak of the Black Pearl? Do you wish to find your inner light, or continue to face the darkness of the outside world with sword in hoof?"* "I... don't know," he squeaked, sinking his head slightly. "Very well then... I will make the choice..." Slendermare then took a deep breath, before announcing: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" Pipsqueak gave a slight smile, before making his way to the table, Scootaloo and her friends roaring in approval. "YEAH, PIP!" "Hah! I knew that kid had some guts," Rainbow Dash beamed. Sighing ever-so-slightly, he quickly made his way over to his counterpart, the two of them entering a conversation Scootaloo couldn't hear. "Sweetie Belle!" Slendermare then called. Sweetie's eyes immediately widened, her giving a deep gulp. "Oh my gosh oh my gosh..." she squeaked nervously, shaking as she rose from the table. "Don't worry, Sweetie! Just remember: anything but Mortus!" Scootaloo smiled, patting her on the back. "Right... no Death. Death is bad," Sweetie shivered, making her way over to the Slendermare, her nerve ever-apparent on her face. "Haha! The mortal looks like she's going to wet herself!" she heard Bloody Tiara call. Every single one of Sweetie's friends gave her a glare, including Rainbow Dash, though the smug grin on her face wouldn't go away. "Just ignore her," the little filly peeped to herself, as she stood in front of Slendermare, facing the crowd of ghouls. "She's just an even dumber version of Diamond..." "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle, you'll be fine no matter what house you're in!" she heard Twilight Sparkle call. "As long as she isn't asked to cook, from what Rarity says," Rainbow chuckled, Twilight rolling her eyes at her. Sweetie felt her mane being parted, and a cold, black tendril touching the back of her head, sending further shivers down her spine. It immediately began fluctuating, a little less than Pip’s, but still somewhat rapidly, turning a green color. "My, this is a treat… A number of mortal minds in one day to examine...," Soulshard the puppet droned. "You are a logical being, that's for sure. However, I also sense a lot of emotion in you... and passion. Mortus might be a decent pick." Sweetie rapidly shook her head. "Yet you have a desire to avoid desire, it seems, for some strange reason. There is nothing wrong with ambition, young one, as long as it doesn't completely overtake you..." "Not the kind of ambition Bloody has, though..." she squeaked. "Ahhhh... I see. You wish not to harm those around you while seeking out your goals, for you feel ambition would corrupt you. And you seem to have it all worked out in your head, too... interesting... interesting. My house might be a decent pick. However, Despite your logical nature... it takes a very brave person to face one's own inner demons more than anything. Still, you are a... tough decision. As mortals are proving to be today..." Slendermare's puppet actually squinted in thought. "I wonder what's taking so long," Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “Heh, please, I don’t think even Slendermare could figure our Sweetie out,” Apple Bloom stated complimentary, smiling. There was another beat of silence, the ancitipation among Sweetie and her group of friends building up to a rolling boil, before finally: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" both Pipsqueak and Pipbossa cheered, the rest of her friends going wild as well, stomping rear hooves and clapping like mad. "Heck yeah! I know I can get into that house at least!" Apple Bloom grinned. Despite it all, however, Scootaloo could detect a slight hint of disappointment on Sweetie's face, though the filly still beamed merily. "Apple Bloom!" the Slendermare called, the young filly taking a deep breath, before standing up. "You know where to look towards," Scootaloo smiled. "Heh, I wouldn't mind that or your pa's house, though, Scoots," Apple Bloom chirped. "Finding inner-peace sounds good nuff' for me." At that, she made her way to Slendermare, the now familiar routine taking place. His tendril vibrated ever-so-slightly, glowing a bright, brilliant yellow. ”Interesting… you already have a mind of peace. One that's already content... Sleighbell's house would be perfect for you," Slendermare stated. "Eh, as long as I aint' placed in that nasty ghoul Blackfire's house.” "Don't be so quick to judge her harshly, young one," Slendermare said, his puppet's eyes narrowing slightly. "She was once a great warrior... and a good friend. But all minds can be... tainted in time, depending on how rough they are shaken. As well as untainted." "Well, if she wants my respect she's gonna have to earn it," Apple Bloom grunted. "By not trying to hurt mah friends.” "You're very prideful as well... and from a very prideful family... one of great loyalty to those who they consider kin. A different, yet oh-so-similar mind to the previous mortal," Slendermare said. "You were willing to travel to an unfamiliar land, knowing there could be risks, to be with a friend who you may soon be just as... strange to you. Yet you're willing to stick to her like a butterfly to a flower..." "That's right," Apple Bloom said, narrowing her eyes. "Well then, there really isn't much else to analyze," Slendermare said bluntly, before shouting: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" The hall roared in applause, and again, Scootaloo was ecstatic. Still, she gave a slight sigh, a guilty feeling rising in her. A part of her felt... odd about wishing to be in Nightmare's house instead of her father's. "Man, are you sure Nightmare Moon is cool in this dimension? I wonder how she's going to react to having her house filled with us’ mortals?’" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight. "Oh, I think she'd be flattered actually," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "She seemed pretty nice when I met her, just a bit... insane. Though honestly, she's probably the most laid back princess I've ever met. I'm surprised that Winter house's qualities aren't her's." "Scootaloo Wintercall!" Slendermare then roared. "Speak of the devil," Rainbow said, smirking slightly. At that, it felt like the eyes of the world were upon Scootaloo. Slowly, she sat up from her seat, moving steadily towards the Eldritch Abomination with the light of the moon beaming down her. For one brief moment, she was at the center of all things, including a storm of raging emotions. A tendril touched the tip of her head, it fluctuating more madly than any other, and switching between multiple colors: red, blue, green, and black. "Come on Scoots, stick with your friends," Rainbow whispered to herself. Slendermare's puppet's eyes then actually widened. "My... yours is the most interesting mind yet, and that's saying something when dealing with a mortal's, child of Sleighbell. You have a great desire to be like and impress somepony nearby... one of a multi-colored shade. And that would imply ambition within you, or perhaps, to articulate it oddly: you have ambition to be ambitious." "I do... I really want to be like Rainbow," Scootaloo said hopefully. "She's the coolest mare in the world... and I don't think anypony understands me like she does." "Yet... you also desire to be like your father, someghoul you never knew. Possibly as a way to feel close to he who is so far away..." Scootaloo sighed, glancing downward. The Slendermare, naturally, was reading her like an open book. She was the one holding it open for him, after all. "And still, I sense much bravery, honor, and nobility within you. Something your father was too humble to admit he had. Him and Nightmare were very similar... we all were, really. You stood up to the Horsehood member days ago, using your brain in a time of stress, a gift not all have to bare against the darkness. You defended your friends against Bloody Tiara during her attempt to bully you into Blackfire's house... and stayed loyal to them. You were even willing to go with Blackfire instead of putting Rainbow Death in harm's way, which naturally, she did anyway. Yet still, your other traits are so... powerful." The tendril continued to vibrate, its color still fluctuating rapidly. "I could spend all day analyzing you, Scootaloo, but I must make a choice soon..." Slendermare then took a deep breath, as Scootaloo glanced about the hall, a dizzy feeling overtaking her. Twilight Sparkle threw her a warm smile. Rainbow gave her an encouraging grin. Trixie squinted an eyebrow, analyzing her as much as the Slendermare was. Pipsqueak winked. Pipbossa gave a hearty, pirate laugh. Sweetie and Apple beamed at her with hopeful eyes. Even Shadowed Armor silently turned his head her way, pausing in the sharpening of his blade. And then... the hammer fell. Soulshard's SlumberThere was a strange feeling that came to Scootaloo, that odd, foreboding pause one may feel when standing before a massive wave about to crash down upon them, with the rest of the world, including that of her own, completely drowned out by the moment. And then, Slendermare took a deep breath: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" he roared, with enthusiasm Scootaloo thought he couldn’t possess. And then, as if pulled back to sea by a sympathetic god, the wave receded. She stood upon the beach, baffled by destiny's choice. A roar of thunderous applause boomed all about her, and she sighed in relief like she had never sighed before. She would be with her friends the entire semester, sleeping, eating, and generally having fun with them. Despite all the unwanted attention and sorrow she felt over her father, as well as the guilt of not wishing to be in his house as much as she thought she should, she would be able to pull through more easily than ever now. "Alright, Scootaloo!" both Twilight and Rainbow roared, rapping their hooves upon the stony floor. "I knew she was filled with guts, too!" Rainbow grinned, before taking a deep, prideful breath. "I guess she takes after her mentor." "Yeah, well hopefully she won't get too cocky and start kicking dragons in the face," Twilight smirked. Rainbow merely chuckled. "Hah! That dick had it coming and you know it!" "Get over here, Scoots!" Sweetie called, signaling her to an empty seat before continuing with a hurricane of applause. "One second, child," Slendermare's puppet said in its monotone voice, (and yes, Scootaloo was still unnerved by the fact a skull-pierced Twilight Soulshard had been leading the proceedings). Scootaloo halted in her tracks, raising an eyebrow, as she turned back towards Slendermare. "I just want to say: Nightmare Moon would be honored to have you in her house, that nutty ghoul. And I can also say for certain your father would be proud of you no matter which you were placed into, nor which one you *wanted** to be placed in."* His puppet then narrowed her eye-holes, however. "Though whatever you do, and I say this for your own sake: do not let fame get to your head. Thinking you have an advantage compared to every other ghoul is a sure-fire way to failure in my school. I've seen it with other students before of similar ilk." "Heh, no worries about that, Slendy," Scootaloo smiled, the mirth in her voice higher than it had been all day: hell, all week. "If there was a magic that could deflect the fame thrown on me away, I'd use it in a heart-beat." "Mph, perhaps you should speak to the Lich Queen about that," Slendermare said in a slightly amused tone, before giving her a light scoot with a tendril. "However, it seems you're on the road to keeping that oh-so-bothersome thing that is ego at bay. Good luck to you, child of dream and wake. Go make merry or whatever it is ghouls and ponies do." At that, she gave him a polite nod and a slight smile before heading towards her new table, it already filled with still-clapping ponies. The only ghoul who didn't seem to be applauding her was Bloody Tiara, though with a slight chuckle, she did catch Silver Tongue stealthily doing so, glancing about to see if Bloody was watching. "Congrats, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, quickly giving her a hug, with Sweetie joining in. "I knew we'd all get in the same house!" Sweetie chirped with what could be described best as ‘happy anime eyes’. "When Ms. Soulshard said we had a say in it, I knew it's what we'd all want ourselves!" "Ugh... girls..." Pipsqueak muttered, rolling his eyes at the affection they were showing each other. "Oh come on, Pipsqueak, don't be such a spoil sport!" Apple Bloom smirked. "Come here, you crazy pirate!" Scootaloo grinned merrily, forcing him into the hug as well, as tight as it could be. He couldn't blush fiercer. "Oi! Ya lot forgotten bout yur guide?!" Pipbossa pouted, before giving a hearty laugh as Scootaloo rolled her eyes and pulled him into the hug as well, wincing slightly as his undead bones touched her. "Shimber me timbers! Never thought I'd be huggin' mortals and not scarin' the daylights out of em'!" "Heh, Nightmare's gonna be flattered when she hears about this," Applemoon smiled to herself. "All the mortals that came placed in her house? Who would have guessed!" "You're sure she'd be happy about that?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, two of them have sisters that kicked her counterpart in the face with weaponized friendship." "Oh yeah! Nightmare loves the mortal realm almost as much as Twilight," Applemoon beamed, chuckling slightly. "Without them, there'd be no Nightmare Night for her to scare ponies on! And though she dun like to admit it, Twilight always says she really wants to be both liked n' feared by them now that the black cat's out of the bag about us, as much of an..." She squinted in thought. "Oxy... oxymarion(?)... ugh, can't think of the word…." "Oxymoron," Twilight said in a helpful tone, raising a hoof. "Oh yeah," Applemoon said, faceclawing herself. "An Oxymoran it sounds like." "A swing and a miss," Rainbow chuckled to herself. "Mph... we'll see if the child is all she's cracked up to be," Shadowed Armor muttered, before tilting his head slightly. "I suppose I can sympathize with her position, however. Her fame follows her about like a swarm of bees. Something she never really wanted..." "Oh don't tell me you don't like being everyone's go-to ghoul," Princess Congeria grinned teasingly. Shadowed 'glared' her way in response. "Not really, because when ghouls 'go-to' me, half the time it's to announce our flank is collapsing..." He then gave a grunt. "Dear night, I hate this damned General's promotion... too many variables for my mind to handle in a real battle. Fame is a wind that always sails you in the wrong direction." The Siren Princess folded her arms. "You know what I meant, sweetie." She then lifted an eyebrow. "Though I have to say, it sounds like these 'skirmishes' you've been fighting are more than just 'skirmishes'." Shadowed gave a disgruntled groan. "Yeah... I'll talk to you about that later. I haven't written to you with the truth because of how worried I know you can get, but I guess I might as well spill it since they won't be able to cover it up much longer. All I can say is this: don't believe everything the media tells you." He then glanced towards Scootaloo suspiciously, quickly changing the subject... though naturally, to something just as grim. "You know... one of the Void Callers reported they sensed something unusual about the child... and Void Callers aren't something whose clicks you take lightly. I'm keeping my eye on that one." Princess Congeria rolled her eyes. "The sins of thy father don't always pass on, you know. She hasn't even met him!" "Mph, some would argue it wasn't a sin," Shadowed growled, before glancing back at Scootaloo. "However, I do know one thing: there are some things that can and will follow one up the family tree, and I'm not just talking about genetic traits. We'll see if I'm right or wrong, but I hope it's the latter." As he spoke, the sorting Slender continued to call names and houses. "Silver Tongue!" Slendermare called. "MORTUS!" she was placed in. "Woooo yeah!" Bloody cried, though honestly, Scootaloo could sense a slight hint of... reluctance on Silver Tongue's face. "Nails!" Slendermare shouted, a version of Snails who seemed to have rusty nails sticking out of his head making his way to him. Or pins... she couldn't tell for sure, though she could see that his chupacabra-like, bloody pools for eyes couldn't seem any more saturated with apprehension. "WINTERCALL!" "ALRIGHT, NAILS!" Nips cheered, his second mouth leaping enthusiastically out of its primary one. Then came Scootaloo and her friend's counterparts. And though she wished for all of them to be in the same house as her, the whole Lycan thing could have been an issue... "Rotten Belle!" Slendermare shouted, the ghostly version of one of her best friends making her way to the sorting Slender... and oddly enough, the tendril seemed to touch her head like any other, like she wasn't an entity completely made out of what might as well be smoke. And stranger still, despite her being a being of the afterlife, Scootaloo still saw a bit of fear on her face. "VOID HOUSE!" Slendermare roared, Rotten the Friendly Ghost beaming merrily and making her way to the table, seating herself next to a still lonely-looking Metus. "Apple Doom!" Slendermare called, the Lycan version of Scootaloo's other best friend making her way up to him. "WINTER HOUSE!" he cried, a look of both disappointment and mirth on her face as she headed to the table, applause following her the whole way. "Awww, that sucks. I was kind of hoping they'd be in our house, or at least all together," Sweetie frowned. "Yeah, that's kind of weird," Apple Bloom said, squinting an eyebrow. "Scootaweb!" Slendermare called, the spider-pony quickly scurrying over to him, a look of pure-nerve on her face Scootaloo thought she probably had on as well. Both her and Scootaloo waited in anticipation, as naturally, this was the counterpart the latter had been waiting to be analyzed all night. "MORTUS HOUSE!" Both of their eyes widened, though she could detect a hint of a smile on Scootaweb's face. Scootaloo couldn’t have felt any more disappointed, however, both for the fact that her counterpart seemed to be like her a lot, and was now in Mortus, and the fact that she was hoping to spend time with her. "Woah, Mortus house?! I didn't think she was like Bloody or nething!" Apple Bloom said. Sweetie shook her head, before saying like she was quoting someone, or some Slender, "ambition isn't always a bad thing." As Scootaloo shook an incredulous head after glancing upon the road not taken, she felt she was no longer really interested in who was put where, and at that, her and her friends continued to dine, chatting and celebrating the rest of the night. "Archer Windrunner!" The Slendermare cried, an undead, black-eyed version of the filly Archer making her way from where she sat. "Er, actually, I go by my middle name, 'Slyvanus,'" she peeped, smiling at the Slendermare, to which he actually gave an apologetic look back at, before announcing: "MORTUS HOUSE!" And the names continued... on and on into the night, as the commotion and celebration in the hall gradually diminished to tired chatting. "Moon Glimmer!" "NOCTUS HOUSE!" "Twisted!" "VOID HOUSE!" "Mini-Burns!" "VOID HOUSE!" "Mmmm... excellent, excellent." "Gak Attack!" "MORTUS HOUSE!" Finally, as Slendermare's puppet took a deep breath and cleared his throat, it appeared all of the four hundred to five hundred ghouls were sorted. "Congratulations to all for wherever you were assigned," Slendermare announced. "You may or may not have gotten where you wanted, but I can assure you that you have all been placed where you belong. Unfortunately, though, these assignments are here to stick, but I'm sure you will all grow to love your new homes if you examine the good things about the traits they represent, instead of simply the bad ones. Now, I believe I've talked more than I have in three centuries, which is probably growing tiresome to all of us. I will be giving the honored Ms. Soulshard her mind back to her now. Good luck to you all. It is unlikely any conversations in the future with me will be more than... one sided." At that, he ripped the tendril out of the undead Twilight's mind, her white pools for eyes flickering back on as she shook her head in a daze. Immediately, she gave Slendermare a joking glare. "Slendermare, you got that song stuck in your head stuck in mine now!" Slendermare quirked his head in an almost innocent-like expression. Ms. Soulshard folded her arms. "This sound familiar?" She took a deep breath before singing: "Things that bother you, Never bother me, I'm so happy and fine! Burning in the sunlight, Haunting in the moonlight, Having a wonderful time!" Ms. Soulshard finished, tapping her hoof in annoyance as Slendermare merely shrugged in response. Twilight then rolled her eyes, giving him a sarcastic smile before turning every which way around the hall and saying: "Anyway, as Slendermare said, congratulations to all of you for your chosen houses! I was aware during the whole, horrible ordeal, so there's no need for me to catch up on anything." She held up a hoof. "Remember though, only with diligence, perseverance, and fortitude, can we help you to help yourselves in Bogmorts! But most importantly," she said, her eye's becoming laced with a manic look before she roared: "ALWAYS READ YOUR TEXTBOOKS, FOR THE LOVE OF THE NIGHT! STUDY! STUDDDDDDYYYYYYY!.!.! OR THE LANGOLIERS WILL COME AND GOBBLE YOU UP!.!.!.!.!" The entire room blinked. Mouths parted. However, Twilight Sparkle merely smiled, nodding her head as if to say, 'I like this ghoul. She knows.' And for some reason, Scootaloo heard Dinky give a tiny, disbelieving giggle. Soulshard then took a deep breath, putting on a sheepish grin. "Well, at least that's what my parents always told me." She cleared her throat again, nodding towards the staff table "Now then, since we do not have any prefects selected yet, you will be led up to your house dormitories by their respective leaders." There was renewed sense of commotion, as four ghouls (and one Eldritch Abomination) took position before the staff platform, calling various houses over to them: "Alright, Void House, you're with me!" Twilight Soulshard chirped, gesturing the students over towards her and the Slendermare, the various students of it quickly complying. "Mortus students! The Great and Powerful Wicked Witch of the West demands your presence!" Trixie Elphaba called, with spirit she seemed to have found since the Nightmare Night incident. "Winter House, you'll be following me," Flutterfright squeaked, half of her students still staying at their seats, apparently having ignored her. "Well... if you're not too tired that is. I mean, we can always stay a bit..." "Come on, Flutterfright: backbone!" Rainbow Dash encouraged her. "Ugh, you're like my Fluttershy before she went through that assertiveness thingy." "Oh my... but I don't want to seem too demanding to the little dears," Flutterfright peeped. "You're right, Flutterfright, ya can't show too much assertiveness, or they'll just think yur on a power-trip, or just a mean spirit in general," Applemoon advised. "But if ya show too little they won't come to ya at all. Watch n' learn." She then winked, took a deep breath, before calling in a stern, loud tone: "All Winter students please line up next to Flutterfright here!" Those who had been ignoring her quickly turned their heads, before tiredly sauntering over towards the yellow vampire, Flutterfright sulking her head slightly with a sigh. Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow. The only remaining ghoul was someone who she had not expected to even be a teacher. "All Noctus house students, please come to me!" Princess Congeria called with a light smile, Scootaloo and the rest of her massive house making their way over to her. As she grew closer, she began picking up details he hadn't seen before about the Siren Princess, including a set of gills etched on her neck and almost flipper-like protrusions extending from her hooves. "What?!" Pipbossa growled, his eye twitching ever-so-slightly as he trotted. "She's the bloody leader of the house of courage?! What yellow-bellied black-spotted Leviathan-humping foal put her in charge?! I wouldn't be sayin' lurin' wicked sailors to the blackened drink with their bloody singin' be courageous!" He then gave a sarcastic laugh. "If that's courage than ya can call me Jack Sparrow!" Pipsqueak's eyes widened, before his suspicion-filled eyes glanced upon Pipbossa, who didn't seem to notice them. At that, the houses all went the same way at first, out of the Great Hall and towards a smaller stone room Scootaloo hadn't seen before, it filled with a number of green, glowing portals. "Alright, everyghoul! This is the main teleport hub,” Twilight Soulshard announced. “It contains portals that lead all over the school. Each is labeled, so it's unlikely you'll be able to take the wrong one, but take heed: they are controlled by forces outside our own... and sometimes like to play little 'pranks' on students. That meaning you might end up in an area of the castle you didn't wish to go... or in rare cases, one of the other holiday realms...." The Group's eyes widened, to which Soulshard chuckled at. "Just kidding! At least about the last part." However, a new, yet familiar voice soon contradicted her: "Haha, nice save widdle Soulshard, but it’s definitely no joke," Princess Trollestia called, grinning wickedly as she floated into the hub. As the students glanced upon her curiously, Soulshard gave a long, annoyed moan. "Ugh, princess, can't you go bother Shadowed or someghoul else!?" Princess Trollestia frowned. "I tried, but when I did he stuck that magic sword of his right through me! It actually hurt!" She gestured down to a hole through her chest, the group giving a collective wince. "Hehe, but that's alright! That gives me more time to give our lovely widdle students the rundown of the school..." she continued, still grinning wickedly. "And to tell them about its... history." At that, she began to float around the hub, Soulshard rolling her eyes. "It's true that you can wind up in some of the other holiday realms..." Trollestia chirped with a hint of a sinister edge. "But being exposed to the overly-jolly cuteness of Hearth's Warming Eve is the least of your worries." Her eyes narrowed, though her grin widened. "Do you all want to know why the school was closed down in the first place?" "Ooooo, this sounds like a scary story!" Scootaweb smirked. "Go on, tell us!" "Yeah! Come on, let's hear it!" "Heh, I almost forgot everyghoul in the Nightmare Realm likes being scared," Twilight Sparkle smirked, walking into the hub with Rainbow at her side, who immediately narrowed her eyes at Princess Trollestia, almost as if she could pick out who she was in an instant. "There's good scaring, and then there's bad scaring, and Princess Trollestia is notorious for the latter," Soulshard grunted, before shivering slightly, a haunted look coming upon her. "And if this is the tale I think it is... I don't want to hear it." The students didn't seem to catch this look, though the rest of the staff gazed upon her with wary, but curious eyes. "Awwww, I can't believe the queen of scares is going to deny them of a good one," Princess Trollestia smirked towards her. "Come on, Twilight! Let her tell the story!" "Pleeeeease, Ms. Lich Queen." "Ugggh..." Soulshard moaned, gulping slightly as she gazed downward with eyes of the past, before sighing, “fine… go ahead." The princess of trolling smirked. "Very well then, here it goes!" She then gave a brief cackle, before dancing all about the hall as she took a deep breath and said: "Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, A tale that is sure to haunt your dreams, Have you ever wondered why this school is beyond time’s rot? That's because of what it draws from its chosen spot." ☼☼☼ Over nine hundred years ago, the four founders gazed warily upon a spot they had deemed perfect for construction... all except for one minor detail: it was covered in the remains of what was once a great, icy spire. "We can't build the school here," Blackfire said, narrowing her eyes. "This is where the rift to Null Space is. Where we banished him after... dealing with him. If someghoul were to see it... there's no coming back." "But think of the power we could draw from it!" Nightmare Moon interrupted her, her eyes filled with wonder. "This school could outlast eternity with its energies! We could do things with it beyond any mortal or ghoul's dreams!" "Yes, but the risk... there's always the risk of someghoul looking into it... and it would take only a few minutes after that..." Sleighbell said warily. "Then we'll make sure that doesn't happen. We'll place it in a sealed room where it can never be discovered!" Nightmare said, before lifting a hoof. "However, with my powers we should still be able to make use of it from a distance! I'll just need to channel its essence properly..." ☼☼☼ "Unfortunately, even her judgment can be wrong as it was found, For as said, trust in these portals cannot be completely sound, And it would cost my sister oh-so-dearly, When one day her own student was caught in Sleighbell’s theory...." ☼☼☼ "D-Dear night, NO!" Nightmare Moon shrieked, tears dripping onto a stone floor as she stood by a bed holding a barely living Twilight Soulshard. "P-Please tell me... p-please tell me she didn't gaze into it for too long!" "I-I'm afraid we only found her by chance," Blackfire squeaked, a lump in her throat so large it nearly blocked her words. "She was missing for an entire day..." She then gave a shiver, slowly shaking a downward glancing head as she whispered, "imagine it... only a child... staring into all of time and space... it was too much even for her mind..." "So many worlds..." Twilight squeaked to nopony but herself, her voice growing weaker by the second as her eyes remained sealed shut. "S-She's still speaking?" Nightmare Moon said in a hope-filled tone. Blackfire glanced away from her. "It's just... ramblings, Nightmare, echoes… T-There's nothing either of us can do. I’ve already escorted her soul to the gates… S-Soon, she’ll be gone..." "...S-So many universes before our own..." Twilight continued, her voice now a whisper, tears now squeezing out of her lids, her tone as pained as her teacher's. "We are all... echoes.... rhymes... dust in the wind... all dust in the wind..." she continued. "One blink... one thought..." She gave a horrible shudder. "... and it's all gone... oh, you were so beautiful... holidays of heart... and your cities... of gray and black..." She shook her head ever-so-slightly, a small smile actually coming to her face. "No... of *gold*... of blood and sweat... such passion... so alien... yet you were so..." She paused. Nightmare gulped. The room came to a standstill. And then came her final words: "Beautiful... Winter…" At that, her breathing halted. And she was no more. Nightmare Moon collapsed upon the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, Blackfire gazing at her with cold, yet sympathetic eyes. … After what seemed like an eternity, she finally stood back up, gazing down upon her deceased student, while trying to dam an undamable river of tears with a hoof. "W-Why... w-why did you always have to be so curious?" Nightmare whispered, her tears now dripping on Twilight's face as she knelt down to her level, nuzzling her cheek. "W-Why couldn't you have just said: no! I should just turn back... find a way out of here…" She then turned towards Blackfire, the latter taking a deep breath as she glanced away from the moon goddess. "W-Well, aren't you forgetting something?! Go ahead! Tell me 'I told you so!'" Nightmare growled, a sudden shade of anger in her voice. "Come on! I'm waiting for it!" A beat. Nightmare Moon stood trembling. "I'm not going to say that," Blackfire finally said, her eyes narrowing. "But I will say one thing..." ... She then shook her head, shivering slightly. "T-This is the last straw... I can't take it anymore... I-I know I've... escorted a lot of good people before, but... I just can't... w-with Sleighbell... still sleeping..." Nightmare took a deep breath, shivering yet again. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that..." Blackfire merely smiled sorrowfully at her in return. "It's alright…" she said in a soothing tone, placing a warm hoof on her back. There was another second of silence, before Nightmare began shaking her head, her eyes narrowing in a stern resolve. "N-No, no it's not alright!" she growled, still shaking her head rapidly, her tears flying every which way. "N-Not alright at all! It's not happening again! I'm not losing anyone else! I'm not losing Twilight!" Her horn then began to glow a piercing purple, as her mind rapidly descended into chaos. "What are you doing?!" Blackfire gasped, before her eyes widened in realization. "No! That sort of necromancy... you can't! She's already beyond the golden gates! She'll *hate** you for it!"* "S-She'll never hate me," Nightmare said, her voice a half-a-squeak at this point. "S-She could never hate me... s-she's my student... nono... she'd never... s-she'll thank me... she will! S-She won't remember anything she saw!" She then stamped a hoof, before roaring up at the heavens: *"YOU’LL THANK ME!.!.!"* And the light of her horn became as brilliant as any sun's. ☼☼☼ "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Soulshard roared, the eagerness and intrigue in the young ghouls' faces around her giving way to shock. "Ms. Soulshard, are you OK!?" Silver Tongue eeped, gaining a glare from Bloody. "W-What's wrong? Did she know the student?" Rainbow trembled. "Sourcube... it's OK..." Applemoon said, moving to her side and nuzzling her. "It's alright... your friends are all here..." "It was a long time ago..." Trixie whispered, nuzzling her as well. "Nothing to dwell on, Twilight..." Still, Soulshard's rage continued to boil over into her expression. "Oooo, looks like I hit a widdle nerve," Trollestia giggled as she held a sarcastic hoof up to her mouth. "Watcha gonna do, Sniffle Queen; going to go cry to my dearest sister? Or how bout your big, bad brother? You mad, Twilight?" "BUCK OFF!" Soulshard roared, snapping towards her as her horn began a threatening glow. "Dawwww, she is mad!” Trollestia chirped, now prancing about, before singing in a childish tone: "The widdle girl who took a peak, At something no eye should ever meet, And whose poor teacher just couldn't let lie, That it led her student to close her eyes. Hehehehehe!" "Oh my gosh... it was her..." Rainbow whispered in awe, unable to take her eyes off the Lich Queen. As Scootaloo's jaw nearly hit the floor, a look of pure spite that she had never seen before came upon her new teacher's face. "I SAID, BUCK OFF!.!.!" However, just as she was about to perform a spell, a glowing blue sword came out of nowhere, decapitating the ghostly Princess in one, lightning-quick motion. "Word of advice, bitch," Shadowed Armor growled, landing with a tremendous CLANK! and glaring at her as she began scampering about the floor like a headless chicken. "Don't mess with someone's sister when her brother owns a haunted blade." The students of the group's jaws dropped, gazing up at Shadowed with both a mixture of fear and wonder. SHIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNG!.!.! He merely shrugged, sheathing his sword. "What? She's a ghost. She'll get over it," he said coldly, before glaring at her again. "Though that's the thing about them: they don't meet the law of equivalent exchange. They can dish out more than they'll ever have to answer for if they abuse the gift they were given." He then gestured towards the portals. "Now, I believe you have some sleep to get. Classes are still at 0700." Clank! Clank! Clank! He then turned, moving out of the room without saying another word. After that, the mood was beyond tense, at least for those who knew Ms. Soulshard. The rest of the ghouls, however, still conversed about themselves merrily as they made their way into separated quarters. By the time Congeria had led them to their dormitory, though, Scootaloo felt ready to collapse. She was barely aware of what was going on as she made her way to the first available bed she could find, placed Fangs on its nearby nightstand, and glided into a deep, haunted sleep. Morning GhoulScootaloo awoke the next morning to the curious squeaks of Fangs. It was sort of a relief, as her previous night had been filled with strange dreams about what seemed to be a land decorated in candy canes, bright lights, and factories, though she had no idea why this was. "Good morning, dear," a ghostly, surreal voice called from before her bed. Scootaloo gave a yawn, the world around her still hazy. "Good morning, Rarity." Her eyes then widened. "Wait, what?!" There was small laugh, before her world came into focus, and sure-enough, floating about the girl's dormitory was a ghostly, transparent version of Rarity. "I'm afraid you've got the wrong fashionita," she said with a slight chuckle, her horn glowing brightly every few seconds as she summoned various small pieces of paper that were placed on each student's bed table. "I am the appointed ghost of Noctus tower, you see. I'm here to make sure it's kept fabulous!" "Oh, that's right... you're uh..." She winced, trying to think of the right pun. "You're Scarity, right?" She gave a nod, smiling warmly her way. "That is correct." "Hey, Scarity!" Scootaloo heard Sweetie chirp merrily "Oh, hello dearest!" Scarity chirped back, not surprisingly in a sisterly-like tone. "I must say, I'm glad you three at least made it into Noctus! I can't believe my dear Rotten would avoid her sister like that!" she huffed. "Awww, don't feel bad," Sweetie said. "We didn't really have that much of a say in things. She was just too smart for her own good!" Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom, now just waking up, tossed her a look. She raised her eyebrows. "What?!" "You do realize you're essentially tootin' your own horn," Apple Bloom smirked sarcastically. Sweetie simpered slightly, chuckling. "Oh, heh... whoops, didn't mean to sound so... arrogant." "Eh, it's whatever," Scootaloo said, yawning as she rose from bed and fluttered her new batwings, which she had to admit, after giving them a glance, looked pretty cool. She just wished she could still see her own reflection to check them out fully. "Well, I do suppose I should be proud of her, then," Scarity smiled. "I wasn't there for the proceedings. I was too busy setting up Noctus tower, or at least adding to what Nightmare Moon put here! I'm sure you'll find her common rooms most luxurious!" "Sounds awesome!" Scootaloo said, before giving a curious glance towards what Scarity was passing out. "Whatcha handin' out, though?" "Why, your schedules, dear!" Scarity said. "I thought it'd be nice for you to be able to know your time-tables right off the bat." "Thanks, Scarity," Sweetie beamed, before taking a glance at her schedule. Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, before slowly picking hers up as well and giving it a look over. Monday Classes Vampiric Instinct Control - Flutterfright - 7:45 AM Basic Mathematics - The Count - 9:00 AM The Other Side - Twilight Sparkle - 11:00 AM Cooking With Slicey - Pinkie Slice - 1:00 PM Killing Dark Creatures (And Being Awesome While Doing It) - Rainbow Death - 3:00 PM Basic Potion Crafting - Zehorra - 4:30 PM Scootaloo smiled slightly. Vampiric instinct control was her first class. Though they weren't bothering her as much lately, she was still happy she'd be able to get a head start on it. Merrily, she turned towards her friends, who were still looking over their schedules. "Hey, did any of you guys get Twilight's class?" she asked. "Yeah!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Heh, too bad I won't have much of a leg up there, though. Never was much for history in regular ole' school, if that's what it's about." She then scratched her head, groaning. "Ugh, I also got math with someghoul called 'The Count’, though. I don't think I could count my way out of a paper bag." "Me too," Scootaloo sulked. "Same," Sweetie said, though with a hint of a smile. "This one sounds pretty neat, though," Apple Bloom grinned, reading off: "'Killing Dark Creatures - Rainbow Death.'" "Wooo yeah! I have that too!" Scootaloo beamed. "A class taught by Rainbow Death? How could that not be anything but unleaded awesome!" "I have that one too!" Sweetie smirked. "You know, I think it's safe to assume that any non-specialized classes, like magic for me, we're all taking together." "You got a class in magic?" Scootaloo said, perking an eyebrow. "Yup, with Princess Congeria first thing in the morning!" Sweetie grinned, waving her schedule around. "Basics of General Magic." "Mmmmmm," Vlad Seed grumbled from a nearby bed, her eyes fluttering open. "Ugh, could you guys talk any louder?" "Sorry!" they called together. At that, Vlad gave a yawn, rising from her bed and smacking her lips over her fangs. "Eh, it's whatever. Probably time for classes, anyway, isn't it?" "Woah! She's right!" Sweetie cried, pointing at a nearby grandfather clock. "It's almost 6:30 and I've got a class at 7:15! Shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot!" "Chill, Sweetie," Scootaloo chuckled. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time for breakfast." "Y-Yeah, but what if one of those portals takes us to the wrong place! What if we run into Princess Trollestia and she holds us up! What if-" "Are ya sure you're not Twilight's sister?" Apple Bloom smirked, before rising out of bed. "Come on, let's just relax and go n' eat!" With that, the three collected themselves before making their way into the commons, various colt ghouls from the boys dormitory already gathered there, discussing their schedules. True to Scarity's words, the commons were quite luxurious... for a ghoul's tastes. Naturally, they were (surprise, surprise) covered in cobwebs and darkly lit, with various pieces of ancient furniture settled about them. Still, it being Nightmare Moon's house, there was a bit of an astronomy theme. The ceilings seemed to have some sort of magic placed on them to make them look like a twirling night sky, with a brilliant, blue moon watching over them. There was also a small, transparent orb-like being floating about the ceiling, who delightfully cried: "Space! SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE! Yayyyy! Look at all the space! Who doesn't like space? Do you guys like space?! I like it! Oooo, planets! Stars! SPAAAAAAAAAACE!" However, to Scootaloo's surprise, in one small corner was a more brightly lit area, with fancy, real-world standard furniture sitting by a burning fireplace. "I thought that our mortal guests may like a little piece of comfort for their own," Scarity smiled, noticing Scootaloo was looking towards it. "A bit of home away from home, you could say." "It looks really nice, Scarity!" Sweetie beamed, before sulking a somewhat guilt-ridden head. "You didn't have to do that, though." "Nonsense," she chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I've haunted enough houses of the other side during Nightmare Night to know how they look, and I do enjoy a good challenge once and a while." At that, Scootaloo glanced about the room a bit more. There were a number of paintings on the wall whose eyes seemed to be following them, and on one wall a black slime of some sort seemed to be dripping down it, earning the winces of her friends. The whole thing looked positively creepy. The centerpiece of the room, however, was a small, stone well, which had a swirling, blue substance within it. "What's that?" Scootaloo asked the ghostly Rarity. "Oh, just something to perk you up a bit if you need it," Scarity smiled. "Dearest Pinkie concocted it en masse, though I think it was Nightmare Moon's original recipe." She then held up a foreboding hoof. "Don't drink too much of it, though, or you'll regret it later when you start crashing." "Oi, this stuff is bloody brilliant!" Pipbossa said, gulping down cup after cup in his fleshy form. "Bit of toad's wart n' black eel I tastes, me thinks." Sweetie gagged slightly under her breath, as Scarity winced at the amount of the stuff he was drinking. "Easy there, young ghoul!" she yelled, quickly aparrating to his side. "Drink too much of that and your soul will be aching later!" "Meh, souls are overrated," he shrugged, continuing to drink. "Uh... do you have coffee, by any chance?" Sweetie grinned sheepishly. "Down in the Great Hall, dear," Scarity said, snatching the cup of soul juice, or whatever it was, out of Pipbossa's hooves with bit of levitating magic. "Hey!" he grumbled, Scarity giving him a look that said he wasn't getting it back. "Oi! Fine, deny me of my good grade-juice..." he sighed, Scarity rolling her non-corporeal eyes. "So, did any of you guys happen to get Math or this Killing Dark Creatures class?" Pipsqueak asked, turning towards his friends. "Yep!" the Crusaders beamed. "Ah, good, I was afraid of uh... of leaving you guys all alone. Wouldn’t want that," he said, blushing Scootaloo's way. The vampiric filly merely chuckled. "It's alright, Pip, you won't have to sit all by yourself," Scootaloo said, sticking her tongue out. He quickly glanced away from her, his face turning redder. "Come on, yall, my tummy's starting to rumble," Apple Bloom complained, glancing about. "Though where's the darn door to this place?" "Over there, dear," Scarity said, gesturing towards what seemed to be a miniature black hole, accretion disk and all, twirling upon the wall. "Uh... that's the door?" Apple Bloom gulped, sweat-dropping. "I... don't know about ghouls, but black holes and mortals don't really... mix well," Sweetie squeaked, with an equal amount of nervousness in her voice. "Oh, don't be silly, it won't hurt a bit," Scarity said encouragingly, gesturing them forward. There was another beat of silence, the group continuing to glance upon it warily. Finally, Pipsqueak took a deep, brave breath. "Well, alright, I suppose if there's no other option," he said, leading his group of friends (Pipbossa included) towards it. It was quite bright for something in the Nightmare Realm, and at first, it seemed like it was just going to be any other portal. However, as they drew closer, the group gave a collective gasp... for soon they found that they were being pulled towards it. "Oh bloody hell! This feeeeelssss weeeeiiiirrrrrrrrrrd!" Pipsqueak cried. And to Scootaloo's horror, the closer he got to the black hole, the slower he seemed to speak. "Time distortion!" Sweetie gasped, desperately trying to back away from it now, glancing towards Scarity with pleading eyes. "Are you sure this is WOOOAAAAAAAH-" Soon, Scootaloo and her friends were off their feet. And to her shock, she found herself being stretched from the tip of her rear hooves, like a great force was tugging upon it and not the rest of her body... Though to be honest, it actually felt pretty good. Then, the group disappeared into the center of it, Scarity rolling her eyes yet again. "Mortals," she chuckled. "SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEEEE!" Scarity gave a glare, wincing slightly. "Ugh! Not so loud! Don't make me get the broom again!" ☼☼☼ A second later the group was deposited less-than-gracefully within a massive, stony hall, having come from a bright, white version of the black hole they had entered behind them. "Ugggggh," Sweetie groaned, groggily rising to her hooves. "I'm not sure if that's the coolest thing that's ever happened to me or the worst..." "Mmm, well, I'm sure we'll get used to it," Scootaloo chirped optimistically, before gesturing them down the hall. "Come on; let's go find the portal to the hub." ☼☼☼ After about five minutes of searching, they eventually conceded they had no idea where they were going and asked one of the various, animated portraits on the hall for directions. Finally, they were back at the Great Hall, with little time remaining (at least for Sweetie). She scarfed down her breakfast in a blur, before smiling her friends’ way and jetting towards her first class, a jovial grin on her face Scootaloo hadn't seen since the time she won the Sisters’ Social. Obviously, learning magic meant a lot to her. Finally, the clock struck 7:30, and Scootaloo bid ado to the remainder of her friends as she made her way to the portal hub, viewing, to her amusement, Princess Trollestia's body still scampering around, looking for her head. (Scootaloo vaguely remembered seeing it on a blue, glowing pike in the Great Hall, obviously courtesy of Shadowed. Though she supposed her body didn’t know that.) Finally, she stepped into her first class. It was bland for the most part, though very dark considering it was for vampires. Still, she found she could see pretty well. She just wished Fangs was with her to enjoy the 'sights', for she had let him go earlier to explore the castle. Weirdly enough, she found herself being one of the first students there. Though soon, many more began to saunter in. Most of whom she had never talked to before save for Vlad Seed. Finally, when the twenty or so seats were filled up, Flutterfright entered the room, looking nervous, but determined. "Good morrow, class," she said. "Good morrow, ma'm," the class replied groggily. "M-My name is Flutterfright," she squeaked, composing herself slightly. "I'd tell you about myself, but... that probably wouldn't interest you that much..." The class seemed apathetic, though Scootaloo, feeling sorry for her, quickly beamed her way: "Of course it'd be interesting! Who doesn't want to hear about one of the Elements of Fear?" At that, the class showed a bit more enthusiasm for the prospect. Scootaloo smiled slightly to herself. At least her fame could be used as a tool for decency, and not just an annoyance prodding her every second. "Yeah, let's hear it!" Vlad Seed chirped. "I vould very much desire to hear it as well," another vampire said, who Scootaloo recognized from the assigning as Alucard. "W-Well, alright..." Flutterfright said, smiling slightly. "If it’s alright with you, h-here it goes. Flutterfright then gave a brief recap of her life, including her activities at the most recent Nightmare Night, and to Scootaloo's satisfaction, the class actually seemed to be at least somewhat interested before she finished up a few minutes later. "Now, then," Flutterfright said, a bit of confidence gaining in her voice. "You're all probably wondering why Instinct Control is an entire class, and not just a portion of a more general one. The answer to that is simple: it takes a lot of practice to master. I know some of you probably don't mind feeding off others, especially mortals, but I personally find it... s-somewhat distasteful. Um... no pun... intended? And even so, there will always be a time where you need to keep it at bay." Scootaloo gave a smile. At least this teacher and she seemed to have a somewhat similar mindset. "N-Now, I will start you off with the theory on how to control it, as well as some techniques. And then, at the end of the week, you will be given a test that will judge your ability to handle yourself... with live prey being brought in the room. On the day of it, all blood fountains will be turned off... as... cruel as that sounds, I suppose.” There was a grumble of disapproval in the room, though noghoul seemed to object further. "Anyway" Flutterfright said. "Instinct control is not about fighting the voice in your head directly. It's about learning to simply ignore it. This may seem easy enough, but at times, it will become grating. Only time itself will help you fully master doing this, as you gradually become less perturbed by it and more comfortable, but there are certain techniques I can teach you that will help keep it in the back of your head, the main being meditation." "Ugggh... seriously? We're going to be learning how to meditate? How boring can you get!" one of the vampires groaned from the back of the room. "Well, I know it sounds boring," she whimpered, before a small, black bunny with glowing red eyes who had been standing by her prodded her slightly, which seemed to snap her into a more assertive modus operative. "I mean- I'm sorry if you feel it's... beneath you!" Flutterfright growled, surprising Scootaloo with a bit of a backbone. "B-But it's the best way to control it. The calmer you are, the easier it is to deal with. One of the most famous vampires in history, whose daughter sits right before you-" Scootaloo simpered slightly, sulking her head in embarrassment. "-once said that your instincts are like an annoying troll. Arguing with it can be called 'feeding the troll.' Don't feed the troll and it will eventually get bored and saunter off back to whatever basement it crawled out." 'She lies! We's no troll! Don'ts listen to her! She's a faggots! She's retardeds stupids! She's a retardeds stupids faggot!' her instincts suddenly growled. "Ugh, shut up will you?! I'm trying to pay attention!" Scootaloo whispered to herself, before wincing at the fact she just fed the troll. 'Hahas, there is nos stopping me! Feeds me Scootaloo... feeeds me all night long...' "Celestia, strike me down... please just strike me down..." Scootaloo whimpered. "So... that will work against Princess Trollestia, too?" one of the students asked. "W-Why yes," Flutterfright nodded, before sniffing slightly and gulping: “well, unless she's pelting you with water balloons filled with liquid rainbow the night of the Yule Ball... when you have date with Nosferatu..." The class raised their eyebrows. "Not that that ever happened to me, though!" Flutterfright grinned sheepishly, before clearing her throat and saying: "Now, can anyghoul tell me exactly what meditation is?" A few ghouls raised their hooves, as Scootaloo desperately tried to block the voice in her head chanting: 'Fresh bloods is best...' Scootaloo gave a tremendous groan, as the class... and the morning itself dragged on and on. ☼☼☼ Basic Mathematics 9:00 AM "I hate math... I hate math... I hate math.... Math sucks…. Math sucks..." Apple Bloom muttered to herself, all but banging her head on her desk as a purple-coated stereotypically-dressed vampire droned on and on their lesson. "Now! Vat comes after nine?" he said, grinning. "Ten!" the class chirped. "Yes! Ten! Ah ah ah!" he laughed. "Good Celestia, does he think noghoul here learned how to count?" Sweetie whispered to Scootaloo, who merely shrugged in response. At least this class would give her the chance to practice meditation. "Very good! You have all mastered the prime numbers!" the Count said merrily. "Now, for basic addition. Who here can tell me what one plus one equals?!" Sweetie all but facehoofed. "Ooo! Ooo! I know that one!" Apple Bloom chirped, raising her hoof. "Ves! You!" "Two! One apple added to another apple equals two apples!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Very good, young mortal!" The Count grinned. "Five points to Noctus House! Ah ah ah!" ☼☼☼ The Other Side 11:00 AM "Hello everypony!" Twilight Sparkle chirped, Spike standing near her looking bored as could be. "Or everyghoul, I should say!" she giggled to herself. The class stared at her blankly in response, as crickets chirped from… somewhere. "Uh, Twilight... maybe you should uh... stick to your guns, no offense," Spike said, quirking an eyebrow. "Er, right," Twilight simpered, before composing herself and saying, "Anyway, welcome to the first ever class in Bogmorts dedicated to teaching you the ways of the other side!" "Yeah, and I wonder why they didn't do it before?" Bloody Tiara growled. (This class had a mix of Mortus and Noctus students in it). "Oh, that’s right! Because it's friggin' stupid! Who cares about the other side?!" The other Mortus students giggled, Scootaloo quickly shooting them a death glare. "Actually, it wasn't my idea," Twilight Sparkle said, her smile not faltering. "I was asked to come here by Ms. Soulshard." "Surprise, surprise," Bloody grunted. "Our ever-competent former headmistress wants us to learn a bit about the oh-so-delicate mortals-“ Suddenly, she was halted by a hiss coming from the shadows. "Hmmmmm?" it echoed. At that, both Twilight and Spike stood stoically as Shadowed Armor stepped out into the damp light, the entire class's eyes widening as a collective gulp was given from both houses. "Oh, sorry everyghoul! I forgot to mention that Shadowed was observing this class," Twilight smirked. "Simply for my own curiosity's sake," he said softly, his armor standing still, and somehow, the fact his expression was hidden from everyghoul made him all the more menacing. "I want to see if this class is worth the time." Twilight took a deep breath at that, though her smile did not falter. "I'm sure it will be, Shadowed." "We shall see," he growled, before gesturing her onward. "Well, carry on, then. Impress me..." "Haha, she is totally screwed!" Bloody grinned. At that, Shadowed’s head snapped towards her so fast Scootaloo thought it was going to twist off its armor. "She's here to impress me, not you," he growled. "And I must say, showing disrespect to your teachers would normally lead you to finding yourself against the whipping board at the school I formally taught in." Bloody quickly gulped. "Luckily for you, though, we're not at the guard academy,” he said softly. “Twenty points from Mortus." The Noctus students giggled in delight, to which Shadowed quickly gave a growl at as well, their mouths immediately snapping shut. "Thank you, Shadowed," Twilight said, giving him a slightly annoyed look. "But if you wouldn't mind... it is my class." "My apologies," he said, without the least bit of a hint he was. "I will... refrain from speaking the rest of my time here." "Thank you," Twilight said, smiling, before clearing her throat. "Now then, I'm having Spike here pass out a small test that will allow me to accurately judge your knowledge of my side of the fence. Please fill it out to the best of your abilities. However, be advised that this test isn't going to be graded." There were sighs of relief at that, before Scootaloo turned towards Sweetie and whispered: "What's with the whole points thing?" Sweetie merely smiled. "It's a competition," she whispered back. "Whoever gets the most points by the end of the semester wins some sort of prize." Scootaloo's eyes widened, a competitive grin coming upon her. "Well, guess we have a goal to work towards, don't we?" "Scootaloo," Twilight said with a sarcastic smirk. "Something you want to tell to the rest of the class?" "Er, no ma'm," she gulped, straightening herself. "Sorry, ma'm." "It's alright, though everyghoul please try to keep the chatter down when there's a lesson in progress," Twilight said, a few groans emanating afterwards, to which she quickly rolled her eyes at, sighing. "Yes, I know it's no fun, but it's for your own good. The more you focus, the better your grades will be." "And the better of a teacher she'll look," Spike grinned from the front of the room, the class quickly chuckling. Twilight quickly tossed him a glare. "Shouldn't you be hanging out with your bony counterpart?" "Na, he said he's catching up with some old friends," Spike smirked. ☼☼☼ "Spyro, got any threes?" bone-dragon Spike grunted, sitting around a table in a hidden room with a few fellow, pint-sized dragons. "Go fish," the purple dragon smirked. "Awww man," Spike sighed, grabbing another card. "Ugh, this game is so stupid! Can't we just go... you know... hit the hubbly bubbly?” another dragon grinned deviously. “It’ll help you get back to sleep.” "Puff, that's all you ever want to do," Spike groaned. "And I'm made of bones! I can't get high on that stuff anymore!" "Dude, it's not the high that matters ... it's the... it's the moment, you know? The magic moment of hitting it that counts!" Puff the Magic Dragon oozed, his eyes sparkling. Spike face-clawed in annoyance. "You're such a bucking idiot, Puff." ☼☼☼ Cooking With Slicey 1:00 PM A strange, charred and burnt version of Pinkie danced around a boiling cauldron, now not wearing the curious clawed glove Scootaloo had seen on Nightmare Night, though her fedora still sat upon her head. She seemed to be a competent teacher for the most part, and the class wouldn't be so bad; if not for the fact she treated it like a horrible musical: "All you have to do is take some Eye of Newt, And add it to the mix! Now for something anyghoul's soul can consume, Some liquid Rainbow, just a pinch! Baking these treats is such a cinch! Just a teaspoon of Frog's Brain! Add a little more, and you count to four, And it'll never be a pain! Hellcakes! So black and tasty! Hellcakes! Don't be too hasty! Hellcakes! Hellcakes, Hellcakes, HELLCAKES!" The ghouls of the class applauded and hollered in glee as she finished, all except for the token mortals. "Where's the waste basket?" Apple Bloom said, her cheeks puffing out and green. "Yep, scurvy's sounding nice right about now," Pipsqueak groaned. Scootaloo, however, found herself to be less sick than... hungry. 'Hehehe, you likes it, don'ts you?' "Shush..." Scootaloo grunted. 'Fresh bloods is best...' At that, Scoots eye twitched. "BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-" "Whoops! Time's up!" Pinkie beamed merrily. "I'll see you all on Wednesday! Sweet dreams... hehehe..." There were a few groans of disapproval as the class packed up their things and made their way outside. "Uhhhh, does that sound totally wrong to anypony else?" Pip gulped. "Don't worry, she's not that creepy, she just likes tormenting people in their dreams," a ghoul said from nearby. "I feel so much better now..." ☼☼☼ Scootaloo and friends then sauntered out of the class and into the hall, most of them already looking tired. And the day was only half over… "Ugh... well that was kind of a drag," Sweetie said, grunting. "I liked my first class, though! Congeria knows her stuff when it comes to magic!" "Yeah, my first class was pretty cool, too," Scootaloo smiled. "Flutterfright's actually a decent teacher. And Twilight's class wasn't bad either." "Heh, yeah, cus we scored like thirty points to Noctus in it," Apple Bloom grinned. "I don't think Bloody's face could have been redder." A slight chuckle soon followed. "Eh, I don't know bout you lot, but Pinkie’s class was bloody wicked!" Pipbossa smirked. “Never seen anyghoul add Frog’s Brain to Hellcakes before, but I think it’s bloody genius now that I think of it.” The mortals gave him a blank look. "Wicked for a ghoul maybe," Sweetie grunted, before glancing towards Scootaloo. "So, what's next, anyway? I went and lost my schedule…" A curious look coming upon her, Scootaloo whipped out the small piece of paper, quickly glancing it over as a wicked grin came to her face. "Killing Dark Creatures with Rainbow Death." Death's Tender HoofDeath's class turned out to be on the grounds in front of the castle, as much of annoyance as it was to the mortals of the group who had to go and grab sweaters. Luckily for them though, it was within a bubble-like snow-shield, which the white fluffy particles disintegrated upon when touching it. It was a pretty large area it covered, perhaps the size of a football field, with a sparse bit of grass sticking up here or there or a few dead trees. To add to the scene, Rainbow Dash had done her counterpart the favor (and most likely somewhat reluctantly) of clearing the storms away from above, so it was a pretty clear sight. However, though the snow-shield itself was somewhat interesting, it was what was in it that was truly intriguing... and somewhat nerve-wracking. Rainbow Death stood still, her mane flapping in the breeze, full black cloak, scythe and all, with a merry smile on her face that couldn't have meant anything good, along with four, large, rattling wooden cages of some sort. "Mmmm, what's got you so happy?" Applemoon questioned, trotting up to the scene and perking an eyebrow. Rainbow Death merely bounced Pinkie Pie style slightly, grinning. "Oh I'm just happy to be teaching, is all! Education is an important factor in creating a horrible society!" Applemoon lowered a suspicious eyebrow. "Uh huh," she said blankly. "You know, I usually don't see you this jolly unless something something's about to die you don't like... or only sort of like." "Mwah?" she said, quirking an innocent head. "Don't be silly, Applemoon! I handle my job with emotional detachment and professionalism!" "Explains those lockets of yours," Applemoon smirked, pointing to her collection of different shaped lockets that swung about her neck: one of a black cross, the other of a coiled serpent, and so-on. Deathie narrowed her eyes, her tone turning serious. "Hey, that's different and you know it. All wicked souls get what they deserve, because I make sure the law of equivalent exchange is always a law instead of just some cool sounding line on a piece of paper." "That why were you bouncing off the walls that time Jack the Ripper died in Canterlot?" Applemoon said, her smirk widening. "'Awwww man, he's going to be so delicious,'” she said in a mock Deathie voice. “'BEST. DINNER. EVER!''' Deathie merely chuckled in return. "Alright, alright, you caught me. Though he was very... tasty," she said, licking her lips. At that, a voice she had been expecting made itself known: "Uh... Rainbow. You don't... really eat souls, do you?" Scootaloo gulped nervously, her friends, Void House, and Noctus House coming into view. Rainbow blinked her soulless, black eyes innocently. "Of course not! What kind of wicked being would feed on something like that?" Applemoon rolled her eyes. "Right..." she muttered under her breath. "Anyway! Welcome to the international snow-bubble of awesome!" Deathie beamed merrily to the class before her. "I'm Rainbow Death, who some of you may know as the fastest grim reaper in Edeathstrian history!" The group let out a few cheers, and for once, Scootaloo was happy there was someghoul around more famous than she was. Though naturally, every group had its neigh sayer... "Well actually," Metus corrected, holding up a holey hoof. "That title belongs to-" She quickly closed her mouth when she noticed Scootaloo was frantically making a 'zipper' gesture on her own, looking her way. "Nevermind..." Metus peeped. Rainbow, ignoring the comment, grinned widely before saying: "Now, I know you've all probably been looking forward to this class the most, right? And I can't blame you! Because there's nothing more fun than killing stuff that's trying to kill you! But you know what's even cooler than that? Cutting out the middle-ghoul and having Death herself do it for you!” She soon smiled sheepishly, however. “…Which isn't going to happen that often. So that's why you need to pay attention while I show you how it's done!" She then cleared her throat before continuing with, "Now, a few of you might be thinking: what in Edeathstria might have us on the dinner plate? We're big, bad and scary! Nothing could touch us! But that's not true. Edeathstria is filled to the brim with non-sentient life who would just love to make little ghoul sandwiches out of each and every one of you, and I’m not just talking about those pesky zombies.” The group gave a collective gulp, to which Deathie gave a reluctant sigh at in return. "Don't worry too much though; most of them live in places you won't be seeing as a filly. But I guarantee that each of you will confront at least one monster in your life, and when that happens: you gotsta be ready. Now, for this first class I'm going to be doing something fun: just a simple demonstration, and then, after that, we'll be working on combat techniques designed to up your agility and reaction time, as well as studying every creature that might threaten you to the point where you'll be dreaming about killing them." She then took a deep breath. "Now, can anyghoul tell me what a Felhound is?" There were a few murmurs of confusion, before a holey hoof leapt into the air. "Yeah, what's your face, go ahead!" Rainbow called. "A Felhound is a creature from Null Space not native to Edeathstria," Metus explained. "However, they were brought in bulk as shock troopers by Artharius of Winter during the Great Edeathstrian Civil War, which he controlled telekinetically. When he was defeated, many went feral. And despite the annual hunts for them, many still remain, and usually operate in packs." Scootaloo and Apple Bloom glanced at each other warily. Rainbow Death nodded her head, impressed. "Haha! The geek is strong with this one!" she smirked, Metus sulking her head slightly, to which Rainbow immediately threw a guilty glance at. "Not that that's a bad thing, kid. You'd make my Twilight proud! Twenty points to Void House!" Immediately, Metus' mood turned one eighty as various members of Void patted her on the back, a look of mirth coming to her face Scootaloo hadn't seen before. “Mph, I could have answered that if I lived here,” Sweetie huffed to herself. “Oh come on, Sweetie... Metus needs this,” Apple Bloom grunted. Sweetie took a deep breath. “Yeah, you’re right…” "But yeah, before I get started with the demonstration, there are some very important things to remember," Rainbow said seriously. "Fighting dark creatures is not about having your power levels over nine thousand or anything stupid like that. It's about brains, reflexes, and tactics. Know your enemy: where to hit it to make the thing squeal..." "Oh dear night, I hope Flutterfright never finds out about this," Applemoon muttered to herself, shaking her head. "...Know how it thinks and all that jazz, but most importantly: know your own limitations." She then hovered in the air, flapping her single, long black wing. "Myself, for instance, though I hate to admit it: I'm more agility than muscle, so I'm not going to try to be trying to wrestle with these guys, as in hold their attacks in parry and hope I can somehow overpower them. Uh uh, I'd get friggin' killed... as bizarre as that sounds." She then held up a hoof, grinning. "Still, I have the advantage of flight, while Felhounds can only jump about like massive hell-spawned fleas... which means uh, *hint hint*, you might just want to fly away instead of fighting them unless you need to. But yeah, in addition, I also have knowledge of how to use my lovely little scythe here correctly as a melee weapon. She ain’t just for show, kiddos!" She quickly twirled it to a chorus of 'ooos' and 'ahhhs'. Rainbow continued to twirl it for a good few seconds, soaking up the fame, before a cough interrupted her from Applemoon. "Er, right," Rainbow simpered, before sinking the blade-end of it into the ground and continuing with, "So, have any of you ever listened to the radio show, Scarecraft: Terrors from Beyond?" "Ooo yeah! I listen to it all the time!" Rotten said merrily. "Zazzs is best Zerg!" Mini-Burns called. "He was most devious in his appearances. Nehehehe." "Are you kidding?! Daggoth is best Zerg!" Twisted shouted. "He totally outlasted all of the Cerebrates! Go underdog!" "You're both wrong! Overmind all the way! ‘Awaken my child, and behold the glory that is your birth right!’ BUAHAHAHAHA!" "Bah, but he turned out to be a wuss in the sequel, though..." "Guys, guys…. Overmind, Zazzs, and Daggoth are a weird way of saying 'Infested Duran is Best Zerg.'" "He's not a friggin' Zerg, though! He's a hybrid!" As the arguing continued, a voice eventually cleared the storm: "Oi! The lot of ya' are wrong! Infested Kerrigan is best Zerg!" The group turned towards the origin of the latest voice, that being smiling Pipbossa, looking at him as if he had just said the smartest thing in the world. "Yeah, that's true." "He's got a good point." "Queen Bitch of the Universe! Wooo yeah!" "I kind of liked Zeratul..." Metus squeaked, a few members of Void House giving her an odd look. The Crusaders glanced at each other in bafflement. "You know, I'm not sure if I even want to know what they're talking about," Sweetie groaned, shaking her head. "Alright, alright! That’s enough," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes, before smiling slightly. "Though I like Kerrigan myself, by the way, so five points to Noctus house!" "Wooo yeah!" "Good call, Pip!" "Ahhh... she's such a lovable bitch," Rainbow Death sighed, before clearing her throat again. "But anyway, Felhounds use similar tactics to Zerglings. Meaning they'll try to Zerg rush your flank into the ground by pouncing on you from all angles like they did to Jim Neighnor, that poor… poor pony space marine. They do not attack one by one by one like Astral Wolves would, showing some weird animistic sense of honor... if you could call it that." Rainbow Death continued to rattle on and on, and Scootaloo stared intently at the crates containing what she assumed were Felhounds. Something about them was captivating to her... and at the same time, she could feel emotion out of nowhere. Both hatred and anger... each burning like a fire. And it wasn't coming from her. It was coming from… somewhere else. "Scoots, ya OK?" Sweetie asked, poking her slightly. The world snapped back into view. "Er, yeah," Scootaloo said, shaking her head in a daze. "Just... got a weird feeling is all." "Alright!" Rainbow finally beamed. "Gonna' have to ask you all to step back, now. Don’t worry, though, they'll definitely be going for me, as they have an affinity for Death, but I don't want to take any chances!" Nervously, the group did as they were told, Applemoon watching Rainbow apprehensively, the rest of the group well, her having their keen attention (it being something she fed on even more than souls.) “Righto, LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!” Rainbow finally grinned, before crying: "OPEN!" The gates did as they were commanded, and immediately, the nastiest creatures Scootaloo had ever seen leapt out of them. They were furry, orange, and their nostrils seemed to be shooting a black smoke of some sort. Their fangs dripped with green saliva, and their shrieks sounded like a pony being boiled alive. "RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" "H-Holy Celestia!" Sweetie shrieked, shivering as she hugged the nearest ghoul in sight in fear... which happened to be Pipbossa, to which he raised his undead eyebrows at. "They're like the nightmares of the Nightmare Realm," Pipsqueak said breathlessly. True to his words, even a few of the ghouls of the group gave murmurs of fear. And then, just as Scootaloo thought she couldn't be more unnerved, a strange, new voice chimed in her head: 'Interesting creatures, aren't they?” it said in a low tone. “Imagine it young lady... imagine having only the company of these types of beings... for thousands of years…' Scootaloo shook her head rapidly, blinking. At first she thought her instincts may have hit puberty, but the familiarity of it made her doubt that. It sounded like a certain captain. But no, that couldn't be possible... what she had seen on the train... it was just a weird dream. Her imagination and nothing more… probably brought on by Darksong’s cooking. "Not to worry, younglins'," Applemoon called, trying her best to hide her fear. "Rainbow's hunted these overgrown fleas a few times before." "H-How many times is a few?" Sweetie squeaked. Applemoon winced to herself, thinking for a second, before simpering. … "Err.... three times," she gulped. Sweetie's eyes widened. "Righto!" Rainbow called without the least bit of nerve in her tone, as the Felhounds began circling her, the talons that hung off their shoulders occasionally nipping into the air, as if throwing practice punches. "Now, they're going to all come at me at once any second now. However, be advised that if one was alone, it would probably attack right off the bat. It's just how they roll." She cleared her throat, narrowing her eyes and folding her wing. "But anyway, I'm going to be taking them on without flying since well... a lot of you don't have wings. So watch carefully! Cus here… they… COME!" "RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" At that, the quartet of beasts let loose their hideous shrieks, before reeling back and charging her from all four angles of a box-like formation, blurs of orange blazing across the ground so quickly Scootaloo thought they were going to set fire to it. Rainbow took a deep breath, gazing intently at them as she held her ground, their fangs glistening and saliva dripping... "Keep your fear at bay... and... LEAP AND ROLL!" Rainbow yelled, before leaping between two of them at the last second, rolling on the ground, and leaping to her hind hooves, smirking as she twirled her scythe. “WOOOO YEAAAAAAH!” the group called. "Alright, Deathie! Give em two!" Applemoon beamed. SLAMMMMM!.!.! The quartet crashed together, actually sending a slight shock-wave outward, hissing and snarling as they did so. "Heh! Seem pretty dumb, don't they?" Rainbow said with a cocky smile, as the beasts, now dazed, separated themselves from each other. "Well, they are, but they can learn! They won't fall for that same trick twice!" Then, the first non-dazed beast, now in a blood-rage, charged her, quickly followed by the others. "Alright, this is where agility and reflex really comes into play!" Rainbow cried, backing away from the hell-spawned monster on her hind legs as- CLANG!.!.! She ferociously blocked a talon sailing towards her scalp, sparks sailing into the breeze. Her eyes then widened as the beast's second talon flew towards her, twirling her Scythe downward before... CLACK!.!.! Blocking it as well. “KEEP IT UP RAINBOW! YEAAAAAAH!” Applemoon grinned, before a few ghouls raised an eyebrow her way, to which she quickly coughed at. “I mean uh… this is way too dangerous. Rainbow should be more responsible. Teachers these days, I swear...” Scootaloo and her friends chuckled, before gazing back at the fight, their eyes widened in excitement. "Alright, now for a test of your multi-tasking abilities!” Rainbow called. “Keep your opponents separated, make sure only one is attacking you at a time, and keep moving!" CLING-CLANG-CLACK-CLANG-CLANG!.!.! A torrent of sparks came from Deathie's scythe as she continued to block a ferocious assault from her opponent, her blade twirling in a blur, quick as lightning. Skillfully, she managed to keep her opponent count as one by quickly speeding backward as she blocked his attacks, the others unable to join in due to their brother blocking their paths, which was until... WHOOOOOOOOOOSH! One reeled back like a coiled spring before he sailed into the air, leaping to the other side of Dashie and landing with a terrific THUD! "Another thing these dickheads like to pull!" Deathie yelled. "Again, to be expected! And it might even work to your advantage!" The two near her let loose ferocious snarls, their yellow-beady eyes bearing into her, before their two sets of sharpened, blood-red talons slashed out towards her.... "SREEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!.!.!" "RAUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGG!.!.!" Only for Deathie to smirk, duck, and let them strike the beast opposite from where they leapt. They bounced against each other's armored snouts with two terrific CLACKS!, their owners letting out two hideous screams of agony, before Deathie rolled out from underneath them, wiped off a bit of drool that had fallen on her face, and continued to speak. "Haha! Alright, maybe they really are just plain ole stupid!” she chuckled, getting back onto her hind hooves. “Now, the next thing to do is- Suddenly, the viewing group let loose a series of gasps as the third Felhound came from the side, obviously an unexpected move, before leaping forth a single talon and- “AAUUUUUGHHHHHH!.!.!" -Piercing it right through Deathie’s wing. "RAINBOW!" Scootaloo shrieked. "Oh shoot! Oh shoot!" Applemoon called, shaking her head. As Deathie winced in pain, now lying on her back, she began to scramble away from the beasts the best she could. Unfortunately, she seemed to be having trouble getting to her feet. She'd rise slightly, seemingly just about to make it, before letting out a gasp and collapsing upon her back, black smoke oozing out of her wing instead of blood. All four beasts were now closing in on her, snapping their teeth as drool dripped from their snouts in anticipation for their ‘easy’ meal.... And again, Scootaloo felt emotions that weren't hers... piercing anger... so much anger... burning like the fires of Tartarus. 'You're feeling it aren't you?' the voice that she could definitely now tell wasn’t her instincts said calmly, Scootaloo letting out a gasp. That's what I felt... so much of it... even if all I wanted to feel was my own sorrow.' "Ugh! That stupid cocky... DAMNIT!" Applemoon shouted, her yellow Lycan eye twitching in a fury only the Felhounds seemed to have more than. "Hang on, Rainbow! I'm comin!" "Applemoon! Don't! You'll get ripped apart!" Appple Bloom cried. "I gotta try! You younglin's just sit tight, ya hear?!" she said sternly, before blowing a puff of steam out of her snout and galloping forth. “Celestia damnit, Applemoon!” Apple Bloom cried. Scootaloo gave a gasp, shaking her head incredulously. This couldn’t be happening… Rainbow was supposed to know what she was doing! If she died on her first day… She couldn’t bear the thought. "Arthur... if you're real..." she whispered to herself. "Help me somehow! Help me save Rainbow and Applemoon! Please!” 'What makes you think I can? I'm not real... remember...' "I can just... feel it." 'Yet you don't entirely trust your feelings...' it said... though it soon let loose a sigh. 'But perhaps... I suppose I can’t blame you… for in the end, only seeing. Is. Believing…' At that, to Scootaloo’s shock, the world suddenly went into slow motion… a world which she could now see in perfect clarity. Puffs of snow as they evaporated against the shield... Applemoon galloping forth, snarling... kicking up frozen dust as she charged... Deathie's black eyes widening, eight talons readying to slam down on her... A slight breeze leaping against a blade of grass... Her friends' mouths parting slowly, awe-struck horror in their eyes... Droplets of drool sputtering down from the Felhounds' yellow teeth.... And then... suddenly... for the briefest of milliseconds… Scootaloo’s eyes flashed blue. The world sped up, yet the Felhounds' were still in pause, glancing about in confused manner. Silence fell, noghoul said a word, as they slowly turned and galloped into the blackened, snow-shielded Forbidden Forest a bit aways.... A collective sigh of relief came like no other. "Woah..." Sweetie said, collapsing her on her flank. "Talk about a crazy lesson. Jeez..." "Ehehehe," Rainbow said, baffled as ever, wincing as her black wing slowly healed itself. "Yep! Totally knew that was going to happen!" "Arthur... did you do that?" Scootaloo whispered to herself. No response came, and Scootaloo began to wonder, once again, if he was just her imagination. Though something very real would soon make itself known. "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" Death's Tender Heart"Hkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!" A terrific shiver ran down Scootaloo's spine as she twirled about. Floating down from beyond the snow shield were seven Void Callers, their ghostly cloaks somehow resistant to the breeze, them not even billowing. Then came that cold, empty feeling the young filly had felt around them before. It was nauseating to say the least. She felt as if her stomach was being tossed and turned. She began backing up, as Applemoon angrily shouted: "Well, when it rains it ain't a storm! What in Edeathstria do y'all want?!" "Hkkkkkkkk-Click-Click-Click-Click..." Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. "Wait a minute... I think I know what they're saying..." she said slowly. Applemoon squinted her eyebrows, glancing at Deathie. "Since when did you know Voidenese?" Rainbow shook her head. "I don't know much, but I do know that four, slow clicks... with a larger interval between the fourth and third means..." She glanced downward in thought. "Well?!" Applemoon said impatiently. Rainbow's eyes widened. She turned to Applemoon, her tone deadly serious as she said: "It means... 'stay out of this.'" The group of younglings began backing away from the Void Callers as well, following in Scootaloo's lead, some of the ghouls gazing at them with intrigue, others with barely contained horror. "It's interesting... mother always said they were beings of servitude," Metus said, with more curiosity than fear. Sweetie gave a gulp. "Good, does that mean they'll back down if Applemoon keeps yelling at them?!" Metus shrugged in response, continuing to gaze ahead. "I'm not sure how loyal they'd be to anyone but a powerful Eldritch Abomination... I wonder how they're even being controlled here?" "Uhhh... yeah...” Apple Bloom said nervously. “In that case how dangerous are these guys, anyway?" "Let's just say they can make those lovely lil' Felhounds look like pet dogs if they feel like it," Pipbossa grunted. "Their touch alone can turn ghouls n' ponies alike into bloody statues...” His tone became low. “Living statues." The Crusaders immediately let loose gasps. They knew exactly what this meant. "Eeeeep! I don't want to be Discorded!" Sweetie cried. "Hkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Alright!" Applemoon roared, galloping in front of the group of students, Rainbow Death quickly joining her, holding her scythe in a defensive stance as she narrowed her eyes. "Ya'll can just go back to whatever Void Callers do on their spare time! Personally, I've started to like jugglin'!" Rainbow Death gave her an odd look, to which Applemoon shrugged at, before continuing with: "But the situation here is already handled!" The Void Callers continued to close in, now from all angles, hovering slightly above the ground. "They're in the moonlight!" Sweetie whispered to Scootaloo, sweating now. "I thought they couldn't do that!" "M-Must have put on sunscreen," Scootaloo squeaked. Sweetie threw her a blank look. “But… it’s moonlight.” "Moonscreen, then," she groaned, wincing at her own bad joke. "Um… hello." a voice said, the origin of it stepping out from the crowd of students and joining Applemoon and Rainbow Death, who quickly did a double take upon seeing her. "Oh no," Sweetie gulped. "Metus! What are you doing?!" she yelled. "I just want to talk to them, is all," she said, blinking. "That's very brave, kid," Rainbow Death complimented, glancing at her worriedly. "But you need to get back to the group. Me and Applemoon uh... got this." "But I can understand them," Metus said calmly. Rainbow Death raised her eyebrows. "Wah?" she said, quirking her head. Suddenly, the Void Callers halted, glancing at each other… almost as if confused. Metus actually gave a light smile. "But they can't understand me." "W-Wah. What does she mean?" Scootaloo said, instinctively gazing at Sweetie, who seemed to already be in a deep mode of thought. Rainbow and Applemoon's looks became baffled as well, the former squinting her eyebrows. And then, Sweetie glanced at Scootaloo as if she had just solved a hard riddle. "It's the passive fear she generates! They don't know how to handle it!" she chirped. Pipbossa gave a nod of agreement, looking at her with quite an impressed look. "Mph, it makes sense, lass," he smiled. "Creatures of Null Space dun usually feel it, but it seems lil' Metus can make em' whether they like it or not." "Mmmm, and you know, weird or not, she's got guts for just walking up to them like that," Pipsqueak complimented, Scootaloo giving him a light smile. "Alright kid, what in the world are you doing to them?" Rainbow asked in a confused, though impressed tone, apparently not having heard Sweetie. “Unless it’s just the high level of awesome in front of them they’re afraid of, of course!” she grinned. Metus looked back at her. "I think it's because they don't understand the concept of fear," she stated simply, as if that would answer her question directly, before looking back at the Void Callers and letting loose a series of clicks of her own. The group behind her couldn't be anymore baffled if they tried. "Heh, well ain't that somethin'. Got ourselves a translator for once," Applemoon chuckled, as the Void Calllers glanced at each other, clicking to themselves, before one turned back to Metus and let loose and replied to her: "Hkkkk-click...click...." "What did you ask them?" Rainbow Death asked. Metus lowered her eyebrows, turning towards her. "I asked them what they wanted, and all they said back was that they sense an 'old friend' is nearby." "Well, I haven't been chillin' in Null Space lately," Rainbow Death grunted, before glancing at Applemoon. "You?" "Nope," she said, shaking her head. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click!" "Alright, what's he-it-ugh- whatever! Saying now?" Applemoon asked, glancing at the 'lead' Void Caller. Metus glanced back at her, actually gulping slightly. "That we should move out of the way." "Uh uh!" Rainbow grunted. "I-I already put these kids in danger once today, I'm not doing it again! Tell them they can buzz off!" "Yeah! We ain't movin'!" Applemoon growled, puffs of steam once again sailing from her snout, before glared back at the leader. "I don't know why Shadowed trusts these folks, but they've been causin' more trouble lately than Princess Trollestia! I'd be in my right mind to have a lil chat with-" "Something you want to tell me?" a voice called, a hoarse whisper as cold as all the ice in the north. Shadowed Armor clanked into the scene, his armor glinting in the moonlight, a red-cloaked Void Caller at his side. "As a matter of fact, both of us would!" Rainbow Death growled, suddenly zipping in front of Shadowed. "And not just about the Void Callers!" "Mmmm... perhaps we should make it a private venture then," he said in a bored tone, glancing at the group of young ghouls, before looking back towards the red cloaked Void Caller. "Primary, tell your kin to disperse. I'll handle this." "Hkkkkk-click-click-click-click...." the red cloaked Void Caller said, almost as if it seemed disappointed. He then pointed one of his long, bony fingers towards the blank tundra in the distance, him and his kin letting loose a rapid-fire series of annoyed clicks before floating away. The entire group gave a collective sigh. though still, Rainbow didn't seem content with just that. "Uh uh! We aren't finished here yet," Rainbow snapped, drawing closer to Shadowed, her eyes two black slits of anger as Applemoon galloped to her side. Shadowed didn't move a muscle. "Uh oh, this is not good," Pipsqueak whispered. “This school really needs to get its internal issues worked out....” Sweetie gave a reluctant nod of agreement. Then, Rainbow began to speak at a lower volume, at which her words became muffled to the group of young students. Though still, the tone of those words told them enough about what was going on. "I heard you decapitated Trollestia yesterday... which was pretty cool," Rainbow Death admitted, though her glare continued. "But Twilight also says you've been acting like nothing but a huge jerk to her other than that!" "Have I?" Shadowed yawned. "Oh don't play dumb!" Rainbow growled. "This sound familiar? Embarrassing her during the commencement ceremony by acting like you didn't want to be there-" "I don't want to be here," he said bluntly. "-And then you acted rudely to Twilight's counterpart during her class!" she continued, ignoring the comment. "Do you have any idea how much our Twilight wanted her to come?!" "I didn't want her to come," he said, and again, in a bored tone. "The headmaster should have a say in things, shouldn't he? And she didn't even consult me." "UGH!" Rainbow Death cried, shaking her head. "Since when did Shadowed Armor, the great warrior of Edeathstria, become Shadowed Armor, the great douchebag of the Edeathstria?! You're acting like a spoiled child who didn't get the candy he wanted!" "I don't have a need to explain myself to you, Death," he hissed, taking a menacing step towards her. "Shouldn't you be out defying the heavens and playing judge to the legions of souls you reap?" Rainbow gave him a threatening look. "Don't you dare say anything about that! My method of punishment is the only way I make it through the day with this job!" Applemoon drew a nervous look her way. "Easy there, sourcube," she gulped. "Yet how many times have you been wrong before?" Shadowed said softly, quirking his head. "How many times has the great karmic weigher of souls Rainbow Death made the wrong call... sending innocents to an eternal prison?" "Once or twice," she said coldly. "But I've always rectified my mistakes." "Have you?" Shadowed said in an amused tone. "Tell me about Marygold, then?" Rainbow's eyes widened, her head sinking slightly as she gave a shiver. "And what about the time you almost led my sister to her death by foolishly trying to take Prince Blackblood on by your lonesome..." Shadowed continued. "Is that how you treat someone you love? By acting like a fool not fit to hold the scythe?" At that, Rainbow looked like she had just been punched in the face, her look of shame immediately turning to an odd, placid calm. “What did you say?” she asked quietly, a slight hint of venom barely seeping out her tone. “I stand by my opinion,” Shadowed said coldly. “You’re no more fit to hold the scythe than you are to be dating my sister. You’re arrogant at best, and completely foolish at worst! She would have been better off if you just let her pass through the golden gates and back to paradise where she belongs!” And suddenly, that look of calm became one of fiery rage. "OH THAT'S IT!" Rainbow roared, stamping a hoof. "HOW ABOUT I GIVE YOU A TRIP TO THEM?!" She began hovering above the ground, flapping an angry wing wildly. And to the horror of Applemoon and the rest of the group, she quickly twirled her scythe, growling as she did so, before jettisoning its blade down towards Shadowed's scalp... CLAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! A shower of sparks rang out as his brilliant blue blade kissed her crooked one. Applemoon gasped, a frantic look upon her face. "Rainbow! Simmer down! Noghoul's ever taken on Shadowed and-" "RAUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" SWIIIISHHHHHHHH!.!.! Rainbow twirled about in a dramatic, three-hundred-sixty degree ark, her scythe aimed for his legs this time.... CLAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! Only for Shadowed to effortlessly move his sword downwards, blocking it. A low growl emanated his armor, and upon hearing it, Scootaloo felt she just be doused with cold water. It was almost as bad as having a Void Caller nearby. "You... are not Death personified, you are emotion personified," Shadowed said, his tone actually showing a hint of anger. "In some ways, you're worse than she who came before you... and she was no more fit for the job than you were. For Death is cold... Death is neutral..." He let loose another growl. "And Death comes easily to fools!" "SHUT THE HELL UP!" Rainbow roared, pressing all her weight against him, her wing flapping madly. "And YOU are nothing but a huge asshole! And don't give me the 'I'm an old soldier' bullshit, because I know plenty of soldiers who are decent people! And you aren't one of them! Your heart is as empty as your armor!" "You talk to me as if you know me, yet you know NOTHING!.!.!" he snapped, suddenly pushing all his weight forward, sending Deathie sailing backward, gasping. Armored was upon her like an angry storm, pelting her with wave after wave of sword hits. CLANG-CLACK-CLANG-CLING-CLACK! Deathie gasped, struggling to block his barrage of strikes, sweat now pouring down her face. "I should be with my men fighting on the fields of battle!” Shadowed roared. CLING-SHIIIING-CLACK!.!.! “Instead, I was dragged away for what as well have been garrison duty! Forced to abandon them as they die by the bushels in a war that shouldn't even be happening!" CLAAAAAANNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG!.!.! The two met in a brilliant parry, angry black eyes gazing upon empty armor, the two blades creaking against each other. However, after a beat, Shadowed actually took a deep breath. Suddenly, he released his blade, backing away from Deathie, a glare still on her face, as the group continued to glance upon them, awe-struck. "But perhaps I can make a difference here,” he said, his voice returning to its usual calm tone. “This school needs to be fortified... and I'll start by pruning out the illness that’s infested it…" "Oh, and by that you mean me?!" Rainbow snarled. "No, you fool!" he shouted, before taking another deep breath. "There is a disease festering inside these castle grounds... the Void Callers sense it." He then actually gave a chuckle. "But of course, you're too narrow minded to ever trust the words of anything from the void! Because 'they're all evil!' Not a surprise coming from someghoul who only sees the world in black and white!" "Yeah, well the only thing I don't trust is YOU!" Rainbow roared, preparing to send her scythe flying at him yet again- "RAINBOW! SHADOWED!" a shattered, though angry voice shouted. With what looked like the greatest amount of effort in the world, the former paused in her attack. Sauntering towards the scene came both Twilight Soulshard and Rainbow Dash, Twilight's eyes watering ever-so-slightly. "What are you two doing?!" Rainbow Dash gasped. The two turned their heads towards her. "Settling a disagreement," Armored said in a cool tone. "I'm about to rip this asshole a new asshole is what he means!" Deathie shouted, shooting him a another glare. Twilight merely shook her head, her eyes still watering. "I-I can't believe you two," she whimpered. "F-Fighting in front of the students like this... acting like two drunks in a bar!" There was a second of silence, as Deathie's look of pure rage slowly morphed into that of remorse. She took a deep breath, Scootaloo continuing to stare at the scene in awe. "T-Twilight..." she gulped, before fluttering over towards her. "I-I didn't mean to..." She merely glanced away from her, Deathie sinking her head in shame. Armored, however, let loose a grunt, not saying a word, before taking out a whetstone and beginning to casually sharpen his sword. "Oh, you're not even going to apologize?!" Rainbow Dash suddenly roared, shooting him a death glare. "Just gonna sit there sharpening your sword?! At least my counterpart was willing to do that!" she pointed, actually giving her a small look of respect. "It is not my business to apologize anymore than it is your business to be in the Nightmare Realm, morta-" "All of you, stop it!" Twilight suddenly shouted, her tone more desperate than angry, as she glanced wearily at the students who looked upon the scene. "You're doing nothing but making Bogmorts look like it should never have been reopened..." she sighed. "Well actually, I thought the fight they had was pretty bloody coo-" Pipbossa grinned, before gaining a rib from Sweetie. "Oi! Can't speak my mind anymore these days, can I?" "Shush," Sweetie hissed. "This is serious..." True to her words, Death actually seemed to look like her heart was shattering. "S-Seriously, I'm sorry, Twilight..." she gulped. "I-I shouldn't have let myself get out of control like that... it was so stupid of me..." Twilight, however, didn't bother to respond to her. Instead, she continued to gaze upon the sword Shadowed seemed content to sharpen... "Shadowed..." she said in a suspicious tone, gesturing him forward. "Can you walk with me for a second?" "Mph," he grunted, sheathing the sword. "I suppose so..." The two formed along side each other, Twilight not even saying another word to Death, as they began trotting towards the castle. Deathie, in the meantime, hovered to the ground, collapsing on her flank, looking like she had just lost a limb. Rainbow Dash gave her a concerned look, quickly hovering down beside her. "Hey... you alright?" she said. "N-No," Deathie gulped, shaking her head sorrowfully. "I-In fact, I haven't felt this way since... since Nightmare Night... when I thought I lost her for good... I-I don't know how to deal with it..." There was a beat of silence, Rainbow glancing her over, before she actually set a comforting wing on her counterpart. "I guess that makes two of us," she said. Deathie gave a sorrowful gulp. "I've never been good with just... living... with emotion... I always have to try to fix what's bothering me... instead of just letting it go... and I'm not sure this is something I can fix..." "Trust me, I know how you feel," Dashie said, patting her gently. "And don't worry," Applemoon said, sitting by her side and giving her a warm smile. "Twilight will get over it... she will. She's just stressin' is all. You know how she's been workin' to get this school reopened." Deathie chuckled darkly. "Y-Yeah... and I'm here wrecking it for her," she sighed, her ears sagging. "I s-should just get back to my real job... I don't belong here... my stupid ass almost got killed in front of my class today..." She then let loose another sigh. "Though if Shadowed is right... I don't belong in that role either." Applemoon suddenly gave her a stern glance. "Hey now! Don't be givin' hoarse lip just cus you made one mistake! You're Rainbow Death! And if I remember right, you and Dashie here were responsible for gettin' rid of Blackblood, weren't you?" "Y-Yeah... after getting my flank kicked by him like five times," Deathie muttered, shaking her head. Applemoon's stern look didn't falter. "Yet in the end, you still whooped his gooey flank good. And ya know why?" Deathie slowly looked towards her, a quizzical look on her face. "W-Why’s that?" Applemoon merely smiled. "Cus, as cheesy as it sounds, there ain't no Rainbow who ever gives up." "Damned straight," Rainbow Dash said, fluttering her wings with a grin. Deathie's eyes widened at that. And then came a beat of silence, as her eyes slowly narrowed in resolve. It was as if she had been reminded of something she already knew. "Y-Yeah... you're right!" she finally gasped, suddenly getting to her hooves, her ears perking upwards yet again. "I didn't give up with Blackblood, and I didn't give up with Twilight! And in the end, it worked out!" “Now that’s the spirit!” Applemoon cheered. She then turned... and actually wrapped her arms around the Lycan pony. "Oh nelly!" Applemoon nearly coughed in surprise, returning the hug. "Hangin' out with Twilight really has made you softer!" "Yeah, and you know what? I like it!" Rainbow Death grinned. "I don't care what Shadowed says! I can be as emotional I want and still be the reaper! He may have seen so much shit in his day that he's shut off his heart, but that isn't me!" She then turned back to the class of waiting students, smiling warmly. "And I'm going to make it up to Twilight by making this class as awesome as it can be!" "Awwwwwww...." the Crusaders cooed. "Heh, Who would have guessed Death is so...." Apple Bloom said, trying to think of the right words. "Mortal... in the end?" Sweetie smirked. "Yeah... I guess that works," Scootaloo smiled. "Sorry about that, kiddos! Let’s get back to the lesson, shall we?" Deathie chirped, before putting on a sheepish grin and glancing towards the Forbidden Forest. “Though we uh... seem to have lost what it was about..." "Just splain' to them what ya know about em'. That'll do fine, sourcube," Applemoon beamed. "And hey... uh... need any help with anything?" Rainbow Dash said, quirking her head with a smile, before she glanced up towards the heavens. "Hmmm... looks like the sky may need a bit more clearing..." Deathie grinned at her, nodding. "Show us ghouls how it's done.” "Haha! Now that is something I can do!" she smirked, before giving a wink and launching herself in the sky, the clouds above shuddering at her presence. "Now then," Deathie said, turning back to the class. "Does anyghoul want to give a guess as to where the primary pressure point is on a Felhound?" A few enthusiastic hooves were raised, as the class continued. However, Scootaloo's mind quickly drew elsewhere, thinking about what had just happened. The Void Callers were interested in her... and Shadowed was talking about some sort of disease being on campus... right after she had had a conversation with the mysterious 'Arthur', who seemed to enable her to actually control the Felhounds. It was just too much of a coincidence. A horrible thought came to her, one that made her shudder. Was it possible that she was the disease he spoke of? And if that were true, what could she do about it? A Ghoul's Song of Storms"Happy Three Days Before Hearth's Warming Eve, everyghoul!" Twilight Soulshard beamed merrily from the staff table, a morning after Deathie's unusual class. "Thanks Ms. Soulshard!" the three mortal, and one-half mortal crusaders called. However, the rest of the hall remained silent, save for a series of grumbles from the various ghouls sitting about. "Mph..." "Date stealers..." "Sell outs..." "Pansy, spineless dicks..." Twilight Soulshard gave a sigh, glancing downward at the green eggs and spoiled jam she was eating. "Oh come on, everyghoul! Happy Hearth's Warming Eve... er pre-Hearth's Warming Eve... ah-whatever!" Deathie called, though all the while glancing longingly towards Twilight. "Hmph!" Twilight said, immediately glancing away from her and back towards her food, though with a moping look soon overtaking her agitated one. "Oh man... those two still haven't made up?" Scootaloo said, glancing at Twilight with a concerned, sympathetic expression. "It's only been one day," Pipsqueak said, shrugging, before taking a bite of his scrambled eggs. "We just need to-" "Awwww, but she looks so depressed," Sweetie said, frowning sorrowfully. "And poor Rainbow Death! She looks like she's trying so hard..." "Hmmm, and Twilight’s got a conflict of interest, it seems," Apple Bloom stated. "On one hoof she's angry at Deathie, but on another hoof ain't it always Rainbow who's trying to help push our side's ways over here?" "Yeah!" Scootaloo squeaked, before narrowing her eyes."We should totally do something! We should try to get them back together!" "Errrr," Apple Bloom said, holding up a hoof. "Didn't we try that before only for it to go horribly wrong?" Pipbossa raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with something going horribly wrong?" Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, giving him a blank look soon after. "'Horribly wrong' ain't a good thing in the land of light." "Ooooooooohhhhh," Pipbossa said, nodding, before whispering towards Pipsqueak, "Why's it a bad thing again?" "They ended up using a love potion that almost got two blokes married that shouldn't have been," Pipsqueak whispered back, Pipbossa giving a nod of understanding, his eyes narrowing. "Mmmm... sounds like something a certain Siren might try to pull on someghoul," he grunted, glaring Princess Congeria's way, Shadowed Armor strangely absent from her side unlike the previous morning. "Anyway," Sweetie said, smirking towards Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. "That was a different story. That was us trying to bring two ponies together, not bringing two ghouls back together! I mean, come on! Those two are perfect for each other! Rainbow's brash but secretly sensitive, and might give Twilight the assertive quality she wouldn't normally have while still not going over the top. And Twilight is book smart and has common sense to boot, and might hold her back when she needs it. And both are chill enough to able to take more extreme qualities of each other!" "Mmmm, except now ya' mean," Apple Bloom sighed, glancing their way. "That's just cus Deathie went too far, and Shadowed really egged her on, the prick," Sweetie stated. "She won't do it again, I bet." Pipsqueak raised an eyebrow. "But Twilight’s a Lich... doesn't she... defy death? Wouldn't that tick Deathie off?" "Maybe, but in the end, I don't think Deathie cares that much," Sweetie said, gesturing back towards the staff table. True to her words, Deathie was currently plucking a muffin off Twilight's plate with her scythe, obviously in an attempt to get her attention in a playful prank, as the conniving smirk on her face would indicate. However, Twilight was not so amused. With a growl, she quickly slapped the muffin off the blade, shooting a glare Deathie's way before folding her arms. Deathie then gave a sigh, glancing down at her own plate with broken black eyes. "Ugh, you're right, this sucks so hard!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "Sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks! We have to do something! A little intervention from the other side!" "But we don't even know them!" Pipsqueak argued. "They aren't our Twilight and Rainbow Dash." "Yeah, but they're so much like them, and Lichy Twilight really did us a huge favor by letting us come here," Sweetie retorted, a defeated look coming upon Pipsqueak's face. "And you know girls; just because we're stuck in the Nightmare Realm doesn't mean we have to give up our quest for a Cutie Mark..." Scootaloo grinned. "Are you thinkin'... what I'm thinkin'?" Apple Bloom smirked mischievously. The three Crusaders nodded towards each other. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS UNDEAD ROMANCE COUNSELERS!" The ghouls about them quickly raised a series of eyebrows, the three quickly simpering in response. "Mmmm... yeah..." Pipsqueak groaned, rolling his eyes. "I think I'm going to stay out of this one, trial Crusader or not. Er, no offense." Scootaloo gave him a grunt. "Fine... if that's what you want." She then gave a smirk. "Chicken." "Hey! I'm not chicken! It's just I haven't... done my homework yet!" he coughed, before turning towards Pipbossa and whispering, "Er... ya feel like hanging out for a bit before our ten o'clock? What do you ghouls do for fun around here?" Pipbossa gave him a wicked grin. "Oh, we got a few things aside from the new mortal stuff that’s been becomin’ a hit. Come with me, laddy. I got somethin' that'll make ya scream," he said, gesturing for Pipsqueak to follow him, the latter giving a gulp as the two trotted away. "Pfffft, whatever, we don't need em'," Apple Bloom grunted. "Besides, he's a boy! He ain't sensitive enough for this kind of thing!" "Yeah but... we don't really know what we're doing, either," Sweetie grumbled with a sigh. "I think we should get some advice this time." "But from who?" Scootaloo said. "Hmmmmm," Sweetie said, tapping her chin, a smile slowly forming on her face. "Well... we don't have the Princess of Love at our disposal..." She then glanced at Princess Congeria, her smile widening. "But we do have the next best thing." ☼☼☼ "Is there something I can help you with, sou-sweethearts?" Princess Congeria asked in a neutral tone, finishing up the last of her breakfast, her blue sapphires for eyes twinkling. Luckily, both Deathie and Twilight had sauntered off their two separate ways at this point. "Er yeah," Sweetie said, scratching the back of her head nervously. "Well uh... sorry to bother you and everything-" "It's alright, dear. I'm just finishing up now... though I do have a class to teach in an hour or so," Congeria said patiently. “However, don’t ever be afraid to come to me if you need help. I am your house’s leader, after all.” Apple Bloom shook her head in disbelief, her eyebrows squinted as she whispered to Scootaloo, "Wow... she seems so… nice… how the heck did she marry Shadowed Armor?" The vampony gave a shrug. "Mmmm... maybe he has a secret, sensitive side or something." Apple Bloom lifted an eyebrow, glancing towards the scowling head of Princess Trollestia, it perched atop a blue, glowing pike nearby. “Yep… uh huh…” "But yeah, uh... we were just wondering if you could give us some advice on... love," Sweetie said to her in a hope filled tone. Princess Congeria gave a devious smirk. "Ah... love, hm? Perhaps you’ve come to the right Siren." She then gave a wink. "After a certain sailor, by any chance, or pirate I should say? Hehe, I once knew his father, if that's the case. He was quite the fighter," she smirked. "If you want to win his son's heart, I can certainly relate. I have a certain... affinity for all those who dare, I mean uh... like to tread upon my waters...." "Er... yeah," Sweetie gulped, her wary look becoming all the more wary. "Well... it's sort of like that. We're actually trying to get two ghouls back together." Princess Congeria gave an amused chuckle. "Oh, that's no worry, for you see, mending two hearts or molding them together in first place is a remarkably similar process," she stated, her eyes still twinkling as wicked smirk came upon her. "All it takes is the right... song, actually." She then gave an evil chuckle, a strange, almost competitive look overtaking her. "In fact, the only ghoul my songs have never charmed happens to be... my husband." Scootaloo lowered her eyebrows, hiding a suspicious glance at the Siren Queen. She quickly shrugged off her thoughts however, before clearing her throat and saying: "H-Have any good songs that can help get two ghouls back together, though?" "In fact, I do," Princess Congeria beamed. “Oooo! Can you sing it for us?” Sweetie said in a somewhat excited tone, smiling. Princess Congeria shrugged. "Eh, why not? It’s been a while since I’ve stretched my vocal chords.” She then cleared her throat. “Anyway, a relationship currently in a stormy sea... where a sailor thinks he's getting free... can be countered with a simple song from thee. Allow me to elaborate…" At that, the Siren Princess took a deep breath before singing in a haunting, but soothing melody: "Come with me, And you'll be, In a world of pure imagination. If it's not your inclination, It'll be my proclamation. Tell of me, All you see, Of hardship on the ocean's breeze. Ever think you could find? What your heart sings for on a dime? Why do you run, When there can be such fun, Where the thunder shows its guns? What ghoul ever fears? Why quake when you draw near? Come back to me... Come back to me... Little sailor not so ever free. You can't run from what you need, You can't run from my seas..." Congeria then took a deep breath, smiling nostalgically, the three Crusaders looking upon her with baffled expressions. "Er uhh," Scootaloo coughed. "It was... interesting." "It was beautiful," Sweetie said, clapping her hooves in glee, though still with a slightly unnerved expression on her. "Though the lyrics... it's just uh... kind of a joke, right?" Congeria blinked in surprise, before putting on a smile, nodding. "Oh yes... of course." She then took a deep breath. "But the point is: singing songs always works for me... so perhaps if one of those in the couple having a hardship is willing... maybe you can get them to sing the other a song as well? It may not have my... magic to it. Though sometimes I think that music has a magical quality of its own. As long as it isn't written by Justin Beaver." "What about Horsey Dave Mathews Band, though?" Sweetie asked. "And especially not Horsey Dave Mathews band," Congeria stated. "Even us ghouls shiver at the sound of that. But anyway, give it a shot, but only as a last resort. Good luck, my little minions of love!" "Thanks Princess!" Sweetie beamed. "Yeah, this should totally work!" Scootaloo smiled. "You're welcome, dears," she said, smiling warmly. However, she soon held up a hoof, closing eyes for a second. "But remember, only use it as a last resort. Sometimes, all a relationship needs is-" When she opened her eyes, the three Crusaders were already making their way out of the hall, giggling. "Time," she blinked. She then sighed, before before sinking back into her chair. "Oh my..." ☼☼☼ It didn't take long for the Crusaders to find Rainbow Death. She was at the entrance to the great school, a massive arch-way sitting before a great set of stone stairs that led down a brilliant, shimmering hill of white. Due to the acoustics, her blues guitar could be heard echoing through it a mile away, as well as her actually somewhat decent, though sorrowful singing voice. "They say there is a secret chord, That you can play to play to bring the lord, To fix any wrong that you've brought to ya. For I truly went and heard the call, Of the one thing that could make me bare this job, Of ripping souls away before their Hallelujah..." Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Haleluja-" "Hey Rainbow Death!" Scootaloo called, trotting up to her. "Oh... hey, Scootaloo," she sniffed, glancing away from her. "How are your classes coming? Ya having fun at Bogmorts?" "Well, it's been uh... interesting so far," Scootaloo smiled. "Oh... well, that's good to hear, if you mean 'interesting' in the way I hope you do," she said, forcing a smile, before glancing at Sweetie and Apple Bloom. "How about you two, are you getting along well?" 'Mmmhm," Sweetie beamed. "My first magic class was a blast! Even if uh... I'm a little iffy about dark magic." "And Zehorra says I could be a natural at potion making!" Apple Bloom chirped merrily. "That's good," Rainbow nodded, sniffing again. "Very good..." "Listen uh..." Sweetie said. "We've kind of seen what's been happening between you and Twilight..." Apple Bloom said. "And we want to help!" Scootaloo beamed. Rainbow took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Thanks... but no thanks. There's no helping me," she sighed sorrowfully. "I was a fool for thinking I could ever be in a relationship. I have no idea what I'm doing... My only romance should be with the dead... in a totally non-creepy way." She then gave an indignant grunt. "Besides, Twilight's been making me soft lately, anyway." Suddenly, she stamped a hoof, black sparks flickering from her black holes for eyes as she roared with a demonic pitch: "I am the Grim Reaper! I should not pity the souls who have passed, and I should not be in a relationship with she who defies death in the way she did! There is no greater sin than returning from paradise! It is unnatural! Unnatural, I say! Even for a ghoul!" There was a thunder crack as she ended, a lightning bolt suddenly sailing horizontally from the distant horizon, cascading into her scythe and giving it an eerie, red glow. "B-But it wasn't Twilight's choice, was it?" Sweetie squeaked, the three Crusaders now backing away from Death, shivering. "She had a say in it," Deathie grumbled, gripping her blues guitar and beginning to play the same damned song. The three Crusaders glanced at each other at that, unconvinced. "L-Look, you're really good with that guitar or yours," Scootaloo squeaked. "Maybe you could... try writing a song for Twilight? To show her how much you care! Like a Hearth's Warming Eve gift!" "A Hearth's Warming Eve gift…" she chuckled darkly. "Don't even talk to me about that holiday. Bunch of sell-outs... What's so heartwarming about perpetual shopping, materialism, and receiving whatever stupid thing you asked for? It isn't caring, it's robotic. It's like a stupid obligation for parents and lovers to get each other crap when they could just buy it for themselves... that's all it is." "There's more to Hearth's Warming Eve than that, Rainbow," Scootaloo grumbled. "And getting presents from people always feels nice. Even if it's stuff you didn't want. And either way, it would mean something to Twilight…" She then turned towards the other Crusaders, glancing at them as if she were looking for confirmation. “Right, girls?” "Er, right..." "Yeah, definitely! I think..." At that, a sudden hopeful look came to Rainbow Death as she squinted an eyebrow. "Well... I mean... do you really think it will work?" "Of course!" the three beamed. Deathie's eyes narrowed, as she began to nod to herself, a smile slowly creeping over her face. "Well… alright... alright... You know, I think I already have a song in mind, too!" She then gave a grin. "Thanks you three, I think this might actually work! Just got chill for a bit... I'll take care of the rest." "Will do, Rainbow!" Scootaloo smiled, leading the three Crusaders away. “Awwww man, this is going to be so sweet,” Sweetie beamed, before glancing at her blank flank. “And I bet you that this is it!” Death's Golden Ticket"Scootaloo..." Flutterfright squeaked in a concerned tone, scurrying up next to the young vampress during her ten o'clock class. "This is the third time this morning I've sensed you've broken meditation..." "Errr... how did you know I broke concentration?" Scootaloo said, lifting an eyebrow. "Oh um..." Flutterfright simpered. "I've kind of... been reading all of your minds... if that's alright with you." There were a few mutters from the class, but no outward voices of disapproval. Each knew they'd probably be using the same power one day. "But anyway... is everything alright, Scootaloo?" Flutterfright asked in a concerned tone. "You seem very distracted compared to yesterday. That can be... dangerous for a vampire. “ 'Na, Na, Na, Feed on your friends! HEY HEY HEY!' her instincts sang. “Not that it should worry you at this stage...” Flutterfright continued. “But you really need to keep a low tone and not take on too many strenuous activities at once." "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, shaking her head in a disgruntled manner. "I just have... well..." She then glanced away from her. It wasn't Scootaloo’s business to be spewing her problems to the whole class. And the last thing she needed was to bring any more attention to herself than there already was. Oh, and she definitely didn't want to show 'weakness' around Shadowed Armor, who had taken to observing this class, hidden in the shadows of the back of it and just standing there… menacingly. "I mean- I'll be alright, Flutterfright," she said, putting on a false smile. The vampress counterpart of Fluttershy was correct, however. She had had a lot of things on her mind. Luckily for her, Deathie's problems with Twilight had at least distracted her from... Arthur this morning. And now with her mind back on the subject, Shadowed being in her class was not helping. Flutterfright nodded, squinting an eyebrow as if not completely convinced. "Well… alright then..." She then took a deep breath, before continuing with, "Alright, class, warmup meditation is over...” The class actually muttered in disapproval, for as it turned out, meditation was actually pretty fun to do... more fun than reading text books, that was. Flutterfright soon sighed at this, before saying in a reluctant, defeated tone: “Though you could have anoth-" Her black, demon bunny gave her a slight kick, and soon after, her eyes narrowed in resolve. "I mean - uh. Please open your books to page twenty-six!" "Uggggggh...." ☼☼☼ "The Great and Powerful Wicked Witch of the- I mean uh... Trixie," a certain light blue pony corrected herself, simpering. "Welcomes you to the Basics of Alchemy!" A second later, she smirked and dropped a small vile of a bubbling green substance upon a block of coal, immediately turning it into a shimmering, silver-like metal, much to the astonishment of the class. The Mortus students in the room gave a cheer, as the Noctus students applauded politely. Scootaloo did have to admit, however: it was pretty cool. "You all have been graced with luck at not only having one of the greatest necromancers of your time in this school, but also the greatest alchemists!" Trixie continued. She then began to pace around the class of fifty or so students, smiling upon each individual. "Now, I know some of you may be nervous being in a class with one who has had a... dismal reputation as of late-" "I'm not nervous!" Bloody Tiara chirped merrily. "Er, thank you, young one," Trixie coughed nervously. "But as I was saying: my days of making trouble are over. From now on, the Great and Powerful Trixie hopes to use her awesome Trixiness to spread her gifts to the world! Including the younger generation!" At that, she smirked, leaning close to Sweetie Belle. "You are the sister of the mortal Rarity, yes?" Sweetie nodded nervously. "And she uses many gems in her dress-making, correct?" she said, before smiling gleefully. "I had brief conversation with her on Nightmare Night. She suggested I go for a black cloak and hat instead of a red one. I must say, for once, I felt humbled! It looks ten times better!" Sweetie nodded again, though with a slight smile. "Imagine it, though," Trixie said, leaping away from her desk dramatically. "Imagine if you could give her the greatest gems upon your world... without even needing to leave her own little world! That is what the magnificent Trixie can teach you in this class! That is what awaits you!" "Oooooo," the class oozed. "But who wants stupid, pretty jewels when you can have horrible things like Bloodstone!" Scootaweb grinned. "Or a Philosopher's Stone!" Archer Windrunner cheered. "Using captured souls to gain immortality!? How awesome would that be?!" Trixie raised her eyebrows at the young ghoul. "Mmmm... Trixie once came across a Philosopher's Stone in her early days. It is actually how she is now over four hundred years old, much like our dear Lich Queen." The class' eyes widened in awe at this. "She doesn't look a day over twenty!" Scootaloo whispered to Sweetie, who nodded in amazement. "I know why it would appeal to young ghouls: it is a very scary concept," Trixie continued, looking like she was absolutely soaking up all the attention. "But, I must confess: there are some horrible things no one should tamper with. We will not be making Philospher's Stones..." "Awwwwwww...." Trixie quickly sighed, rolling her eyes. "However, Bloodstones are still alright, Trixie supposes." "YAYYYYY!" "Now then," Trixie said, marching to the front of the class and pivoting about. "Who dares tell Trixie what the fundamental law of alchemy is?" A certain hoof shot up. "Ahhh... you dare, it seems," she smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Go ahead then, child of light, tell Trixie of what you know!" "The most important law of alchemy is this:" Apple Bloom said, clearing her throat. "Equivalent Exchange! You cannot gain anything without giving something in return! It's somethin' I've learned plenty well on the farm. If ya want apples, ya gotta have water." "Very good! I'm surprised a mortal would know about such things!" Trixie smirked. "Ten points to Noctus!" She then raised a hoof, before continuing with: "However, the law of Equivalent Exchange, as some of you may already know, can be applied to much more than alchemy. It was once used as sort of a moral code in the older days of Edeathstria. And lately, it has been making a resurgence..." "How did you know that?!" Sweetie said, glancing her way in bafflement. "Hey, you're not the only one interested in alchemy, ya know!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "I figure if I could learn it I could help with mah family get a lil' extra cash. Applejack's still been looking for a way to get Granny her new hip, ya know.." Sweetie raised her eyebrows, before throwing her an apologetic glance. "Heh, sorry... I just never thought you'd be into-" she said. "It's alright. Surprised myself when I opened a text book last night," Apple Bloom smirked. At that, Scootaloo's red eyes detected a hint of movement, and in the back of the class, she saw Shadowed Armor nod to himself, his sword drawn ever-so-slightly, and now glowing a piercing red. ☼☼☼ "Ugh, what the heck's been with Shadowed Armor!" Scootaloo cried at the lunch table. "It's like he's been following me all morning! Sure, I know he's creepy, but I didn't think he's stalker creepy!" "You've only had two classes, right?" Sweetie said, munching on a peanut-butter sandwich. "It's probably just a coincidence. No need to get all worked up about it." "I'm not getting worked up about it!" Scootaloo growled, slamming a hoof against the table. Her group of friends raised their eyebrows. "Easy, las. Me thinks you've been getting yur just gettin' over yur head with a bit too much today." Pipbossa stated, munching on an apple two times the size of a normal one. "And bloody hell, those size changing spells Ms. Soulshard used are bloody amazing!" "Yeah, speaking of which, how did necromancy go, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked. "Eh.... not something I'm ever going to use casually," Sweetie chuckled, a slightly perturbed look coming upon her. "But Ms. Soulshard really knows her stuff when it comes to magic, just like Princess Congeria. I think it'll help me with the more general stuff. Concentration… mana control… the works." Pipsqueak quirked an eyebrow. "Mmmm, speaking of her, I wonder when Rainbow Death's going to do that song of her-" And almost as if to reply to him, suddenly, the doors of the hall slammed open, Rainbow Death galloping into it dramatically with a cocky grin on her face, her single black wing holding her guitar. "This is it!" Sweetie cried, grinning widely. Scootaloo smiled for the first time since breakfast. "Come on Deathie, you can do it!" "What's she doing?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight Sparkle at the staff table, raising an eyebrow. "Knowing you: something completely insane," Twilight smirked. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Pffft, easy there. We're not dating. You have no idea what I'd do to win your heart back!" "Hypothetically, what may that involve?" Twilight said, lifting her eyebrows. "Oh, I'd probably spill my heart out to you, discuss what exactly we can do to fix the relationship in a civilized manner," Rainbow grinned mischievously. “That kind of thing.” Twilight's eyes widened, a smile of approval coming upon her face. "Wow, Rainbow! That actually sounds pretty-" "PFFFFFFFFFTTTT - HAHAHAHA! Yeah right!" Rainbow cackled, Twilight quickly giving her a blank look. "Two words: Rainboom Apocalypse!" "It's like you pick out the logical option and intentionally do the opposite!" Twilight moaned. "Why?" Rainbow Dash smirked widely. "Trolololololo.” Nearby, Princess Trollestia’s severed head glanced upon her with a look of approval. “There is hope for this one. Hope indeed…” At the very same time, Rainbow Death finished her dramatic entrance, gasping as she gripped her guitar with her hooves and fluttered before Twilight Soulshard, who quickly gave her a blank look. "Rainbow... what are you doing?" she groaned. Deathie’s grin became sheepish. "Oh nothing… just uh… want to sing a song is all. I think the young ghouls might enjoy it!” Twilight glanced at them, and then back at Rainbow. "Uh huh… yeah… the song’s for them, right?” Rainbow scratched the back of her head. “Mmmmm…. alright, maybe it’s only… partially for them." “Ugh... I knew it…" Twilight grumbled, her busy digging into a mass of rotten lettuce. "Listen, I'm trying to eat here and I'm still a bit-" "But I have something I want to say!" Deathie beamed, before beginning to strum her guitar merrily. "And I'm going to say it the most awesome way possible: song style!" Soulshard rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Fine... go ahead..." "So far so good... I think," Apple Bloom said, nodding. Pipsqueak perked an eyebrow. "Mmmmm.... I’m not so sure. No offense... but I have my doubts about this..." "Oh come on! Deathie can so do it!" Scootaloo beamed, turning back to face the guitar playing reaper. "Rock out, Rainbow!" With that, Deathie finished playing a rather epic intro solo to Twilight, who still stared at her blankly. Finally, she began singing: "I never thought my life could be, Anything but a killing spree, But now I've finally come to see, I've got you and you've got me!" Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash glanced at each other warily. "Uhhhh...." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not sure where this is going, but I'm pretty sure it's not going anywhere good..." "Cause I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden twinkle in my eye!" Twilight Soulshard's mouth began to part. "I never had a chance to dine, With she who heard the last bells chime, Then she stole this heart of mine, What an amazing thin-" "Rainbow!" Twilight suddenly shouted, halting her playing, as Death glanced at her with hope-filled eyes. "S-So, did you like it?" she said, smiling sheepishly. At that, Twilight took a deep breath. "It was... less egotistical than I expected, but still..." She then glanced at her curiously. "Do you really understand why I was mad at you in the first place?" "Of course I understand!" Rainbow Death cried. "I-I went too far..." She then sighed heavily, gulping. "And I'm really, really sorry..." Twilight glanced her over, putting on a warm smile before saying, "So you weren't just saying that?" "Of course not!" Deathie said. "You're my special someghoul, Twilight. I wouldn't just lie to you like that. You know how stupid I get sometimes... acting without thinking and all that jazz. But that's just who I am. And that's why I need someghoul like you to keep me in check!" Soulshard 's eyes widened, a sorrowful glance coming upon her. "So... you have been trying to keep yourself chill... only it's through me, isn't it?" Deathie nodded, a warm smile creeping on her face. "Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry, Rainbow! I had no idea!" Soulshard suddenly cried, quickly teleporting in front of her, and wrapping her arms around her in a hug. "Awwwww...." the Crusaders cooed. Yep, even Pip. "Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!" Sweetie beamed, bouncing in her seat. "But please..." Twilight continued. "Just try to keep yourself calm around Shadowed, alright? No matter how douchey he acts." Death turned her head away from her, glaring at noghoul in particular. "I-I'll try..." "Do, or do not, there is no try," Twilight Yoda'd, narrowing her eyes. "But that's all I can give you!" Deathie said, frowning. "I honestly don't know how I'm going to react the next time he decides to act like a dunce!" There was a beat of silence following that, Twilight clearly entering a mode of thought. Scootaloo slid to the edge of her seat. Sweetie nibbled on her hooves nervously. Rainbow Dash... dug into her salad. "Ugh... I really hate soap opera crap," she grumbled. "Well..." Soulshard finally said, a smile slowly inching over her face, Deathie practically sweating in anticipation. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could- "Scootaloo!" a voice roared from the doorway to the hall: a cold, hissing whisper. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! Into the hall marched Shadowed Armor, the reddened spikes jutting from his armor glinting menacingly in the moonlight, as a shiver circled down Scootaloo's spine. "How do you make a bad day worse?" she muttered to herself. "Add Shadowed Armor to the mix." "I need to see you... immediately," his hollow voice growled as his cold, black-eyed helmet glanced towards Scootaloo. "Shadowed... what's up? Everything alright?" Soulshard said nervously, as Deathie quickly twirled about and put on a wicked glare. "It is none of your concern," he grunted dismissively. "And that goes double for you, Death." Death glanced away from him, a look on her face that said she was all but ready to renew their battle from the other day. "Haha! Someghoul's in trouuubllllleeee!" Bloody Tiara cackled wickedly from her table, the Mortus students laughing alongside of her. "Uh uh!" Rainbow Dash said, glaring at Shadowed as well, before careening over towards Scootaloo and standing before her defensively. "You're not taking Scoots anywhere until I hear why!" "I merely wish to speak about her educational future," Shadowed said calmly. "If you have an objection with me discussing advanced classes with her to expedite it, then by all means, object." Rainbow threw him a suspicious look. "If that's true, then... would you mind if I came with you?" "Yes, I would, in fact," he stated. "This is a private matter." Rainbow continued to look him over for a second, her eyes narrowing in mistrust, before slowly saying, "Mmmm... if you need your privacy, I guess. You cool with this, Scootaloo?" Scootaloo gave a curt nod, standing up from her seat and glancing at her friends. "Yeah… it’s fine. G-Guess I'll see you guys later?" "Yeah, S-Seeya, Scoots," Sweetie squeaked, glancing at Shadowed Armor warily. "Come, child. We have... much to discuss," he grunted, twirling about before clanking towards the entrance of the hall. The group gave her a few nods, as Scootaloo, quaking slightly, stood from her seat and followed Shadowed out of the hall. Upon her exit, Soulshard shook her head at something, an incredulous look on her face. At that, Spike’s counterpart, the real one at his side, made their way into the Great Hall, gazing at their respective Twilights curiously. “Hey uh… we just saw Shadowed walking by with Scoots... the kid looked pretty nervous. Something going on?” “I’m not sure,” Soulshard muttered, lifting herself from her seat. “But I’m going to find out.” “I’ll come with you,” Rainbow Dash said, nodding to herself. “No offense, Twilight, but your brother is a major prick…” “I wouldn’t mind tagging along as well,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Thank you,” Soulshard said, smiling appreciatively. “But I think I need to handle this on my own.” She then glanced at Rainbow Dash, sighing heavily. “You’re right though… Shadowed has been acting like a prick lately." She shook her head again, a baffled expression coming upon her face. "But he wasn't always like this…” ☼☼☼ Shadowed's office was at the top of a set of spiral stairs, overlooking a small, snow-shielded courtyard that served as a gathering spot for students. Twilight Soulshard had actually taken the liberty of adding a few fun activities from the mortal side to it, including a massive trampoline that seemed to have been enchanted to launch ghouls fifty or so feet in the air. "WHEEEEEEEE!" Scootaweb cried during her ascent. "Holy crap! I can't believe we didn't try this mortal stuff out sooner!" “I know! This is friggin’ awesome!” Apple Doom cheered. "Yeah... gee, must be nice being corporeal," Rotten grunted, floating above her and Scootaweb as they bounced merrily. "Oh come on, Rotten!" Scootaweb yelled. "You can fly! Isn't that good enough?" Rotten glanced away from her, huffing slightly as Scootaloo made it to the door of Shadowed's office. The office itself reflected Shadowed's personality. Cold, pragmatic... and militaristic. Hanging upon the walls were a number of medieval weapons, as well as a few he had seemed to have taken a liking to from Scootaloo's side. She recognized a few from a Second Great Pony War documentary she had watched in class. There were rifles, Garands she believed they were called, Thompsons, etcetera, and knowing him, he probably kept them armed. However, to her surprise, the pride of his collection seemed to be the same sword Raindow Death had used to slay Princess Blackblood on Nightmare Night: Frostmourne. "Have a seat, child of light and dark," he grunted, gesturing to a small, rather uncomfortable wooden chair before his desk. Scootaloo did so, still eyeing him warily, her ears sagging ever so slightly. "Tell me... how was your trip here?" he asked calmly, leaning towards her. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "It was... good, I guess. Pretty uneventful." "Was it?" Shadowed said, nodding to himself. "Good... glad to hear it." At that, he whipped out his sword as he was so fond of doing, its bright blue glow illuminating the room. The two sat for a moment in silence, Shadowed taking out his whetstone and sharpening it... as it began to glow a bright red. "Like the sword?" Shadowed finally said, quirking his head. Scootaloo gave a nervous nod. Then, something unexpected happened: Shadowed actually chuckled. "Its previous owner didn't seem to care for it that much... but I won't get into the details of that." Scootaloo took a deep breath. She was quite thankful he wasn't about to get into any gritty war stories. "However, it has a number of features that are very unusual for any blade," Shadowed continued. "For instance, it glows red when creatures of Null Space are nearby." Scootaloo gave a gulp, as she quickly glanced about. "No need to worry; there aren't any Void Callers nearby..." Shadowed said calmly, before changing the topic with: "Tell me of your father, Scootaloo. What do you know of him?" Scootaloo blinked, squinting an eyebrow at the question before saying: "W-Well, it seems like everyghoul else knows more than I do... I'm not sure what I could tell you..." "Mmmmm, I didn't expect as much..." Shadowed mused. "Many know of him as a decent warrior, and as a peaceful negotiator with the Hearth's Warming Eve realm. However... after the battle in the Frozen North, one with a specific entity named Artharius of Winter..." "Artharius..." Scootaloo whispered to herself in horror, her eyes widening. "Arthur..." "He was changed forever..." Shadowed grunted. "Noghoul knows for sure what happened... save for Nightmare Moon and Blackfire... though I did manage to pry a small amount of information from the former... with the help of my wife. All she said was that Sleighbell was tainted by the entity when he made direct contact with him... for reasons unknown." "W-What are you trying to say?" Scootaloo squeaked. "I'm saying... and I don't wish to alarm you, but this taint... it may have spread..." he said, waving whimsical hoof about. "Tell me, Scootaloo, have you been having any strange dreams lately? Have you been hearing any... voices in your head other than those usual pesky instincts vampires seem to have?" Scootaloo shifted nervously in her seat, not answering. "Black cat got your tongue?" he said, quirking his head again. "Then I'm going to be blunt with you, child," he growled, his polite tone all but vanishing. "If you don't tell me what I want to know, I will be within my right mind to have you confined to the dungeons... until the black cat gives it back." Scootaloo gave a gasp, her mind racing through the possibilities. Was he serious? And if she admitted to him that he was talking with Arthur... would he take it lightly? "Shadowed!" a voice growled from behind Scootaloo. Shadowed gave a disgruntled growl, turning his head slightly to the left, as Scootaloo twirled about. A glaring Twilight Soulshard stood behind her, Deathie waiting behind her out of the office, glancing curiously inside. "What is it, sister?" Shadowed said in annoyance. "What is the meaning of this?! Why are you threatening to lock Scootaloo away for no reason?!" "I have my reasons," he said bluntly. "But that won't be necessary if she admits to what I suspect." "And what in the world could that be?" Twilight said, narrowing her eyes. "That she may be... in symbioses with a fraction of Artharius of Winter," Shadowed said bluntly. If incredulous expressions could be rated, Twilight's would probably be somewhere around someghoul saying 'Princess Luna is currently tap-dancing in the Great Hall.' "You can't be serious," Twilight said, shaking her head. "This is a joke, right?" "I don’t joke, Twilight," Shadowed grunted. "Yeah, you don't joke anymore! And that's the problem!" Twilight suddenly yelled, giving Scootaloo an apologetic glance soon after, before turning back to Shadowed. "I mean, you were always gruff, but lately you've been nothing but... distant. Cold. I don't know who you are but you aren't the brother I once knew!" "Real war changes people, Twilight," Shadowed groaned. "I don't believe that," Twilight huffed. "You wouldn't be changed by battle this quickly. The 'war' has only been going for a month!" Shadowed shifted his head away from her. "I don't have time for this, I have a school to protect!" "A school to protect," Twilight laughed. "And you're acting paranoid to boot... ordering more Void Callers here by the day... what in the world has gotten into you?" She then glanced at his sword. "Tell me, where did you get that sword, Shadowed?" "Spoils of war," he muttered. "A rogue ghoul flung himself at me at the beginning of a battle... obviously hoping for a death wish. I made a decent genie..." "Mmmmm... and something about this particular nutty soldier's sword drew you to it? A rare, valuable sword that can harm spirits that an insane soldier just happened to have on him?" Twilight said suspiciously. "If you are accusing me of something, then spill it out, damnit!" Shadowed snapped, his cool tone once again giving way to anger. Twilight took a deep breath. "There's something about that sword, Shadowed! It's making you paranoid... irrational... aggressive." She then gazed upon it warily, taking a step closer to him. "Please... give it to me." Shadowed hugged it to himself defensively. "You're not getting it!" He then actually began to stroke it. "A warrior and his sword are connected through more than just hoof and hilt. This blade is mine!" Twilight's eyes widened in horror, the whole room echoing forth a gasp. "Give it to me, or I will be forced to take it from you!" Twilight roared, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I don't want to... but I will!" "I will not allow you to take one of my most valuable assets!" Shadowed growled, apparently snapping out of his hypnotic state. "Would you dare fight your own brother?!" The two glared down each other, as Shadowed slowly rose from his desk, holding his sword in a defensive posture, the light from the Lich Queen's horn glinting off of it. Scootaloo and Deathie stared at the two in awe. Love and KinshipTwilight's glowing eyes narrowed. Steam puffed out of her snout as sweat dropped from her brow, and her horn began to glow brighter and brighter... The room became tense. Still. Not a movement was made. And then... Shadowed took a deep breath... CLATTER! And dropped the sword onto his desk. "I will not fight you, my sister," he said, sighing heavily. The group's eyes widened. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! He began walking around the desk, Twilight's glare giving way to a look of awe. Bone-dragon Spike was now glancing through the door. A smile slowly crept over his face, as Shadowed inched his own helmet closer to his sister’s own. "I know your face," Shadowed continued, his armored, jagged helmet an inch from Twilight's face. "It is the face of kin. And kin... must stick together." Twilight’s tears of sorrow instantly turned into tears of joy. "Shadowed..." she said breathlessly. "Now that... that is the brother I know.” She closed her eyes. Scootaloo's mouth parted. And even Rainbow Death smirked slightly. However, Twilight still looked wary when she eventually opened her lids. "But what about Scootaloo?" she continued, lowering an eyebrow. "I will not lock up the child if that is what you wish," he said. "But I ask that the sword remain with me." Twilight stood frozen at that, a suspicious look still on her features. "Why do you need the sword so badly?" Shadowed gave another sigh. "As I have said you before: a soldier and his blade are connected through more than hoof and hilt," he grunted. "I have known this weapon... and this weapon has known me. Please, do not part us." "Would you at least let me examine it for a bit?" Twilight asked. "Just to make sure it isn't... doing anything to you?" Shadowed stood silent for a brief moment, before giving a curt nod. "Very well. Take it." Twilight did just that, levitating the eerie blade off his desk and giving it a curious look-over. Shadowed then began clanking back around his desk, facing Scootaloo again. He stood silent for a second, and just as she was about to get up, he raised a hoof, halting her. "Though child..." he said slowly. ”Be forewarned. I have my eye on you. If I manage to find proof of what I suspect, you will face the consequences for not admitting it to me now." He leaned forward. "Do... you have anything to admit?" Scootaloo shivered, gulping slightly. Finally, she shook her head. "No," she squeaked. "Very well, then," Shadowed growled. "All of you. Get out of my office." Rainbow Death rolled her eyes, gesturing Scootaloo to come to her, for which she quickly complied. "Come on, Scootaloo, don't want to cut into Shadowed's brooding time," she chuckled. "And by the way, this doesn't change anything, Rainbow Death," Shadowed snapped. "I still think you're a pathetic reaper." Rainbow glared at him at that, her eye twitching ever so slightly, but a brief glance at Twilight set her at ease. She took a deep breath at that, before saying, "And I think you're a pathetic headmaster. But I suppose if we can't keep our opinions to ourselves, we can at least keep our blades, agreed?" "Agreed," he said, nodding. The group then made haste from the office, but before Rainbow, the last out, shut the door behind her, she was interrupted. "Oh, and Rainbow," Shadowed said. She lowered her eyebrows. "Yeah?" "You may be a pathetic reaper, but you do have a way with melee combat. If you weren't so damned cocky, I'd say you'd make a decent soldier." Rainbow rolled her black eyes. "Well, since we're doing the whole back-hoofed compliments thing," she grunted. "If you weren't such a paranoid asshole, I'd say you'd make a decent headmaster." "Uh-huh. Cute. Get the hell out of my office." "With pleasure," Rainbow growled, slamming the door behind her. And the group silently made their way back to the main hall, Spike fluttering alongside them. "You know what? I'm proud of you, Rainbow," Twilight said, smiling to the side. "For what? Getting in another pissing contest with Shadowed?" she grunted, before glancing at Scootaloo. "Pardon my fancy, kid..." Scootaloo merely shrugged. "I've heard Applejack and Rarity cuss up storms behind my back before. It's no big deal." Rainbow smiled at her, before turning back to Twilight. “Heh, but yeah… Twilight… how the heck are you proud of me?” "I'm proud of you for not lashing out at him again, at least with your scythe," Twilight beamed. "Believe me, I know it's hard to refrain from shooting back at someone like him, and I don't expect that from you. But I do expect you to hold back from physically assaulting my brother, or anyghoul for that matter, and you did just that." "Heh... yeah, I guess I was pretty awesome back there," Rainbow said, fluttering her wing, and quickly blushing red as Twilight gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Hey! Jeez... stealthy there." "Ugh, seriously?" Scootaloo groaned, wincing at the display. "Ewwww..." "Yeah, common! Keep your epic Death-Undeath lesbian romance to yourself," Spike groaned. "You know you like it, Spike," Twilight winked towards him. He frantically shook his head. "Yuh huh. Made of bones, remember? Made. Of. Bones," he huffed. "And you’re like my sister! Bleh! I couldn't get turned on even if-” He then seemed to remember Scootaloo was there. "Heh, sorry... god... I'm still getting used to hanging around so many kids." "Didn't hear anything," Scootaloo said innocently. Rainbow quickly chuckled. "Meh, wait til you get older, Scoots," she said, smirking. "I'm sure you'll getting asked out plenty of times. Especially with your fame." It soon became mischievous. "Or maybe you won't even need to wait... you and that little Pipsqueak tyke... anything going on there?" Scootaloo blushed fiercely, glancing away from her. "P-Pipsqueak?! Ewwww! Seriously?! He's like a brother to me!" "Hehehe, that's what they all say when they have that red on their face," Spike chortled. "Oh, leave her alone, Spike," Twilight groaned, rolling her eyes. "You don't want me to tell Rainbow Dash you've been messing with her, do you?" Spike's reddened eyes immediately went wide. "Nope," he gulped. "Hehe, even Spike the badass bone dragon is afraid of a Rainbow," Deathie said proudly. "And I gotta say, I've been warming up to her lately. I don't know why, either!" Spike rolled his eyes. "Yeah, not like she's you or anything, and there's noghoul who likes you better than you..." "I wouldn't say that much," Twilight smiled, pecking her on the cheek again. "Pardon me while I vomit bones," Spike said, gagging. And soon they were back in the main hall, and Scootaloo's heart leapt at the sight of her friends. Desperately trying to put Artharius to the back of her mind, she quickly joined them at the table. "Wow! That was quick!" Sweetie beamed merrily. "What'd Shadowed want with you?" "It was... nothing," Scootaloo quickly said. "Don't seem like nothin'," Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. "Everything alright, sugar?" "Yeah, ya look whiter than a sailor who's been up in the crow's nest too long!" Pipbossa said. The group raised eyebrows at him. "Well uh... when the moon's blocked and we don't look like skeletons, that is," he said. Scootaloo glanced away from them, trying to think of some excuse for why he had called her there. She didn't want to worry her friends with the prospect that she might just be infected by some sort of... Lich King. "It's just..." she said, formulating a lie. "The advanced vampire classes he wants to teach me... I don't know, they just seem so difficult..." "Oooo! Advanced vampire classes? What are you going to learn about?!" Sweetie chirped excitedly, bouncing slightly. "Mind control? That'd be pretty cool! I still remember what you did to Diamond... a bit creepy, but it could be useful!" Scootaloo nodded at that, sensing her way to freedom was near. "Errrr, yeah! Mind control," Scootaloo coughed, chuckling. "Heh. I'm kind of envious, to be honest," Pipsqueak said. "Huh? Why?" Scootaloo said in a genuinely worried tone. Pipsqueak beamed at her. "Who wouldn't want to occasionally get into a free movie or something by mind controlling the guy at the gates?" Scootaloo put on a mischievous smirk at that. "I could always bite you, you know, to try to turn you... my instincts always tell me you're the tastiest..." Pipsqueak gulped, his eyes widening as she inched away from her slightly. "Uhhh… Scoots, no offense, but please try not to joke about that..." "Hahaha, don't be so damned yellow, mate!" Pipbossa cackled, slapping a bony hoof on his back. "She's a ghoul, remember? She's made for scaring! If there's one instinct she should give into, she should give into that!" Scootaloo let loose a deep sigh. "Y-Yeah... I guess that's true. I guess that kind of is my role in life now…" Apple Bloom quickly leapt into action. "Hey! She may be a ghoul but she's still our Scootaloo!" she protested, sensing Scootaloo's disgruntlement. At that, she gave Scootaloo a quick hug, her eyes widening in shock. So, her friends weren't that nervous around her after all... "Yeah, and I personally don't mind if you joke around, we all know you'd never bite us," Sweetie said firmly, beaming at her. Her instincts, however, said otherwise. "Hehe... goods... you've managed to wear down their defenses... their fear of you... now is the perfect time to strike!" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. And her group of friends glanced at her curiously... warily. "Wah... you mean you would bite us?" "No! Of course not. I'm just telling my instincts that they can screw off!" Scootaloo said proudly. "Wuss," Pipbossa muttered under his breath, Pipsqueak quickly shooting him a death glare. "What?!" he grunted. "It's perfectly natural for vampires to feed! They only don't want em' doin' so because Princess Luna told Nightmare Moon that they should quit pullin' that on the other side or else." "How can you say that?!" Scootaloo snapped. "There's more to it than just feeding. If I bite somepony... or ghoul even, wouldn't they turn into one of me?" "Even if that were true, which it's not, is that a bad thing?" Pipbossa said, lifting an eyebrow. "You can't say being a vampire doesn't have certain advantages. You get to live for thousands of years! You get to see the world change and grow before you, just like I do, just like a fourth of all ghouls do! That... that is something to live for, lass... perhaps it's something to even die for... as long as you come back." "Mph," Scootaloo said, folding her arms. "I still don't know about the 'living forever' part. But..." she said, tapping her hoof to her chin. "I suppose the mind control thing could be kind of cool. But y-you say... if I were to ever hypothetically lose control... if I bit somepony that wouldn't turn them?" "Nay, lass," Pipbossa said, chuckling. "More to it than that. Don’t ask me how it’s done, though…” "Eh, even so..." Apple Bloom said. "You're still not going to do that, right, Scoots?" "Of course not," Scootaloo said, shaking her head. "I'd never- that's just wrong!" "Whatever ya say," Pipbossa said, shrugging. "Though I'd argue that right and wrong are nothing if not relative." At a look from Pipsqueak, he quickly continued with, "Not that I don't have my own moral code, mind you." "Heh, but still, Scoots," Apple Bloom joined in with a teasing smile. "You're never gonna use that mind control stuff to make your friends do anything silly, will ya? Like on April Foal’s day?" Scootaloo merely chuckled. "Na, I promise I won’t. I’m only going to use my mind control powers for good when I get back to the other side!" she proclaimed. "Hehe, you could be like a vampiric super hero or something," Pipsqueak smiled. "I'd totally be your sidekick." He waved to hooves into the air, before proclaiming: "Pipsqueak: The Boy Swordswinger!" He quickly coughed. "I'd uh... learn how to use a bo-staff, though. Wouldn't want to cut any blokes." "Oi, how many bloody wusses are there at this table?!" Pipbossa grumbled. "If someone's tryin' ta cut you, you cut em’ back! What me father always said! Otherwise they might just try to cut ya again if you whoop their flanks and let em sit. Some ghouls are just like that, don't like their ego bruised... or their faces." "Jeez, Pirate Pip, how hardcore is life on the sea?" Scootaloo asked. "Very," both Pips said at the said time, bluntly. They then looked towards each other, smiling slightly. "Mmm, makes me wonder, though," Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow Scootaloo's mortal friend's ways. "If Scootaloo could turn us somehow, would you two go for the whole vampire thing?" "Certainly not," Sweetie said, folding her arms. And she sounded so much like her sister that brief instant Scootaloo couldn't help but chuckle. "Er, no offense, Scootaloo," she soon added. "It's just... eh... I'm happy being mortal." “None taken,” Scootaloo shrugged. Pipsqueak seemed somewhat the opposite, however. "Mph, actually, now that I think of it... I'm not sure if I'd mind," Pipsqueak said, shrugging. "So long as I could keep my instincts under control. Though I dunno, it'd be something to really think about." Scootaloo shook her head. "Mmmmm, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be with turning you guys, to be honest," she said, sighing. "You don't know how it is. These instincts... they can be very pesky at times. Sometimes-" She cut herself off, not wanting to worry her friends with the fact that she felt like biting them all just two seconds ago. Pipbossa raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes what, lass?" "Nothing," she squeaked. "Anyway," Sweetie said, and Scootaloo was almost positive she had ended the conversation for her sake. "I got a new schedule, so... huh..." "What's up?" "Erm," Sweetie coughed, glancing warily at her schedule. "Apparently I'm going to be learning how to summon pet demons next..." "Cool!" Pipbossa beamed. “What kind of demons we talkin’? Goblins? Imps? Ugh, hopefully not those damned Gorgons, though…” “I’m not sure…” Sweetie said. “I just heard some of the other ghouls talking about it…” Apple Bloom shook her head. "My oh my... this school gets nuttier by the second." At that, a new voice nearby joined in, sharing in Pipbossa's excitement. "Ooooo, watcha got there?" Scootaweb called, her and the three alternate Crusaders making their way to the table. Scootaloo beamed at them, and two of them beamed back... save for Apple Doom, who seemed to be pretending she didn't exist. "Summoning and Repelling, huh?" Rotten said, her ghostly form actually moving right through a clearly disturbed Sweetie and glancing at her schedule. "EEEEP!" Sweetie squeaked, giving a tremendous shiver. "Oh shoot, sorry!" Rotten gulped, quickly darting backward. "I forgot how cold ectoplasm could be to people!" "Y-Yeah," Sweetie said, hugging her arms to herself. "I-I'd really appreciate if you didn't do that again..." Rotten lowered her eyebrows. "Hey, at least you still have flesh," she huffed, before turning to Scootaloo. "But yeah, we saw you going up to the headmaster's office earlier. Everything alright?" "Yeah, everything's fine," Scootaloo said in the politest tone she could muster. She was starting to get very annoyed at all the questions about that. "Totally wasn't accused of being possessed by an ancient Lich King or anything," she muttered to herself. "What was that?" Pipsqueak said, lifting an eyebrow. "Er, nothing," Scootaloo said, simpering. "Heh, well that's good. Shadowed seems a bit... cold," Scootaweb said. "Like, cold in a bad way. I heard about his little fight with Deathie. Some nerve he has, saying she's a bad reaper! She's the best reaper there is!" "What makes you say that?" asked Scootaloo curiously. Scootaweb gave a chuckle. "Heh, where should I begin? For one, she was thrust into the role, but still kicks flank at it,” she explained. "She told me about her past one time. She was born Daemon Iustitiae." "Daemon wah?" Apple Bloom asked. "Demon of Retribution," Scootaweb continued. And in a spooky tone, she added, "And those kind of demons, or most demons for that matter, eeeaat souuullllsss..." The mortals (and Scootaloo) in the group gasped. "So Deathie really does eat souls?!" "Oh yes," Scootaweb cackled, before lifting a leg. "But, it wasn't really something she was proud of. So... when the position of reaper opened up, she leapt to the role. An all you can eat buffet without the guilt!" "B-But she still eats souls, though!" Sweetie squeaked nervously. "M-My soul is safe, right?" "Haha, of course," Scootaweb chuckled, patting Sweetie on the back with a hairy leg, who clearly was trying to hide a look of repulsion. "She only eats the souls of the wicked." She then put on a smirk. "You’re not a sinner, are you, Sweetie Belle? Hehehe..." "No!" Sweetie squeaked, rapidly shaking her head, a clear look of guilt coming to her. "Hey, Scootaweb, what's up?" Rainbow Death said, conveniently walking to the table around the same time. "Hey, Rainbow!" Scootaweb smirked. Sweetie's eyes widened in horror. "Nonononono... this can't be a coincidence, she knows!" she hissed in horror towards her friends. "Knows what?" Rainbow said, lifting an eyebrow. "Uhhhhh.... nothing!" "Really?" Rainbow said, knowing what the smirk on Scootaweb's face meant. She then bent forward towards Sweetie, a menacing look on her. "You haven't been doing anything bad, have you?" "Hoooo boy," Pipsqueak sighed. "No! Nothing!" Sweetie quickly said, sweat dripping from her brow. "Mmmmm, because if you did, I might know about it," Rainbow said, grinning wickedly. "Better fess up... or ELSE! BUAHAHAHAHA!" And suddenly, Sweetie could hold it in no longer. Looking as if she had been a volcano building up pressure, she finally blew her top. "UGH, FINE! I WAS THE ONE WHO TOOK THOSE BLUE GEMS OUT OF RARITY'S SPECIAL STASH FOR OUR CRUSADERS ART PROJECT!" The group looked taken aback. Sweetie's eyes then began to shimmer, as if pleading. "Please don't eat my soul, Rainbow! I promise I'll be good from now on!" And suddenly, Rainbow broke out into laughter, the rest of the ghouls nearby doing so as well. "Huh?" Sweetie said, looking clearly embarrassed. "Haha, jeez kid, you really think I'd do that to you? Course not!" she said dismsively. She then grinned wickedly again, however, before stating in a low tone, "I only eat the souls of the dead." At that, Sweetie's pupils dilated. She looked like she was about to take off galloping. "EEEEEEEEEEEEPPPP-" And Rainbow and the ghouls broke out into laughter again. "Haha, sorry, kid... couldn't resist," she said soothingly, patting her with her long, black wing. "Shouldn't have come to a world of ghouls if you didn't want to shiver a bit.” She then cleared her throat. “But yeah, I really only eat the souls of people who have done real wrongs. I'm not like that douchebag Blackblood who shot every one he could get up like a junkie, even the innocent ones. With me, it's the only way I can feed myself. It's sort of like a vampire with blood, only souls are a bit... harder to come by. Though the ones I eat should consider themselves lucky compared to what happens to the worst among them..." "W-What happens to them?" Scootaloo asked. Rainbow gave a dark chuckle. "They get put on ice... til I finally kick it," she said, swinging her lockets about. "Ugh, Deathie, what are you doing messing with kids like that?" the normal Rainbow Dash grunted, walking over to the table. "Oh relax, someghoul's gotta toughen them up," Deathie argued. "They are in the Nightmare Realm after all." "Yeah, but still..." "Don't worry, it's all fun and games," Deathie said in a calming tone, patting her on the back with her wing. "You're a prankster too, aren't you?" Rainbow tapped an annoyed hoof as she threw Deathie a look "Fine, fine... I'll go easy on em'," Deathie grunted, before clearing her throat. "But, anyway, I owe you a bit for cheering me up yesterday, and I hear you're a bit of a flyer. Naturally so." "Hehe, you heard right!" Rainbow said proudly. "Well, there's a super-cool ice canyon nearby," Deathie continued. "Crazy jagged spikes jutting out of it at all angles. I used to fly in it when I went to school here." She narrowed her eyes, grinning. "How hardcore are you, my mortal friend? Cus I’m not about to let you cheat death if you find this too… difficult." "Mph, this sounds like a challenge," Rainbow grinned back at her. "How about a race through it? Let's see who's the fastest flyer in both worlds, shall we?!" "Fine then. Sounds good to me! Just a friendly competition," Deathie smirked, drawing her black eyes closer to Rainbow's magenta one. "Nothing to gain. Nothing to lose," Rainbow said, returning the smirk. "Oh just bloomin' kiss already," Pipsqueak mumbled to himself. "I heard that," Deathie growled, before putting on a playful smile. "Better watch your soul, sea-dog!" Pipsqueak rolled his eyes. "Ugh, what'd I just tell you about messing with my friggin' kids?" Rainbow growled. "Fine, fine," Deathie said, throwing up her hooves with a deep breath. "I'll tell ya what. Beat me in a race, and I will mess with mortals no more!" "You're on!" Rainbow said, holding out a hoof. "Just name a time!" "Mmmm, how about today or tomorrow? We'll figure it out." "Then it's a done deal!" Dashie proclaimed. And the two shook. And it. Was. On- "But yeah, in the meantime.... do ya wanna go play cards or something?" Deathie smiled. Or not. Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "I thought you weren't into mortal fun?" "Ehehe, well... Twilight loves mortal fun," Deathie said, scratching the back of her head. "And well... it's becoming a hit over here since Nightmare Night. I've always wanted to learn the whole Throw Fish thing. I hate asking this but... would you mind teaching me?" Rainbow returned the smile. "Sure, but I think we should probably start with the name, then," she chuckled. "It's called Go Fish." "Oooooohhhh," Deathie nodded. “Go Fish… huh, has a ring to it.” And the two began trotting away. Almost immediately afterward, the group burst into chatter. "Awww man! Deathie is going to grease the floor with her!" Scootaweb grinned. "Pffffft- Seriously?” Scootaloo chuckled, shaking an incredulous head. “She may be Death, but she doesn't have the flying experience Rainbow does, does she? She's too busy reaping souls! Dashie's got this in the bag!" "Nuh-uh!" "Yuh-huh!" "Ugh, how did I know this was going to happen?" Pipsqueak said. "Came at us like a bucking' pissed off bone whale," Pipbossa grunted. "Oooo, ever have to harpoon any of those?" Pipsqueak grinned. Pipbossa gave a hearty laugh. "Harpoon? Lad, most of ours' are made out of bones! We have cannons for them. Harpoons only work on certain beasts..." He then gave Congeria a glare. "Like those god-forsaken sirens..." "Huh… why do you hate her so much, anyway?" Pipsqueak asked. Pipbossa froze at that, a remorseful look coming upon him. Pipsqueak quickly returned the look. "Hey... you don't have to tell me. Sorry I even brought it up." Pipbossa gave a hearty sigh. "It's alright... just has to do with my father, is all... I suppose it's been coming, though I'll tell you about it some other day. From one seadog to another, a good scary tale from our own great seas, savvy?" "Savvy," Pipsqueak nodded. And suddenly, the clock tower that hung high on the school began to chime. It was now approaching eleven... "Crap! Time for my next class," Scootaloo gulped. "What's that?" Sweetie asked. "Uhhhh.... it's uh..." She didn't want to tell Sweetie it was Basic Mind Control when she had just lied that it was the 'special class Shadowed had given her.' "Er, it's uh... flight class!" she suddenly blurted out. "Oooo, that's awesome!" Pipsqueak said, beaming with enthusiasm. "So, can you use those wings yet?" "Yeah, soon enough!" she said, standing up from her seat. "But yeah, I'll see you guys later, I really need to get going." "Yeah. Time for us to splitskee as well. We all have the same next class," Scootaweb chirped, her and the counterpart Crusaders previously having been chatting among themselves. "See you guys!" "Seeya!" And they all went their separate ways. Scootaloo trotted to the door, her mind beginning to roll back to what Shadowed had. But before could make it out, she was interrupted by the gravelly voice of Twilight Soulshard. "Hang on, Scootaloo,” she chirped merrily. Evidently, her and Deathie being back together had improved her mood tremendously. “Unless you're really running late, there's one thing I wanted to show you really quick.” "Er, sure!" Scootaloo said, shrugging. "Come to me then, I'll get us there quickly and back," Twilight said, gesturing her to her side. Scootaloo did as she was told, and a brief moment later, the two teleported away in a blink of purple light. Relics of OblivionScootaloo stood in the teleportation hub, glancing about to make sure noghoul was near. And after a moment or so, finally satisfied, she stepped through the orb labeled 'Northern Tower', and soon felt the familiar sensation of having her senses jolted by the sudden shift of scenery. She now stood atop the lonely tower, a full view of the surrounding, strikingly beautiful fields of ice and snow now available to her. A frigid breeze grazed her bat-like wings, and soon enough, she actually gave a shiver. The storm blowing through the Southern Pass was starting to show its teeth. She saw Rainbow Dash in the distance, and despite the efforts of the tiny blue dot, the billowing clouds of white were still barreling towards the castle. Smiling at the sight of her sister-figure, she began making her way down the tower, and eventually stood at its base. The Proloquor Orb was there, waiting for her, and all she would need to do was draw close and whisper a few simple words. She made her way over to it. "What was it again?" she questioned herself, wracking her memory, before smiling. "Oh right... volo contact Captain Jack Harness... uh... Equestria." She stood motionless for a moment, listening to the eerie, howling winds outside, and for a brief second, she was starting to wonder if Jack was going to pick up at all. Perhaps he was sleeping, or was busy… However, soon enough, his face made itself known in the orb, followed by his care-free voice: "Hey kiddo!” he chirped. “Wow, didn't expect to hear from you so soon. How's it hanging?" "Uh- good," Scootaloo beamed. "Wait- you were expecting to hear from me?" Jack gave a quick smirk. "Yeah, Twilight the Good Lich of the South told me she was working on a special project, a modified Proloquor Orb, right?" "Jack... who are you talking to?" a voice called in a Dr. Whoovenstein accent. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Oh, hang on Scoots, I'm with an old friend," Jack said, before turning his head to the side. "Check it out, Doc. They actually managed to make their radio work!" "You mean... oh my! That's brilliant! She actually managed to modify it for cross-dimensional usage!" "Well, if she's anything like this dimension's Twilight... it makes sense,” Jack smirked. “She's almost as smart as you, Doc." "Hehe, look at you hanging around all these clever people, Jack. You've got yourself quite the friendly rogue gallery, don't you? Liches, vampires, what's next, friendly Daleks?" "Yuh huh..." "Uh, Captain," Scootaloo said, her face still laced with curiosity. "Who are you talking to? That sounds like- like-" "Mhm, I believe you already know the Doctor,” he said. “He's an old friend of mine; and we go back further than you'll ever believe." Scootaloo smiled slightly. She knew of the Doctor, and she also knew he was a sort of time traveler, as strange as that sounded. But she had never imagined that the Captain and him were friends. "Tell Scootaloo I said hi!" the Doctor chirped. "And that I suppose I was wrong about her being a creature of the night after all, not that that matters of course!" "Doc… she can hear you," the captain stated, before turning back Scootaloo's way. “Yeah, I sought him out a week ago to get his help with finding your old man. Unfortunately, he's just as in the dark about his possible location as I am, though." Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah... that's actually what I called about. I was wondering... how much do you know about him?" A beat. The captain stood motionless. He then took a deep breath, apparently gathering his thoughts, before continuing with, "Well… not much, to be honest... his history I know through Blackfire. The two were pretty close back in the day. Apparently, they fought together in the Battle of Icecrown, as she called it, a huge climatic end of a ghoul civil war." He gave a shiver. "Glad I wasn't there. But yeah, she's the one who tipped me off he was in Equestria in the first place. This was back when Horsehood was actually somewhat honorable and not a merry band of misfits. It was our job to deal with interdimensional threats to Equestria, per instruction of Princess Celestia, and from what Blackfire was saying, he was an interdimensional threat." "But how? How was he a threat?" Scootaloo asked, her curiosity giving way to worry. The captain paused, before continuing with, "Scootaloo, before I go on, I just want to say that... what she told me was only a theory of hers. Or at least a very good hypothesis..." "I'll take anything I can get," Scootaloo said firmly. The captain chuckled, smiling. "You sound like me back when I was in Horsehood. Leaping for any leads I could get. Hard to do when your potential 'enemies' keep to the shadows. And that's the funny thing, really: your father turned out to be the exact opposite of that. When I talked to him, in the guise of a regular ole government official who thought he might have been an illegal immigrant, he seemed like the nicest guy in the world. And when we kept tabs on him, like for over ten years, he never gave anyone any trouble. And he definitely never drank anyone's blood. He had a supply he brought from the Nightmare Realm. I became worried when he met your mother, however..." He sighed nostalgically, and Scootaloo gazed at him longingly. "You probably want to know about her, don’t you? Well, her name was Desert Rose. A beautiful mare, and the nicest thing you could ever meet. I dated her for about five months…” He closed his eyes, smiling sorrowfully. “-But in the end, I had to give up the relationship. Being in Horsehood, it wasn't... smart to keep connections like that, connections that could be used against you. And when your enemies know you and death don’t get along, they’d take anything they could get. So, I let her go. And eventually, as if some great cosmic irony were occurring, she met your father, and the two hit it off." "And she knew he was a vampire?" Scootaloo asked. "Oh yes, but she wasn't shallow by any stretch of the imagination." He gave another chuckle. "I guess he had a thing for stallions with... odd abilities, I guess you could say?" "You still view that whole 'not dying' thing as a superpower, don't you, Jack?" "Pfffft, somewhat, except when Rainbow Death scolds me every time I wind up at the pearly gates," he chuckled, before turning back towards Scootaloo. "I think I'm getting off topic... you want to know Blackfire's theory about him, right?" Scootaloo nodded, though somewhat apprehensively. "Well, alright... she didn't really go into detail, though. All she told me was he had made direct contact with someone called 'Artharius of Winter'. You know about him, right?" "Yeah... Twilight told me about him..." Scootaloo whispered. Jack nodded, before continuing with, "Well... apparently Mr. Winters was..." A chuckle came from the Doctor. "Mr. Winters?" "Shut up, Doc," Jack groaned, before continuing with, "Anyway, from what she said, this 'direct contact' with Artharius... it… allowed a part of him to latch onto your father… and it… did something to your father’s mind.” He paused a beat, before saying in a sorrowful tone, “I-I'm sorry Scootaloo, I know this-" "It's alright, captain, I'd rather know than not know," Scootaloo said firmly. Jack took a deep breath. "Alright... well... they say before he came to the regular world, he wasn't in tip-top shape mentally speaking. But then... something changed. He somehow regained his sanity when he came over here. Blackfire said it was probably just a ruse..." "S-So what happened?" At that, Jack gave a shiver and glanced away from her. Scootaloo tapped a hoof in annoyance. "Jack... you need to tell her." "Does she really need to know this?" he growled. "She'll find out eventually. It’s best if it comes from you." Jack took a deep breath. "Yeah... you're right, you're right..." he sighed, before turning back towards Scootaloo. "Did... Soulshard tell you how your mother... passed, Scootaloo?" Scootaloo slowly shook her head. "All she said was that... she had died. I really haven't had time to think about it, I guess..." "Well...yes… but… she didn’t say how, did she? I was there at the scene of the crime... I examined your mother and..." He closed his eyes. "All indications show that it was caused by a vampire..." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "You mean to say..." Jack slowly nodded. "I know... I'm sorry, kid..." Scootaloo felt her heart plummet. Her father... her 'great' father, a hero to the world of ghouls... a murderer? How could it be possible? Immediately, all her interest in the conversation evaporated. Everything about Artharius… she no longer cared about. All she wanted to do right now was end the call and lie down in bed... to think about this new revelation. But she needed more information. She had to know all she could... there had to be more to the story than just that. "C-Captain… you’re sure it was him?" Scootaloo squeaked. Jack paused for a second, before continuing with, "I-I don't know, Scoots... I'm not an expert on vampires, but I can tell you what Blackfire said: that your father had been biding his time, hiding his insanity, and for a brief moment let it slip... and at that moment his instincts took control." "S-So he didn't do it intentionally?" Jack quickly shook his head. "No, I don't believe so. I'd bet money that if he was responsible for the murder, he didn't mean it. He probably ran from the scene more out of shame more than out of fear from Horsehood." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, a sudden bit of hope leaping at her. "So... you're not entirely sure that it was him?" "No, I’m not. You see, your father wasn't the only rogue vampire in Equestria at the time. We had reported sightings and... incidents involving them. Some even near where your father lived in Sleepy Hallow. There's a small possibility it was another vampire." "Then that must have been it!" Scootaloo proclaimed. "Like I said, it's possible," Jack said, nodding. "And it would make sense, too: your father would have known what danger she was putting your mother in if he felt he couldn't keep it together." "That's true!" Scootaloo chirped. "He was one of the most powerful vampires there were… he would have known if his instincts were going out of control!” "It's still all very ambiguous, kid..." Jack sighed. "But once the Doctor and I track him down, we'll get some answers. I promise." "Thanks, Jack..." Scootaloo said. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I'm putting you through." "Who wants muffins?!" the voice of Derpy Hooves suddenly chirped. Jack momentarily glanced away from her, and then looked back. "No trouble at all, kid. It gave me an excuse to hang out with my Doctor again. And Derpy- those muffins look amazing!" "They'd better be! They're practically all that I make!" "Oh, and I get free muffins," Jack added. "That's a plus. Especially when they're your muffins, Derpy..." he said, winking to the side. "Jack..." "What?! Can't I give compliments anymore?!" he grunted. "Not to Derpy... especially if you're using your patented formula." "Seriously?!" "Patented- what?" Scootaloo smirked. Jack quickly sweat-dropped, looking sheepish. "Ahem! Mind if we not talk about this in front of the kid, Doctor?!" ‘ “You started it.” He then took a deep breath, smiling at Scootaloo. "Anyway, you said things are working out over there, right? Are the ponies in Bogmorts giving you an easy time?" Scootaloo nodded. "They're honestly very nice... well, most of them." "That’s good, and - heh, you must be quite the celebrity too, considering what your dad means to them, right?" Jack beamed. "More than you could imagine," Scootaloo sighed. "Good... good..." Jack nodded, before his expression became serious once again. "But anyway, Scootaloo... since I've got you on the line, though I haven't heard anything about your father, I have heard a few things about Horsehood..." "Horsehood?” Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “I thought they were finished!” Jack quickly shook his head. "We only cut off one head of the hydra. They've got bases everywhere, and some that I didn't even know about... Blackfire must have started them up behind my back," he growled. "They're working on something, too. Something called 'Project Fargate.' I don't know much about it, but it can't be anything good. Can you tell Twilight I want to talk with her, later? Lichy Twilight. Oh, and regular Twilight too, actually." Scootaloo nodded. "Alright... I'll tell them," she said in a somewhat disappointed tone. Why couldn't she know? "Anyway, kid... me and the Doctor have a lot of time and space to cover. We're trying to piece together a few things. But I'd be happy to chat a little longer if you want." "No... it's fine," Scootaloo said. "I know you're probably really busy." Jack quickly gave a nod, an approachable smile spreading across his face. "We are, but... listen, if you ever need to talk to anypony, just give me a call, OK? Or the Doctor. He's a really good listener." "I'm touched, Jack..." "When he's not being sarcastic..." he groaned, glaring to the side. "But yeah, I'll talk to you later, and, heh, it's been a while since I've said this, soooo: Captain Harness: signing off!" Scootaloo smirked, throwing him a quick salute, before the Proloquor Orb blinked off. However, soon enough, she was lost in the forest of her own mind, Jack’s words swimming through it… Horsehood... her father… She shook her head, grunting. There was no possible way he had anything to do with his mother's murder. Nothing about it made sense. Captain Harness was right... he would have known if something was wrong with him. He wouldn't have put his wife in danger if he knew he couldn’t keep his instincts under control. He was one of the most powerful vampires there were! He would have known… She then winced. Yet still, she didn't know exactly what had happened on Icecrown. Why her father was considered 'tainted.' And if so, how was that taint passed on. How could him being tainted lead to Artharius of Winter inhabiting her? And suddenly, it hit her, her eyes widening with the thought. She knew how she could find out… There was only one person who would know the answer. "Artharius..." she whispered. Nothing responded. "Artharius, can you hear me? I know who you are, Arthur... I just want to talk..." And again, there was no response. Was it possible 'Arthur' had fled when he knew they were onto him? It would make sense... maybe his spirit was invisible. It was possible she didn't even see him leave… "Arthur..." she whispered again. "Please... I just want to know a few things. Twilight said that you were alone for millions of years. Is that why you came to me? Because you knew my father? Did you want someone to talk to?" She closed her eyes. "She said you weren't evil... so why would you drive my father crazy? I wouldn't be angry at you if you didn't mean to... Please, I just want to know... I want answers..." Only the wind answered her... nevermore. Her mood suddenly took a turn for the better. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about, though a small part of her wished he was still there. He could give her the answers she sought if he was willing to talk. But still, on the other hoof, she was glad he seemed to be gone; if everything wasn't some huge coincidence and he wasn't just her imagination... maybe her transformation into a vampire was doing something to her mind? Smiling slightly, she made her way from the Proloquor Orb and toward the stairs of the tower. Even with the news she had just received, she was going to try her best to enjoy the rest of her day. Bogmorts was starting to intrigue her... and there was so much about it to explore. Memories of Nightmares PassedThe TARDIS hummed and rocked occasionally, her standard procedure as the timeship, now simple transport, made headway through Null Space. The Doctor was not used to using her as a vessel to complete any sort of long-term mission. He usually just popped in and out of reality when he needed to, solved whatever problem needed solving, and then popped back out. It was how he operated. It was how he lived and breathed. But now, an old friend needed his help. And help he intended to give him, as help was something he long deserved. Though unfortunately, his willingness to help came for a price for him: Jack brought up memories of the past, a past he wished to stay away from. He and Captain Harness stood within the control room of the vessel, a somber mood saturating it in its entirety. Derpy was in the kitchen fixing smoothies, and the time was right for a talk they had long since avoided to come forth... It would be Jack who would start it, with a simple: "Hey, Doctor..." The Doctor knew what was coming. He had been waiting for this moment for sometime. He winced, but nonetheless, he did what he did best, and that was to keep an open ear. He turned towards his former companion. "Yeah, Jack?" There was a brief interrum, before Jack continued with, "I know this is kind of out of the blue, but... I was just wondering if... well..." A beat. "Do you ever think about it?" The Doctor took a deep breath. "I knew you'd ask this eventually, and the answer is: yes." He gave a sigh. "I just wish I couldn't." "It wasn't your fault... I was the one keeping watch, remember?" The Doctor gave a shaky nod. "I know. There's nothing either of us could have done. Absolutely nothing. I'd like to believe I was the most powerful force in the universe, but what happened: it came from something beyond the universe, now didn't it? But it's all in the past now..." "We fought, you know. We threw everything we had at him... missiles, bullets, nukes... but it wasn't enough." "I know. And I ran." "But it wasn't out of fear. It was a retreat. Perhaps not a tactical withdraw, but everyones' backs were against the wall. We were out of assets. Out of time. Time even you couldn't bring us." "I know..." Jack took a deep breath. "Anyway, we've been putting this off for a while, now, you know. Talking about this. And uh... well... I know you don't drink... but..." With that, Jack rummaged around in his sack, suddenly procuring a bottle of wine. The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "You knew it was coming this trip, didn't you?" Jack smiled slightly. "Like you've said, we've been putting it off for a while... I'll be right back, let me get some glasses." He exited the control room, grabbed a few glasses out of the kitchen, and returned, Derpy glancing at him curiously as she did so. If she had anything in mind, she didn't speak it. The Doctor sighed. "Alright, I'll make an exception... just for once. For you, Captain Jack Harkness. For those who were saved," he winked. "For everyone who lived." "Heh, still remember that, don't you?" Jack smiled, pouring two glasses of wine. "I remember a lot of things..." He handed the Doctor a glass. He accepted and took a sip. "Your old companions?" "Always and forever," the Doctor smiled, though it wasn't one of happiness. "How about Torchwood? Your old team?" There was a pause, before Jack answered with, "Every day." "Amazing, isn't it?" the Doctor said, glancing away with blank eyes. "How some things can carry on for millions of years... so much development, so much culture, so many universes branching off from the whole. And then... one day... just like that: poof. It's all gone. Doesn't mean we're all nothing, of course... all that matters if people live happy. But sometimes... it would be nice if you could look at everything at once and say: maybe it does matter, doesn't it? That it isn't just dust ready to be blown in the summer wind." "He saw it coming, too," Jack suddenly said, also glancing blanky ahead. "Huh?" "One on my team," Jack continued, looking back at the Doctor. "It was after we broke up initially. After the incident where I lost... Ianto." "And you still remember his name," the Doctor said, smiling warmly. "Thousands upon thousands of years..." Jack took a deep breath, wincing in pain at the thought. "Always... and forever." "After that and the whole Miracle Days business, it was just you and Gwen for a bit, right?" "Yeah, and we needed new people. We were lucky we found him. An expert on all things mystical. Stuff most people would consider nuts. He sort of filled a gap we were missing. The supernatural wasn't anything Torchwood ever covered." Jack thought for a second. "He had one other fascination, too... with the concept of parallel worlds and Null Space." "Hmph," the Doctor grunted. "Are we talking 'real' universes or places like that quirky Halloween world? Well, I could have told him a thing or two about that..." He then raised an eyebrow. "What was his name, anyway?" "The new member?" "Yeah..." Jack paused a beat, smiling slightly, before answering: "His name was Arthur. Arthur Julian Winter." ☼☼☼ Scootaloo found herself in another world. A beautiful, yuletime version of Ponyville, in a land of snow and ice. Giant candy canes lined the streets, and beautiful, glowing orbs of strung lights hung on every window. She blinked. She must have been dreaming, yet it felt so... real. So vivid. So rich. Then she noticed them. There were ponies walking the streets, merry and chipper as could be. However, they were neither ghoul-type nor regular ponies. They wore green tunics, with green, long hats on them that dangled from their heads; tiny, adorable bels jingling at the end of them. And their ears were longer than anything she had ever seen. "Elven ponies?" she said, quirking her head. She scurried over to one of them, bounding in front of her. She would have imagined her vampiric wings would have given whoever it was a startle... but that was not the case. It was actually the opposite. Her eyes widened. Standing before her was an elven version of Pinkie Pie, a candy cane necklace dancing off her neck as she merilly conversed with another pony she was walking with: this one an elven version of Fluttershy. Her wings, unlike a normal pegasus', appeared to be more of a butterfly's in look. Beautiful, shimmering, and somewhat like she had seen Rarity sporting when accompanying Rainbow to the Best Young Flyer competition. "Oh my gosh! But you have to come tonight, Angelshy," the former said with a very Pinkie Pie bounce. "It's going to be awesome! We'll have spiked eggnog and cookies and I'm totally going to get Holy Scratch to kick up some Transileighberian Orchestra! Doesn't that sound great?!" "Um... I don't know, Cookie Pie..." she squeaked. "I've never been much of a party person... I think I might just stay at home... I have a few special toys to make for that orphanage in Ponyville..." "Ugh, come on! I know you care about them, but you should care about yourself too! Celebrate the season! Hearth's Warming Eve is only two days away!" Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, a bit odded out by the fact they weren't noticing her. If this was a dream, she would have thought those she had conjured would have payed attention. "Um... hi?" Scootaloo said, still in front of them, with a bit of excitement swelling in her chest at the prospect of meeting these strange, new creatures. They continued trotting right past her. Scootaloo blinked. "Huh." She shook her head in confusion, before bounding over to another. This one appeared to be a version of Rainbow Dash, conversing with a strange version of Twilight. Unlike Fluttershy, the former appeared to have giant mistletoes for wings, and oddly enough, she seemed to be carrying a bow and quiver on her back, arrows sticking out of it. Her expression was stern and fierce. "Ugh, Blizzard Dash, I'm sure you just imagined them!" "I'm telling you, I didn't imagine them, darn it!" she growled. "I saw them with my own eyes, and it's really not hard to see giant orange monsters when the rest of the world is white! There are Felhounds in the Everpine Forest!" "How can there be Felhounds in the woods?" Twilight continued, exasperated. "That's the Nightmare Realm's problem! What would they be doing here?" "I don't know, maybe they're on the Grinch's leash! He always gets moody this time of year..." "He's reformed and you know it!" "Is he? Are you sure?" Blizzard snapped suspiciously. "He may have cut the roast beef, but I still think he hogged most for himself!" The two then passed Scootaloo, leaving her to bask in confusion. "Felhounds?" she whispered, now fully aware that none of them could hear her. And then... that voice, that familiar voice emanated from behind her. That casual, though chilling voice that rattled her bones. "They can't hear you, child, but they are very much real." She twirled about. Her eyes widened again as she gasped. Standing before her was a massive, humanoid figure decked out in an shimmering, blue armor: a helmet on him that resembled Shadowed Armor, blue eyes glowing through it. His voice didn't appeared to be muffled by it. On his back, a cape billowed sorrowfully in the winter winds. "Hello again, child of my noble friend." She scooted away from him an inch, frightened. This was Artharius' true form. She knew it in her heart. Though there was something about him that contradicted her fear, that put her at ease. She could practically sense sorrow emanating from him. "I really need to find a more casual appearance..." he grumbled. "But unfortunately, this will have to make do for now. Don't be afraid..." "I am not afraid!" Scootaloo said, her eyes narrowing. "Ghoul or not, fear is inherent to everyone's nature, Scootaloo. You can't choose to feel it," he said softly. "Though it is the one thing one should truly be afraid of... and what it can do to you. Something I learned when I lived in the Nightmare Realm." He chuckled, before continueing in a warm tone, "You... are so much like your father, though. So brave, and I know this for a fact: a pure heart beats within. I regret what happened." "You mean how you drove him insane?!" Scootaloo snapped. "I... I didn't do it on purpose..." Artharius said, almost like a child would when accused of doing something wrong. "It was a consequence of the bond we formed at the end of that ancient battle... oh so long ago. He wanted to truly understand who I was. Why I had done what I had done. I let him. I was a fool. The consequences of it were extreme and unfortunate for both of us... but not for the world at whole." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "For because of it, I wish to make amends," he simply stated. "This world you see before you... it reminds me so much of a holiday I loved. An ancient one celebrating an ancient religion's savior once a year. Remember this?" Softly, in a tired tone, he began to sing: "Oh holy night, The stars are burning brightly, It is the night of dear savior's birth, Long lay the world in sin and error pining." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "That's the song you sang on the train..." "In a... manner of speaking. It is a holiday that pains me to think of, yet I do it anyway. Ironically, I planned to take this world and the holiday like it for my own many years ago... and now, I fear the sins of the past may catch up to me." "What? Who will try to invade it, though?" "It's complicated." "Then explain," Scootaloo growled. "I hate all this vagueness everyone is throwing at me! Captain Harness, Soulshard, everyone! At least Shadowed was honest with me. Doesn't anyone know the complete story?!" "There is little time. You are waking soon," Artharius said. "Ugh..." "I'm sorry, young lady. I don't wish to risk surfacing when more and more detectors are being put in place. The Felhounds, I believe, are just the beginning. Scouts. This world will feel the wrath of both Null Space and even a few factions in the Nightmare Realm within a month. Speak with Twilight Soulshard, anyone you can feel will trust you. Tell them of this. There is a portal near Bogworts that reinforcements can be sent through." There was a pause, before he added in a weak voice: "Please." "I'm still not convinced any of this is real... it's all in my head, isn't it?" Artharius quirked his head slightly. "In a way, you are right. It is somewhat of a dream, my dear. But does that make it any less real? Holidays mean something to people, Scootaloo. They break up the monotony of existence and bring joy, happiness... and intruigue. In fact, you could say they are more real than most people, because in the end, don't more ponies believe in Yuletide the Gift Pony more than they know of say... your average pony's existence?" "Y-Yeah, I guess so," Scootaloo blinked. "Didn't really relate to what I said, though..." she muttered to herself. Artharius merely gave a chuckle. He then turned and began walking the opposite way down the street, his cape still licking at the breeze... though his boots gave no evidence he was ever there at all. "Scootaloo... as I have said," he called over his shoulder. "Seeing. Is. Believing." And with a few more steps, he faded into the snow fall. Soon enough, the world around Scootaloo followed him in his wake. ☼☼☼ She woke with a gasp in the bed of Noctus Tower, her eyes fluttering to reveal a familiar cieling of swirling mist. "Scoots? You OK?" the concerned voice of Sweetie called. It rang through her ears, but she didn't hear it. "Scoots?" "Yeah," Scootaloo blinked, finally becoming aware. She glanced about. The dormitory was deserted save for her two, fellow Crusaders. She could talk privately, it seemed. "I uh- just had a really weird dream." "You were talking in your sleep," Sweetie said, her voice still filled with concern. "It sounded like you were talking to someone. Something about vagueness... Captain Harness... Twilight..." "It was nothing," Scootaloo grunted, lifting herself out of bed. Even Fangs seemed to throw her a curious, somewhat apprehensive glance. "Scoots, if you ever want to talk with us..." Apple Bloom joined in. "You know we're always here for you. If there's something wrong: you can trust us not to tell anyone." Scootaloo gave a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I know..." She then gave a smile. "And I appreciate it. Really." She took a deep breath, before shakily saying: "You know... I... I have thanked you guys for coming, right? Didn't I?" Apple Bloom merely gave a chuckle. "Nope, but it didn't need to be said. Friends don't do things for each other for a simple 'thanks' or a pat on the back." "Either way..." Scootaloo said. She paused, and her voice became as warm as any sun as she uttered: "Thank you." "You're welcome." Her stomach then grumbled slightly. "Ugh, and I guess it's time for breakfast, isn't it? And while we're there... I think I have something to tell you guys." The two smiled at her, gave her nods, and the group made their way from the dormitory. ☼☼☼ "Seriously?" Rainbow Death cried, folding her arms at the staff table. "Seriously?!" "I'm sorry, Rainbow! But Rainbow... uh wait, can I just call you Dashie?" Twilight Soulshard said, glancing at Rainbow Dash. "Sure, why not?" Dashie said, shrugging. A hint of pride was on her face she wasn't doing very well in hiding. Soulshard smiled, before turning back to Deathie. "You are the greatest reaper around, but it just wasn't logical for me to bet on you when Dashie here trains specifically for flight!" "I fly a lot!" Deathie growled, a hurt look still on her. "I fly all the time! It was all I did when I was a filly!" "Yeah, but you haven't been training for it recently," Twilight sighed. "It's the principal that counts!" Deathie huffed. "I don't care who has confidence in me, I'm still going to whoop flank during this race!" "Hmph, we'll see about that," Dashie smirked. "Oh yeah?" Deathie said, the two locking eyes. "Yeah!" "OH YEAH!?" "YEAH-" "Will you guys shut the night up?" bone-dragon Spike groaned nearby, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, seriously," regular Spike grunted. "I'm looking forward to this race just to hear you two stop arguing about it when it's done. Though I have a feeling whoever loses is going to be a bit... sore. And then we'll have to hear about that for Celestia's sake." "Pfffft, you're darn right she'll be sore," Deathie said, grinning towards Dashie. ."I bet I'd be less sore than you!" Dashie growled. "Oh yeah?!" "YEAH!" Both Spikes faceclawed. The bone-dragon version turned towards his counterpart. "Next thing you know they're going to start singing that one song." "I know what you're talking about, too... and god help us then..." And sure enough, Rainbow Dash began to sing: "Anything you can do I can do better! I can do anything better than you!" "No you can't! "Yes I can!" "NO YOU CAN'T! "YES I CAN YES I CAN YES I CAN!" Spike nodded towards his counterpart. "Suicide pact?" The other Spike returned the nod. "Suicide pact." "So... you thinking a quick or slow death?" "Mmmm, something quick. We'll just go piss off Shadowed and that'll do it." "Hmph? What?" Shadowed grunted nearby, apparently having been in somewhat of a daze. "Er- nothing," the two gulped. Princess Congeria leered towards him. "So, who do you think is going to win, sweetheart?" "Ugh... why must you call me that?" he hissed. "Oh, sorry about that..." she said with mock innocence. "...Plumdrop." Shadowed nodded to himself. "Yep, I hate you." "No you don't." "And I hate when you're right," he grunted. "But if you must know: I don't believe either will win. We're going to be scraping their corpses off icy shards come the late eventide. Cremations will follow at moonrise." "Hah! Says you!" Deathie said, sticking her tongue out. "Reapers can't die no matter how much the world throws at us!" "And I can dodge anything thrown at me!" Dashie beamed. "I've heard soldiers say that only to be impailed by thrown spears a second later," Shadowed growled. "If there's one thing I've learned in my time it's that fate has a cruel, twisted sense of humor." "Pffft, well fate hasn't met me!" Dashie smirked. Shadowed gave a sigh. "I'm just looking out for your safety, that's all..." The group's eyes widened. "...Because without you the snow would likely make this school its bitch." "Nuh-uh! You can't take it back," Deathie smirked. "Yeah! You care about us, don't you?" Dashie continued. "That's it," Shadowed grumbled. "You two are on the list. Luckily for you, though, my wife is at the top... and dealing with her is a bit of a problem." Congeria rolled her eyes. Soulshard leaned towards her counterpart. "Well, at least he's getting his sense of humor back. I think my theory might have been correct." "Hopefully," Twilight nodded. "I have to ask though: is your brother... anything like him?" "Mmmm," Twilight said, tapping her chin while simpering. "Well, I've seen him without coffee so... some days, maybe?" "Hmmmm..." At that, the two turned back towards the two Rainbows. Dashie opened her mouth to say something more, but paused, blinking as Scootaloo entered the Great Hall. "Oh, there she is!" Deathie raised an eyebrow. "Isn't she a bit late? If she doesn't eat quick, she's going to miss that awesome class with Jack Skelington. Er, Professor Skelington I should say." "Jack who?" Dashie asked. "He's sort of a guest of a holiday realm that came long before this one," Soulshard stated. "Him and his kin are refugees, I suppose you could say." "What happened to it?" Twilight asked. "The holiday realm, that is." "Gone," Soulshard sighed. "The world it was linked to was destroyed. And when that happened... well... its branching worlds soon followed. We're not sure why the residents of it weren't destroyed. It's possible they know magic we don't." "Jeez," Dashie said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Talk about having your world crumbling around you..." "Rainbow! That's nothing to joke about!" Twilight hissed. "I'm just saying," Rainbow continued. "That really sucks..." "Yeah," Soulshard said, before smiling slightly. "But they're happy here, really. Though they may have lost their primary world, they still have us to teach the art of fear. I learned half of what I know from Jack, who taught here nearly four hundred years ago. The rest I know from Nightmare Moon, who learned much from him as well. He is... the master of it. Even Slendermare takes advice from him." Twilight and Rainbow appeared dumbfounded, and all that escaped the former's lips was a solitary: "Wow." "Jack, though..." Twilight pondered. "It's a bit of an odd name." "The names of those in his holiday world, like the names in this, mimicked those of the real world's names they were attached to," Soulshard explained. "They were more of words than descriptions." "And that reminds me..." Twilight said, lifting an eyebrow. "Captain Harness' name is Jack, isn't it?" "Yeah, who the heck is that guy, anyway?" Rainbow asked, glancing at Deathie. "I mean- he told me a bit about who he was, about that Horsehood crap... but nothing about his past. He's like a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in... uh..." "Shadow?" Soulshard suggested. "Hmph?" Shadowed Armor said, shaking his head again in bewilderment. "Oh..." "That works," Rainbow nodded. Deathie shrugged. "All I know is that he likes dying a lot. And he's been doing that for at least three hundred years: ever since I took the scythe. It's annoying in more ways than one..." "Wait, are you saying that he can die and come back to life?!" Twilight gasped. Deathie nodded. "Mhmmm... he's like that Doctor guy, only worse. He told me he's a 'fixed point in time and space.' And I have no clue what that could possibly mean." Twilight shook her head in disbelief. "All this time... another immortal has been living in Equestria. An immortal who isn't an alicorn. I wonder if Princess Celestia knows about him..." "Meh, immortality isn't all that, you know," Deathie said, shrugging. "I'm immortal until I lose the scythe." "Same," Soulshard nodded. "It can be... tedious and monotonous, especially as a creature of a holiday: as you well know, Twilight." "Yeah," Twilight said, before lifting an eyebrow. "Alright, is anyone at this table not immortal." "I'm not," Shadowed grunted. "Though when the reaper comes for me, I intend to kill her." "Ha-ha," Deathie said, rolling her eyes. "I'm not immortal either," Princess Congeria smiled. "Same," Applemoon said. "Anyway," Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. "At least Captain Harness is on our side..." She then glanced towards Scootaloo. "Though I hope Scoots is alright. She seems a little down..." "Think someone should talk with her?" Deathie said in a concerned tone. "Yeah, I think I will," Dashie nodded. Congeria quirked an eyebrow. "You really are a bit of a big sister figure towards her, aren't you?" "And a good one, too," Twilight smiled. "Heh- well, I do what I can," Dashie grinned. "I love Scootaloo, though, seriously. I uh... I never had a sister growing up. Or a brother. And... well... my parents..." "Gone?" Shadowed asked, a hint of concern in his tone. "Something like that," Rainbow sighed, before smiling slightly his way. "Jeez, Shadowed. I didn't know they sold new personalities. Mind telling me where I can get one that requires a bit less ego?" He folded his arms. "I was merely making conversation." "Don't let him fool you. He cares," Princess Congeria winked towards her. "Anyway, you were saying, Rainbow?" Shadowed quickly continued. "Well, yeah..." Rainbow said, screwing a hoof into the table. "I don't really want to get into that. All I can say is that: out of all the little sisters in the world to have, I'm glad I have Scoots." At that, she nodded towards her fellow staff members, smiled, and made her way to the table where only the original Crusaders sat. ☼☼☼ "So wait, are you seirous, Scootaloo?!" Sweetie gasped. "You're not sure you imagined it, right?" Apple Bloom said. "Deadly serious," Scootaloo said, her eyes narrowing. "At first I thought it was my imagination playing tricks on me... something to do with being converted into a vampire. But then he kept talking to me..." "You need to see someone about this!" Sweetie cried. "No!" Scootaloo quickly snapped, before taking a deep breath. "No... I want to keep it down-low for a bit. Shadowed... already suspects it. And he wasn't happy about it." "Then talk to Ms. Soulshard," Sweetie offered. "That's what Artharius wants me to do," Scootaloo nodded. "He thinks she can be trusted. I mean usually... he talks all philosophically, you know? A lot of metaphor. But he was crystal clear when he said the Hearth's Warming Eve realm is about to be invaded." "The Hearth's Warming Eve realm?!" Sweetie gasped. "Yeah, I know... but I'm still trying to figure out if he can be trusted at all," Scootaloo said. "What if it's some sort of trick?" "But why would he come to you in the first place? Why not try to trick someone else?" Sweetie asked. "He said..." Scootaloo said slowly. "He said he had a link to my father. And Shadowed said the same thing. What if that link somehow passed on?" "Right..." Sweetie nodded. "Maybe it's the reason why he can communicate with you and only you. Though why now? Why wait?" "Biding his time, maybe," Apple Bloom suggested. "Or maybe he couldn't do it in the real world." "Maybe..." At that, two new presences made themselves known. "Oi, ello thar. What are you lot talkin' about?" Pipbossa beamed, taking a seat next to her. "Nothing," Scootaloo quickly squeaked. "Mmm, in my knowledge 'nothing' usually means 'something juicy'," Pipsqueak smiled. "But if you don't want to talk about it... that's cool I guess." Scootaloo paused a beat. She took a deep breath. Pipsqueak had been her friend for many years, and Pipbossa... well, though he was kind of odd, he seemed trusworthy enough. Perhaps they had a right to know... a right to help. She glanced about to make sure nopony was near, and naturally: somepony was. The one pony she didn't want to know about this. The one pony she didn't want to unnerve anymore than she already was with her newfound vampirism. "Hey Scootaloo, what's up, kid?" Rainbow said, giving her a slap on the back and a smile. Scootaloo entered panic mode. "Uh- Uh nothing Rainbow," she squeaked, before quickly glancing towards the massive, bat-wings-for-tickers clock on the wall. "Shoot! Look at the time! Aren't we late for our class on scaring?" Sweetie's eyes widened. "Yeah, you're right! Come on, we need to get going everyone!" "Oi... didn't even get the chance to eat anything," Pipsqueak grumbled, sliding his plate of scrambled eggs away. He began rising with the rest of his friends. "Oh... alright," Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll catch you later then, Scoots." "Seeya!" And Scootaloo and her friends made haste away, leaving Rainbow standing there with a baffled expression on her face. Always and ForeverThe class on fear was a standard affair when it came to Bogmorts. It was bland for the most part, save for a strange pile of bones sitting at the front of it. The teacher, however, apparently named 'Skeleton Jack', was nowhere to be found. After a few minutes, everyone was seated, and the class was filled with excited chatter... save from the non-ghouls. "Huh, where's the teacher?" Sweetie said. Apple Bloom gave a shrug. "I dunno... but what are we even doing in this class, anyway?" she asked. "It's a standard class for all ghouls, lass," Pipbossa grinned. "Jack Skelington is legendary among us. I honestly can't bloody wait! Who knows what ancient secrets he could teach us?" "For all ghouls, though," Sweetie said, lifting an eyebrow. "We aren't ghouls!" "Hehe, well lass, put it this way," Pipbossa winked. "In your world, fear is the enemy. Know your enemy, that is: know fear, and you will will know how to handle it. You will become the bravest fillies in... what's it called, Ponyville?" Scootaloo's eyes widened, Rainbow Dash's face flashing through her mind. "The... bravest in Ponyville?" "Hmph, well I've seen plenty of intimidation tactics used on the high seas," Pipsqueak grunted, folding his tiny, spotted arms. "Rival pirates, The Eastern Trade company, you name it. From catapulting decapitated heads at us to simply yelling threats. There's nothing that can scare me!" Then the class suddenly went dark. And Pipsqueak gave a gulp. "Except maybe... the dark," he squeaked. The lights flashed back on, and suddenly, glaring down at Pipsqueak was a horrific, grinning skull. He quickly gave a gasp, scooting back in his seat as his eyes became saucers. Scootaloo shared his expression, for standing before her friend was a humanoid skeleton of a sort, decked out in a grim, black suit. The leader of legends: The Pumpkin King. As the class gazed at him in awe, he scooted himself back a little, smiling broadly and giving a hearty laugh Pipsqueak's way. "Haha! Sorry about that, my young friend. But you did sort of tempt fate." Pipsqueak gave a sigh, shuffling himself back into his normal position in the seat. "Alright... that works, too," he muttered. "Anyway, welcome, young ghouls!" Jack proclaimed, beaming about the room. "Welcome to my five-hundred and fiftieth class on scaring, give or take a few years. And might I say: I'm glad to be back!" The class didn't make a sound, they merely continued to glance at him in awe. Jack continued to smile. "And speaking of fear, who can care to tell me what sort of fright I just used on young Pipsqueak, here?" A few seconds passed, and no hooves went up. Jack rolled his eyes. "Come now, this may be a class on fear but there's no need to be afraid of me... most of the time. I'll give you a hint: what happens when you're struck by lightning?" At that, Sweetie of all ponies raised a slightly nervous hoof. "Yes, you there, my dear!" "Shock horror?" she said, quirking her head. "Exactly! Very good! Ten points to the house of the night!" Jack grinned. "Shock horror; since the beginning of time, I'd assume this type of scaring was used. It's quite simple, really, but most of the time, it isn't as easy as sneaking up on a target and screaming at them. However, I'll get into that later." He took a deep breath. "You see, fear, my friends, is probably the most primal of emotions... and out of all emotions, it is one of the most controlling. Therefore, fear can be a very powerful force, one for both good and evil. On the world I used to scare on, for instance, it, for nearly a hundred years, prevented a war that would have destroyed all life. Can anyone give me an example of fear causing a negative reaction, however?" Scootaloo slowly raised a hoof. Jack gave her a slight smile, as if indicating he knew who she was, but to her thankfulness, he didn't point it out. "Go ahead." Her mind raced with thoughts, particularly of what Artharius had told her. "Fear can cause someone to... um... start a war, too?" Jack quickly nodded. "Exactly! Though fear can be used to prevent wars, it can also start them. For example: Nation A fears another's growing power, and launches a preemptive strike on Nation B. So as you can see: fear is indeed a powerful force. But the most curious thing of all, though, and one I've found most delightful, is one particular aspect of it. One both of our holidays have endorsed. Can anyone give a guess as to what that may be?" "Ooo!" Pipsqueak grinned, shooting up a hoof. "Now that's what I call stepping up to plate, Noctus!" Jack smirked. "Go ahead." "Sometimes, ponies love being scared! It can be fun!" "Very good! Very good!" Jack beamed. "Another ten points to Noctus. Mortal ponies do seem to enjoy fear, and that is the purpose of Nightmare Night: spreading it for joy and fun! Some would argue it can also be used for toughening people up, but I'd say that the former is most important. And that is what I will teach you: how to utilize your various powers for scaring, for that is exactly why you have them. That is your purpose and destiny. Simply embrace it and you'll enjoy it more than any other thing!" Scootaloo gave a sigh at that, and it seemed to catch Jack's eye. However, he chose to ignore it for now. "My name is Professor Skelington, though you may call me Jack if you wish. As I have said, I've taught the ghouls of this realm fear for many years, since the beginning of its existence, in fact. Though I, like everyone, am still learning:" He then glanced directly at Scootaloo. "And the fact that there's always something to learn, if it's interesting, I should say, can make even a long life... worth living." The class went on for nearly an hour, and to Scootaloo's curiosity, she actually did find it to be quite intriguing. Jack was eccentric, knowledgeable, and quick witted at times: a teacher both Mortus and Noctus students took to instantly. Her mortal friends, however, seemed to be dulled by what he taught, but it seemed they didn't have the instinct to take in all things scare relating she now did. Still, her mind darted to Twilight Soulshard occasionally. Why had she become so depressed about her life of fear? Why had she tried to give it all up, only to be saved by Death herself at the last minute? Did it even matter, though? If she could simply get her instincts under control, she would not need to stay in the Nightmare Realm. She wouldn't need to be one of them. But her friends... one day she would outlive all of them. They would die and turn to ash like everything else... they'd leave her behind for the golden gates. She wished it could be a bridge she could cross when she came to it, but she couldn't put it out of her mind. She needed help, answers; and she knew a wise pony who might be able to give it to her. "Captain Harness..." Scootaloo said, gazing at his face in the Proloquor orb. He gave her a wide smile. "Hey kid! Thanks for checking in: we've been making a bit of headway trying to find your father." "Oh yeah?" Scootaloo said, smiling slightly back at him. "Yeah, rumor has it he's been hiding out near the Crystal Empire. It makes sense if he enjoyed the cold. I've worked with Shining Armor, Twilight's brother, a few times so I'm going to see if he's willing to help." "That's great!" Scootaloo squeaked. "You really think you'll find him?" "Trust me, you don't know the Doctor like I do. With him and Shining together we'll track him down. Blackfire's on his trail, too, from what I hear, but she's also busy with that Fargate project. I know what is now, too, so could you do me a favor again and tell Twilight to give me a ring?" "Why can't I know?" Scootaloo protested. The captain shook his head, a slightly grim look on his face Scoots could tell he was trying to hide. "Sorry, Scoots, but it's nothing you should worry yourself about." At that, Scootaloo realized she wasn't going to get anything more out of him. However, the reason she had called wasn't about Fargate... or her father. It was something far more personal. "Captain... it's true what you said, right? How you can't die?" Scootaloo said, wincing at the bluntness of the statement but nonetheless holding her ground. The captain gave a slight nod. "That's right, Scoots. I can't. I haven't been able to for thousands of years." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "How did it happen?" A beat. The captain took a deep breath. "It's really hard to explain, Scootaloo..." the captain sighed. "Lets just say this, if you ever run into a Dalek: run. Just run. They're scarier than anything you'll ever meet in the Nightmare Realm." Scootaloo gave a slight chuckle. "You haven't met Shadowed Armor." "Twilight's brother?" the captain said, raising a concerned eyebrow. "She told me about him." In an almost fatherly, somewhat aggressive tone, he asked, "He hasn't been giving you any trouble, has he?" "Not lately," Scootaloo said. "He's been... acting different." The captain tapped his chin. "Hmmm... guess she was right about the sword, but... Scoots, is everything alright?" "Yeah... I just... well... they say I'm going to be living a really long life... just like you." She winced slightly, gulping. "And I was wondering... how do you deal with it?" The captain took a deep breath. "I know what you're asking, Scoots, but... immortality doesn't really change things." Scootaloo squinted an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" His eyes flashed of the past; eyes he quickly closed. "Loss, Scootaloo. Loss always sucks. But loss happens to everyone, including those who... well, are going to see quite a bit of it. I lost friends before I became immortal, through various means. And once I did become immortal, I lost more friends, and it wasn't all from old age. It really hurt when it happened to one of them. His name was Ianto." "I'm sorry, Captain Harness..." The captain put on a warm, nostalgic smile. "We were... pretty close, but that's something to explain when you're older. He died a pointless death, trying to fight a group of... entities... And it hit me. It hit me hard. But you know what happened?" "W-What happened?" Scootaloo squeaked. The captain sighed yet again. "I got over it. I'll always remember him, but I did... get over it. That's the thing about immortality, Scootaloo. You may lose many friends, and the losses may stack up, but you're given all the time in the world relieve yourself of their passing." "B-But you won't completely get over it?" she squeaked. The captain shook his head, wincing slightly. "No. Having relationships with people that long stick to you, but like I said: you will get over it." He put on a smile. "But don't go living in the future... nor the past, kid. Live in the present: you only get one chance at that. Keep your friends close. Make new friends and keep them close. And when you sleep at night, those of the past will be there to greet you warmly. You'll all take the journey together." His smile became broader. "And though it isn't true for me, Scootaloo, your life is limited. When it's finally over... want to know what you'll see?" Scootaloo shook her head, gulping slightly. "The friendly hoof of death... and two, beautiful, golden gates." Scootaloo's heart lept at the prospect. "A-And beyond them?" "Everyone you knew and loved," Jack smiled. "And the more people you meet: the bigger the welcome party. For one day, the ships will come to carry you home." A beat. The captain shuddered slightly. "For home... is where the heart is." A few tears actually formed in Scootaloo's eyes. The captain shot her a quick nod in return. "Live for the moment, kid: always... and forever." Scootaloo put on a thankful smile. "T-Thank you, captain..." "You're welcome, kid." Scootaloo nodded, and the proloquor orb shut off. The conversation was over. And Scootaloo's mind was once again at ease. On the other side of the gates, Captain Jack Harkness pulled out a photo of a middle-aged humanoid figure, brown hair on his head. "Ianto," he whispered. "Always... and forever." The Ghoul Who Lived... ... Hello there, welcome to Horsehood's crappy, falling apart network; courtesy (and literally) of one of Equestria's first servers. What can I assist you with, user 2346? Please note that this entry has been logged. Press any key to continue. ... ... Very well, accessing Horsehood Databases... loading stuff... ... ... Warning: Unauthorized users will be prosecuted to the full extent of Equestrian law. Don't be messin'. ... ... I'm serious. If you're here for poops and giggles, turn back now... this is your last chance. ... ... If you're just here for curiosity's sake, no we don't know what happened at Oddswell. It was probably just a weather balloon. ... ... The government isn't covering up anything about humans in Equestria, Lyra Heartstrings. Stop bugging us. We know where you live. ... ... Haha, just kidding. We don't know who you are… or do we? But seriously, if your name is Lyra Heartstrings, you can stop freaking out now. ... ... You're sure you're part of Horsehood, right? If not, please press Alt + F4 right now... this will save you from the government agents about to storm your evil lair, you twat. ... ... Very well... accessing personnel files for one: Captain Jack Harness. ... ... You have ten seconds to enter your confirmation password. If you don't, this computer will explode. This may or may not be a joke... but are you sure you're feeling lucky, punk? ... ... Password Accepted: *anythingthatmoves*. ... ... Welcome back, commander. Bringing up the logs now... ... ... Yes, I know it's taking a long time. But that's what you get when you barely have the technology to create 5MB RAM cards. Better get to the labs, you lazy bum. ... ... Log Accessed. You may write or read at your convenience; if you can actually type anything without magic, earth pony. Haw haw haw. ... ... 'Personal Log, Captain Jack Harness. Entry forty-six. Date: 2012 ARH. Uh.... hi... me. Yeah, I don't really get the point of these logs, but Starfire's always bugging me to keep them, and I guess with the whole Nightmare Night incident having happened... things are a bit to get a little more hectic. Best to keep everything organized. Still, it's been a while since I made one, so it may be a bit... unprofessional. Enough twaddling, though. It was nearly ten years ago when I met Death on that lonely Ponyville road... and yet it still only feels like a blink of the eye. I guess it's not surprising considering Father Time always provides me with swift winds across the sea of eternity, but I digress... You see, it wasn't a normal meeting, well normal for myself that is, by any circumstance. Usually I only meet her when... well... my unusual condition kicks in. However, this time it was a bit different. For one, she hadn't come for me... and for two... we were not alone. There was a work of charity to be done, most unusual work, though I probably should have regarded it as more important at the time. Anyway, there are many ways to view Death. Some view it as an end, while some a beginning. And some, like one of my closest friends, merely view it as a temporary inconvenience. Myself, however? I view her as an old friend...' ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ On the lonely outskirts of Ponyville, near her sole, but accommodating orphanage, a blue earth pony stood waiting. It was a foggy night, a large moon hovering down upon him, though he wouldn't have it any other way for this particular moment. Not only because it gave him cover, but because it simply fit the mood. However, he was not alone at the moment. For sitting beside him was a tiny basket, a being of warmth within kept even warmer by a mass of blankets... at least for now. "Any time now, Rainbow," the earth pony grunted impatiently, straightening the oldschool, wool longcoat he saw fit to wear, it befit for a soldier of the past, not the present. Another second passed, him tapping his hoof impatiently. It wasn’t like her to be late, though it was excusable this time. She did have to travel by mortal means, for once. Reminding himself of why he was here, the pony took a look down at the basket, giving a slightly warm smile. “How ya doing in there, kid?” There was a beat of silence, the tiny sound of an innocent snore being the only thing heard above it. His smile remained. “Sleeping? Heh, that means ‘good’, I guess. I know that well. Now we just need to get you tucked in for real.” And naturally, a second later, a thud could be heard, a cloaked, one-winged pony appearing beside him. Jack gave a slight shiver at her presence. She always somehow seemed to literally emanate coldness, and her appearance matched it, her dark cloak and scythe she held giving her a menacing presence. Her hood was currently up as well, though the earth pony knew who was inside. He also knew that this... being… was far from what she seemed to project. With one quick motion, she lowered the hood, her two peculiar features immediately becoming available for view: first, her soulless black holes for eyes... and second... her rainbow colored mane. And upon seeing the lone pony, she quickly gave a grin before singing: "Heyo, Captain Jack! Why am I still on this side of the tracks?!" Captain Jack quickly rolled his eyes. "Very funny." However, he soon cracked a slight smile. "Still, it's good to see you, like usual." He then gave her a quick look-over, before winking as he flashed his award-winning promiscuous grin, one that practically screamed ‘is it time to get jiggy with it?’ "And I've got to say, you never seem to look the part!" 'And she also happens to be an old friend who's on the top of my list to be Harnessed. *Wink Wink*.' Rainbow Death gave him a blank look. "It's never going to happen, Captain. I know how you work." His smile didn't falter, though he gave her a slight look of mock offense. "What's that supposed to mean?" A slight smirk came to her face. "It means right now you're probably already formulating a plan of action. You'll spend a nice evening with me, whisper sweet nothings, probably try to get me drunk.... and then I'll wake up the next day in an empty bed with an empty heart..." She then squinted an eyebrow slightly. "Well, not that it isn't already empty, you know, but you get the point." Captain Jack's smile widened. "Well, since you already know my plan, why not just skip it and get right to the good-" "Ugh! No means no... with a capital 'N'!" Death growled. 'And an old friend who will remain eternally unavailable... damnit.' "Fine..." Captain Jack groaned. "But yeah, anyway… since we didn’t have much of a chance to talk a second ago, what exactly were you doing at the scene of the crime?" Deathie asked, cocking her head slightly. Jack shifted his eyes, before glancing down at the basket. "Well, as you know, Horsehood is charged with investigating and, if necessary, containing any unusual activities in Equestria. More silently than the more… prominent… figures.” He gave a glance towards Canterlot. "And... that includes rogue ghouls, right?" Rainbow asked, quirking her head again. The captain gave a curt nod. "Mhmmm, for some time now we've been keeping an eye on him: this poor kid's father..." he sighed, glancing at the basket again. "He seemed on the level, but then we detected a large surge of dark magic coming from his house and..." "You moved in," Death said, lowering her eyebrows. He took a deep breath. "I just wish... we had done so sooner. Starfire was right...." "Who?" "I guess this is my cue," a gruff, female voice said, a yellow pegasus walking into the scene with a brilliant, flowing red mane. Upon seeing Rainbow, she quickly glanced away from her. "Rainbow Death, Starfire, Starfire, Rainbow Death," Jack said, smiling between the two. "Uh... hi," Rainbow said, looking her over with a narrowed eyebrow. "D-Do I know you? You look awfully familiar..." "Can't say I do," Starfire quickly stated, her face remaining stoic. Death's eyebrow remained narrowed. "Hmmm... but the looks are familiar... the name's similar... are you sure about that?" Her eyes narrowed. "Positive." Rainbow quickly gave a chuckle. "Starfire, though. Isn't that the name of that one superhero from that one mortal radio show, what was it, the Teen Titans-" "Yes," she quickly grunted. "Believe me, I am very well aware of that; my colleagues wouldn't stop bugging me to dress as her for Nightmare Night..." "Wait a second!" Death grinned. "That must be it, did I meet you while I was out scaring on Nightmare Night?!" "For the last time, we haven't met!" she growled, shooting Rainbow a glare. "Err," Jack coughed. "Let's uh... get down to business, shall we?" He then turned towards Rainbow. "Anyway, you know the identity of her father, right? And well... you're native to the Nightmare Realm. Could you tell us anything about him?" "I can tell you he wouldn't have anything to do with what you're suggesting he did," she snapped. "Put your presumptions away. It must have been someghoul or pony else, because he is... or was one of the most honored ghouls there were on my side of the gates." "And then...?" Rainbow glanced away from him. "Well... let's just say... he wasn't acting like himself before he went rogue. Was constantly rambling incoherent nonsense. Some say he went insane." "And there you have it, Jack. That's proof enough right there! Who else could it have been?!" Starfire quickly jumped in. "Take it from me, ghouls are dangerous creatures. Sure, they may seem innocent enough: coming from a holiday world meant for 'scaring and caring'... but trust me: they can be very... very volatile." "That's not true!" Rainbow argued, narrowing her eyes at her. "You don't know anything about us! Even if it was him, I'm sure it was an isolated incident-" Jack quickly interrupted the two with a cough, glancing down at the basket once again. "Rainbow, would it be possible for you to extract some information from the young filly's mother? Before she... passes, that is." "She's already gone," Death grunted. "I made sure she had a pleasant bon voyage, though. And even so, I can't do stuff like that. She would kick my flank so hard I'd have to ice it for months! ‘No making death a witness interview.’ Rule 34 in the Da Rulez of Da Reap.” "Great..." Jack sighed, before turning towards Starfire. "Alright, Starfire. We're going to have to assume for the moment that he was responsible for the murder. Head out and see what you can do to track him down. Take him in… without the use of a stake or crossbow. That’s Van Heckpony’s line of business." "Yes, sir!" she said, giving Rainbow one last glare, and the basket one last look. "I still think this is a bad idea, Jack... putting a spell on her to make her..." She gave a sarcastic chuckle. "Normal. You know there's no way that will ever be true. Sure, she may seem cute and innocent now, but one day that spell is going to wear off. And when that happens... she will morph back into one of the most powerful types of ghouls there are. And who knows what will happen-" Jack narrowed his eyes. "When that happens, Horsehood will be there like we always are. For now, the poor kid has had enough trouble. She deserves a normal life." "Very well," she growled. "But mark my words: this will come back to bite you in your promiscuous flank, Jack. Mark my words..." At that, she quickly flapped her wings and flew like an angry force of nature off into the foggy night. A beat of silence... "What a bitch," Rainbow growled. However, she then gave a chuckle, before saying in a sarcastic, spooky tone: “marrrrk my woooorrrds… DUN DUN DUN! Hahaha!” Jack rolled his eyes. "She's good at heart, you know, she just gets a bit… obsessive about Equestria’s best interests," he said, taking another deep breath. "And she might be right... I think. First things first, though, can you confirm that this kid is a ghoul?" Rainbow gave a quick nod, twirling her scythe absent-mindedly. "Sure. I mean, it's not usual for a cross-world mating to occur, but... well... hey, anything's possible." Jack put on a hopeful smile. Rainbow gave a blank look. "...Night damnit, Jack. Is that all you think of every five seconds?" Jack gave a frown, looking away. "No..." The blank look continued. "...Yes" Sighing, Rainbow then leaned down and slowly unfolded the basket's blankets, revealing an innocent, sleeping orange foal, two tiny pegasus wings folded at her side. Rainbow squinted an eyebrow. "Well... that spell you placed on her to keep her from... fully maturing… definitely makes it hard to tell." She then brought a hoof to the pony's mouth, raising its lips… And her eyes quickly widened as she spied two fanged teeth. "But yeah, definitely a ghoul." She then smiled warmly, however. "Heh, it's not everday something like this happens... a ghoul being born on this side of the fence... spawned from the living and the living dead… and having another ghoul for a counterpart. Her name’s Scootaweb, by the way.” Jack raised an eyebrow. “She’s uh… a giant spider-pony.” “Ah,” Jack said, before muttering silently: “And I thought my punny name was cheesy…” Rainbow then paused for thought for a brief second. "Anyway, is it possible for you to have your Horsehood cronies reverse the spell?" "Wasn't Horsehood," Jack said, smiling slightly. "It was actually Princess Celestia herself." Rainbow took a deep breath. "Damn, I wish she hadn't acted somewhat impulsively, then," she grunted. "I could have taken her back to where she belongs... at least on Nightmare Night when the portal is open. Now, she'll stick out like a sore hoof." "I figured," Jack nodded. "Which is why she needs to stay here... like here here, not in Horsehood's care." He then glanced away from her. "I don't trust everypony working there... they might have started viewing her as a lab rat. Took quite a bit of convincing to keep Starfire's mouth shut." "Yeah, good call," Rainbow smiled, before her smile turned into a somewhat teasing grin. "You know, keep this up and you might just score a date with me." "Really?!" Jack beamed. "No," Rainbow smirked, sticking her tongue out. "Sorry Captain Harness, you're a great guy and all, but that kind of thing isn't for someghoul carrying a scythe." "Fine, fine, whatever," Jack sighed, before glancing back at the sleeping foal. "Anyway, the spell will wear off in about ten years, as the Princess estimated. And it isn't one that can be cast twice. After that... we're going to have to do something with her." "Well, I can really only travel to where there's death, at least quickly," Rainbow said, sighing slightly. "Me being here is pushing it as it is. I might not be able to be there when the time comes." "So that means... Horsehood is going to have to deal with her," Jack sighed. "We can't afford another rogue ghoul of her type running about, not if... her father is..." "I'm telling you he isn't like that," she grunted. "Ghouls don't murder, it's as unnatural to us as it is to you." "Then that means there's a third party involved, and there's no evidence of that," Jack said, narrowing his eyes. However, he quickly smiled soon after. "Don’t worry. We can just keep her until the following Nightmare Night and then you can bring her home. I know you're trustworthy at least." He gave a slight wink. "You're never late for my appointments." "Mhmm," Rainbow said, nodding, before giving him a serious glance. "I'm going to hold you to that, though, Jack. Be ready for me, and not in the usual way." She then took another deep breath, glancing down at the basket. "What's her name, anyway?" Jack gave a warm smile. "Scootaloo. Her name is Scootaloo. And she is one lucky kid." "Scootaloo?!" Death gagged. "Oh my... she would stick out like a sore hoof on my side of the fence. You real worlders and your cute names, I swear!" "Dawww, you know you like it," Jack smiled. "I just wish I wasn't bad with kids... and didn't have the job I do. I'd probably raise her myself..." Death raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you've had them before." Jack quickly glanced away from her. "It was another life... another land. I don't want to talk about it." Rainbow quickly nodded. "Alright, that's cool with me." She then glanced about town. "Ponyville, huh? Heh. I scare the heck out of people here some Nightmare Nights." She then smirked slightly. "At least on that holiday she'll be in good hooves." "Ponyville is one of the nicer towns there is," Jack smiled. "It's why I chose here for her to be put up for adoption. Plus, an old friend of mine lives here in case she ever gets into trouble. My Doctor." "Doctor who?" Rainbow asked. "You know... the Doctor," he winked. Rainbow's eyes widened. "You're friends with him!? Ugh.... it makes sense. You're both cheating bastards in my book; not surprising you'd be in bed with him." Jack lifted a hoof. "Well, actually the Doctor and I have never..." He then gave a grin, nearly face-hoofing. "Oh, you mean metaphorically!" Death gave a blank look, to which Jack's grin turned sheepish at. "Anyway, should we... leave a note or something?" Death asked, glancing down at the sleeping foal again, her giving a slight, tired sniffle. "Way ahead of you," Jack smiled, pulling out a small piece of paper and pen from his oldschool wool coat. "Still wearing that old thing, huh?" Death smirked. "Didn't they wear that during the Second Great Pony War?" "I wore it during the Second Great Pony War," Jack said, grunting slightly. "Oh, duh," Death said, rolling her eyes as Jack began scribbling down something on the piece of paper. She quickly glanced at it. All my relations. - Captain J. "Huh," Rainbow said, cocking her head. "Just an old saying," Jack said, handing her the pen and paper. "Anyway, your turn." "Um..." Rainbow said, cocking her head. "I'm not... really good at this kind of stuff, you know. Sentimental stuff... but... alright." She then squinted an eyebrow in thought for a second before writing: 'Never run with scissors. - RD.' "Seriously?" Jack said, quirking an eyebrow with a hint of a smirk. "Seriously?!" "Hey!" Death grunted defensively. "It's good advice! Do you know how many ponies are killed because of that a cycle?!" "How many?" Jack said, folding his arms. Rainbow smiled sheepishly. "Well... five, this year at least, but still!" "Whatever," Jack said, rolling his eyes as he carried the basket to the stoop of the orphanage. He took a deep breath as he sat her down, preparing to press the doorbell. "Don't worry kid; you've got friends on the other side... and this one too." "You're sure she'll be alright, Captain Harness?" Death said, fluttering beside him with her long, single black wing. "I can't be sure of anything, well... not ten years from now," he said, sighing again slightly. "But she's among some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. For now, she's going to have a good life." Ding-Dong! He pressed the doorbell, before turning back towards Rainbow. "Alright, time to skedaddle. I've got some business to take care of. I hear there might be some rogue Dalek activity in the Badlands." "What, the plumber-bots?" Rainbow said, quirking an eyebrow. She then smirked slightly. "I wouldn't mess with them, you know. Those things can kill you." Jack stared at Rainbow. Rainbow stared back... trying her best to contain herself. "Pffffft-Hahahahahaha!" And the two burst out into laughter. "Anyway," Rainbow said, breathing heavily. "I have about forty-five more souls to reap today alone." She gave a slight grumble. "Why do you get all the fun?" "You could always join Horsehood, you know," Jack smirked, still chuckling slightly. "Hahaha, very funny," Death grunted as the two began trotting away. However, before making it a good ten meters, she paused, giving one last look towards the orphanage. "Sleep soundly for now, kid. Ten years from now and you'll be living in a dream come true." Jack gave her a somewhat sympathetic glance. "Sometimes I think you ghouls are too hard on yourselves. Aren't you just as real as we are in the end? It doesn't matter how you... came about.” "Mmmm... hard to tell," Rainbow sighed. At that, the two continued their walk, Rainbow humming something as she moved. "Watcha humming?" Jack asked. "Eh, just some catchy song I got stuck in my head a few days ago," she smirked, starting to actually groove her hips to it as she trotted along. "Baby, baby, baby! You are my voodoo child, my voodoo child!" "You are now officially on the top of my quirky list, Death," Jack smirked. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ 'And as horrible as it started, it ended quite simply. I know she's had a good ten years in Ponyville, but unfortunately, that life is drawing to a close. Now starts the story of the ghoul who lived. And also the start of my second attempt to get into Princess Luna's- … Oh crap... Starfire just walked in. Time to go! And kid... be prepared. ... Damn... still got that song stuck in my head, too...' ... ... Logging off. Have a nice day... You twat. ... ... *Beep* Ten years later... Click! A flick of a light switch... A song filling a room, emanating from a magic music rock hanging from a young filly's neck... Baby, baby, baby! You are my voodoo child, my voodoo child!" "Woo yeah! Good morning, Ponyville!" Scootaloo beamed, walking into her orphanage's kitchen, the song continuing to blare. "Heh, wish I could thank whoever sent me this thing," she said, smiling at the tiny music-emanating stone."Though it having more than twelve songs would be nice... but whatever. A free gift is a free gift." Her stomach then gave a grumble. "Oh yeah! Chow time!" She moved to the fridge, swiftly opening it. "Hmmmm... where is it..." she said, scanning it. After a second, she gave a disgruntled groan. "Ugh... wait a second..." She closed the door to the fridge, noticing a note upon it. 'Dear Scootaloo, I threw out those disgusting rotten eggs you seem to have taken a liking to recently... seriously, that's a bit bloody nasty. Just looking out for your health. - Pipsqueak' "Awww man," Scootaloo said in mock sorrow, before grinning mischievously. "Shame you didn't get to my works in progress though, Pip." At that, she climbed upon one of the kitchen's counters and opened a cupboard. In the back of it sat a container of stinking, rotten eggs, ones she quickly pulled out. "Mmmm mmm!" Scootaloo said, grinning. Sizzle-sizzle! Butter soon melted upon a frying pan. Crack-crack! And rotten, green eggs joined it, a horrible stench quickly permeating the room. "Mph," she grunted, glancing at the window, the sun rising in the east. "Glad I got up early. Don't want more people to find out about this stuff... I might look like the town weirdo or something." However, she then sniffed the air, putting on a slight smirk. "Worth it, though." A full bellied Scootaloo gave a yawn, glancing into the little filly's room's single, long mirror. "Huh... what the heck is wrong with my teeth?" she said, narrowing an eyebrow. Hanging from the top of her mouth were two, long fangs... and they had been growing larger and larger the last month or so. She shook an incredulous head. "Reeeally gotta take Colgate's offer up for an appointment. I'm going to end up looking like Nosferatu at this rate..." She then squinted a curious eyebrow. "Or that one ghoul on Nightmare Night... Fluttershy's counterpart." However, she quickly chuckled. "Na, that's silly! They're from another world! And I already have a counterpart! Somepony like me couldn't ever be like that..." She then glanced away from the mirror, a slightly worried look coming upon her. "Could they?” Ghost of WinterOne of Scootaloo's ears perked upwards in the middle of the night, her eyes quickly fluttering open. Snoring softly above her was Sweetie, with Pipsqueak and Apple Bloom in the two web-made hammocks next to her. She gave a yawn, quickly glancing out the window. There was a light snow falling as the train chugged its way through a winter wonderland, and she had to admit: even for something in the Nightmare Realm, it was quite beautiful. A red and black foggy sky looked down upon a scenic valley of white covered trees. Scootaloo then cleared her throat, blinking slightly, wondering what could have woken her up. There wasn't a noise to be heard, not even an undead mouse. However, soon, her question was answered, when a faint, but haunting melody caught her ears. "Oh holy night... The stars are brightly shining..." It was a surreal sound, and she had to admit: quite soothing. It was almost like a Hearth's Warming Eve carol, though none she had ever heard before. And she felt drawn to it. Not wanting to disturb her bunkmates, she silently crept out of the web, smacking her lips over her fanged teeth ever so slightly as she made her way to the door, opening it. The hall was silent, the only thing to be heard was the ghostly winds of the outside world, the train's mechanical rotors as they turned and turned, and that damned... haunting melody. "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices... For yonder breaks new glorious morn...." "It's... so beautiful," Scootaloo whispered in awe. At this point, she was almost certain it was coming from the roof. Her judgment turning against her, she made her way towards the back of the train... and opened its door to step upon the caboose's balcony. It was a thrill beyond what she had ever experienced before, the snowy wilderness roaring by her and disappearing into gray, rolling fog... as the melody continued to be sung. "Oh fall on your knees... Oh hear the angel voices... Oh night divine..." "Hello?!" Scootaloo called towards the top of the train. "Is somepony... er ghoul, up there?" A beat. Whoever it was didn't seem to take notice of her, for the song soon continued: Led by the light of faith serenely beaming... With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand... O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming..." "What is that song?" Scootaloo said to herself, wincing in thought as she shook her head. At that, however, she narrowed her eyes in determination, resolving to find out who was singing, and she knew how to do it, too: for sitting nearby was a ladder that led to the roof, one she quickly moved upward upon. Soon, she stood upon its wind-whipped self, a ghostly howl overtaking her. Nonetheless, she ignored it, for down car after car she saw a faint light. Using her new, slightly larger batwings for aid, she began trudging across the roof, moving forward towards the engine. "Truly he taught us to love one another... His law is love and his gospel is peace... Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother..." And then... her eyes widened. For sitting before a small, wood-fueled fire that was somehow still flaming was a very familiar sight. "Captain... Jack Harness?" Scootaloo said, and her words couldn't be filled with more disbelief. At that, the figure's head perked up, gazing at her curiously. "Quis est hic qui invadit somniorum meorum?" it asked. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, gulping slightly. "Captain! What are you doing here?!" The figure merely continued to look over her. "Captain Jack? Ah ... erit quod illa comfortable." "Captain... I can't understand what you're saying!" Scootaloo cried, wincing in confusion. At that, he gave a chuckle and quickly cleared his throat, moving his hooves over the fire for warmth. "Mmmm... my apologies,” he spoke in a warm, soothing tone. “Haven't heard that tongue in many years... save for the songs I know in it." Scootaloo shook her head in disbelief. "B-But you... just talked to me yesterday…" The figure lowered its eyebrows. "Did I?" he said, quirking his head. "Curious. Who do you see before you?" Scootaloo paused, wincing again. "I-I see Captain... Harness. The pony that put me up for adoption." "Mmmm… very curious," he said, chuckling as he shook his head, now moving a small tin can filled with a strange black soup over the flame via a pair of tongs. “The name is so… similar.” And suddenly, the image of the figure flickered into that of Rainbow Dash. "And who am I now?" it asked. Scootaloo's eyes widened as she backed away from her. "W-What are you? Some sort of Changeling?!" The figure shook her head, smiling slightly. "No... no I am not a Changeling, interesting creatures though they may be." She then gave a hearty laugh, gesturing her forward. "Come, no need to be afraid! It's a cold night! Have a seat by the fire!" Scootaloo gazed over her, before taking a deep breath and moving forward... ever so cautiously. Slowly, she took a seat by the flames. "So... if you're not Rainbow Dash or Captain Harness... who are you?" Scootaloo asked. The figure thought for a second, blinking, before giving a shrug. "A long time ago they called me... Arthur." The filly raised an eyebrow. "Arthur?" Scootaloo said, scratching her head. "That's a strange name for a ghoul, no offense." ‘Rainbow Dash’ gave another hearty laugh, before taking a large sip of blackened soup. "Yes, isn't it?" The two sat silently for a second, Scootaloo continuing to watch 'Rainbow Dash' with fascination as the wind and snow roared by her like an angry tempest. Though like in Ponyville, the cold didn't seem to bother her, however. Finally, Scootaloo took a deep breath. "That... song, you were singing earlier," she asked. "What was it?" "Which song?" Arthur asked. "You know, the one that was all like... 'Oh holy night,'" Scootaloo said with a hint of a smile. "It was very beautiful, though it didn't sound like any Hearth's Warming Eve carol I've ever known..." "Ah, that!" 'Rainbow Dash' chuckled, before waving a hoof about whimsically. "Oh... it's nothing…. just an echo... a memory.” She then winced slightly. “Though painful one at that..." she sighed. "Then why do you sing it?" Scootaloo asked, raising an eyebrow. "So I never forget..." she smiled warmly. "In the end, they're all anything ever is, you know: memories. Sometimes, it makes you wonder if anything is real at all. For what are memories, really?" Scootaloo shook her head. "I don't believe that..." The figure merely smirked in response. "Well... no healthy mind ponders on that sort of thing too long," 'Rainbow Dash' said. "I can't blame you for that." "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, before glancing about. And suddenly, she let loose a chuckle. "This is a dream, isn't it? That's the only way this makes sense." The figure gave a slight nod, before smiling slightly. "Maybe... but didn't it seem oh so very real just a second ago?" "Yeah... but it's not anymore," Scootaloo groaned. "Soon I'll be waking up, and this will all be a memory." 'Rainbow Dash' gave another chuckle, shaking her head. "Child, define for me in your own words what a dream is." Scootaloo winced in thought for a brief moment, before answering with: "Well... it's like a movie that you yourself play out in your head." ‘Rainbow Dash’ nodded, smiling. "Good, but tell me more than that... how does it feel when you're in one… at least most of the time?" "Well... it feels real," Scootaloo said, scratching her head. She then gave an incredulous laugh. "But it's not! It's just a figment of my imagination: just like you are!" The figure continued to smile, taking another gulp of her soup. "Maybe... but imaginary characters... they often have personality... they often have hopes... and they have often have dreams…” She then sighed. “And sometimes… they even cry: just like you do. And if that's true, have you ever wondered if they are... alive?" Scootaloo shook her head, laughing. "No, of course not. They're just things made up by my head!" "Ah," the figure said, smirking. "But humor me for a second... what if they were alive?" "Well uh... I dunno," Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I guess it'd suck for them when the dream ends." "Yes," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "It would quite suck." She then lifted a hoof. "However, there's nothing they could do about it, could they?" Scootaloo shrugged. "I guess not." She then squinted a suspicious eyebrow. "Hey, are you trying to mindbuck me or something? Cus if you say 'the Maretrix has you' I'm jumping off this train..." The figure gave another laugh. "No, of course not. But then again, if that was true, you'd be mindbucking yourself, wouldn't you?" Scootaloo scratched her head, before laughing herself. "Heh, yeah, I guess." "But, riddle me this," Arthur continued. "What if... those characters were not just alive... but were aware?" Scootaloo merely shrugged again. "Hahaha, you are a smart young lady, my dear!" 'Rainbow Dash' smiled, with almost a hint of pride on her face. "There's really nothing you could do about it, so why worry?" She then smirked slightly, before saying in a low tone: "Unless... there was." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" "I'm saying... what if what you thought... was just a dream, though a lucid one at that... one that could eventually just... blink into a memory one day... What if you grew to love it...?" The figure leaned closer to her. "And let's say, per chance, you actually could reach out and touch those who dreamed it." She narrowed her eyes. "Wouldn't you do anything to preserve it?" Scootaloo gulped. "Arthur... you're kind of wierding me out." "Hahaha, my apologies, young ghoul!" ‘Rainbow Dash’ said, laughing hysterically. "Let's talk of other things." She then glanced downward. "I see you're on the Bogmorts express. Going to learn the fine art of scaring, are you?" The young filly nodded solemnly. "Yeah..." she sighed. "But you..." Arthur said, looking her over. "You're from the 'real' world, aren't you...? You're not one of them..." Scootaloo shook her head, taking a deep breath. "No, I'm not... and now, I don't feel like I'm one of anything. My friends... they all think I'm a weirdo. I know it... I can just see it in their looks. They're trying to accept me, but vampire stuff is just... awkward for them." "Ah, I see," 'Rainbow Dash' said sympathetically. "It must be quite disconcerting at the moment," She then raised a hoof. "However, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Friendship finds ways of pulling through. Just give them time. It's amazing that what can seem so awkward to one at first... can eventually seem as natural as the dawn, or the flow of a river..." "B-But what if they never can accept me for who I truly am?" Scootaloo whimpered. Arthur gave a warm smile in return. "I do not believe that will happen. Though even so, you should take heed: the realm of Nightmares is much more accepting of outsiders than you'll ever believe..." Scootaloo smiled back, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, but you're just a figment of my imagination trying to tell me that..." "Am I?" 'Rainbow Dash' said, quirking her head. "Mmmm... maybe." The figure lifted her hoof again. "But you'll find out soon enough that even the thoughts of a dream can resonate into reality." Scootaloo paused for a second of contemplation, before shaking her head slightly with another sigh. "Scootaloo... come on! Wake up!" a voice then called from the heavens. "Ah, speak of the devil," Arthur smiled. "Seems it's time for us to take separate tracks." 'Rainbow Dash' then began to sit up, morphing back into 'Jack Harness', him still wearing his cozy looking wool outfit. "This outfit... is a bit warmer... perfect for a cold winter's night." "Heh, yeah," Scootaloo smiled, before slowly standing up. The two stared at each other for a second. "Well... goodbye then, I suppose," she finally sighed. "Goodbye, Scootaloo," ‘Jack Harness’ said, before turning and making his way towards the front of the train, leaving trackless footprints in the snow. However, before he made it too far, he paused, glancing back at her. "One last question though, if it's all the same." "Sure," Scootaloo said, shrugging. The figure grinned, a gust of wind now tearing up Scootaloo's eyes as he spoke: "Do you believe in ghosts?" A beat. Scootaloo narrowed an eyebrow, before shrugging. "Well, I sort of have to now... considering where I am." The figure gave one last chuckle. "My dear Scootaloo," he said, narrowing his eyes, and continuing in a deep, almost distorted tone, "you have a lot to learn about what a true ghost really is." And with a blink of her eyes, he was gone, and so was this particular world. Though before Scootaloo woke to the sight of her cabin, she heard one last thing, it resembling the clicking of mandibles. "Hkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click..." The String Between UniversesA second after teleporting, the two appeared in a lonely tower at what appeared to be the far end of the school, Scootaloo having felt as if nothing had happened at all. It was a sparse, drafty place. Obviously, no effort had been taken to decorate this area of the formally deserted castle. And that begged the question: why were they there? "Follow me, Scootaloo. My teleport was off by a small margin..." Twilight grumbled, leading her towards a set of stairs that twisted down the length of it. Now that she thought of it, though: this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Being with the undead version of Twilight alone would give her the chance to ask a few questions... "Um... Ms. Soulshard..." Scootaloo began, glancing at her curiously. "Yes, Scootaloo?" "I was just wondering..." she continued. "Who exactly was Artharius of Winter?" Twilight paused in her steps at that. She turned about, lowering two eyebrows. "Scootaloo... about my brother," she said slowly. "I... probably should have said something earlier, I'm sorry. But whatever he said to you… don't even worry about it. Just disregard it." Scootaloo raised a hoof. "B-But he threatened to-" "My brother threatens to do a lot of things. He was probably just trying to scare you, though I didn’t realize it at the time," Twilight sighed. "Remember that sword we were arguing about?" Scootaloo gave a curt nod. "Yeah, you said it was doing something to him..." "I think it was," Twilight said, her eyes narrowing. "You see, Shadowed has gained quite a few rivals, and enemies, during his long military career..." It took all the willpower in the world for Scootaloo to refrain from saying, 'And he seems like such a nice guy.' "I think this whole 'Ghoul Civil War', as he likes calling it, has presented an opportunity for one of those former enemies to get back at him." "How so?" Scootaloo said, quirking an eyebrow. "Think of it, Scootaloo..." Twilight said. "Give a more... foolish soldier a powerful sword, tell them it'll make him or her invincible, and what do you think he or she is going to do?" Scootaloo thought for a second, before saying, "They'll try to play the hero... or maybe try to show how big and bad they are... by... taking out the most powerful ghoul nearby? The one commanding the opposing army?" Her eyes widened. "And you think that's what happened?" "It's a theory," Twilight said whimsically. "But occasionally my theories have proven to be... spot-on. I believe the sword has been enchanted to create stress, and therefore paranoia in whoever wields it... and an attachment to them. Shadowed would have been attracted to it by its other properties, and over time, his career would be ruined by self-sabotage. And because of the attachment, he wouldn't want to let the sword go even if he suspected it had to do with his sudden incompetence." "Wouldn't Shadowed try to make sure the sword was safe, though?" Twilight merely chuckled. "No, I don't believe so. Such enchantments are somewhat unheard of. Whoever did it would have to have access to powerful magic. I only knew of it because I am, as you know, well versed in the magical arts." She then shot Scootaloo a wide smile. "But there's nothing to worry about now. I'm sure he'll be alright now that the sword is parted from him." Scootaloo smiled back at her. "I hope so... I'd hate to be fighting with my own brother..." Twilight’s smile didn't falter, and a second later, she began to trot down the stairs once again. "The Slendermare was right to place you in Noctus, you know. One of the qualities of it is empathy... something many ghouls lack these days, as evidenced by what happened during Nightmare Night." "Thanks, Twi," Scootaloo said appreciatively. "So much for Ms. Soulshard," she chuckled to herself. "Oh, sorry..." "Heh. No worries. You may call me what you wish." Feeling encouraged, Scootaloo continued on with, "But, still... I was wondering. Just out of curiosity... if you could tell me more about Artharius…" "Artharius..." Twilight sighed, still trotting along. "Scootaloo, that was before my time. In the early, perhaps primordial days you could call them, of the Nightmare Realm." "So you don't know anything?" "Well... I do know a few things," Twilight chuckled. "I am, as Rainbow loves calling me, an 'egghead' after all." She then paused, as if gathering her thoughts, before saying, "Artharius was... an interesting specimen. He was not a ghoul, nor a pony, nor even an Eldritch Abomination such as Blackblood. He was... something different. Unique. And the last of whatever he was." "No wonder he was so lonely..." Scootaloo said. "More than you could possibly imagine..." Twilight said breathily. "They say he was brought into Null Space from his own world by an Elder God named Abholos, a creature of pure malevolence, after Abholos ravaged it. Abholos was fond of keeping... trophies." "Another world... like an alien world? Was he an alien?" "You could say that..." Twilight said. "It was not a holiday world, mind you, but a 'primary', as they are called, such as the 'real' world where you come from." She took a deep breath. "I can't tell you much about it, though... they say it pained Artharius to speak of it..." "What happened to Abholos, though?" Scootaloo asked in a worried tone. "He's still in Null Space," Twilight said, before adding in a comforting voice, "But he's no threat to Equestria or the Nightmare Realm. He wouldn't dare mess with Princess Celestia or Nightmare Moon. Their powers seem to be able to harm Eldritch Abominations to a great degree." Scootaloo sighed in relief. "Artharius served under him for many, many years. Millions, perhaps. Trapped in Null Space doing his bidding... but eventually, either he was set free or found a way to break Abholos’ hold over him, and he was offered amnesty by your father.” "How did my father know he wasn't going to try to pull anything here, though?" Scootaloo asked. "If he wasn't technically an Eldritch Abomination..." "So many questions," Twilight chuckled. "But not foolish ones, I may add. And the answer to that is simple: your father was a great empath, like most vampires are. And though he couldn't read the mind of Artharius, he could sense that Artharius had no ill-will for the Nightmare Realm." "But he did!" Scootaloo protested. "I thought Artharius tried to take over!" "It's... complicated," Twilight said in a sad tone. "He... loved the Nightmare Realm. He loved that they accepted him here. But he loved it too much. They say that he tried to take over because he believed Nightmare Moon... was not 'seeing the coming storm'. What that storm was appeared to be an invasion from Null Space from one of the Old Gods, even though Nightmare Moon, at least in theory, should have easily been able to thwart it." "So he thought he'd be a better leader?" "No, I don't think so," Twilight said, shaking her head. "Nightmare Moon often spoke of him as a sympathetic soul. He simply believed he needed to put himself in a position where he could make the Nightmare Realm fully battle-ready." "But why start a massive civil war?!" Scootaloo squeaked, lowering her eyebrows. "It wasn't intended to be. It was intended to be a quick coup... but unfortunately, that little spark created a raging fire. And well, you know the rest..." "And noghoul knows what happened between him and my father..." Scootaloo sighed, before her eyes widened. "But Shadowed said that my father was tainted by him somehow!" Twilight paused at that, before continuing, in a grunt, with, "I honestly have no idea how Shadowed would know that. He was probably making guesses-" "No, he said he got the information from Nightmare Moon herself!" Twilight halted. She turned to Scootaloo. There was a look on her eyes of pure confusion. For a moment, all that could be heard was ghostly winds beating upon the tower wall. "I... I don't know what to say," she said. "I'll have to talk to him about this..." And her tone returned to its usual perky self. "But anyway, let's keep going, Scootaloo. At the bottom of his tower is where it lies..." "Alright..." And eventually, they reached it. A lonely, circular room occupied only by a blue, glowing orb hovering a few feet off the floor. It was an eerie thing, to be honest, though it reminded her somewhat of a crystal ball. A strange humming noise emanated from it, joining in with Twilight and Scootaloo's hoofsteps and the howls of the wind outside. "I wonder what it would take to convince Rainbow to pull over-time today," Twilight muttered. "A fiercer storm than usual is blowing over the Southern Pass..." "She really likes twinkees," Scootaloo stated. Twilight looked baffled. Slowly, she spelled out, "Twin-kees?" "It's uh... a snack in Equestria," Scootaloo simpered. "Dunno why I even brought it up..." Twilight gave a smirk. "Actually, this might work out well for a demonstration." She then led Scootaloo to the orb, before gesturing at it, smiling. "This little device has been a pet project of mine for a month or so. I was hoping to use it to contact you with, but... only with the help of your side's Twilight was I able to actually make it work." In an excited, nearly Pinkie Pie tone she continued with, "We were able to make a an infusion into the primary fifth dimension with the help of a magically created, quantum singularit-" Scootaloo blinked. "Uh... we were able to make a small tunnel between universes," Twilight coughed apologetically. "Only big enough to allow messages to get through." "So... it's like a radio?" "Exactly!" Twilight chirped. "It's called a Proloquor Orb. Not of my own design, of course, I've merely modified it for cross-dimensional usage. All you need to do is say, 'volo contact' and then a name and the possible location of the pony you wish to speak to." "What if there's two people with the same name, though? Or what if I don't know where they are..." "Then two people will be given the option of wishing to 'pick up' the transmission," Twilight stated. "But everyghoul in Necropolis seemed to have unique names, at least from what I remember, so I assume the same will be true in Equestria." "Heh, that's true,” Scootaloo nodded. “Names were pretty much one-of-a-kind in Ponyville..." Twilight smiled brightly at her again, before saying, "And if you don't know where they are, then simply say a name. Just trust me, it'll work. Allow me to demonstrate!" She then cleared her throat before saying, "Volo Contact Pinkie Pie, Ponyville." There was a pause, before the face of Pinkie appeared in the orb. Scootaloo's eyes widened. "Hiiiiiiiya Lichy Twilight! Hi Scootaloo!" she chirped. "Hi Pinkie!" “Pinkie! Awesome to see you!” Scootaloo beamed. "You too, but woah- you look all ghostly!" she said, glancing at something in front of her. "Are you ghosts now or something? Ooooo, that's spooky." "Er," Twilight coughed. "We're not actually there. Didn't you get the 'accept Proloquor Call' message?" "Ooooh, so that's what that voice in my brain was! Hard to tell with all the other voices in there," she chirped. Scootaloo's mouth parted in horror. "So... it's like your there, but you’re not?" she continued. "Sure, something like that," Twilight shrugged. "Anyway, I was wondering... do you know how to make Twinkees?" "Of course!" Pinkie chuckled. "What kind of sweet maker would I be if I couldn't?" "Mind if I get the recipe?" Twilight smiled, whipping out a quill and parchment from seemingly nowhere. "Sure! Why not? Is it for Rainbow? She always loved those things!" “Mmhmm… yeah, it’s for a bribe, to be honest.” “Hehe, well then, I can relate,” Pinkie winked. “Here, let me give it to you…” And so Pinkie explained the recipe, and after a bit of chat, the call ended. "And that's how it works," Twilight smiled at Scootaloo, before something seemingly racked her memory. "Oh shoot, you're probably late for your next class, aren't you?" Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, but it's alrigh-" "Missing class is not alright!" Twilight grunted. "Hang on! Let's get you there! What is it?!" "It's uh... Basics of Mind Control." "Ahhh, with Nosferatu?” Twilight nodded. “Gotcha. Hang tight!" And the two blinked away, leaving the orb to sit in the lonely tower. A second later, they popped back into reality outside a classroom in an area of the school Scootaloo had never seen. "I'm so sorry, I can't believe I made you late!" Twilight said, her ears sagging. "Heh, seriously Ms. Soulshard, it's no big-" She then began to scooch Scootaloo towards the door. "Hurry! You don't want to miss it!" "Wait! Twi... how do I get back to the orb?" "There's a teleport orb in the main hall that'll take you near it. The one labeled ‘Northern Tower.’ It’ll take you to where we teleported. But... try to keep it between you and your mortal friends, alright?" she winked. "I might need to use it a bit more often sometime soon." "My lips are sealed," Scootaloo chirped. "I'll see you later, Ms. Soulshard." "Bye, Scootaloo!" And in a bit of a foreboding tone, she added, "And good luck..." Scootaloo then entered the class on her own. Like with Flutterfright's class, it took place in a darkly lit room, cram-packed with vampires. However, a very menacing looking one stood at the front of class, a far cry from the goofy 'Count' and timid Flutterfright. At her sight, he suddenly halted in his lecture. "My oh my... if it isn't the famous Scootaloo Wintercall," he said in a snide tone. "My apologies if my class is keeping you from autograph signing..." "S-Sorry," Scootaloo squeaked. "I didn't mean to- I was… doing something with Ms. Soulshard." "You were... 'doing something' with her," he said, lifting an eyebrow. "You aren't just trying to make excuses, are you? If I were to ask her..." "I'm telling the truth!" Scootaloo cried. He gave pause, before continuing with, "Either way... I still do not tolerate tardiness. But I wouldn't want to upset your fans by throwing you out, would I?" he growled. "Take a seat..." There were a few chuckles from Mortus vampires as she nervously took to a desk. "Now... where was I?" he said. "Ah yes... as I was saying, while there are many advantages of vampirism, one of the most prominent... and useful tools in your arsenal is the ability to bend minds to your whim. It is an intoxicating power... and one that can make slaves out of anyone you choose, once you learn how to hone your skill, that is. Your enemies will tremble beneath your hooves, and your allies... will learn never to challenge you." Talk about a ghoul on a power trip..., Scootaloo thought. 'Listens to him... this is ones of the most useful skills there are!' her instincts growled. "It is also a power that can be used, and most effectively, I may add, in order to procure fresh blood during feeding expeditions to the mortal world..." Vlad Seed quickly raised a hoof. "Yes...?" "But... but I thought that the portal to the other world is open only on Nightmare Night!" "Such ignorance," Nosferatu groaned. "Though I've learned to expect that from Noctus students. My dear, do you honestly believe Nightmare Moon is going to be able to enforce the law withholding vampires from true feeding for long?" "Well... I don't know…" she said. Nosferatu gave a dark chuckle. "Only twenty years ago, there were five great feeding expeditions a cycle. But it was given up in favor of keeping the portal open longer on Nightmare Night. Now, Nightmare Moon expects us to simply drink blood out of the tap, or from Edeathstria's rivers like sickly animals. But that is... nowhere near as good. And feeding off a fellow ghoul is not the same as a mortal pony... One day, and one day soon, we will be allowed to feed on the other side once again... and when that day comes, you will need to be ready." "What about Princess Luna, though!" Scootaloo quickly blurted out. Immediately, she would regret doing so. "My dear Wintercall," Nosferatu growled. "I know you must be yearning for attention, but ghouls in this class raise their hooves..." Scootaloo narrowed her eyes as the Mortus students gave another series of chuckles. "Ten points from Noctus," Nosferatu grunted. "What?!" Nosferatu returned the glare. "Twenty... points from Noctus." Scootaloo wanted to protest further, but she quickly snapped her mouth shut, anger boiling in her chest. "Even if it was brought up in a juvenile way," Nosferatu continued. "Our young celebrity does make a good point. Princess Luna has explicitly stated that vampires are not to be feeding in Equestria anymore without enduring her wrath..." A smile slowly crept over his features. "But... us vampires have a way of blending in with her night... so what she doesn't know won't hurt her. But I digress..." He paused for a moment, before continuing with, "Now, there are many aspects to mind control. Simply completely controlling another individual is what most think it's all about, but there are much more simple uses you can use your powers for without going... 'full throttle', you could say. Who here can tell me what part of the brain controls vision?" ☼☼☼ The rest of Scootaloo's classes went somewhat uneventfully, though she only had two others. At around five, she sighed heavily in relief, able to enjoy the comforts of Noctus' common room. Though questions were now biting at her like annoying flies she couldn’t swat. "SPAAAAAAACE! LOOK AT ALL THE SPACE-" "Ugh, shut up, will you?!" Sweetie cried at the 'Space Ghost'. "I'm trying to have a conversation here!" "Sorry," it peeped. "Space space space space space," it continued whispering, floating away to another section of the commons. Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Anyway, what were you saying, Scootaloo?" "Nosferatu," she hissed. "He's out to get me! I swear!" "Easy, sugar," Apple Bloom chuckled. "You've been under a lot of stress lately. Are you sure he ain't just a prick in-" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. "No, I'm positive. He kept talking to me as if I were like... like a sponge soaking in all the fame I'm getting! And I hate being a celebrity!" "Probably just an envious bloke," Pipsqueak huffed. "Bit immature for an older vampire, isn't he?" "Very old... like one of the oldest I think," Scootaloo gulped. "Nosferatu though... isn't the name of a movie?" Apple Bloom added "Well, if he's that old, and if he's been to our side of the fence a few times before..." Sweetie postured, her eyes suddenly widening. "It's very possible he's known in legend in the real world. And that the movie was based off them. In fact, remember that one scary story session thing Rainbow did with us a year or so back? About that ghost castle in the Everfree Forest, you know, like a castle that's there one minute and gone the next? She said that in that castle lived a powerful vampire named Nosferetu. Creepy, huh?" "Etu, though?" Scootaloo said, quirking an eyebrow. "The name must have been smeared through history," Sweetie said. “Huh... then it might have been him!” Scootaloo gasped. "Either way, I'd say it's best to let by-gons be by-gons, lass," Pipbossa said. "Pipsqueak's right. He’s probably just jealous or somethin'. Don't let him get to ya." "Mph, I think he’s going to use me as a punching bag no matter what I do," Scootaloo huffed, before glancing back down at her open textbook titled The Beasts of Everdead. For many years, the dreaded Hug Monster of Northern Everdead was, by many, believed to be yet another creature that migrated from Null Space to the Nightmare Realm. However, only after an autopsy was finally performed were these theories squelched. This was permitted, of course, after its slaying by one Darksong Shadowbane, the Red and Black Alicorn and most feared creature in all of Edeathstria (he insisted we used his full title). After which, the beast’s origin was determined to be a result of a trans-dimensional accident that occurred between the Nightmare Realm and the mortal world- At that, Scootaloo could read no more. "Ugh, I can't believe Rainbow Death of all ghouls gave us so much homework..." "It's only twenty pages," Sweetie said, lifting an eyebrow while holding a copy of the textbook of her own. "Twenty too many," she grunted. "I think I need a break..." Scootaloo then sat up, sighing, before heading to the black hole that was the Noctus Commons’ door. "Hey? Where are you going?" Pipsqueak called. "I just need a walk... I've got a lot of things on my mind..." she half-lied. "Mind if I come with?" Apple Bloom said, smiling. "I uh... kind of want it to be a private walk," Scootaloo simpered. “No offense.” Apple Bloom blinked, looking slightly dejected. "Oh, alright then... seeya." Scootaloo nodded appreciatively, before going through the odd sensation of being of being spaghettified by the black hole that was the Commons' door. A second later, she popped into the hall near the Noctus commons, still feeling like she was about to puke. However, she quickly shrugged it off before making her way down the hall, the Proloquor Orb on her mind. "Alright Captain Harness, let's see how much you know about my father..." she whispered.
Birthday GhoulIn the wee hours of the morning, a tiny flash of light popped briefly into existence over the still sleepy, coffee-deprived town of Ponyville. A small slit in the fabrics of reality appeared soon after, from which came a tiny bone dragon, about the size of an owl, a small letter held in his claws. "Ugh..." it grumbled. "Twilight's going to be lucky she's already dead if I can't fall back asleep after this..." At that, he began to view its surroundings a bit more. A light snow fell upon the town below him, it looking like a picturesque seen of winter beauty only seen in paintings. Snow covered roofs were all that could be seen, with stringy, dancing icicles hanging off them. To add to the scene, the paths and roads through town were still unclear, completely overtaken by the null of the winter's white. However, the bone dragon was still... less than impressed. "Stupid mortal winter," he grunted. "It's always way too white..." He then squinted his eyes slightly. "...And too friggin' bright..." Taking a deep breath, it continued to scan its surroundings, eventually spotting his destination: a smoking chimney on the outskirts of town, it belonging to a medium sized building. "Thank the night," he said breathily. "Time to get this over with. As Yultide the Gift Pony would say: ho ho ho!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Like a tiny peganinja, Scootaloo crept silently through the front halls of the orphanage, the front door in her sight. It was still mostly silent, save for the occasional groan of the wind and the sound of the automatic heater powering on, though still... she heeded to caution. "So closssse," she whispered, grinning mischievously. A door creaked some ways away, causing her to pause in her steps, her eyes widening. Hoofsteps then began heading her way. Scootaloo gave a gulp as a tiny exclamation point appeared above her head. "Alright, rule one of life: don't panic. Think Scootaloo... what would Solid Blake do right now?" she whispered. Glancing about, she quickly spied a small cardboard box sitting by the front door, it having been used for a package. "Aha!" she smirked, quickly darting under it. There she waited another thirty seconds, the hoof-steps passing her. The front door then creaked open. "Ugh, somepony stole the paper again?!" a somewhat obnoxious voice growled. The door then slammed, disgruntled hoofsteps quickly making their way back down the hall. At that, Scootaloo lifted her box slightly, glanced about, and smiled widely, nopony in sight. "Yay!" she beamed. She then crept out from under the box, creaked open the door and stepped outside into the cool winter's null. She then took a deep, victorious breath, glancing about at her snowy surroundings. It was certainly cold out, and she quickly gave a shiver... though for some reason, it didn't feel quite as cold as it usually did, and a nearby thermometer did read the usual temperature... "Mmm, must just be the humidity," she quickly chirped, shrugging it off and taking a step forward, only for- "Scootaloo!" "Awwwww...." she sighed, turning about to gaze upon the orphanage's mistress, an elderly, stern looking pony. "Uhhh... good morning, Madame Hardknock." She quickly narrowed suspicious eyes. "What are you doing?" "Just going to be with my friends," she smiled. "Uhhh... if that's alright." "Mmmm... while conveniently forgetting that it's your turn to clean both the kitchen and the bathroom," she grunted, tapping her hoof. "B-But can't I do them later?" Scootaloo complained. "My friends and I were going to go snow shoveling... to try to get our Cutie-Marks in it." "Ugh," she groaned. "And there never was a more pointless escapade. You're to do your chores before heading out. I want a clean kitchen to eat in." "B-But Madam-" "No buts!" she growled. "Um... Ms. Hardknock… if it's alright with you... I wouldn't mind cleaning the kitchen," a tiny, accented voice called from behind her. The old caretaker turned to glance at its origin. "It's Scootaloo's birthday, you see," Pipsqueak smiled. "And well, it is an old tradition in my family..." He closed his eyes for a second, before taking a deep breath. "Well, it was an old tradition that nopony should have to clean the ship on their birthdays... or the orphanage in this case." At that, Madame Hardknock twirled about, raising an eyebrow Scootaloo's way. And to the young filly's surprise, a small, warm smile actually found its way to her cold lips. "Ah, that's right. I forgot what today was. Happy Birthday, Scootaloo." Scootaloo smiled widely. Ms. Hardknock raised a hoof. "However, I still want those chores done, though you can have Pipsqueak's help. The best gift I can give you is work ethic. You still want to be adopted, right?" "Y-Yes," Scootaloo squeaked, glancing downward. "Well, your chances will go up if I can tell prospecting parents that 'Scootaloo cleaned this spotless kitchen' when I give them a tour, and that could be this morning for all you know." She paused for a second, before stating in an almost rehearsed way, "the less worthless you look, the better your chances. Remember, Hearth's Warming Eve is the time of year for that." At that, Scootaloo gave a defeated sigh, Pipsqueak gazing at her sympathetically. "Yes, Madame Hardknock..." She then quickly joined his spotted side, the two sauntering down the hall towards the kitchen. "Oh, and Scootaloo," Ms. Hardknock called. "Y-Yeah?" she said, turning about. "Throw out those disgusting rotten eggs," she growled. "Weirdos stand even less of a chance than lazy brats." "W-Will do," she gulped, before giving Pipsqueak a betrayed look and hissing, "why did you tell her?!" "S-She must have seen the note," Pipsqueak said defensively. "I thought you'd be the first to see it..." "Ugh.." Scootaloo sighed, the two continuing on. As they did so, Ms. Hardknock took a deep breath, rolling her eyes ever-so-slightly. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Hey Rainbow!" Twilight smiled, walking into Sugarcube Corner and spying the blue pegasus sitting at a table. "Mornin' Twi," she smiled, sipping on a mug of hot cocoa, a satisfied, warm look coming upon her. "Mmmm... I don't know how, Mrs. Cake, but this stuff gets better and better each passing year!" "Oh, thank you dear," the cheery pony called from behind the counter. "I didn't do much, though, just added a bit of cinnamon to it is all." “Still, utterly awesome,” Rainbow grinned. “You’re too kind,” Mrs. Cake smiled, before turning to Twilight. "What can I help you with, Ms. Sparkle?" Twilight put on an anticipating smile. "One triple mocha with extra chocolate sprinkles, please, with soy milk, heated to about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit with a dash of whip cream on the top, but not too much because I don't want to spill over, oh, and with a bit of cinnamon on the top of it. Ooo, and about one and a half teaspoons sugar. Actually, make that one and a quarter... but... no wait, that's too little. Make that one and three-fourths. If you could, please!" Mrs. Cake took a deep, patient breath, hiding a blank look. "One triple-mocha." "Thanks!" Twilight beamed merrily, before taking her place at Rainbow's table, the blue mare rolling her eyes slightly. "So, what's got you up so early in the morning?" "Oh you know me," Rainbow smirked. "I love admiring the beauty of a fresh snow. How the entire town, it and all its vibrant colors, becomes overwhelmed by a simple, unifying white." "Wow, Rainbow! I never knew you were such a romantic!" Twilight said, smiling. Rainbow gave a cheeky grin. "Oh you haven't seen anything, yet. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, smelling flowers, and the laughter of children." Twilight's eyes widened in awe. "O-Oh my gosh!" she beamed. "R-Rainbow, you're finally letting out your more-" Dashie quickly chuckled. "Annnd you're just messing with me, aren't you?" Twilight groaned. "Haha! Yeah. Sorry, Twi, had to do it," she said, still chuckling. "Still, I wasn't lying about the latter. It's Scootaloo's birthday, you know." "Ah," Twilight said, her smile returning. "I suppose Flight Rainbow is ready for takeoff?" "You bet," she smirked, wiggling her wings slightly. "I like taking her out in the morning, you know, so she can spend the rest of the day with her friends. And believe it or not, I do like the view of dawn this early, at least during the winter." "You really love that kid, don't you?" Twilight said, admiration lacing her words. "Heh," Rainbow smiled, before sighing slightly and gazing at the reflection of herself in her mug. "She just... reminds me of somepony is all." "Her story is yours, just one hoof before it?" Twilight said sympathetically. Rainbow merely gave a chuckle, taking another sip of hot cocoa. "Sometimes, Twilight... I wish I could view the world the way you do." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Within the kitchen of the orphanage, a magic music rock blared: "And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, Don't carry the world upon your shoulders. For well you know that it's a fool, who plays it cool, By making her world a little colder!" Scrubba-dub-dub! One colt and one filly worked diligently, cleaning the counters to a spotless degree. "Hmmmm," Scootaloo sighed, sulking a slightly sorrowful head, a few thoughts of what she saw in the mirror earlier still eating at her mind Glancing away from Pipsqueak, she quickly prodded her new fangs, a worried look coming upon her. Pipsqueak quirked his head. "What's wrong, Scoots?" "Eh... nothing," she said, smiling (toothlessly) his way. "Sorry for getting angry with you earlier, by the way. I know you were just looking out for my health is all..." "Heh, no worries," Pipsqueak smiled. "Believe it not, I've actually eaten worse back aboard the Black Pearl." He then shivered slightly. "It prevented some rather... unsettling come-abouts of malnutrition." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, before returning to her scrubbing, staying silent as Hey Jude continued to play. Pipsqueak soon turned a curious eye her way. "That music rock of yours... a gift from Twilight?" "A gift from a ghost, for all I know," Scootaloo sighed. "It came for me yesterday, no return address." Pip's eyes widened. "D-Do you think it was-" "Captain J?" Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I don't know..." "Heh... you know, Captain J, that was my family's ole captain's initials," Pipsqueak smiled with just a hint of nostalgia. "Though I suppose this is someone different... maybe somepony in the military?" "Possibly..." Scootaloo said, before smiling slightly, her ponderous mind pondering something. "Sometimes I wonder if I had a single father or something... in the army or air defense force. Maybe it was this Captain J. What if my mother died while he was out serving, and he couldn't have the time to raise me… cus he was too engraved in his work or something. Too much of a noble soldier." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ In his quarters, Captain Jack smiled slightly before tossing a dart towards his wall. A small series of papers were bunched in a group in the middle of it, all with the names of prominent Equestrian figures upon them. He liked to call it 'Captain Jack's Boogy Board.' Thud! The dart landed, his eyes widening in delight as a promiscuous grin came to his face. "Ooooh yes! You're next, Princess Cadence!" he said, his grin widening. "Let's see if you really are the princess of love!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "It still doesn't explain who 'RD' is though," Scootaloo grunted. "All she left was a note saying 'don't run with scissors.' Was my adoption some huge joke or something?" "I'm sure it wasn't," Pip said, raising a hoof. "Maybe she or he was just a bit... daft." "Yeah... maybe," Scootaloo sighed. She then continued scrubbing silently again. However, a moment later it was broken by a knock on the window. "Hey Scoots!" a grinning, blue pegasus called. "Happy birthday, kid!" "Rainbow!" Scootaloo beamed. Rainbow's grin quickly turned into a warm smile, though she soon raised an eyebrow. "Watcha doin in there being Ms. Clean!?" she grunted. "Have you forgotten our tradition?" At that, Scootaloo squinted in thought for a second before nearly face-hoofing. "Oh, duh! Sorry, Rainbow... this Cutie-Mark stuff has just been eating my head lately..." "No worries, kid! Just quit scrubbing and get out here," Rainbow smirked. "Can't you do your chores later?" "Well... Madame Hardknock really wants them done..." she said, sulking slightly. "Don't worry, Scoots," Pipsqueak winked. "The kitchen's nearly done, and we already got the bathroom over with. Go on out, I'll handle the rest of this raunchy mess." "Pip... I can't just let you..." "Do you know how many times I had to swab the deck back in the day?" he smirked. "I'll have it over by the time you take off! Go on," he said, gesturing her out the door. "Hah! Looks like somepony's trying to score a date with you, Scoots," Rainbow grinned. "And hey, there's a lot worse out there." Pip rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Pip," Scootaloo squeaked. "I'll see you tonight, I guess." Pip gave a quick salute. "You bet. Just try not to get yourself killed!" Scootaloo put on an honest smile. "No worries, Rainbow Dash is the best flier there is. She'll keep me out of trouble." "Hehe, if you say so!" Rainbow grinned. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Wearing a wool sweater, Scootaloo smiled as she climbed upon Rainbow's back, positioning herself firmly and gripping her sides, her magic music rock still blaring. "Alright, Major Scoots," the pegasus smiled. "All systems ready for liftoff?" "This is Major Scoots to ground control, all systems ready," she smirked. "Then take your protein pills and put your helmet on!" Rainbow grinned. "You're about to really make the grade!" Before Scootaloo could even respond, Rainbow let loose a brilliant 'BEEYA!', before sailing into the early morning breeze, the snowy town quickly becoming a moving entity below her. "Woooo yeah!" Scootaloo cried, her mane rippling in the wind. She then glanced at her music locket, before shouting: "Volume Level: 25!" "Hang on tight, kid! Gonna show you a little bit of what I've been learning this year!" Rainbow smirked. "Ooo! Ooo!" Scootaloo called. "Do a barrel roll!" "Haha! Your funeral, kid! Just keep a good grip!" she called. Making sure that was true, Rainbow then spun about like a mad, sideways top. "Hahaha! YEEEEEES!" Scootaloo cried in joy, hanging on the best she could. Rainbow smiled widely. "All good back there, Scoots?" "Best I've felt all week!" she called. "Now that is what I'm talking about!" Rainbow said, her voice laced with a hint of pride. "That grip you were keeping though? Make it about twenty percent tighter, cus we're getting fancy up here!" "Huh? WAHHHHH!!!!!!!" Her ride began an epic upward arc, before actually performing a huge loopty-loop. "WEEEEEEEEE!" Rainbow gave a hearty laugh over the howling winds. "I'm gonna make an adrenaline junky out of you yet, kid!" She then glanced downward. "But hey... you really don't get a good idea of my awesome speeds way up here, though!" At that, she descended downward towards a snow-covered Everfree, the trees whizzing by below her in blurs, almost scraping at her hooves. "Woah! Rainbow! A-Are you sure this is safe?!" Scootaloo called. "Don't worry, Scoots," Rainbow smirked. "Believe it or not, I've flown over these woods a million times. The only way we'll hit something is if it appears out of thin air!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Null Space (The Space Between Spaces) The TARDIS "Another great journey to the New Lunar Republic, Doctor!" Derpy called, munching down on a muffin nearly the size of her. "I don't know how they learned to make muffins this big in the future, but we seriously need to learn!" "Maybe the next trip, Derpy," the Doctor smirked, before turning towards two other ponies within the TARDIS. "So, Bill and Ted, how are you liking your tour of history?" "A most excellent adventure, Dr. Whooves!" Bill called. "I totally think we're ready to ace our report, now!" Ted smiled confidently. "Well, I'm glad you've learned to appreciate it!" Dr. Whooves smiled proudly. “Now that is what I call a Hearth’s Warming Eve gift! From me to you to back to me again!” And naturally, upon his head, fit for the season, he wore a red Yuletide the Gift Pony hat. However, he quickly lifted a hoof, narrowing an eyebrow. "Still, do either of you want to tell me what not to do in medieval courting practices?" he asked, wincing slightly as he glanced at Ted's face, most of the fur having been burnt off of it. "I have solemnly learned that it is most uncool to say to a medieval princess, especially Princess Luna, that her flank is the best full moon I have ever seen!" "Or any princess for that matter," Derpy grunted, taking another bite of her muffin. "They're learning!" the Doctor cried in joy. "For the love of all that is good, they're learnin-" At that, the TARDIS began emitting a whirring sound. The Doctor quickly smiled. "Righto! Now for a tour of my time, Ponyville: 2012!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Right in Rainbow's path, the blue phone box that was the TARDIS materialized, hovering above the canopy of Everfree. "Rainbow! Look out!" Scootaloo shrieked. Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Huh-" "OOOOOF!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ THUD! "What was that?!" Derpy cried. "Bloody hell, did something just hit us?!" the Doctor growled, marching over to the front door and opening it. His eyes widened at the sight of the winter forest below him. "Doctor! I do declare, we are high in the air!" Ted called. "Woah! Totally awesome rhyme dude!" Bill complimented. "Ugh! Our coordinates must not have been sound," the Doctor grumbled. "We're supposed to be on the ground!" Ted's eyes widened. "Doctor! Your rhyme came just in time!" "Epically Maretallica, dude! The rhyming has been tripled!" Bill grinned, before the two leapt together and began an air guitar solo. "Oh that's it. We are so never visiting the eighties again," the Doctor groaned. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ The world spinning around her, Rainbow careened towards the Everfree forest, her eyes spinning in circles. Above her, Scootaloo struggled with her tiny wings to hover safely to the ground below. "Ugh! Stupid. TINY. WINGS!" she cried, sweating bullets as her strength began to wane. As her eyes widened, it finally gave way completely. "Oh CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP- -OOOF!" A snow bank quickly became filled with her wiggling presence. "Uuuugh...." she groaned, climbing out of her cold, new home and shaking the newly acquired snow off her. She took a glance around, spying blackened trees that had no right to still be alive. She was within the Everfree forest, or at least what she thought was it. However, for some reason, despite the freezing air... she didn't shiver. It was as if the cold, that would normally eat at her this time of year, (especially after climbing out of snow), had decided to be kind to her. Either that or every nerve in her body was refusing to work... "Weird," she said, shaking a debilitated head before glancing about. "R-Rainbow. You here?" As if to answer her, a groan soon followed. Twirling about, Scootaloo's chuckled slightly as she spied her idol climbing out of a snow-covered thorn bush. "Kid... please do me a favor and never tell your friends about this," Rainbow Dash moaned, wincing violently. "Hah, no worries Rainbow," she smiled. Scootaloo then gave her a look over. She was in bad shape, multiple bloody scrapes visible through her fur, though it wasn't unusual for her to perform 'totally intentional' crash landings. However, for some reason, what wouldn't normally be worthy of a second glance... quickly took hold of her. "Rainbow, you're uh... bleeding a little," Scootaloo said, quirking her head slightly. Drip... drip... drip... The blood was beginning to fall now, staining the snow red, and Scootaloo couldn't help but stare at it... Something about it was captivating to her. The red... delicious liquid... so salty... yet so sweet.... nourishment. "Tis just a flesh wound, no worries kid," Rainbow said nonchantly, quirking an eyebrow at Scootaloo's apparent concern. "Yeah..." Scootaloo said, continuing to stare blood intently, before nearly hypnotically saying, "just a flesh wound..." At that, she took a step forward, almost beyond her own will, as Rainbow began to glance about, taking hold of her surroundings. 'It's right there... take it... just a little sip,' a voice in her head chimed. 'She won't mind... she's your friend.' “Huh, where are we?” Rainbow grunted, still glancing about with a narrowed eyebrow. 'Sooooo good.... you know you want it... mmmm mmmm. Even better than rotten eggs...' "N-No," Scootaloo whispered, shaking her head rapidly, almost as if she wanted to send the strange thoughts flying from her mind."W-What the heck is wrong with me?" "Scoots?" Rainbow said. "Everything good? You didn't bump your head, did you?" 'The precious... you wants the precious... the precious is good...' The thoughts continued, as her sanity decreased. "K-Kid?" Rainbow said, her voice laced with concern. A beat of silence followed, broken only by a gust of wind... and eventually: "Feed me," Scootaloo droned, almost robotically, before taking another step forward, her head quirking again slightly. "W-What?" Rainbow said. "Feeed me...."
Burning Ghoul"Feeeed me...." "Uhh... Scoots," Rainbow said, gulping as she backed away from the tiny pony, her magenta eyes feeling as if they were actually piercing her. It was even as if there was an almost... hypnotic quality to them. "If you're uh... hungry, we can get something once we're out of the woods. And you don't really need to sing about it." "Pleeease Rainbow," Scootaloo begged, gazing at her cuts intently. "I've never felt so hungry before!" "D-Did you not eat breakfast or something?" Rainbow stuttered, squinting a nervous eyebrow. "W-Why are you looking at me like that?" She then cracked a half-grin, giving a lying chuckle as she sweat-dropped. "O-Oh, I get it. This is some sort of weird joke." "It's no joke..." Scootaloo growled, licking her lips. "Please, don't make me take it from you…" "Take what?!" Rainbow gulped. "What do you want from me?" 'Takes it! Takes it!' "Sustenance... I need... sustenance...." "Scoots.... you're really starting to weird me out..." Rainbow said, continuing to nervously back away. 'Stupid, daft pegasus. She doesn't understand. That or she just wants to keep your food from you! Takes it from her! TAKES IT!' "I-I'm sorry Rainbow," Scootaloo whimpered, before reering back as if she was about to pounce at her. "B-But... oh my gosh, IT JUST LOOKS SO GOOD!" Rainbow's eyes widened in horror as Scootaloo began her attack- "Oi! Everypony alright down there?!" a certain, accented voice called. Scootaloo paused in mid-leap, quickly shaking her head in a daze. "W-What?" she whispered in horror. "W-What was I just about to do?!" At that, a slight thud could be heard as Derpy set the Doctor on the ground, her previously having carried him from the TARDIS, it still flying high above. Rainbow didn't answer him, instead she continued to glance at Scootaloo with eyes saturated with concern… and perhaps even a hint of mistrust. "Everything alright? What were you two doing down here?" the Doctor asked, quirking an eyebrow. "I uh... I'm not sure," Rainbow said, lowering an eyebrow Scootaloo's way. She simpered, thinking quickly. There was a way out of this, but it wouldn't be the best, nor the most satisfying for her idol's curiosity. "Er, sorry Rainbow," she quickly said, scratching the back of her head. "Kind of let that joke get out of hoof, didn't I?" "Y-Yeah," Rainbow said, nodding slowly. However, she quickly cracked a slight smile. "Yeah... but still, uhh... pretty good one, Scoots. B-But anyway, are you actually hungry?" Scootaloo quickly nodded. "Y-Yeah. The whole adrenaline rush I got flying with you... and the fall and everything. I'm starving!" "Yeah, sorry about that," the Doctor simpered, scratching the back of his brown-maned head. He then turned towards Bill and Ted, the two having slid to the ground via rope, giving them blank looks. "I thought I relayed those coordinates precisely." The two quickly sweat-dropped, grinning sheepishly. The Doctor soon turned back to Rainbow, sighing. "Anyway, could I give you two a lift back to town? It's the least I could do." "That'd be great, Doctor," Rainbow said, smiling. "Oh, and if you're hungry Scootaloo, I've got a muffin that'll blow your mind aboard the TARDIS," Derpy said with an almost mother-like tone. "C-Can't wait to see it," Scootaloo said, a shiver still spiraling up and down her spine. 'You haves five meals right here...' the voice in her head growled. 'Eats them... eats them!' "N-NO!" Scootaloo cried. "I'M NOT A VAMPONY!" The entire group turned towards her, quirking their eyebrows. Another beat of silence. "K-Kid. Are you sure you didn't bump your head?" Rainbow said, almost as if she were hoping it was true. "Ugh... I must have," Scootaloo said, starting to shiver slightly now, and not because of the cold. "Woah! Dude!" Ted said to Bill, his eyes widened as he glanced Scootaloo’s way. "There is most unusual activity happening in the Everfree Forest." "Oh my gosh!" Bill said. "You don't speak lies, my friend." "W-What are they talking about?" Scootaloo gulped, glancing the Doctor's way. Another moment of silence followed, the group continuing to stare at her. Derpy shook her head incredulously. "Y-You're uh..." "I uh... don't know how to say this," Rainbow gulped. "B-But... you seem to have... acquired an unusual condition," the Doctor stated. "You're totally sparkling!" Bill grinned. "WHAT?!" Scootalo said, her eyes widening in horror as she turned her head to glance towards her flank. Indeed, tiny little wisps of light popped in and out of existence about her form, twinkling like tiny little short-lived stars. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Scootaloo cried in horror. "W-Wait, now she's just smoking," Bill pointed out. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, before glancing at her back again. And true to what he said, instead of sparkling lights, blue smoke was rising from it instead. Scootaloo took a deep, relieved breath, wiping sweat off her forehead. "Oh good." However, her eyes soon widened. "Wait, THAT'S BAD TOO!" "Easy kid," Rainbow said, giving her a slightly dishonest, though reassuring smile. The Doctor nodded. "Yes, I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why you're spontaneously combustin-" Derpy quickly gave him a rib. "Ouch! What was that for?!" "Dude! I know why! She's totally a vampony!" Bill said, smiling. Ted's eyes widened, grinning Scootaloo's way. "That's so wicked! Can you like... turn into a bat?!" "She's not a friggin' ghoul," Rainbow growled, glaring at the two. "And who are you two knuckleheads, anyway?" "They're uh... the eighties incarnate," Derpy said. "Ah," Rainbow groaned, rolling her eyes. Scootaloo then let out a slight whimper, glancing away from Rainbow. "Chin up, Scoots," Rainbow smiled her way. "Cus you know, even if you were a ghoul, I wouldn't care. Those guys were alright on Nightmare Night for the most part." The Doctor raised a hoof, smiling Scootaloo's way. "It seems unlikely, anyway." "W-Why do you say that?" Scootaloo whimpered. "Well, as silly as vampires sound to me... well at least before Nightmare Night, I don't see any bite marks. If you were turning into one, wouldn't the bite have to have happened recently? Not that I know much about that sort of thing, however." "The Doctor's right," Rainbow said, scanning her over. "I don't see any holes, and you weren't bitten on Nightmare Night, right?" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. Rainbow narrowed her eyes. "It has to be something else, then." The Doctor raised a hoof, glancing at Bill and Ted. "I need to get these two back to their own time soon, but I'd be glad to give you a lift to a doctor." Dashie gave him a blank look. "You are a doctor." "Not that kind of Doctor," Dr. Whooves smiled, Rainbow rolling her eyes again. She then turned back to Scootaloo, her currently glancing sorrowfully towards the ground. "Come on kid, let's go get you to the hospital." She then put on a smirk, gazing at the snow bank the filly had just climbed out of. "And once you're all checked out, I'll buy you a scoop of ice cream." Scootaloo gave a tiny, but audible giggle, before smirking slightly. "Very funny, Rainbow." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Whelp, there's nothing physically wrong with her that I can see," a certain earth pony doctor grunted, currently putting a stethoscope on the filly’s chest. "Heart rate's normal." He then moved it away, bringing himself eye level with the filly. "Open your mouth and say, 'AHHHHH'." Scootaloo glanced away from him, shaking her head. "Come on Scoots, I'm sure everything will be alright," Rainbow smiled. She shook her head reluctantly once again. "Mmm mph," she hummed defiantly. The doctor sighed, rolling his eyes her way before giving a light smirk. "Wanna know a thing or two about what doctors learn in doctor school?" Scootaloo didn't respond. The doctor continued with, "well, there we take something called the Hippocratic Oath, which means I'm not allowed to say anything about a patient’s health if she doesn't allow it, not to anypony." The young filly gave him a hopeful look, before turning her head towards Rainbow with squinted eyebrows. The doctor quickly smiled, shaking his head.. "Nope, not even to her." He then gestured Rainbow out the door, grunting slightly. "If you could step out for a second, we'd both appreciate it." "Fine... whatever," Rainbow said, sighing, before sauntering off the chair she was sitting in and out the door, giving Scootaloo another quick, worried glance before-so. "Alright, you ready to show me that you haven't been brushing your teeth?" the doctor chuckled, smiling softly afterward. Scootaloo smiled slightly in return, before nodding slightly and opening her mouth. The doctor quickly examined it, one of his eyebrows quickly quirking in fascination. "Mmmm... got yourself a pair of wolf fangs, huh?" She nodded nervously. "I-Is it unusual, Dr. Stable?" He chuckled softly. "Well, I'd be a crappy doctor if I lied, so I'm going to go ahead and say no," Dr. Stable said, shaking his head. Scootaloo quickly gave a gulp. However, the doctor soon smiled afterward. "Not many ponies get a pair of those bad boys." She quirked an eyebrow. Dr. Stable chuckled softly. "Well, I'm no dentist, but I've heard of this kind of thing before. It's unusual, but nothing to be ashamed or worried about." Scootaloo sighed in relief. At that, the snarky doctor began writing a few things down on a nearby clipboard. "S-So am I going to be alright, doctor?" Dr. Stable quickly gave a sigh, glancing away from her. "Well... I hate to say it, kid... but I'm afraid..." Scootaloo's throat began to clench up, a slight shiver running up her spine as she nervously awaited his words. "...You and your friends have a pretty overactive imagination," he said, grinning. Scootaloo quirked her head. "Huh?" Dr. Stable gave another chuckle. "I'm going to go on a limb and say that what you saw as smoke was just snow evaporating." "B-But snow can't evaporate... it's frozen!" Scootaloo cried. "Heh, surprised me too when I got to Earth Science," he smiled. "Anyway, you're fine, kid. I just need you to sit tight for a second." At that, he quickly exited the room, closing the door. Upon seeing him, Rainbow quickly sat up from the floor with hope-filled eyes. The doctor sighed in a disgruntled manner. "Look, I don't know what you saw, but either you guys have overactive imaginations or this kid drinks blood instead of apple juice." "S-So you mean she's fine?" Rainbow said. Dr. Stable gave a shrug. "I can't find anything wrong with her." However, he quickly smiled. "Now go take her out to enjoy her birthday. There's plenty worse kids you could be babysitting." Rainbow smiled warmly in return, before turning towards the patient room. "Thanks, doctor. I mean it." Before she opened the door, though, Dr. Stable's slightly abrasive voice halted her once again. "However, next time please try to use the logical side of your brain when dealing with this sort of situation instead of the side that's been watching too many horror movies." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, you got it doc." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ "Scootaloo! Happy birthday!" Apple Bloom beamed towards a now non-smoking Scootaloo as she walked into Sugarcube Corner. "Hey guys!" Scootaloo called. "Come on over here, we got you your favorite shake!" Sweetie-Belle squeaked, gesturing her towards a table. Rainbow gave Scoots a smile. "Gonna be all good by yourself, kid?" "Y-Yeah, I'll be fine, Rainbow. Thanks for the ride!" she beamed, a hint of nervousness still in her voice. "Heh, alright. Catch you later," she smirked before making her way outside. At that, Scootaloo's two friends gazed upon her a mix of envy and awe as she made her way to her seat, glancing at her milk shake and licking her lips. "You got another ride from Rainbow?!" Apple Bloom grinned. "Yeah!" Scootaloo grinned back, the memories of that morning's trouble giving way to the better one's of it. "Awww man, it was so awesome! She even did this huge loopty-loop!" Sweetie-Belle's eyes widened. "And you hung on?!" "Barely," Scootaloo smirked. "But I knew Rainbow wouldn't let anything bad happen to me." However, she quickly gave a sigh, her memories returning. She then glanced towards the table, blankly. "Well... most anything." "Huh?" Apple Bloom said, quirking her head. "Er, nothing," Scootaloo said, shaking her head slightly before gripping the straw to her milkshake and taking a sip. However, to her surprise, instead of cold deliciousness filling her mouth, a horrible, putrid taste came instead. "ACK!" she quickly cried, spitting it out onto the table. "Woah! I thought you liked mint shakes, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, a slightly hurt expression on her. "I-I do," Scootaloo said, blinking rapidly. "W-What in the world?" "M-Maybe it was made wrong?" Sweetie squeaked. "N-No, I uh... had a sip of it. It's fine," Apple Bloom said in a guilty tone. Scootaloo took a deep breath, before nervously saying, "H-Heh, maybe I just hit a bad patch of it or something." At that, she leaned down and took another large sip, the putrid, sewer water flavor torturing her taste buds once again. She winced in digust, but nonetheless swallowed. "Mmmmmm," Scootaloo croaked, trying her best to hold back her look of disdain. "So yeah!" Sweetie said, moving on from the topic of conversation. "We should totally do our snow-shoveling thing after this. The weather ponies really went overboard this year! Rarity really needs a shoveling, and so does Twilight! Maybe we can make a few bits on the side, too!" "That sounds great!" Apple Bloom beamed. "What do you think Scoots?" Scootaloo stared blankly at her milk shake, apparantely lost in thought. "Scoots?" She blinked rapidly, turning her attention to her fellow Crusader. "Oh uh... sorry. A lot on my mind..." "Haha! You bet there's a lot on your mind," an obnoxious voice called, its origin soon entering Sugarcube Corner. "Like 'what is a blank flank supposed to ever do without a Cutie-Mark the rest of her life!' Definitely what I'd be thinking about!" "Hush, Diamond! You know how Scootaloo is on her birthday," Sweetie growled, shooting her a glare that could kill. And almost as if defy the universe and all of its cliches, Diamond actually quickly gave Scootaloo a guilty glance, before turning her attention to more... available targets. "Meh, maybe Scootaloo will get it..." she said somewhat reluctantly. "But you two? Haha! As if! Though I have to say, snow shoveling would be fit for you two!" "Shut up," Scootaloo finally growled, giving Diamond a glare as well. "Oh come on, Scootaloo! You know it's true!" the spoiled pony grinned. "You may have an excuse for why you haven't gotten yours, but these two?" She glanced towards them, a wicked smile on her face. "Seriously, how long have they been going at it? Almost everyone else has one!" "I said SHUT UP!" Scootaloo roared. And for a brief second, her eyes flashed a pure RED. With that, something overtook the spoiled pony. It was as if she had been put into a daze. She blinked, as if confused, and shook her head, her eyebrows narrowing. "Heh! That's telling her Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, patting her on the back. "I wish I had your lungs," Sweetie squeaked, smiling slightly. "Y-Yeah," Scootaloo gulped, her mind filling with strange thoughts once again. 'Drinks her blood... you've immobilized her... NOW DO IT!' Scootaloo quirked her head, licking her lips as a slightly wicked grin came across her face. "She would deserve it, wouldn't she?" Scootaloo whispered to herself, as Diamond continued to glance about the room as if she were lost. "Feeeeding timmmme...." "Scoots? What'd you just say?" Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. Scootaloo quickly shook her head, snapping out of it. "I mean uh.... man! Time for some more milk shake!" At that, her two friends smiled as she took another large, putrid sip. "Woah... uh... where am I?" Diamond Tiara asked, shaking her head in a daze. "You were just about to go home," Scootaloo grunted, glancing at her sideways. 'Nos... you mustn't let the food gets away...' Diamond gave an obedient nod. "Go home... I must go home... master says so..." She then sauntered out of Sugarcube Corner, almost as if in a drunken state. "Uh... she sounds like she just had a stroke," Apple Bloom said, a hint of concern in her voice. "Is she going to be alright?" "Eh, maybe she's just trying to weird us out or something," Sweetie squeaked. "Some new stupid bullying tactic." "Y-Yeah," Scootaloo whispered, before shaking her head. "D-Did I do that?" She then actually gave a slight smile. "You know... if I did... that's actually kind of cool." 'Stupid foalish pegasus... she was right there!' "But that isn't," she hissed silently. "Shut up, already!" At that, the same voice came from across the table. "It won'ts works on me," a version of Scootaloo with red, glowing eyes, and dripping bloody fangs called. "I'm your instinct. You NEEDS me to survive. Without me you would starve..." She then quirked her head slightly, before giving a wicked grin. "Like a homeless child!" Scootaloo's eyes widened in horror, though she quickly snapped them shut, squinting. "Scoots?" the concerned voice of Sweetie called. She flickered them open, and to her relief, the strange vision was gone. "I uh..." Scootaloo gasped, sweat dripping from her forehead. "I really need to use the bathroom!" As her friends gazed upon her with worried looks, Scootaloo quickly darted from the table, rushing into Sugarcube Corner's bathroom. "W-What is happening to me?!" Scootaloo cried, her eyes beginning to water. "I wasn't bitten! I know I wasn't bitten! But w-why-?!" And to make things worse, her soon eyes widened in horror as she noticed what was in the mirror... or what wasn't. She had no reflection. "S-Sweet Celestia," she gasped. "N-No!" ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Deep Beneath Canterlot Horsehood - Capital Division Headquarters Captain Jack's door creaked open, Starfire walking in and gazing about. She soon spied her target, giving him a slight sigh. "Captain Harness... wake up." "Ugh..." the captain groaned, smacking his lips as he was pulled from dream land. "Come on," Starfire grunted. "It's time." He gave another tired moan. "Time for coffee?" "Yes and no," she said. Captain Jack soon gave a smirk, to which Starfire's eye twitched at. "Don't you dare say-" "Time for the perculator?" Jack said cheekily. Starfire gave a growl, before fluttering into the air, two green balls of light soon forming on both of her hooves. Jack's eyes widened, his grin turning sheepish. FLING!.!.! A 'starbolt', as she liked to call them, sailed towards him from one of them, Jack quickly darting out of the bed. SMACK!.!.! A hole was burned straight through where he previously lay. "OK, OK!" Jack cried. "You've got my attention." "I hope so, because soon I'm going to start using you for target practice," Starfire growled, her hooves still glowing menacingly. Jack gave a remorseful sigh. "I just wish it wasn't time for this, though... but I haven't heard anything from Death in a year." Taking another deep breath, he then gave her a stern look. "Ready the Nimbus for flight. We're not taking any unneeded risks."
Ghoul of the NightHorsehood Airship - The Nimbus On Route to Ponyville Invisible to the eye, the Nimbus trudged silently across the cool air of Northern Equestria, Horsehood's mobile base of operations. On the bridge below her zeppelin main-body, Jack Harness and Starfire sat, their eyes wary, and the former's haunted. Therefore, it was silent, save for the occasional status report of the bridge crew. "All systems nominal." "Holding steady at twenty-two kilometers per hour." "Pressure dropping below normal levels. Increasing." "Cloaking artifact working in expected perimeters. No unexpected hiccups." "Good, let's keep it that way for once," Starfire grunted, folding her arms as she sat. Jack remained silent, merely staring ahead of him out the front window, his mind in a place far away from where they currently tread. Starfire quirked an eyebrow his way. "Jack?" He didn’t answer her, the hum of the magic-powered engines the only thing that could be heard. "Equestria to Jack!" Starfire said impatiently. "Hmm... yeah?" Captain Harness said, yawning slightly. "Whatever's on your mind, you might as well spill it," Starfire groaned. "Horsehood needs its leader working at one hundred percent for this." Jack rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well... it would help if I didn't have my doubts about this," he sighed. "We're going to be taking some innocent kid away from her friends and what she's built as a family... all because of what she is." Starfire gave a dismissive huff. "You know she is a threat, captain. Scouts report she nearly fed on the Element of Loyalty," she said, her eyes narrowing. "Not only is she a risk to the innocent ponies there, but she's also a risk to Equestria's greatest tactical assets." "Assets..." Jack chuckled. "Amazing what ponies turn into when you're in our position. Assets, liabilities, and statistics. Sometimes I wonder if we're just as cold as any computer." A beat of silence. Starfire's gazed ahead of herself, away from Jack. "We'll be whatever we need to be for the good of Equestria," she said coldly. "Yes..." Jack sighed. "For the good of Equestria." Starfire gave him a glare. "Oh, don't give me that. That's all you view those notches on your bedside as, isn't it?" "Hey!" Jack argued. "This is different!" "Are you sure?!" "Look, I don't know, OK!" Jack cried, earning the attention of the bridge crew. "I just have a gut feeling that there's another option we're not thinking of." He took a deep breath. "I just wish I knew what..." ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ Scootaloo darted through Ponyville, gasping for breath, a burning sensation overtaking her as the late afternoon’s sun beat down on her. Her mind was filled with thoughts, some strange, and some stranger. As well as recent memories... "Scoots. Where are you going?!" Sweetie-Belle cried as she galloped out of Sugarcube Corner. "Uh... home. I just really need to get home! Not feeling too hot..." On the contrary, as she scurried into the orphanage's front door, she was still feeling anything but cool. Smoke was continuing to rise from her back, earning the curious eye of the pony who sat cleaning in the front hall. "Scoots! Holy Celestia, are you OK?!" Pipsqueak cried, gazing at the smoke. "I-uh...no! I-I just need to get to my room," she stuttered out, before giving a gulp. "B-But the smoke!" Pipsqueak squeaked. "It's uh... just um... snow evaporating, I got some on me earlier," Scootaloo said desperately, gazing at her flank once again. Luckily, the smoke seemed to be dissipating slightly at this point. "I-I've never seen snow 'evaporate' like that before," Pipsqueak said, still gazing at her intently. Scootaloo gave a sigh. "Just... just don't worry about it. I-I just need to be alone to think." "Well uh... if you say so," Pipsqueak said, Scootaloo beginning to saunter down the hall. However, before she made it too far, Pipsqueak's accented voice interrupted her again with: "wait! I almost forgot... you got a letter earlier..." “A wah?” Scootaloo said. "Yes, and it didn't come by the mail," Madame Hardknock’s stern voice said, its origin stepping into the scene, holding it. Scootaloo gave it a quick, curious glance, before continuing towards her room. "I-I'll uh... I'll read it later, OK? I just need to be by myself for a bit." "Hang on there," she grunted, halting her in her tracks once again. "You know... I've seen letters being delivered in unusual ways before. Via dragon... or via Derpy Hooves crashing through my front window." She then raised a hoof. "However, I've never seen letters just pop out of the fireplace." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "It uh... must be some new form of magic or something." "Quite the curious letter, too," Madame Hardknock continued, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "No return address... just some sort of strange symbol on it." She held the letter out to Scootaloo, her quickly gazing it over. Indeed, it was blank for the most part, just a black envelope. However, in the middle of it was a red, full moon. "Any idea who it's from?" Madame Hardknock asked. Scootaloo shook her head, her mind racing at the implications of the symbol... what it could mean. However, at the same time, a bit of hope leapt at her. Perhaps this letter could give her some answers. "Um.. no clue," Scootaloo said shakily. Madame Hardknock rolled her eyes. "Well, it's yours to read over when you want. Though still... very curious." "Y-Yeah... pretty weird," Scootaloo said, nodding as she accepted the letter and quickly scurrying to her room, Pipsqueak still gazing upon her with concern-laced eyes. "Mmmm... two targets right there...' the voice in her heard chirped. 'You're never going to makes it at this rate..." "Stop saying stuff like that!" she hissed. "I don't care what it takes! I don't care what I am! I'm not drinking anypony's blood! That's just wrong on so many levels!" At that, she sighed, opening the door to her small room. It had little of accommodations save for a bunk bed, of which she shared with another filly who was out at the moment. In fact, the only thing she really kept in it was the mysterious note that had come with her when she was put up for adoption. And now, she had another mysterious item to add to the collection. Taking a deep breath, she carefully chewed open the top portion of the envelope, a letter quickly falling to the ground with neat, articulated writing. Somewhat nervously, she began to read it over, her eyes widening more and more as she did so: Dear Scootaloo Wintercall, It is with great pleasure that I'd like to inform you that you have been accepted into the newly reopened Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy. At this moment, I’d be willing to bet you're probably very curious as to what this letter is about and who you are, and perhaps: who's sending it too. I can assure you that all questions will be answered in time and in person. However, for now, I would like to stress that you shouldn't panic if you are already turning back into your true form. I, myself, am not a vampire, so I couldn't imagine what you're going through. However, one of my dearest friends, Flutterfright, tells me there can be quite a bit of... confusion inherent to a young one, especially when it comes to dealing with her instincts. For your sake, you must fight these instincts, and cover up your true identity, for many a pony may not understand, even after what happened on Nightmare Night. However, this brings me to the next topic. Bogmorts is a school designed to help young ghouls such as yourself to control their powers, and more importantly: their instincts. And though it may not be of interest to you, but since this is a school of the Nightmare Realm, we will also teach you how to utilize fear simply for the purpose of good-hearted scaring, as that is a nature inherent to all of us on the other side. Whether or not you choose to embrace your heritage is up to you, though. As I said, I will meet with you in person soon to elaborate further, but you must take heed: there are forces at work beyond my sight. A group that calls themselves Horsehood may try to take you into custody for their own reasons. You may have a friend among them, but his current... affiliation is questionable. Do not allow them to take you, Scootaloo. No matter what. Looking forward to meeting you, - Twilight Soulshard, Temporary Headmistress of the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy. "O-Oh my gosh," Scootaloo said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I have to be dreaming or something... how in the world can I be a ghoul?!" She then scanned over the letter again, actually sighing in relief. "She said to fight my instincts, though... maybe there's a way I won't have to feed on blood." 'Perhaps... but on this side of the fence, you must makes do with what you have," her instincts growled. "Not listening to you," Scootaloo said, bringing two hooves to her pointed ears. "Not listening!" A knock then came to her door. "Scootaloo! You have somepony here to see you," the gruff voice of the Madame Hardknock called. Her eyes widened as she smiled slightly. "It must be Twilight's counterpart. And she seemed nice enough I suppose..." She then turned towards the door, before shouting, "come in!" At that, the door creaked open, revealing Madame Hardknock... and somepony who definitely wasn't Twilight Soulshard. Her ears sagged slightly at this as she glanced up at him nervously. He was a stern looking stallion, brown, and wearing a spiffy, clean suit, with a fedora topping his head. To complete his menacing presence, on his side he carried a slung submachine gun, to which Scootaloo recognized as a Thompson. And as soon as he saw her, he grinned wickedly. "That's her?" he asked. Madame Hardknock gave a nod. "Yep, that's the weirdo you're looking for." At that, Scootaloo gave a gulp, waving her hoof in a Jedi-like manner, hoping her mind-control powers would somehow kick in. "I am not the weirdo you're looking for." The stallion gave a smirk as Madame Hardknock raised her eyebrows. "You've got a lot to learn before you can pull that crap, kid." "W-Who are you?" Scootaloo squeaked, backing away from him. "Just a member of the Equestrian government," he said. "The good guys." "Horsehood," Scootaloo whispered, her eyes widening in horror. Madame Hardknock raised a suspicious, and perhaps slightly protective eyebrow. "What in Equestria does the government want to do with this kid?" "As cliche as it sounds: it's classified," he said, shooting her a glare. "And this isn't your business to deal with. Get out of here." "Fine, whatever," she growled. "Not my part to get between the government and its dealings..." As Scootaloo looked at her with pleading eyes, she then began to trot angrily away. Eventually, the two were all alone. "You're Horsehood, aren't you?" Scootaloo finally said, her eyes narrowing. "Horsehood?" the stallion smirked. "Is that some sort of band you kids are into these days?" "Don't lie!” Scootaloo shouted, stamping a hoof. “She said you'd come for me!" The stallion quickly chuckled. "Well, let's say I was part of Horsehood. How do you know I'm such a bad guy?" he said, giving her a smile she could just tell was false. "B-Because that's what the letter says!" Scootaloo squeaked, shaking her head. "Heh. Who are you going to believe, Scootaloo?" he said. "Some freak from the 'Nightmare Realm', or your own government?" Scootaloo narrowed her eyes, shaking her head. "And how do I know you're really part of the government? How do I know what Horsehood really is?!" “You’ll just have to trust me,” he said with a shit-eating grin. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Yeah, trust somepony who looks like he’s part of the Mafia. Fat chance!” The stallion shut his mouth for a second, glaring at her. Scootaloo tapped her hoof, waiting for a response. "Heh, you're smarter than I thought you'd be, kid," he finally admitted. However, his wicked grin soon returned, Scootaloo giving an audible gulp. "Not that it's a good thing for you, however. They say ignorance is bliss, and I'm inclined to believe it. I'm done trying to do this the hard way. Time for the more... satisfying way." At that, he began rising to his hindlegs, and as Scootaloo's eyes widened, he began to grip the machine gun.... "Hey, what are you doing?!" a voice squeaked nearby. The stallion paused. "Get out of here, kid. This is between me and your friend here," he growled, glaring down at Pipsqueak. "Yes, and her being my friend, I'd like to ask you again, sir: what exactly are your intentions towards her?" A beat of silence. Scootaloo could tell he was contemplating his options. "Mph, nothing, kid," he finally growled, moving his hoof away from the Thompson. He then glanced back at Scootaloo. "Looks like you're lucky: this time. However, we'll be seeing you real soon, freak." At that, he gave a horrid chuckle, before pulling out a pack of cigarettes from a saddle bag, lighting one as he trotted towards the front door. "Scootaloo, who the heck was that?! He looked like he was part of the mob!" Pipsqueak said, his eyes pleading for answers. "Are you in trouble or something? What's going on?!" Scootaloo took a deep breath, before gripping a hoody she kept nearby, hoping that by some off-chance it would keep her from burning alive. "It's too much to explain, Pipsqueak," she said, now visibly shaking in fear. "I... I just need to find Rainbow Dash!" Not giving him another glance, she scurried out of her room, down the front hall, and towards the front door. Panting, she swung it open, moving back out into the winter's null. And to her surprise, and to her relief, the burning sensation seemed to be at bay for now. "W-Well, at least I can walk around in the sun without becoming barbecue," she whimpered. “However… what the heck am I supposed to do?! I’m NOT feeding on anypony!” ’Hehehe… you know you wants to, though. For vampires, hunger burns like a fire. And when you try to extinguish it… you’ll take every ounce of water you can get. “It’s NEVER HAPPENI-” At that, a voice range out nearby: "Hey kid!" Rainbow said, smiling slightly, though with concerned laced eyes. "Been looking around for you. Your friends said you just ditched them! Are you OK?" Scootaloo gave a gulp upon seeing her, her eyes beginning to water. "N-No," she finally cried. "I'm anything but OK, Rainbow!" At that, Rainbow took a deep breath, moving close to her and setting a comforting wing upon her back. "Scootaloo... is it about this morning? What's going on with you?" A beat of silence. "I-I..." she finally whispered. "If I tell you... will you hate me?" "Scootaloo," she said instantly, smiling warmly as she gripped her in a somewhat awkward hug. "I could never hate you. Not in a million years. That wouldn't be very awesome, now would it?'" 'She lies. She will abandon you when she finds out what you are... just like your parents probably did.' "What if I was a monster though..." Scootaloo squeaked. "What if I was a monster who... who might hurt her friends!" "I know you'd never do that," Rainbow smiled, continuing the hug. "You're Scootaloo, the coolest little filly there is. Almost as cool as another little filly I knew. You could be the daughter of Discord for all I cared and I know you'd still never hurt anypony." 'Sentimental words floating in the wind... meaningless.' Scootaloo narrowed her eyes in resolve, ignoring the voice, even as her stomach burned for blood. "I-I wouldn't," she whispered. "And I'm going to make sure I never do." 'BAHAHAHAHAHA! More sweet nothings...' "NEVER!" she growled, stamping a hoof in resolve. At that, Rainbow released her from the hug, narrowing her eyes and gazing directly into the young filly's. "Scootaloo... you can tell me anything. You know that, right? I love you like the little sister I never had." Scootaloo's eyes continued to water. "Y-You really mean it?" "You and me, kid. It's our resolve against the world," Rainbow smiled. "We're tough customers alone, but tougher together. What hasn't killed us has made us stronger." Scootaloo took a deep breath, contemplating those words. Rainbow Dash was the Element of Loyalty, after all. Though she was a gruff pony… maybe she would actually listen. Scootaloo gave a slow nod, before beginning to shakily open her mouth, "a-alright... I guess I'll start with this m-morning-" "Scootaloo! Rainbow Dash!" Twilight Sparkle called, waving. "Hey, Twilight," Rainbow Dash beamed, before glancing back at Scootaloo, and then back to her. "Uh... hate to sound kind of bitchy, but would you mind leaving us alone for a tic?" Twilight gave a grin. "But I have some interesting news! You'll never guess who's popped in for a visit!" Rainbow Dash squinted an eyebrow. "Who?" "Follow me, I'll show you!" Twilight called. "Mmmm," Rainbow said, glancing back at Scootaloo. "What do you say, kid? Mind holding this off a second?" Scootaloo paused a second, before giving another shaky nod. "Alright," Rainbow said, before smiling again. "I promise we'll talk later, though. And I don't make a promise I can't keep." At that, Rainbow began trotting away; Twilight gazing back towards her curiously as Scootaloo remained standing there. "Actually, I meant for both of you to come!" Twilight said. Scootaloo quickly raised an eyebrow, beginning to trot towards them. "Come on Twilight, any hints?" Rainbow said. "Nope," Twilight smiled cheekily. "I want this to be a surprise!" "C-Could it be," Scootaloo whispered, shaking her head and giving a gulp. "P-Please don't let it be Horsehood again." 'It probably is... this is a trap set by them! They're using Twilight to get to you...' "Shut up!" she growled to herself. "Twilight wouldn't do that!" 'All food is the same... they looks out for each other. They don't care who the other is...' Scootaloo paused in her steps, contemplating her paranoid instinct's words, before shaking her head once again. "Yeah well, why don't you do me a favor and hush up so I can start looking out for myself!" 'Hehehe....' After a minute or so, they finally found themselves at the library, Twilight opening the door with a cheeky smile. It was completely dark inside, not a candle blazing. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of Spike's loud snoring. "Well, go on in!" Twilight said. Scootaloo and Rainbow glanced towards each other, each raising eyebrows, before slowly... and slightly nervously, stepping inside. SLAM!.!.! And as they did, the door became encased in purple energy, before slamming shut. "Woah!" Rainbow cried, twirling about and calling towards the outside world, "T-Twilight, what's going on?!" Twilight didn't answer. "Raiiinbow Dassssh," a throaty, demonic voice called from the blackness. "Long have I waited for this day.... At that, two glowing white eyes could be seen peering at them from the dark. At the same time, Spike's snoring ceased. "W-Who are you!?" Rainbow called, slamming a hoof as Scootaloo began to shiver. "Show yourself, you coward!" A bit of evil laughter came after that. "You sure you want that? "Yes! W-Wait! W-Why wouldn't I want that?" Rainbow gulped. As she spoke, Scootaloo began backing towards the door. The pair of glowing eyes seemed to be gazing directly at her. "Hehe... alright. I'll show myself... but I want you to make me a promise..." "What promise?!" "That I can have your soul..." "NEVER!" At that, the lights flicked on, revealing the cheery, undead, pale face of Twilight's counterpart. "...desire for a gift next Nightmare Night!" Scootaloo's eyes widened. Rainbow gave a disgruntled groan. "Ugh... Twilight Soulshard... I should have guessed!" "Hahaha!" she giggled, smiling warmly. "Sorry, wasn't my best scare, but I've been out of practice lately, you know!" Rainbow narrowed an eyebrow as the door opened, Twilight Sparkle trotting in with a smirk on her face. "Hah, sorry about that Rainbow, but you've had it coming with all the pranks you've pulled on me." Rainbow gave her a betrayed look. "Et Tu, Twilight?!" "Actually, that saying would make more sense if I was one among multiple betrayers," Twilight Soulshard beamed, before giving a slightly apologetic smile afterward. "Oh sweet Celestia! One egghead was enough, but now there's two I have to deal with?!" Rainbow groaned. "How are you even here, anyway? I thought the portal thingy you guys use was only open on Nightmare Night!" "Yeah, that's what I thought too," another voice groaned, a certain bone-dragon fluttering into the scene, Spike's counterpart. He was about the size of a small dog, a green mist hovering about his skeletal form. Upon seeing her, he quickly gave the undead Twilight a glare, his red pools for eyes glowing menacingly. "But someghoul just can't let sleeping dragons lie..." "Ugh, you're here too?!" Rainbow grunted. "You know, I still haven't forgiven you all completely for dragging that freaky douchebag Blackblood to our dimension." She then glanced about, smiling slightly. "Still, it'd be nice to see my counterpart. Where is she, anyway?" "Out reaping souls," Soulshard smiled. "You would know how she is: ever tenacious." Rainbow gave a wide, somewhat smug grin. "Haha, I still can't believe me counterpart is Death, though I'm somewhat glad she isn't here!" "W-Why's that?" Scootaloo squeaked. Rainbow shot her a grin. "Because this treehouse couldn't handle the amount of awesome that would be in it at once!" "Oh good god," bone dragon Spike cried. "She's an even bigger egomaniac than our Rainbow." "Hush, Spike," Soulshard said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, though I was looking forward to saying 'hi', and Happy Hearth's Warming Eve, by the way, I couldn't just open the portal for any occasion." "I figured," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "What brings you to this side of the fence?" "Multiple reasons," she said, smiling whimsically, her eyes twinkling as she glanced towards Scootaloo. "However, the most important is standing right before us." "Wait, what?!" Rainbow said, narrowing a suspicious eyebrow. The entire group turned towards Scootaloo, her giving a shiver once again. "I know you're probably scared," Soulshard said warmly. "But you read my letter, right?" Without saying a word, Scootaloo gave a slight nod. "What's going on, Twilight?!" Rainbow growled, glaring at her. "What do you want with Scoots?" "It's quite simple," Soulshard said. "I'm here to bring Scootaloo to the Nightmare Realm… for a temporary amount of time.” Rainbow's eyes widened as she glanced rapidly between her young friend and the Lich Queen. "To the Nightmare Realm?! But why?!" "Because," Soulshard sighed, glancing back at the young filly, her eyes peering right through her. She then took a deep breath, and with a whimsical, though serious tone said, "you're a vampire, Scootaloo. And if my assumption is correct: a very powerful one at that." The jaws of the entire room fell to the floor. "Ugh..." a moan came from the loft, Spike sauntering down the stairs, blinking rapidly. The entire room turned towards him, giving him blank looks. "W-What? Did I miss something good?"
Ghoul of Winter"B-But that's impossible!" Rainbow cried. "How can Scootaloo be a ghoul?! She already has a counterpart a-and... that's how it works right? There's one for each of us on the other side!?" "Rainbow..." Twilight's counterpart sighed, glancing away from her slightly. "I couldn't tell you how it works. Noghoul or pony could. These kind of questions rank up there with things like, 'how did the universe come about', and 'how do people actually like Dave Mathews Band?'" "But still! There's some sort of order to this thing, right?" the real Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. "I just don't see how this is possible, either." Soulshard took a deep breath, squinting in thought. A beat. "Alright, let me start from the beginning," she finally said, composing herself before continuing with, "there once was a vampire named Sleighbell Wintercall, your father, Scootaloo." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "...And he is... and still is, one of the most honored and oldest among us..." she said, wincing slightly for some reason. "As his name suggested, he loved to stick around in our version of your Frozen North. I think he just admired the beauty of it." ☼☼☼ Over nine hundred and fifty years ago, a vampire pony with blood-red eyes and bat-like wings sat atop a massive frozen cliff, long shards of ice dangling precariously off its side. Despite the gusts of cold wind and an atmosphere that would be unpleasant to anyone else, a dreamy smile was held on his face. For his eyes gazed upon a winter-whipped land, it illuminated only by a pale moon dangling in the sky. And he wouldn't have it any other way. ☼☼☼ "There, he was one of the first to discover a portal to one of the other holiday worlds, that of Hearth's Warming Eve, and despite his somewhat... antagonistic appearance, he established peaceful and loving relations with them." ☼☼☼ Sleighbell stood stoically as he shook hooves with a jolly, plump pony with a tremendous white beard, and wearing a red, sagging hat and suit. "Let it be said on this day that there is good in the hearts of every living being!" the pony announced, smiling warmly in front of a crowd of various green-tunic-dressed 'elven' ponies, with even pointier and longer ears than the norm. "For even those with souls of fear, made for a holiday dedicated to the loathsome Nightmare Moon... also have room for warmth. May there be good tidings to ghouls, and good tidings to us all!" The group let out a cheer, as a small, yet satisfied smile crept over Sleighbell's fanged teeth. ☼☼☼ "However, holidays weren't the only thing he made contact with... for sitting within the space between spaces, that which is called Null Space, was a lonely entity crying for attention and warmth... something Sleighbell couldn't give him completely. Though he was determined to try." ☼☼☼ Standing in front of a glowing portal saturated by snowfall within the Frozen North, Sleighbell put on the best inviting smile he could. "You may stay here if you please, Nightmare Moon has decreed it," he said. "You don't need to heed to Eldritch Abominations any longer." *"S-So... I'm allowed in?" a desperate, sorrowful voice called from the portal. "Y-You're sure they'll... accept someone like me? A m-mistake... a leftover...?"* Sleighbell gave an incredulous chuckle. "Everyghoul here sympathizes with your position. We would be honored to have you among us. For if you consider yourself a freak... well... let's just say you'll be among friends." ☼☼☼ "However, the entity was... over-grateful, as the legends say. Over time, he rallied armies to a misguided cause, his plan to completely annex the entire Nightmare Realm and then move onto the real world... this world, with the purpose of subjugation. Naturally, our leader, the counterpart of your Nightmare Moon, wouldn't allow this. And so, two armies clashed..." ☼☼☼ In the shadow of a massive icy spire in the Frozen North, two legions of ghouls slammed together. CLING!.!.! CLANG!.!.! CLACK!.!.! Swords kissed with a tremendous fury of sparks. FWOOOOSSSSSHHHH!.!.! A multitude of arrows flew from side to side, whizzing through winter air and flesh. And in the middle of it, a nearly Royal Canterlot Voice made itself known: **"Sitting atop that Frozen Throne, he who would break the order of things glares down upon you!"* Nightmare Moon roared, beams of purple light surging through ghoul after enemy ghoul, emanating from a glowing, purple horn. "However, we will not let it be taken from us! Together, let's make his own frozen tides fall upon him, and blister his eardrums with the song of the night!.!.!"* ☼☼☼ "And naturally, one army prevailed..." ☼☼☼ SHHHIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! A sword cut through a red-eyed ghoul, sending his undead head flying. “AAAAGGGGH!” A massive rock sent careening from a catapult crushed another. "The enemy force has been shattered! We have a clear shot to the Frozen Throne!" a yellow-coated ghoul gasped, before collapsing on her flank, panting. Nightmare Moon took a deep breath. "Sorry to say it, Blackfire, and I know you tire, but I need your help!” she growled, glancing towards the massive, icy spire before her where a certain entity's blue holes for eyes gazed upon the battle. "You and Sleighbell are with me! We're going to take him down before he can escape back to Null Space!" Nodding warily, both Sleighbell and Blackfire formed alongside the Princess of the Night, before flapping bat, alicorn, and a single, long black wing and speeding towards the spire. ☼☼☼ "And there, the three... took care of him, though at a terrible cost. Something happened to Sleighbell upon that frozen spire that Nightmare Moon never speaks of. Something that would eventually put him in a great slumber for many years... But before he slept, he performed one last act of charity. He and four of the most prominent figures of the Nightmare Realm established the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy." ☼☼☼ An army of ghouls worked diligently on a construction project in the Frozen North, dragging stone upon stone via wooden sled and placing them upon each other to form the beginnings of a tremendous, pointy castle that dared to challenge the heavens. "Mmmm... bit over-dramatic don't you think?" Blackfire smirked, glancing at a blueprint of the finalized thing. "Everything about the Nightmare Realm is over-dramatic," Sleighbell said, sticking his tongue out. "You need not fix what needenth require fixing, I say." Blackfire rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Hmph, I’m just saying... it's not like I wanted to cover it with candy canes or anything." ☼☼☼ "And then he slept... for nearly nine hundred years, upon an alter buried deep within the ice. Though eventually, I was told to wake him, and I couldn't have been happier. I mean seriously, how often do you get to meet a living legend? He's pretty much our version of your Starswirl the Bearded. However... I probably should have been more cynical..." ☼☼☼ "THE TIDES OF THE NULL WILL COME AGAIN! HE WILL ENSURE THE DREAM'S SURVIVAL! HE WILL NOT LET IT HAPPEN TO HIS NEW LOVE!"* Sleighbell roared, gasping for breath as he sat up from his stone alter, Twilight backing away from him.* "W-What are you talking about," she gasped, shivering. "What tides? W-What dream?!" With manic laced eyes and a foaming mouth, Sleighbell pounced upon her, gripping her tightly by the shoulders as her eyes widened in horror. "CONTROL! CONTROL CAN BE BROUGHT TO WHAT COULDN'T BE BROUGHT TO HIS! OH GOD, HE WAS THE LAST... HE WAS THE LAST! TWILIGHT SOULSHAAAAAAAAAAARD!.!.!.!"** ☼☼☼ "And then he fled... fled to the real world one Nightmare Night behind everghoul's back. Rainbow kept a silent eye on him when she could, since she can travel between worlds easily. And to her joy, over time, he eventually regained his sanity on this side of the gates." She then took a deep breath, shivering slightly as she glanced towards Scootaloo. "And with it back, he fell in love with a mortal pony... and eventually had you, Scootaloo." Scootaloo blinked rapidly, shaking her head in disbelief. "S-So... I'm a half-ghoul?" Soulshard nodded. "In a sense." She quickly raised a hoof, however. "Though you're still fully vampire at heart, and capable of doing anything a full-'blooded' one could.... perhaps more." "I don't believe this!" Rainbow interrupted, stamping a hoof as she narrowed her eyes. "Is this some sort of trick?!" "Easy Rainbow," Twilight said, setting a hoof on her. "I know this is a lot to take in." "W-Why would I trick you?" Soulshard said in a hurt tone. "I-I don't know! B-But it makes more sense than this! How did Scootaloo wind up here?! In Ponyville?" At that, Soulshard glanced away from both her and Scootaloo. "That's where... things get ambiguous. All I can say is... and I'm sorry Scootaloo, but your mother has... passed." Scootaloo took a deep breath, gazing towards the floor without saying a word, as both Rainbow and Twilight moved to comfort her, the former throwing a wing over her back and the latter giving her a slight nuzzle. "W-What about my father?" Scootaloo eventually whimpered, her eyes watering ever-so-slightly. "His whereabouts are currently unknown," Soulshard stated, sympathy lacing her words as she continued to look away from her. Eventually, she took a deep breath, before meeting her eyes once again. "However, for now... let's move on to... other topics." At that, she gave a slight shiver. "As I stated in my letter, there are certain forces at work behind the scenes. A group called Horsehood is trying to take you under their... 'wing.'" "Horsehood?" the real Spike said, raising an eyebrow. "Who are they?" "Good question," Soulshard stated. "I only know about them through Rainbow, and she only knows about them because she knows of one of their members... a Captain Jack Harness." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "Captain... J..." she said breathily. "H-He helped put me up for adoption, didn't he?" Soulshard gave a curt nod. "Yes... but we haven't heard from him for a bit. Whether or not he's on your side is up in the air. And from what Death says about Horsehood… that’s anyghoul’s guess.” “What exactly are they?” Twilight asked. “Apparantely, they’re a shadowy organization with very… and I mean VERY loose ties to your government.” "What?!" Twilight shouted. "Princess Celestia hates secret organizations, though! Why would she authorize something like this?!" “Like I said, the ties are loose. I don’t know how much contact they have with your princess,” Soulshard replied calmly, before raising a hoof. “However, I do know that this group is not to be trusted, and they're going to be after Scootaloo here." Scootaloo gave a quick nod, before shakily saying, "I-It's true. One of their members tried to... come for me earlier." "What?!" Rainbow roared, her comforting wing on Scootaloo becoming a protective one. "I can't believe this! What do those bastards want with her?!" "I don't know," Soulshard quickly said, shaking her head. "From what Deathie says they view ghouls as a threat. Though it's possible they don't know that there is a way for me to bring Scootaloo here back to the Nightmare Realm. We might be able to negotiate with them…” Her eyes quickly narrowed. “But I think it’d best to just avoid meeting up with them altogether." "We need to get Scootaloo to the Nightmare Realm is what she's saying," bone dragon Spike grunted. "Scootaloo's not going anywhere," Rainbow growled, before cracking the tip of a limb with another threateningly. "And I don't care how many Horsehood... or ghoul flanks I have to kick to keep it that way." Both Soulshard and bone-dragon Spike's eyes widened. "B-But she needs to go!" Soulshard cried. "She has to learn how to control her powers and instincts! O-Once she has she can come back! Once she doesn't look like a threat to Horsehood..." "Then we'll take down the whole Celestia-forskaken organization!" Rainbow roared. "We're the Elements of Harmony, for friggin' sake! We'll get Princess Celestia, Luna, Shining... ANYONE on our backs that we can-" "R-Rainbow..." Scootaloo whimpered. "I... I need to go." Rainbow quickly snapped towards her, her eyes widening. "W-What?!" she cried. "Scootaloo... no! We can fix this! You won't need to-" Her mouth quickly shut as the young filly's eyes began to water once again. "Y-You don't know, Rainbow... what's been going through my head. Earlier, I was barely able to keep myself from... biting you..." "It's her instincts," Soulshard stated. "She won't be able to control them without help." "What about a cure!?" Rainbow gasped, glancing with pleading eyes towards Twilight. "Or a spell, anything?!" "I... don't know of any cure," Twilight said silently. "This isn't a disease," Soulshard said. "And she wasn't bitten. She is a vampire by birth. Trust me, the one shot there was to make her mortal has been used!" A beat. "Rainbow... it's the only way," Scootaloo said softly. Rainbow shook her head, wincing in painful thought. Finally, she took a deep breath. "Alright... fine," she said quietly. "She can go..." However, eyes then narrowed in resolve. "But you know what, if she goes, SO DO I!" Soulshard's eyes widened. “W-What?! T-That’s kind of a tall order!” Bone-dragon Spike raised an eyebrow, turning towards Soulshard. "Well... we are already bringing one mortal..." Rainbow quickly turned towards him. "Watchu talkin' bout?!" Soulshard gave a cough. "Well, remember when I uh... said I came for multiple reasons?" She then turned towards Twilight with a warm, thankful smile. "Your kind taught me so much during my short stay here. I learned how to have fun in ways beyond just scaring! And while my kind are starting to warm up to the mortal land’s ways... I was hoping to maybe... spread the love even further. To a new generation." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "W-What are you asking?" Soulshard took a deep breath. "Well I wanted to ask... if you're down for it... for you to come to my side of the gates to teach a class about your world. To give our students a sense of respect for it, so what happened with Blackblood and Trixie never happens again. And hopefully... on top of that... teach them there is more to life than just scaring." Twilight gave a slight, embarrassed chuckle. "W-Well I'm honored, really. I mean... I have always wanted to teach a little b-but... I-I have my studies to attend to and everything here... this is just..." At that, the Lich Queen actually gave her the best puppy-dog eyes she could muster... and so did Scootaloo. Sighing, Twilight gave a gulp, sweat-dropping. "Uh... how long are we talking?" "Just one semester," Soulshard smiled. "And then we'll return you as an honored guest of the Nightmare Realm back here come October." "O-Oh my..." Twilight gasped. "That still is a long time, though..." "P-Please, Twilight," Scootaloo begged. "It would mean a lot if you were there with me..." She then turned to Rainbow, smiling slightly. "And you too." "Heh, you bet your butt I’ll be there," she grinned. "Well, I don't know about you guys but I think a change of pace would be kind of cool," the real Spike joined in. The group turned towards him, raising their eyebrows. "What?" he shrugged with a smirk. "Like Twilight would be going anywhere without me." "W-Well uh..." Twilight said, gulping. "I'll have to write to Princess Celestia to make sure it's alright... and think about it a little more… your world was quite intriguing to visit, though... and we were actually talking about starting diplomatic relations with you if we could find a better means of transportation between the two sides..." "Come on, Twilight," Rainbow grinned. "I'll be going, and so would Spike! Think of it as an extended vacation to a creepy dead world! It might actually be kind of fun!" "Sounds relaxing," she replied sarcastically. "Hey, don't knock Edeathstria," bone-dragon Spike grumbled. "At least it isn't friggin' sunny as Fillydelphia there. Seriously! I need to buy some shades..." "I-I just wish there was something I could do there, though," Rainbow sighed. "To make myself useful." "I'm sure we could find something," Soulshard smiled. "You could teach a class on being awesome!" Scootaloo beamed, her tears beginning to evaporate. "Now we're talking!" Rainbow grinned. Soulshard then gave a nod. "Alright, but we'll need to tread lightly sometime soon. The portal can't stay open for long." She then turned towards Scootaloo. "Is there anything you want to pack?" She shook her head sorrowfully. "I... there really isn't much here for me... I don’t really have anything besides the fur on my back…" However, at that, a tiny voice made itself known. "What about us, though?!" Sweetie-Belle cried, her, Pipsqueak and Apple Bloom crashing through the door. “Guys?!” Scootaloo gasped. “What are you doing here?!” "Oh by the night... I thought this was supposed to be a secret meeting," bone-dragon Spike grumbled. “It doesn’t matter!" Apple Bloom growled, before glancing back at Scootaloo. "Why are you saying that you don’t have anything here for you?!” "I-I didn't mean that," Scootaloo sighed, glancing away from them. "I just meant... you know... stuff." "It doesn't matter! You can't leave, Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom pouted, her eyes beginning to water. "We still have to earn our Cutie-Marks together! We're three of a kind! We don't care if you're a vampire or a changeling or anything!" Scootaloo gave them a warm, tearful smile. "I-I need to go, though... I have to learn how to control my instincts... or I might end up... one day..." She gave a gulp, shivering slightly. 'Hehe... we'll sees about that.' "I'll be back, though," she continued, ignoring the voice and glancing towards Soulshard. "You said this was a temporary thing, right?" Soulshard nodded, smiling slightly. "Of course! You can stay or leave at your own convenience. As soon as you think your instincts are under control.” She then grinned slightly. “Oh, and just in case you're wondering, blood practically flows like water in the Nightmare Realm. You won't go hungry." She then lifted a hoof. "However, your instincts will still always demand the real thing." "Good… at least I’ll have a way to nourish myself…” she said, taking a deep breath as her eyes narrowed in resolve. “Then my decision stands," she continued. "I'm not going to hurt anypony... I'll make sure of it." "Then you'll make it happen," Pipsqueak smiled. "But we'll be there with you to support you!" Sweetie stamped a hoof, squeaking, "we're not about to let our friend go alone to some freaky Nightmare World!" "There is zero friggin’ political correctness in this treehouse… NONE!" bone-dragon Spike groaned. Ignoring him, Apple Bloom glanced towards Twilight Soulshard with pleading eyes. "Please, Ms. Soulshard! Can we come too?!" The Lich Queen blinked. "Well uh... I'm not really sure what our school could teach you all, though..." "Don't you teach magic or anything there?!" Sweetie squeaked, pointing to her horn. "Magic that could be done by unicorns?!" "Girls... even if they do, I'm not so sure your sisters would approve of this," Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. "They will when they learn you're going!" Apple Bloom grinned, before turning towards Rainbow. "And Rainbow too! And like Ms. Soulshard said, it'll only be for a half a year!" "Well... there are a few classes that will be teaching magic that would be... compatible with mortal horns..." Soulshard mused, scratching her undead head. "You can't seriously be considering letting them come!" Twilight argued. "Think of it, though," Soulshard said, pacing. "If we let them... the influence of the mortal world will be that much greater! They could teach ghouls their age things even you couldn't!" "Pleeeease, Twilight!" Sweetie beamed, both her and Apple Bloom giving puppy-dog eyes now too. Twilight glanced away from them, her eyebrows squinted in contemplation as a slightly annoyance-crafted vein throbbed in her forehead. "Alright... if your sisters approve, I suppose," she finally groaned. "Ugh, why do you two have to be so adorable?!" "I know! It's... so... sickening," bone-dragon Spike nearly gagged. "But damn it's irresistible!" Twilight turned to Pip. "And are you sure you're down for this, too, Pip?" Pipsqueak quickly gave a nod. "I have nothing here for me either..." he sighed. "We'll be teaching potion-making, too," Soulshard said, continuing to pace. "And there are a few other classes even non-magic ponies might be able to do..." "Ugh! How many friggin' mortals are we dragging along?!" bone-dragon Spike grunted. "Shush, Spike! I'm thinking!" Soulshard growled. “Are you sure they'll be safe, though?" Twilight said, lowering an eyebrow. Soulshard took a deep breath, halting in her pacing. "I can't be one hundred percent certain, but I can say entities like Blackblood are a rarity. My side is about scaring, not violence. I really don't think anything more will happen to them than the occasional goosebumps brought on by... overenthusiastic younglings." "Hmmm," Twilight mused, gesturing towards a nearby door. "Alright, then. Why don't me and you go discuss this in private?" "Good idea! We'll need to make sure everything is prepared properly," she beamed. "Wait!" Scootaloo called, as the two made their way to a private room. "What about Horsehood?" Twilight and Soulshard turned towards each other. "She's right... what if they decide to make their move," the former gulped. "Then we'll need to discuss quickly," Soulshard said. "Hopefully the bulk of them are still miles away..." ☼☼☼ … … Beyond the upper floors of the treehouse... … Through a multitude of twigs and branches... … The Airship Nimbus sat floating high above, an invisible predator waiting to strike at unsuspecting foes. "Target Twenty-three confirmed to be within the presence of both the Element of Magic and Element of Loyalty, as well as two unknown entities, most likely undead-class ghouls," a slightly panicked sounding radio squawked on the bridge. Jack Harness' eyes widened. "Ghouls?" he whispered. "Ready the captured Dalek stunning device and prepare to de-cloak the ship!" Starfire roared. "We aren't letting any nightmare-land scum harm the Elements!"
The Captain's Third Option"Ready the captured Dalek stunning device and prepare to de-cloak the ship!" Starfire roared. "We aren't letting any nightmare-land scum harm the Elements!" "Belay that order!" Jack called immediately. Starfire's eyes widened as she turned towards Jack, her mouth agape in exasperation. "Jack?! You can't be serious!" "Also, I have an order of my own," he grunted, giving her a glare. "Calm down and THINK for a second, Starfire!" "Oh sweet Celestia! Give me one good reason why we're sitting here wasting time!" Starfire growled, the entire bridge crew now looking at her and her commander. "Because," Jack continued, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Look at the picture here: we have ghouls in the treehouse on a date that they are NOT supposed to be here. They must have a way to bring Scootaloo back to the Nightmare Realm!" "Oh you gotta be kidding me!" Starfire practically screamed. "Jack! For all we know they could be more rogues! Perhaps they're working for Sleighbell. You know what's been happening. The murders have increased... the sightings have tripled! For all we know, there could be a massive rogue ghoul army readying for invasion! I've seen it before, Jack. I've seen a group of them try. They were only stopped because our leader had the guts to do something about it. However, who's to say she will this time?!" "Is this what my organization is turning into?" Jack said, shaking his head in disbelief. "A huge ball of paranoid misconduct who’s only rule seems to be that old excuse: 'the ends justify the means'?! Damnit, I made this in Princess Celestia's honor of all ponies!" "And you shouldn't have!" Starfire snapped. "She was never willing to do what has to be done for our survival. If we did things her way we'd all be dead by now!” She then began to storm about the bridge, pacing, before snapping back towards Jack. “I'm not allowing them to bring another vampire into their fold! Not one who may have a connection to..." She gave a quick shiver. "Winter...." Jack took a deep breath. "Starfire, I know why you're doing this. You think you owe this side something for all the times you've slacked off doing what you were born for. But you don't need to overcompensate. Making peace with yourself doesn't have to come through the barrel of a gun." Starfire glanced away from him at that, thoughts racing through her mind as she squinted an eyebrow. Jack continued to gaze at her as she did, the eyes of the bridge crew as well. "No," she finally said, narrowing her eyes. "No! I'm not allowing it to happen again!" She then looked back towards Jack, giving a hint of a sigh. "You'll thank me for this, Jack. They'll all thank me for this!" He gave a moan. "And what will that be?" She took a deep breath. "You want to know? Well here it is! From this point forward, I am relieving you of command of Horsehood!" Jack's jaw nearly hit the floor. "What?!" She then began to glance about at every pony on the bridge with glaring eyes. "Any objections?!" she called, before marching to one pony, meeting him at eye level an inch away. "You?!" He shook his head. She marched to another. "Starfire... this is nuts!" "And how about you?!" she continued, ignoring him. "Want to follow Jack into the dark?! Somepony who won’t even reveal who the buck he really is?! Anything about his past!?" The crewmember shook her head as well. Starfire then twirled about to Harness, not even meeting him eye to eye. "Then it's settled. Relinquish your weapons, or I will be forced to take them from you." At that, Jack let out a growl before unholstering a stolen Ratzi Germane Luger, standing on his hind legs and aiming down its sights. "I'm not letting you do this. I've got my own skeletons in the closet to kill." He then narrowed his eyes. "However, I will relinquish one bullet: where do you want it?" Starfire began fluttering in the air, a vein throbbing in her forehead as two green suns formed on her frontal hooves. "You can't take me, alone, Jack. What makes you think you can take on the entire bridge?!" Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! A multitude of Thompsons were pointed at him. "Drop. The gun," Starfire growled. Jack gave a shiver, continuing to aim it at her. "DO IT!" Jack's eyes darted about, his mind calculating his chances. A beat. After a moment, he sighed, took a deep breath, and knelt down, setting the Luger on the floor. They were too slim. Starfire gave a smile, taking a deep breath as well, before turning towards the captain of the Nimbus. "Captain Brannihoof! Drop the Dalek stunning device." "Will do, ma'm," he said, giving Jack a glare before hitting a button on a nearby console. CLANK-CLANK! Various gears and mechanisms then whirred to life, the bomb bay doors of the Nimbus opening steadily; and out of it dropped a small, metal sphere towards the treehouse below. ☼☼☼ ... ... CRAAAAAASSSHHHH!.!.! "Woah!" "EEEEEEP!" A multitude of dust and wood fell down upon the gathering within the lobby, THUNK!.!.! A small, black sphere then crashed down upon its floor, forming a dent in its wood. "Uhhh! What the heck is that?!" 'mortal' Spike cried, backing away from it. "Whatever it is, that's definitely not a meteorite!" Dashie gulped. At that, both Twilight and Soulshard galloped into the lobby, their eyes quickly widening. "Oh night damnit! Do you think-" Soulshard cried. Twilight gave a quick nod. "Yeah! It can't be a coincidence!" She then narrowed her eyes, purple wisps of light forming about her horn. "Twilight! What are you doing?!" Spike yelled. "Whatever this thing is, I don't think it's a friendly neighborhood fruit basket," Twilight said, not even glancing at him, before giving a smirk. "Batter up!" "Annnd Twilight Sparkle steps up to plate!" Apple Bloom smiled. Twilight's horn began to glow brighter. "Annnd she swings..." Sweetie continued. A purple beam of light shot forth from it. BUUUUUUUUZZZZZZ!.!.! Only for it to strike an invisible barrier around the device, it breaking like a great wave around its form. "And misses...." Scootaloo winced. "W-What?!" Twilight gasped. At that, an obnoxious, robotic voice emanated from it: "HAW HAW HAW! PUNY PONY MAGIC IS NOTHING AGAINST THE MIGHT OF THE DALEKS! "The who?!" Twilight gasped. "Who the heck are the Daleks?! I thought Horsehood sent this!" "I-I don't know, but I think it might be time to skedaddle, Twilight," Spike gulped, pointing towards the door. "PREPARE FOR YOUR IMMINENT CAPTURE AND SUBSEQUENT TORTURE IN THREE FRELS!" Soulshard's eyes widened. "EVERYONE OUT!" "THREE!" "EEEP!" Scootaloo was tossed on Dashie's back before she flew towards the door. "TWO!" "What the heck is a frel?!" bone dragon Spike gasped, fluttering madly towards the exit. "ONE!" Pipsqueak's panted, closing in on it as well.... "Ooooh boy-" "EXTERMINATE!" ZAAAAAAAAAAAAP!.!.! "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!" A great wave of blue particles shot forth in a three-sixty degree arc from the device, completely saturating the interior of the treehouse. "ACK!" Spike slammed down upon his chest. "EEEEP!" The Crusaders were hit as well, still panting as they fell to the floor. "Bloody Horsehood!" Pipsqueak cried, him and everyghoul and pony else thudding to the ground… all except one. And silence fell. ☼☼☼ "All but one target neutralized," a radio squawked. "It's taking flight..." "Hmph," she grunted. "Did we get the vampire though? That's all that matters." A second of silence. "Roger that! Bringing her up now!" it squawked again, this time with a hint of pride. "Mmmm, I never thought I'd say this, but thank Celestia for the Daleks!" Starfire smirked. "You're making a huge mistake, Starfire," Jack Harness growled. "You have no idea what ghouls you're even capturing! Did you even bother to ID them?!" Starfire rolled her eyes, giving him a look. "You can't let me have anything, can you?! Look Jack, I know they don't have a means of travelling between the realms. Their power source is used up on Nightmare Night and Nightmare Night alone." "Unless they're making an exception," Jack said, raising a hoof. "Maybe they made a short-lived portal..." "I don't think they would, Nightmare Night is too important to them to risk not having a full-fledged way to get over here," Starfire growled, before marching to a nearby console and pressing a button, activating the radio. "Ground teams, how close are you?" As if to answer her, a voice immediately made itself known: "Heyo!" it called. A suited Horsehood agent flanked by three pegasi cronies walked through the entrance to the bridge, two of them carrying both Scootaloo and Twilight Soulshard. Jack's eyes widened upon seeing them. "I-Is that?" "Mph, that was quick," Starfire grunted, moving over towards the two as the Horsehood pegasi plopped them onto the floor. She then nudged Soulshard with a hoof, a hint of disappointment in her voice as she said, "Twilight Soulshard. The lover of my replacement... I never thought she'd go rogue..." "Oh sweet Celestia, Starfire! There’s no way she went rogue!” Jack cried, his eyes practically pleading for her to look towards sense. "You saw her yourself trying to take down Prince Blackblood on Nightmare Night!" "Yes, after she kidnapped the Element of Magic and had her dragged to the Nightmare Realm," she snapped, shooting Jack another look. "Obviously she's a volatile element, no pun intended." Jack facehoofed... hard. "Captain Brannihoof! Power the Nimbus' engines. Set course to Horsehood Headquarters!" Starfire ordered. "Yes, ma'm!" he said, throwing a salute, before turning to a pale-green coated unicorn on the bridge. "Skif, power the engines!" He returned the order with a blank look. "You're standing near a console that can do that, sir..." "Yes, but it sounds so sexy when I make it an order!" Brannihoof replied, grinning smugly. "Oh dear Celestia," the helmsman groaned, before hitting a few buttons, the loud hum of the engines soon filling the bridge as the zeppelin lurched forward. Captain Jack shook an incredulous head, glancing downward. "You'll thank me for this, later, Jack," Starfire smiled, trying to meet his eyes. "And when this is all over, and you've had a chance to see that I'm right, Horsehood is yours." "Thank you for what?" Jack laughed. "Ruining some kid's life?” He shook his head again, before glancing down at Scootaloo. "Starfire, take a good long look at that kid, and tell me: what do you see?" Starfire glanced towards her. "I see a threat to Equestria-" "What do you REALLY see?!" Starfire remained silent, glancing away, though to defy all odds, a hint of sympathy actually scratched the surface of her cool, green eyes. "Sucks to look at her that way, doesn't it?" Starfire shot him a glare. "You're not talking me out of this." Captain Harness shook his head. "I didn't think I'd be able to.” He then raised a hoof. “However, I still have a chance here to do something that's been a long time coming." At that, he took a deep breath, his mind wondering into the past. "A long time ago, some very wise words were whispered into my ear: that one day, all ponies with shattered consciences will have a chance to tip the karmic balance back into their favor.” He actually put on a slight smile. “Well, today is that day. I'm done trying to screw the pain away.” He paused for a brief second, Starfire quirking a suspicious eyebrow. “Remember when I said earlier; that I wished we had another choice? Well, I've thought of one." He reached for something in his oldschool coat's pocket... "Jack... what are you doing?" Starfire said, narrowing her eyes. "Creating a beacon,” Jack smiled. “I'm taking the third option." He gripped a cyanide capsule, quickly moving it to his tongue.... Starfire's eyes widened in horror. "Don't you dare!" she roared, surging towards him. "DON'T YOU BUCKING DARE!" And swallowed it. The mouths of the bridge crew parted. Starfire panted. And Jack... smirked. "See ya in a bit," he winked. At first, it seemed like nothing was going to happen. However, soon, Jack began to gag, as if he were swallowing an invisible rancid meal, before finally thunking to the ground, his eyes rolling to the back of his skull. Starfire stood still for a second, stunned, her eye beginning to twitch. … “Ma’m?” A second later, she glanced towards the heavens… "Starfire?" And then... all Hell broke loose: "RRRAUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHH! CAPTAIN! JACK! HARNESS!.!.!.!.!.!" And for a brief instant, her eyes flickered a pure BLACK! ☼☼☼ Two hundred miles away, Derpy's ear perked within the TARDIS. She turned towards the brown stallion within. "Doctor, did you hear that?" The Doctor squinted in thought for a second, brought a hoof to his chin, and then shook his head. "Nope." ☼☼☼ "All hands! Prepare to be boarded!" Starfire roared into the intercom, red klaxons beginning to blare. "Boarded by who, ma'm?!" Skif cried. She narrowed her eyes, before summoning her starbolts once again. She looked as if she was bracing for a coming storm. "Death."
A Shadowbolt's LamentThe planes of death. A lonely, blank field of brown with little more than twisted, jagged black trees to keep one company. Well, that and a massive pair of golden gates that stood looming over all who visited. There, Captain Jack stood, silently observing them with curious, longing eyes. However, he didn't stay alone for long. For soon, a puff of smoke popped into existence near him, as well as an entity with pitch black eyes. "Ugh, you again?!" Rainbow Death teased. "Always sleeping on the job. What was it this time: the Daleks, a skydiving accident, or did you just pick the wrong mare to pull your little escapades on?" Jack rolled his eyes, before giving a sigh. "It's a little more... unusual than that." However, he then gave a chuckle, looking out on the brown fields, distant black mountains on the horizon. "You know, with the amount of times I visit this place... I sometimes wonder if I should just say screw it and set up a holiday home here or something." Rainbow gave him a blank look. "You know that's not how it works." "Yeah yeah..." he grunted. "Still, it's actually kind of relaxing." He then gave a slight smile. "Suicide might become a regular past-time for me." "Oh, what?!" Rainbow snapped. "Seriously?! Why the heck would you do that?! Do you know how many souls I have to reap a day?! I don't need you pulling false alarms!" Jack gave a slight chuckle, though Rainbow could detect a hint of sadness in it. "I didn't do it just to get on your nerves. I needed to get your attention." He then put on a slight smirk. "Let me ask you a question, Rainbow: Do you fear Death?" "Hey, that's my line!" Rainbow pouted, before simpering slightly, glancing to the side. "...That I stole from that one squid-faced guy who's charged with sea-deaths." She then glanced back towards Jack with a raised eyebrow. "But why don't I answer your question with a question: what kind of question is that question?!" "I'll take that as a 'no,'" Jack said, grunting slightly. "Well, how about the Death of the past?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow. ☼☼☼ Scootaloo's eyes fluttered open ever so slowly, and she immediately wished they hadn't. Every portion of her body ached, especially her chin, which she assumed hit the floor with some force. However, after a second or so she began to take hold of her surroundings. Her ears were the first thing to send information, them picking up a dim, mechanical hum. And next, her eyes. She was on the bridge of some sort of airship. A floor of metal stretched out from her, with multiple consoles with large, made-for-hooves buttons upon them lined from wall to wall. Working them were a number of individuals who had the same suits as the stallion who had visited her orphanage. "Hello there, Scootaloo," a cold voice said, doing its best impression of a warm one. Scootaloo blinked as a yellow mare with folded, pegasus wings, and piercing green eyes filled her sight. "H-Hi?" Scootaloo squeaked. She quickly gave a smile. "Don't be afraid. Though your probably wondering where you are. Welcome to the Horsehood Airship Nimbus." "H-Horsehood?" she whispered. "N-No.." She then gulped, groaning as she stood upon sore legs as she tried her best to compose herself. "P-Please. You need to let me go! I'm not a threat to Equestria! Ms. Soulshard's taking me to a school where I can learn how to-" She then gasped, noticing that who she spoke of was laying besides her, still unconscious. "So naive," the yellow mare sighed. "But you are just a child. I'm not surprised she would try to use trickery on you instead of taking you by force." She then gave a smile, however, taking a step closer to Scootaloo, her green eyes still gazing through her. "Not to worry though, I'm more than willing and capable of teaching you how to control your instincts and powers myself. I bet they're calling to you right now, aren't they?" 'Feeeed on her.... DO IT! YOU NEEDS SUBSISTENCE!' Scootaloo gave a shaky nod. The mare then gave her a somewhat sympathetic glance. "They can be dealt with in time. And once I'm done with you, perhaps you'll actually learn to appreciate what Horsehood is." She glanced towards a certain limp corpse, it wearing a wool uniform. "Unlike some ponies..." "W-Who is that?" Scootaloo squeaked. "Why is he... not breathing?" "I'll tell you why he isn't breathing!" a voice growled. Scootaloo quickly turned to view a puff of smoke dissipating nearby, a black-eyed blue pegasus quickly revealing herself. "R-Rainbow Death?!" she gasped. Rainbow gave a cocky grin with a wink. "The one and only!" Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Chick-Chick! Ten machine-guns were quickly trained on her. "Oh crap," she gulped. "Guns... why did it have to be guns?" "Did you honestly think we weren't expecting you?" the yellow mare grunted. Rainbow shook her head, lowering an eyebrow. "Yeah well, you sure you really want to be shooting those inside a friggin' zeppelin, ‘Starfire’?" Starfire tapped a hoof on the metallic floor, glaring. "This bridge is solid metal. The only thing that's going to be filled with holes is you!" Deathie gave a sigh. "Eh, it was worth a shot. But still, go ahead and shoot me all you like, I'm still not leaving this bridge without Scoots here.... and..." Her eyes widened. "And wait-WHAT?! T-Twilight?!" At that, she twirled about and shot the yellow mare a look that could kill. "What the heck is she doing aboard?! Jack didn't mention her!" "I have reason to believe she's gone rogue," Starfire growled, narrowing her eyes. "Please don't give me evidence to support that you're with her, Rainbow." Rainbow's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Are you serious?! Twilight LOVES the other side! She'd never do anything to hurt anypony over here!" "Then explain what she's doing here!" Starfire growled. "Did she flee after Nightmare Night? Is that what happened?!" Rainbow shook an incredulous head. "Oh by the night! That's your evidence?!" She took a deep breath. "Nightmare Moon found a way to create a temporary portal using Spike, that's how she's over here! Seriously! How could you possibly think that her student went rogue?! Have you gone insane, Blackfire?!" The yellow mare's eyes quickly widened. "Blackfire?" Scootaloo whispered, quirking her head slightly. "Yeah, that's right! I know who you are!" Rainbow roared, glancing about at the bridge crew. "Your leader may be all Bitch Templar about rounding up rogue ghouls, but wanna take a guess what she is herself?! They merely chuckled in response. Rainbow lifted an eyebrow. "It doesn't matter what she is," a pale-green pony wearing a red uniform said. "She’s one of us in the end.” He then turned towards Blackfire. “You've put your neck on the line for us more times than I can count, ma'm." Blackfire gave a sigh, throwing him her best version of a thankful smile. "Thank you, Skif." "What Skif said!" another pony called. "And thank you too, Captain Brannihoof," she moaned, rolling her eyes. She then glared towards 'Jack', letting loose a growl. "But still, when he wakes up, he's going to wish he could die!" "Jack didn't tell me diddly!" Rainbow snapped, storming before her before proudly stating, "I've actually been doing some research lately, believe it or not!" Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. Deathie simpered her way. "Er... well by that I mean Twilight's been doing research while I provided moral support," she coughed, before turning back to Blackfire, her eyes actually filled with a bit of hero-worship. "And after a bit, we learned some pretty crazy facts about you!” She then took a deep breath. “You're the counterpart of this world's Spitfire, and you definitely play the part! Cus you were the reaper before me, and a flank kicking one at that! I mean seriously, do you know how much I looked up to you when I was a foal?! I had like three posters of you in my room!" Scootaloo raised her other eyebrow. "Ehehe, alright maybe it was ten," she grinned, scratching the back of her rainbow-maned covered head. "But still! Can you blame me?! I mean seriously, what other reaper could have time to do her job AND lead the friggin' Shadowbolts at the same time?! I don't know how you did it!" "With the speed of a Wonderbolt's shadow," Blackfire chanted, sighing as nostalgia laced her words. "But then... you just gave it up," Rainbow practically whimpered. "What happened, Blackfire? Why did you just abandon your post? You were one of the founding members of Bogmorts for the love of the night!" A beat. Blackfire glanced away from her, gulping as tears began to form in her eyes. She then took a deep breath, as her fiery red mane slowly turned black, as well as the green orbs hovering about her hooves. "You... weren't there, Rainbow Death," she whimpered. "You didn't... see what happened to Sleighbell during the end of that horrible battle..." At that, she closed her eyes. "And yes, I mean horrible..." She gave a shiver, her eyes practically filled with tears when she opened them. "In a bad way...." "Talk to me then," Rainbow said warmly. "Tell me what happened. I'm not really... good with the whole heart to heart thing, but I can try!" "It doesn't matter," she gulped, glancing towards Twilight. "Even if she hasn't gone rogue, I know he has. I can feel it in my heart. He was tainted that day beyond anything you can imagine." Her eyes then narrowed in resolve. "And that means his daughter is coming with me. I can protect her from him and anything else the world throws at us! And I can teach her the ways of the night!" Scootaloo's eyes widened in awe. "Then you can teach her... but Horsehood isn't the right place for that," Rainbow smiled warmly, getting looks from the suited members of the bridge crew, to which Rainbow quickly shot glares at in return. "Yeah, that's right! I don't trust any of you rotten bastards! The only good one among you is Jack!" She puckered her lips in thought. "Eh, even if he can't really control that house-sized libido of his." Scootaloo gave her a curious glance. Rainbow Dash gave a grin. "Ehehe, I'll explain when you're older, kid." However, she then took a deep breath, before turning back towards Blackfire. "Please, if you want to look after her, Twilight's about to bring her to your flank-kicking school! You can come with us. Wouldn't she be safer there than here?" Blackfire remained silent at that, taking in her words. "I'm not sure..." She then began to pace in thought for a brief moment, though it didn't last long. To Scootaloo’s sagging ears, she eventually shook her head. "No," Blackfire said, stamping her hoof lightly. "No, I don't believe so." Her eyes then narrowed in resolve. "The only ghoul I trust to protect her is myself!" Rainbow began to back away from her. "Blackfire... listen to reason! Please! I don't want to fight you!" "Then you are wiser than I thought!" she growled, lifting off the ground and shooting Rainbow a glare, tears forming in her eyes once again. "He was my BROTHER for god sake! Scootaloo here is the only piece of him I have left!" Rainbow desperately shook her head. "Please, Blackfire…” she whimpered, before shivering at the sight of the guns pointed at her. "And did I mention I really hate those things?!" "Lock and load, gentlemen!" Captain Brannihoof enthused, whipping out a revolver. "If Blackfire wants the kid, Blackfire gets the kid! Let's see if you really should fear the reaper!" "Hm, and I wonder what will happen if we kill Death?" Skif pondered. Captain Brannihoof gave a smirk. "Hopefully what both of us hope will happen." He then grinned, glancing at the bridge crew proudly. "Everypony! When we're done here, we're going to drink until every One becomes a Ten!" "Now that actually sounds pretty fun!" Skif grinned. "And you'll buy the keg, Skif!" "Ugh..." CHICK-CHICK! CHICK-CHICK! CHICK-CHICK! Any gun that wasn't cocked became so. "You can take Twilight and leave," Blackfire said softly, narrowing her eyes. Black orbs then formed once again on her frontal hooves as she hovered above the floor. "But Scootaloo stays with me!" "R-Rainbow, p-please just listen to her," Scootaloo gulped sorrowfully. "Blackfire can look after me until I can control my instincts..." Rainbow took a deep breath, smiling at her. "Kid, you've been through enough. You deserve to be with your own kind. And trust me, Bogmorts is a blast! I remember one time I got so drunk that they caught me trying to scare-" She then winced slightly. "Er... actually, that's another thing for when you're older." Scootaloo shook her head. "Why do you even care?!" Rainbow paused for a second in thought, before giving her a whimsical glance. "Ever wondered why you never run with scissors?" she smirked. The young filly's eyes widened, her mouth parting. "Y-You! You're-!?" Rainbow nodded. "That's right! And the only thing better than one Rainbow looking after you is two!" she grinned. "You! You are the most arrogant reaper I've ever met!" Blackfire suddenly shouted. "Hey," she pouted in a genuine hurt tone. "I think cocky is a nicer word." Scootaloo quickly nodded in agreement. "See, she thinks so too!" "Alright, enough talk, time to bite the bullet, freak!" Captain Brannihoof grunted, stepping towards her and waving his revolver. "Careful with that; you'll shoot someghoul's eyes out," Rainbow said, sticking her tongue out before twirling her scythe and grinning confidently. "And since you bastards aren't going to let me do this the easy way, guess we're going to have to do it the awesome way!" At that, the bridge crew looked at each other, raising eyebrows, before glancing back at Rainbow and glaring, their hooves now on the various triggers of their weaponry. "Oh crap..." she gulped. "WAX THE BITCH!.!.!" RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!.!.! A thousand pieces of lead sailed across the bridge, Scootaloo shrieking in horror as Rainbow winced. The light of muzzle-flashes danced on the walls, turning the bridge into brightly flashing cage of death, smoke quickly joining in the fun. The firing continued for three eternally long seconds before... CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! The gunfire became a rapid-series of clicks, the crew grunting at their weaponry in frustration. "Bucking short mags!" one growled. "Meh! Doesn't matter! Nothing could have survived that!" The smoke then began to clear, every Horsehood eye glancing towards the spot they had fired upon in anticipation. And every single one soon narrowed. For there stood Death, wincing with her eyes sealed shut... within a purple bubble shield. Scootaloo let out a gasp, before smiling wide. "Twilight!" "Ugh," Soulshard groaned, wincing as she rubbed her head, her horn glowing brightly. "I feel worse than when I went mortal clubbing for the first time... well at least the morning after." At that, Rainbow began blinking, feeling her body over for holes. "Ehehe!" she grinned. "Totally knew that was going to happen!" Twilight rolled her eyes, giving her a glare. "Rainbow, you are such a stupid, cocky mare!" Rainbow gave her a frown, to which Twilight soon smiled at. "But you're my, stupid cocky mare!" Scootaloo couldn't help but smile. "Very sweet," Blackfire growled, narrowing her eyes. "But perhaps you'll be a little smarter than your lover. I'm giving you both another chance to leave. However, Scootaloo stays with me!" "Uh-uh! I don't trust you any more than I could throw you!" Twilight grunted. "Which is like one inch, egghead," Rainbow said, sticking her tongue out. At that, Blackfire stamped a hoof as she prepared a throwing arm, her black starbolts pulsating. "Then noghoul leaves this airship!" "Ma'm! We're reloaded!" a crewmember announced. “THEN TAKE AIM!” Twilight gasped. "OPEN FIRE-" Scootaloo closed her eyes. However, before they could do so, a sound soon filled the cabin, it resembling a motor powering down. "Ma'm, someone just de-cloaked the ship!" another crewmember shouted. "WHAT?!" Blackfire roared, quickly glancing about... only to notice that Jack's corpse was no longer on the ground. "Oh son of a-" Jack gave a grin, him standing near a console. "Gotcha, bitch." "Yep, that's Jack for ya," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. "What in the world?!" Scootaloo cried. The immortal pony merely chuckled. "Eh, it's kind of complicated, Scootaloo," he smiled. "Let's just say that while the universe may want to get rid of me, it's going to have a rough time doing it." "He's a 'fixed point in time and space'," Rainbow explained in an annoyed tone, making quotation marks with her hooves. "In other words... he's a cheating bastard." "Like it matters!" Blackfire roared. "What good does decloaking the-" At that, a massive roar emanated from the outside land. Blackfire's jaw practically fell off her face. "Oh... you've GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Scootaloo quickly glanced out the bridge window, for hovering in front of the Nimbus over a lonely stretch of farmlands was a massive, fifty foot long version of bone-dragon Spike. "How did you-?!" Twilight gasped, though with a slightly impressed tone. Jack merely smiled, pressing a button that activated a loud-speaker, his voice emanating into the outside world. "Eh, there was a report of a third target 'flying away.' I went on a hunch that the dragon I saw on Nightmare Night was with you... and was probably looking for wherever you were taken." "HAH! You bet, whoever you are! Took me a bit to get to this size, too. But guess what?! No sign of Horsey Douchebag Link! I think I'm good for once!" Spike grinned. However, he quickly glanced about him in a paranoid manner. "Well, I *think I'm good for once..."* he gulped. "How the hell did that little bastard get to that size?!" one of the members of the crew shouted, Blackfire shooting him a glare. "That's his natural size," Twilight smirked. "He just uses shrinking magic for easy travel." "Yep, and guess who holds the cards now?! This guy!" Spike smirked, every member of the crew now glancing at him at this point. "Now let my friends go before I turn your blimp into my finest masterpiece of care-free pyromania!" "You won't dare! They'll perish in the flames!" Blackfired roared. "Will they?" Spike grinned. He then gestured behind Blackfire. Blackfire quirked a confused eyebrow as she spun about... only to spy a few wisps of light floating in the air, the sure-fire sign of a unicorn having used a teleportation spell. "OH NIGHT DAMNIT!" she screamed, her eye beginning to twitch again. "WHY WAS NOPONY WATCHING HER?!" "Uh... well... the dragon..." Skif gulped. "Was a bit distracting." Blackfire facehoofed. "UGH!" "Righto!" Spike continued. "Since you gave us a countdown to doom earlier with your little Dalek thingy, I think I'll return the favor!” He then gave another smirk. “You have twenty seconds! Twenty... nineteen... eighteen... fifteen... ten..." Blackfire gave a gasp, quickly moving to the intercom. "ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! NIGHT DAMN YOU, SPIKE! Red klaxons began to blare as a series of panicked shouts echoed about. "Don't need to tell us twice, ma'm!" a crew-member gasped as a fury of Horsehood members pushed and shoved to get to the various access points of the bridge. Composing herself the best should could, Blackfire quickly bolted for one of them. However, before exiting, she turned to give the bridge one last look, her eyes filled with remorse. "I will find a way to protect your daughter from yourself, brother... no matter what. Even if I have to hunt you to the ends of this blasted land." ☼☼☼ As Scootaloo watched from the ground, nearly fifty Horsehood members took panicked flight from the Nimbus, either via pegasus wings, teleportating, or repelling on ropes. "Three.... two.... one!" Spike grinned. "Baby won't you light my fire!" FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!.!.! Flames danced in the little filly's eyes as the zeppelin was turned into a torch, via a jet of fire roaring from the dragon's mouth. And naturally, both Scootaloo and Twilight collapsed on their flanks. However, Deathie merely quirked her head. "Huh," she said. "I wonder if the mortal version of Diedco insures massive war blimps."
A Ghoul's GoodbyeThe next few hours went by rather quickly for Scootaloo, them being hectic at best. Both versions of Rainbow and Twilight, as well as the rest of the Crusaders congregated together, with Jack Harness watching from the sidelines (and stealthily giving the 'real' Rainbow a look-over occasionally.) Soon, a plan was set into action. The Crusaders and Pipsqueak would set out to wake the rest of the Elements, including two very grumpy sisters... ☼☼☼ "You wanna do what?!" Applejack shouted, her exasperated voice filling her farm house’s living room "I don't believe this! This whole thing sounds like some sort of tale tale! How can lil' Scoots be a vampire?!" "We told you already!" Apple Bloom cried. "Her father was-" "And like I said, it sounds like you're pullin my hoof," Applejack grunted, before giving a heavy sigh. "Listen, I liked my counterpart from that Nightmare Realm n' everything, but those folks seem to have an entire different way of livin' than us regular ole' ponies. And you want to spend an entire half of year on their side of the fence?!" "It won't be that bad," Apple Bloom grumbled. "Twilight's working on a spell that should be able to turn their rotten food into fresh stuff we can eat. Why don't you talk it over with Ms. Soulshard for a little bit?" “Ugh, this is too crazy, I really don’t think there’s-“ “Pleeeeeeeeease,” Apple Bloom said. And puppy dog eyes were given. "Resistance is futile," Pipsqueak smirked. Applejack closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Alright. I'll hear her out, but I ain't makin' any promises." Apple Bloom gave a wide smile before she immediately gripped her sister in a hug. "Thanks sis, I knew you'd understand!" Applejack gave a warm smile in return, releasing her. "Well, I won’t say that, but it won't hurt to-" Before she could finish, Apple Bloom was already half way up the stairs to her room. Applejack's eyes widened. "APPLE BLOOM! DON'T YOU DARE START PACKIN'!" The rest of the Crusaders and Pipsqueak couldn't help but stifle giggles. ☼☼☼ "Alright, so, with the powers of light and dark magic combined..." Twilight said, gazing at the burning fields where the Nimbus had crashed. "We should be able to create a large enough gravimetric singularity..." Soulshard continued. "To create a large enough temporary pocket vacuum...." "To starve the flames!" Soulshard finished, now grinning. At that, the two gazed at each other with raised, impressed eyebrows. "Geeky hoof!" the two giggled, bouncing two purple hooves together. "Oh dear night," Rainbow Death groaned, before turning towards her counterpart with a cocked eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to spend an entire semester around these two eggheads?" "Remember Rainbow, you're doing this Scootaloo," Rainbow chanted to herself, shaking her head in both disbelief and horror. "Yep, totally doing it for Scootaloo." ☼☼☼ "Captain Jack Harness, you have some splainin' to do!" Princess Luna roared with her Royal Canterlot Voice nearby, glaring at the simpering captain as she tapped an agitated hoof. "Why have thou wrecked my beautiful night with thy flaming air titan?!" The captain raised an eyebrow, quickly fixing his mane. "Since when did you start listening to that 'I Love Moosey' radio show?" Luna gave a sheepish grin. "Ehehe. Tia has been getting us into modern mediums of entertainment lately... they have been most indulging!" Her gaze then turned serious. "Do not try to change the subject, however. If you believe that Horsehood is becoming a rogue entity, action must be taken against them!" "I'll take care of them," the captain sighed. "They're my responsibility. And Blackfire is still out there... there's no telling how far she will be willing to go in order to 'defend Equestria'." "Thou speak as if that is a malicious act!" Luna said, lowering an eyebrow. "If it's carried out her way, yes. It's possible she might even start an international incident if she heads to where we think Sleighbell snuck off to, and I don't even want to think what will happen if she messes with that Dalek remnant sec in the Eastern Deserts..." Jack grunted, before gazing towards Canterlot. "I will need your help with one thing, though: we need to close down our-" He then winced slightly. "Their headquarters in Canterlot. It's probably already being pulled through a 'sterile sweep', though, meaning by the time we get there nopony or database will be left." "We shall rally some of our elite guards to see if we can stall their progress," Luna nodded. "Wilt thou be joining us?" Jack shook his head, giving a warm smile. "I want to say goodbye to somepony first." ☼☼☼ "So wait?! You're going to be going to the Nightmare Realm!?" Pinkie bounced in front of Scootaloo, who quickly gave a nod. The pink mare's eyes widened in horror. "And you're not going without about a hundred of my famous cupcakes?!" Scootaloo opened her mouth to respond, but by the time she could, Pinkie was already half-way to Ponyville. Jack Harness, both Rainbows and Twilights, both Spikes (the undead version back to his miniature size), the Crusaders (and now trial Crusader Pipsqueak), and the rest of the Elements huddled together near an entrance to the Everfree Forest. "You are absolutely positive they will be one hundred and ten percent safe under your care, darling?" Rarity gulped, gazing directly into the Lich Queen's eyes. "I want your solemn word." The Lich Queen sighed. "I can't give you that, but I can say that Bogmorts is an absolutely safe school now, and your counterparts will be there as well." "Hm, Applemoon will?" Applejack said, lifting an eyebrow. "Well that makes me feel better, I guess." "And dear Scarity too," Rarity pondered, scratching her chin. "You know, I wonder if she took my advice on added the extra curl to her mane?" "I uh... didn't notice," Soulshard simpered. Rarity rolled her eyes. "My dear Lich Queen, undead or not, you have a lot to learn about unicorn elegance." Soulshard sweat-dropped, smiling sheepishly. "Well uh... I'm sure Scarity can teach me a thing or two." At that, Applejack turned towards Apple Bloom. "Are ya absolutely sure you're down for this?" Apple Bloom gave a nod, glancing towards Scootaloo, who sulked her head slightly. "You don't have to come," Scootaloo said sorrowfully. "I feel like I'm-" Apple Bloom gave her a blank look. "Don't feel guilty about anything! What kind of friends would we be if we didn't support you?" "Yeah! Plus, I think Bogmorts might be able to teach me things about magic I could never hope to learn here!" Sweetie beamed. "And I miss my life of adventure," Pipsqueak sighed, glancing towards the western seas. "Captain Sparrow never did give us a dull day, and though one on land may be a change of pace for me, I suppose a little diversity doesn't hurt." "Ya sure you don't want me or Big Mac to come along though?" Applejack said, still glancing at Apple Bloom, scratching her head. "Neither of us would mind too much." Apple Bloom shook her head, giving her a warm, but sad smile. "I don't want to drag anymore Apples away from granny. She needs her family nearby." Applejack gave a chuckle, giving her an slight nuzzle complete with a look of approval. "You may not have your Cutie-Mark, but you're showin' signs of maturity beyond most fillies, ya know that?" She then poked the young Apple's chest. "And you got a stout heart to go with it." "So do you, my Sweetie Belle," Rarity whimpered, her eyes beginning to tear up. "Even if you do drive me mad at times, I wouldn't give you up for all the gems I have!" she stated dramatically. "Dawww, don't worry sis! Hey, who knows? Maybe I'll learn a bit of alchemy so I can make you all the gems you need!" At that, Rarity's eyes widened as she glanced towards Soulshard. "Y-You teach alchemy!?" Soulshard nodded with a smile. "Well.. the class is being offere-" "Sweetie! It is imperative that you come back with top level grades at this school!" Rarity said sternly, gems now actually forming in her eyes. "Especially in an alchemy class." The entire group rolled their eyes. "Scootaloo," Fluttershy squeaked, smiling down at her. "I know your friends are coming with you, but I just thought... well if you didn't mind... that maybe another couldn't hurt." At that, she pulled out a small, blue vampire bat who was resting inside her mane. Its eyes immediately fluttered open as it cocked its head, giving several adorable little squeaks as it gazed upon Scootaloo. Scootaloo's eyes widened in delight. "Oh my gosh! He's so cute-" Before she could finish, she noticed Rainbow was smirking at her. "I mean uh... he's so cool!" she coughed, grinning slightly. "What's his name?" "Fangs," Fluttershy smiled. "I uh... didn't name him, it's a bit-" "And he has a cool name, too!" Scootaloo beamed. "He's all yours, Scootaloo. I figured that... it'd be appropriate," she said. Fluttershy then gave a deep sigh, gazing at Fangs one last time. "Alright little guy, I guess this is goodbye." Fangs gave her his best equivalent of a smile, before nuzzling her slightly and fluttering over to perch on Scootaloo's back. "Heh," Captain Harness smiled proudly, glancing down on Scootaloo. "You know, the last time I saw you you were just a little thing. Only about the size of my arm. Though even then I knew you'd grow up to be a trooper." "I... wish I had more time to get to know you, Captain Harness," Scootaloo said sorrowfully. "Likewise," he sighed, before putting back on his smile. "But you know, Blackfire often spoke about your father. And everything she ever said about him... came from the heart. I believe he was a thoroughly good man..." The captain put on a smirk. "No matter what size of teeth he had." Scootaloo gave a slight chuckle. "Your mother too," Captain Jack continued. "I once knew her... a long time ago." Rainbow Death gave him a look. "Not in that way, Rainbow. It was legit," he growled. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "And well, I can say one thing Scoots," he said, kneeling down at her level. A beat of silence followed, before Jack took a deep breath. "You have her eyes." And at that, those eyes began to water ever-so-slightly. ... As well as both Spikes’. "W-What?" bone dragon Spike whimpered. "I have something in my..." He then blinked, remembering his eyes were essentially two red balls of light. "W-Wait, I can't really use that excuse can I? Oh n-night damnit... how am I even crying?!" "It's alright Spike, I won't tell anyghoul you're a big ole softy on the inside," Soulshard said, giving him a slight hug. Another few minutes passed as the group said their last goodbyes, and eventually, the lot of them turned towards the Everfree Forest, Twilight now hovering a large case of cupcakes Pinkie had brought. However, one last voice called to them before they entered the dark. "Scoots," Captain Jack said. Scootaloo turned towards him, raising an eyebrow. "I promise I'll find your father, alright?" he said, before smiling. "Good luck over there." At that, Scootaloo took a deep breath, nodding, before throwing a hoof up towards her forehead in a salute. "Goodbye, Captain." Captain Jack returned the salute with a wink. "Goodbye, Scootaloo." And for a brief second, he wished he could still feel even a tad bit of warmth. An instant later, the groups finally parted officially, Captain Jack sauntering back towards town with the rest of the Elements. "Um sir... if you don't mind me asking," Rarity said, scratching her head. "Who exactly are you?" Captain Jack took a deep breath. "Captain Jack Harness," he sighed, before giving her a look-over, raising an eyebrow, and grinning. "And who are you?" ☼☼☼ "The portal is right up ahead," Soulshard called, leading the way through the dense brush of Everfree. "Hopefully we're not too late!" "Yeah, I mean no offense to you guys, but I really don't want to be stuck on this side until Nightmare Night," bone-dragon Spike grunted. "Hey, you can always become Twilight's number two assistant!" Rainbow Dash grinned. The real Spike gave her an annoyed look for some reason. "And I can take you clubbing!" Soulshard beamed. "And I have to say, I'm glad that stench suppression spell is working properly. I didn't want to offend anpony!" "Yeah... really peachy," bone-dragon spike grunted. "Though I guess it's better than TAG bodyspray." "I wouldn't mind housing you two for a bit," Twilight smiled. "I'm sure Ms. Soulshard here could help me with my studies!" "We would make one heck of a team!" Soulshard grinned. "Perhaps while we're at Bogmorts you can teach me more about this... Light Magic of yours." Twilight raised a hoof. "Speaking of which," she continued. "You say Bogmorts isn't near your version of Ponyville?" Soulshard shook her head. "It's actually far north of it, and I mean very far north... as in it's in the Frozen North." "Glad I packed a sweater," Rainbow sighed. "Though us pegasi can take the cold pretty well. Helps for winter weather jobs." "I hope so," Rainbow Death grunted. "Because even I think the place is cold... and it's very dark as well. Sometimes you can only see about two feet in front of you even with a light source." At that, Rainbow squinted in thought. "Hm... dark because of... snow storms, by any chance?" Deathie raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, why do you ask?" "Oh, nothing," Rainbow smirked whimsically. "Hey, I think I see something!" 'mortal' Spike called, squinting at a glowing light closer by. "Ah, that's the portal!" Soulshard called, smiling. The group then entered a clearing, and indeed, a glowing vortex of twirling light sat above a mix of grass and brambles. "Oooooo," Sweetie oozed. "It's... so beautiful!" "Don't get too excited, kid, dimensional travel isn't exactly nice on the stomach," Rainbow Death groaned. "Haha, gee, sure would be nice not to have a stomach right now! Oh hey, wait!" bone-dragon Spike grinned, before gaining an elbow from both Twilights. "Ouch! Oh night damnit!" he cried, glancing at the mortal Spike. "They're going to be teaming up on me the whole time, aren't they?!" "Mhmmm," Spike nodded. "Just uh... when you want to say smartass comments, let's make them a Spike-thing only." Bone-dragon Spike shook his head desperately. "Can't be done. Cannot. Be. Done." "Alright," Rainbow Death said. "Everypony and ghoul... and dragon... into the portal. One by one. Scoots, me and you will go first." "Hey, wait!" the real Rainbow said. "Why don't I take Scoots first?" "Because... uhhh..." Rainbow Death said, squinting in annoyance. "Because I know the way ahead!" "But we're all going to the same place! And it's safe on the other side, right?" "Oh good Celestia, I can see where this is going," Spike groaned. "How about you both go at the same time," Scootaloo suggested. Both Rainbows looked at each other. "Hmmm, is it possible?" the 'real' one asked. "Well... yeah," the other said, taking a deep breath. "Alright, the two of us will go through together." She then gave Scootaloo another glance. "Just make sure to hold your breath before entering, alright? Because you're going to have the wind knocked out of you." Scootaloo gave a nod as both Rainbows turned and flew (while aggressively shoving against each other slightly) into the portal, quickly disappearing with a flash of light. "Whelp Scoots," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "You're up. At least you won't need to send us a postcard!" Scootaloo nodded, stepping forward, closing her eyes, and taking a deep breath. "Right... here goes nothing, I guess." She then stepped into the portal.... And instantly, the wind was indeed kicked out of her. She gasped for air, her stomach feeling like it had been sent through an earthquake. However, luckily, it didn't take long for her to compose herself. Looking about, she found herself within a large, cylindrical hall of sorts, with a marble floor of black and red diamonds. Surrounding her, upon the walls, were various doors, all with little markings on them. There was one with mistletoe on it, another with a sponge, another with a Spring Festival egg, one with a turkey, and even one with a bloody butcher knife. "Greetings, honored guests of the mortal realm!" a bombastic voice then called, its origin stepping into the chamber. "Darksong Shadowbane, the red and black alicorn and most feared creature in all of Edeathstria welcomes you to the TEMPLE OF THE DOORS! DUN DUN DIDDILY DOOM DUN DUN!" As Scootaloo's eyes widened, a loud-speaker began playing a tune as bombastic as the overpowered alicorn's voice. "Night damnit, Darksong," Rainbow Death groaned.
Holiday GhoulScootaloo gawked at the sight of a five foot tall alicorn entering the scene, his black eyes gazing upon her curiously as his red mane flowed in a wind that came from the portal... and soon, that wasn't the only thing. "OOF!" both Twilights cried as they entered the Nightmare Realm, followed by: "Ack!" "Eep!" "Uggggh...." Clatter! "Bloody Hell!" ...As the rest of the group jettisoned out of a glowing yellow doorway behind the young filly, each landing less than gracefully. The 'mortals' of the group then gazed upon Darksong, Rainbow putting on a glare, Twilight giving a slight smile, and the Crusaders backing away in fear. "Ah, more mortals!" Darksong grinned wickedly. "I'm glad! For now I have all the elements I need for my perfect feast!" The Crusaders gave a gasp. "EEEP! HE'S GOING TO GOBBLE US UP!" Sweetie cried, before scurrying back towards the yellow doorway behind her. Its door was quickly encased with black magic, however, slamming shut, and revealing what was upon it: paintings of the six Elements of Harmony surrounding their two princesses, the two chasing each other in a circle while trying to nip at each other's tails. It was the door to reality. "You don't wish to partake in Darksong's breakfast he has prepared?" Darksong said in a hurt tone, before putting on a ginger smile and clapping his hooves. "Darksong has prepared mortal versions of hay bacon and eggs! As well as apple crisp!" "Heh, thank you, Darksong," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "Ah, the student of the light!" he called, before quickly giving her a guilty glance. "Darksong... I mean, uh... I… never had the chance to apologize for my hoof-" "It's quite alright," Twilight smiled warmly, before giving a wink. "As long as your breakfast makes up for it!" Darksong sighed in relief, before gesturing towards the entrance to the hall. "Come then, mortal band of students and heroes! You must tell Darksong if his apple crisp is too sweet!" A tiny voice, however, soon halted him in his tracks: "Um... Mr. Darksong, is it?" Scootaloo squeaked. "What exactly is this place?" "A good question, my young student of the night!" he smiled, before gesturing about and dramatically stating: "the Temple of the Doors is a gateway to every other holiday realm, as well as the world from which they are spawned from!" He leapt in front of the doorway with the egg upon it. "The Spring Festival, led by Carrotlove the Spring Bunny!" And then in front of the one with the sponge upon it. "The Spring Cleaning holiday, led by Billy Hays the Oxyclean Pony!" And in front the one with a mistletoe upon it. "And of course, Hearth's Warming Eve! (the holiday that sold out)," he added with a cough, before smiling widely again. "Led by the honorable (but fat), diligent (when it comes to being a corporate mascot) Yuletide the Gift Pony!" "Oooooo," Sweetie and Apple Bloom chirped. "We should definitely visit there! Imagine all the free toys and stuff we could get on a factory tour!" Sweetie beamed. Darksong quickly frowned. "But children, don't you wish to see more of the Nightmare Realm? The realm spawned from the GREATEST HOLIDAY TO EVER GRACE THE MORTAL LANDS!?" "Yeah but... yoyos," Apple Bloom said, twirling a hoof into the floor with a frown. "And slinkees!" Sweetie grinned. “And besides, who doesn’t love Hearth’s Warming Eve?!” The two then leapt together before singing: "It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you, 'Be of good cheer'! It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's the hap-happiest season of all! With those holiday greetings, And gay happy meetings, When friends come to call, It's the hap- happiest season of all!" Rainbow Death and Soulshard merely gazed at them blankly. "Children, I believe you have the wrong idea of what it truly is..." Darksong then gave a huff, grunting forth: "It's the most corporate time of the year! With the kids always yelling, For what new garbage they're selling, 'Buy it or be queer!' It's the most corporate time of the year! It's the crap-crappiest season of all! That now makes mothers tremble, At what sort of resembles, A Zerg rush to the mall! It's the crap-crappiest season of all!" Rainbow Death gave a smirk before continuing with: "There'll be parties for hosting, Your boss to be toasting, So that holiday bonus you may know! And though its long-ago stories, May have been quite heart-warming, It's now just a big stupid light-dancing show!" The two then lept together and sang: "It's the most corporate time of the year! There'll be much annoyance, As you try to keep buoyant, In that flood of shopping and beer! It's the most corporate time of the year!" "Yeah, the Nightmare Realm hasn't exactly been on good terms with Hearth's Warming Eve ponies lately," Rainbow Death grunted, glancing at the mortals of the group. "They say the Twinkling Lands used to be a holiday of bright cheer, of warmth and heart... and now it's just covered in factories. The holiday has lost its meaning." She then narrowed her eyes. "Plus, that stupid holiday is starting to encroach on our territory! Every year, advertisements come on earlier and earlier... soon they'll be placing friggin' wreaths out on Nightmare's Eve instead of pumpkins!" She then turned towards Twilight Soulshard, grinning. "But not us! We're not selling out! We're totally working hard to preserve what Nightmare Night is!" Soulshard blushed slightly. "Well, we're trying to at least. Our efforts have met with... mixed results, as you all know." Rainbow Dash gave a chuckle. "Yeah, I'll say." "Anyway," Twilight Sparkle said, rolling her eyes. "How about that breakfast... we haven't exactly had a chance to eat." "Right! TO DARKSONG'S DINING ROOM OF DOOM!" Darksong shouted, before blushing slightly. "He hopes he has folded the napkins properly." ☼☼☼ "Not bad, Darksong," Twilight smiled, sipping on a cup of coffee after finishing her last apple crisp. Darksong, now wearing a pink 'kiss the cook' apron smiled widely, before gingerly clapping his hooves again. "Darksong Shadowbane is glad you approve, child of light! Though he is afraid he had to go off a Nightmare Realm cookbook. However, he was sure to use fresh and not rotten fruits, though he still wonders if he prepared the earth worms properly for the extra flavor in the apple crisp..." At that, the mortals in the group's eyes widened in horror, before immediately gagging and spitting out whatever they had in their mouths. "Oh no! Did Darksong do something wrong?!" he gasped, glancing away from them in shame. "Mmm, well I don't know about the mortal food but your nightmare food is good," Rainbow Death called, busy chowing down on an apple crisp... which Scootaloo now noticed was squiggling with live earth worms as well as apples. She then glanced down at her apple crisp... only to notice the same thing. She gave a shrug, before continuing to munch. "I think I'm going to be sick," Twilight groaned, her cheeks puffing outwards with a green coloring. "Er Darksong, mortals don't really like... earth worms," Soulshard said, simpering. "No offense, but you... probably should have used a mortal cookbook instead of trying to make a nightmare one compatible." "Meh, whatever. You've got a wicked touch, Darky," Rainbow Death beamed, patting him on the back. "How are things working out with Nightmare Moon, by the way?" "Ooo! Well, we had a most enjoyable time zombie hunting the other day!" Darksong said, his spirits lightening. "Zombie hunting?" Sweetie said, scratching her head and gulping down a glass of water, still wincing. "Yeah, the Nightmare Realm kind of has a minor... pest control problem," Soulshard simpered. "Though we love all zombies, really, even the more… mindless ones, they tend to eat up our crops. So, we make sport out of neutralizing them." "Ten time zombie hunting tournament extraordinaire!" Raindow Death beamed smugly, patting a hoof on her upper chest. "Got ten skulls on my cabinet from the last hunt alone, the Tank varieties, too... as well as three gold trophies!" "And yes, that's quite impressive," Twilight Soulshard explained to the mortal visitors in a proud tone. "Ooooo," they all beamed, all except Rainbow Dash, who folded her arms. "Pffft, give me a scythe and I could do that," she pouted. Raising an eyebrow, Twilight quickly changed the subject with: "So, what's next on our plate?" she asked. "Well, Darksong has some more apple crisp-" Darksong said. "NO!" Twilight cried, before giving him a slightly apologetic glance and yawning again. "I mean uh... I'm fine, Darksong." She then took a deep breath. "Anyway, I don't know about you all, but the whole Horsehood adventure tonight has made me kind of tired." Soulshard gave a nod, before explaining: "Well, us teachers..." she said, before glancing at Rainbow Dash. "And honored visitor, will be taking an airship up to Bogmorts so we may arrive early. It has quarters upon it if you wish to sleep." She raised a hoof. "However, the students will be going by the Bogmorts Express." She then glanced on a ticking clock on the wall, with two bat-wings upon it as clock-arms. Her eyebrows quickly rose. "Actually, we should probably get going sometime soon." "I won't be joining you all, though," Rainbow Death said, scooting out from her chair and giving the group a smile. "I gots some more souls to reap. But I'll pop in Bogmorts in a bit. I've got a class to teach as a side job, after all." She then turned towards Soulshard, giving her a hug and a wink. "Catch you later, Ms. Egghead Queen." Soulshard rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Reap tight, and don't let the souls bite." Rainbow then turned towards Scoots. "Oh, and Scoots, some of the ghouls here may be a bit... intimidating to someone not used to the place, but give it time and I'm sure you'll warm up to them." She then turned towards Pip and the Crusaders. "You guys as well. Just uh... time. Time is good" "Will do, Rainbow," Scootaloo smiled. At that, Death gave one last smile before disappearing in a puff of smoke. "Show off," Rainbow Dash grunted, as Darksong began to stand up. "Well then, Darksong is going to get back to his knitting," the alicorn smiled, turning towards the door. "Farewell, travellers from the mortal realm! May the winds of the nightmare carry you swiftly to where you wish to go!" He then paused, however, before glancing at Twilight Sparkle. "Oh, and before he leaves, he almost forgot." Twilight raised an eyebrow as his horn began glowing for a brief second. Soon, a spellbook appeared before him, which he handed to the mortal mare. "This is Synergy: To Intertwine the Realms. It contains the spell Darksong used to bring dead food to life, and it should contain whatever else you need to make your stay here enjoyable." He then gave a warm smile. "May it help you with your own task of synergy." "Thanks, Darksong," Twilight smiled, as the group stood up from the table and began making their way out of the Temple. ☼☼☼ The Everdead Forest was a peaceful, but haunting place. A place filled with blackened trees and red, thorny, devilish bushes that would make even the Everfree Forest give a shiver. It didn't help that the trees actually seemed to be alive... sometimes giving low groans and turning about on their own, almost as if they were gazing upon the group. It was also the first place Scootaloo had a chance to see the outside world of the Nightmare Realm. There honestly wasn't much to behold, as fog stretched all around them, obscuring their vision after a good sixty feet or so. But what was still apparent was the high moon that watched over them from the heavens, its light piercing through the fog. Fangs didn't seem to mind the atmosphere, however, as the little bat seemed to be enjoying the sight the whole way, perking his head about in curiosity occasionally. Oddly enough, it felt natural for Scootaloo to be here as well. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she was truly in her element. She had always wondered why she felt so... alone and out of place in Ponyville, even with people constantly giving her sympathy and attention she never really asked for. However, now she knew the reason. She just wished her now mortal-to-her friends would enjoy the sights as well. "M-Ms. Soulshard," Sweetie shivered, shrinking in fear as a scream emanated out of nowhere from the deeper woodlands. "A-Are we getting c-close to Terrorsville?" "Mhmm," Soulshard said, nodding her head with a smile. "I wish it wasn't so, though, the Everdead Forest is so horrible this time of year!" "H-Horrible?" Apple Bloom gulped, quirking an eyebrow. "You say that like it's a good thing!" "Welcome to opposite land," Spike grunted. "At least, that's how Twilight explained it to me. It is a good thing here." Sweetie gave a sigh. "This place is going to take some getting used to..." At that, the group came upon the sound of flowing water, which soon turned out not to be water at all. For flowing before them was a small creek of blood. Upon seeing it, Scootaloo's stomach gave a rumble, and the voice in her head, which had been quiet for a while now, chirped: 'Nots as good as fresh bloods, but its will sustain you...' "Ah, Wolfbane Creek!" Soulshard smiled. "I almost forgot about it. Go ahead and drink up, Scoots! I bet you're getting hungry by now." Scootaloo gave a nervous nod as she began bending down towards the creek. However, before she took a sip, she took a glance at her friends, and it felt like their eyes were gazing through her... 'They thinks you're a freak... food never thinks anything more...' Scootaloo winced, and before her tongue leapt into the blood, she paused. "I uh... I'm not hungry." She then lifted her neck up, gulping slightly. "Come on, Scootaloo, you need to feed yourself," Soulshard said encouragingly. "Regular nightmare food won't give you strength." "W-Where does that blood come from, though?" she asked. "Noghoul knows for sure," Soulshard said whimsically, before sighing slightly. "However, the legends say that all blood belonging to those who have died in the mortal world... leaks into the Nightmare Realm, and flows through our rivers." Scootaloo's eyes widened in horror. "Ugh, why did you tell her that?!" bone-dragon Spike grunted. "She might as well learn now before she picks it up off the streets," Soulshard argued. "Yeah, well way to throw her into the deep end right off the bat," he groaned, before wincing. “No cheesy pun intended.” At that, Rainbow gave a smile before stepping to Scootaloo's side. "Scoots... it's alright. Even if those stories are true, you didn't do anything to hurt those ponies." Twilight Sparkle quickly nodded. "In the end, everything we eat has something that has died in it," she stated. "Decomposing corpses eventually erode and fertilize the soil from which plants gain the nutrients they use to grow. It's all part of the great circle of life." The Crusaders grimaced slightly at that, Twilight giving an apologetic smile. Spike, however, gave a smirk: "It's the Circle of Life! And it moves us all! Through despair and hope, Through faith and love..." "Yeah, yeah. Very funny, Spike," Twilight growled. "Go on Scoots, nopony will judge you," Rainbow said, standing beside her now. With that, Scootaloo took a deep breath before kneeling down... and taking the first slurp of the most delicious substance she had ever tasted in her life. It was salty... yet sweet, her throat tingling in delight as its warmth made itself felt all the way down. Her eyes widened... and at that, she began to slurp it up with a vigor she had never had for any other food. "So... goooood," she called, Rainbow wincing slightly at those words. "Oh my gosh this is... wow. It's indescribable!" "J-Just take all you need," Rainbow gulped. 'Fresh bloods is ten times better... just ask Rainbow if you can have a little nibble... or one of your other friends... if they truly likes you... they will lets you. Hehehe… and Pipsqueak has a crush on you... Pipsqueak wills allows it.' Scootaloo shook her head, wincing, as she took one last gulp. "I'm not doing that," she whispered. "This is good enough." She then stood up, wiping the red substance off her mouth, as Rainbow gave her a pat on the back. "There ya go, not so bad, was it?" Scootaloo turned towards Rainbow, shaking her head in disbelief. "You have no idea, Rainbow. No idea..." Rainbow took a deep breath, before turning towards Soulshard. "So, onward to Terrorsville?" Soulshard gave a nod. "Onward!" ☼☼☼ True to its name, Terrorsville was a Nightmare Night themed version of Ponyville. Twilight's treehouse was nothing but a blackened, dormant husk, a stark contrast to its vibrant, colorful 'real' world self. The carousel boutique was somewhat similar to the real world's... save for the bat-winged ponies encrusted on its poles, and the cobwebs hanging off every inch of it. However, the most creepy sight lay before them. The Town Hall was a puke greenish entity, and filled with veins: and it actually seemed to be alive... pulsating ever so slightly. And to complete its ghastly sight, hovering over the top of it was a red, fiery eye that gazed down upon the town, swiveling every which way. And naturally, there were jack o'lanterns... EVERYWHERE. "Big Brother is watching you," Spike smirked, glancing at the eye. "Actually, the Edeathstrian Legion is watching you," Soulshard stated. "Huh? Why's that?" Twilight asked. “Yeah, and since when did Edeathstria have a military again?” bone-dragon Spike said, raising an eyebrow. “Ugh, noghoul tells me jack when I wake up…” "Certain... issues have come up," Soulshard sighed, before whispering into Twilight’s ear, "I'll explain more later. It's nothing to do you with, however." And as soon as Twilight spoke, the group began to garner attention. "Hey everyghoul, Twilight's back!" a pony resembling Vinyl Scratch with a sideways baseball cap grinned. "Twilight?! I thought you were at Bogmorts!" another pony called, apparently the nightmare version of Mayor Mare. She was pretty much a skeleton, with a perpetual, black grin etched on her face. "Ehehe, hi everyghoul," Ms. Soulshard said, simpering. "How are things coming with Nightmare Night?" "Awful, just terrible!" a version of Dr. Whooves grumbled, with a gray coat and glowing red eyes. "We only have two-hundred and fifty three days left and we still don't have any good scares planned! For the love of the drums, please come back!" Soulshard raised an eyebrow. "I've only been gone for like a month, Dr. Whoovenstein." The gathering was now growing even larger. Scootaloo and her friends, despite having seen most of them on Nightmare Night, were now becoming slightly nervous. There was a version of Colgate with a blood covered dentist outfit, a version of Lyra Heartstrings (who she knew as Lyra Heartstab) wielding a bloody Michael Mayers-like butcher knife, and even a version of Octavia who seemed to be wrapped in mummy-like-bandages, holding a blackened cello. However, to their delight, Slendermare stood among the group as well: a certain Eldirtch Abomination they had actually grown to sort of like during Nightmare Night, black tendrils licking off his, or her (it was never quite certain, despite its name) back and into the night's breeze. "Everyghoul, I promise I'll be back before Nightmare Night to help supervise things," Twilight smiled. "But I'm sure you can all handle yourselves." "B-But that would require us to think for ourselves!" one of them cried, 'Derpy-Stitched', the counterpart of the ditzy mailmare who, as her name suggested, seemed to be stitched together. "You've done that for us the last forty years!" Soulshard took a deep breath, giving them blank looks. "Fine, alright, how about I stop in in a month or so to-" "DEAL!" they all grinned. Soulshard rolled her eyes. "Hey Twilight, what's with the mortals?!" one of them called. "We brought them here for the annual Winter Pony Sacrifice Festival," bone-dragon Spike grinned. "We thought you'd all enjoy them." The Crusader's eyes widened in horror, though Rainbow and Twilight merely gave him a glare. "Pony wah?" Lyra Heartstab called, scratching her head. "Nothing," Soulshard sighed, giving Spike a glare as well. "But while I'm here, I'd like to introduce you all to Scootaloo, the daughter of Sleighbell Wintercall!" At that, the entire group let out a gasp, to which Scootaloo gave a nervous smile with a wave. "Sleighbell Wintercall!? The vampire of the north!?" "Oh my gosh! THE Sleighbell?! I thought he was still sleeping!" "I heard he went nuts... fled to the mortal realm! He had a kid?!" "He who fought in the Battle of Icecrown... this is unprecedented!" Soulshard shook her head, grunting at her own stupidity as the crowd began to swarm a clearly overwhelmed Scootaloo. "Hooo boy, maybe it wasn't the best idea to introduce her," Soulshard whispered to herself. "Ya think?" bone-dragon Spike grunted. The undead Twilight then turned back to the crowd. "Er yeah... but we need to get going now," Soulshard simpered. "Goodbye everyghoul, and may the night watch over you!" Ignoring her, the crowd continued to swarm like a flood of liquid annoyance about the young filly, asking question after question: "So, did you ever meet your father? What's he like?" "Are you half-ghoul, or full ghoul, or what? It's not like it matters, though!" “Can I have your autograph?! Please please please please please!” Soulshard’s eye began to twitch. "UGH! PLEASE, EVERYGHOUL! TRY TO GIVE HER SOME SPACE!" she roared with demonic distortion in her tone, the group of mortals backing away from her slightly. She quickly threw them a sheepish grin. "Dawwwww..." the group groaned. The group of mortals then sighed in relief as the crowd began to disperse, before heading towards a train station on the far side of town... that also seemed to serve as a zeppelin port. A massive black airship, with a Jolly Rogers symbol upon it and chains dangling down its side, floated slightly above it. "Oooo," Pipsqueak said, smiling. "Now that is my kind of airship!" Apple Bloom cocked an eyebrow. "Pipsqueak, seriously, were you actually a pirate?" she asked. "I thought that was just a Nightmare Night thing." "Well, what better thing to be than what you know best?" he smiled. Apple Bloom shook an incredulous head. "I wish I had time to show you all around the treehouse," Soulshard smiled. "But we're getting pressed for time." Twilight nodded. "I'm sure I'll have another time to see it. But I do want to get aboard the airship and start planning my lessons." She then turned to Spike, smiling. "Did you bring the supplies I asked?" "Uhh, yeah," Spike grumbled, dragging a large suitcase behind him. He then began to list off: "Fifty-six parchments, seventy-three quills, thirty-six bottles of ink... and thirteen industrial-sized containers of 'Time for the Perculator' coffee." "I'm all set, then," Twilight said, before smiling widely. "You know, I'm actually looking forward to trying to teach. I just hope the little ghouls won't be a handful!" "Oh, I'm sure the Element of Magic will be more than enough to keep them at bay," Soulshard smiled with a wink. "Hehe, we'll see," Rainbow grinned. ☼☼☼ And as the group trotted on, a pair of blue eyes watched from the woods, their owner quickly quirking its head slightly and smiling in delight. "Tandem venit Wintercall filia? Lucem ac tenebras filia ... Vellem mihi numquam hoc hodie!"
Ghoul TrainThe Bogmorts express, unlike the rest of the Nightmare Realm, was surprisingly less-than over-the-top. It was merely a pitch-black train, cars stretching a far ways back beyond the station. There, Scootaloo saw a multitude of other ghouls her age, a few resembling fillies and colts in Ponyville. "Now, are you going to be a wretched little ghoul at Bogmorts, Dinky Stitched?" Derpy Stitched chirped merrily, Dr. Whoovenstein standing proudly beside her. "You bet, mom!" she beamed, smiling brightly. "I'm going to learn all I can about mechanical resurrection, so maybe one day I'll be able to make myself a sister!" Dr. Whoovenstein grinned. "Now that's my girl! Let me hear your creepy laugh!" "BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Dinky cackled forth, it honestly sounding more adorable than evil. Still, Dr. Whoovenstein beamed down upon her, his eyes actually beginning to water. "By the drums, the vocal chords I crafted you are phenomenal. But not as phenomenal as what you've done with them. You're going to make me proud, kid!" "Awwwww," Derpy cooed, giving Dr. Whoovenstein a quick hug, him blushing fiercely. They were some of the last to arrive, so they honestly there weren't that many others to behold, most of them being counterparts of ponies who Scootaloo had rarely interacted with in the real world. With nothing much left to do or see, the quartet of Crusaders prepared to come aboard. "Alright, Scoots," Twilight Sparkle winked. "Remember, no matter what these guys may seem like, they're built for scaring and caring, none of them..." She gave a wince. "Well... most of them aren't truly evil." "Still uh... might be best if you chill with the little devils you know," Rainbow smiled, glancing at her mortal friends. Soulshard rolled her eyes, before pulling Rainbow towards the pirate-themed Zeppelin behind them. "They'll be absolutely fine! Quit worrying, will you? Come and tell me more stories of these... Wonderbolts of yours!" "Heh, now that is something I can talk about," Rainbow smiled, giving Scootaloo one last glance. "Take care, kid. I'll see ya in a blink!" "Bye, Rainbow! Have a good trip aboard that crazy zeppelin thingy!" Scootaloo waved, as Soulshard led the rest of the group away. A beat of silence followed, Pipsqueak glancing over the Zeppelin with dreamy eyes. "Mmmm, if only we could go aboard that beauty." And to answer him, a voice soon made itself known. "Yar HAR HAR HAR! That I agree with ya, matey!" The group twirled about, raising curious eyebrows, only to gaze upon another Pipsqueak. He sort of resembled what the young colt looked like on Nightmare Night, with a black eye-patch and a red bandanna. In one of his hooves, he held a rotten apple, quickly taking a bite of it. "Ello, lads," he grinned wickedly, gazing upon the group as he walked out of a shadow and into the moonlight... And it was at that moment that it was revealed that he was more than just a (more) piratey version of Pipsqueak, for as soon as he walked into its light, his flesh immediately vanished, leaving nothing but flesh-encrusted bones. The group immediately gave a gasp, backing towards the train, though Pipsqueak held his ground. "Oi, what's got your jimmies in a rustle?" pirate Pipsqueak said, gazing at them with a hurt expression. "Haven't ya' evah danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?" "Er, sorry," Pipsqueak said, smiling slightly. At that, counterpart Pip’s eyes squinted, before he smiled in delight. "Now ain't that a bloody sight worth drinkin' a pint o’ tar rum to! Bloody Hell, ya some sort of Fearlin' lad? Cus ya look just like meself!" "I'm actually your counterpart," Pipsqueak said, beaming. "Countahpart?!" Pirate Pip said, his eyes widening. "Oi, pardon me tongue, but I didn't know thar be mortal land lovah's comin aboard this har mechanical landship!" "Ms. Soulshard is making a special exception for us," Pipsqueak replied, still smiling. "I'm Pipsqueak, by the way. What's your name?" "I'm Shipmate Pipbossa, mah good lad," he said, smiling as he held out a hoof for Pipsqueak to shake. "Hoof aboard da Flyin' Dutchman." He quickly winced, however. "Well, that was til the bloody thing went and got itself sunk off da Western Shores." "Mmm... Kraken?" Pipsqueak said, raising an eyebrow. "Aye, govenah, close, but we calls em' Leviathans. Nasty bit of tentacles that could swallow ships whole! Ungrateful beast went and turned against' me captain, Davy Bones." "Yeah," Pip sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Same bloody thing happened to my ship, the Black Pearl. Well, sort of." Pipbossa gave a smirk. "Oi, well shimber me timbers, guess you're in da same metaphorical boat as me then, YAR HAR HAR HAR!" "You could say that," Pip said, sighing again. “Davy Bones, though… that sounds familiar…” "Um... Pipbossa," Scootaloo spoke up. "If you don't mind me asking, what in the world's a Fearling?" Pipbossa gave a wicked grin. "I believe yur answer lies nearby." The group raised their eyebrows, and not too soon after that they began to feel... nauseous, a cold tingle running down each of their spines. And then, appearing before them was the Queen of the Swarm, a small Changeling-like creature close to her side, though with the distinguishable feature of having black wings made of smoke, instead of instectoid-like ones. "Q-Q-Queen CHRYSALIS?!" Sweetie shrieked, her and the rest of the group all-but-ready to dart it into the train like bats out of hell. "Relax," she groaned, her voice a distorted, but actually sort of soothing tone, as she held up a holed hoof. "I don't know what you all are doing here, but I mean you no harm. For I am not the Queen Chrysalis you know. I am Queen Vereolis." "Yeah well, sorry if we don't take your world for it after your counterpart kidnapped us!" Scootaloo growled, her fangs glistening in the moonlight. At that, however, the tiny 'Changeling', at her side gave a slight whimper, the group's feelings of animosity quickly turning into that of guilt. Queen Vereolis then bent down to face it with a warm smile. "Metus, don't worry about them. I'm sure you'll fit in fine in this school." "Metus?" the group said, scratching their heads. "Aye, means 'Fear' in tha ole language," Pipbossa said with a surprising amount of cultural knowledge. "Tha Fearlings be creatures that, like thar name suggests, feed off fear instead of good ole' love like in yur world." "She is one of my finest students in the art of it, as you're... probably feeling right now. She can generate it in those around her, even passively," Queen Vereolis said proudly, and at this point Scootaloo was beginning to notice a bit of a strange accent in her voice. "However, I believe I've taught her all I know. A school run by the actual Elements of Fear themselves is the next step for her. After that, she'll be able to instill enough terror in the mortal world to feed us for years to come!" "How come we didn't see any Fearlings last Nightmare Night, though?" Apple Bloom said, scratching her head. Queen Vereolis gave a chuckle. "We don't feed in Equestria, we feed in the Changeling Nation of Savarance." The group's eyes widened. "Believe it or not, they have a holiday like Nightmare Night there," Queen Veroelis continued. "And our world and the one of Nightmare Night happen to be intermingled." "Best not to think too hard about it, mates," Pipbossa grunted. "It'll drive ya mad just like it drove me ole' captain, tha one before Davy Bones, him seekin' out the answers noghoul else dared to find within uncharted waters... sailing to the ends of this world." Apple Bloom gave a shiver. "W-What did he find?" Pip paused for a second, before answering in a deadly serious tone: "Nothing. He found nothing." A beat. "All aboard who's comin' aboard!" a trainmate called, breaking the silence. Pipbossa cracked a smile. "Anyway, nuff' with the existential nonsense, time to get aboard, shall we?" "I suppose it's time we part ways, then, Metus," Queen Vereolis said warmly, giving her a small nuzzle. At this point, Scootaloo couldn't be filled with any more shock. "Goodbye, my wretched little student." She then leaned closer, whispering, "mожет судьба наблюдать за вами." "Goodbye, mommy, and may fate watch over you, too," Metus replied in a warm tone, giving the Fearling queen a hug, the Crusaders one last look, and then climbing aboard the train. Pipbossa and the Crusaders soon followed. ☼☼☼ The main hall of the fear train was slightly cramped, though not too claustrophobic, at least for Scootaloo. Fog graced the floor and cobwebs hung off its ceiling, only dim torches on the wall giving them light. If there ever was a haunted train, it was this. "News from the Western Front!" an older ghoul called, waving a sack of papers around titled 'Necropolis Times'. "Cthulhu vows to send Null Space soldiers to quell augmented rogue forces! Nightmare Moon negotiates with Princess Luna to acquire modern projectile weaponry!" "W-Wah?" Scootaloo cried. "What's going on?" "Nasty bit of skirmishes out that way," Pipbossa explained. "Lotta good ghouls' dyin', and bad ones too, fortunately. Buncha minor Eldritch Abominations and ghouls be teamin' up out that way to cause a ruckus. Raidin' border towns, generally being a bunch of bumblin' sea scum, that kinda thing. Not a full blown war, though. Nothin' ta worry bout." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "Null Space?" "Aye, where dat nasty piece of work Blackblood came from," Pipbossa explained. "It's where a buncha monstas live that make even us shiva. Cthulhu n' the Old Gods, things that could outlast the prime universe if they wanted to, them beyond time itself. Why they wants ta fight us is beyond this seaghoul, though." Pipbossa then gave a chuckle, shaking his head. "Oi, I can see where this be goin', heh. I'm becomin' Captain Exposition aboard this har vessel. Not that I mind, I spose, but I need ta get a bit of shut eye." He quickly gave a smile. "I'll be seein' ya lot in a bit, I be ponderin'. Hope dis trip goes smoothly for tha lot of ya." He then gave them a small nod before turning into a nearby vacant quarters, biting another bit off his apple. As the group moved on, they heard him say one last thing: "Bloody Hell! When I get to Bogmorts I'm gonna eat a whole bushel of these damned things! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!" Nearby, a certain entity raised a trollish eyebrow, grinning wickedly. The Crusaders (And yes, Pip was now pretty much a part of them) quickly gave chuckle, however, before spotting another empty cabin, moving in and gazing about. It was somewhat sparse, just like the train, with long cobwebs stretching between the two far walls near the window to make a quartet of hammocks. However, before them were a set of comfortable-looking seats. "Heh, I guess this is home for the next day or so," Sweetie smiled, quickly taking one of them. "And you know, I never thought that the ghouls here would be so... nice, though I guess they seemed on the level come Nightmare Night, too" Apple Bloom stated, before shrugging. "Maybe us 'regular ole' mortals' might be able to fit in after all!" "I just hope they don't crowd me again," Scootaloo grumbled, folding her arms. "I seriously don't want to become a celebrity... I'm just here to control my powers, nothing more." "You gotta admit though, it's kind of cool," Sweetie said, nudging her slightly. "Haven't you always imagined what it'd be like to be Twilight Sparkle or one of the other famous ponies in Ponyville?" "Yeah," she sighed. "But now that I do, I don't really like it... I'm not surprised Twilight doesn't like to blab about being an Element too often." "Well, at least none of the ghouls our age have bothered you about it," Pip said optimistically. And naturally, that optimism was soon shattered. "Is that the car?!" a voice, best described as nails sliding down a chalk board, shrieked from outside. "Yeah! I think it is!" "Spoke too bloody soon," Pipsqueak grunted. "Oh no..." Scootaloo grumbled, quickly glancing about for a place she could hide. However, it was too late, for soon the door swung open, and she wished it hadn't, for standing at the entrance was Diamond Tiara... if she were a transparent banshee like creature with glowing red eyes, and wearing a gray, hole-filled cloak. Her teeth were as sharp as daggers, and her eyes seemed to be similar in nature, them piercing through Scootaloo with intensity. Topping her head was a black crown of sorts, whose bottom actually appeared to melt downward: tendrils of black, transparent goo squiggling across the banshee queen's face. "That's her! That's her! The daughter of Sleighbell!" 'Diamond Tiara' called with glee. Soon, another counterpart entered the room, this one of Silver Spoon. She was a bit less pronounced than her 'friend', though she still had this certain intensity about her. Two red, demonic horns topped her head, and leaping off her flank was a tail of a similar nature. Thin, red, with a triangular tip at the end. "Huh, other than the voice they seem more pleasant than our versions," Sweetie whispered to Pip. "Give it a second..." Pip grumbled. "Oh my gosh! You have no idea how cool it is to meet you!" 'Diamond' called, her breath smelling of rotten onions and whipping Scootaloo's face as she hovered in front of her. "Uh... hi," Scootaloo said, sweat-dropping. "Nice to meet you-" "I'm Bloody Tiara! The daughter of Wicked Rich! I'm sure you've heard of me already, though," she smirked smuggly. "And I'm Silver Tongue!" Silverspoon's counterpart grinned, quickly showing why she was named that, a snake-like tongue that appeared to made of solid silver whipping out of her mouth. "It's so totally awesome to meet you, Scootaloo!" "H-Heh, thanks," she said, sulking back slightly. "B-But uh, no offense, if you don't mind, we kind of want some privacy... it's been a really long day." "Oh, but how would I introduce you to the rest of my friends, then!?" she said, grinning. "The soon to be most glorified students in the house of Blackfire!" Scootaloo's eyes widened. "B-Blackfire?" "That's right!" Bloody Tiara smirked smugly. "I mean, I know that you probably want to get into your father's house and all, which is..." She put on a fake smile. "Cool and all, but the house of Blackfire... now that is a house worthy of someghoul of your caliber!" "Houses? How does that all work?" Sweetie said, raising an eyebrow. Diamond ignored her, gazing at Scootaloo continuing with: "Wanna hang out for a bit? We totally have some of the best sour sweets in our car! Dirty Dotson's Rancid Flavored Beans!" "Hey, my friend asked you a question!" Scootaloo said, frowning. Giving an annoyed grunt, Diamond turned towards Sweetie. "There are four houses in Bogmorts, each representing certain... qualities of character." "And the house of the Blackfire is the one for ambition!" Silver grinned, looking at Scootaloo. "Something I bet your father knew all about!" "Well, actually," Sweetie said, raising a hoof. "From what Ms. Soulshard described, he seemed to just admire the simple things in-" "Meh, what do you know?!" she growled, glaring at the mortal, and her eyes flickering red at the mention of 'Ms. Soulshard.' "Come on Scootaloo, what are you doing hanging around with these mortals, anyway?" "And there it is..." Pipsqueak muttered to himself. "Those mortals are her friends," a voice suddenly grunted, Scootaloo's eyes widening. Descending from the ceiling on a single string of web was a spider-pony hybrid that looked suspiciously like her: an orange entity with mandibles, a plethora of blackened eyes, and eight narrow, spike-tipped legs. She quickly dropped behind Diamond, giving her a growl. The two bullies immediately twirled about, giving a slight gasp. However, they soon composed themselves and began laughing wickedly. "Oh look, miss blank flank's trying to jump in web with her counterpart! Trying to leech a bit more fame, daughter of Shelob?!" "I am not!" she snapped. "I just don't want her jumping in web with you!" She then turned towards Scootaloo, cocking an eyebrow with a slight smile as she looked her over. "I'm Scootaweb, by the way. I think I remember seeing you on Nightmare Night. Heh, never thought I'd see you here, though." "That makes two of us," Scootaloo smiled. Scootaweb continued to look her over, suddenly smirking slightly. "Oooo, and wicked wings, by the way," Scootaweb motioned. Scootaloo narrowed an eyebrow, before glancing towards her backside, noticing she now had a new set of bat-wings instead of pegasi-wings. She quickly gave a gasp as Fangs, who had been perched on her shoulder, blinked his eyes open, and glanced about in a daze. "Woah! Those weren't there a second ago!" Apple Bloom cried. "T-They weren't," Scootaweb gulped. "I guess... the transformation is complete." "Yep, and now that it is, you're one of us!" Bloody Tiara grinned. "Come on, you don't want to hang out with any of these losers, do you?! Mortal, or spider!" Scootaloo immediately gave her a blank look. "Thank you for your kind, tactful offer," she said sarcastically. "But home is where the heart is, and my home happens to be the other side of the gates." Bloody shook her head incredulously, almost as if Scootaloo were telling her the sky was green. (It was in fact, a mixture of black and blood-red swirling lights.) "Oh, come on, Scootaloo! You're so above-" "I said: I'm fine!" Scootaloo growled. Silver Tongue then rolled her eyes, glancing at Bloody Tiara. "I told you it was a hopeless cause. She's too set in mortal ways. I bet she won't even last long at Bogmorts!" "You're making a big mistake, Scootaloo," Bloody Tiara grunted. "Blackfire's house is the house to be! And if you hang out with us we'll tell you all you need to-" "I've met Blackfire," Scootaloo growled, Tiara and Silver Spoon quickly giving her a look of awe. "And let me tell you, she isn't what she's cracked up to be." "Ugh! Yeah right! Noghoul knows where friggin' Blackfire is!" Bloody quickly shouted. "Lying won't get you far in Bogmorts!" "You can believe what you want, but would you mind believing it in your own car?" Pipsqueak groaned. "Fine, whatever!” Bloody shouted, before storming out of their own. “See you, losers!" "Um... still though, would you mind if I got your autograph?" Silver said, smiling sheepishly. "SILVER!" Bloody roared, the demon-pony quickly giving a gulp and scurrying out of the door. Scootaloo then took a deep breath, glancing at Scootaweb. "Anyway... sorry we kind of stole your car; we didn't even know you were in here." "It's alright," Scootaweb smiled. "I got plenty of sleep. I think I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the sights for now." At that, Sweetie quirked an eyebrow, glancing out of the window to view a fog filled badlands the train was travelling through. "Hmmmm... they're uh... beautiful." "Horrible, you mean!" Scootaweb grinned, her mandibles clicking in delight. "You guys gotsta learn the lingo here! I'm sure you'll pick it up soon enough, though." "So uh, where are the rest of our counterparts?" Apple Bloom asked. "Oh, they're in another car chillin'." She then glanced away from both her and Scootaloo, however. "Might be best if you guys avoid them, though... at least for now..." "Huh? Why?" Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. Scootaweb simpered. "It's uh... nothing personal... it's just your... teeth," she said. "You see, Apple Doom is sort of a Lycan, and Lycans and Vampires have this... thing... that's been going on for a while now. A minor bit of conflict in the Underworld." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Maybe once we get to know each other, though-" Scootaweb quickly shook her head. "Ehehe, trust me... just uh... no. Not for now. Maybe later. Earn your house a few points or something and maybe she'll look the other way. But maybe me and you can hang out later!" she smiled encouragingly, her mandibles now clicking in excitement as she gestured towards the door. "Anyway, I think I'll leave you guys alone for now. I'll see you in the Great Hall if I don't see you again on the train!" "Take it easy," the group called, smiling. "Heh, at least she seemed nice enough," Sweetie smiled, before wincing slightly. "But her uh... mandibles. I honestly don't think I'm ever going to get used to that." "Yeah," sighed Scootaloo. "Same here." She was lying, of course. They couldn't feel more natural to behold. "You know, I wonder why they always call us mortal?" Pipsqueak said, scratching his head. "Don't they live and die too?" Sweetie gave a smile, before beginning to explain: "Well, I think it's just..." "OI! WHAT BLOODY SCURVY BOUND YELLOW-BELLY BILGE-RAT STOLE ME APPLE STASH?!" a voice shouted from the hall. "TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!" another voice cackled. Suddenly, a pale-ghostly form of Princess Celestia sailed by the door, the group barely able to catch a glimpse of her in the window, levitating a small sack of apples in front of her with her horn. "PRINCESS TROLLESTIA! YOU ROTTEN POLTERGEIST! ROYALTY OR NOT, I'D GUT YA LIKE A BLOODY EEL IF YA HAD ANY GUTS LEFT!" Pipbossa's voice roared, its origin apparently storming by. The car sweat-dropped. "Hoo boy," Sweetie gulped. ☼☼☼ Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga... The Bogmorts express, an hour later, passed out of the brown badlands and into a snowy wilderness, blackened pine trees completely covered in cold, still white. As every little ghoul and mortal slept soundly aboard, creeping through the halls came a being of black mist and pale blue eyes, setting its sights on Scootaloo's quarters. "Iam venit eleifend magna," it whispered. "Now comes the link."
Ghoul School"Scoots! Take one guess where we are!" Apple Bloom said with an odd mix of mirth and wariness. Scootaloo gave a terrific yawn, Apple Bloom wincing slightly at the look of her now two to three inch long fangs. "Mmmm... the North Poll?" "No silly, we're at Bogmorts!" Sweetie grinned. "Or at least the town near it." Scootaloo's eyes widened as she blinked their thoroughly rested, now piercing red selves. "Man, I must have really been out of it..." "You slept like a rock bein' doused in warm milk, sugar," Apple Bloom smiled, before waving her towards the door. "Come on, let's get going, though! You too, Pipsqueak." "Mmmm, Captain Sparrow!" Pipsqueak grunted groggily, his eyes still shut. "What arrrr ya doin'?" "Come on, Pipsqueak!" Apple Bloom said, giggling as she shook him. "OI! WEST ZEBRICAN TRADE COMPANY SHIP FIRIN' UPON US! GOTTA MAN ME POST!" Pipsqueak cried, suddenly rocking himself out of his web and landing with an 'oof' on the floor. The group of fillies couldn't help but laugh as Sweetie crept over to help Pipsqueak up on his hooves. "Ugh," Pipsqueak groaned, rubbing his head as his eyes fluttered open. "Was I bloody sleep talkin' again?" "Hahaha, at least it wasn't the worst case scenerio," Scootaloo smirked. "Remember when you slept walked that one time and almost attacked Ms. Hardknock with an umbrella? 'Yar, ye undead swine! Eat cutlass!'" The group let out another hysterical laugh, Pipsqueak rolling his eyes with a bemused smile. "Got myself in a ruddy bit of trouble with that one." "Ya kids getting off the train or are you looking to find out how hobos live?" a train mate grunted from the door, signaling them towards the train's entrance. "One second!" Sweetie beamed merrily, the train ghoul giving her an annoyed look as he moved on. She and the rest of the crusaders then gave a shiver, before opening up their travelling sacks and pulling out thick wool sweaters. "Awwww, Granny Smith stitched me this one," Apple Bloom smiled…. at least before noticing the red heart on its front. She quickly sweat-dropped at that. "Uggh, I'm definitely gonna get made fun of for this, though." Shrugging, she then sighed, slipping it on. "Ah well, better than being an icicle." "Yeah, I don't want to have to thaw you by a fire or anything," Scootaloo chuckled, now glancing out the window for the first time. It was steamy, even if their cabin was quite cold, meaning the temperature outside must have been quite brutal. Then again, if her father could take it, so could she. She quickly moved towards the window, rubbing off a bit of fog to view an arctic wasteland. At least from this view, there wasn’t even a tree to add a bit of diversity to the barren, fields of white. Bogmorts must have been on the other side. "Jeez, couldn't pick a more habitable place to set up a school, couldn't they?" she said with a smirk. "Talk about a test of endurance," Pipsqueak grunted, now wearing a brown sweater himself. "And I thought the time Captain Sparrow took a trip around the Northern Pass was bad. Only the seals would build a school up there." At that, a voice made itself known from the door. "Oi, you lot bout done gettin' yur knickers on?" Pipbossa grinned, now in fleshy form without the moon upon him, his face slightly flush. "Was wonderin' if I could stay round with ya, if that's alright." "Na, that's fine," Sweetie said, before smirking slightly. "Did Princess Trollestia give you trouble the whole trip?" Pipbossa gave a hearty sigh. "Lass, ya have no ideah. The way she was pickin' on me I thought I might have bloody painted a target on meself. Safety in numbahs, I always say." Creeping past him then came Metus, giving a somewhat hopeful look towards the group, almost as if she wanted to say something to them, before sauntering on. Scootaloo couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She knew her position well. Lonely, insecure, and most of all... unsure where she belonged. "Hey, Metus!" Scoots quickly called, giving her a bright smile. Metus' eyes widened slightly, almost as if surprised anyghoul was talking to her, before she quirked her head and glanced at the young filly as if she were a sight to be studied. "You're Scootaloo," she merely stated. "Errr, yeah, that's me!" Scootaloo beamed, sweat-dropping slightly. A beat. Metus continued to gaze upon him with analytical eyes, before eventually saying, "you know. I thought the daughter of Sleighbell would be menacing. Unapproachable. But you... you're not what I expected." "Oh... uh," Scootaloo said, sighing slightly. "Sorry to disappoint you, I guess." She then squinted an eyebrow, however. "I'm not disappointed. You just seem... friendly, is all." "Heh, well thanks!" Scoots smiled. Pipsqueak raised his eyebrows. "She seems a bit... off," he whispered to Sweetie, who quickly gave him a look. "Be nice," she whispered back. "We shouldn't go judging books by a cover. Queen Veorlis isn't Queen Chrysalis, after all." "I'm just saying…" Pip grunted. "But yeah, I..." Scootaloo said, wincing slightly. "I mean, we, were wondering if you'd like to hang out with us," she smiled. "You know, experience this whole new thing... together!" "Hmmm… interesting," Metus stated blankly, though Scootaloo thought she heard a bit of relief in her voice. "Yes, I think I'd like that. It might be... fun." "Well, come on then! Let's get going before we end up heading back to Terrorsville," Apple Bloom grinned, leading them the way down the train. At this point, Scootaloo could actually feel a bit of... something rising in her. It seemed to be a mix of both apprehension and excitement. She couldn't tell which was overpowering which... but she could say one thing: it wasn't necessarily a bad feeling. After a minute or so, they had made their way down the train and out the back door... and as soon as they did, their jaws dropped. Before them sat a castle that would rival anything she had ever seen, even Princess Celestia's. Even through the heavy snow that fell all around them, she could still see its looming presence in detail. There were spires and turrets shooting up every which way, with no particular order to them, and massive walls of ice-encrusted stone forming an ancient boundary around its perimeter. To put it bluntly: it was the epitome of over-the-top, both literally and figuratively, as it seemed content to pierce the storms above like an angry, smited archer shooting at god. "Now that... is a sight worth travelling across any sea for... even the sea between seas..." Pipsqueak said, his eyes filled with wonder. Before the castle was a small town of sorts, and looking it over she soon realized: even ghouls needed heat, at least some of them, as she could see plumes of smoke rising from chimneys on every house within it. Scootaloo felt lucky she had even seen it, the castle overtaking it by a grand degree. "Alright, sourcubes!" a voice called, its origin making itself known through a throng of tiny ghouls'. "Sourcube?!" Apple Bloom said, her eyes widening as she viewed the sight of Applejack... at least a very furry, clawed, and yellow-eyed version of her. "If I can have yall's attention, please!" 'Applejack' announced again, this time gaining their heed. She then smiled. "Yeah, I know it's a wicked sight. Had my jaw dropping down to the core of the world first time I saw it, too. But yall want to see the inside of it, right?" The group gave a series of enthusiastic cheers. "Good to hear!" she called. "To those of you who don't know me from Terrorsville, mah name's Applemoon, me n' my brother Big Macinslash beside me are the ground keepers of this here school... well, what little ground ain't covered in snow that is." "Eeeeeyup," another voice called, a horrific, Lycan version of Big Macintosh. "Mmmm, why was I expecting him to be a chatterbox or something?" Scootaloo smirked. "I guess every version of Big Mac is a pony of few words," Apple Bloom shrugged. Pipsqueak quirked an eyebrow. "You know, I wonder what part of this place isn't covered in snow?" he asked. "A few portions are used for growing food," Sweetie stated, gaining odd looks from her friends. "What?! I did some reading on the way." She then cleared her throat. "Anyway, apparently, they used a bit of magic to keep a few areas in 'snow shields', including what's called the Forbidden Forest.'" "Oi, I forgot how much of a bookworm you could be, Sweetie," Scootaloo chirped, smiling her way. "Mmmm, might come in handy," Apple Bloom smirked. "Uh uh! You two are taking your own notes, this time!" Sweetie grunted. "We're not making this a repeat of school in Ponyville!" Before she could respond, Scootaloo was interrupted by the voice of their caretaker. "We'll be takin' ya up to the school," Applemoon continued. "Now, everyghoul give one last check to see if ya remembered all yur sweaters and homemade tar soup, cus as soon as we step hoof away from this here train platform she's heading back home!" At that, the group did as they were commanded. Scootaloo gave a brief look through her sack, it having only a sweater she didn't need, her now not-so-mysterious message left from her adoption, and a few goodbye and good luck notes. 'Live long and party! It's always best at dusk, anyway!' - Pinkie Pie. 'I hope the sweater I gave you will keep you warm in the coldest of nights. Good luck, dear Scootaloo.' – Rarity. Smiling warmly, despite the cold environment, she closed her sack. She was all set. At that, a series of screams could be heard, what looked like ghostly, bat-winged pegasi pulling a series of carriages into sight. "Void Callers are giving the all clear, ma'm," one of them announced, giving Applemoon a stern glance. "We have the green light. However, they have announced they want to inspect every last one of the young ghouls for... contamination." "Mmmmm, yeah," Applemoon groaned, rolling her eyes. "Fine, it's Shadowed's orders in the end, I suppose." "Void Callers? Contamination?" Sweetie said, the group turning to Pipbossa for guidance. "Bloody Hell, I knew this was going to happen," he laughed. "Ah well. The Void Callers be creatures of Null Space. Nasty, hooded blokes who will suck the happiness right out of ya. Last I heard they were workin' for Cthulhu. Must have made good on his promise to send soldiers to tha Nightmare Realm." "So they're uh... Elrdrick Abominawatchamacallits? Like Slendermare?" Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. "Eldritch Abominations," Sweetie corrected. "What she said," Apple Bloom groaned, rolling her eyes. Pipbossa gave a nod. "Mmmm, that they be, lasses." "Creatures of Null Space," Metus said, gazing Pipbossa over. "My mother always said they were real..." Pipbossa gave a hearty laugh. "Well, it's good that ya be believing in ghost stories, lass,” he said, before narrowing his eyes and saying in a low tone, “You're in one." He then took a bite out of a frozen apple, wincing as it nearly shattered his teeth. "Ah, damnit all! I hope they have some bloody fires goin' inside that school of thars." "M-Me too," Pipsqueak shivered. "Never was one for the cold." "Alright, everyghoul hop aboard!" Applemoon called. The group gave nods, some more (though slightly jittery, thanks to the cold) excited murmurs echoing about as they climbed aboard the multiple carriages. Though Applemoon gave Apple Bloom a slight smile as she lept upon the wooden vessel, the only thing Scootaloo received was a set of narrowed, suspicious yellow eyes. ☼☼☼ "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click!" a void reaper growled in a low, menacing tone, it and his kin of four others circling the group of (surprisingly) frightened ghouls as they stood upon a high, outer tower. They were nearly ten hoof tall, humanoid, hooded beings. And just as Pipbossa had described, their mere presence gave Scootaloo a feeling of pure dread... of hopelessness, and everyghoul in the group seemed to feel the same way. Scootaloo could just tell they weren’t shivering because of the cold. They were ten times worse than even Metus, who's slight bit of passive fear she generated Scootaloo was now starting to get used to. "Mmmm, what does six clicks mean again, Big Mac?" Applemoon asked Big Macinslash. "Not sure," he grunted. "Should have brought mah translation guide." "S-Sis..." Apple Doom, the sister of Applejack's counterpart shivered. "W-What are these guys here for, exactly?" "Orders from above," Applemoon sighed. "Sorry, I can't tell ya much, sept the last thing I want to do is cross Shadowed." Scootaloo watched with wary eyes as the group of Void Callers continued to circle... …And then, one paused. Quirking its head, almost as if it were curious, it began to turn to Scootaloo… slowly, before beginning to drift towards her, hovering an inch across the snowy, stone floor. Scootaloo gave a gulp, before taking a nervous step backward, the group of her friends doing the same thing. "Hey! Watcha doin thar?" Applemoon growled angrily towards the being, though Scootaloo thought it was probably more for Apple Bloom's sake than hers. "Yeah, I know there's a few mortals among them, don't mean ya gotta give em a whiff of those nasty cloaks of yours." The Void Caller merely gave a dismissive growl, continuing to close in on the young vampire and her friends. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click-CLICK!.!.!" That seemed to catch the other creatures' attentions, for they soon joined in with their brother, the quintet of them forming a line and pausing. The clicks they emitted were now starting to sound like that of a rattle snake's tail. "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Hkkkkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Get away from them, moon damnit!" Applemoon roared, now galloping forward to stand in front of the group. "W-What do you think they want with you?" Pipsqueak squeaked. Scootaloo shook her head. "I-I'm not sure... but...” She then squinted. “…Why do they seem familiar?" They then began moving again, growing ever closer to her... "EEEP!" the group shrieked. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click-click!.!.!" …And then came the piercing light of the Nightmare Realm's moon, a blue beam from the heavens landing upon the creatures and sending them into a spasm of hideous shrieks. "Yeah, like that don'tcha?!" a certain voice called from the heavens. Her eyes widening in awe, Scootaloo looked up to see Rainbow Dash, her busy completely desecrating a portion of the titanic snowstorm above, actually piercing a massive hole in the cloud layer that seemed to be nearly a half a kilometer up, though she was sure it was just her imagination. The Void Callers continued shrieking, flying off the tower and into the storm. "Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' bout," Applemoon grinned. "Use the stick if nothin' else works!" "Mmmm.... Shadowed's not gonna be happy, though," Big Macinslash grunted. "Yeah well, he should know better than to trust Cthulhu's cronies. I don't care if they say he's on our side," Applemoon muttered. "You kids OK?" Rainbow Dash smiled, landing besides a now very relieved Scootaloo, the group of young ghouls in the crowd looking at her in amazement. "Y-Yeah," Scootalloo gulped. "I'm fine..." She then shook her head in disbelief. "Jeez, that was amazing, though, Rainbow Dash!" "Heh, well, just doing my new job," Rainbow grinned. "Job?" Sweetie said, raising her eyebrows. "Yeah! You see, seems the mortal world has one leg up on the Nightmare Realm, that being noghoul here knows a darn thing or even how to do weather control, especially not at the level of yours truly!” she smirked smugly. “I'm in charge of keeping the storms over the castle at bay, as a few werewolves here will probably like." "Mmmmm... moooooon," Applemoon droned dreamily, her and the rest the Lycans in the group basking in the light of it. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Mmmm... yeah." She then leaned closer to Scootaloo. "I wonder how long she's been up here?" she whispered. Scootaloo gave a slight giggle. "Whelp, thank ya kindly Rainbow Dash. Our Rainbow could never do anything like that," Applemoon grinned, snapping out of her moon transfixiation. "S-She couldn't?" Rainbow Dash said in disbelief, before smiling widely. "I mean, uh- of course she couldn't! She may be the Queen of Death, but I'm still the Queen of the Skies!" "Meh, I don't care what that Lycan says, Rainbow Death could totally do that," Bloody Tiara muttered to herself. "Mortals thinking they're tough stuff in our realm, bleh!" "Shut up! You may not love the moon, but some of us here appreciate it," Apple Doom growled, her sharp teeth gritted. "Bah, I'm not surprised you'd be a mortal lover," she grunted. "Yeah, well, I learned my lesson after Nightmare Night. But apparently, you haven't!" "Thank ya kindly again, Rainbow Dash. Dunno what got into those crazy things," Applemoon smiled, before gesturing the group towards a tower entrance. "If yall will follow me, now, though. There's one heck of a feast waitin' for ya." ☼☼☼ The Great Hall, like the castle, was also an impressive sight to behold. There were four, long tables stretched across its length, with a massive, long black carpet stretching between the second and third down the middle length of the hall as well, with the symbol of Edeathstria upon it at three points, a strange thing that looked like a white, spiky wreath. A massive blood fountain sat in the middle of the hall, the carpet stretching around it in two, from which Scootaloo eagerly gathered a goblet of the delicious substance. The ceiling of it was actually transparent (thanks to Twilight Sparkle’s magic), and high above, Scootaloo could see the hole Rainbow had cleared in the heavens was still just that... a hole. Apparently, pegasi magic wasn't something to be underestimated anywhere, as Rainbow was currently in the hall as well, and not outside keeping it clear. This let a brilliant moon beam down upon everyghoul, one brighter than she had ever seen in the Nightmare Realm, its layers of fog usually obscuring it to a degree. Some of the ghouls seemed to love this, while others, like Scootaweb, winced slightly. On the far side of the room was a fifth table, where a number of ghouls (and ponies, now) sat: the teachers and staff of the school. Behind them were four, flowing banners. One was black, with a large, detailed red moon upon it. The next was blue, with a black camarilla painted over it. After that was a red one with a scythe upon it, a green snake circling its stem. The last was green, with a nasty looking eyeball in the epicenter with a mass of black tendrils stretching every which way from it. Scootaloo was easily able to point out the members of the staff table, as she had seen many before. Twilight Sparkle sat there, chatting with Ms. Soulshard about something. Rainbow Dash was next to them, talking with Applemoon, though with a bit of apprehension on her face. On the other side was a smirking pony who Scootaloo recognized as Trixie Elphaba, the counterpart of Trixie, a pony who had nearly brought Nightmare Night to ruin for both sides of the fence, though she made up for it slightly at the end. She merely glanced upon the ghouls in the hall, as if studying them. There was also Big Macinslash, Flutterfright (Fluttershy's counterpart), and a few empty chairs. However, in the middle of it sat a set of jagged, black set of metal armor, with red spikes jutting out of it at multiple angles. It seemed to be sitting still. Shrugging slightly at this, Scootaloo made her way back to her table, where her and her new friends were sitting and enjoying a massive feast. There was everything from apple pies to blood pies, from scrambled eggs (both rotten and regular) to hay bacon. Scootaloo supposed they had Twilight Sparkle to thank for the non-rotten food most ghouls seemed to enjoy eating. "I'm sorry..." Metus said mournfully, glancing at Sweetie next to her. "For what?" Sweetie said, raising an eyebrow. "You haven't done anything!" "It's just... the fear I seem to put in ghouls around me... I can't really control it..." "Oh, that?" Sweetie smiled, shrugging. "Don't worry about it, I'm starting to get used to it!" "Oh... that's good," Metus said blankly, blinking. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. She was a bit of an odd duck. Though still, she was sure she could call her a friend after a while. After all, what wasn't weird about the Nightmare Realm? After a few more minutes of dining and chatting, Twilight Soulshard tapped a glass set upon the staff table, smiling merrily. "Hello, young ghouls from all stretches of Edeathstria!" she announced, standing up. "May I have your attention please!" At this, most of the ghouls in the hall quickly gave her attention, all except the ones hanging around Bloody Tiara (and their numbers were growing quite large.) “Ahem. Please, may I have your attention!” Twilight called again. The chatting didn’t cease. A vein then sprung forth upon the Lich Queen's head. “Hooo boy, here it comes,” Pipsqueak winced. "I SAID. MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?!" Soulshard roared in her demonic voice (something Scootaloo was still getting used to.) To Scootaloo and her friends' giggles, Bloody’s group quickly snapped their attention towards her, the banshee queen’s eye twitching slightly. "Thank you," Soulshard smiled. "Anyway, I'm sure you'd all appreciate a long, boring speech by me, but I'll try to keep it brief. First off, and for the first time in nearly two centuries, welcome to the Bogmorts School of Sorcery and Synergy!" Everyone in the audience let out a cheer, even Bloody and her ilk. "What was once Edeathstria's prime academy for learning the art of scaring, magic, and everything in-between, is now back in business! And despite its... somewhat chilly location, I'm sure you'll all find warmth within these sacred halls eventually. For in them have treaded many of Edeathstria's most famous figures, and were constructed by the highest tier of them! Those of which the four houses that you will eventually be divided into represent!" She cleared her throat, pointing at the banner with the moon upon it. "The House of Noctus, founded by Nightmare Moon, our loving princess, who unfortunately due to more... pressing matters is unable to attend the gathering. " "Awwwwww...." The undead Twilight gave a slight, hidden sigh, before pointing towards the flag with the eyeball on it. "The House of Void, named by our friendly ambassador from Null Space, Slendermare!" The group let out a cheer. "Alright, Slendermare!" Apple Bloom called, grinning. Scootaloo and the Crusaders raised an eyebrow at her, to which she shrugged at. "What? He turned out to be a pretty good dancer." Soulshard then turned towards the next banner, it with the scythe upon it, before, in a somewhat disgruntled tone announcing, "The House of Mortus, founded by Blackfire, the longest living and most famous reaper in Edeathstrian history!" Scootaloo clopped her hooves politely, though Bloody's banshee-spawn voice nearly made her deaf via her over-enthusiastic cheers. Scootaloo caught Rainbow giving her a slight glare, to which she was grateful for. "And finally, the House of Winter, founded by the oldest vampire to ever walk this world, Sleighbell Wintercall!" Scootaloo took a sorrowful gulp upon hearing her father's name, before joining her friends in enthusiastic applause. Soulshard then raised a hoof. "Unfortunately though, as much as I'd love to continue to lead this school, that task has not been appointed to me.” The young ghouls about gave a series of confused murmurs. "Huh?" "What in the world?" "Mom said Ms. Soulshard was going to be leading this place... what's going on?" "Sorry," Soulshard simpered, before clearing her throat. "No, that task has been appointed to someghoul much more experienced than myself. Someghoul who has thoroughly earned the title with his continued, honored service to Edeathstria.” She then smirked, glancing at something directly ahead of her. “Someghoul who should be here.... right about... now." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, looking towards the two, massive metal doors to the hall. ... C-CLANK! They suddenly flung open, a large blast of cool, winter air sailing into it. "Oooooh yeah!" Scootaweb grinned a few chairs down from them. "I hope this is who I think it is!" Scootaloo raised an eyebrow her way, before glancing back at the door. Suddenly, a series of blackened tendrils began creeping around the edges of its frame, clinging to the wall, looking almost like shadows. Then, making a piercing noise that sounded sort of like a loud hiss, the tendrils lept from the door and began sliding across the walls. They were massive looking entities, ten in all, over ten hooves thick and stretching the length across the hall, all heading towards that set of armor sitting in the middle of the staff table. As Scootaloo watched with awe, the tail ends of them eventually followed the tips, and after a few more seconds, there was nothing left of the tendrils at all.... CLANK! Then, to her shock, the metallic armor took a step to the left, the interior of it now looking... much darker than before. CLANK! It took another step, a light growl emanating from it. "Friggin' wicked!" Apple Doom called a few seats away. "It's him!" CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! Slowly, menacingly, the shadowy armor continued to move, before finally, it stood in front of the staff table, its metallic head facing their way. Twilight Soulshard then quickly moved to its side with a massive smile on her lips. "Ghouls of Bogmorts, may I introduce you to the first headmaster to grace these halls in nearly two hundred years," she announced, before leaping an enthusiastic hoof his way, and roaring with enthusiasm Scootaloo had never heard from her before: "My brother, SHADOWED ARMOR!" And the hall erupted into a roar of applause.
Sorting of the GhoulsThe applause continued for a good few minutes, the armor standing absolutely still, with no indication it was even watching them. Twilight Soulshard continued to gaze upon it with adoring eyes, looking back at the audience every few minutes or so. When it finally died down, there was a few more seconds of silence... ... And then… nothing happened. Soulshard raised an eyebrow, glancing at Shadowed with slight hint of annoyance. "Shadowed..." she whispered to him. A beat. ... Silence continued to fall as Twilight moved over to his side. "Ugh," she grunted, tapping him slightly. "Edeathstria to Shadowed..." At that, she finally got a response from it, what sounded like a loud, hoarse whisper: "Mph." "Come on! They're expecting a speech!" Twilight silently growled towards him. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. This... headmaster was far from what she expected. To be honest, she was expecting an old, Starswirl the Bearded-like ghoul with a black, cobwebbed beard or something to fit the nightmare theme, not he who seemed to be a warrior. He almost seemed to have a reluctant quality to him. Though perhaps he was just a bit thick... which wouldn't be much better. "Very well..." he hissed back. There was another few seconds of nothing before his whisper for a voice once again echoed through the hall: "Greetings, younglings of the Nightmare Realm," he droned in an almost apathetic tone, though it being a whisper it was hard to tell for Scootaloo. Still, as soon as he spoke, there was a renewed series of applause. Ms. Soulshard smiled her usual merry smile, though with a hint of nervousness on her face, before the applause died down, and Shadowed continued with: "I am Shadowed Armor, commander of the Northern Forces of the Edeathstrian Legion, and former Senior Instructor of the Necropolis Guard Academy. You will report to me any suspicious activity sighted or unusual behavior from your fellow students. Your classes start at 0700 hours. Rest up. That is all." Clank! Clank! Clank! Shadowed then began to make his way back around the table. The ghouls of the hall looked at each other, as if unsure of what to do, before giving a series of polite applause, as Ms. Soulshard gave his brother a look that could kill. And then, yet another new voice made itself known: "Easy there, Shadowed! Don't want to show too much enthusiasm, they might think you're faking it!" it chirped, this one actually sounding deceptively soothing, as it echoed from a small door on the left of the staff table. Scootaloo's eyes then widened as the most beautiful pony, or ghoul, she had ever seen entered from it. Pink, with a broken heart for a Cutie (or Putrid, as she knew them as) Mark. She had long, angelic wings stretching from her about the size of Princess Celestia's, though she wasn't nearly that size. "P-Princess Cadence?!" Apple Bloom squeaked, gazing upon her nearly hypnotic presence. Pipbossa immediately gave a growl. "Nay, that be no mortal princess, lass. That be Princess Congeria, everyghoul's favorite Siren." His eyes then narrowed with a spite none of his new friends had seen from him before. "We've... met before. Don't trust that witch, that's all I can say." He then turned his attention back on Shadowed, watching him as he made hushed conversation with her. "Uggggh... wives," Shadowed growled in a low tone, pausing in his steps. "Why did god see fit to create a problem that can't be dealt with via surgical strikes or decapitation?" "Because that would take the fun out of life, sweetie," Princess Congeria smiled, scooting to his side and giving him a peck on the helmet. He threw her back a light grunt. "And furthermore, why did god have to make that problem so irresistible?" he said, taking a deep breath. Still, at least one ghoul had enthusiasm for her arrival. "Princess Congeria, I wondered when you'd get here!" Twilight chirped merily. The princess immediately turned, smiling wide. "Twilight Soulshard! It's so good to see you!" she beamed back. And yes, the two of their voices could now be heard by the hall. The two then stood across from each other, before beginning a small little hoof-bumping routine to an almost unbearably happy jingle: "Moonlight, Moonlight, Make them dread our wake! Hail to the eventide, And make the mortals quake!" They then giggled fanatically, as Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and pretty much the entire hall gazed at them with blank looks. Both Ms. Soulshard and Princess Congeria turned towards the students, the former simpering, but the latter holding her ground with a smile as if to say, 'buck you, I do what I want!' At that, Soulshard took a deep breath and turned back to Shadowed, giving him another annoyed look. "But anyway, come on, Shadowed! You can do better than that lousy speech!" she hissed. If Shadowed had eyes, they would be narrowing. "I am a soldier, Twilight. I should be out bashing heads on the field of battle, not patting heads in the field of academics. That's more of... your line of business. Why Nightmare Moon believed I would be fit for a task of a nurturer is beyond me." Soulshard rolled her glowing, white eyes, giving a huff. "Fine, would you like me to continue?" "I thought you'd never ask," he grunted, before continuing to march back around the table. As Twilight Sparkle gave her a sympathetic glance, and 'Shining' a raised eyebrow, Ms. Soulshard then faced the crowd of students again, simpering. As she did so, Scootaloo caught Trixie chuckling slightly, sticking a playful tongue out at her. "Well, it appears I will be leading the activities for this evening... as Shadowed is..." She shot him a glare. "Very tired from his long trip." Shadowed merely stood motionless in response... SHIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGG!.!.! …Before unsheething a massive, glowing blue sword and beginning to sharpen it with a whetstone, ignoring the looks of awe from the crowd, and pretty much everything else around him. "Seriously, hunny?" Princess Congeria said, giving him a sarcastic smirk. "Ugh... be quiet, woman," he hissed, continuing to sharpen his blade. "Constant vigilance and a sharp sword. That's the only thing this school needs. To be honest, I'm happy they brought most of the children here. It makes guarding them easier. It's a perfect location to safeguard our youth, really, and that's all it is and ever will be to me: not a school, a fortress." Princess Congeria raised an eyebrow. "But don't you think you're frightening them a bit?" "Good, then I'm doing my job," he said, with not even a hint of a chuckle. "They need to be alert. A little taste of their own medicine won't hurt them, because even ghouls need fear. Fear makes you quick. Fear makes you tread delicately. And most importantly: it makes you as sharp..." He looked down upon his sword. "As a well-made blade." Princess Congeria rolled her eyes, before turning her attention back to Twilight. "As stated earlier," Ms. Soulshard continued. "Each of you will be divided into one of the four honored houses whose banners wave behind me!" She then gestured towards them. "Alright! Maybe we'll get into your father's house, Scoots," Sweetie chirped. "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, gazing at its banner longingly. "That would be pretty cool." "I just hope we all get placed in the same one..." Apple Bloom gulped. "I wonder how the whole thingamajig works." Almost as if to answer her question directly, Soulshard then continued with: "Now, each house represents the characteristics of the founders, of which will be elaborated upon shortly. Naturally, if you share the same traits as one of them, you will be placed into their house..." She then smiled warmly. "Though take heed: your say can and will affect the verdict of your placement. Choose wisely." She then glanced towards the massive, metal doors of the now freezing hall. "However, since the only ghoul who could possibly select your placement accurately is someone who could read minds, it's unfortunate that placements could be... miscalculated... unless we had someone like that among us, of course." The students about the hall glanced at each other worriedly. "Oh no! What if they make the wrong call and we all end up in separate houses!" Sweetie gulped. "I mean, the ghouls here are nice and all but I don't really want to-" "Hang tight, Sweetie, I don't think Twilight's done," Pipsqueak smiled. Indeed, Twilight then grinned widely. "Oh wait! We do happen to have someghoul like that!" Shen then cleared her throat before announcing, "everyone, give it up for everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood Eldritch Abomination, and both founder and leader of the House of Void, the Slendermare!" At that, the eyes of everyghoul (and even pony) in the hall widened in delight as the monstrosity that was the Slendermare slowly crept through the doors to it: his evil, black tendrils licking into the moonlight, and his blank face quirking about occasionally as if to 'scan' various fillies and colts. At that, a mass of black confetti fell from the ceiling, as a singing voice that sounded suspiciously like Pinkie's blasted from a loud speaker: "Slendermare, Slendermare! Friendly neighborhood Slendermare! Rapes your mind, (But with care), Friendly neighborhood Slendermare! Watch out! (OH GOD!), Here comes the Slendermare!" At that, the Slendermare halted in its treks, and Scootaloo could just tell it was giving Twilight Soulshard a glare. "Mmm... think I went overboard?" she said, sweat-dropping towards the teachers. "Nooo, it was fine," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "Not bad, Lich Queen," Trixie Elphaba smirked. "Pretty awesome if I say so myself, did you get Pinkie to record that on Nightmare Night?!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "It was perfect, sourheart," Princess Congeria beamed. However, Shadowed merely paused in his sword sharpening, before giving her a blunt, annoyed: "Yes.” Soulshard gave him another glare, before turning back towards the students and the Slendermare, who was now right before the platform the staff were on, it 'gazing' at the students. "Alright, Slendermare! Let's begin!" Soulshard chirped merily. "YAY, SLENDERMARE!" the students cheered. At that, the Slendermare silently crept a tendril to the back of Soulshard's undead head... before actually digging it through her skull and into her brain. The mortal ponies' eyes widened in horror, Sweetie's jaw nearly dropping. "OH CELESTIA! NO, SLENDERMARE, NO!" she shrieked. She then halted, noticing the ghouls in the crowd were gazing upon her as if she had lost her marbles, to which she grinned sheepishly at. "Everypony, relax," Soulshard smiled. "This is perfectly safe and normal! And by that I mean it definitely doesn't cause brain damage, right Slendy?" she continued in a hopeful, though slightly nervous tone. Slendermare merely shrugged. Soulshard's eyes widened in horror, before she gave a half-cough, half-laugh, and glanced back at the students. "Right! Totally safe!" "Ugh, and this was the acting headmistress," Bloody Tiara grumbled to herself. "Shut up, Twilight knows what she's doing!" Apple Doom growled, her yellow eyes piercing into (or through) the banshee. She then turned back towards her, gulping. "I think..." Twilight then took a deep breath, and nodded towards Slendermare. "Alright, go ahead." It gave another curt nod, before in the blink of an eye, Twilight's white, glowing eyes flickered off, revealing nothing but the black holes of her sockets, much to the continued unnerve of the mortals in the hall. However, after a second or so, she began to drone forth in an almost zombie-like way: "Greetings, honored students of Bogmorts. I am Tkla-wet'sra-srtrnotiumla-trian'osla-sra'ok-nor sara Trikno'lasthrila' de R'leh son Cthulhu-fs'da." "Oh come on!" Sweetie cried to herself. "How am I supposed to remember that?!" "...Though you may call me Slendermare," he continued. "I have assimilated this mind for use as a temporary way of simulacrum communication. And what a strange, maze-like mind it is. But I digress.... Long have I waited for the day when hooves, claws, and talons dare tread upon these ancient halls yet again, for Bogmorts is much more than just a school for some: it is a home, and it can be, if given the proper love: your life. Secrets hide from even my mind within these hallowed tunnels, towers, and dungeons, planted there by ancient forces beyond even the founders. On a red moon, perhaps you will have the chance to find some. Though perhaps you'll wish you didn't...." He then paused, before continuing with: "However, I am not here to talk about Bogmorts, as much as I'd love to. I am here to sort you into what may as well be called your family for the next semester and onward. For that, I will need to access your mind... The mortals in the hall gave a slight gasp, as well as some of the not-so-undead ghouls. The Slendermare sighed. "No, it will not be in this manner, it will be slightly more... pleasant. However, to continue, as stated by the Lich Queen: each house represents certain characteristics of a ghoul... of equal strengths and weaknesses. Some may have certain advantages over the other, perhaps, but in the end, it does not matter, for only together are we strong. You cannot build an empire with just soldiers, or fortify it with just builders. And you cannot hope to make their lives worth living without artists, entertainers and others of their ilk. Strength must be forged with unity and cooperation. It must be forged through the fires of synergy." Pipsqueak squinted an eyebrow, before smirking and saying: "I see what he did there." "However, sometimes it's best to keep these classes... separated," the Slendermare continued. And by now, you're probably wondering what the four founders represent. Though if you aren't, I'd say it's *time you've begun.*" The Slendermare paused, before continuing with an odd poem as his tendrils gestured towards the four banners, one each at a time: "Oh poor Blackfire who sailed to distant seas, Never have I seen one with more fire than thee, A heart of ice, I dare not say, Burning with desire it was each day. The one before you is of the timeless null, Filled with logical beings of wisdom and old, And from my homelands I give the gift, Of strengthening an already strong mind's lift. Nightmare Moon, a vessel of strength, Perhaps eternity will meet its length, And unlike her counterpart's woeful life, Her's spawns courage to parry strife. And then there's Sleighbell, the odd ghoul out, Who only wished for his time without, Petty conflict or inner strife, Nothing for all but peace-filled lives. Together these traits can be made to forge, An almost perfect, diamond sword, That which can cut through any manner of Hell, From beyond or from within thyself." He then stopped, his puppet Soulshard actually giving a hint of a smile, as the hall erupted into enthusiastic applause. "Heh, not bad, though he could have gone for more multi-syllabic rhyming words," Sweetie smiled. Scootaloo merely rolled her eyes, sticking her tongue out at her. "Not everyghoul is a bookworm, you know." "You mean uh... everypony," Sweetie said, raising a somewhat concerned eyebrow, and Scootaloo could tell it wasn't just because she had said the wrong pun. "Oh, heh... right," Scootaloo sighed. "Thank you for the warm applause," Slendermare said. "Now, let's begin the sorting, shall we? When I call your name, please come towards me. Then, when sorted, head to the table facing downward from the banner of your house." There was a pause, the ghouls and mortals in the crowd taking deep, anxious breaths, before Slendermare cleared his throat and called: "Dinky Stitched!" The somewhat apprehensive looking, but still smiling little ghoul Scootaloo had seen at the train station made her way to Slendermare. She then stood facing the ghouls in the hall, before giving a slight gulp. Slowly, the Eldritch Abomination touched a tendril to the back of her head, and after a few moments, it began to fluctuate ever so slightly, turning a blueish color. "Mmmmm... this mind is already on the road to peace... though there is some minor conflict within..." Slendermare said to himself. "You desire it more than anything else, however... Not a very hard choice, you are." After a moment, Slendermare took a deep breath before announcing: "WINTER HOUSE!" At that, Dinky gave a huge sigh of relief, before heading over towards the assigned table, the hall, including the teachers, stomping and clapping hooves. "Alright, Dinky!" Apple Bloom cheered. "Heh, she seems just as sweet-hearted as her counterpart, or as horrific-hearted as they'd say here," Pipsqueak said, clapping enthusiastically. "You know, I gotta say, with the whole counterpart thing this is actually making this pretty easy to get used to," Sweetie smiled. "Bloody Tiara!" Slendermare then called, her quickly making her way to Slendermare with a cocky grin on her face, the eyes of her friends following her intently. Slendermare then tapped his tendril against her head, before muttering: "Mmmmm... a storm brews within this one. You think the world doesn't give you enough, and you desire more... "Just hurry up and put me in Mortus House," Bloody said impatiently. Slendermare's puppet cocked an eyebrow. "I have not finished examin-" "Pleeeeeeease," she said, giving him puppy-dog eyes, at least the best a banshee could give. And as it soon turned out, even Slendermare was not resistant to them. "Very well, then.... MORTUS HOUSE!" There was a mix of enthusiastic and unenthusiastic applause as she made her way to Backfire's table, her giving a wicked smirk. "Wow, what a twist," Pipsqueak muttered, rolling his eyes. "Didn't see that coming like a bloody iceberg." "I just hope none of us get placed in the same house as her," Sweetie grunted. "Yeah, it'd be nice not to have to put up with her for once, at least her counterpart. Maybe we'll even be in separate classes!" Scootaloo said hopefully. "Vlad Seed!" Slendermare then called. Scootaloo's eyes widened as she spied a black cloaked, fanged version of Babs made her way to Slendermare. She looked strikingly like a female, filly version of Nosferatu. "Woah! I didn't even know Babs' counterpart was here!" she said, smiling slightly. "Oooo, and she's a vampire too!" Sweetie squeaked. Slendermare touched a tendril to her head, pausing in thought for a second, before announcing: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" There was more thunderous applause as the counterpart of Scootaloo's one-time bully made her way to Nightmare Moon's table, smiling proudly. "Heh, I guess she was pretty brave, facing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon like that back in Ponyville," Sweetie beamed. "I think that house suits her." "Do you think we're going to get into Nightmare's house, though?!" Apple Bloom grinned. "I mean, it's a pretty big compliment to be called brave n' stuff." “Mmm, I dunno… I mean, are you sure that’s the best house there is?” Sweetie said, quirking an eyebrow. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "What other house do you have in mind?" "Metus!" Slendermare then called, the group's new friend slowly rising to her legs and calmly making her way towards the Eldritch Abomination. "Good luck, Metus! I hope we get into the same house!" Scootaloo called. "I hope so, too," Metus said, and to Scootaloo's shock, with a hint of a smile. "It's been... interesting hanging around ghouls who actually..." She paused, before taking a deep breath. Scootaloo gazed at her sympathetically. She knew exactly what the young Fearling was about to say. "It's cool. Carry on," Scoots said, Metus nodding appreciatively before moving towards the Slendermare. "Personally, she still kind of creeps me out a bit," Pipsqueak muttered, Sweetie quickly elbowing him. "Aye matey, that be true-" Pipbossa said, before gaining an elbow from Apple Bloom as well. "Oi, we're bloody surrounded!" he cried to Pipsqueak, who quickly chuckled. "Mmmmm... a powerful mind is within you," Slendermare mused. "A hint of inner conflict though, as well, on multiple levels... for you desire inner-peace, but the duty to your people outweighs it..." He then paused for a second, before announcing: "VOID HOUSE!" There was a roar of approval from her new friends, a hint of a smile creeping on her once again. "Wow, I honestly didn't think she had that much of a brain in her," Apple Bloom said, blinking. Sweetie shook her head. "She's just... a little weird, not dumb.” Apple Bloom then gave a sigh. "Yeah... but this means I'm never going to get in the same house as her... so much for our group of friends..." Sweetie lowered an incredulous eyebrow at her, before shaking her head. "Nips!" Slendermare cried, a version of the slightly... annoying pony Snips making his way to him. At first, Scootaloo couldn't tell what exactly was so horrific about him, until he opened his mouth to say something... or his mouths, as it soon turned out. Like a certain horror monster who lurked in the depths of space, he seemed to have a double-mouth, a mini-mouth within the bigger one, that would leap out of the latter when he spoke. "Oh Celestia, I'm not getting to sleep tonight," Sweetie gulped, shaking her head. "Huh? I thought you said you watched Alien like five times!" Scootaloo said, grinning slightly. Sweetie quickly chuckled nervously, sweat-dropping. "Oh uh... did I?" "You were just trying to look cool on Nightmare Night, weren't you?" Apple Bloom smirked. "No..." Sweetie said. "Uh huh," Apple Bloom said, folding her arms, her smirk widening. There was a beat, before Sweetie continued with: "Ugh, look! Aliens just really freak me out, OK?!" she cried. The group giggled wildly. "WINTER HOUSE!" the sorting Slender cried, Nips double-ginning merrily before heading towards the table. "Give me Nosferatu any day, but keep space monsters away from me," Sweetie grumbled, hugging her chest with her arms. "Pipbossa!" Slendermare then called. "Oi!" Pipbossa cried, nearly jumping out of his seat as he dropped the apple he was munching on. He quickly sweat-dropped, his friends smirking at him. "Well, bloody hell! I just didn't expect em' to call me so soon," he grunted. "Good luck, pirate Pip!" Sweetie beamed, the undead pirate gaining a slightly envious look from the living one. "Thank ya lass, and if I don't see any of ya before the night's end... well metaphorically speaking, I hope it ain't our last meeting," he called. After a few more seconds, he positioned himself in front of everyone's favorite horrific Eldritch Abomination. "Mmmmm... well there's no mystery of who you are, Pipbossa," Slendermare said to him. "Well, though a simple lad I may be, that's a pirate's life for thee," he said, smiling slightly. "Bravery beyond leagues... and a hint of nobility too... I can see it within you without even looking! NOCTUS HOUSE!" "Wooo yeah!" Sweetie cheered, clapping enthusiasically. "Alright, Pirate Pip!" Scootaloo cheered. "HAHAHA! NOW WHERE BE THE APPLES AT THIS NEW TABLE?!" Pipbossa shouted merrily, before leaping enthusiastically over to his new seat. There were a few more names called, the anxiety within Scootaloo increasing more and more as the night went on. She could see it in her friend's faces as well. Not one of them wanted to be the pony to break their sacred trio, even if it did seem like they would be able to hang out with each other anyway. Pip also seemed to be a bit nervous as well, despite his usual calm demeanor. And Scootaloo had to admit, even if with a little guilt, that while she had always seemed him as a bit of a background item, she wanted him at her side during this whole crazy business. What was funny though, at least to Scootaloo's mind, was that none of them even seemed to know which house they wished to get into for sure, save for the one that didn't have Bloody in it. "Pipsqueek!" Slendermare called. "Oi! Finally," Pipsqueak cried. "The knot in my chest was getting tight enough to burst!" "Go for the House of Noctus!" Apple grinned enthusiastically. "Nono! The House of Void!" Sweetie smiled. The two then glanced at each other, squinting eyebrows. "I thought we were going to try to get into the same house!" they cried in unison. "Easy, girls," Scootaloo smiled. "Even if we don't get into the same house, we'll probably be able to see each other easily, no matter where we end up sleeping." "Mph," Sweetie said, folding her arms. "I still say we should all go for the House of Void. You guys totally have brains, you just need to use them once and a while!" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom gave her a blank look, to which she gave an apologetic smile back at. "A mortal mind... it's been a long time since I've examined one of yours... as equally complex as a ghoul's but with slightly different priorities," Slendermare muttered, the tendril touching Pip's head glowing red and fluctuating rapidly. Pipsqueak didn't respond. He merely took a deep breath. "I sense a lot of guilt in you... as well as anger, so much anger..." Slendermare mused. "However, you, like your counterpart are a being of bravery... and nobility, despite what title you may have had on the sea. But what do *you** want, Pipsqueak of the Black Pearl? Do you wish to find your inner light, or continue to face the darkness of the outside world with sword in hoof?"* "I... don't know," he squeaked, sinking his head slightly. "Very well then... I will make the choice..." Slendermare then took a deep breath, before announcing: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" Pipsqueak gave a slight smile, before making his way to the table, Scootaloo and her friends roaring in approval. "YEAH, PIP!" "Hah! I knew that kid had some guts," Rainbow Dash beamed. Sighing ever-so-slightly, he quickly made his way over to his counterpart, the two of them entering a conversation Scootaloo couldn't hear. "Sweetie Belle!" Slendermare then called. Sweetie's eyes immediately widened, her giving a deep gulp. "Oh my gosh oh my gosh..." she squeaked nervously, shaking as she rose from the table. "Don't worry, Sweetie! Just remember: anything but Mortus!" Scootaloo smiled, patting her on the back. "Right... no Death. Death is bad," Sweetie shivered, making her way over to the Slendermare, her nerve ever-apparent on her face. "Haha! The mortal looks like she's going to wet herself!" she heard Bloody Tiara call. Every single one of Sweetie's friends gave her a glare, including Rainbow Dash, though the smug grin on her face wouldn't go away. "Just ignore her," the little filly peeped to herself, as she stood in front of Slendermare, facing the crowd of ghouls. "She's just an even dumber version of Diamond..." "Don't worry, Sweetie Belle, you'll be fine no matter what house you're in!" she heard Twilight Sparkle call. "As long as she isn't asked to cook, from what Rarity says," Rainbow chuckled, Twilight rolling her eyes at her. Sweetie felt her mane being parted, and a cold, black tendril touching the back of her head, sending further shivers down her spine. It immediately began fluctuating, a little less than Pip’s, but still somewhat rapidly, turning a green color. "My, this is a treat… A number of mortal minds in one day to examine...," Soulshard the puppet droned. "You are a logical being, that's for sure. However, I also sense a lot of emotion in you... and passion. Mortus might be a decent pick." Sweetie rapidly shook her head. "Yet you have a desire to avoid desire, it seems, for some strange reason. There is nothing wrong with ambition, young one, as long as it doesn't completely overtake you..." "Not the kind of ambition Bloody has, though..." she squeaked. "Ahhhh... I see. You wish not to harm those around you while seeking out your goals, for you feel ambition would corrupt you. And you seem to have it all worked out in your head, too... interesting... interesting. My house might be a decent pick. However, Despite your logical nature... it takes a very brave person to face one's own inner demons more than anything. Still, you are a... tough decision. As mortals are proving to be today..." Slendermare's puppet actually squinted in thought. "I wonder what's taking so long," Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “Heh, please, I don’t think even Slendermare could figure our Sweetie out,” Apple Bloom stated complimentary, smiling. There was another beat of silence, the ancitipation among Sweetie and her group of friends building up to a rolling boil, before finally: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" both Pipsqueak and Pipbossa cheered, the rest of her friends going wild as well, stomping rear hooves and clapping like mad. "Heck yeah! I know I can get into that house at least!" Apple Bloom grinned. Despite it all, however, Scootaloo could detect a slight hint of disappointment on Sweetie's face, though the filly still beamed merily. "Apple Bloom!" the Slendermare called, the young filly taking a deep breath, before standing up. "You know where to look towards," Scootaloo smiled. "Heh, I wouldn't mind that or your pa's house, though, Scoots," Apple Bloom chirped. "Finding inner-peace sounds good nuff' for me." At that, she made her way to Slendermare, the now familiar routine taking place. His tendril vibrated ever-so-slightly, glowing a bright, brilliant yellow. ”Interesting… you already have a mind of peace. One that's already content... Sleighbell's house would be perfect for you," Slendermare stated. "Eh, as long as I aint' placed in that nasty ghoul Blackfire's house.” "Don't be so quick to judge her harshly, young one," Slendermare said, his puppet's eyes narrowing slightly. "She was once a great warrior... and a good friend. But all minds can be... tainted in time, depending on how rough they are shaken. As well as untainted." "Well, if she wants my respect she's gonna have to earn it," Apple Bloom grunted. "By not trying to hurt mah friends.” "You're very prideful as well... and from a very prideful family... one of great loyalty to those who they consider kin. A different, yet oh-so-similar mind to the previous mortal," Slendermare said. "You were willing to travel to an unfamiliar land, knowing there could be risks, to be with a friend who you may soon be just as... strange to you. Yet you're willing to stick to her like a butterfly to a flower..." "That's right," Apple Bloom said, narrowing her eyes. "Well then, there really isn't much else to analyze," Slendermare said bluntly, before shouting: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" The hall roared in applause, and again, Scootaloo was ecstatic. Still, she gave a slight sigh, a guilty feeling rising in her. A part of her felt... odd about wishing to be in Nightmare's house instead of her father's. "Man, are you sure Nightmare Moon is cool in this dimension? I wonder how she's going to react to having her house filled with us’ mortals?’" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight. "Oh, I think she'd be flattered actually," Twilight Sparkle smiled. "She seemed pretty nice when I met her, just a bit... insane. Though honestly, she's probably the most laid back princess I've ever met. I'm surprised that Winter house's qualities aren't her's." "Scootaloo Wintercall!" Slendermare then roared. "Speak of the devil," Rainbow said, smirking slightly. At that, it felt like the eyes of the world were upon Scootaloo. Slowly, she sat up from her seat, moving steadily towards the Eldritch Abomination with the light of the moon beaming down her. For one brief moment, she was at the center of all things, including a storm of raging emotions. A tendril touched the tip of her head, it fluctuating more madly than any other, and switching between multiple colors: red, blue, green, and black. "Come on Scoots, stick with your friends," Rainbow whispered to herself. Slendermare's puppet's eyes then actually widened. "My... yours is the most interesting mind yet, and that's saying something when dealing with a mortal's, child of Sleighbell. You have a great desire to be like and impress somepony nearby... one of a multi-colored shade. And that would imply ambition within you, or perhaps, to articulate it oddly: you have ambition to be ambitious." "I do... I really want to be like Rainbow," Scootaloo said hopefully. "She's the coolest mare in the world... and I don't think anypony understands me like she does." "Yet... you also desire to be like your father, someghoul you never knew. Possibly as a way to feel close to he who is so far away..." Scootaloo sighed, glancing downward. The Slendermare, naturally, was reading her like an open book. She was the one holding it open for him, after all. "And still, I sense much bravery, honor, and nobility within you. Something your father was too humble to admit he had. Him and Nightmare were very similar... we all were, really. You stood up to the Horsehood member days ago, using your brain in a time of stress, a gift not all have to bare against the darkness. You defended your friends against Bloody Tiara during her attempt to bully you into Blackfire's house... and stayed loyal to them. You were even willing to go with Blackfire instead of putting Rainbow Death in harm's way, which naturally, she did anyway. Yet still, your other traits are so... powerful." The tendril continued to vibrate, its color still fluctuating rapidly. "I could spend all day analyzing you, Scootaloo, but I must make a choice soon..." Slendermare then took a deep breath, as Scootaloo glanced about the hall, a dizzy feeling overtaking her. Twilight Sparkle threw her a warm smile. Rainbow gave her an encouraging grin. Trixie squinted an eyebrow, analyzing her as much as the Slendermare was. Pipsqueak winked. Pipbossa gave a hearty, pirate laugh. Sweetie and Apple beamed at her with hopeful eyes. Even Shadowed Armor silently turned his head her way, pausing in the sharpening of his blade. And then... the hammer fell.
Soulshard's SlumberThere was a strange feeling that came to Scootaloo, that odd, foreboding pause one may feel when standing before a massive wave about to crash down upon them, with the rest of the world, including that of her own, completely drowned out by the moment. And then, Slendermare took a deep breath: "NOCTUS HOUSE!" he roared, with enthusiasm Scootaloo thought he couldn’t possess. And then, as if pulled back to sea by a sympathetic god, the wave receded. She stood upon the beach, baffled by destiny's choice. A roar of thunderous applause boomed all about her, and she sighed in relief like she had never sighed before. She would be with her friends the entire semester, sleeping, eating, and generally having fun with them. Despite all the unwanted attention and sorrow she felt over her father, as well as the guilt of not wishing to be in his house as much as she thought she should, she would be able to pull through more easily than ever now. "Alright, Scootaloo!" both Twilight and Rainbow roared, rapping their hooves upon the stony floor. "I knew she was filled with guts, too!" Rainbow grinned, before taking a deep, prideful breath. "I guess she takes after her mentor." "Yeah, well hopefully she won't get too cocky and start kicking dragons in the face," Twilight smirked. Rainbow merely chuckled. "Hah! That dick had it coming and you know it!" "Get over here, Scoots!" Sweetie called, signaling her to an empty seat before continuing with a hurricane of applause. "One second, child," Slendermare's puppet said in its monotone voice, (and yes, Scootaloo was still unnerved by the fact a skull-pierced Twilight Soulshard had been leading the proceedings). Scootaloo halted in her tracks, raising an eyebrow, as she turned back towards Slendermare. "I just want to say: Nightmare Moon would be honored to have you in her house, that nutty ghoul. And I can also say for certain your father would be proud of you no matter which you were placed into, nor which one you *wanted** to be placed in."* His puppet then narrowed her eye-holes, however. "Though whatever you do, and I say this for your own sake: do not let fame get to your head. Thinking you have an advantage compared to every other ghoul is a sure-fire way to failure in my school. I've seen it with other students before of similar ilk." "Heh, no worries about that, Slendy," Scootaloo smiled, the mirth in her voice higher than it had been all day: hell, all week. "If there was a magic that could deflect the fame thrown on me away, I'd use it in a heart-beat." "Mph, perhaps you should speak to the Lich Queen about that," Slendermare said in a slightly amused tone, before giving her a light scoot with a tendril. "However, it seems you're on the road to keeping that oh-so-bothersome thing that is ego at bay. Good luck to you, child of dream and wake. Go make merry or whatever it is ghouls and ponies do." At that, she gave him a polite nod and a slight smile before heading towards her new table, it already filled with still-clapping ponies. The only ghoul who didn't seem to be applauding her was Bloody Tiara, though with a slight chuckle, she did catch Silver Tongue stealthily doing so, glancing about to see if Bloody was watching. "Congrats, Scoots!" Apple Bloom said, quickly giving her a hug, with Sweetie joining in. "I knew we'd all get in the same house!" Sweetie chirped with what could be described best as ‘happy anime eyes’. "When Ms. Soulshard said we had a say in it, I knew it's what we'd all want ourselves!" "Ugh... girls..." Pipsqueak muttered, rolling his eyes at the affection they were showing each other. "Oh come on, Pipsqueak, don't be such a spoil sport!" Apple Bloom smirked. "Come here, you crazy pirate!" Scootaloo grinned merrily, forcing him into the hug as well, as tight as it could be. He couldn't blush fiercer. "Oi! Ya lot forgotten bout yur guide?!" Pipbossa pouted, before giving a hearty laugh as Scootaloo rolled her eyes and pulled him into the hug as well, wincing slightly as his undead bones touched her. "Shimber me timbers! Never thought I'd be huggin' mortals and not scarin' the daylights out of em'!" "Heh, Nightmare's gonna be flattered when she hears about this," Applemoon smiled to herself. "All the mortals that came placed in her house? Who would have guessed!" "You're sure she'd be happy about that?" Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, two of them have sisters that kicked her counterpart in the face with weaponized friendship." "Oh yeah! Nightmare loves the mortal realm almost as much as Twilight," Applemoon beamed, chuckling slightly. "Without them, there'd be no Nightmare Night for her to scare ponies on! And though she dun like to admit it, Twilight always says she really wants to be both liked n' feared by them now that the black cat's out of the bag about us, as much of an..." She squinted in thought. "Oxy... oxymarion(?)... ugh, can't think of the word…." "Oxymoron," Twilight said in a helpful tone, raising a hoof. "Oh yeah," Applemoon said, faceclawing herself. "An Oxymoran it sounds like." "A swing and a miss," Rainbow chuckled to herself. "Mph... we'll see if the child is all she's cracked up to be," Shadowed Armor muttered, before tilting his head slightly. "I suppose I can sympathize with her position, however. Her fame follows her about like a swarm of bees. Something she never really wanted..." "Oh don't tell me you don't like being everyone's go-to ghoul," Princess Congeria grinned teasingly. Shadowed 'glared' her way in response. "Not really, because when ghouls 'go-to' me, half the time it's to announce our flank is collapsing..." He then gave a grunt. "Dear night, I hate this damned General's promotion... too many variables for my mind to handle in a real battle. Fame is a wind that always sails you in the wrong direction." The Siren Princess folded her arms. "You know what I meant, sweetie." She then lifted an eyebrow. "Though I have to say, it sounds like these 'skirmishes' you've been fighting are more than just 'skirmishes'." Shadowed gave a disgruntled groan. "Yeah... I'll talk to you about that later. I haven't written to you with the truth because of how worried I know you can get, but I guess I might as well spill it since they won't be able to cover it up much longer. All I can say is this: don't believe everything the media tells you." He then glanced towards Scootaloo suspiciously, quickly changing the subject... though naturally, to something just as grim. "You know... one of the Void Callers reported they sensed something unusual about the child... and Void Callers aren't something whose clicks you take lightly. I'm keeping my eye on that one." Princess Congeria rolled her eyes. "The sins of thy father don't always pass on, you know. She hasn't even met him!" "Mph, some would argue it wasn't a sin," Shadowed growled, before glancing back at Scootaloo. "However, I do know one thing: there are some things that can and will follow one up the family tree, and I'm not just talking about genetic traits. We'll see if I'm right or wrong, but I hope it's the latter." As he spoke, the sorting Slender continued to call names and houses. "Silver Tongue!" Slendermare called. "MORTUS!" she was placed in. "Woooo yeah!" Bloody cried, though honestly, Scootaloo could sense a slight hint of... reluctance on Silver Tongue's face. "Nails!" Slendermare shouted, a version of Snails who seemed to have rusty nails sticking out of his head making his way to him. Or pins... she couldn't tell for sure, though she could see that his chupacabra-like, bloody pools for eyes couldn't seem any more saturated with apprehension. "WINTERCALL!" "ALRIGHT, NAILS!" Nips cheered, his second mouth leaping enthusiastically out of its primary one. Then came Scootaloo and her friend's counterparts. And though she wished for all of them to be in the same house as her, the whole Lycan thing could have been an issue... "Rotten Belle!" Slendermare shouted, the ghostly version of one of her best friends making her way to the sorting Slender... and oddly enough, the tendril seemed to touch her head like any other, like she wasn't an entity completely made out of what might as well be smoke. And stranger still, despite her being a being of the afterlife, Scootaloo still saw a bit of fear on her face. "VOID HOUSE!" Slendermare roared, Rotten the Friendly Ghost beaming merrily and making her way to the table, seating herself next to a still lonely-looking Metus. "Apple Doom!" Slendermare called, the Lycan version of Scootaloo's other best friend making her way up to him. "WINTER HOUSE!" he cried, a look of both disappointment and mirth on her face as she headed to the table, applause following her the whole way. "Awww, that sucks. I was kind of hoping they'd be in our house, or at least all together," Sweetie frowned. "Yeah, that's kind of weird," Apple Bloom said, squinting an eyebrow. "Scootaweb!" Slendermare called, the spider-pony quickly scurrying over to him, a look of pure-nerve on her face Scootaloo thought she probably had on as well. Both her and Scootaloo waited in anticipation, as naturally, this was the counterpart the latter had been waiting to be analyzed all night. "MORTUS HOUSE!" Both of their eyes widened, though she could detect a hint of a smile on Scootaweb's face. Scootaloo couldn’t have felt any more disappointed, however, both for the fact that her counterpart seemed to be like her a lot, and was now in Mortus, and the fact that she was hoping to spend time with her. "Woah, Mortus house?! I didn't think she was like Bloody or nething!" Apple Bloom said. Sweetie shook her head, before saying like she was quoting someone, or some Slender, "ambition isn't always a bad thing." As Scootaloo shook an incredulous head after glancing upon the road not taken, she felt she was no longer really interested in who was put where, and at that, her and her friends continued to dine, chatting and celebrating the rest of the night. "Archer Windrunner!" The Slendermare cried, an undead, black-eyed version of the filly Archer making her way from where she sat. "Er, actually, I go by my middle name, 'Slyvanus,'" she peeped, smiling at the Slendermare, to which he actually gave an apologetic look back at, before announcing: "MORTUS HOUSE!" And the names continued... on and on into the night, as the commotion and celebration in the hall gradually diminished to tired chatting. "Moon Glimmer!" "NOCTUS HOUSE!" "Twisted!" "VOID HOUSE!" "Mini-Burns!" "VOID HOUSE!" "Mmmm... excellent, excellent." "Gak Attack!" "MORTUS HOUSE!" Finally, as Slendermare's puppet took a deep breath and cleared his throat, it appeared all of the four hundred to five hundred ghouls were sorted. "Congratulations to all for wherever you were assigned," Slendermare announced. "You may or may not have gotten where you wanted, but I can assure you that you have all been placed where you belong. Unfortunately, though, these assignments are here to stick, but I'm sure you will all grow to love your new homes if you examine the good things about the traits they represent, instead of simply the bad ones. Now, I believe I've talked more than I have in three centuries, which is probably growing tiresome to all of us. I will be giving the honored Ms. Soulshard her mind back to her now. Good luck to you all. It is unlikely any conversations in the future with me will be more than... one sided." At that, he ripped the tendril out of the undead Twilight's mind, her white pools for eyes flickering back on as she shook her head in a daze. Immediately, she gave Slendermare a joking glare. "Slendermare, you got that song stuck in your head stuck in mine now!" Slendermare quirked his head in an almost innocent-like expression. Ms. Soulshard folded her arms. "This sound familiar?" She took a deep breath before singing: "Things that bother you, Never bother me, I'm so happy and fine! Burning in the sunlight, Haunting in the moonlight, Having a wonderful time!" Ms. Soulshard finished, tapping her hoof in annoyance as Slendermare merely shrugged in response. Twilight then rolled her eyes, giving him a sarcastic smile before turning every which way around the hall and saying: "Anyway, as Slendermare said, congratulations to all of you for your chosen houses! I was aware during the whole, horrible ordeal, so there's no need for me to catch up on anything." She held up a hoof. "Remember though, only with diligence, perseverance, and fortitude, can we help you to help yourselves in Bogmorts! But most importantly," she said, her eye's becoming laced with a manic look before she roared: "ALWAYS READ YOUR TEXTBOOKS, FOR THE LOVE OF THE NIGHT! STUDY! STUDDDDDDYYYYYYY!.!.! OR THE LANGOLIERS WILL COME AND GOBBLE YOU UP!.!.!.!.!" The entire room blinked. Mouths parted. However, Twilight Sparkle merely smiled, nodding her head as if to say, 'I like this ghoul. She knows.' And for some reason, Scootaloo heard Dinky give a tiny, disbelieving giggle. Soulshard then took a deep breath, putting on a sheepish grin. "Well, at least that's what my parents always told me." She cleared her throat again, nodding towards the staff table "Now then, since we do not have any prefects selected yet, you will be led up to your house dormitories by their respective leaders." There was renewed sense of commotion, as four ghouls (and one Eldritch Abomination) took position before the staff platform, calling various houses over to them: "Alright, Void House, you're with me!" Twilight Soulshard chirped, gesturing the students over towards her and the Slendermare, the various students of it quickly complying. "Mortus students! The Great and Powerful Wicked Witch of the West demands your presence!" Trixie Elphaba called, with spirit she seemed to have found since the Nightmare Night incident. "Winter House, you'll be following me," Flutterfright squeaked, half of her students still staying at their seats, apparently having ignored her. "Well... if you're not too tired that is. I mean, we can always stay a bit..." "Come on, Flutterfright: backbone!" Rainbow Dash encouraged her. "Ugh, you're like my Fluttershy before she went through that assertiveness thingy." "Oh my... but I don't want to seem too demanding to the little dears," Flutterfright peeped. "You're right, Flutterfright, ya can't show too much assertiveness, or they'll just think yur on a power-trip, or just a mean spirit in general," Applemoon advised. "But if ya show too little they won't come to ya at all. Watch n' learn." She then winked, took a deep breath, before calling in a stern, loud tone: "All Winter students please line up next to Flutterfright here!" Those who had been ignoring her quickly turned their heads, before tiredly sauntering over towards the yellow vampire, Flutterfright sulking her head slightly with a sigh. Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow. The only remaining ghoul was someone who she had not expected to even be a teacher. "All Noctus house students, please come to me!" Princess Congeria called with a light smile, Scootaloo and the rest of her massive house making their way over to her. As she grew closer, she began picking up details he hadn't seen before about the Siren Princess, including a set of gills etched on her neck and almost flipper-like protrusions extending from her hooves. "What?!" Pipbossa growled, his eye twitching ever-so-slightly as he trotted. "She's the bloody leader of the house of courage?! What yellow-bellied black-spotted Leviathan-humping foal put her in charge?! I wouldn't be sayin' lurin' wicked sailors to the blackened drink with their bloody singin' be courageous!" He then gave a sarcastic laugh. "If that's courage than ya can call me Jack Sparrow!" Pipsqueak's eyes widened, before his suspicion-filled eyes glanced upon Pipbossa, who didn't seem to notice them. At that, the houses all went the same way at first, out of the Great Hall and towards a smaller stone room Scootaloo hadn't seen before, it filled with a number of green, glowing portals. "Alright, everyghoul! This is the main teleport hub,” Twilight Soulshard announced. “It contains portals that lead all over the school. Each is labeled, so it's unlikely you'll be able to take the wrong one, but take heed: they are controlled by forces outside our own... and sometimes like to play little 'pranks' on students. That meaning you might end up in an area of the castle you didn't wish to go... or in rare cases, one of the other holiday realms...." The Group's eyes widened, to which Soulshard chuckled at. "Just kidding! At least about the last part." However, a new, yet familiar voice soon contradicted her: "Haha, nice save widdle Soulshard, but it’s definitely no joke," Princess Trollestia called, grinning wickedly as she floated into the hub. As the students glanced upon her curiously, Soulshard gave a long, annoyed moan. "Ugh, princess, can't you go bother Shadowed or someghoul else!?" Princess Trollestia frowned. "I tried, but when I did he stuck that magic sword of his right through me! It actually hurt!" She gestured down to a hole through her chest, the group giving a collective wince. "Hehe, but that's alright! That gives me more time to give our lovely widdle students the rundown of the school..." she continued, still grinning wickedly. "And to tell them about its... history." At that, she began to float around the hub, Soulshard rolling her eyes. "It's true that you can wind up in some of the other holiday realms..." Trollestia chirped with a hint of a sinister edge. "But being exposed to the overly-jolly cuteness of Hearth's Warming Eve is the least of your worries." Her eyes narrowed, though her grin widened. "Do you all want to know why the school was closed down in the first place?" "Ooooo, this sounds like a scary story!" Scootaweb smirked. "Go on, tell us!" "Yeah! Come on, let's hear it!" "Heh, I almost forgot everyghoul in the Nightmare Realm likes being scared," Twilight Sparkle smirked, walking into the hub with Rainbow at her side, who immediately narrowed her eyes at Princess Trollestia, almost as if she could pick out who she was in an instant. "There's good scaring, and then there's bad scaring, and Princess Trollestia is notorious for the latter," Soulshard grunted, before shivering slightly, a haunted look coming upon her. "And if this is the tale I think it is... I don't want to hear it." The students didn't seem to catch this look, though the rest of the staff gazed upon her with wary, but curious eyes. "Awwww, I can't believe the queen of scares is going to deny them of a good one," Princess Trollestia smirked towards her. "Come on, Twilight! Let her tell the story!" "Pleeeeease, Ms. Lich Queen." "Ugggh..." Soulshard moaned, gulping slightly as she gazed downward with eyes of the past, before sighing, “fine… go ahead." The princess of trolling smirked. "Very well then, here it goes!" She then gave a brief cackle, before dancing all about the hall as she took a deep breath and said: "Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, A tale that is sure to haunt your dreams, Have you ever wondered why this school is beyond time’s rot? That's because of what it draws from its chosen spot." ☼☼☼ Over nine hundred years ago, the four founders gazed warily upon a spot they had deemed perfect for construction... all except for one minor detail: it was covered in the remains of what was once a great, icy spire. "We can't build the school here," Blackfire said, narrowing her eyes. "This is where the rift to Null Space is. Where we banished him after... dealing with him. If someghoul were to see it... there's no coming back." "But think of the power we could draw from it!" Nightmare Moon interrupted her, her eyes filled with wonder. "This school could outlast eternity with its energies! We could do things with it beyond any mortal or ghoul's dreams!" "Yes, but the risk... there's always the risk of someghoul looking into it... and it would take only a few minutes after that..." Sleighbell said warily. "Then we'll make sure that doesn't happen. We'll place it in a sealed room where it can never be discovered!" Nightmare said, before lifting a hoof. "However, with my powers we should still be able to make use of it from a distance! I'll just need to channel its essence properly..." ☼☼☼ "Unfortunately, even her judgment can be wrong as it was found, For as said, trust in these portals cannot be completely sound, And it would cost my sister oh-so-dearly, When one day her own student was caught in Sleighbell’s theory...." ☼☼☼ "D-Dear night, NO!" Nightmare Moon shrieked, tears dripping onto a stone floor as she stood by a bed holding a barely living Twilight Soulshard. "P-Please tell me... p-please tell me she didn't gaze into it for too long!" "I-I'm afraid we only found her by chance," Blackfire squeaked, a lump in her throat so large it nearly blocked her words. "She was missing for an entire day..." She then gave a shiver, slowly shaking a downward glancing head as she whispered, "imagine it... only a child... staring into all of time and space... it was too much even for her mind..." "So many worlds..." Twilight squeaked to nopony but herself, her voice growing weaker by the second as her eyes remained sealed shut. "S-She's still speaking?" Nightmare Moon said in a hope-filled tone. Blackfire glanced away from her. "It's just... ramblings, Nightmare, echoes… T-There's nothing either of us can do. I’ve already escorted her soul to the gates… S-Soon, she’ll be gone..." "...S-So many universes before our own..." Twilight continued, her voice now a whisper, tears now squeezing out of her lids, her tone as pained as her teacher's. "We are all... echoes.... rhymes... dust in the wind... all dust in the wind..." she continued. "One blink... one thought..." She gave a horrible shudder. "... and it's all gone... oh, you were so beautiful... holidays of heart... and your cities... of gray and black..." She shook her head ever-so-slightly, a small smile actually coming to her face. "No... of *gold*... of blood and sweat... such passion... so alien... yet you were so..." She paused. Nightmare gulped. The room came to a standstill. And then came her final words: "Beautiful... Winter…" At that, her breathing halted. And she was no more. Nightmare Moon collapsed upon the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, Blackfire gazing at her with cold, yet sympathetic eyes. … After what seemed like an eternity, she finally stood back up, gazing down upon her deceased student, while trying to dam an undamable river of tears with a hoof. "W-Why... w-why did you always have to be so curious?" Nightmare whispered, her tears now dripping on Twilight's face as she knelt down to her level, nuzzling her cheek. "W-Why couldn't you have just said: no! I should just turn back... find a way out of here…" She then turned towards Blackfire, the latter taking a deep breath as she glanced away from the moon goddess. "W-Well, aren't you forgetting something?! Go ahead! Tell me 'I told you so!'" Nightmare growled, a sudden shade of anger in her voice. "Come on! I'm waiting for it!" A beat. Nightmare Moon stood trembling. "I'm not going to say that," Blackfire finally said, her eyes narrowing. "But I will say one thing..." ... She then shook her head, shivering slightly. "T-This is the last straw... I can't take it anymore... I-I know I've... escorted a lot of good people before, but... I just can't... w-with Sleighbell... still sleeping..." Nightmare took a deep breath, shivering yet again. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that..." Blackfire merely smiled sorrowfully at her in return. "It's alright…" she said in a soothing tone, placing a warm hoof on her back. There was another second of silence, before Nightmare began shaking her head, her eyes narrowing in a stern resolve. "N-No, no it's not alright!" she growled, still shaking her head rapidly, her tears flying every which way. "N-Not alright at all! It's not happening again! I'm not losing anyone else! I'm not losing Twilight!" Her horn then began to glow a piercing purple, as her mind rapidly descended into chaos. "What are you doing?!" Blackfire gasped, before her eyes widened in realization. "No! That sort of necromancy... you can't! She's already beyond the golden gates! She'll *hate** you for it!"* "S-She'll never hate me," Nightmare said, her voice a half-a-squeak at this point. "S-She could never hate me... s-she's my student... nono... she'd never... s-she'll thank me... she will! S-She won't remember anything she saw!" She then stamped a hoof, before roaring up at the heavens: *"YOU’LL THANK ME!.!.!"* And the light of her horn became as brilliant as any sun's. ☼☼☼ "THAT'S ENOUGH!" Soulshard roared, the eagerness and intrigue in the young ghouls' faces around her giving way to shock. "Ms. Soulshard, are you OK!?" Silver Tongue eeped, gaining a glare from Bloody. "W-What's wrong? Did she know the student?" Rainbow trembled. "Sourcube... it's OK..." Applemoon said, moving to her side and nuzzling her. "It's alright... your friends are all here..." "It was a long time ago..." Trixie whispered, nuzzling her as well. "Nothing to dwell on, Twilight..." Still, Soulshard's rage continued to boil over into her expression. "Oooo, looks like I hit a widdle nerve," Trollestia giggled as she held a sarcastic hoof up to her mouth. "Watcha gonna do, Sniffle Queen; going to go cry to my dearest sister? Or how bout your big, bad brother? You mad, Twilight?" "BUCK OFF!" Soulshard roared, snapping towards her as her horn began a threatening glow. "Dawwww, she is mad!” Trollestia chirped, now prancing about, before singing in a childish tone: "The widdle girl who took a peak, At something no eye should ever meet, And whose poor teacher just couldn't let lie, That it led her student to close her eyes. Hehehehehe!" "Oh my gosh... it was her..." Rainbow whispered in awe, unable to take her eyes off the Lich Queen. As Scootaloo's jaw nearly hit the floor, a look of pure spite that she had never seen before came upon her new teacher's face. "I SAID, BUCK OFF!.!.!" However, just as she was about to perform a spell, a glowing blue sword came out of nowhere, decapitating the ghostly Princess in one, lightning-quick motion. "Word of advice, bitch," Shadowed Armor growled, landing with a tremendous CLANK! and glaring at her as she began scampering about the floor like a headless chicken. "Don't mess with someone's sister when her brother owns a haunted blade." The students of the group's jaws dropped, gazing up at Shadowed with both a mixture of fear and wonder. SHIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNG!.!.! He merely shrugged, sheathing his sword. "What? She's a ghost. She'll get over it," he said coldly, before glaring at her again. "Though that's the thing about them: they don't meet the law of equivalent exchange. They can dish out more than they'll ever have to answer for if they abuse the gift they were given." He then gestured towards the portals. "Now, I believe you have some sleep to get. Classes are still at 0700." Clank! Clank! Clank! He then turned, moving out of the room without saying another word. After that, the mood was beyond tense, at least for those who knew Ms. Soulshard. The rest of the ghouls, however, still conversed about themselves merrily as they made their way into separated quarters. By the time Congeria had led them to their dormitory, though, Scootaloo felt ready to collapse. She was barely aware of what was going on as she made her way to the first available bed she could find, placed Fangs on its nearby nightstand, and glided into a deep, haunted sleep.
Morning GhoulScootaloo awoke the next morning to the curious squeaks of Fangs. It was sort of a relief, as her previous night had been filled with strange dreams about what seemed to be a land decorated in candy canes, bright lights, and factories, though she had no idea why this was. "Good morning, dear," a ghostly, surreal voice called from before her bed. Scootaloo gave a yawn, the world around her still hazy. "Good morning, Rarity." Her eyes then widened. "Wait, what?!" There was small laugh, before her world came into focus, and sure-enough, floating about the girl's dormitory was a ghostly, transparent version of Rarity. "I'm afraid you've got the wrong fashionita," she said with a slight chuckle, her horn glowing brightly every few seconds as she summoned various small pieces of paper that were placed on each student's bed table. "I am the appointed ghost of Noctus tower, you see. I'm here to make sure it's kept fabulous!" "Oh, that's right... you're uh..." She winced, trying to think of the right pun. "You're Scarity, right?" She gave a nod, smiling warmly her way. "That is correct." "Hey, Scarity!" Scootaloo heard Sweetie chirp merrily "Oh, hello dearest!" Scarity chirped back, not surprisingly in a sisterly-like tone. "I must say, I'm glad you three at least made it into Noctus! I can't believe my dear Rotten would avoid her sister like that!" she huffed. "Awww, don't feel bad," Sweetie said. "We didn't really have that much of a say in things. She was just too smart for her own good!" Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom, now just waking up, tossed her a look. She raised her eyebrows. "What?!" "You do realize you're essentially tootin' your own horn," Apple Bloom smirked sarcastically. Sweetie simpered slightly, chuckling. "Oh, heh... whoops, didn't mean to sound so... arrogant." "Eh, it's whatever," Scootaloo said, yawning as she rose from bed and fluttered her new batwings, which she had to admit, after giving them a glance, looked pretty cool. She just wished she could still see her own reflection to check them out fully. "Well, I do suppose I should be proud of her, then," Scarity smiled. "I wasn't there for the proceedings. I was too busy setting up Noctus tower, or at least adding to what Nightmare Moon put here! I'm sure you'll find her common rooms most luxurious!" "Sounds awesome!" Scootaloo said, before giving a curious glance towards what Scarity was passing out. "Whatcha handin' out, though?" "Why, your schedules, dear!" Scarity said. "I thought it'd be nice for you to be able to know your time-tables right off the bat." "Thanks, Scarity," Sweetie beamed, before taking a glance at her schedule. Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, before slowly picking hers up as well and giving it a look over. Monday Classes Vampiric Instinct Control - Flutterfright - 7:45 AM Basic Mathematics - The Count - 9:00 AM The Other Side - Twilight Sparkle - 11:00 AM Cooking With Slicey - Pinkie Slice - 1:00 PM Killing Dark Creatures (And Being Awesome While Doing It) - Rainbow Death - 3:00 PM Basic Potion Crafting - Zehorra - 4:30 PM Scootaloo smiled slightly. Vampiric instinct control was her first class. Though they weren't bothering her as much lately, she was still happy she'd be able to get a head start on it. Merrily, she turned towards her friends, who were still looking over their schedules. "Hey, did any of you guys get Twilight's class?" she asked. "Yeah!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Heh, too bad I won't have much of a leg up there, though. Never was much for history in regular ole' school, if that's what it's about." She then scratched her head, groaning. "Ugh, I also got math with someghoul called 'The Count’, though. I don't think I could count my way out of a paper bag." "Me too," Scootaloo sulked. "Same," Sweetie said, though with a hint of a smile. "This one sounds pretty neat, though," Apple Bloom grinned, reading off: "'Killing Dark Creatures - Rainbow Death.'" "Wooo yeah! I have that too!" Scootaloo beamed. "A class taught by Rainbow Death? How could that not be anything but unleaded awesome!" "I have that one too!" Sweetie smirked. "You know, I think it's safe to assume that any non-specialized classes, like magic for me, we're all taking together." "You got a class in magic?" Scootaloo said, perking an eyebrow. "Yup, with Princess Congeria first thing in the morning!" Sweetie grinned, waving her schedule around. "Basics of General Magic." "Mmmmmm," Vlad Seed grumbled from a nearby bed, her eyes fluttering open. "Ugh, could you guys talk any louder?" "Sorry!" they called together. At that, Vlad gave a yawn, rising from her bed and smacking her lips over her fangs. "Eh, it's whatever. Probably time for classes, anyway, isn't it?" "Woah! She's right!" Sweetie cried, pointing at a nearby grandfather clock. "It's almost 6:30 and I've got a class at 7:15! Shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot!" "Chill, Sweetie," Scootaloo chuckled. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time for breakfast." "Y-Yeah, but what if one of those portals takes us to the wrong place! What if we run into Princess Trollestia and she holds us up! What if-" "Are ya sure you're not Twilight's sister?" Apple Bloom smirked, before rising out of bed. "Come on, let's just relax and go n' eat!" With that, the three collected themselves before making their way into the commons, various colt ghouls from the boys dormitory already gathered there, discussing their schedules. True to Scarity's words, the commons were quite luxurious... for a ghoul's tastes. Naturally, they were (surprise, surprise) covered in cobwebs and darkly lit, with various pieces of ancient furniture settled about them. Still, it being Nightmare Moon's house, there was a bit of an astronomy theme. The ceilings seemed to have some sort of magic placed on them to make them look like a twirling night sky, with a brilliant, blue moon watching over them. There was also a small, transparent orb-like being floating about the ceiling, who delightfully cried: "Space! SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE! Yayyyy! Look at all the space! Who doesn't like space? Do you guys like space?! I like it! Oooo, planets! Stars! SPAAAAAAAAAACE!" However, to Scootaloo's surprise, in one small corner was a more brightly lit area, with fancy, real-world standard furniture sitting by a burning fireplace. "I thought that our mortal guests may like a little piece of comfort for their own," Scarity smiled, noticing Scootaloo was looking towards it. "A bit of home away from home, you could say." "It looks really nice, Scarity!" Sweetie beamed, before sulking a somewhat guilt-ridden head. "You didn't have to do that, though." "Nonsense," she chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I've haunted enough houses of the other side during Nightmare Night to know how they look, and I do enjoy a good challenge once and a while." At that, Scootaloo glanced about the room a bit more. There were a number of paintings on the wall whose eyes seemed to be following them, and on one wall a black slime of some sort seemed to be dripping down it, earning the winces of her friends. The whole thing looked positively creepy. The centerpiece of the room, however, was a small, stone well, which had a swirling, blue substance within it. "What's that?" Scootaloo asked the ghostly Rarity. "Oh, just something to perk you up a bit if you need it," Scarity smiled. "Dearest Pinkie concocted it en masse, though I think it was Nightmare Moon's original recipe." She then held up a foreboding hoof. "Don't drink too much of it, though, or you'll regret it later when you start crashing." "Oi, this stuff is bloody brilliant!" Pipbossa said, gulping down cup after cup in his fleshy form. "Bit of toad's wart n' black eel I tastes, me thinks." Sweetie gagged slightly under her breath, as Scarity winced at the amount of the stuff he was drinking. "Easy there, young ghoul!" she yelled, quickly aparrating to his side. "Drink too much of that and your soul will be aching later!" "Meh, souls are overrated," he shrugged, continuing to drink. "Uh... do you have coffee, by any chance?" Sweetie grinned sheepishly. "Down in the Great Hall, dear," Scarity said, snatching the cup of soul juice, or whatever it was, out of Pipbossa's hooves with bit of levitating magic. "Hey!" he grumbled, Scarity giving him a look that said he wasn't getting it back. "Oi! Fine, deny me of my good grade-juice..." he sighed, Scarity rolling her non-corporeal eyes. "So, did any of you guys happen to get Math or this Killing Dark Creatures class?" Pipsqueak asked, turning towards his friends. "Yep!" the Crusaders beamed. "Ah, good, I was afraid of uh... of leaving you guys all alone. Wouldn’t want that," he said, blushing Scootaloo's way. The vampiric filly merely chuckled. "It's alright, Pip, you won't have to sit all by yourself," Scootaloo said, sticking her tongue out. He quickly glanced away from her, his face turning redder. "Come on, yall, my tummy's starting to rumble," Apple Bloom complained, glancing about. "Though where's the darn door to this place?" "Over there, dear," Scarity said, gesturing towards what seemed to be a miniature black hole, accretion disk and all, twirling upon the wall. "Uh... that's the door?" Apple Bloom gulped, sweat-dropping. "I... don't know about ghouls, but black holes and mortals don't really... mix well," Sweetie squeaked, with an equal amount of nervousness in her voice. "Oh, don't be silly, it won't hurt a bit," Scarity said encouragingly, gesturing them forward. There was another beat of silence, the group continuing to glance upon it warily. Finally, Pipsqueak took a deep, brave breath. "Well, alright, I suppose if there's no other option," he said, leading his group of friends (Pipbossa included) towards it. It was quite bright for something in the Nightmare Realm, and at first, it seemed like it was just going to be any other portal. However, as they drew closer, the group gave a collective gasp... for soon they found that they were being pulled towards it. "Oh bloody hell! This feeeeelssss weeeeiiiirrrrrrrrrrd!" Pipsqueak cried. And to Scootaloo's horror, the closer he got to the black hole, the slower he seemed to speak. "Time distortion!" Sweetie gasped, desperately trying to back away from it now, glancing towards Scarity with pleading eyes. "Are you sure this is WOOOAAAAAAAH-" Soon, Scootaloo and her friends were off their feet. And to her shock, she found herself being stretched from the tip of her rear hooves, like a great force was tugging upon it and not the rest of her body... Though to be honest, it actually felt pretty good. Then, the group disappeared into the center of it, Scarity rolling her eyes yet again. "Mortals," she chuckled. "SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEEEE!" Scarity gave a glare, wincing slightly. "Ugh! Not so loud! Don't make me get the broom again!" ☼☼☼ A second later the group was deposited less-than-gracefully within a massive, stony hall, having come from a bright, white version of the black hole they had entered behind them. "Ugggggh," Sweetie groaned, groggily rising to her hooves. "I'm not sure if that's the coolest thing that's ever happened to me or the worst..." "Mmm, well, I'm sure we'll get used to it," Scootaloo chirped optimistically, before gesturing them down the hall. "Come on; let's go find the portal to the hub." ☼☼☼ After about five minutes of searching, they eventually conceded they had no idea where they were going and asked one of the various, animated portraits on the hall for directions. Finally, they were back at the Great Hall, with little time remaining (at least for Sweetie). She scarfed down her breakfast in a blur, before smiling her friends’ way and jetting towards her first class, a jovial grin on her face Scootaloo hadn't seen since the time she won the Sisters’ Social. Obviously, learning magic meant a lot to her. Finally, the clock struck 7:30, and Scootaloo bid ado to the remainder of her friends as she made her way to the portal hub, viewing, to her amusement, Princess Trollestia's body still scampering around, looking for her head. (Scootaloo vaguely remembered seeing it on a blue, glowing pike in the Great Hall, obviously courtesy of Shadowed. Though she supposed her body didn’t know that.) Finally, she stepped into her first class. It was bland for the most part, though very dark considering it was for vampires. Still, she found she could see pretty well. She just wished Fangs was with her to enjoy the 'sights', for she had let him go earlier to explore the castle. Weirdly enough, she found herself being one of the first students there. Though soon, many more began to saunter in. Most of whom she had never talked to before save for Vlad Seed. Finally, when the twenty or so seats were filled up, Flutterfright entered the room, looking nervous, but determined. "Good morrow, class," she said. "Good morrow, ma'm," the class replied groggily. "M-My name is Flutterfright," she squeaked, composing herself slightly. "I'd tell you about myself, but... that probably wouldn't interest you that much..." The class seemed apathetic, though Scootaloo, feeling sorry for her, quickly beamed her way: "Of course it'd be interesting! Who doesn't want to hear about one of the Elements of Fear?" At that, the class showed a bit more enthusiasm for the prospect. Scootaloo smiled slightly to herself. At least her fame could be used as a tool for decency, and not just an annoyance prodding her every second. "Yeah, let's hear it!" Vlad Seed chirped. "I vould very much desire to hear it as well," another vampire said, who Scootaloo recognized from the assigning as Alucard. "W-Well, alright..." Flutterfright said, smiling slightly. "If it’s alright with you, h-here it goes. Flutterfright then gave a brief recap of her life, including her activities at the most recent Nightmare Night, and to Scootaloo's satisfaction, the class actually seemed to be at least somewhat interested before she finished up a few minutes later. "Now, then," Flutterfright said, a bit of confidence gaining in her voice. "You're all probably wondering why Instinct Control is an entire class, and not just a portion of a more general one. The answer to that is simple: it takes a lot of practice to master. I know some of you probably don't mind feeding off others, especially mortals, but I personally find it... s-somewhat distasteful. Um... no pun... intended? And even so, there will always be a time where you need to keep it at bay." Scootaloo gave a smile. At least this teacher and she seemed to have a somewhat similar mindset. "N-Now, I will start you off with the theory on how to control it, as well as some techniques. And then, at the end of the week, you will be given a test that will judge your ability to handle yourself... with live prey being brought in the room. On the day of it, all blood fountains will be turned off... as... cruel as that sounds, I suppose.” There was a grumble of disapproval in the room, though noghoul seemed to object further. "Anyway" Flutterfright said. "Instinct control is not about fighting the voice in your head directly. It's about learning to simply ignore it. This may seem easy enough, but at times, it will become grating. Only time itself will help you fully master doing this, as you gradually become less perturbed by it and more comfortable, but there are certain techniques I can teach you that will help keep it in the back of your head, the main being meditation." "Ugggh... seriously? We're going to be learning how to meditate? How boring can you get!" one of the vampires groaned from the back of the room. "Well, I know it sounds boring," she whimpered, before a small, black bunny with glowing red eyes who had been standing by her prodded her slightly, which seemed to snap her into a more assertive modus operative. "I mean- I'm sorry if you feel it's... beneath you!" Flutterfright growled, surprising Scootaloo with a bit of a backbone. "B-But it's the best way to control it. The calmer you are, the easier it is to deal with. One of the most famous vampires in history, whose daughter sits right before you-" Scootaloo simpered slightly, sulking her head in embarrassment. "-once said that your instincts are like an annoying troll. Arguing with it can be called 'feeding the troll.' Don't feed the troll and it will eventually get bored and saunter off back to whatever basement it crawled out." 'She lies! We's no troll! Don'ts listen to her! She's a faggots! She's retardeds stupids! She's a retardeds stupids faggot!' her instincts suddenly growled. "Ugh, shut up will you?! I'm trying to pay attention!" Scootaloo whispered to herself, before wincing at the fact she just fed the troll. 'Hahas, there is nos stopping me! Feeds me Scootaloo... feeeds me all night long...' "Celestia, strike me down... please just strike me down..." Scootaloo whimpered. "So... that will work against Princess Trollestia, too?" one of the students asked. "W-Why yes," Flutterfright nodded, before sniffing slightly and gulping: “well, unless she's pelting you with water balloons filled with liquid rainbow the night of the Yule Ball... when you have date with Nosferatu..." The class raised their eyebrows. "Not that that ever happened to me, though!" Flutterfright grinned sheepishly, before clearing her throat and saying: "Now, can anyghoul tell me exactly what meditation is?" A few ghouls raised their hooves, as Scootaloo desperately tried to block the voice in her head chanting: 'Fresh bloods is best...' Scootaloo gave a tremendous groan, as the class... and the morning itself dragged on and on. ☼☼☼ Basic Mathematics 9:00 AM "I hate math... I hate math... I hate math.... Math sucks…. Math sucks..." Apple Bloom muttered to herself, all but banging her head on her desk as a purple-coated stereotypically-dressed vampire droned on and on their lesson. "Now! Vat comes after nine?" he said, grinning. "Ten!" the class chirped. "Yes! Ten! Ah ah ah!" he laughed. "Good Celestia, does he think noghoul here learned how to count?" Sweetie whispered to Scootaloo, who merely shrugged in response. At least this class would give her the chance to practice meditation. "Very good! You have all mastered the prime numbers!" the Count said merrily. "Now, for basic addition. Who here can tell me what one plus one equals?!" Sweetie all but facehoofed. "Ooo! Ooo! I know that one!" Apple Bloom chirped, raising her hoof. "Ves! You!" "Two! One apple added to another apple equals two apples!" Apple Bloom smiled. "Very good, young mortal!" The Count grinned. "Five points to Noctus House! Ah ah ah!" ☼☼☼ The Other Side 11:00 AM "Hello everypony!" Twilight Sparkle chirped, Spike standing near her looking bored as could be. "Or everyghoul, I should say!" she giggled to herself. The class stared at her blankly in response, as crickets chirped from… somewhere. "Uh, Twilight... maybe you should uh... stick to your guns, no offense," Spike said, quirking an eyebrow. "Er, right," Twilight simpered, before composing herself and saying, "Anyway, welcome to the first ever class in Bogmorts dedicated to teaching you the ways of the other side!" "Yeah, and I wonder why they didn't do it before?" Bloody Tiara growled. (This class had a mix of Mortus and Noctus students in it). "Oh, that’s right! Because it's friggin' stupid! Who cares about the other side?!" The other Mortus students giggled, Scootaloo quickly shooting them a death glare. "Actually, it wasn't my idea," Twilight Sparkle said, her smile not faltering. "I was asked to come here by Ms. Soulshard." "Surprise, surprise," Bloody grunted. "Our ever-competent former headmistress wants us to learn a bit about the oh-so-delicate mortals-“ Suddenly, she was halted by a hiss coming from the shadows. "Hmmmmm?" it echoed. At that, both Twilight and Spike stood stoically as Shadowed Armor stepped out into the damp light, the entire class's eyes widening as a collective gulp was given from both houses. "Oh, sorry everyghoul! I forgot to mention that Shadowed was observing this class," Twilight smirked. "Simply for my own curiosity's sake," he said softly, his armor standing still, and somehow, the fact his expression was hidden from everyghoul made him all the more menacing. "I want to see if this class is worth the time." Twilight took a deep breath at that, though her smile did not falter. "I'm sure it will be, Shadowed." "We shall see," he growled, before gesturing her onward. "Well, carry on, then. Impress me..." "Haha, she is totally screwed!" Bloody grinned. At that, Shadowed’s head snapped towards her so fast Scootaloo thought it was going to twist off its armor. "She's here to impress me, not you," he growled. "And I must say, showing disrespect to your teachers would normally lead you to finding yourself against the whipping board at the school I formally taught in." Bloody quickly gulped. "Luckily for you, though, we're not at the guard academy,” he said softly. “Twenty points from Mortus." The Noctus students giggled in delight, to which Shadowed quickly gave a growl at as well, their mouths immediately snapping shut. "Thank you, Shadowed," Twilight said, giving him a slightly annoyed look. "But if you wouldn't mind... it is my class." "My apologies," he said, without the least bit of a hint he was. "I will... refrain from speaking the rest of my time here." "Thank you," Twilight said, smiling, before clearing her throat. "Now then, I'm having Spike here pass out a small test that will allow me to accurately judge your knowledge of my side of the fence. Please fill it out to the best of your abilities. However, be advised that this test isn't going to be graded." There were sighs of relief at that, before Scootaloo turned towards Sweetie and whispered: "What's with the whole points thing?" Sweetie merely smiled. "It's a competition," she whispered back. "Whoever gets the most points by the end of the semester wins some sort of prize." Scootaloo's eyes widened, a competitive grin coming upon her. "Well, guess we have a goal to work towards, don't we?" "Scootaloo," Twilight said with a sarcastic smirk. "Something you want to tell to the rest of the class?" "Er, no ma'm," she gulped, straightening herself. "Sorry, ma'm." "It's alright, though everyghoul please try to keep the chatter down when there's a lesson in progress," Twilight said, a few groans emanating afterwards, to which she quickly rolled her eyes at, sighing. "Yes, I know it's no fun, but it's for your own good. The more you focus, the better your grades will be." "And the better of a teacher she'll look," Spike grinned from the front of the room, the class quickly chuckling. Twilight quickly tossed him a glare. "Shouldn't you be hanging out with your bony counterpart?" "Na, he said he's catching up with some old friends," Spike smirked. ☼☼☼ "Spyro, got any threes?" bone-dragon Spike grunted, sitting around a table in a hidden room with a few fellow, pint-sized dragons. "Go fish," the purple dragon smirked. "Awww man," Spike sighed, grabbing another card. "Ugh, this game is so stupid! Can't we just go... you know... hit the hubbly bubbly?” another dragon grinned deviously. “It’ll help you get back to sleep.” "Puff, that's all you ever want to do," Spike groaned. "And I'm made of bones! I can't get high on that stuff anymore!" "Dude, it's not the high that matters ... it's the... it's the moment, you know? The magic moment of hitting it that counts!" Puff the Magic Dragon oozed, his eyes sparkling. Spike face-clawed in annoyance. "You're such a bucking idiot, Puff." ☼☼☼ Cooking With Slicey 1:00 PM A strange, charred and burnt version of Pinkie danced around a boiling cauldron, now not wearing the curious clawed glove Scootaloo had seen on Nightmare Night, though her fedora still sat upon her head. She seemed to be a competent teacher for the most part, and the class wouldn't be so bad; if not for the fact she treated it like a horrible musical: "All you have to do is take some Eye of Newt, And add it to the mix! Now for something anyghoul's soul can consume, Some liquid Rainbow, just a pinch! Baking these treats is such a cinch! Just a teaspoon of Frog's Brain! Add a little more, and you count to four, And it'll never be a pain! Hellcakes! So black and tasty! Hellcakes! Don't be too hasty! Hellcakes! Hellcakes, Hellcakes, HELLCAKES!" The ghouls of the class applauded and hollered in glee as she finished, all except for the token mortals. "Where's the waste basket?" Apple Bloom said, her cheeks puffing out and green. "Yep, scurvy's sounding nice right about now," Pipsqueak groaned. Scootaloo, however, found herself to be less sick than... hungry. 'Hehehe, you likes it, don'ts you?' "Shush..." Scootaloo grunted. 'Fresh bloods is best...' At that, Scoots eye twitched. "BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-" "Whoops! Time's up!" Pinkie beamed merrily. "I'll see you all on Wednesday! Sweet dreams... hehehe..." There were a few groans of disapproval as the class packed up their things and made their way outside. "Uhhhh, does that sound totally wrong to anypony else?" Pip gulped. "Don't worry, she's not that creepy, she just likes tormenting people in their dreams," a ghoul said from nearby. "I feel so much better now..." ☼☼☼ Scootaloo and friends then sauntered out of the class and into the hall, most of them already looking tired. And the day was only half over… "Ugh... well that was kind of a drag," Sweetie said, grunting. "I liked my first class, though! Congeria knows her stuff when it comes to magic!" "Yeah, my first class was pretty cool, too," Scootaloo smiled. "Flutterfright's actually a decent teacher. And Twilight's class wasn't bad either." "Heh, yeah, cus we scored like thirty points to Noctus in it," Apple Bloom grinned. "I don't think Bloody's face could have been redder." A slight chuckle soon followed. "Eh, I don't know bout you lot, but Pinkie’s class was bloody wicked!" Pipbossa smirked. “Never seen anyghoul add Frog’s Brain to Hellcakes before, but I think it’s bloody genius now that I think of it.” The mortals gave him a blank look. "Wicked for a ghoul maybe," Sweetie grunted, before glancing towards Scootaloo. "So, what's next, anyway? I went and lost my schedule…" A curious look coming upon her, Scootaloo whipped out the small piece of paper, quickly glancing it over as a wicked grin came to her face. "Killing Dark Creatures with Rainbow Death."
Death's Tender HoofDeath's class turned out to be on the grounds in front of the castle, as much of annoyance as it was to the mortals of the group who had to go and grab sweaters. Luckily for them though, it was within a bubble-like snow-shield, which the white fluffy particles disintegrated upon when touching it. It was a pretty large area it covered, perhaps the size of a football field, with a sparse bit of grass sticking up here or there or a few dead trees. To add to the scene, Rainbow Dash had done her counterpart the favor (and most likely somewhat reluctantly) of clearing the storms away from above, so it was a pretty clear sight. However, though the snow-shield itself was somewhat interesting, it was what was in it that was truly intriguing... and somewhat nerve-wracking. Rainbow Death stood still, her mane flapping in the breeze, full black cloak, scythe and all, with a merry smile on her face that couldn't have meant anything good, along with four, large, rattling wooden cages of some sort. "Mmmm, what's got you so happy?" Applemoon questioned, trotting up to the scene and perking an eyebrow. Rainbow Death merely bounced Pinkie Pie style slightly, grinning. "Oh I'm just happy to be teaching, is all! Education is an important factor in creating a horrible society!" Applemoon lowered a suspicious eyebrow. "Uh huh," she said blankly. "You know, I usually don't see you this jolly unless something something's about to die you don't like... or only sort of like." "Mwah?" she said, quirking an innocent head. "Don't be silly, Applemoon! I handle my job with emotional detachment and professionalism!" "Explains those lockets of yours," Applemoon smirked, pointing to her collection of different shaped lockets that swung about her neck: one of a black cross, the other of a coiled serpent, and so-on. Deathie narrowed her eyes, her tone turning serious. "Hey, that's different and you know it. All wicked souls get what they deserve, because I make sure the law of equivalent exchange is always a law instead of just some cool sounding line on a piece of paper." "That why were you bouncing off the walls that time Jack the Ripper died in Canterlot?" Applemoon said, her smirk widening. "'Awwww man, he's going to be so delicious,'” she said in a mock Deathie voice. “'BEST. DINNER. EVER!''' Deathie merely chuckled in return. "Alright, alright, you caught me. Though he was very... tasty," she said, licking her lips. At that, a voice she had been expecting made itself known: "Uh... Rainbow. You don't... really eat souls, do you?" Scootaloo gulped nervously, her friends, Void House, and Noctus House coming into view. Rainbow blinked her soulless, black eyes innocently. "Of course not! What kind of wicked being would feed on something like that?" Applemoon rolled her eyes. "Right..." she muttered under her breath. "Anyway! Welcome to the international snow-bubble of awesome!" Deathie beamed merrily to the class before her. "I'm Rainbow Death, who some of you may know as the fastest grim reaper in Edeathstrian history!" The group let out a few cheers, and for once, Scootaloo was happy there was someghoul around more famous than she was. Though naturally, every group had its neigh sayer... "Well actually," Metus corrected, holding up a holey hoof. "That title belongs to-" She quickly closed her mouth when she noticed Scootaloo was frantically making a 'zipper' gesture on her own, looking her way. "Nevermind..." Metus peeped. Rainbow, ignoring the comment, grinned widely before saying: "Now, I know you've all probably been looking forward to this class the most, right? And I can't blame you! Because there's nothing more fun than killing stuff that's trying to kill you! But you know what's even cooler than that? Cutting out the middle-ghoul and having Death herself do it for you!” She soon smiled sheepishly, however. “…Which isn't going to happen that often. So that's why you need to pay attention while I show you how it's done!" She then cleared her throat before continuing with, "Now, a few of you might be thinking: what in Edeathstria might have us on the dinner plate? We're big, bad and scary! Nothing could touch us! But that's not true. Edeathstria is filled to the brim with non-sentient life who would just love to make little ghoul sandwiches out of each and every one of you, and I’m not just talking about those pesky zombies.” The group gave a collective gulp, to which Deathie gave a reluctant sigh at in return. "Don't worry too much though; most of them live in places you won't be seeing as a filly. But I guarantee that each of you will confront at least one monster in your life, and when that happens: you gotsta be ready. Now, for this first class I'm going to be doing something fun: just a simple demonstration, and then, after that, we'll be working on combat techniques designed to up your agility and reaction time, as well as studying every creature that might threaten you to the point where you'll be dreaming about killing them." She then took a deep breath. "Now, can anyghoul tell me what a Felhound is?" There were a few murmurs of confusion, before a holey hoof leapt into the air. "Yeah, what's your face, go ahead!" Rainbow called. "A Felhound is a creature from Null Space not native to Edeathstria," Metus explained. "However, they were brought in bulk as shock troopers by Artharius of Winter during the Great Edeathstrian Civil War, which he controlled telekinetically. When he was defeated, many went feral. And despite the annual hunts for them, many still remain, and usually operate in packs." Scootaloo and Apple Bloom glanced at each other warily. Rainbow Death nodded her head, impressed. "Haha! The geek is strong with this one!" she smirked, Metus sulking her head slightly, to which Rainbow immediately threw a guilty glance at. "Not that that's a bad thing, kid. You'd make my Twilight proud! Twenty points to Void House!" Immediately, Metus' mood turned one eighty as various members of Void patted her on the back, a look of mirth coming to her face Scootaloo hadn't seen before. “Mph, I could have answered that if I lived here,” Sweetie huffed to herself. “Oh come on, Sweetie... Metus needs this,” Apple Bloom grunted. Sweetie took a deep breath. “Yeah, you’re right…” "But yeah, before I get started with the demonstration, there are some very important things to remember," Rainbow said seriously. "Fighting dark creatures is not about having your power levels over nine thousand or anything stupid like that. It's about brains, reflexes, and tactics. Know your enemy: where to hit it to make the thing squeal..." "Oh dear night, I hope Flutterfright never finds out about this," Applemoon muttered to herself, shaking her head. "...Know how it thinks and all that jazz, but most importantly: know your own limitations." She then hovered in the air, flapping her single, long black wing. "Myself, for instance, though I hate to admit it: I'm more agility than muscle, so I'm not going to try to be trying to wrestle with these guys, as in hold their attacks in parry and hope I can somehow overpower them. Uh uh, I'd get friggin' killed... as bizarre as that sounds." She then held up a hoof, grinning. "Still, I have the advantage of flight, while Felhounds can only jump about like massive hell-spawned fleas... which means uh, *hint hint*, you might just want to fly away instead of fighting them unless you need to. But yeah, in addition, I also have knowledge of how to use my lovely little scythe here correctly as a melee weapon. She ain’t just for show, kiddos!" She quickly twirled it to a chorus of 'ooos' and 'ahhhs'. Rainbow continued to twirl it for a good few seconds, soaking up the fame, before a cough interrupted her from Applemoon. "Er, right," Rainbow simpered, before sinking the blade-end of it into the ground and continuing with, "So, have any of you ever listened to the radio show, Scarecraft: Terrors from Beyond?" "Ooo yeah! I listen to it all the time!" Rotten said merrily. "Zazzs is best Zerg!" Mini-Burns called. "He was most devious in his appearances. Nehehehe." "Are you kidding?! Daggoth is best Zerg!" Twisted shouted. "He totally outlasted all of the Cerebrates! Go underdog!" "You're both wrong! Overmind all the way! ‘Awaken my child, and behold the glory that is your birth right!’ BUAHAHAHAHA!" "Bah, but he turned out to be a wuss in the sequel, though..." "Guys, guys…. Overmind, Zazzs, and Daggoth are a weird way of saying 'Infested Duran is Best Zerg.'" "He's not a friggin' Zerg, though! He's a hybrid!" As the arguing continued, a voice eventually cleared the storm: "Oi! The lot of ya' are wrong! Infested Kerrigan is best Zerg!" The group turned towards the origin of the latest voice, that being smiling Pipbossa, looking at him as if he had just said the smartest thing in the world. "Yeah, that's true." "He's got a good point." "Queen Bitch of the Universe! Wooo yeah!" "I kind of liked Zeratul..." Metus squeaked, a few members of Void House giving her an odd look. The Crusaders glanced at each other in bafflement. "You know, I'm not sure if I even want to know what they're talking about," Sweetie groaned, shaking her head. "Alright, alright! That’s enough," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes, before smiling slightly. "Though I like Kerrigan myself, by the way, so five points to Noctus house!" "Wooo yeah!" "Good call, Pip!" "Ahhh... she's such a lovable bitch," Rainbow Death sighed, before clearing her throat again. "But anyway, Felhounds use similar tactics to Zerglings. Meaning they'll try to Zerg rush your flank into the ground by pouncing on you from all angles like they did to Jim Neighnor, that poor… poor pony space marine. They do not attack one by one by one like Astral Wolves would, showing some weird animistic sense of honor... if you could call it that." Rainbow Death continued to rattle on and on, and Scootaloo stared intently at the crates containing what she assumed were Felhounds. Something about them was captivating to her... and at the same time, she could feel emotion out of nowhere. Both hatred and anger... each burning like a fire. And it wasn't coming from her. It was coming from… somewhere else. "Scoots, ya OK?" Sweetie asked, poking her slightly. The world snapped back into view. "Er, yeah," Scootaloo said, shaking her head in a daze. "Just... got a weird feeling is all." "Alright!" Rainbow finally beamed. "Gonna' have to ask you all to step back, now. Don’t worry, though, they'll definitely be going for me, as they have an affinity for Death, but I don't want to take any chances!" Nervously, the group did as they were told, Applemoon watching Rainbow apprehensively, the rest of the group well, her having their keen attention (it being something she fed on even more than souls.) “Righto, LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!” Rainbow finally grinned, before crying: "OPEN!" The gates did as they were commanded, and immediately, the nastiest creatures Scootaloo had ever seen leapt out of them. They were furry, orange, and their nostrils seemed to be shooting a black smoke of some sort. Their fangs dripped with green saliva, and their shrieks sounded like a pony being boiled alive. "RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" "H-Holy Celestia!" Sweetie shrieked, shivering as she hugged the nearest ghoul in sight in fear... which happened to be Pipbossa, to which he raised his undead eyebrows at. "They're like the nightmares of the Nightmare Realm," Pipsqueak said breathlessly. True to his words, even a few of the ghouls of the group gave murmurs of fear. And then, just as Scootaloo thought she couldn't be more unnerved, a strange, new voice chimed in her head: 'Interesting creatures, aren't they?” it said in a low tone. “Imagine it young lady... imagine having only the company of these types of beings... for thousands of years…' Scootaloo shook her head rapidly, blinking. At first she thought her instincts may have hit puberty, but the familiarity of it made her doubt that. It sounded like a certain captain. But no, that couldn't be possible... what she had seen on the train... it was just a weird dream. Her imagination and nothing more… probably brought on by Darksong’s cooking. "Not to worry, younglins'," Applemoon called, trying her best to hide her fear. "Rainbow's hunted these overgrown fleas a few times before." "H-How many times is a few?" Sweetie squeaked. Applemoon winced to herself, thinking for a second, before simpering. … "Err.... three times," she gulped. Sweetie's eyes widened. "Righto!" Rainbow called without the least bit of nerve in her tone, as the Felhounds began circling her, the talons that hung off their shoulders occasionally nipping into the air, as if throwing practice punches. "Now, they're going to all come at me at once any second now. However, be advised that if one was alone, it would probably attack right off the bat. It's just how they roll." She cleared her throat, narrowing her eyes and folding her wing. "But anyway, I'm going to be taking them on without flying since well... a lot of you don't have wings. So watch carefully! Cus here… they… COME!" "RAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" At that, the quartet of beasts let loose their hideous shrieks, before reeling back and charging her from all four angles of a box-like formation, blurs of orange blazing across the ground so quickly Scootaloo thought they were going to set fire to it. Rainbow took a deep breath, gazing intently at them as she held her ground, their fangs glistening and saliva dripping... "Keep your fear at bay... and... LEAP AND ROLL!" Rainbow yelled, before leaping between two of them at the last second, rolling on the ground, and leaping to her hind hooves, smirking as she twirled her scythe. “WOOOO YEAAAAAAH!” the group called. "Alright, Deathie! Give em two!" Applemoon beamed. SLAMMMMM!.!.! The quartet crashed together, actually sending a slight shock-wave outward, hissing and snarling as they did so. "Heh! Seem pretty dumb, don't they?" Rainbow said with a cocky smile, as the beasts, now dazed, separated themselves from each other. "Well, they are, but they can learn! They won't fall for that same trick twice!" Then, the first non-dazed beast, now in a blood-rage, charged her, quickly followed by the others. "Alright, this is where agility and reflex really comes into play!" Rainbow cried, backing away from the hell-spawned monster on her hind legs as- CLANG!.!.! She ferociously blocked a talon sailing towards her scalp, sparks sailing into the breeze. Her eyes then widened as the beast's second talon flew towards her, twirling her Scythe downward before... CLACK!.!.! Blocking it as well. “KEEP IT UP RAINBOW! YEAAAAAAH!” Applemoon grinned, before a few ghouls raised an eyebrow her way, to which she quickly coughed at. “I mean uh… this is way too dangerous. Rainbow should be more responsible. Teachers these days, I swear...” Scootaloo and her friends chuckled, before gazing back at the fight, their eyes widened in excitement. "Alright, now for a test of your multi-tasking abilities!” Rainbow called. “Keep your opponents separated, make sure only one is attacking you at a time, and keep moving!" CLING-CLANG-CLACK-CLANG-CLANG!.!.! A torrent of sparks came from Deathie's scythe as she continued to block a ferocious assault from her opponent, her blade twirling in a blur, quick as lightning. Skillfully, she managed to keep her opponent count as one by quickly speeding backward as she blocked his attacks, the others unable to join in due to their brother blocking their paths, which was until... WHOOOOOOOOOOSH! One reeled back like a coiled spring before he sailed into the air, leaping to the other side of Dashie and landing with a terrific THUD! "Another thing these dickheads like to pull!" Deathie yelled. "Again, to be expected! And it might even work to your advantage!" The two near her let loose ferocious snarls, their yellow-beady eyes bearing into her, before their two sets of sharpened, blood-red talons slashed out towards her.... "SREEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!.!.!" "RAUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGG!.!.!" Only for Deathie to smirk, duck, and let them strike the beast opposite from where they leapt. They bounced against each other's armored snouts with two terrific CLACKS!, their owners letting out two hideous screams of agony, before Deathie rolled out from underneath them, wiped off a bit of drool that had fallen on her face, and continued to speak. "Haha! Alright, maybe they really are just plain ole stupid!” she chuckled, getting back onto her hind hooves. “Now, the next thing to do is- Suddenly, the viewing group let loose a series of gasps as the third Felhound came from the side, obviously an unexpected move, before leaping forth a single talon and- “AAUUUUUGHHHHHH!.!.!" -Piercing it right through Deathie’s wing. "RAINBOW!" Scootaloo shrieked. "Oh shoot! Oh shoot!" Applemoon called, shaking her head. As Deathie winced in pain, now lying on her back, she began to scramble away from the beasts the best she could. Unfortunately, she seemed to be having trouble getting to her feet. She'd rise slightly, seemingly just about to make it, before letting out a gasp and collapsing upon her back, black smoke oozing out of her wing instead of blood. All four beasts were now closing in on her, snapping their teeth as drool dripped from their snouts in anticipation for their ‘easy’ meal.... And again, Scootaloo felt emotions that weren't hers... piercing anger... so much anger... burning like the fires of Tartarus. 'You're feeling it aren't you?' the voice that she could definitely now tell wasn’t her instincts said calmly, Scootaloo letting out a gasp. That's what I felt... so much of it... even if all I wanted to feel was my own sorrow.' "Ugh! That stupid cocky... DAMNIT!" Applemoon shouted, her yellow Lycan eye twitching in a fury only the Felhounds seemed to have more than. "Hang on, Rainbow! I'm comin!" "Applemoon! Don't! You'll get ripped apart!" Appple Bloom cried. "I gotta try! You younglin's just sit tight, ya hear?!" she said sternly, before blowing a puff of steam out of her snout and galloping forth. “Celestia damnit, Applemoon!” Apple Bloom cried. Scootaloo gave a gasp, shaking her head incredulously. This couldn’t be happening… Rainbow was supposed to know what she was doing! If she died on her first day… She couldn’t bear the thought. "Arthur... if you're real..." she whispered to herself. "Help me somehow! Help me save Rainbow and Applemoon! Please!” 'What makes you think I can? I'm not real... remember...' "I can just... feel it." 'Yet you don't entirely trust your feelings...' it said... though it soon let loose a sigh. 'But perhaps... I suppose I can’t blame you… for in the end, only seeing. Is. Believing…' At that, to Scootaloo’s shock, the world suddenly went into slow motion… a world which she could now see in perfect clarity. Puffs of snow as they evaporated against the shield... Applemoon galloping forth, snarling... kicking up frozen dust as she charged... Deathie's black eyes widening, eight talons readying to slam down on her... A slight breeze leaping against a blade of grass... Her friends' mouths parting slowly, awe-struck horror in their eyes... Droplets of drool sputtering down from the Felhounds' yellow teeth.... And then... suddenly... for the briefest of milliseconds… Scootaloo’s eyes flashed blue. The world sped up, yet the Felhounds' were still in pause, glancing about in confused manner. Silence fell, noghoul said a word, as they slowly turned and galloped into the blackened, snow-shielded Forbidden Forest a bit aways.... A collective sigh of relief came like no other. "Woah..." Sweetie said, collapsing her on her flank. "Talk about a crazy lesson. Jeez..." "Ehehehe," Rainbow said, baffled as ever, wincing as her black wing slowly healed itself. "Yep! Totally knew that was going to happen!" "Arthur... did you do that?" Scootaloo whispered to herself. No response came, and Scootaloo began to wonder, once again, if he was just her imagination. Though something very real would soon make itself known. "Hkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!"
Death's Tender Heart"Hkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!" A terrific shiver ran down Scootaloo's spine as she twirled about. Floating down from beyond the snow shield were seven Void Callers, their ghostly cloaks somehow resistant to the breeze, them not even billowing. Then came that cold, empty feeling the young filly had felt around them before. It was nauseating to say the least. She felt as if her stomach was being tossed and turned. She began backing up, as Applemoon angrily shouted: "Well, when it rains it ain't a storm! What in Edeathstria do y'all want?!" "Hkkkkkkkk-Click-Click-Click-Click..." Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. "Wait a minute... I think I know what they're saying..." she said slowly. Applemoon squinted her eyebrows, glancing at Deathie. "Since when did you know Voidenese?" Rainbow shook her head. "I don't know much, but I do know that four, slow clicks... with a larger interval between the fourth and third means..." She glanced downward in thought. "Well?!" Applemoon said impatiently. Rainbow's eyes widened. She turned to Applemoon, her tone deadly serious as she said: "It means... 'stay out of this.'" The group of younglings began backing away from the Void Callers as well, following in Scootaloo's lead, some of the ghouls gazing at them with intrigue, others with barely contained horror. "It's interesting... mother always said they were beings of servitude," Metus said, with more curiosity than fear. Sweetie gave a gulp. "Good, does that mean they'll back down if Applemoon keeps yelling at them?!" Metus shrugged in response, continuing to gaze ahead. "I'm not sure how loyal they'd be to anyone but a powerful Eldritch Abomination... I wonder how they're even being controlled here?" "Uhhh... yeah...” Apple Bloom said nervously. “In that case how dangerous are these guys, anyway?" "Let's just say they can make those lovely lil' Felhounds look like pet dogs if they feel like it," Pipbossa grunted. "Their touch alone can turn ghouls n' ponies alike into bloody statues...” His tone became low. “Living statues." The Crusaders immediately let loose gasps. They knew exactly what this meant. "Eeeeep! I don't want to be Discorded!" Sweetie cried. "Hkkkkkkkk-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK!.!.!" "Alright!" Applemoon roared, galloping in front of the group of students, Rainbow Death quickly joining her, holding her scythe in a defensive stance as she narrowed her eyes. "Ya'll can just go back to whatever Void Callers do on their spare time! Personally, I've started to like jugglin'!" Rainbow Death gave her an odd look, to which Applemoon shrugged at, before continuing with: "But the situation here is already handled!" The Void Callers continued to close in, now from all angles, hovering slightly above the ground. "They're in the moonlight!" Sweetie whispered to Scootaloo, sweating now. "I thought they couldn't do that!" "M-Must have put on sunscreen," Scootaloo squeaked. Sweetie threw her a blank look. “But… it’s moonlight.” "Moonscreen, then," she groaned, wincing at her own bad joke. "Um… hello." a voice said, the origin of it stepping out from the crowd of students and joining Applemoon and Rainbow Death, who quickly did a double take upon seeing her. "Oh no," Sweetie gulped. "Metus! What are you doing?!" she yelled. "I just want to talk to them, is all," she said, blinking. "That's very brave, kid," Rainbow Death complimented, glancing at her worriedly. "But you need to get back to the group. Me and Applemoon uh... got this." "But I can understand them," Metus said calmly. Rainbow Death raised her eyebrows. "Wah?" she said, quirking her head. Suddenly, the Void Callers halted, glancing at each other… almost as if confused. Metus actually gave a light smile. "But they can't understand me." "W-Wah. What does she mean?" Scootaloo said, instinctively gazing at Sweetie, who seemed to already be in a deep mode of thought. Rainbow and Applemoon's looks became baffled as well, the former squinting her eyebrows. And then, Sweetie glanced at Scootaloo as if she had just solved a hard riddle. "It's the passive fear she generates! They don't know how to handle it!" she chirped. Pipbossa gave a nod of agreement, looking at her with quite an impressed look. "Mph, it makes sense, lass," he smiled. "Creatures of Null Space dun usually feel it, but it seems lil' Metus can make em' whether they like it or not." "Mmmm, and you know, weird or not, she's got guts for just walking up to them like that," Pipsqueak complimented, Scootaloo giving him a light smile. "Alright kid, what in the world are you doing to them?" Rainbow asked in a confused, though impressed tone, apparently not having heard Sweetie. “Unless it’s just the high level of awesome in front of them they’re afraid of, of course!” she grinned. Metus looked back at her. "I think it's because they don't understand the concept of fear," she stated simply, as if that would answer her question directly, before looking back at the Void Callers and letting loose a series of clicks of her own. The group behind her couldn't be anymore baffled if they tried. "Heh, well ain't that somethin'. Got ourselves a translator for once," Applemoon chuckled, as the Void Calllers glanced at each other, clicking to themselves, before one turned back to Metus and let loose and replied to her: "Hkkkk-click...click...." "What did you ask them?" Rainbow Death asked. Metus lowered her eyebrows, turning towards her. "I asked them what they wanted, and all they said back was that they sense an 'old friend' is nearby." "Well, I haven't been chillin' in Null Space lately," Rainbow Death grunted, before glancing at Applemoon. "You?" "Nope," she said, shaking her head. "Hkkkkkkkk-click-click-click!" "Alright, what's he-it-ugh- whatever! Saying now?" Applemoon asked, glancing at the 'lead' Void Caller. Metus glanced back at her, actually gulping slightly. "That we should move out of the way." "Uh uh!" Rainbow grunted. "I-I already put these kids in danger once today, I'm not doing it again! Tell them they can buzz off!" "Yeah! We ain't movin'!" Applemoon growled, puffs of steam once again sailing from her snout, before glared back at the leader. "I don't know why Shadowed trusts these folks, but they've been causin' more trouble lately than Princess Trollestia! I'd be in my right mind to have a lil chat with-" "Something you want to tell me?" a voice called, a hoarse whisper as cold as all the ice in the north. Shadowed Armor clanked into the scene, his armor glinting in the moonlight, a red-cloaked Void Caller at his side. "As a matter of fact, both of us would!" Rainbow Death growled, suddenly zipping in front of Shadowed. "And not just about the Void Callers!" "Mmmm... perhaps we should make it a private venture then," he said in a bored tone, glancing at the group of young ghouls, before looking back towards the red cloaked Void Caller. "Primary, tell your kin to disperse. I'll handle this." "Hkkkkk-click-click-click-click...." the red cloaked Void Caller said, almost as if it seemed disappointed. He then pointed one of his long, bony fingers towards the blank tundra in the distance, him and his kin letting loose a rapid-fire series of annoyed clicks before floating away. The entire group gave a collective sigh. though still, Rainbow didn't seem content with just that. "Uh uh! We aren't finished here yet," Rainbow snapped, drawing closer to Shadowed, her eyes two black slits of anger as Applemoon galloped to her side. Shadowed didn't move a muscle. "Uh oh, this is not good," Pipsqueak whispered. “This school really needs to get its internal issues worked out....” Sweetie gave a reluctant nod of agreement. Then, Rainbow began to speak at a lower volume, at which her words became muffled to the group of young students. Though still, the tone of those words told them enough about what was going on. "I heard you decapitated Trollestia yesterday... which was pretty cool," Rainbow Death admitted, though her glare continued. "But Twilight also says you've been acting like nothing but a huge jerk to her other than that!" "Have I?" Shadowed yawned. "Oh don't play dumb!" Rainbow growled. "This sound familiar? Embarrassing her during the commencement ceremony by acting like you didn't want to be there-" "I don't want to be here," he said bluntly. "-And then you acted rudely to Twilight's counterpart during her class!" she continued, ignoring the comment. "Do you have any idea how much our Twilight wanted her to come?!" "I didn't want her to come," he said, and again, in a bored tone. "The headmaster should have a say in things, shouldn't he? And she didn't even consult me." "UGH!" Rainbow Death cried, shaking her head. "Since when did Shadowed Armor, the great warrior of Edeathstria, become Shadowed Armor, the great douchebag of the Edeathstria?! You're acting like a spoiled child who didn't get the candy he wanted!" "I don't have a need to explain myself to you, Death," he hissed, taking a menacing step towards her. "Shouldn't you be out defying the heavens and playing judge to the legions of souls you reap?" Rainbow gave him a threatening look. "Don't you dare say anything about that! My method of punishment is the only way I make it through the day with this job!" Applemoon drew a nervous look her way. "Easy there, sourcube," she gulped. "Yet how many times have you been wrong before?" Shadowed said softly, quirking his head. "How many times has the great karmic weigher of souls Rainbow Death made the wrong call... sending innocents to an eternal prison?" "Once or twice," she said coldly. "But I've always rectified my mistakes." "Have you?" Shadowed said in an amused tone. "Tell me about Marygold, then?" Rainbow's eyes widened, her head sinking slightly as she gave a shiver. "And what about the time you almost led my sister to her death by foolishly trying to take Prince Blackblood on by your lonesome..." Shadowed continued. "Is that how you treat someone you love? By acting like a fool not fit to hold the scythe?" At that, Rainbow looked like she had just been punched in the face, her look of shame immediately turning to an odd, placid calm. “What did you say?” she asked quietly, a slight hint of venom barely seeping out her tone. “I stand by my opinion,” Shadowed said coldly. “You’re no more fit to hold the scythe than you are to be dating my sister. You’re arrogant at best, and completely foolish at worst! She would have been better off if you just let her pass through the golden gates and back to paradise where she belongs!” And suddenly, that look of calm became one of fiery rage. "OH THAT'S IT!" Rainbow roared, stamping a hoof. "HOW ABOUT I GIVE YOU A TRIP TO THEM?!" She began hovering above the ground, flapping an angry wing wildly. And to the horror of Applemoon and the rest of the group, she quickly twirled her scythe, growling as she did so, before jettisoning its blade down towards Shadowed's scalp... CLAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! A shower of sparks rang out as his brilliant blue blade kissed her crooked one. Applemoon gasped, a frantic look upon her face. "Rainbow! Simmer down! Noghoul's ever taken on Shadowed and-" "RAUUUUGGHHHHHHHHHH!.!.!" SWIIIISHHHHHHHH!.!.! Rainbow twirled about in a dramatic, three-hundred-sixty degree ark, her scythe aimed for his legs this time.... CLAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG!.!.! Only for Shadowed to effortlessly move his sword downwards, blocking it. A low growl emanated his armor, and upon hearing it, Scootaloo felt she just be doused with cold water. It was almost as bad as having a Void Caller nearby. "You... are not Death personified, you are emotion personified," Shadowed said, his tone actually showing a hint of anger. "In some ways, you're worse than she who came before you... and she was no more fit for the job than you were. For Death is cold... Death is neutral..." He let loose another growl. "And Death comes easily to fools!" "SHUT THE HELL UP!" Rainbow roared, pressing all her weight against him, her wing flapping madly. "And YOU are nothing but a huge asshole! And don't give me the 'I'm an old soldier' bullshit, because I know plenty of soldiers who are decent people! And you aren't one of them! Your heart is as empty as your armor!" "You talk to me as if you know me, yet you know NOTHING!.!.!" he snapped, suddenly pushing all his weight forward, sending Deathie sailing backward, gasping. Armored was upon her like an angry storm, pelting her with wave after wave of sword hits. CLANG-CLACK-CLANG-CLING-CLACK! Deathie gasped, struggling to block his barrage of strikes, sweat now pouring down her face. "I should be with my men fighting on the fields of battle!” Shadowed roared. CLING-SHIIIING-CLACK!.!.! “Instead, I was dragged away for what as well have been garrison duty! Forced to abandon them as they die by the bushels in a war that shouldn't even be happening!" CLAAAAAANNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG!.!.! The two met in a brilliant parry, angry black eyes gazing upon empty armor, the two blades creaking against each other. However, after a beat, Shadowed actually took a deep breath. Suddenly, he released his blade, backing away from Deathie, a glare still on her face, as the group continued to glance upon them, awe-struck. "But perhaps I can make a difference here,” he said, his voice returning to its usual calm tone. “This school needs to be fortified... and I'll start by pruning out the illness that’s infested it…" "Oh, and by that you mean me?!" Rainbow snarled. "No, you fool!" he shouted, before taking another deep breath. "There is a disease festering inside these castle grounds... the Void Callers sense it." He then actually gave a chuckle. "But of course, you're too narrow minded to ever trust the words of anything from the void! Because 'they're all evil!' Not a surprise coming from someghoul who only sees the world in black and white!" "Yeah, well the only thing I don't trust is YOU!" Rainbow roared, preparing to send her scythe flying at him yet again- "RAINBOW! SHADOWED!" a shattered, though angry voice shouted. With what looked like the greatest amount of effort in the world, the former paused in her attack. Sauntering towards the scene came both Twilight Soulshard and Rainbow Dash, Twilight's eyes watering ever-so-slightly. "What are you two doing?!" Rainbow Dash gasped. The two turned their heads towards her. "Settling a disagreement," Armored said in a cool tone. "I'm about to rip this asshole a new asshole is what he means!" Deathie shouted, shooting him a another glare. Twilight merely shook her head, her eyes still watering. "I-I can't believe you two," she whimpered. "F-Fighting in front of the students like this... acting like two drunks in a bar!" There was a second of silence, as Deathie's look of pure rage slowly morphed into that of remorse. She took a deep breath, Scootaloo continuing to stare at the scene in awe. "T-Twilight..." she gulped, before fluttering over towards her. "I-I didn't mean to..." She merely glanced away from her, Deathie sinking her head in shame. Armored, however, let loose a grunt, not saying a word, before taking out a whetstone and beginning to casually sharpen his sword. "Oh, you're not even going to apologize?!" Rainbow Dash suddenly roared, shooting him a death glare. "Just gonna sit there sharpening your sword?! At least my counterpart was willing to do that!" she pointed, actually giving her a small look of respect. "It is not my business to apologize anymore than it is your business to be in the Nightmare Realm, morta-" "All of you, stop it!" Twilight suddenly shouted, her tone more desperate than angry, as she glanced wearily at the students who looked upon the scene. "You're doing nothing but making Bogmorts look like it should never have been reopened..." she sighed. "Well actually, I thought the fight they had was pretty bloody coo-" Pipbossa grinned, before gaining a rib from Sweetie. "Oi! Can't speak my mind anymore these days, can I?" "Shush," Sweetie hissed. "This is serious..." True to her words, Death actually seemed to look like her heart was shattering. "S-Seriously, I'm sorry, Twilight..." she gulped. "I-I shouldn't have let myself get out of control like that... it was so stupid of me..." Twilight, however, didn't bother to respond to her. Instead, she continued to gaze upon the sword Shadowed seemed content to sharpen... "Shadowed..." she said in a suspicious tone, gesturing him forward. "Can you walk with me for a second?" "Mph," he grunted, sheathing the sword. "I suppose so..." The two formed along side each other, Twilight not even saying another word to Death, as they began trotting towards the castle. Deathie, in the meantime, hovered to the ground, collapsing on her flank, looking like she had just lost a limb. Rainbow Dash gave her a concerned look, quickly hovering down beside her. "Hey... you alright?" she said. "N-No," Deathie gulped, shaking her head sorrowfully. "I-In fact, I haven't felt this way since... since Nightmare Night... when I thought I lost her for good... I-I don't know how to deal with it..." There was a beat of silence, Rainbow glancing her over, before she actually set a comforting wing on her counterpart. "I guess that makes two of us," she said. Deathie gave a sorrowful gulp. "I've never been good with just... living... with emotion... I always have to try to fix what's bothering me... instead of just letting it go... and I'm not sure this is something I can fix..." "Trust me, I know how you feel," Dashie said, patting her gently. "And don't worry," Applemoon said, sitting by her side and giving her a warm smile. "Twilight will get over it... she will. She's just stressin' is all. You know how she's been workin' to get this school reopened." Deathie chuckled darkly. "Y-Yeah... and I'm here wrecking it for her," she sighed, her ears sagging. "I s-should just get back to my real job... I don't belong here... my stupid ass almost got killed in front of my class today..." She then let loose another sigh. "Though if Shadowed is right... I don't belong in that role either." Applemoon suddenly gave her a stern glance. "Hey now! Don't be givin' hoarse lip just cus you made one mistake! You're Rainbow Death! And if I remember right, you and Dashie here were responsible for gettin' rid of Blackblood, weren't you?" "Y-Yeah... after getting my flank kicked by him like five times," Deathie muttered, shaking her head. Applemoon's stern look didn't falter. "Yet in the end, you still whooped his gooey flank good. And ya know why?" Deathie slowly looked towards her, a quizzical look on her face. "W-Why’s that?" Applemoon merely smiled. "Cus, as cheesy as it sounds, there ain't no Rainbow who ever gives up." "Damned straight," Rainbow Dash said, fluttering her wings with a grin. Deathie's eyes widened at that. And then came a beat of silence, as her eyes slowly narrowed in resolve. It was as if she had been reminded of something she already knew. "Y-Yeah... you're right!" she finally gasped, suddenly getting to her hooves, her ears perking upwards yet again. "I didn't give up with Blackblood, and I didn't give up with Twilight! And in the end, it worked out!" “Now that’s the spirit!” Applemoon cheered. She then turned... and actually wrapped her arms around the Lycan pony. "Oh nelly!" Applemoon nearly coughed in surprise, returning the hug. "Hangin' out with Twilight really has made you softer!" "Yeah, and you know what? I like it!" Rainbow Death grinned. "I don't care what Shadowed says! I can be as emotional I want and still be the reaper! He may have seen so much shit in his day that he's shut off his heart, but that isn't me!" She then turned back to the class of waiting students, smiling warmly. "And I'm going to make it up to Twilight by making this class as awesome as it can be!" "Awwwwwww...." the Crusaders cooed. "Heh, Who would have guessed Death is so...." Apple Bloom said, trying to think of the right words. "Mortal... in the end?" Sweetie smirked. "Yeah... I guess that works," Scootaloo smiled. "Sorry about that, kiddos! Let’s get back to the lesson, shall we?" Deathie chirped, before putting on a sheepish grin and glancing towards the Forbidden Forest. “Though we uh... seem to have lost what it was about..." "Just splain' to them what ya know about em'. That'll do fine, sourcube," Applemoon beamed. "And hey... uh... need any help with anything?" Rainbow Dash said, quirking her head with a smile, before she glanced up towards the heavens. "Hmmm... looks like the sky may need a bit more clearing..." Deathie grinned at her, nodding. "Show us ghouls how it's done.” "Haha! Now that is something I can do!" she smirked, before giving a wink and launching herself in the sky, the clouds above shuddering at her presence. "Now then," Deathie said, turning back to the class. "Does anyghoul want to give a guess as to where the primary pressure point is on a Felhound?" A few enthusiastic hooves were raised, as the class continued. However, Scootaloo's mind quickly drew elsewhere, thinking about what had just happened. The Void Callers were interested in her... and Shadowed was talking about some sort of disease being on campus... right after she had had a conversation with the mysterious 'Arthur', who seemed to enable her to actually control the Felhounds. It was just too much of a coincidence. A horrible thought came to her, one that made her shudder. Was it possible that she was the disease he spoke of? And if that were true, what could she do about it?
A Ghoul's Song of Storms"Happy Three Days Before Hearth's Warming Eve, everyghoul!" Twilight Soulshard beamed merrily from the staff table, a morning after Deathie's unusual class. "Thanks Ms. Soulshard!" the three mortal, and one-half mortal crusaders called. However, the rest of the hall remained silent, save for a series of grumbles from the various ghouls sitting about. "Mph..." "Date stealers..." "Sell outs..." "Pansy, spineless dicks..." Twilight Soulshard gave a sigh, glancing downward at the green eggs and spoiled jam she was eating. "Oh come on, everyghoul! Happy Hearth's Warming Eve... er pre-Hearth's Warming Eve... ah-whatever!" Deathie called, though all the while glancing longingly towards Twilight. "Hmph!" Twilight said, immediately glancing away from her and back towards her food, though with a moping look soon overtaking her agitated one. "Oh man... those two still haven't made up?" Scootaloo said, glancing at Twilight with a concerned, sympathetic expression. "It's only been one day," Pipsqueak said, shrugging, before taking a bite of his scrambled eggs. "We just need to-" "Awwww, but she looks so depressed," Sweetie said, frowning sorrowfully. "And poor Rainbow Death! She looks like she's trying so hard..." "Hmmm, and Twilight’s got a conflict of interest, it seems," Apple Bloom stated. "On one hoof she's angry at Deathie, but on another hoof ain't it always Rainbow who's trying to help push our side's ways over here?" "Yeah!" Scootaloo squeaked, before narrowing her eyes."We should totally do something! We should try to get them back together!" "Errrr," Apple Bloom said, holding up a hoof. "Didn't we try that before only for it to go horribly wrong?" Pipbossa raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with something going horribly wrong?" Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, giving him a blank look soon after. "'Horribly wrong' ain't a good thing in the land of light." "Ooooooooohhhhh," Pipbossa said, nodding, before whispering towards Pipsqueak, "Why's it a bad thing again?" "They ended up using a love potion that almost got two blokes married that shouldn't have been," Pipsqueak whispered back, Pipbossa giving a nod of understanding, his eyes narrowing. "Mmmm... sounds like something a certain Siren might try to pull on someghoul," he grunted, glaring Princess Congeria's way, Shadowed Armor strangely absent from her side unlike the previous morning. "Anyway," Sweetie said, smirking towards Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. "That was a different story. That was us trying to bring two ponies together, not bringing two ghouls back together! I mean, come on! Those two are perfect for each other! Rainbow's brash but secretly sensitive, and might give Twilight the assertive quality she wouldn't normally have while still not going over the top. And Twilight is book smart and has common sense to boot, and might hold her back when she needs it. And both are chill enough to able to take more extreme qualities of each other!" "Mmmm, except now ya' mean," Apple Bloom sighed, glancing their way. "That's just cus Deathie went too far, and Shadowed really egged her on, the prick," Sweetie stated. "She won't do it again, I bet." Pipsqueak raised an eyebrow. "But Twilight’s a Lich... doesn't she... defy death? Wouldn't that tick Deathie off?" "Maybe, but in the end, I don't think Deathie cares that much," Sweetie said, gesturing back towards the staff table. True to her words, Deathie was currently plucking a muffin off Twilight's plate with her scythe, obviously in an attempt to get her attention in a playful prank, as the conniving smirk on her face would indicate. However, Twilight was not so amused. With a growl, she quickly slapped the muffin off the blade, shooting a glare Deathie's way before folding her arms. Deathie then gave a sigh, glancing down at her own plate with broken black eyes. "Ugh, you're right, this sucks so hard!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "Sucks sucks sucks sucks sucks! We have to do something! A little intervention from the other side!" "But we don't even know them!" Pipsqueak argued. "They aren't our Twilight and Rainbow Dash." "Yeah, but they're so much like them, and Lichy Twilight really did us a huge favor by letting us come here," Sweetie retorted, a defeated look coming upon Pipsqueak's face. "And you know girls; just because we're stuck in the Nightmare Realm doesn't mean we have to give up our quest for a Cutie Mark..." Scootaloo grinned. "Are you thinkin'... what I'm thinkin'?" Apple Bloom smirked mischievously. The three Crusaders nodded towards each other. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS UNDEAD ROMANCE COUNSELERS!" The ghouls about them quickly raised a series of eyebrows, the three quickly simpering in response. "Mmmm... yeah..." Pipsqueak groaned, rolling his eyes. "I think I'm going to stay out of this one, trial Crusader or not. Er, no offense." Scootaloo gave him a grunt. "Fine... if that's what you want." She then gave a smirk. "Chicken." "Hey! I'm not chicken! It's just I haven't... done my homework yet!" he coughed, before turning towards Pipbossa and whispering, "Er... ya feel like hanging out for a bit before our ten o'clock? What do you ghouls do for fun around here?" Pipbossa gave him a wicked grin. "Oh, we got a few things aside from the new mortal stuff that’s been becomin’ a hit. Come with me, laddy. I got somethin' that'll make ya scream," he said, gesturing for Pipsqueak to follow him, the latter giving a gulp as the two trotted away. "Pfffft, whatever, we don't need em'," Apple Bloom grunted. "Besides, he's a boy! He ain't sensitive enough for this kind of thing!" "Yeah but... we don't really know what we're doing, either," Sweetie grumbled with a sigh. "I think we should get some advice this time." "But from who?" Scootaloo said. "Hmmmmm," Sweetie said, tapping her chin, a smile slowly forming on her face. "Well... we don't have the Princess of Love at our disposal..." She then glanced at Princess Congeria, her smile widening. "But we do have the next best thing." ☼☼☼ "Is there something I can help you with, sou-sweethearts?" Princess Congeria asked in a neutral tone, finishing up the last of her breakfast, her blue sapphires for eyes twinkling. Luckily, both Deathie and Twilight had sauntered off their two separate ways at this point. "Er yeah," Sweetie said, scratching the back of her head nervously. "Well uh... sorry to bother you and everything-" "It's alright, dear. I'm just finishing up now... though I do have a class to teach in an hour or so," Congeria said patiently. “However, don’t ever be afraid to come to me if you need help. I am your house’s leader, after all.” Apple Bloom shook her head in disbelief, her eyebrows squinted as she whispered to Scootaloo, "Wow... she seems so… nice… how the heck did she marry Shadowed Armor?" The vampony gave a shrug. "Mmmm... maybe he has a secret, sensitive side or something." Apple Bloom lifted an eyebrow, glancing towards the scowling head of Princess Trollestia, it perched atop a blue, glowing pike nearby. “Yep… uh huh…” "But yeah, uh... we were just wondering if you could give us some advice on... love," Sweetie said to her in a hope filled tone. Princess Congeria gave a devious smirk. "Ah... love, hm? Perhaps you’ve come to the right Siren." She then gave a wink. "After a certain sailor, by any chance, or pirate I should say? Hehe, I once knew his father, if that's the case. He was quite the fighter," she smirked. "If you want to win his son's heart, I can certainly relate. I have a certain... affinity for all those who dare, I mean uh... like to tread upon my waters...." "Er... yeah," Sweetie gulped, her wary look becoming all the more wary. "Well... it's sort of like that. We're actually trying to get two ghouls back together." Princess Congeria gave an amused chuckle. "Oh, that's no worry, for you see, mending two hearts or molding them together in first place is a remarkably similar process," she stated, her eyes still twinkling as wicked smirk came upon her. "All it takes is the right... song, actually." She then gave an evil chuckle, a strange, almost competitive look overtaking her. "In fact, the only ghoul my songs have never charmed happens to be... my husband." Scootaloo lowered her eyebrows, hiding a suspicious glance at the Siren Queen. She quickly shrugged off her thoughts however, before clearing her throat and saying: "H-Have any good songs that can help get two ghouls back together, though?" "In fact, I do," Princess Congeria beamed. “Oooo! Can you sing it for us?” Sweetie said in a somewhat excited tone, smiling. Princess Congeria shrugged. "Eh, why not? It’s been a while since I’ve stretched my vocal chords.” She then cleared her throat. “Anyway, a relationship currently in a stormy sea... where a sailor thinks he's getting free... can be countered with a simple song from thee. Allow me to elaborate…" At that, the Siren Princess took a deep breath before singing in a haunting, but soothing melody: "Come with me, And you'll be, In a world of pure imagination. If it's not your inclination, It'll be my proclamation. Tell of me, All you see, Of hardship on the ocean's breeze. Ever think you could find? What your heart sings for on a dime? Why do you run, When there can be such fun, Where the thunder shows its guns? What ghoul ever fears? Why quake when you draw near? Come back to me... Come back to me... Little sailor not so ever free. You can't run from what you need, You can't run from my seas..." Congeria then took a deep breath, smiling nostalgically, the three Crusaders looking upon her with baffled expressions. "Er uhh," Scootaloo coughed. "It was... interesting." "It was beautiful," Sweetie said, clapping her hooves in glee, though still with a slightly unnerved expression on her. "Though the lyrics... it's just uh... kind of a joke, right?" Congeria blinked in surprise, before putting on a smile, nodding. "Oh yes... of course." She then took a deep breath. "But the point is: singing songs always works for me... so perhaps if one of those in the couple having a hardship is willing... maybe you can get them to sing the other a song as well? It may not have my... magic to it. Though sometimes I think that music has a magical quality of its own. As long as it isn't written by Justin Beaver." "What about Horsey Dave Mathews Band, though?" Sweetie asked. "And especially not Horsey Dave Mathews band," Congeria stated. "Even us ghouls shiver at the sound of that. But anyway, give it a shot, but only as a last resort. Good luck, my little minions of love!" "Thanks Princess!" Sweetie beamed. "Yeah, this should totally work!" Scootaloo smiled. "You're welcome, dears," she said, smiling warmly. However, she soon held up a hoof, closing eyes for a second. "But remember, only use it as a last resort. Sometimes, all a relationship needs is-" When she opened her eyes, the three Crusaders were already making their way out of the hall, giggling. "Time," she blinked. She then sighed, before before sinking back into her chair. "Oh my..." ☼☼☼ It didn't take long for the Crusaders to find Rainbow Death. She was at the entrance to the great school, a massive arch-way sitting before a great set of stone stairs that led down a brilliant, shimmering hill of white. Due to the acoustics, her blues guitar could be heard echoing through it a mile away, as well as her actually somewhat decent, though sorrowful singing voice. "They say there is a secret chord, That you can play to play to bring the lord, To fix any wrong that you've brought to ya. For I truly went and heard the call, Of the one thing that could make me bare this job, Of ripping souls away before their Hallelujah..." Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Hallelujah... Haleluja-" "Hey Rainbow Death!" Scootaloo called, trotting up to her. "Oh... hey, Scootaloo," she sniffed, glancing away from her. "How are your classes coming? Ya having fun at Bogmorts?" "Well, it's been uh... interesting so far," Scootaloo smiled. "Oh... well, that's good to hear, if you mean 'interesting' in the way I hope you do," she said, forcing a smile, before glancing at Sweetie and Apple Bloom. "How about you two, are you getting along well?" 'Mmmhm," Sweetie beamed. "My first magic class was a blast! Even if uh... I'm a little iffy about dark magic." "And Zehorra says I could be a natural at potion making!" Apple Bloom chirped merrily. "That's good," Rainbow nodded, sniffing again. "Very good..." "Listen uh..." Sweetie said. "We've kind of seen what's been happening between you and Twilight..." Apple Bloom said. "And we want to help!" Scootaloo beamed. Rainbow took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Thanks... but no thanks. There's no helping me," she sighed sorrowfully. "I was a fool for thinking I could ever be in a relationship. I have no idea what I'm doing... My only romance should be with the dead... in a totally non-creepy way." She then gave an indignant grunt. "Besides, Twilight's been making me soft lately, anyway." Suddenly, she stamped a hoof, black sparks flickering from her black holes for eyes as she roared with a demonic pitch: "I am the Grim Reaper! I should not pity the souls who have passed, and I should not be in a relationship with she who defies death in the way she did! There is no greater sin than returning from paradise! It is unnatural! Unnatural, I say! Even for a ghoul!" There was a thunder crack as she ended, a lightning bolt suddenly sailing horizontally from the distant horizon, cascading into her scythe and giving it an eerie, red glow. "B-But it wasn't Twilight's choice, was it?" Sweetie squeaked, the three Crusaders now backing away from Death, shivering. "She had a say in it," Deathie grumbled, gripping her blues guitar and beginning to play the same damned song. The three Crusaders glanced at each other at that, unconvinced. "L-Look, you're really good with that guitar or yours," Scootaloo squeaked. "Maybe you could... try writing a song for Twilight? To show her how much you care! Like a Hearth's Warming Eve gift!" "A Hearth's Warming Eve gift…" she chuckled darkly. "Don't even talk to me about that holiday. Bunch of sell-outs... What's so heartwarming about perpetual shopping, materialism, and receiving whatever stupid thing you asked for? It isn't caring, it's robotic. It's like a stupid obligation for parents and lovers to get each other crap when they could just buy it for themselves... that's all it is." "There's more to Hearth's Warming Eve than that, Rainbow," Scootaloo grumbled. "And getting presents from people always feels nice. Even if it's stuff you didn't want. And either way, it would mean something to Twilight…" She then turned towards the other Crusaders, glancing at them as if she were looking for confirmation. “Right, girls?” "Er, right..." "Yeah, definitely! I think..." At that, a sudden hopeful look came to Rainbow Death as she squinted an eyebrow. "Well... I mean... do you really think it will work?" "Of course!" the three beamed. Deathie's eyes narrowed, as she began to nod to herself, a smile slowly creeping over her face. "Well… alright... alright... You know, I think I already have a song in mind, too!" She then gave a grin. "Thanks you three, I think this might actually work! Just got chill for a bit... I'll take care of the rest." "Will do, Rainbow!" Scootaloo smiled, leading the three Crusaders away. “Awwww man, this is going to be so sweet,” Sweetie beamed, before glancing at her blank flank. “And I bet you that this is it!”
Death's Golden Ticket"Scootaloo..." Flutterfright squeaked in a concerned tone, scurrying up next to the young vampress during her ten o'clock class. "This is the third time this morning I've sensed you've broken meditation..." "Errr... how did you know I broke concentration?" Scootaloo said, lifting an eyebrow. "Oh um..." Flutterfright simpered. "I've kind of... been reading all of your minds... if that's alright with you." There were a few mutters from the class, but no outward voices of disapproval. Each knew they'd probably be using the same power one day. "But anyway... is everything alright, Scootaloo?" Flutterfright asked in a concerned tone. "You seem very distracted compared to yesterday. That can be... dangerous for a vampire. “ 'Na, Na, Na, Feed on your friends! HEY HEY HEY!' her instincts sang. “Not that it should worry you at this stage...” Flutterfright continued. “But you really need to keep a low tone and not take on too many strenuous activities at once." "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, shaking her head in a disgruntled manner. "I just have... well..." She then glanced away from her. It wasn't Scootaloo’s business to be spewing her problems to the whole class. And the last thing she needed was to bring any more attention to herself than there already was. Oh, and she definitely didn't want to show 'weakness' around Shadowed Armor, who had taken to observing this class, hidden in the shadows of the back of it and just standing there… menacingly. "I mean- I'll be alright, Flutterfright," she said, putting on a false smile. The vampress counterpart of Fluttershy was correct, however. She had had a lot of things on her mind. Luckily for her, Deathie's problems with Twilight had at least distracted her from... Arthur this morning. And now with her mind back on the subject, Shadowed being in her class was not helping. Flutterfright nodded, squinting an eyebrow as if not completely convinced. "Well… alright then..." She then took a deep breath, before continuing with, "Alright, class, warmup meditation is over...” The class actually muttered in disapproval, for as it turned out, meditation was actually pretty fun to do... more fun than reading text books, that was. Flutterfright soon sighed at this, before saying in a reluctant, defeated tone: “Though you could have anoth-" Her black, demon bunny gave her a slight kick, and soon after, her eyes narrowed in resolve. "I mean - uh. Please open your books to page twenty-six!" "Uggggggh...." ☼☼☼ "The Great and Powerful Wicked Witch of the- I mean uh... Trixie," a certain light blue pony corrected herself, simpering. "Welcomes you to the Basics of Alchemy!" A second later, she smirked and dropped a small vile of a bubbling green substance upon a block of coal, immediately turning it into a shimmering, silver-like metal, much to the astonishment of the class. The Mortus students in the room gave a cheer, as the Noctus students applauded politely. Scootaloo did have to admit, however: it was pretty cool. "You all have been graced with luck at not only having one of the greatest necromancers of your time in this school, but also the greatest alchemists!" Trixie continued. She then began to pace around the class of fifty or so students, smiling upon each individual. "Now, I know some of you may be nervous being in a class with one who has had a... dismal reputation as of late-" "I'm not nervous!" Bloody Tiara chirped merrily. "Er, thank you, young one," Trixie coughed nervously. "But as I was saying: my days of making trouble are over. From now on, the Great and Powerful Trixie hopes to use her awesome Trixiness to spread her gifts to the world! Including the younger generation!" At that, she smirked, leaning close to Sweetie Belle. "You are the sister of the mortal Rarity, yes?" Sweetie nodded nervously. "And she uses many gems in her dress-making, correct?" she said, before smiling gleefully. "I had brief conversation with her on Nightmare Night. She suggested I go for a black cloak and hat instead of a red one. I must say, for once, I felt humbled! It looks ten times better!" Sweetie nodded again, though with a slight smile. "Imagine it, though," Trixie said, leaping away from her desk dramatically. "Imagine if you could give her the greatest gems upon your world... without even needing to leave her own little world! That is what the magnificent Trixie can teach you in this class! That is what awaits you!" "Oooooo," the class oozed. "But who wants stupid, pretty jewels when you can have horrible things like Bloodstone!" Scootaweb grinned. "Or a Philosopher's Stone!" Archer Windrunner cheered. "Using captured souls to gain immortality!? How awesome would that be?!" Trixie raised her eyebrows at the young ghoul. "Mmmm... Trixie once came across a Philosopher's Stone in her early days. It is actually how she is now over four hundred years old, much like our dear Lich Queen." The class' eyes widened in awe at this. "She doesn't look a day over twenty!" Scootaloo whispered to Sweetie, who nodded in amazement. "I know why it would appeal to young ghouls: it is a very scary concept," Trixie continued, looking like she was absolutely soaking up all the attention. "But, I must confess: there are some horrible things no one should tamper with. We will not be making Philospher's Stones..." "Awwwwwww...." Trixie quickly sighed, rolling her eyes. "However, Bloodstones are still alright, Trixie supposes." "YAYYYYY!" "Now then," Trixie said, marching to the front of the class and pivoting about. "Who dares tell Trixie what the fundamental law of alchemy is?" A certain hoof shot up. "Ahhh... you dare, it seems," she smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Go ahead then, child of light, tell Trixie of what you know!" "The most important law of alchemy is this:" Apple Bloom said, clearing her throat. "Equivalent Exchange! You cannot gain anything without giving something in return! It's somethin' I've learned plenty well on the farm. If ya want apples, ya gotta have water." "Very good! I'm surprised a mortal would know about such things!" Trixie smirked. "Ten points to Noctus!" She then raised a hoof, before continuing with: "However, the law of Equivalent Exchange, as some of you may already know, can be applied to much more than alchemy. It was once used as sort of a moral code in the older days of Edeathstria. And lately, it has been making a resurgence..." "How did you know that?!" Sweetie said, glancing her way in bafflement. "Hey, you're not the only one interested in alchemy, ya know!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "I figure if I could learn it I could help with mah family get a lil' extra cash. Applejack's still been looking for a way to get Granny her new hip, ya know.." Sweetie raised her eyebrows, before throwing her an apologetic glance. "Heh, sorry... I just never thought you'd be into-" she said. "It's alright. Surprised myself when I opened a text book last night," Apple Bloom smirked. At that, Scootaloo's red eyes detected a hint of movement, and in the back of the class, she saw Shadowed Armor nod to himself, his sword drawn ever-so-slightly, and now glowing a piercing red. ☼☼☼ "Ugh, what the heck's been with Shadowed Armor!" Scootaloo cried at the lunch table. "It's like he's been following me all morning! Sure, I know he's creepy, but I didn't think he's stalker creepy!" "You've only had two classes, right?" Sweetie said, munching on a peanut-butter sandwich. "It's probably just a coincidence. No need to get all worked up about it." "I'm not getting worked up about it!" Scootaloo growled, slamming a hoof against the table. Her group of friends raised their eyebrows. "Easy, las. Me thinks you've been getting yur just gettin' over yur head with a bit too much today." Pipbossa stated, munching on an apple two times the size of a normal one. "And bloody hell, those size changing spells Ms. Soulshard used are bloody amazing!" "Yeah, speaking of which, how did necromancy go, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked. "Eh.... not something I'm ever going to use casually," Sweetie chuckled, a slightly perturbed look coming upon her. "But Ms. Soulshard really knows her stuff when it comes to magic, just like Princess Congeria. I think it'll help me with the more general stuff. Concentration… mana control… the works." Pipsqueak quirked an eyebrow. "Mmmm, speaking of her, I wonder when Rainbow Death's going to do that song of her-" And almost as if to reply to him, suddenly, the doors of the hall slammed open, Rainbow Death galloping into it dramatically with a cocky grin on her face, her single black wing holding her guitar. "This is it!" Sweetie cried, grinning widely. Scootaloo smiled for the first time since breakfast. "Come on Deathie, you can do it!" "What's she doing?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight Sparkle at the staff table, raising an eyebrow. "Knowing you: something completely insane," Twilight smirked. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Pffft, easy there. We're not dating. You have no idea what I'd do to win your heart back!" "Hypothetically, what may that involve?" Twilight said, lifting her eyebrows. "Oh, I'd probably spill my heart out to you, discuss what exactly we can do to fix the relationship in a civilized manner," Rainbow grinned mischievously. “That kind of thing.” Twilight's eyes widened, a smile of approval coming upon her face. "Wow, Rainbow! That actually sounds pretty-" "PFFFFFFFFFTTTT - HAHAHAHA! Yeah right!" Rainbow cackled, Twilight quickly giving her a blank look. "Two words: Rainboom Apocalypse!" "It's like you pick out the logical option and intentionally do the opposite!" Twilight moaned. "Why?" Rainbow Dash smirked widely. "Trolololololo.” Nearby, Princess Trollestia’s severed head glanced upon her with a look of approval. “There is hope for this one. Hope indeed…” At the very same time, Rainbow Death finished her dramatic entrance, gasping as she gripped her guitar with her hooves and fluttered before Twilight Soulshard, who quickly gave her a blank look. "Rainbow... what are you doing?" she groaned. Deathie’s grin became sheepish. "Oh nothing… just uh… want to sing a song is all. I think the young ghouls might enjoy it!” Twilight glanced at them, and then back at Rainbow. "Uh huh… yeah… the song’s for them, right?” Rainbow scratched the back of her head. “Mmmmm…. alright, maybe it’s only… partially for them." “Ugh... I knew it…" Twilight grumbled, her busy digging into a mass of rotten lettuce. "Listen, I'm trying to eat here and I'm still a bit-" "But I have something I want to say!" Deathie beamed, before beginning to strum her guitar merrily. "And I'm going to say it the most awesome way possible: song style!" Soulshard rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Fine... go ahead..." "So far so good... I think," Apple Bloom said, nodding. Pipsqueak perked an eyebrow. "Mmmmm.... I’m not so sure. No offense... but I have my doubts about this..." "Oh come on! Deathie can so do it!" Scootaloo beamed, turning back to face the guitar playing reaper. "Rock out, Rainbow!" With that, Deathie finished playing a rather epic intro solo to Twilight, who still stared at her blankly. Finally, she began singing: "I never thought my life could be, Anything but a killing spree, But now I've finally come to see, I've got you and you've got me!" Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash glanced at each other warily. "Uhhhh...." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm not sure where this is going, but I'm pretty sure it's not going anywhere good..." "Cause I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden twinkle in my eye!" Twilight Soulshard's mouth began to part. "I never had a chance to dine, With she who heard the last bells chime, Then she stole this heart of mine, What an amazing thin-" "Rainbow!" Twilight suddenly shouted, halting her playing, as Death glanced at her with hope-filled eyes. "S-So, did you like it?" she said, smiling sheepishly. At that, Twilight took a deep breath. "It was... less egotistical than I expected, but still..." She then glanced at her curiously. "Do you really understand why I was mad at you in the first place?" "Of course I understand!" Rainbow Death cried. "I-I went too far..." She then sighed heavily, gulping. "And I'm really, really sorry..." Twilight glanced her over, putting on a warm smile before saying, "So you weren't just saying that?" "Of course not!" Deathie said. "You're my special someghoul, Twilight. I wouldn't just lie to you like that. You know how stupid I get sometimes... acting without thinking and all that jazz. But that's just who I am. And that's why I need someghoul like you to keep me in check!" Soulshard 's eyes widened, a sorrowful glance coming upon her. "So... you have been trying to keep yourself chill... only it's through me, isn't it?" Deathie nodded, a warm smile creeping on her face. "Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry, Rainbow! I had no idea!" Soulshard suddenly cried, quickly teleporting in front of her, and wrapping her arms around her in a hug. "Awwwww...." the Crusaders cooed. Yep, even Pip. "Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!" Sweetie beamed, bouncing in her seat. "But please..." Twilight continued. "Just try to keep yourself calm around Shadowed, alright? No matter how douchey he acts." Death turned her head away from her, glaring at noghoul in particular. "I-I'll try..." "Do, or do not, there is no try," Twilight Yoda'd, narrowing her eyes. "But that's all I can give you!" Deathie said, frowning. "I honestly don't know how I'm going to react the next time he decides to act like a dunce!" There was a beat of silence following that, Twilight clearly entering a mode of thought. Scootaloo slid to the edge of her seat. Sweetie nibbled on her hooves nervously. Rainbow Dash... dug into her salad. "Ugh... I really hate soap opera crap," she grumbled. "Well..." Soulshard finally said, a smile slowly inching over her face, Deathie practically sweating in anticipation. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could- "Scootaloo!" a voice roared from the doorway to the hall: a cold, hissing whisper. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! Into the hall marched Shadowed Armor, the reddened spikes jutting from his armor glinting menacingly in the moonlight, as a shiver circled down Scootaloo's spine. "How do you make a bad day worse?" she muttered to herself. "Add Shadowed Armor to the mix." "I need to see you... immediately," his hollow voice growled as his cold, black-eyed helmet glanced towards Scootaloo. "Shadowed... what's up? Everything alright?" Soulshard said nervously, as Deathie quickly twirled about and put on a wicked glare. "It is none of your concern," he grunted dismissively. "And that goes double for you, Death." Death glanced away from him, a look on her face that said she was all but ready to renew their battle from the other day. "Haha! Someghoul's in trouuubllllleeee!" Bloody Tiara cackled wickedly from her table, the Mortus students laughing alongside of her. "Uh uh!" Rainbow Dash said, glaring at Shadowed as well, before careening over towards Scootaloo and standing before her defensively. "You're not taking Scoots anywhere until I hear why!" "I merely wish to speak about her educational future," Shadowed said calmly. "If you have an objection with me discussing advanced classes with her to expedite it, then by all means, object." Rainbow threw him a suspicious look. "If that's true, then... would you mind if I came with you?" "Yes, I would, in fact," he stated. "This is a private matter." Rainbow continued to look him over for a second, her eyes narrowing in mistrust, before slowly saying, "Mmmm... if you need your privacy, I guess. You cool with this, Scootaloo?" Scootaloo gave a curt nod, standing up from her seat and glancing at her friends. "Yeah… it’s fine. G-Guess I'll see you guys later?" "Yeah, S-Seeya, Scoots," Sweetie squeaked, glancing at Shadowed Armor warily. "Come, child. We have... much to discuss," he grunted, twirling about before clanking towards the entrance of the hall. The group gave her a few nods, as Scootaloo, quaking slightly, stood from her seat and followed Shadowed out of the hall. Upon her exit, Soulshard shook her head at something, an incredulous look on her face. At that, Spike’s counterpart, the real one at his side, made their way into the Great Hall, gazing at their respective Twilights curiously. “Hey uh… we just saw Shadowed walking by with Scoots... the kid looked pretty nervous. Something going on?” “I’m not sure,” Soulshard muttered, lifting herself from her seat. “But I’m going to find out.” “I’ll come with you,” Rainbow Dash said, nodding to herself. “No offense, Twilight, but your brother is a major prick…” “I wouldn’t mind tagging along as well,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Thank you,” Soulshard said, smiling appreciatively. “But I think I need to handle this on my own.” She then glanced at Rainbow Dash, sighing heavily. “You’re right though… Shadowed has been acting like a prick lately." She shook her head again, a baffled expression coming upon her face. "But he wasn't always like this…” ☼☼☼ Shadowed's office was at the top of a set of spiral stairs, overlooking a small, snow-shielded courtyard that served as a gathering spot for students. Twilight Soulshard had actually taken the liberty of adding a few fun activities from the mortal side to it, including a massive trampoline that seemed to have been enchanted to launch ghouls fifty or so feet in the air. "WHEEEEEEEE!" Scootaweb cried during her ascent. "Holy crap! I can't believe we didn't try this mortal stuff out sooner!" “I know! This is friggin’ awesome!” Apple Doom cheered. "Yeah... gee, must be nice being corporeal," Rotten grunted, floating above her and Scootaweb as they bounced merrily. "Oh come on, Rotten!" Scootaweb yelled. "You can fly! Isn't that good enough?" Rotten glanced away from her, huffing slightly as Scootaloo made it to the door of Shadowed's office. The office itself reflected Shadowed's personality. Cold, pragmatic... and militaristic. Hanging upon the walls were a number of medieval weapons, as well as a few he had seemed to have taken a liking to from Scootaloo's side. She recognized a few from a Second Great Pony War documentary she had watched in class. There were rifles, Garands she believed they were called, Thompsons, etcetera, and knowing him, he probably kept them armed. However, to her surprise, the pride of his collection seemed to be the same sword Raindow Death had used to slay Princess Blackblood on Nightmare Night: Frostmourne. "Have a seat, child of light and dark," he grunted, gesturing to a small, rather uncomfortable wooden chair before his desk. Scootaloo did so, still eyeing him warily, her ears sagging ever so slightly. "Tell me... how was your trip here?" he asked calmly, leaning towards her. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "It was... good, I guess. Pretty uneventful." "Was it?" Shadowed said, nodding to himself. "Good... glad to hear it." At that, he whipped out his sword as he was so fond of doing, its bright blue glow illuminating the room. The two sat for a moment in silence, Shadowed taking out his whetstone and sharpening it... as it began to glow a bright red. "Like the sword?" Shadowed finally said, quirking his head. Scootaloo gave a nervous nod. Then, something unexpected happened: Shadowed actually chuckled. "Its previous owner didn't seem to care for it that much... but I won't get into the details of that." Scootaloo took a deep breath. She was quite thankful he wasn't about to get into any gritty war stories. "However, it has a number of features that are very unusual for any blade," Shadowed continued. "For instance, it glows red when creatures of Null Space are nearby." Scootaloo gave a gulp, as she quickly glanced about. "No need to worry; there aren't any Void Callers nearby..." Shadowed said calmly, before changing the topic with: "Tell me of your father, Scootaloo. What do you know of him?" Scootaloo blinked, squinting an eyebrow at the question before saying: "W-Well, it seems like everyghoul else knows more than I do... I'm not sure what I could tell you..." "Mmmmm, I didn't expect as much..." Shadowed mused. "Many know of him as a decent warrior, and as a peaceful negotiator with the Hearth's Warming Eve realm. However... after the battle in the Frozen North, one with a specific entity named Artharius of Winter..." "Artharius..." Scootaloo whispered to herself in horror, her eyes widening. "Arthur..." "He was changed forever..." Shadowed grunted. "Noghoul knows for sure what happened... save for Nightmare Moon and Blackfire... though I did manage to pry a small amount of information from the former... with the help of my wife. All she said was that Sleighbell was tainted by the entity when he made direct contact with him... for reasons unknown." "W-What are you trying to say?" Scootaloo squeaked. "I'm saying... and I don't wish to alarm you, but this taint... it may have spread..." he said, waving whimsical hoof about. "Tell me, Scootaloo, have you been having any strange dreams lately? Have you been hearing any... voices in your head other than those usual pesky instincts vampires seem to have?" Scootaloo shifted nervously in her seat, not answering. "Black cat got your tongue?" he said, quirking his head again. "Then I'm going to be blunt with you, child," he growled, his polite tone all but vanishing. "If you don't tell me what I want to know, I will be within my right mind to have you confined to the dungeons... until the black cat gives it back." Scootaloo gave a gasp, her mind racing through the possibilities. Was he serious? And if she admitted to him that he was talking with Arthur... would he take it lightly? "Shadowed!" a voice growled from behind Scootaloo. Shadowed gave a disgruntled growl, turning his head slightly to the left, as Scootaloo twirled about. A glaring Twilight Soulshard stood behind her, Deathie waiting behind her out of the office, glancing curiously inside. "What is it, sister?" Shadowed said in annoyance. "What is the meaning of this?! Why are you threatening to lock Scootaloo away for no reason?!" "I have my reasons," he said bluntly. "But that won't be necessary if she admits to what I suspect." "And what in the world could that be?" Twilight said, narrowing her eyes. "That she may be... in symbioses with a fraction of Artharius of Winter," Shadowed said bluntly. If incredulous expressions could be rated, Twilight's would probably be somewhere around someghoul saying 'Princess Luna is currently tap-dancing in the Great Hall.' "You can't be serious," Twilight said, shaking her head. "This is a joke, right?" "I don’t joke, Twilight," Shadowed grunted. "Yeah, you don't joke anymore! And that's the problem!" Twilight suddenly yelled, giving Scootaloo an apologetic glance soon after, before turning back to Shadowed. "I mean, you were always gruff, but lately you've been nothing but... distant. Cold. I don't know who you are but you aren't the brother I once knew!" "Real war changes people, Twilight," Shadowed groaned. "I don't believe that," Twilight huffed. "You wouldn't be changed by battle this quickly. The 'war' has only been going for a month!" Shadowed shifted his head away from her. "I don't have time for this, I have a school to protect!" "A school to protect," Twilight laughed. "And you're acting paranoid to boot... ordering more Void Callers here by the day... what in the world has gotten into you?" She then glanced at his sword. "Tell me, where did you get that sword, Shadowed?" "Spoils of war," he muttered. "A rogue ghoul flung himself at me at the beginning of a battle... obviously hoping for a death wish. I made a decent genie..." "Mmmmm... and something about this particular nutty soldier's sword drew you to it? A rare, valuable sword that can harm spirits that an insane soldier just happened to have on him?" Twilight said suspiciously. "If you are accusing me of something, then spill it out, damnit!" Shadowed snapped, his cool tone once again giving way to anger. Twilight took a deep breath. "There's something about that sword, Shadowed! It's making you paranoid... irrational... aggressive." She then gazed upon it warily, taking a step closer to him. "Please... give it to me." Shadowed hugged it to himself defensively. "You're not getting it!" He then actually began to stroke it. "A warrior and his sword are connected through more than just hoof and hilt. This blade is mine!" Twilight's eyes widened in horror, the whole room echoing forth a gasp. "Give it to me, or I will be forced to take it from you!" Twilight roared, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I don't want to... but I will!" "I will not allow you to take one of my most valuable assets!" Shadowed growled, apparently snapping out of his hypnotic state. "Would you dare fight your own brother?!" The two glared down each other, as Shadowed slowly rose from his desk, holding his sword in a defensive posture, the light from the Lich Queen's horn glinting off of it. Scootaloo and Deathie stared at the two in awe.
Love and KinshipTwilight's glowing eyes narrowed. Steam puffed out of her snout as sweat dropped from her brow, and her horn began to glow brighter and brighter... The room became tense. Still. Not a movement was made. And then... Shadowed took a deep breath... CLATTER! And dropped the sword onto his desk. "I will not fight you, my sister," he said, sighing heavily. The group's eyes widened. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! He began walking around the desk, Twilight's glare giving way to a look of awe. Bone-dragon Spike was now glancing through the door. A smile slowly crept over his face, as Shadowed inched his own helmet closer to his sister’s own. "I know your face," Shadowed continued, his armored, jagged helmet an inch from Twilight's face. "It is the face of kin. And kin... must stick together." Twilight’s tears of sorrow instantly turned into tears of joy. "Shadowed..." she said breathlessly. "Now that... that is the brother I know.” She closed her eyes. Scootaloo's mouth parted. And even Rainbow Death smirked slightly. However, Twilight still looked wary when she eventually opened her lids. "But what about Scootaloo?" she continued, lowering an eyebrow. "I will not lock up the child if that is what you wish," he said. "But I ask that the sword remain with me." Twilight stood frozen at that, a suspicious look still on her features. "Why do you need the sword so badly?" Shadowed gave another sigh. "As I have said you before: a soldier and his blade are connected through more than hoof and hilt," he grunted. "I have known this weapon... and this weapon has known me. Please, do not part us." "Would you at least let me examine it for a bit?" Twilight asked. "Just to make sure it isn't... doing anything to you?" Shadowed stood silent for a brief moment, before giving a curt nod. "Very well. Take it." Twilight did just that, levitating the eerie blade off his desk and giving it a curious look-over. Shadowed then began clanking back around his desk, facing Scootaloo again. He stood silent for a second, and just as she was about to get up, he raised a hoof, halting her. "Though child..." he said slowly. ”Be forewarned. I have my eye on you. If I manage to find proof of what I suspect, you will face the consequences for not admitting it to me now." He leaned forward. "Do... you have anything to admit?" Scootaloo shivered, gulping slightly. Finally, she shook her head. "No," she squeaked. "Very well, then," Shadowed growled. "All of you. Get out of my office." Rainbow Death rolled her eyes, gesturing Scootaloo to come to her, for which she quickly complied. "Come on, Scootaloo, don't want to cut into Shadowed's brooding time," she chuckled. "And by the way, this doesn't change anything, Rainbow Death," Shadowed snapped. "I still think you're a pathetic reaper." Rainbow glared at him at that, her eye twitching ever so slightly, but a brief glance at Twilight set her at ease. She took a deep breath at that, before saying, "And I think you're a pathetic headmaster. But I suppose if we can't keep our opinions to ourselves, we can at least keep our blades, agreed?" "Agreed," he said, nodding. The group then made haste from the office, but before Rainbow, the last out, shut the door behind her, she was interrupted. "Oh, and Rainbow," Shadowed said. She lowered her eyebrows. "Yeah?" "You may be a pathetic reaper, but you do have a way with melee combat. If you weren't so damned cocky, I'd say you'd make a decent soldier." Rainbow rolled her black eyes. "Well, since we're doing the whole back-hoofed compliments thing," she grunted. "If you weren't such a paranoid asshole, I'd say you'd make a decent headmaster." "Uh-huh. Cute. Get the hell out of my office." "With pleasure," Rainbow growled, slamming the door behind her. And the group silently made their way back to the main hall, Spike fluttering alongside them. "You know what? I'm proud of you, Rainbow," Twilight said, smiling to the side. "For what? Getting in another pissing contest with Shadowed?" she grunted, before glancing at Scootaloo. "Pardon my fancy, kid..." Scootaloo merely shrugged. "I've heard Applejack and Rarity cuss up storms behind my back before. It's no big deal." Rainbow smiled at her, before turning back to Twilight. “Heh, but yeah… Twilight… how the heck are you proud of me?” "I'm proud of you for not lashing out at him again, at least with your scythe," Twilight beamed. "Believe me, I know it's hard to refrain from shooting back at someone like him, and I don't expect that from you. But I do expect you to hold back from physically assaulting my brother, or anyghoul for that matter, and you did just that." "Heh... yeah, I guess I was pretty awesome back there," Rainbow said, fluttering her wing, and quickly blushing red as Twilight gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Hey! Jeez... stealthy there." "Ugh, seriously?" Scootaloo groaned, wincing at the display. "Ewwww..." "Yeah, common! Keep your epic Death-Undeath lesbian romance to yourself," Spike groaned. "You know you like it, Spike," Twilight winked towards him. He frantically shook his head. "Yuh huh. Made of bones, remember? Made. Of. Bones," he huffed. "And you’re like my sister! Bleh! I couldn't get turned on even if-” He then seemed to remember Scootaloo was there. "Heh, sorry... god... I'm still getting used to hanging around so many kids." "Didn't hear anything," Scootaloo said innocently. Rainbow quickly chuckled. "Meh, wait til you get older, Scoots," she said, smirking. "I'm sure you'll getting asked out plenty of times. Especially with your fame." It soon became mischievous. "Or maybe you won't even need to wait... you and that little Pipsqueak tyke... anything going on there?" Scootaloo blushed fiercely, glancing away from her. "P-Pipsqueak?! Ewwww! Seriously?! He's like a brother to me!" "Hehehe, that's what they all say when they have that red on their face," Spike chortled. "Oh, leave her alone, Spike," Twilight groaned, rolling her eyes. "You don't want me to tell Rainbow Dash you've been messing with her, do you?" Spike's reddened eyes immediately went wide. "Nope," he gulped. "Hehe, even Spike the badass bone dragon is afraid of a Rainbow," Deathie said proudly. "And I gotta say, I've been warming up to her lately. I don't know why, either!" Spike rolled his eyes. "Yeah, not like she's you or anything, and there's noghoul who likes you better than you..." "I wouldn't say that much," Twilight smiled, pecking her on the cheek again. "Pardon me while I vomit bones," Spike said, gagging. And soon they were back in the main hall, and Scootaloo's heart leapt at the sight of her friends. Desperately trying to put Artharius to the back of her mind, she quickly joined them at the table. "Wow! That was quick!" Sweetie beamed merrily. "What'd Shadowed want with you?" "It was... nothing," Scootaloo quickly said. "Don't seem like nothin'," Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow. "Everything alright, sugar?" "Yeah, ya look whiter than a sailor who's been up in the crow's nest too long!" Pipbossa said. The group raised eyebrows at him. "Well uh... when the moon's blocked and we don't look like skeletons, that is," he said. Scootaloo glanced away from them, trying to think of some excuse for why he had called her there. She didn't want to worry her friends with the prospect that she might just be infected by some sort of... Lich King. "It's just..." she said, formulating a lie. "The advanced vampire classes he wants to teach me... I don't know, they just seem so difficult..." "Oooo! Advanced vampire classes? What are you going to learn about?!" Sweetie chirped excitedly, bouncing slightly. "Mind control? That'd be pretty cool! I still remember what you did to Diamond... a bit creepy, but it could be useful!" Scootaloo nodded at that, sensing her way to freedom was near. "Errrr, yeah! Mind control," Scootaloo coughed, chuckling. "Heh. I'm kind of envious, to be honest," Pipsqueak said. "Huh? Why?" Scootaloo said in a genuinely worried tone. Pipsqueak beamed at her. "Who wouldn't want to occasionally get into a free movie or something by mind controlling the guy at the gates?" Scootaloo put on a mischievous smirk at that. "I could always bite you, you know, to try to turn you... my instincts always tell me you're the tastiest..." Pipsqueak gulped, his eyes widening as she inched away from her slightly. "Uhhh… Scoots, no offense, but please try not to joke about that..." "Hahaha, don't be so damned yellow, mate!" Pipbossa cackled, slapping a bony hoof on his back. "She's a ghoul, remember? She's made for scaring! If there's one instinct she should give into, she should give into that!" Scootaloo let loose a deep sigh. "Y-Yeah... I guess that's true. I guess that kind of is my role in life now…" Apple Bloom quickly leapt into action. "Hey! She may be a ghoul but she's still our Scootaloo!" she protested, sensing Scootaloo's disgruntlement. At that, she gave Scootaloo a quick hug, her eyes widening in shock. So, her friends weren't that nervous around her after all... "Yeah, and I personally don't mind if you joke around, we all know you'd never bite us," Sweetie said firmly, beaming at her. Her instincts, however, said otherwise. "Hehe... goods... you've managed to wear down their defenses... their fear of you... now is the perfect time to strike!" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. And her group of friends glanced at her curiously... warily. "Wah... you mean you would bite us?" "No! Of course not. I'm just telling my instincts that they can screw off!" Scootaloo said proudly. "Wuss," Pipbossa muttered under his breath, Pipsqueak quickly shooting him a death glare. "What?!" he grunted. "It's perfectly natural for vampires to feed! They only don't want em' doin' so because Princess Luna told Nightmare Moon that they should quit pullin' that on the other side or else." "How can you say that?!" Scootaloo snapped. "There's more to it than just feeding. If I bite somepony... or ghoul even, wouldn't they turn into one of me?" "Even if that were true, which it's not, is that a bad thing?" Pipbossa said, lifting an eyebrow. "You can't say being a vampire doesn't have certain advantages. You get to live for thousands of years! You get to see the world change and grow before you, just like I do, just like a fourth of all ghouls do! That... that is something to live for, lass... perhaps it's something to even die for... as long as you come back." "Mph," Scootaloo said, folding her arms. "I still don't know about the 'living forever' part. But..." she said, tapping her hoof to her chin. "I suppose the mind control thing could be kind of cool. But y-you say... if I were to ever hypothetically lose control... if I bit somepony that wouldn't turn them?" "Nay, lass," Pipbossa said, chuckling. "More to it than that. Don’t ask me how it’s done, though…” "Eh, even so..." Apple Bloom said. "You're still not going to do that, right, Scoots?" "Of course not," Scootaloo said, shaking her head. "I'd never- that's just wrong!" "Whatever ya say," Pipbossa said, shrugging. "Though I'd argue that right and wrong are nothing if not relative." At a look from Pipsqueak, he quickly continued with, "Not that I don't have my own moral code, mind you." "Heh, but still, Scoots," Apple Bloom joined in with a teasing smile. "You're never gonna use that mind control stuff to make your friends do anything silly, will ya? Like on April Foal’s day?" Scootaloo merely chuckled. "Na, I promise I won’t. I’m only going to use my mind control powers for good when I get back to the other side!" she proclaimed. "Hehe, you could be like a vampiric super hero or something," Pipsqueak smiled. "I'd totally be your sidekick." He waved to hooves into the air, before proclaiming: "Pipsqueak: The Boy Swordswinger!" He quickly coughed. "I'd uh... learn how to use a bo-staff, though. Wouldn't want to cut any blokes." "Oi, how many bloody wusses are there at this table?!" Pipbossa grumbled. "If someone's tryin' ta cut you, you cut em’ back! What me father always said! Otherwise they might just try to cut ya again if you whoop their flanks and let em sit. Some ghouls are just like that, don't like their ego bruised... or their faces." "Jeez, Pirate Pip, how hardcore is life on the sea?" Scootaloo asked. "Very," both Pips said at the said time, bluntly. They then looked towards each other, smiling slightly. "Mmm, makes me wonder, though," Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow Scootaloo's mortal friend's ways. "If Scootaloo could turn us somehow, would you two go for the whole vampire thing?" "Certainly not," Sweetie said, folding her arms. And she sounded so much like her sister that brief instant Scootaloo couldn't help but chuckle. "Er, no offense, Scootaloo," she soon added. "It's just... eh... I'm happy being mortal." “None taken,” Scootaloo shrugged. Pipsqueak seemed somewhat the opposite, however. "Mph, actually, now that I think of it... I'm not sure if I'd mind," Pipsqueak said, shrugging. "So long as I could keep my instincts under control. Though I dunno, it'd be something to really think about." Scootaloo shook her head. "Mmmmm, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be with turning you guys, to be honest," she said, sighing. "You don't know how it is. These instincts... they can be very pesky at times. Sometimes-" She cut herself off, not wanting to worry her friends with the fact that she felt like biting them all just two seconds ago. Pipbossa raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes what, lass?" "Nothing," she squeaked. "Anyway," Sweetie said, and Scootaloo was almost positive she had ended the conversation for her sake. "I got a new schedule, so... huh..." "What's up?" "Erm," Sweetie coughed, glancing warily at her schedule. "Apparently I'm going to be learning how to summon pet demons next..." "Cool!" Pipbossa beamed. “What kind of demons we talkin’? Goblins? Imps? Ugh, hopefully not those damned Gorgons, though…” “I’m not sure…” Sweetie said. “I just heard some of the other ghouls talking about it…” Apple Bloom shook her head. "My oh my... this school gets nuttier by the second." At that, a new voice nearby joined in, sharing in Pipbossa's excitement. "Ooooo, watcha got there?" Scootaweb called, her and the three alternate Crusaders making their way to the table. Scootaloo beamed at them, and two of them beamed back... save for Apple Doom, who seemed to be pretending she didn't exist. "Summoning and Repelling, huh?" Rotten said, her ghostly form actually moving right through a clearly disturbed Sweetie and glancing at her schedule. "EEEEP!" Sweetie squeaked, giving a tremendous shiver. "Oh shoot, sorry!" Rotten gulped, quickly darting backward. "I forgot how cold ectoplasm could be to people!" "Y-Yeah," Sweetie said, hugging her arms to herself. "I-I'd really appreciate if you didn't do that again..." Rotten lowered her eyebrows. "Hey, at least you still have flesh," she huffed, before turning to Scootaloo. "But yeah, we saw you going up to the headmaster's office earlier. Everything alright?" "Yeah, everything's fine," Scootaloo said in the politest tone she could muster. She was starting to get very annoyed at all the questions about that. "Totally wasn't accused of being possessed by an ancient Lich King or anything," she muttered to herself. "What was that?" Pipsqueak said, lifting an eyebrow. "Er, nothing," Scootaloo said, simpering. "Heh, well that's good. Shadowed seems a bit... cold," Scootaweb said. "Like, cold in a bad way. I heard about his little fight with Deathie. Some nerve he has, saying she's a bad reaper! She's the best reaper there is!" "What makes you say that?" asked Scootaloo curiously. Scootaweb gave a chuckle. "Heh, where should I begin? For one, she was thrust into the role, but still kicks flank at it,” she explained. "She told me about her past one time. She was born Daemon Iustitiae." "Daemon wah?" Apple Bloom asked. "Demon of Retribution," Scootaweb continued. And in a spooky tone, she added, "And those kind of demons, or most demons for that matter, eeeaat souuullllsss..." The mortals (and Scootaloo) in the group gasped. "So Deathie really does eat souls?!" "Oh yes," Scootaweb cackled, before lifting a leg. "But, it wasn't really something she was proud of. So... when the position of reaper opened up, she leapt to the role. An all you can eat buffet without the guilt!" "B-But she still eats souls, though!" Sweetie squeaked nervously. "M-My soul is safe, right?" "Haha, of course," Scootaweb chuckled, patting Sweetie on the back with a hairy leg, who clearly was trying to hide a look of repulsion. "She only eats the souls of the wicked." She then put on a smirk. "You’re not a sinner, are you, Sweetie Belle? Hehehe..." "No!" Sweetie squeaked, rapidly shaking her head, a clear look of guilt coming to her. "Hey, Scootaweb, what's up?" Rainbow Death said, conveniently walking to the table around the same time. "Hey, Rainbow!" Scootaweb smirked. Sweetie's eyes widened in horror. "Nonononono... this can't be a coincidence, she knows!" she hissed in horror towards her friends. "Knows what?" Rainbow said, lifting an eyebrow. "Uhhhhh.... nothing!" "Really?" Rainbow said, knowing what the smirk on Scootaweb's face meant. She then bent forward towards Sweetie, a menacing look on her. "You haven't been doing anything bad, have you?" "Hoooo boy," Pipsqueak sighed. "No! Nothing!" Sweetie quickly said, sweat dripping from her brow. "Mmmmm, because if you did, I might know about it," Rainbow said, grinning wickedly. "Better fess up... or ELSE! BUAHAHAHAHA!" And suddenly, Sweetie could hold it in no longer. Looking as if she had been a volcano building up pressure, she finally blew her top. "UGH, FINE! I WAS THE ONE WHO TOOK THOSE BLUE GEMS OUT OF RARITY'S SPECIAL STASH FOR OUR CRUSADERS ART PROJECT!" The group looked taken aback. Sweetie's eyes then began to shimmer, as if pleading. "Please don't eat my soul, Rainbow! I promise I'll be good from now on!" And suddenly, Rainbow broke out into laughter, the rest of the ghouls nearby doing so as well. "Huh?" Sweetie said, looking clearly embarrassed. "Haha, jeez kid, you really think I'd do that to you? Course not!" she said dismsively. She then grinned wickedly again, however, before stating in a low tone, "I only eat the souls of the dead." At that, Sweetie's pupils dilated. She looked like she was about to take off galloping. "EEEEEEEEEEEEPPPP-" And Rainbow and the ghouls broke out into laughter again. "Haha, sorry, kid... couldn't resist," she said soothingly, patting her with her long, black wing. "Shouldn't have come to a world of ghouls if you didn't want to shiver a bit.” She then cleared her throat. “But yeah, I really only eat the souls of people who have done real wrongs. I'm not like that douchebag Blackblood who shot every one he could get up like a junkie, even the innocent ones. With me, it's the only way I can feed myself. It's sort of like a vampire with blood, only souls are a bit... harder to come by. Though the ones I eat should consider themselves lucky compared to what happens to the worst among them..." "W-What happens to them?" Scootaloo asked. Rainbow gave a dark chuckle. "They get put on ice... til I finally kick it," she said, swinging her lockets about. "Ugh, Deathie, what are you doing messing with kids like that?" the normal Rainbow Dash grunted, walking over to the table. "Oh relax, someghoul's gotta toughen them up," Deathie argued. "They are in the Nightmare Realm after all." "Yeah, but still..." "Don't worry, it's all fun and games," Deathie said in a calming tone, patting her on the back with her wing. "You're a prankster too, aren't you?" Rainbow tapped an annoyed hoof as she threw Deathie a look "Fine, fine... I'll go easy on em'," Deathie grunted, before clearing her throat. "But, anyway, I owe you a bit for cheering me up yesterday, and I hear you're a bit of a flyer. Naturally so." "Hehe, you heard right!" Rainbow said proudly. "Well, there's a super-cool ice canyon nearby," Deathie continued. "Crazy jagged spikes jutting out of it at all angles. I used to fly in it when I went to school here." She narrowed her eyes, grinning. "How hardcore are you, my mortal friend? Cus I’m not about to let you cheat death if you find this too… difficult." "Mph, this sounds like a challenge," Rainbow grinned back at her. "How about a race through it? Let's see who's the fastest flyer in both worlds, shall we?!" "Fine then. Sounds good to me! Just a friendly competition," Deathie smirked, drawing her black eyes closer to Rainbow's magenta one. "Nothing to gain. Nothing to lose," Rainbow said, returning the smirk. "Oh just bloomin' kiss already," Pipsqueak mumbled to himself. "I heard that," Deathie growled, before putting on a playful smile. "Better watch your soul, sea-dog!" Pipsqueak rolled his eyes. "Ugh, what'd I just tell you about messing with my friggin' kids?" Rainbow growled. "Fine, fine," Deathie said, throwing up her hooves with a deep breath. "I'll tell ya what. Beat me in a race, and I will mess with mortals no more!" "You're on!" Rainbow said, holding out a hoof. "Just name a time!" "Mmmm, how about today or tomorrow? We'll figure it out." "Then it's a done deal!" Dashie proclaimed. And the two shook. And it. Was. On- "But yeah, in the meantime.... do ya wanna go play cards or something?" Deathie smiled. Or not. Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "I thought you weren't into mortal fun?" "Ehehe, well... Twilight loves mortal fun," Deathie said, scratching the back of her head. "And well... it's becoming a hit over here since Nightmare Night. I've always wanted to learn the whole Throw Fish thing. I hate asking this but... would you mind teaching me?" Rainbow returned the smile. "Sure, but I think we should probably start with the name, then," she chuckled. "It's called Go Fish." "Oooooohhhh," Deathie nodded. “Go Fish… huh, has a ring to it.” And the two began trotting away. Almost immediately afterward, the group burst into chatter. "Awww man! Deathie is going to grease the floor with her!" Scootaweb grinned. "Pffffft- Seriously?” Scootaloo chuckled, shaking an incredulous head. “She may be Death, but she doesn't have the flying experience Rainbow does, does she? She's too busy reaping souls! Dashie's got this in the bag!" "Nuh-uh!" "Yuh-huh!" "Ugh, how did I know this was going to happen?" Pipsqueak said. "Came at us like a bucking' pissed off bone whale," Pipbossa grunted. "Oooo, ever have to harpoon any of those?" Pipsqueak grinned. Pipbossa gave a hearty laugh. "Harpoon? Lad, most of ours' are made out of bones! We have cannons for them. Harpoons only work on certain beasts..." He then gave Congeria a glare. "Like those god-forsaken sirens..." "Huh… why do you hate her so much, anyway?" Pipsqueak asked. Pipbossa froze at that, a remorseful look coming upon him. Pipsqueak quickly returned the look. "Hey... you don't have to tell me. Sorry I even brought it up." Pipbossa gave a hearty sigh. "It's alright... just has to do with my father, is all... I suppose it's been coming, though I'll tell you about it some other day. From one seadog to another, a good scary tale from our own great seas, savvy?" "Savvy," Pipsqueak nodded. And suddenly, the clock tower that hung high on the school began to chime. It was now approaching eleven... "Crap! Time for my next class," Scootaloo gulped. "What's that?" Sweetie asked. "Uhhhh.... it's uh..." She didn't want to tell Sweetie it was Basic Mind Control when she had just lied that it was the 'special class Shadowed had given her.' "Er, it's uh... flight class!" she suddenly blurted out. "Oooo, that's awesome!" Pipsqueak said, beaming with enthusiasm. "So, can you use those wings yet?" "Yeah, soon enough!" she said, standing up from her seat. "But yeah, I'll see you guys later, I really need to get going." "Yeah. Time for us to splitskee as well. We all have the same next class," Scootaweb chirped, her and the counterpart Crusaders previously having been chatting among themselves. "See you guys!" "Seeya!" And they all went their separate ways. Scootaloo trotted to the door, her mind beginning to roll back to what Shadowed had. But before could make it out, she was interrupted by the gravelly voice of Twilight Soulshard. "Hang on, Scootaloo,” she chirped merrily. Evidently, her and Deathie being back together had improved her mood tremendously. “Unless you're really running late, there's one thing I wanted to show you really quick.” "Er, sure!" Scootaloo said, shrugging. "Come to me then, I'll get us there quickly and back," Twilight said, gesturing her to her side. Scootaloo did as she was told, and a brief moment later, the two teleported away in a blink of purple light.
Relics of OblivionScootaloo stood in the teleportation hub, glancing about to make sure noghoul was near. And after a moment or so, finally satisfied, she stepped through the orb labeled 'Northern Tower', and soon felt the familiar sensation of having her senses jolted by the sudden shift of scenery. She now stood atop the lonely tower, a full view of the surrounding, strikingly beautiful fields of ice and snow now available to her. A frigid breeze grazed her bat-like wings, and soon enough, she actually gave a shiver. The storm blowing through the Southern Pass was starting to show its teeth. She saw Rainbow Dash in the distance, and despite the efforts of the tiny blue dot, the billowing clouds of white were still barreling towards the castle. Smiling at the sight of her sister-figure, she began making her way down the tower, and eventually stood at its base. The Proloquor Orb was there, waiting for her, and all she would need to do was draw close and whisper a few simple words. She made her way over to it. "What was it again?" she questioned herself, wracking her memory, before smiling. "Oh right... volo contact Captain Jack Harness... uh... Equestria." She stood motionless for a moment, listening to the eerie, howling winds outside, and for a brief second, she was starting to wonder if Jack was going to pick up at all. Perhaps he was sleeping, or was busy… However, soon enough, his face made itself known in the orb, followed by his care-free voice: "Hey kiddo!” he chirped. “Wow, didn't expect to hear from you so soon. How's it hanging?" "Uh- good," Scootaloo beamed. "Wait- you were expecting to hear from me?" Jack gave a quick smirk. "Yeah, Twilight the Good Lich of the South told me she was working on a special project, a modified Proloquor Orb, right?" "Jack... who are you talking to?" a voice called in a Dr. Whoovenstein accent. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Oh, hang on Scoots, I'm with an old friend," Jack said, before turning his head to the side. "Check it out, Doc. They actually managed to make their radio work!" "You mean... oh my! That's brilliant! She actually managed to modify it for cross-dimensional usage!" "Well, if she's anything like this dimension's Twilight... it makes sense,” Jack smirked. “She's almost as smart as you, Doc." "Hehe, look at you hanging around all these clever people, Jack. You've got yourself quite the friendly rogue gallery, don't you? Liches, vampires, what's next, friendly Daleks?" "Yuh huh..." "Uh, Captain," Scootaloo said, her face still laced with curiosity. "Who are you talking to? That sounds like- like-" "Mhm, I believe you already know the Doctor,” he said. “He's an old friend of mine; and we go back further than you'll ever believe." Scootaloo smiled slightly. She knew of the Doctor, and she also knew he was a sort of time traveler, as strange as that sounded. But she had never imagined that the Captain and him were friends. "Tell Scootaloo I said hi!" the Doctor chirped. "And that I suppose I was wrong about her being a creature of the night after all, not that that matters of course!" "Doc… she can hear you," the captain stated, before turning back Scootaloo's way. “Yeah, I sought him out a week ago to get his help with finding your old man. Unfortunately, he's just as in the dark about his possible location as I am, though." Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah... that's actually what I called about. I was wondering... how much do you know about him?" A beat. The captain stood motionless. He then took a deep breath, apparently gathering his thoughts, before continuing with, "Well… not much, to be honest... his history I know through Blackfire. The two were pretty close back in the day. Apparently, they fought together in the Battle of Icecrown, as she called it, a huge climatic end of a ghoul civil war." He gave a shiver. "Glad I wasn't there. But yeah, she's the one who tipped me off he was in Equestria in the first place. This was back when Horsehood was actually somewhat honorable and not a merry band of misfits. It was our job to deal with interdimensional threats to Equestria, per instruction of Princess Celestia, and from what Blackfire was saying, he was an interdimensional threat." "But how? How was he a threat?" Scootaloo asked, her curiosity giving way to worry. The captain paused, before continuing with, "Scootaloo, before I go on, I just want to say that... what she told me was only a theory of hers. Or at least a very good hypothesis..." "I'll take anything I can get," Scootaloo said firmly. The captain chuckled, smiling. "You sound like me back when I was in Horsehood. Leaping for any leads I could get. Hard to do when your potential 'enemies' keep to the shadows. And that's the funny thing, really: your father turned out to be the exact opposite of that. When I talked to him, in the guise of a regular ole government official who thought he might have been an illegal immigrant, he seemed like the nicest guy in the world. And when we kept tabs on him, like for over ten years, he never gave anyone any trouble. And he definitely never drank anyone's blood. He had a supply he brought from the Nightmare Realm. I became worried when he met your mother, however..." He sighed nostalgically, and Scootaloo gazed at him longingly. "You probably want to know about her, don’t you? Well, her name was Desert Rose. A beautiful mare, and the nicest thing you could ever meet. I dated her for about five months…” He closed his eyes, smiling sorrowfully. “-But in the end, I had to give up the relationship. Being in Horsehood, it wasn't... smart to keep connections like that, connections that could be used against you. And when your enemies know you and death don’t get along, they’d take anything they could get. So, I let her go. And eventually, as if some great cosmic irony were occurring, she met your father, and the two hit it off." "And she knew he was a vampire?" Scootaloo asked. "Oh yes, but she wasn't shallow by any stretch of the imagination." He gave another chuckle. "I guess he had a thing for stallions with... odd abilities, I guess you could say?" "You still view that whole 'not dying' thing as a superpower, don't you, Jack?" "Pfffft, somewhat, except when Rainbow Death scolds me every time I wind up at the pearly gates," he chuckled, before turning back towards Scootaloo. "I think I'm getting off topic... you want to know Blackfire's theory about him, right?" Scootaloo nodded, though somewhat apprehensively. "Well, alright... she didn't really go into detail, though. All she told me was he had made direct contact with someone called 'Artharius of Winter'. You know about him, right?" "Yeah... Twilight told me about him..." Scootaloo whispered. Jack nodded, before continuing with, "Well... apparently Mr. Winters was..." A chuckle came from the Doctor. "Mr. Winters?" "Shut up, Doc," Jack groaned, before continuing with, "Anyway, from what she said, this 'direct contact' with Artharius... it… allowed a part of him to latch onto your father… and it… did something to your father’s mind.” He paused a beat, before saying in a sorrowful tone, “I-I'm sorry Scootaloo, I know this-" "It's alright, captain, I'd rather know than not know," Scootaloo said firmly. Jack took a deep breath. "Alright... well... they say before he came to the regular world, he wasn't in tip-top shape mentally speaking. But then... something changed. He somehow regained his sanity when he came over here. Blackfire said it was probably just a ruse..." "S-So what happened?" At that, Jack gave a shiver and glanced away from her. Scootaloo tapped a hoof in annoyance. "Jack... you need to tell her." "Does she really need to know this?" he growled. "She'll find out eventually. It’s best if it comes from you." Jack took a deep breath. "Yeah... you're right, you're right..." he sighed, before turning back towards Scootaloo. "Did... Soulshard tell you how your mother... passed, Scootaloo?" Scootaloo slowly shook her head. "All she said was that... she had died. I really haven't had time to think about it, I guess..." "Well...yes… but… she didn’t say how, did she? I was there at the scene of the crime... I examined your mother and..." He closed his eyes. "All indications show that it was caused by a vampire..." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "You mean to say..." Jack slowly nodded. "I know... I'm sorry, kid..." Scootaloo felt her heart plummet. Her father... her 'great' father, a hero to the world of ghouls... a murderer? How could it be possible? Immediately, all her interest in the conversation evaporated. Everything about Artharius… she no longer cared about. All she wanted to do right now was end the call and lie down in bed... to think about this new revelation. But she needed more information. She had to know all she could... there had to be more to the story than just that. "C-Captain… you’re sure it was him?" Scootaloo squeaked. Jack paused for a second, before continuing with, "I-I don't know, Scoots... I'm not an expert on vampires, but I can tell you what Blackfire said: that your father had been biding his time, hiding his insanity, and for a brief moment let it slip... and at that moment his instincts took control." "S-So he didn't do it intentionally?" Jack quickly shook his head. "No, I don't believe so. I'd bet money that if he was responsible for the murder, he didn't mean it. He probably ran from the scene more out of shame more than out of fear from Horsehood." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, a sudden bit of hope leaping at her. "So... you're not entirely sure that it was him?" "No, I’m not. You see, your father wasn't the only rogue vampire in Equestria at the time. We had reported sightings and... incidents involving them. Some even near where your father lived in Sleepy Hallow. There's a small possibility it was another vampire." "Then that must have been it!" Scootaloo proclaimed. "Like I said, it's possible," Jack said, nodding. "And it would make sense, too: your father would have known what danger she was putting your mother in if he felt he couldn't keep it together." "That's true!" Scootaloo chirped. "He was one of the most powerful vampires there were… he would have known if his instincts were going out of control!” "It's still all very ambiguous, kid..." Jack sighed. "But once the Doctor and I track him down, we'll get some answers. I promise." "Thanks, Jack..." Scootaloo said. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I'm putting you through." "Who wants muffins?!" the voice of Derpy Hooves suddenly chirped. Jack momentarily glanced away from her, and then looked back. "No trouble at all, kid. It gave me an excuse to hang out with my Doctor again. And Derpy- those muffins look amazing!" "They'd better be! They're practically all that I make!" "Oh, and I get free muffins," Jack added. "That's a plus. Especially when they're your muffins, Derpy..." he said, winking to the side. "Jack..." "What?! Can't I give compliments anymore?!" he grunted. "Not to Derpy... especially if you're using your patented formula." "Seriously?!" "Patented- what?" Scootaloo smirked. Jack quickly sweat-dropped, looking sheepish. "Ahem! Mind if we not talk about this in front of the kid, Doctor?!" ‘ “You started it.” He then took a deep breath, smiling at Scootaloo. "Anyway, you said things are working out over there, right? Are the ponies in Bogmorts giving you an easy time?" Scootaloo nodded. "They're honestly very nice... well, most of them." "That’s good, and - heh, you must be quite the celebrity too, considering what your dad means to them, right?" Jack beamed. "More than you could imagine," Scootaloo sighed. "Good... good..." Jack nodded, before his expression became serious once again. "But anyway, Scootaloo... since I've got you on the line, though I haven't heard anything about your father, I have heard a few things about Horsehood..." "Horsehood?” Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “I thought they were finished!” Jack quickly shook his head. "We only cut off one head of the hydra. They've got bases everywhere, and some that I didn't even know about... Blackfire must have started them up behind my back," he growled. "They're working on something, too. Something called 'Project Fargate.' I don't know much about it, but it can't be anything good. Can you tell Twilight I want to talk with her, later? Lichy Twilight. Oh, and regular Twilight too, actually." Scootaloo nodded. "Alright... I'll tell them," she said in a somewhat disappointed tone. Why couldn't she know? "Anyway, kid... me and the Doctor have a lot of time and space to cover. We're trying to piece together a few things. But I'd be happy to chat a little longer if you want." "No... it's fine," Scootaloo said. "I know you're probably really busy." Jack quickly gave a nod, an approachable smile spreading across his face. "We are, but... listen, if you ever need to talk to anypony, just give me a call, OK? Or the Doctor. He's a really good listener." "I'm touched, Jack..." "When he's not being sarcastic..." he groaned, glaring to the side. "But yeah, I'll talk to you later, and, heh, it's been a while since I've said this, soooo: Captain Harness: signing off!" Scootaloo smirked, throwing him a quick salute, before the Proloquor Orb blinked off. However, soon enough, she was lost in the forest of her own mind, Jack’s words swimming through it… Horsehood... her father… She shook her head, grunting. There was no possible way he had anything to do with his mother's murder. Nothing about it made sense. Captain Harness was right... he would have known if something was wrong with him. He wouldn't have put his wife in danger if he knew he couldn’t keep his instincts under control. He was one of the most powerful vampires there were! He would have known… She then winced. Yet still, she didn't know exactly what had happened on Icecrown. Why her father was considered 'tainted.' And if so, how was that taint passed on. How could him being tainted lead to Artharius of Winter inhabiting her? And suddenly, it hit her, her eyes widening with the thought. She knew how she could find out… There was only one person who would know the answer. "Artharius..." she whispered. Nothing responded. "Artharius, can you hear me? I know who you are, Arthur... I just want to talk..." And again, there was no response. Was it possible 'Arthur' had fled when he knew they were onto him? It would make sense... maybe his spirit was invisible. It was possible she didn't even see him leave… "Arthur..." she whispered again. "Please... I just want to know a few things. Twilight said that you were alone for millions of years. Is that why you came to me? Because you knew my father? Did you want someone to talk to?" She closed her eyes. "She said you weren't evil... so why would you drive my father crazy? I wouldn't be angry at you if you didn't mean to... Please, I just want to know... I want answers..." Only the wind answered her... nevermore. Her mood suddenly took a turn for the better. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about, though a small part of her wished he was still there. He could give her the answers she sought if he was willing to talk. But still, on the other hoof, she was glad he seemed to be gone; if everything wasn't some huge coincidence and he wasn't just her imagination... maybe her transformation into a vampire was doing something to her mind? Smiling slightly, she made her way from the Proloquor Orb and toward the stairs of the tower. Even with the news she had just received, she was going to try her best to enjoy the rest of her day. Bogmorts was starting to intrigue her... and there was so much about it to explore.
Memories of Nightmares PassedThe TARDIS hummed and rocked occasionally, her standard procedure as the timeship, now simple transport, made headway through Null Space. The Doctor was not used to using her as a vessel to complete any sort of long-term mission. He usually just popped in and out of reality when he needed to, solved whatever problem needed solving, and then popped back out. It was how he operated. It was how he lived and breathed. But now, an old friend needed his help. And help he intended to give him, as help was something he long deserved. Though unfortunately, his willingness to help came for a price for him: Jack brought up memories of the past, a past he wished to stay away from. He and Captain Harness stood within the control room of the vessel, a somber mood saturating it in its entirety. Derpy was in the kitchen fixing smoothies, and the time was right for a talk they had long since avoided to come forth... It would be Jack who would start it, with a simple: "Hey, Doctor..." The Doctor knew what was coming. He had been waiting for this moment for sometime. He winced, but nonetheless, he did what he did best, and that was to keep an open ear. He turned towards his former companion. "Yeah, Jack?" There was a brief interrum, before Jack continued with, "I know this is kind of out of the blue, but... I was just wondering if... well..." A beat. "Do you ever think about it?" The Doctor took a deep breath. "I knew you'd ask this eventually, and the answer is: yes." He gave a sigh. "I just wish I couldn't." "It wasn't your fault... I was the one keeping watch, remember?" The Doctor gave a shaky nod. "I know. There's nothing either of us could have done. Absolutely nothing. I'd like to believe I was the most powerful force in the universe, but what happened: it came from something beyond the universe, now didn't it? But it's all in the past now..." "We fought, you know. We threw everything we had at him... missiles, bullets, nukes... but it wasn't enough." "I know. And I ran." "But it wasn't out of fear. It was a retreat. Perhaps not a tactical withdraw, but everyones' backs were against the wall. We were out of assets. Out of time. Time even you couldn't bring us." "I know..." Jack took a deep breath. "Anyway, we've been putting this off for a while, now, you know. Talking about this. And uh... well... I know you don't drink... but..." With that, Jack rummaged around in his sack, suddenly procuring a bottle of wine. The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "You knew it was coming this trip, didn't you?" Jack smiled slightly. "Like you've said, we've been putting it off for a while... I'll be right back, let me get some glasses." He exited the control room, grabbed a few glasses out of the kitchen, and returned, Derpy glancing at him curiously as she did so. If she had anything in mind, she didn't speak it. The Doctor sighed. "Alright, I'll make an exception... just for once. For you, Captain Jack Harkness. For those who were saved," he winked. "For everyone who lived." "Heh, still remember that, don't you?" Jack smiled, pouring two glasses of wine. "I remember a lot of things..." He handed the Doctor a glass. He accepted and took a sip. "Your old companions?" "Always and forever," the Doctor smiled, though it wasn't one of happiness. "How about Torchwood? Your old team?" There was a pause, before Jack answered with, "Every day." "Amazing, isn't it?" the Doctor said, glancing away with blank eyes. "How some things can carry on for millions of years... so much development, so much culture, so many universes branching off from the whole. And then... one day... just like that: poof. It's all gone. Doesn't mean we're all nothing, of course... all that matters if people live happy. But sometimes... it would be nice if you could look at everything at once and say: maybe it does matter, doesn't it? That it isn't just dust ready to be blown in the summer wind." "He saw it coming, too," Jack suddenly said, also glancing blanky ahead. "Huh?" "One on my team," Jack continued, looking back at the Doctor. "It was after we broke up initially. After the incident where I lost... Ianto." "And you still remember his name," the Doctor said, smiling warmly. "Thousands upon thousands of years..." Jack took a deep breath, wincing in pain at the thought. "Always... and forever." "After that and the whole Miracle Days business, it was just you and Gwen for a bit, right?" "Yeah, and we needed new people. We were lucky we found him. An expert on all things mystical. Stuff most people would consider nuts. He sort of filled a gap we were missing. The supernatural wasn't anything Torchwood ever covered." Jack thought for a second. "He had one other fascination, too... with the concept of parallel worlds and Null Space." "Hmph," the Doctor grunted. "Are we talking 'real' universes or places like that quirky Halloween world? Well, I could have told him a thing or two about that..." He then raised an eyebrow. "What was his name, anyway?" "The new member?" "Yeah..." Jack paused a beat, smiling slightly, before answering: "His name was Arthur. Arthur Julian Winter." ☼☼☼ Scootaloo found herself in another world. A beautiful, yuletime version of Ponyville, in a land of snow and ice. Giant candy canes lined the streets, and beautiful, glowing orbs of strung lights hung on every window. She blinked. She must have been dreaming, yet it felt so... real. So vivid. So rich. Then she noticed them. There were ponies walking the streets, merry and chipper as could be. However, they were neither ghoul-type nor regular ponies. They wore green tunics, with green, long hats on them that dangled from their heads; tiny, adorable bels jingling at the end of them. And their ears were longer than anything she had ever seen. "Elven ponies?" she said, quirking her head. She scurried over to one of them, bounding in front of her. She would have imagined her vampiric wings would have given whoever it was a startle... but that was not the case. It was actually the opposite. Her eyes widened. Standing before her was an elven version of Pinkie Pie, a candy cane necklace dancing off her neck as she merilly conversed with another pony she was walking with: this one an elven version of Fluttershy. Her wings, unlike a normal pegasus', appeared to be more of a butterfly's in look. Beautiful, shimmering, and somewhat like she had seen Rarity sporting when accompanying Rainbow to the Best Young Flyer competition. "Oh my gosh! But you have to come tonight, Angelshy," the former said with a very Pinkie Pie bounce. "It's going to be awesome! We'll have spiked eggnog and cookies and I'm totally going to get Holy Scratch to kick up some Transileighberian Orchestra! Doesn't that sound great?!" "Um... I don't know, Cookie Pie..." she squeaked. "I've never been much of a party person... I think I might just stay at home... I have a few special toys to make for that orphanage in Ponyville..." "Ugh, come on! I know you care about them, but you should care about yourself too! Celebrate the season! Hearth's Warming Eve is only two days away!" Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, a bit odded out by the fact they weren't noticing her. If this was a dream, she would have thought those she had conjured would have payed attention. "Um... hi?" Scootaloo said, still in front of them, with a bit of excitement swelling in her chest at the prospect of meeting these strange, new creatures. They continued trotting right past her. Scootaloo blinked. "Huh." She shook her head in confusion, before bounding over to another. This one appeared to be a version of Rainbow Dash, conversing with a strange version of Twilight. Unlike Fluttershy, the former appeared to have giant mistletoes for wings, and oddly enough, she seemed to be carrying a bow and quiver on her back, arrows sticking out of it. Her expression was stern and fierce. "Ugh, Blizzard Dash, I'm sure you just imagined them!" "I'm telling you, I didn't imagine them, darn it!" she growled. "I saw them with my own eyes, and it's really not hard to see giant orange monsters when the rest of the world is white! There are Felhounds in the Everpine Forest!" "How can there be Felhounds in the woods?" Twilight continued, exasperated. "That's the Nightmare Realm's problem! What would they be doing here?" "I don't know, maybe they're on the Grinch's leash! He always gets moody this time of year..." "He's reformed and you know it!" "Is he? Are you sure?" Blizzard snapped suspiciously. "He may have cut the roast beef, but I still think he hogged most for himself!" The two then passed Scootaloo, leaving her to bask in confusion. "Felhounds?" she whispered, now fully aware that none of them could hear her. And then... that voice, that familiar voice emanated from behind her. That casual, though chilling voice that rattled her bones. "They can't hear you, child, but they are very much real." She twirled about. Her eyes widened again as she gasped. Standing before her was a massive, humanoid figure decked out in an shimmering, blue armor: a helmet on him that resembled Shadowed Armor, blue eyes glowing through it. His voice didn't appeared to be muffled by it. On his back, a cape billowed sorrowfully in the winter winds. "Hello again, child of my noble friend." She scooted away from him an inch, frightened. This was Artharius' true form. She knew it in her heart. Though there was something about him that contradicted her fear, that put her at ease. She could practically sense sorrow emanating from him. "I really need to find a more casual appearance..." he grumbled. "But unfortunately, this will have to make do for now. Don't be afraid..." "I am not afraid!" Scootaloo said, her eyes narrowing. "Ghoul or not, fear is inherent to everyone's nature, Scootaloo. You can't choose to feel it," he said softly. "Though it is the one thing one should truly be afraid of... and what it can do to you. Something I learned when I lived in the Nightmare Realm." He chuckled, before continueing in a warm tone, "You... are so much like your father, though. So brave, and I know this for a fact: a pure heart beats within. I regret what happened." "You mean how you drove him insane?!" Scootaloo snapped. "I... I didn't do it on purpose..." Artharius said, almost like a child would when accused of doing something wrong. "It was a consequence of the bond we formed at the end of that ancient battle... oh so long ago. He wanted to truly understand who I was. Why I had done what I had done. I let him. I was a fool. The consequences of it were extreme and unfortunate for both of us... but not for the world at whole." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "For because of it, I wish to make amends," he simply stated. "This world you see before you... it reminds me so much of a holiday I loved. An ancient one celebrating an ancient religion's savior once a year. Remember this?" Softly, in a tired tone, he began to sing: "Oh holy night, The stars are burning brightly, It is the night of dear savior's birth, Long lay the world in sin and error pining." Scootaloo's eyes widened. "That's the song you sang on the train..." "In a... manner of speaking. It is a holiday that pains me to think of, yet I do it anyway. Ironically, I planned to take this world and the holiday like it for my own many years ago... and now, I fear the sins of the past may catch up to me." "What? Who will try to invade it, though?" "It's complicated." "Then explain," Scootaloo growled. "I hate all this vagueness everyone is throwing at me! Captain Harness, Soulshard, everyone! At least Shadowed was honest with me. Doesn't anyone know the complete story?!" "There is little time. You are waking soon," Artharius said. "Ugh..." "I'm sorry, young lady. I don't wish to risk surfacing when more and more detectors are being put in place. The Felhounds, I believe, are just the beginning. Scouts. This world will feel the wrath of both Null Space and even a few factions in the Nightmare Realm within a month. Speak with Twilight Soulshard, anyone you can feel will trust you. Tell them of this. There is a portal near Bogworts that reinforcements can be sent through." There was a pause, before he added in a weak voice: "Please." "I'm still not convinced any of this is real... it's all in my head, isn't it?" Artharius quirked his head slightly. "In a way, you are right. It is somewhat of a dream, my dear. But does that make it any less real? Holidays mean something to people, Scootaloo. They break up the monotony of existence and bring joy, happiness... and intruigue. In fact, you could say they are more real than most people, because in the end, don't more ponies believe in Yuletide the Gift Pony more than they know of say... your average pony's existence?" "Y-Yeah, I guess so," Scootaloo blinked. "Didn't really relate to what I said, though..." she muttered to herself. Artharius merely gave a chuckle. He then turned and began walking the opposite way down the street, his cape still licking at the breeze... though his boots gave no evidence he was ever there at all. "Scootaloo... as I have said," he called over his shoulder. "Seeing. Is. Believing." And with a few more steps, he faded into the snow fall. Soon enough, the world around Scootaloo followed him in his wake. ☼☼☼ She woke with a gasp in the bed of Noctus Tower, her eyes fluttering to reveal a familiar cieling of swirling mist. "Scoots? You OK?" the concerned voice of Sweetie called. It rang through her ears, but she didn't hear it. "Scoots?" "Yeah," Scootaloo blinked, finally becoming aware. She glanced about. The dormitory was deserted save for her two, fellow Crusaders. She could talk privately, it seemed. "I uh- just had a really weird dream." "You were talking in your sleep," Sweetie said, her voice still filled with concern. "It sounded like you were talking to someone. Something about vagueness... Captain Harness... Twilight..." "It was nothing," Scootaloo grunted, lifting herself out of bed. Even Fangs seemed to throw her a curious, somewhat apprehensive glance. "Scoots, if you ever want to talk with us..." Apple Bloom joined in. "You know we're always here for you. If there's something wrong: you can trust us not to tell anyone." Scootaloo gave a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I know..." She then gave a smile. "And I appreciate it. Really." She took a deep breath, before shakily saying: "You know... I... I have thanked you guys for coming, right? Didn't I?" Apple Bloom merely gave a chuckle. "Nope, but it didn't need to be said. Friends don't do things for each other for a simple 'thanks' or a pat on the back." "Either way..." Scootaloo said. She paused, and her voice became as warm as any sun as she uttered: "Thank you." "You're welcome." Her stomach then grumbled slightly. "Ugh, and I guess it's time for breakfast, isn't it? And while we're there... I think I have something to tell you guys." The two smiled at her, gave her nods, and the group made their way from the dormitory. ☼☼☼ "Seriously?" Rainbow Death cried, folding her arms at the staff table. "Seriously?!" "I'm sorry, Rainbow! But Rainbow... uh wait, can I just call you Dashie?" Twilight Soulshard said, glancing at Rainbow Dash. "Sure, why not?" Dashie said, shrugging. A hint of pride was on her face she wasn't doing very well in hiding. Soulshard smiled, before turning back to Deathie. "You are the greatest reaper around, but it just wasn't logical for me to bet on you when Dashie here trains specifically for flight!" "I fly a lot!" Deathie growled, a hurt look still on her. "I fly all the time! It was all I did when I was a filly!" "Yeah, but you haven't been training for it recently," Twilight sighed. "It's the principal that counts!" Deathie huffed. "I don't care who has confidence in me, I'm still going to whoop flank during this race!" "Hmph, we'll see about that," Dashie smirked. "Oh yeah?" Deathie said, the two locking eyes. "Yeah!" "OH YEAH!?" "YEAH-" "Will you guys shut the night up?" bone-dragon Spike groaned nearby, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, seriously," regular Spike grunted. "I'm looking forward to this race just to hear you two stop arguing about it when it's done. Though I have a feeling whoever loses is going to be a bit... sore. And then we'll have to hear about that for Celestia's sake." "Pfffft, you're darn right she'll be sore," Deathie said, grinning towards Dashie. ."I bet I'd be less sore than you!" Dashie growled. "Oh yeah?!" "YEAH!" Both Spikes faceclawed. The bone-dragon version turned towards his counterpart. "Next thing you know they're going to start singing that one song." "I know what you're talking about, too... and god help us then..." And sure enough, Rainbow Dash began to sing: "Anything you can do I can do better! I can do anything better than you!" "No you can't! "Yes I can!" "NO YOU CAN'T! "YES I CAN YES I CAN YES I CAN!" Spike nodded towards his counterpart. "Suicide pact?" The other Spike returned the nod. "Suicide pact." "So... you thinking a quick or slow death?" "Mmmm, something quick. We'll just go piss off Shadowed and that'll do it." "Hmph? What?" Shadowed grunted nearby, apparently having been in somewhat of a daze. "Er- nothing," the two gulped. Princess Congeria leered towards him. "So, who do you think is going to win, sweetheart?" "Ugh... why must you call me that?" he hissed. "Oh, sorry about that..." she said with mock innocence. "...Plumdrop." Shadowed nodded to himself. "Yep, I hate you." "No you don't." "And I hate when you're right," he grunted. "But if you must know: I don't believe either will win. We're going to be scraping their corpses off icy shards come the late eventide. Cremations will follow at moonrise." "Hah! Says you!" Deathie said, sticking her tongue out. "Reapers can't die no matter how much the world throws at us!" "And I can dodge anything thrown at me!" Dashie beamed. "I've heard soldiers say that only to be impailed by thrown spears a second later," Shadowed growled. "If there's one thing I've learned in my time it's that fate has a cruel, twisted sense of humor." "Pffft, well fate hasn't met me!" Dashie smirked. Shadowed gave a sigh. "I'm just looking out for your safety, that's all..." The group's eyes widened. "...Because without you the snow would likely make this school its bitch." "Nuh-uh! You can't take it back," Deathie smirked. "Yeah! You care about us, don't you?" Dashie continued. "That's it," Shadowed grumbled. "You two are on the list. Luckily for you, though, my wife is at the top... and dealing with her is a bit of a problem." Congeria rolled her eyes. Soulshard leaned towards her counterpart. "Well, at least he's getting his sense of humor back. I think my theory might have been correct." "Hopefully," Twilight nodded. "I have to ask though: is your brother... anything like him?" "Mmmm," Twilight said, tapping her chin while simpering. "Well, I've seen him without coffee so... some days, maybe?" "Hmmmm..." At that, the two turned back towards the two Rainbows. Dashie opened her mouth to say something more, but paused, blinking as Scootaloo entered the Great Hall. "Oh, there she is!" Deathie raised an eyebrow. "Isn't she a bit late? If she doesn't eat quick, she's going to miss that awesome class with Jack Skelington. Er, Professor Skelington I should say." "Jack who?" Dashie asked. "He's sort of a guest of a holiday realm that came long before this one," Soulshard stated. "Him and his kin are refugees, I suppose you could say." "What happened to it?" Twilight asked. "The holiday realm, that is." "Gone," Soulshard sighed. "The world it was linked to was destroyed. And when that happened... well... its branching worlds soon followed. We're not sure why the residents of it weren't destroyed. It's possible they know magic we don't." "Jeez," Dashie said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Talk about having your world crumbling around you..." "Rainbow! That's nothing to joke about!" Twilight hissed. "I'm just saying," Rainbow continued. "That really sucks..." "Yeah," Soulshard said, before smiling slightly. "But they're happy here, really. Though they may have lost their primary world, they still have us to teach the art of fear. I learned half of what I know from Jack, who taught here nearly four hundred years ago. The rest I know from Nightmare Moon, who learned much from him as well. He is... the master of it. Even Slendermare takes advice from him." Twilight and Rainbow appeared dumbfounded, and all that escaped the former's lips was a solitary: "Wow." "Jack, though..." Twilight pondered. "It's a bit of an odd name." "The names of those in his holiday world, like the names in this, mimicked those of the real world's names they were attached to," Soulshard explained. "They were more of words than descriptions." "And that reminds me..." Twilight said, lifting an eyebrow. "Captain Harness' name is Jack, isn't it?" "Yeah, who the heck is that guy, anyway?" Rainbow asked, glancing at Deathie. "I mean- he told me a bit about who he was, about that Horsehood crap... but nothing about his past. He's like a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in... uh..." "Shadow?" Soulshard suggested. "Hmph?" Shadowed Armor said, shaking his head again in bewilderment. "Oh..." "That works," Rainbow nodded. Deathie shrugged. "All I know is that he likes dying a lot. And he's been doing that for at least three hundred years: ever since I took the scythe. It's annoying in more ways than one..." "Wait, are you saying that he can die and come back to life?!" Twilight gasped. Deathie nodded. "Mhmmm... he's like that Doctor guy, only worse. He told me he's a 'fixed point in time and space.' And I have no clue what that could possibly mean." Twilight shook her head in disbelief. "All this time... another immortal has been living in Equestria. An immortal who isn't an alicorn. I wonder if Princess Celestia knows about him..." "Meh, immortality isn't all that, you know," Deathie said, shrugging. "I'm immortal until I lose the scythe." "Same," Soulshard nodded. "It can be... tedious and monotonous, especially as a creature of a holiday: as you well know, Twilight." "Yeah," Twilight said, before lifting an eyebrow. "Alright, is anyone at this table not immortal." "I'm not," Shadowed grunted. "Though when the reaper comes for me, I intend to kill her." "Ha-ha," Deathie said, rolling her eyes. "I'm not immortal either," Princess Congeria smiled. "Same," Applemoon said. "Anyway," Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. "At least Captain Harness is on our side..." She then glanced towards Scootaloo. "Though I hope Scoots is alright. She seems a little down..." "Think someone should talk with her?" Deathie said in a concerned tone. "Yeah, I think I will," Dashie nodded. Congeria quirked an eyebrow. "You really are a bit of a big sister figure towards her, aren't you?" "And a good one, too," Twilight smiled. "Heh- well, I do what I can," Dashie grinned. "I love Scootaloo, though, seriously. I uh... I never had a sister growing up. Or a brother. And... well... my parents..." "Gone?" Shadowed asked, a hint of concern in his tone. "Something like that," Rainbow sighed, before smiling slightly his way. "Jeez, Shadowed. I didn't know they sold new personalities. Mind telling me where I can get one that requires a bit less ego?" He folded his arms. "I was merely making conversation." "Don't let him fool you. He cares," Princess Congeria winked towards her. "Anyway, you were saying, Rainbow?" Shadowed quickly continued. "Well, yeah..." Rainbow said, screwing a hoof into the table. "I don't really want to get into that. All I can say is that: out of all the little sisters in the world to have, I'm glad I have Scoots." At that, she nodded towards her fellow staff members, smiled, and made her way to the table where only the original Crusaders sat. ☼☼☼ "So wait, are you seirous, Scootaloo?!" Sweetie gasped. "You're not sure you imagined it, right?" Apple Bloom said. "Deadly serious," Scootaloo said, her eyes narrowing. "At first I thought it was my imagination playing tricks on me... something to do with being converted into a vampire. But then he kept talking to me..." "You need to see someone about this!" Sweetie cried. "No!" Scootaloo quickly snapped, before taking a deep breath. "No... I want to keep it down-low for a bit. Shadowed... already suspects it. And he wasn't happy about it." "Then talk to Ms. Soulshard," Sweetie offered. "That's what Artharius wants me to do," Scootaloo nodded. "He thinks she can be trusted. I mean usually... he talks all philosophically, you know? A lot of metaphor. But he was crystal clear when he said the Hearth's Warming Eve realm is about to be invaded." "The Hearth's Warming Eve realm?!" Sweetie gasped. "Yeah, I know... but I'm still trying to figure out if he can be trusted at all," Scootaloo said. "What if it's some sort of trick?" "But why would he come to you in the first place? Why not try to trick someone else?" Sweetie asked. "He said..." Scootaloo said slowly. "He said he had a link to my father. And Shadowed said the same thing. What if that link somehow passed on?" "Right..." Sweetie nodded. "Maybe it's the reason why he can communicate with you and only you. Though why now? Why wait?" "Biding his time, maybe," Apple Bloom suggested. "Or maybe he couldn't do it in the real world." "Maybe..." At that, two new presences made themselves known. "Oi, ello thar. What are you lot talkin' about?" Pipbossa beamed, taking a seat next to her. "Nothing," Scootaloo quickly squeaked. "Mmm, in my knowledge 'nothing' usually means 'something juicy'," Pipsqueak smiled. "But if you don't want to talk about it... that's cool I guess." Scootaloo paused a beat. She took a deep breath. Pipsqueak had been her friend for many years, and Pipbossa... well, though he was kind of odd, he seemed trusworthy enough. Perhaps they had a right to know... a right to help. She glanced about to make sure nopony was near, and naturally: somepony was. The one pony she didn't want to know about this. The one pony she didn't want to unnerve anymore than she already was with her newfound vampirism. "Hey Scootaloo, what's up, kid?" Rainbow said, giving her a slap on the back and a smile. Scootaloo entered panic mode. "Uh- Uh nothing Rainbow," she squeaked, before quickly glancing towards the massive, bat-wings-for-tickers clock on the wall. "Shoot! Look at the time! Aren't we late for our class on scaring?" Sweetie's eyes widened. "Yeah, you're right! Come on, we need to get going everyone!" "Oi... didn't even get the chance to eat anything," Pipsqueak grumbled, sliding his plate of scrambled eggs away. He began rising with the rest of his friends. "Oh... alright," Rainbow said, raising an eyebrow. "I'll catch you later then, Scoots." "Seeya!" And Scootaloo and her friends made haste away, leaving Rainbow standing there with a baffled expression on her face.
Always and ForeverThe class on fear was a standard affair when it came to Bogmorts. It was bland for the most part, save for a strange pile of bones sitting at the front of it. The teacher, however, apparently named 'Skeleton Jack', was nowhere to be found. After a few minutes, everyone was seated, and the class was filled with excited chatter... save from the non-ghouls. "Huh, where's the teacher?" Sweetie said. Apple Bloom gave a shrug. "I dunno... but what are we even doing in this class, anyway?" she asked. "It's a standard class for all ghouls, lass," Pipbossa grinned. "Jack Skelington is legendary among us. I honestly can't bloody wait! Who knows what ancient secrets he could teach us?" "For all ghouls, though," Sweetie said, lifting an eyebrow. "We aren't ghouls!" "Hehe, well lass, put it this way," Pipbossa winked. "In your world, fear is the enemy. Know your enemy, that is: know fear, and you will will know how to handle it. You will become the bravest fillies in... what's it called, Ponyville?" Scootaloo's eyes widened, Rainbow Dash's face flashing through her mind. "The... bravest in Ponyville?" "Hmph, well I've seen plenty of intimidation tactics used on the high seas," Pipsqueak grunted, folding his tiny, spotted arms. "Rival pirates, The Eastern Trade company, you name it. From catapulting decapitated heads at us to simply yelling threats. There's nothing that can scare me!" Then the class suddenly went dark. And Pipsqueak gave a gulp. "Except maybe... the dark," he squeaked. The lights flashed back on, and suddenly, glaring down at Pipsqueak was a horrific, grinning skull. He quickly gave a gasp, scooting back in his seat as his eyes became saucers. Scootaloo shared his expression, for standing before her friend was a humanoid skeleton of a sort, decked out in a grim, black suit. The leader of legends: The Pumpkin King. As the class gazed at him in awe, he scooted himself back a little, smiling broadly and giving a hearty laugh Pipsqueak's way. "Haha! Sorry about that, my young friend. But you did sort of tempt fate." Pipsqueak gave a sigh, shuffling himself back into his normal position in the seat. "Alright... that works, too," he muttered. "Anyway, welcome, young ghouls!" Jack proclaimed, beaming about the room. "Welcome to my five-hundred and fiftieth class on scaring, give or take a few years. And might I say: I'm glad to be back!" The class didn't make a sound, they merely continued to glance at him in awe. Jack continued to smile. "And speaking of fear, who can care to tell me what sort of fright I just used on young Pipsqueak, here?" A few seconds passed, and no hooves went up. Jack rolled his eyes. "Come now, this may be a class on fear but there's no need to be afraid of me... most of the time. I'll give you a hint: what happens when you're struck by lightning?" At that, Sweetie of all ponies raised a slightly nervous hoof. "Yes, you there, my dear!" "Shock horror?" she said, quirking her head. "Exactly! Very good! Ten points to the house of the night!" Jack grinned. "Shock horror; since the beginning of time, I'd assume this type of scaring was used. It's quite simple, really, but most of the time, it isn't as easy as sneaking up on a target and screaming at them. However, I'll get into that later." He took a deep breath. "You see, fear, my friends, is probably the most primal of emotions... and out of all emotions, it is one of the most controlling. Therefore, fear can be a very powerful force, one for both good and evil. On the world I used to scare on, for instance, it, for nearly a hundred years, prevented a war that would have destroyed all life. Can anyone give me an example of fear causing a negative reaction, however?" Scootaloo slowly raised a hoof. Jack gave her a slight smile, as if indicating he knew who she was, but to her thankfulness, he didn't point it out. "Go ahead." Her mind raced with thoughts, particularly of what Artharius had told her. "Fear can cause someone to... um... start a war, too?" Jack quickly nodded. "Exactly! Though fear can be used to prevent wars, it can also start them. For example: Nation A fears another's growing power, and launches a preemptive strike on Nation B. So as you can see: fear is indeed a powerful force. But the most curious thing of all, though, and one I've found most delightful, is one particular aspect of it. One both of our holidays have endorsed. Can anyone give a guess as to what that may be?" "Ooo!" Pipsqueak grinned, shooting up a hoof. "Now that's what I call stepping up to plate, Noctus!" Jack smirked. "Go ahead." "Sometimes, ponies love being scared! It can be fun!" "Very good! Very good!" Jack beamed. "Another ten points to Noctus. Mortal ponies do seem to enjoy fear, and that is the purpose of Nightmare Night: spreading it for joy and fun! Some would argue it can also be used for toughening people up, but I'd say that the former is most important. And that is what I will teach you: how to utilize your various powers for scaring, for that is exactly why you have them. That is your purpose and destiny. Simply embrace it and you'll enjoy it more than any other thing!" Scootaloo gave a sigh at that, and it seemed to catch Jack's eye. However, he chose to ignore it for now. "My name is Professor Skelington, though you may call me Jack if you wish. As I have said, I've taught the ghouls of this realm fear for many years, since the beginning of its existence, in fact. Though I, like everyone, am still learning:" He then glanced directly at Scootaloo. "And the fact that there's always something to learn, if it's interesting, I should say, can make even a long life... worth living." The class went on for nearly an hour, and to Scootaloo's curiosity, she actually did find it to be quite intriguing. Jack was eccentric, knowledgeable, and quick witted at times: a teacher both Mortus and Noctus students took to instantly. Her mortal friends, however, seemed to be dulled by what he taught, but it seemed they didn't have the instinct to take in all things scare relating she now did. Still, her mind darted to Twilight Soulshard occasionally. Why had she become so depressed about her life of fear? Why had she tried to give it all up, only to be saved by Death herself at the last minute? Did it even matter, though? If she could simply get her instincts under control, she would not need to stay in the Nightmare Realm. She wouldn't need to be one of them. But her friends... one day she would outlive all of them. They would die and turn to ash like everything else... they'd leave her behind for the golden gates. She wished it could be a bridge she could cross when she came to it, but she couldn't put it out of her mind. She needed help, answers; and she knew a wise pony who might be able to give it to her. "Captain Harness..." Scootaloo said, gazing at his face in the Proloquor orb. He gave her a wide smile. "Hey kid! Thanks for checking in: we've been making a bit of headway trying to find your father." "Oh yeah?" Scootaloo said, smiling slightly back at him. "Yeah, rumor has it he's been hiding out near the Crystal Empire. It makes sense if he enjoyed the cold. I've worked with Shining Armor, Twilight's brother, a few times so I'm going to see if he's willing to help." "That's great!" Scootaloo squeaked. "You really think you'll find him?" "Trust me, you don't know the Doctor like I do. With him and Shining together we'll track him down. Blackfire's on his trail, too, from what I hear, but she's also busy with that Fargate project. I know what is now, too, so could you do me a favor again and tell Twilight to give me a ring?" "Why can't I know?" Scootaloo protested. The captain shook his head, a slightly grim look on his face Scoots could tell he was trying to hide. "Sorry, Scoots, but it's nothing you should worry yourself about." At that, Scootaloo realized she wasn't going to get anything more out of him. However, the reason she had called wasn't about Fargate... or her father. It was something far more personal. "Captain... it's true what you said, right? How you can't die?" Scootaloo said, wincing at the bluntness of the statement but nonetheless holding her ground. The captain gave a slight nod. "That's right, Scoots. I can't. I haven't been able to for thousands of years." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "How did it happen?" A beat. The captain took a deep breath. "It's really hard to explain, Scootaloo..." the captain sighed. "Lets just say this, if you ever run into a Dalek: run. Just run. They're scarier than anything you'll ever meet in the Nightmare Realm." Scootaloo gave a slight chuckle. "You haven't met Shadowed Armor." "Twilight's brother?" the captain said, raising a concerned eyebrow. "She told me about him." In an almost fatherly, somewhat aggressive tone, he asked, "He hasn't been giving you any trouble, has he?" "Not lately," Scootaloo said. "He's been... acting different." The captain tapped his chin. "Hmmm... guess she was right about the sword, but... Scoots, is everything alright?" "Yeah... I just... well... they say I'm going to be living a really long life... just like you." She winced slightly, gulping. "And I was wondering... how do you deal with it?" The captain took a deep breath. "I know what you're asking, Scoots, but... immortality doesn't really change things." Scootaloo squinted an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" His eyes flashed of the past; eyes he quickly closed. "Loss, Scootaloo. Loss always sucks. But loss happens to everyone, including those who... well, are going to see quite a bit of it. I lost friends before I became immortal, through various means. And once I did become immortal, I lost more friends, and it wasn't all from old age. It really hurt when it happened to one of them. His name was Ianto." "I'm sorry, Captain Harness..." The captain put on a warm, nostalgic smile. "We were... pretty close, but that's something to explain when you're older. He died a pointless death, trying to fight a group of... entities... And it hit me. It hit me hard. But you know what happened?" "W-What happened?" Scootaloo squeaked. The captain sighed yet again. "I got over it. I'll always remember him, but I did... get over it. That's the thing about immortality, Scootaloo. You may lose many friends, and the losses may stack up, but you're given all the time in the world relieve yourself of their passing." "B-But you won't completely get over it?" she squeaked. The captain shook his head, wincing slightly. "No. Having relationships with people that long stick to you, but like I said: you will get over it." He put on a smile. "But don't go living in the future... nor the past, kid. Live in the present: you only get one chance at that. Keep your friends close. Make new friends and keep them close. And when you sleep at night, those of the past will be there to greet you warmly. You'll all take the journey together." His smile became broader. "And though it isn't true for me, Scootaloo, your life is limited. When it's finally over... want to know what you'll see?" Scootaloo shook her head, gulping slightly. "The friendly hoof of death... and two, beautiful, golden gates." Scootaloo's heart lept at the prospect. "A-And beyond them?" "Everyone you knew and loved," Jack smiled. "And the more people you meet: the bigger the welcome party. For one day, the ships will come to carry you home." A beat. The captain shuddered slightly. "For home... is where the heart is." A few tears actually formed in Scootaloo's eyes. The captain shot her a quick nod in return. "Live for the moment, kid: always... and forever." Scootaloo put on a thankful smile. "T-Thank you, captain..." "You're welcome, kid." Scootaloo nodded, and the proloquor orb shut off. The conversation was over. And Scootaloo's mind was once again at ease. On the other side of the gates, Captain Jack Harkness pulled out a photo of a middle-aged humanoid figure, brown hair on his head. "Ianto," he whispered. "Always... and forever."
The Ghoul Who Lived... ... Hello there, welcome to Horsehood's crappy, falling apart network; courtesy (and literally) of one of Equestria's first servers. What can I assist you with, user 2346? Please note that this entry has been logged. Press any key to continue. ... ... Very well, accessing Horsehood Databases... loading stuff... ... ... Warning: Unauthorized users will be prosecuted to the full extent of Equestrian law. Don't be messin'. ... ... I'm serious. If you're here for poops and giggles, turn back now... this is your last chance. ... ... If you're just here for curiosity's sake, no we don't know what happened at Oddswell. It was probably just a weather balloon. ... ... The government isn't covering up anything about humans in Equestria, Lyra Heartstrings. Stop bugging us. We know where you live. ... ... Haha, just kidding. We don't know who you are… or do we? But seriously, if your name is Lyra Heartstrings, you can stop freaking out now. ... ... You're sure you're part of Horsehood, right? If not, please press Alt + F4 right now... this will save you from the government agents about to storm your evil lair, you twat. ... ... Very well... accessing personnel files for one: Captain Jack Harness. ... ... You have ten seconds to enter your confirmation password. If you don't, this computer will explode. This may or may not be a joke... but are you sure you're feeling lucky, punk? ... ... Password Accepted: *anythingthatmoves*. ... ... Welcome back, commander. Bringing up the logs now... ... ... Yes, I know it's taking a long time. But that's what you get when you barely have the technology to create 5MB RAM cards. Better get to the labs, you lazy bum. ... ... Log Accessed. You may write or read at your convenience; if you can actually type anything without magic, earth pony. Haw haw haw. ... ... 'Personal Log, Captain Jack Harness. Entry forty-six. Date: 2012 ARH. Uh.... hi... me. Yeah, I don't really get the point of these logs, but Starfire's always bugging me to keep them, and I guess with the whole Nightmare Night incident having happened... things are a bit to get a little more hectic. Best to keep everything organized. Still, it's been a while since I made one, so it may be a bit... unprofessional. Enough twaddling, though. It was nearly ten years ago when I met Death on that lonely Ponyville road... and yet it still only feels like a blink of the eye. I guess it's not surprising considering Father Time always provides me with swift winds across the sea of eternity, but I digress... You see, it wasn't a normal meeting, well normal for myself that is, by any circumstance. Usually I only meet her when... well... my unusual condition kicks in. However, this time it was a bit different. For one, she hadn't come for me... and for two... we were not alone. There was a work of charity to be done, most unusual work, though I probably should have regarded it as more important at the time. Anyway, there are many ways to view Death. Some view it as an end, while some a beginning. And some, like one of my closest friends, merely view it as a temporary inconvenience. Myself, however? I view her as an old friend...' ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ On the lonely outskirts of Ponyville, near her sole, but accommodating orphanage, a blue earth pony stood waiting. It was a foggy night, a large moon hovering down upon him, though he wouldn't have it any other way for this particular moment. Not only because it gave him cover, but because it simply fit the mood. However, he was not alone at the moment. For sitting beside him was a tiny basket, a being of warmth within kept even warmer by a mass of blankets... at least for now. "Any time now, Rainbow," the earth pony grunted impatiently, straightening the oldschool, wool longcoat he saw fit to wear, it befit for a soldier of the past, not the present. Another second passed, him tapping his hoof impatiently. It wasn’t like her to be late, though it was excusable this time. She did have to travel by mortal means, for once. Reminding himself of why he was here, the pony took a look down at the basket, giving a slightly warm smile. “How ya doing in there, kid?” There was a beat of silence, the tiny sound of an innocent snore being the only thing heard above it. His smile remained. “Sleeping? Heh, that means ‘good’, I guess. I know that well. Now we just need to get you tucked in for real.” And naturally, a second later, a thud could be heard, a cloaked, one-winged pony appearing beside him. Jack gave a slight shiver at her presence. She always somehow seemed to literally emanate coldness, and her appearance matched it, her dark cloak and scythe she held giving her a menacing presence. Her hood was currently up as well, though the earth pony knew who was inside. He also knew that this... being… was far from what she seemed to project. With one quick motion, she lowered the hood, her two peculiar features immediately becoming available for view: first, her soulless black holes for eyes... and second... her rainbow colored mane. And upon seeing the lone pony, she quickly gave a grin before singing: "Heyo, Captain Jack! Why am I still on this side of the tracks?!" Captain Jack quickly rolled his eyes. "Very funny." However, he soon cracked a slight smile. "Still, it's good to see you, like usual." He then gave her a quick look-over, before winking as he flashed his award-winning promiscuous grin, one that practically screamed ‘is it time to get jiggy with it?’ "And I've got to say, you never seem to look the part!" 'And she also happens to be an old friend who's on the top of my list to be Harnessed. *Wink Wink*.' Rainbow Death gave him a blank look. "It's never going to happen, Captain. I know how you work." His smile didn't falter, though he gave her a slight look of mock offense. "What's that supposed to mean?" A slight smirk came to her face. "It means right now you're probably already formulating a plan of action. You'll spend a nice evening with me, whisper sweet nothings, probably try to get me drunk.... and then I'll wake up the next day in an empty bed with an empty heart..." She then squinted an eyebrow slightly. "Well, not that it isn't already empty, you know, but you get the point." Captain Jack's smile widened. "Well, since you already know my plan, why not just skip it and get right to the good-" "Ugh! No means no... with a capital 'N'!" Death growled. 'And an old friend who will remain eternally unavailable... damnit.' "Fine..." Captain Jack groaned. "But yeah, anyway… since we didn’t have much of a chance to talk a second ago, what exactly were you doing at the scene of the crime?" Deathie asked, cocking her head slightly. Jack shifted his eyes, before glancing down at the basket. "Well, as you know, Horsehood is charged with investigating and, if necessary, containing any unusual activities in Equestria. More silently than the more… prominent… figures.” He gave a glance towards Canterlot. "And... that includes rogue ghouls, right?" Rainbow asked, quirking her head again. The captain gave a curt nod. "Mhmmm, for some time now we've been keeping an eye on him: this poor kid's father..." he sighed, glancing at the basket again. "He seemed on the level, but then we detected a large surge of dark magic coming from his house and..." "You moved in," Death said, lowering her eyebrows. He took a deep breath. "I just wish... we had done so sooner. Starfire was right...." "Who?" "I guess this is my cue," a gruff, female voice said, a yellow pegasus walking into the scene with a brilliant, flowing red mane. Upon seeing Rainbow, she quickly glanced away from her. "Rainbow Death, Starfire, Starfire, Rainbow Death," Jack said, smiling between the two. "Uh... hi," Rainbow said, looking her over with a narrowed eyebrow. "D-Do I know you? You look awfully familiar..." "Can't say I do," Starfire quickly stated, her face remaining stoic. Death's eyebrow remained narrowed. "Hmmm... but the looks are familiar... the name's similar... are you sure about that?" Her eyes narrowed. "Positive." Rainbow quickly gave a chuckle. "Starfire, though. Isn't that the name of that one superhero from that one mortal radio show, what was it, the Teen Titans-" "Yes," she quickly grunted. "Believe me, I am very well aware of that; my colleagues wouldn't stop bugging me to dress as her for Nightmare Night..." "Wait a second!" Death grinned. "That must be it, did I meet you while I was out scaring on Nightmare Night?!" "For the last time, we haven't met!" she growled, shooting Rainbow a glare. "Err," Jack coughed. "Let's uh... get down to business, shall we?" He then turned towards Rainbow. "Anyway, you know the identity of her father, right? And well... you're native to the Nightmare Realm. Could you tell us anything about him?" "I can tell you he wouldn't have anything to do with what you're suggesting he did," she snapped. "Put your presumptions away. It must have been someghoul or pony else, because he is... or was one of the most honored ghouls there were on my side of the gates." "And then...?" Rainbow glanced away from him. "Well... let's just say... he wasn't acting like himself before he went rogue. Was constantly rambling incoherent nonsense. Some say he went insane." "And there you have it, Jack. That's proof enough right there! Who else could it have been?!" Starfire quickly jumped in. "Take it from me, ghouls are dangerous creatures. Sure, they may seem innocent enough: coming from a holiday world meant for 'scaring and caring'... but trust me: they can be very... very volatile." "That's not true!" Rainbow argued, narrowing her eyes at her. "You don't know anything about us! Even if it was him, I'm sure it was an isolated incident-" Jack quickly interrupted the two with a cough, glancing down at the basket once again. "Rainbow, would it be possible for you to extract some information from the young filly's mother? Before she... passes, that is." "She's already gone," Death grunted. "I made sure she had a pleasant bon voyage, though. And even so, I can't do stuff like that. She would kick my flank so hard I'd have to ice it for months! ‘No making death a witness interview.’ Rule 34 in the Da Rulez of Da Reap.” "Great..." Jack sighed, before turning towards Starfire. "Alright, Starfire. We're going to have to assume for the moment that he was responsible for the murder. Head out and see what you can do to track him down. Take him in… without the use of a stake or crossbow. That’s Van Heckpony’s line of business." "Yes, sir!" she said, giving Rainbow one last glare, and the basket one last look. "I still think this is a bad idea, Jack... putting a spell on her to make her..." She gave a sarcastic chuckle. "Normal. You know there's no way that will ever be true. Sure, she may seem cute and innocent now, but one day that spell is going to wear off. And when that happens... she will morph back into one of the most powerful types of ghouls there are. And who knows what will happen-" Jack narrowed his eyes. "When that happens, Horsehood will be there like we always are. For now, the poor kid has had enough trouble. She deserves a normal life." "Very well," she growled. "But mark my words: this will come back to bite you in your promiscuous flank, Jack. Mark my words..." At that, she quickly flapped her wings and flew like an angry force of nature off into the foggy night. A beat of silence... "What a bitch," Rainbow growled. However, she then gave a chuckle, before saying in a sarcastic, spooky tone: “marrrrk my woooorrrds… DUN DUN DUN! Hahaha!” Jack rolled his eyes. "She's good at heart, you know, she just gets a bit… obsessive about Equestria’s best interests," he said, taking another deep breath. "And she might be right... I think. First things first, though, can you confirm that this kid is a ghoul?" Rainbow gave a quick nod, twirling her scythe absent-mindedly. "Sure. I mean, it's not usual for a cross-world mating to occur, but... well... hey, anything's possible." Jack put on a hopeful smile. Rainbow gave a blank look. "...Night damnit, Jack. Is that all you think of every five seconds?" Jack gave a frown, looking away. "No..." The blank look continued. "...Yes" Sighing, Rainbow then leaned down and slowly unfolded the basket's blankets, revealing an innocent, sleeping orange foal, two tiny pegasus wings folded at her side. Rainbow squinted an eyebrow. "Well... that spell you placed on her to keep her from... fully maturing… definitely makes it hard to tell." She then brought a hoof to the pony's mouth, raising its lips… And her eyes quickly widened as she spied two fanged teeth. "But yeah, definitely a ghoul." She then smiled warmly, however. "Heh, it's not everday something like this happens... a ghoul being born on this side of the fence... spawned from the living and the living dead… and having another ghoul for a counterpart. Her name’s Scootaweb, by the way.” Jack raised an eyebrow. “She’s uh… a giant spider-pony.” “Ah,” Jack said, before muttering silently: “And I thought my punny name was cheesy…” Rainbow then paused for thought for a brief second. "Anyway, is it possible for you to have your Horsehood cronies reverse the spell?" "Wasn't Horsehood," Jack said, smiling slightly. "It was actually Princess Celestia herself." Rainbow took a deep breath. "Damn, I wish she hadn't acted somewhat impulsively, then," she grunted. "I could have taken her back to where she belongs... at least on Nightmare Night when the portal is open. Now, she'll stick out like a sore hoof." "I figured," Jack nodded. "Which is why she needs to stay here... like here here, not in Horsehood's care." He then glanced away from her. "I don't trust everypony working there... they might have started viewing her as a lab rat. Took quite a bit of convincing to keep Starfire's mouth shut." "Yeah, good call," Rainbow smiled, before her smile turned into a somewhat teasing grin. "You know, keep this up and you might just score a date with me." "Really?!" Jack beamed. "No," Rainbow smirked, sticking her tongue out. "Sorry Captain Harness, you're a great guy and all, but that kind of thing isn't for someghoul carrying a scythe." "Fine, fine, whatever," Jack sighed, before glancing back at the sleeping foal. "Anyway, the spell will wear off in about ten years, as the Princess estimated. And it isn't one that can be cast twice. After that... we're going to have to do something with her." "Well, I can really only travel to where there's death, at least quickly," Rainbow said, sighing slightly. "Me being here is pushing it as it is. I might not be able to be there when the time comes." "So that means... Horsehood is going to have to deal with her," Jack sighed. "We can't afford another rogue ghoul of her type running about, not if... her father is..." "I'm telling you he isn't like that," she grunted. "Ghouls don't murder, it's as unnatural to us as it is to you." "Then that means there's a third party involved, and there's no evidence of that," Jack said, narrowing his eyes. However, he quickly smiled soon after. "Don’t worry. We can just keep her until the following Nightmare Night and then you can bring her home. I know you're trustworthy at least." He gave a slight wink. "You're never late for my appointments." "Mhmm," Rainbow said, nodding, before giving him a serious glance. "I'm going to hold you to that, though, Jack. Be ready for me, and not in the usual way." She then took another deep breath, glancing down at the basket. "What's her name, anyway?" Jack gave a warm smile. "Scootaloo. Her name is Scootaloo. And she is one lucky kid." "Scootaloo?!" Death gagged. "Oh my... she would stick out like a sore hoof on my side of the fence. You real worlders and your cute names, I swear!" "Dawww, you know you like it," Jack smiled. "I just wish I wasn't bad with kids... and didn't have the job I do. I'd probably raise her myself..." Death raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you've had them before." Jack quickly glanced away from her. "It was another life... another land. I don't want to talk about it." Rainbow quickly nodded. "Alright, that's cool with me." She then glanced about town. "Ponyville, huh? Heh. I scare the heck out of people here some Nightmare Nights." She then smirked slightly. "At least on that holiday she'll be in good hooves." "Ponyville is one of the nicer towns there is," Jack smiled. "It's why I chose here for her to be put up for adoption. Plus, an old friend of mine lives here in case she ever gets into trouble. My Doctor." "Doctor who?" Rainbow asked. "You know... the Doctor," he winked. Rainbow's eyes widened. "You're friends with him!? Ugh.... it makes sense. You're both cheating bastards in my book; not surprising you'd be in bed with him." Jack lifted a hoof. "Well, actually the Doctor and I have never..." He then gave a grin, nearly face-hoofing. "Oh, you mean metaphorically!" Death gave a blank look, to which Jack's grin turned sheepish at. "Anyway, should we... leave a note or something?" Death asked, glancing down at the sleeping foal again, her giving a slight, tired sniffle. "Way ahead of you," Jack smiled, pulling out a small piece of paper and pen from his oldschool wool coat. "Still wearing that old thing, huh?" Death smirked. "Didn't they wear that during the Second Great Pony War?" "I wore it during the Second Great Pony War," Jack said, grunting slightly. "Oh, duh," Death said, rolling her eyes as Jack began scribbling down something on the piece of paper. She quickly glanced at it. All my relations. - Captain J. "Huh," Rainbow said, cocking her head. "Just an old saying," Jack said, handing her the pen and paper. "Anyway, your turn." "Um..." Rainbow said, cocking her head. "I'm not... really good at this kind of stuff, you know. Sentimental stuff... but... alright." She then squinted an eyebrow in thought for a second before writing: 'Never run with scissors. - RD.' "Seriously?" Jack said, quirking an eyebrow with a hint of a smirk. "Seriously?!" "Hey!" Death grunted defensively. "It's good advice! Do you know how many ponies are killed because of that a cycle?!" "How many?" Jack said, folding his arms. Rainbow smiled sheepishly. "Well... five, this year at least, but still!" "Whatever," Jack said, rolling his eyes as he carried the basket to the stoop of the orphanage. He took a deep breath as he sat her down, preparing to press the doorbell. "Don't worry kid; you've got friends on the other side... and this one too." "You're sure she'll be alright, Captain Harness?" Death said, fluttering beside him with her long, single black wing. "I can't be sure of anything, well... not ten years from now," he said, sighing again slightly. "But she's among some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. For now, she's going to have a good life." Ding-Dong! He pressed the doorbell, before turning back towards Rainbow. "Alright, time to skedaddle. I've got some business to take care of. I hear there might be some rogue Dalek activity in the Badlands." "What, the plumber-bots?" Rainbow said, quirking an eyebrow. She then smirked slightly. "I wouldn't mess with them, you know. Those things can kill you." Jack stared at Rainbow. Rainbow stared back... trying her best to contain herself. "Pffffft-Hahahahahaha!" And the two burst out into laughter. "Anyway," Rainbow said, breathing heavily. "I have about forty-five more souls to reap today alone." She gave a slight grumble. "Why do you get all the fun?" "You could always join Horsehood, you know," Jack smirked, still chuckling slightly. "Hahaha, very funny," Death grunted as the two began trotting away. However, before making it a good ten meters, she paused, giving one last look towards the orphanage. "Sleep soundly for now, kid. Ten years from now and you'll be living in a dream come true." Jack gave her a somewhat sympathetic glance. "Sometimes I think you ghouls are too hard on yourselves. Aren't you just as real as we are in the end? It doesn't matter how you... came about.” "Mmmm... hard to tell," Rainbow sighed. At that, the two continued their walk, Rainbow humming something as she moved. "Watcha humming?" Jack asked. "Eh, just some catchy song I got stuck in my head a few days ago," she smirked, starting to actually groove her hips to it as she trotted along. "Baby, baby, baby! You are my voodoo child, my voodoo child!" "You are now officially on the top of my quirky list, Death," Jack smirked. ☼☼☼ ☼☼ ☼☼☼ 'And as horrible as it started, it ended quite simply. I know she's had a good ten years in Ponyville, but unfortunately, that life is drawing to a close. Now starts the story of the ghoul who lived. And also the start of my second attempt to get into Princess Luna's- … Oh crap... Starfire just walked in. Time to go! And kid... be prepared. ... Damn... still got that song stuck in my head, too...' ... ... Logging off. Have a nice day... You twat. ... ... *Beep* Ten years later... Click! A flick of a light switch... A song filling a room, emanating from a magic music rock hanging from a young filly's neck... Baby, baby, baby! You are my voodoo child, my voodoo child!" "Woo yeah! Good morning, Ponyville!" Scootaloo beamed, walking into her orphanage's kitchen, the song continuing to blare. "Heh, wish I could thank whoever sent me this thing," she said, smiling at the tiny music-emanating stone."Though it having more than twelve songs would be nice... but whatever. A free gift is a free gift." Her stomach then gave a grumble. "Oh yeah! Chow time!" She moved to the fridge, swiftly opening it. "Hmmmm... where is it..." she said, scanning it. After a second, she gave a disgruntled groan. "Ugh... wait a second..." She closed the door to the fridge, noticing a note upon it. 'Dear Scootaloo, I threw out those disgusting rotten eggs you seem to have taken a liking to recently... seriously, that's a bit bloody nasty. Just looking out for your health. - Pipsqueak' "Awww man," Scootaloo said in mock sorrow, before grinning mischievously. "Shame you didn't get to my works in progress though, Pip." At that, she climbed upon one of the kitchen's counters and opened a cupboard. In the back of it sat a container of stinking, rotten eggs, ones she quickly pulled out. "Mmmm mmm!" Scootaloo said, grinning. Sizzle-sizzle! Butter soon melted upon a frying pan. Crack-crack! And rotten, green eggs joined it, a horrible stench quickly permeating the room. "Mph," she grunted, glancing at the window, the sun rising in the east. "Glad I got up early. Don't want more people to find out about this stuff... I might look like the town weirdo or something." However, she then sniffed the air, putting on a slight smirk. "Worth it, though." A full bellied Scootaloo gave a yawn, glancing into the little filly's room's single, long mirror. "Huh... what the heck is wrong with my teeth?" she said, narrowing an eyebrow. Hanging from the top of her mouth were two, long fangs... and they had been growing larger and larger the last month or so. She shook an incredulous head. "Reeeally gotta take Colgate's offer up for an appointment. I'm going to end up looking like Nosferatu at this rate..." She then squinted a curious eyebrow. "Or that one ghoul on Nightmare Night... Fluttershy's counterpart." However, she quickly chuckled. "Na, that's silly! They're from another world! And I already have a counterpart! Somepony like me couldn't ever be like that..." She then glanced away from the mirror, a slightly worried look coming upon her. "Could they?”
Ghost of WinterOne of Scootaloo's ears perked upwards in the middle of the night, her eyes quickly fluttering open. Snoring softly above her was Sweetie, with Pipsqueak and Apple Bloom in the two web-made hammocks next to her. She gave a yawn, quickly glancing out the window. There was a light snow falling as the train chugged its way through a winter wonderland, and she had to admit: even for something in the Nightmare Realm, it was quite beautiful. A red and black foggy sky looked down upon a scenic valley of white covered trees. Scootaloo then cleared her throat, blinking slightly, wondering what could have woken her up. There wasn't a noise to be heard, not even an undead mouse. However, soon, her question was answered, when a faint, but haunting melody caught her ears. "Oh holy night... The stars are brightly shining..." It was a surreal sound, and she had to admit: quite soothing. It was almost like a Hearth's Warming Eve carol, though none she had ever heard before. And she felt drawn to it. Not wanting to disturb her bunkmates, she silently crept out of the web, smacking her lips over her fanged teeth ever so slightly as she made her way to the door, opening it. The hall was silent, the only thing to be heard was the ghostly winds of the outside world, the train's mechanical rotors as they turned and turned, and that damned... haunting melody. "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices... For yonder breaks new glorious morn...." "It's... so beautiful," Scootaloo whispered in awe. At this point, she was almost certain it was coming from the roof. Her judgment turning against her, she made her way towards the back of the train... and opened its door to step upon the caboose's balcony. It was a thrill beyond what she had ever experienced before, the snowy wilderness roaring by her and disappearing into gray, rolling fog... as the melody continued to be sung. "Oh fall on your knees... Oh hear the angel voices... Oh night divine..." "Hello?!" Scootaloo called towards the top of the train. "Is somepony... er ghoul, up there?" A beat. Whoever it was didn't seem to take notice of her, for the song soon continued: Led by the light of faith serenely beaming... With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand... O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming..." "What is that song?" Scootaloo said to herself, wincing in thought as she shook her head. At that, however, she narrowed her eyes in determination, resolving to find out who was singing, and she knew how to do it, too: for sitting nearby was a ladder that led to the roof, one she quickly moved upward upon. Soon, she stood upon its wind-whipped self, a ghostly howl overtaking her. Nonetheless, she ignored it, for down car after car she saw a faint light. Using her new, slightly larger batwings for aid, she began trudging across the roof, moving forward towards the engine. "Truly he taught us to love one another... His law is love and his gospel is peace... Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother..." And then... her eyes widened. For sitting before a small, wood-fueled fire that was somehow still flaming was a very familiar sight. "Captain... Jack Harness?" Scootaloo said, and her words couldn't be filled with more disbelief. At that, the figure's head perked up, gazing at her curiously. "Quis est hic qui invadit somniorum meorum?" it asked. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, gulping slightly. "Captain! What are you doing here?!" The figure merely continued to look over her. "Captain Jack? Ah ... erit quod illa comfortable." "Captain... I can't understand what you're saying!" Scootaloo cried, wincing in confusion. At that, he gave a chuckle and quickly cleared his throat, moving his hooves over the fire for warmth. "Mmmm... my apologies,” he spoke in a warm, soothing tone. “Haven't heard that tongue in many years... save for the songs I know in it." Scootaloo shook her head in disbelief. "B-But you... just talked to me yesterday…" The figure lowered its eyebrows. "Did I?" he said, quirking his head. "Curious. Who do you see before you?" Scootaloo paused, wincing again. "I-I see Captain... Harness. The pony that put me up for adoption." "Mmmm… very curious," he said, chuckling as he shook his head, now moving a small tin can filled with a strange black soup over the flame via a pair of tongs. “The name is so… similar.” And suddenly, the image of the figure flickered into that of Rainbow Dash. "And who am I now?" it asked. Scootaloo's eyes widened as she backed away from her. "W-What are you? Some sort of Changeling?!" The figure shook her head, smiling slightly. "No... no I am not a Changeling, interesting creatures though they may be." She then gave a hearty laugh, gesturing her forward. "Come, no need to be afraid! It's a cold night! Have a seat by the fire!" Scootaloo gazed over her, before taking a deep breath and moving forward... ever so cautiously. Slowly, she took a seat by the flames. "So... if you're not Rainbow Dash or Captain Harness... who are you?" Scootaloo asked. The figure thought for a second, blinking, before giving a shrug. "A long time ago they called me... Arthur." The filly raised an eyebrow. "Arthur?" Scootaloo said, scratching her head. "That's a strange name for a ghoul, no offense." ‘Rainbow Dash’ gave another hearty laugh, before taking a large sip of blackened soup. "Yes, isn't it?" The two sat silently for a second, Scootaloo continuing to watch 'Rainbow Dash' with fascination as the wind and snow roared by her like an angry tempest. Though like in Ponyville, the cold didn't seem to bother her, however. Finally, Scootaloo took a deep breath. "That... song, you were singing earlier," she asked. "What was it?" "Which song?" Arthur asked. "You know, the one that was all like... 'Oh holy night,'" Scootaloo said with a hint of a smile. "It was very beautiful, though it didn't sound like any Hearth's Warming Eve carol I've ever known..." "Ah, that!" 'Rainbow Dash' chuckled, before waving a hoof about whimsically. "Oh... it's nothing…. just an echo... a memory.” She then winced slightly. “Though painful one at that..." she sighed. "Then why do you sing it?" Scootaloo asked, raising an eyebrow. "So I never forget..." she smiled warmly. "In the end, they're all anything ever is, you know: memories. Sometimes, it makes you wonder if anything is real at all. For what are memories, really?" Scootaloo shook her head. "I don't believe that..." The figure merely smirked in response. "Well... no healthy mind ponders on that sort of thing too long," 'Rainbow Dash' said. "I can't blame you for that." "Yeah..." Scootaloo sighed, before glancing about. And suddenly, she let loose a chuckle. "This is a dream, isn't it? That's the only way this makes sense." The figure gave a slight nod, before smiling slightly. "Maybe... but didn't it seem oh so very real just a second ago?" "Yeah... but it's not anymore," Scootaloo groaned. "Soon I'll be waking up, and this will all be a memory." 'Rainbow Dash' gave another chuckle, shaking her head. "Child, define for me in your own words what a dream is." Scootaloo winced in thought for a brief moment, before answering with: "Well... it's like a movie that you yourself play out in your head." ‘Rainbow Dash’ nodded, smiling. "Good, but tell me more than that... how does it feel when you're in one… at least most of the time?" "Well... it feels real," Scootaloo said, scratching her head. She then gave an incredulous laugh. "But it's not! It's just a figment of my imagination: just like you are!" The figure continued to smile, taking another gulp of her soup. "Maybe... but imaginary characters... they often have personality... they often have hopes... and they have often have dreams…” She then sighed. “And sometimes… they even cry: just like you do. And if that's true, have you ever wondered if they are... alive?" Scootaloo shook her head, laughing. "No, of course not. They're just things made up by my head!" "Ah," the figure said, smirking. "But humor me for a second... what if they were alive?" "Well uh... I dunno," Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I guess it'd suck for them when the dream ends." "Yes," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "It would quite suck." She then lifted a hoof. "However, there's nothing they could do about it, could they?" Scootaloo shrugged. "I guess not." She then squinted a suspicious eyebrow. "Hey, are you trying to mindbuck me or something? Cus if you say 'the Maretrix has you' I'm jumping off this train..." The figure gave another laugh. "No, of course not. But then again, if that was true, you'd be mindbucking yourself, wouldn't you?" Scootaloo scratched her head, before laughing herself. "Heh, yeah, I guess." "But, riddle me this," Arthur continued. "What if... those characters were not just alive... but were aware?" Scootaloo merely shrugged again. "Hahaha, you are a smart young lady, my dear!" 'Rainbow Dash' smiled, with almost a hint of pride on her face. "There's really nothing you could do about it, so why worry?" She then smirked slightly, before saying in a low tone: "Unless... there was." Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" "I'm saying... what if what you thought... was just a dream, though a lucid one at that... one that could eventually just... blink into a memory one day... What if you grew to love it...?" The figure leaned closer to her. "And let's say, per chance, you actually could reach out and touch those who dreamed it." She narrowed her eyes. "Wouldn't you do anything to preserve it?" Scootaloo gulped. "Arthur... you're kind of wierding me out." "Hahaha, my apologies, young ghoul!" ‘Rainbow Dash’ said, laughing hysterically. "Let's talk of other things." She then glanced downward. "I see you're on the Bogmorts express. Going to learn the fine art of scaring, are you?" The young filly nodded solemnly. "Yeah..." she sighed. "But you..." Arthur said, looking her over. "You're from the 'real' world, aren't you...? You're not one of them..." Scootaloo shook her head, taking a deep breath. "No, I'm not... and now, I don't feel like I'm one of anything. My friends... they all think I'm a weirdo. I know it... I can just see it in their looks. They're trying to accept me, but vampire stuff is just... awkward for them." "Ah, I see," 'Rainbow Dash' said sympathetically. "It must be quite disconcerting at the moment," She then raised a hoof. "However, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Friendship finds ways of pulling through. Just give them time. It's amazing that what can seem so awkward to one at first... can eventually seem as natural as the dawn, or the flow of a river..." "B-But what if they never can accept me for who I truly am?" Scootaloo whimpered. Arthur gave a warm smile in return. "I do not believe that will happen. Though even so, you should take heed: the realm of Nightmares is much more accepting of outsiders than you'll ever believe..." Scootaloo smiled back, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, but you're just a figment of my imagination trying to tell me that..." "Am I?" 'Rainbow Dash' said, quirking her head. "Mmmm... maybe." The figure lifted her hoof again. "But you'll find out soon enough that even the thoughts of a dream can resonate into reality." Scootaloo paused for a second of contemplation, before shaking her head slightly with another sigh. "Scootaloo... come on! Wake up!" a voice then called from the heavens. "Ah, speak of the devil," Arthur smiled. "Seems it's time for us to take separate tracks." 'Rainbow Dash' then began to sit up, morphing back into 'Jack Harness', him still wearing his cozy looking wool outfit. "This outfit... is a bit warmer... perfect for a cold winter's night." "Heh, yeah," Scootaloo smiled, before slowly standing up. The two stared at each other for a second. "Well... goodbye then, I suppose," she finally sighed. "Goodbye, Scootaloo," ‘Jack Harness’ said, before turning and making his way towards the front of the train, leaving trackless footprints in the snow. However, before he made it too far, he paused, glancing back at her. "One last question though, if it's all the same." "Sure," Scootaloo said, shrugging. The figure grinned, a gust of wind now tearing up Scootaloo's eyes as he spoke: "Do you believe in ghosts?" A beat. Scootaloo narrowed an eyebrow, before shrugging. "Well, I sort of have to now... considering where I am." The figure gave one last chuckle. "My dear Scootaloo," he said, narrowing his eyes, and continuing in a deep, almost distorted tone, "you have a lot to learn about what a true ghost really is." And with a blink of her eyes, he was gone, and so was this particular world. Though before Scootaloo woke to the sight of her cabin, she heard one last thing, it resembling the clicking of mandibles. "Hkkkkk-click-click-click-click-click..."
The String Between UniversesA second after teleporting, the two appeared in a lonely tower at what appeared to be the far end of the school, Scootaloo having felt as if nothing had happened at all. It was a sparse, drafty place. Obviously, no effort had been taken to decorate this area of the formally deserted castle. And that begged the question: why were they there? "Follow me, Scootaloo. My teleport was off by a small margin..." Twilight grumbled, leading her towards a set of stairs that twisted down the length of it. Now that she thought of it, though: this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Being with the undead version of Twilight alone would give her the chance to ask a few questions... "Um... Ms. Soulshard..." Scootaloo began, glancing at her curiously. "Yes, Scootaloo?" "I was just wondering..." she continued. "Who exactly was Artharius of Winter?" Twilight paused in her steps at that. She turned about, lowering two eyebrows. "Scootaloo... about my brother," she said slowly. "I... probably should have said something earlier, I'm sorry. But whatever he said to you… don't even worry about it. Just disregard it." Scootaloo raised a hoof. "B-But he threatened to-" "My brother threatens to do a lot of things. He was probably just trying to scare you, though I didn’t realize it at the time," Twilight sighed. "Remember that sword we were arguing about?" Scootaloo gave a curt nod. "Yeah, you said it was doing something to him..." "I think it was," Twilight said, her eyes narrowing. "You see, Shadowed has gained quite a few rivals, and enemies, during his long military career..." It took all the willpower in the world for Scootaloo to refrain from saying, 'And he seems like such a nice guy.' "I think this whole 'Ghoul Civil War', as he likes calling it, has presented an opportunity for one of those former enemies to get back at him." "How so?" Scootaloo said, quirking an eyebrow. "Think of it, Scootaloo..." Twilight said. "Give a more... foolish soldier a powerful sword, tell them it'll make him or her invincible, and what do you think he or she is going to do?" Scootaloo thought for a second, before saying, "They'll try to play the hero... or maybe try to show how big and bad they are... by... taking out the most powerful ghoul nearby? The one commanding the opposing army?" Her eyes widened. "And you think that's what happened?" "It's a theory," Twilight said whimsically. "But occasionally my theories have proven to be... spot-on. I believe the sword has been enchanted to create stress, and therefore paranoia in whoever wields it... and an attachment to them. Shadowed would have been attracted to it by its other properties, and over time, his career would be ruined by self-sabotage. And because of the attachment, he wouldn't want to let the sword go even if he suspected it had to do with his sudden incompetence." "Wouldn't Shadowed try to make sure the sword was safe, though?" Twilight merely chuckled. "No, I don't believe so. Such enchantments are somewhat unheard of. Whoever did it would have to have access to powerful magic. I only knew of it because I am, as you know, well versed in the magical arts." She then shot Scootaloo a wide smile. "But there's nothing to worry about now. I'm sure he'll be alright now that the sword is parted from him." Scootaloo smiled back at her. "I hope so... I'd hate to be fighting with my own brother..." Twilight’s smile didn't falter, and a second later, she began to trot down the stairs once again. "The Slendermare was right to place you in Noctus, you know. One of the qualities of it is empathy... something many ghouls lack these days, as evidenced by what happened during Nightmare Night." "Thanks, Twi," Scootaloo said appreciatively. "So much for Ms. Soulshard," she chuckled to herself. "Oh, sorry..." "Heh. No worries. You may call me what you wish." Feeling encouraged, Scootaloo continued on with, "But, still... I was wondering. Just out of curiosity... if you could tell me more about Artharius…" "Artharius..." Twilight sighed, still trotting along. "Scootaloo, that was before my time. In the early, perhaps primordial days you could call them, of the Nightmare Realm." "So you don't know anything?" "Well... I do know a few things," Twilight chuckled. "I am, as Rainbow loves calling me, an 'egghead' after all." She then paused, as if gathering her thoughts, before saying, "Artharius was... an interesting specimen. He was not a ghoul, nor a pony, nor even an Eldritch Abomination such as Blackblood. He was... something different. Unique. And the last of whatever he was." "No wonder he was so lonely..." Scootaloo said. "More than you could possibly imagine..." Twilight said breathily. "They say he was brought into Null Space from his own world by an Elder God named Abholos, a creature of pure malevolence, after Abholos ravaged it. Abholos was fond of keeping... trophies." "Another world... like an alien world? Was he an alien?" "You could say that..." Twilight said. "It was not a holiday world, mind you, but a 'primary', as they are called, such as the 'real' world where you come from." She took a deep breath. "I can't tell you much about it, though... they say it pained Artharius to speak of it..." "What happened to Abholos, though?" Scootaloo asked in a worried tone. "He's still in Null Space," Twilight said, before adding in a comforting voice, "But he's no threat to Equestria or the Nightmare Realm. He wouldn't dare mess with Princess Celestia or Nightmare Moon. Their powers seem to be able to harm Eldritch Abominations to a great degree." Scootaloo sighed in relief. "Artharius served under him for many, many years. Millions, perhaps. Trapped in Null Space doing his bidding... but eventually, either he was set free or found a way to break Abholos’ hold over him, and he was offered amnesty by your father.” "How did my father know he wasn't going to try to pull anything here, though?" Scootaloo asked. "If he wasn't technically an Eldritch Abomination..." "So many questions," Twilight chuckled. "But not foolish ones, I may add. And the answer to that is simple: your father was a great empath, like most vampires are. And though he couldn't read the mind of Artharius, he could sense that Artharius had no ill-will for the Nightmare Realm." "But he did!" Scootaloo protested. "I thought Artharius tried to take over!" "It's... complicated," Twilight said in a sad tone. "He... loved the Nightmare Realm. He loved that they accepted him here. But he loved it too much. They say that he tried to take over because he believed Nightmare Moon... was not 'seeing the coming storm'. What that storm was appeared to be an invasion from Null Space from one of the Old Gods, even though Nightmare Moon, at least in theory, should have easily been able to thwart it." "So he thought he'd be a better leader?" "No, I don't think so," Twilight said, shaking her head. "Nightmare Moon often spoke of him as a sympathetic soul. He simply believed he needed to put himself in a position where he could make the Nightmare Realm fully battle-ready." "But why start a massive civil war?!" Scootaloo squeaked, lowering her eyebrows. "It wasn't intended to be. It was intended to be a quick coup... but unfortunately, that little spark created a raging fire. And well, you know the rest..." "And noghoul knows what happened between him and my father..." Scootaloo sighed, before her eyes widened. "But Shadowed said that my father was tainted by him somehow!" Twilight paused at that, before continuing, in a grunt, with, "I honestly have no idea how Shadowed would know that. He was probably making guesses-" "No, he said he got the information from Nightmare Moon herself!" Twilight halted. She turned to Scootaloo. There was a look on her eyes of pure confusion. For a moment, all that could be heard was ghostly winds beating upon the tower wall. "I... I don't know what to say," she said. "I'll have to talk to him about this..." And her tone returned to its usual perky self. "But anyway, let's keep going, Scootaloo. At the bottom of his tower is where it lies..." "Alright..." And eventually, they reached it. A lonely, circular room occupied only by a blue, glowing orb hovering a few feet off the floor. It was an eerie thing, to be honest, though it reminded her somewhat of a crystal ball. A strange humming noise emanated from it, joining in with Twilight and Scootaloo's hoofsteps and the howls of the wind outside. "I wonder what it would take to convince Rainbow to pull over-time today," Twilight muttered. "A fiercer storm than usual is blowing over the Southern Pass..." "She really likes twinkees," Scootaloo stated. Twilight looked baffled. Slowly, she spelled out, "Twin-kees?" "It's uh... a snack in Equestria," Scootaloo simpered. "Dunno why I even brought it up..." Twilight gave a smirk. "Actually, this might work out well for a demonstration." She then led Scootaloo to the orb, before gesturing at it, smiling. "This little device has been a pet project of mine for a month or so. I was hoping to use it to contact you with, but... only with the help of your side's Twilight was I able to actually make it work." In an excited, nearly Pinkie Pie tone she continued with, "We were able to make a an infusion into the primary fifth dimension with the help of a magically created, quantum singularit-" Scootaloo blinked. "Uh... we were able to make a small tunnel between universes," Twilight coughed apologetically. "Only big enough to allow messages to get through." "So... it's like a radio?" "Exactly!" Twilight chirped. "It's called a Proloquor Orb. Not of my own design, of course, I've merely modified it for cross-dimensional usage. All you need to do is say, 'volo contact' and then a name and the possible location of the pony you wish to speak to." "What if there's two people with the same name, though? Or what if I don't know where they are..." "Then two people will be given the option of wishing to 'pick up' the transmission," Twilight stated. "But everyghoul in Necropolis seemed to have unique names, at least from what I remember, so I assume the same will be true in Equestria." "Heh, that's true,” Scootaloo nodded. “Names were pretty much one-of-a-kind in Ponyville..." Twilight smiled brightly at her again, before saying, "And if you don't know where they are, then simply say a name. Just trust me, it'll work. Allow me to demonstrate!" She then cleared her throat before saying, "Volo Contact Pinkie Pie, Ponyville." There was a pause, before the face of Pinkie appeared in the orb. Scootaloo's eyes widened. "Hiiiiiiiya Lichy Twilight! Hi Scootaloo!" she chirped. "Hi Pinkie!" “Pinkie! Awesome to see you!” Scootaloo beamed. "You too, but woah- you look all ghostly!" she said, glancing at something in front of her. "Are you ghosts now or something? Ooooo, that's spooky." "Er," Twilight coughed. "We're not actually there. Didn't you get the 'accept Proloquor Call' message?" "Ooooh, so that's what that voice in my brain was! Hard to tell with all the other voices in there," she chirped. Scootaloo's mouth parted in horror. "So... it's like your there, but you’re not?" she continued. "Sure, something like that," Twilight shrugged. "Anyway, I was wondering... do you know how to make Twinkees?" "Of course!" Pinkie chuckled. "What kind of sweet maker would I be if I couldn't?" "Mind if I get the recipe?" Twilight smiled, whipping out a quill and parchment from seemingly nowhere. "Sure! Why not? Is it for Rainbow? She always loved those things!" “Mmhmm… yeah, it’s for a bribe, to be honest.” “Hehe, well then, I can relate,” Pinkie winked. “Here, let me give it to you…” And so Pinkie explained the recipe, and after a bit of chat, the call ended. "And that's how it works," Twilight smiled at Scootaloo, before something seemingly racked her memory. "Oh shoot, you're probably late for your next class, aren't you?" Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, but it's alrigh-" "Missing class is not alright!" Twilight grunted. "Hang on! Let's get you there! What is it?!" "It's uh... Basics of Mind Control." "Ahhh, with Nosferatu?” Twilight nodded. “Gotcha. Hang tight!" And the two blinked away, leaving the orb to sit in the lonely tower. A second later, they popped back into reality outside a classroom in an area of the school Scootaloo had never seen. "I'm so sorry, I can't believe I made you late!" Twilight said, her ears sagging. "Heh, seriously Ms. Soulshard, it's no big-" She then began to scooch Scootaloo towards the door. "Hurry! You don't want to miss it!" "Wait! Twi... how do I get back to the orb?" "There's a teleport orb in the main hall that'll take you near it. The one labeled ‘Northern Tower.’ It’ll take you to where we teleported. But... try to keep it between you and your mortal friends, alright?" she winked. "I might need to use it a bit more often sometime soon." "My lips are sealed," Scootaloo chirped. "I'll see you later, Ms. Soulshard." "Bye, Scootaloo!" And in a bit of a foreboding tone, she added, "And good luck..." Scootaloo then entered the class on her own. Like with Flutterfright's class, it took place in a darkly lit room, cram-packed with vampires. However, a very menacing looking one stood at the front of class, a far cry from the goofy 'Count' and timid Flutterfright. At her sight, he suddenly halted in his lecture. "My oh my... if it isn't the famous Scootaloo Wintercall," he said in a snide tone. "My apologies if my class is keeping you from autograph signing..." "S-Sorry," Scootaloo squeaked. "I didn't mean to- I was… doing something with Ms. Soulshard." "You were... 'doing something' with her," he said, lifting an eyebrow. "You aren't just trying to make excuses, are you? If I were to ask her..." "I'm telling the truth!" Scootaloo cried. He gave pause, before continuing with, "Either way... I still do not tolerate tardiness. But I wouldn't want to upset your fans by throwing you out, would I?" he growled. "Take a seat..." There were a few chuckles from Mortus vampires as she nervously took to a desk. "Now... where was I?" he said. "Ah yes... as I was saying, while there are many advantages of vampirism, one of the most prominent... and useful tools in your arsenal is the ability to bend minds to your whim. It is an intoxicating power... and one that can make slaves out of anyone you choose, once you learn how to hone your skill, that is. Your enemies will tremble beneath your hooves, and your allies... will learn never to challenge you." Talk about a ghoul on a power trip..., Scootaloo thought. 'Listens to him... this is ones of the most useful skills there are!' her instincts growled. "It is also a power that can be used, and most effectively, I may add, in order to procure fresh blood during feeding expeditions to the mortal world..." Vlad Seed quickly raised a hoof. "Yes...?" "But... but I thought that the portal to the other world is open only on Nightmare Night!" "Such ignorance," Nosferatu groaned. "Though I've learned to expect that from Noctus students. My dear, do you honestly believe Nightmare Moon is going to be able to enforce the law withholding vampires from true feeding for long?" "Well... I don't know…" she said. Nosferatu gave a dark chuckle. "Only twenty years ago, there were five great feeding expeditions a cycle. But it was given up in favor of keeping the portal open longer on Nightmare Night. Now, Nightmare Moon expects us to simply drink blood out of the tap, or from Edeathstria's rivers like sickly animals. But that is... nowhere near as good. And feeding off a fellow ghoul is not the same as a mortal pony... One day, and one day soon, we will be allowed to feed on the other side once again... and when that day comes, you will need to be ready." "What about Princess Luna, though!" Scootaloo quickly blurted out. Immediately, she would regret doing so. "My dear Wintercall," Nosferatu growled. "I know you must be yearning for attention, but ghouls in this class raise their hooves..." Scootaloo narrowed her eyes as the Mortus students gave another series of chuckles. "Ten points from Noctus," Nosferatu grunted. "What?!" Nosferatu returned the glare. "Twenty... points from Noctus." Scootaloo wanted to protest further, but she quickly snapped her mouth shut, anger boiling in her chest. "Even if it was brought up in a juvenile way," Nosferatu continued. "Our young celebrity does make a good point. Princess Luna has explicitly stated that vampires are not to be feeding in Equestria anymore without enduring her wrath..." A smile slowly crept over his features. "But... us vampires have a way of blending in with her night... so what she doesn't know won't hurt her. But I digress..." He paused for a moment, before continuing with, "Now, there are many aspects to mind control. Simply completely controlling another individual is what most think it's all about, but there are much more simple uses you can use your powers for without going... 'full throttle', you could say. Who here can tell me what part of the brain controls vision?" ☼☼☼ The rest of Scootaloo's classes went somewhat uneventfully, though she only had two others. At around five, she sighed heavily in relief, able to enjoy the comforts of Noctus' common room. Though questions were now biting at her like annoying flies she couldn’t swat. "SPAAAAAAACE! LOOK AT ALL THE SPACE-" "Ugh, shut up, will you?!" Sweetie cried at the 'Space Ghost'. "I'm trying to have a conversation here!" "Sorry," it peeped. "Space space space space space," it continued whispering, floating away to another section of the commons. Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Anyway, what were you saying, Scootaloo?" "Nosferatu," she hissed. "He's out to get me! I swear!" "Easy, sugar," Apple Bloom chuckled. "You've been under a lot of stress lately. Are you sure he ain't just a prick in-" Scootaloo quickly shook her head. "No, I'm positive. He kept talking to me as if I were like... like a sponge soaking in all the fame I'm getting! And I hate being a celebrity!" "Probably just an envious bloke," Pipsqueak huffed. "Bit immature for an older vampire, isn't he?" "Very old... like one of the oldest I think," Scootaloo gulped. "Nosferatu though... isn't the name of a movie?" Apple Bloom added "Well, if he's that old, and if he's been to our side of the fence a few times before..." Sweetie postured, her eyes suddenly widening. "It's very possible he's known in legend in the real world. And that the movie was based off them. In fact, remember that one scary story session thing Rainbow did with us a year or so back? About that ghost castle in the Everfree Forest, you know, like a castle that's there one minute and gone the next? She said that in that castle lived a powerful vampire named Nosferetu. Creepy, huh?" "Etu, though?" Scootaloo said, quirking an eyebrow. "The name must have been smeared through history," Sweetie said. “Huh... then it might have been him!” Scootaloo gasped. "Either way, I'd say it's best to let by-gons be by-gons, lass," Pipbossa said. "Pipsqueak's right. He’s probably just jealous or somethin'. Don't let him get to ya." "Mph, I think he’s going to use me as a punching bag no matter what I do," Scootaloo huffed, before glancing back down at her open textbook titled The Beasts of Everdead. For many years, the dreaded Hug Monster of Northern Everdead was, by many, believed to be yet another creature that migrated from Null Space to the Nightmare Realm. However, only after an autopsy was finally performed were these theories squelched. This was permitted, of course, after its slaying by one Darksong Shadowbane, the Red and Black Alicorn and most feared creature in all of Edeathstria (he insisted we used his full title). After which, the beast’s origin was determined to be a result of a trans-dimensional accident that occurred between the Nightmare Realm and the mortal world- At that, Scootaloo could read no more. "Ugh, I can't believe Rainbow Death of all ghouls gave us so much homework..." "It's only twenty pages," Sweetie said, lifting an eyebrow while holding a copy of the textbook of her own. "Twenty too many," she grunted. "I think I need a break..." Scootaloo then sat up, sighing, before heading to the black hole that was the Noctus Commons’ door. "Hey? Where are you going?" Pipsqueak called. "I just need a walk... I've got a lot of things on my mind..." she half-lied. "Mind if I come with?" Apple Bloom said, smiling. "I uh... kind of want it to be a private walk," Scootaloo simpered. “No offense.” Apple Bloom blinked, looking slightly dejected. "Oh, alright then... seeya." Scootaloo nodded appreciatively, before going through the odd sensation of being of being spaghettified by the black hole that was the Commons' door. A second later, she popped into the hall near the Noctus commons, still feeling like she was about to puke. However, she quickly shrugged it off before making her way down the hall, the Proloquor Orb on her mind. "Alright Captain Harness, let's see how much you know about my father..." she whispered.
