It is that time of year again. All over town, the locals were setting up decor for a spookier time of the year. Nightmare Night had arrived once again and seeing all that decor going up around town over the past few days has made my seasonal depression a bit more manageable. At least I think that is what they call it when you start feeling chronically low in your emotions when certain seasons arrive. Hay bales, spooky skull lamps strung up between rooftops, snack stalls and attractions, and a big stage out at the town square. It did not look like it belonged during the day with the stalls not having any goods on display, but that would change at sundown.

            Morning went by fairly uninterrupted and I made my way over to the spa. Although I was in for a bit of a surprise when I came up to the door. "Closed for private event... Oh boy, now I remember."

            It is rare, but there have been times when large parties of customers end up renting out the entire spa. Largely because it would take all day for all of them to get to use every one of the spa's services with them taking turns. And the only times it ever happened while I was on the job was always for the exact same group. My employers tend to leave up flyers outside the spa ahead of time to inform others that the spa will not be taking any casual customers on an upcoming day.

            My first hour or two was not my usual routine. Without anyone to tend to, I was tasked with assisting in restocking supplies and making sure there was enough to go around once our clients arrived. And at 11 AM sharp, I heard the door to the spa open with lots and lots of hooves coming trotting in as I stood ready at my workstation by the massage tables. "Here we go."

            I heard some rather excited chatter coming from the lobby as our group of clients confirmed their arrival. My employers then entered the spa along with Quake now that they would have their hoofs full for the rest of our shift. And following closely after them were pegasi. Lots of pegasi. And some of them even came trotting my way the instant they laid eyes on me. A mare of warm yellow coat and fiery orange hues in her windswept mane called out first. "Hey, there he is! Good to see you, James!"

            "Welcome back, guys! Haven't seen you since we all got home." I replied as the mare swooped into my arms for a big squeeze of a hug. The Wonderbolts were back in town and ready for a big day of relaxation to iron out any leftover kinks from the War of Preservation. I knew they must have been itching for another group trip to Ponyville's spa and some of my wing massages. They always tip handsomely as well, so we were always happy to have them over.

            "Woo, my wings are still a bit stiff in some places after all that! We are way overdue for this!" Fleetfoot groaned as she flexed her wings very hard. I heard a pop as they spread wide. They all needed this. "I call dibs on first massage!"

            "That's what I'm here for. Hop on up and we'll get started." I replied as Fleetfoot did just that. The rest of the Wonderbolts in my immediate vicinity were very talkative and were happy to chat up a fellow comrade from the war. We were all veterans returning from a tour of duty. Soarin, Misty Fly, Spitfire, and so many others were all around me as I went to work on Fleetfoot. I do not think I will ever get used to seeing the Wonderbolts entirely out of uniform though. They looked like just any old flock of pegasi from what I could see when they were not wearing those blue and yellow jumpsuits.

            The whole spa got very noisy with so many voices bouncing all over the place. They even got some music going to really add to the whole party vibe their presence had brought to the place. The Wonderbolts had even picked a good time to rent out the spa too. The day of Nightmare Night is always quiet, probably due to all the decor outside discouraging people from going about their daily routine like nothing was happening. Someone had to fill the void left by our usual supply of customers for the day and the Wonderbolts happily obliged.

            Fleetfoot has always been a real lightweight, even by pegasus standards. I had little difficulty loosening up her muscles and she loudly voiced her approval when I massaged her wings. Easing up the joints and pulling on the wings to really help them flex. The pops and cracks coming from those tired joints told me I was doing something right. Soarin was watching from nearby while looking through a magazine and knew I would not be taking too long to finish up on Fleetfoot. "You about done there, guys? I'm next!"

            "Yep, that'll do it! Have a good one, Fleetfoot." I replied while giving a light pat on her back between the shoulders. Fleetfoot soon hopped down from the table and went right for the hot tub in front of us. Soarin then came trotting over and hopped up onto the table with a flap of his wings. "The usual?"

            "Yep! And try to get me right there in my left shoulder. That's been bugging me too." Soarin replied as I went to work. Although I might have done my job a little too good. Or he was a lot more tired than expected. I started to hear snoring before long and found that Soarin had passed out for a nap. Although right when I started to reach for his head to check on him, I heard him mumble while just being barely awake enough to talk. "Lemme know when...lunch gets here..."

            That was another reminder of how the Wonderbolts like to do things during these spa trips. They always order out for the café's catering services and even treat me to lunch so I could feed myself onsite instead of having to leave for an hour to go have lunch away from the spa. But now that Soarin was asleep on one of the tables, I had to go over to another in order to work on my next customer.

            I only had enough time left to give one of my clients the full experience before the clock struck noon. I believe that stallion was...Rapidfire? There are a surprising number of pegasi in the Wonderbolts with warm colors and fiery manes and not just Spitfire. I wonder if there is a family connection there... Regardless, I heard the door to the spa open nearby while Spitfire went trotting out into the lobby to meet the delivery stallion. She soon came back out into the spa's main chamber with a paper bag held under her right wing, two bottles of sarsaparilla held in her other wing, and a pizza box on her back. The captain of the Wonderbolts then called out to her crew. "Lunchtime!"

            Some of the Wonderbolts were too busy being in the middle of some of the spa's services to fetch their meals right away. The mud bath and facial stations were not the kind of experience they could jump in and out of on a dime and those lounging in the hot tub were in no hurry to leave just yet. Although I found it rather funny that some of them left the sauna before coming back and enjoying their meals in that steamy little box. Spitfire then came over to me and leaned over to let me take the extra drink bottle and the box off her back. "Gotcha a pizza, James. You like a good margherita, right?"

            "You know me well, captain. Thank you." I replied before opening the lid and finding exactly what I expected. One can never go wrong with that kind of pizza. But while I enjoyed that first slice, I noticed someone stick there head past the curtains leading out to the lobby. Someone who should not have been there. "Huh? Rainbow Dash?"

            "Whoa, the Wonderbolts are in town! What's up, guys?!" Ponyville's local speed demon called out as she trotted in. Some even recognized her and waved hello. And she came trotting over to me at first glance. "James, check you out! Treating the whole squadron to your magic fingers treatment? You're gonna get some mad tips for this!"

            "Yeah, they made sure the spa doesn't get too quiet today. And they treated me to lunch too." I replied before I happened to notice someone trotting our way in a rather aggressive manner. Lotus had noticed someone in the spa who was not supposed to be there. "Uh oh, you're not on the list?"

            Lotus spoke abnormally firmly when she drew near. "Miss Rainbow Dash! I'm sorry, but this is a private event and you're not with them. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

            Rainbow Dash was quick to bring up a good point. "Oh come on! I served with these guys during the war and I even qualified for next year's tryouts! I'm basically already as good as a Wonderbolt!"

            Before Lotus could object further, Spitfire spoke up from the far end of the cabinet bench I as seated on. She was in the middle of enjoying her own sandwich for lunch when she said, "She's right, you know. Rainbow Dash was one of our best aerial rescuers during the war. And she did qualify for the tryouts next summer. She gets a pass, Lotus. We're all here for the same reason. Let the rookie get some R&R with us."

            The Wonderbolts were calling the shots at that event, so Lotus had no choice but to let Rainbow Dash's presence be accepted. Lotus returned to the facial station with her sister to apply some of that cream to Misty Fly's face while Rainbow Dash trotted over to Spitfire and shared a quick hoof bump to her former commanding officer. "Thanks for the save, captain."

            "Anytime, rookie. Sure, this may be a Wonderbolt's private party, but we're all here to get some much needed relaxation for our war scars. And you're exactly on the same level as us in that regard. Get comfy and hang out. We're here until closing." Spitfire replied warmly before taking a swig of her drink with that bottle being wrapped in her wing like a large hand. 

            "Man, you Wonderbolts are the best! Gonna be so rad to finally fly with you guys next year!" Rainbow Dash squealed with her hooves doing a happy tappy little dance. She then hopped up next to me and took a seat. "How's your day been, big guy? The Wonderbolts working you hard?"

            "To be honest, pegasi have always been the easiest customers for me to work with. Not all that much mass to knead, you know?" I replied after having gotten to notice certain patterns depending on what my customers are. Earth ponies are almost always a challenge to work with due to all that firm muscle on them while pegasi feel a little more frail more often than not. Unicorns are right in the middle in terms of muscle mass. As for everything else, it is very uncommon for me to have customers that are not ponies. I have yet to pick up on any recurring subtle differences in their bodies. I then leaned over and asked, "You sure you're up for more than a massage? Last I checked, you couldn't stand to get even a hooficure."

            Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes while she looked like she was recalling an unfortunate incident from the past. Maybe from before I ever came to Equestria? But instead of frowning in embarrassment, she smirked at me. "You kidding? If that stuff's good enough for the Wonderbolts, I'm good for it too."

            That mare and her hero worship of the Wonderbolts... I sometimes wonder if it is a benefit or a detriment to her. Whatever the case, their influence was proving to be a positive one at that moment. Rainbow Dash then looked at me and asked, "So, got any plans tonight? I'll be seeing you in town, right?"

            "Yeah, I'll be there. Fluttershy's even kind of eager to take Gladesong out for her first Nightmare Night. Even started putting together a costume for her recently." I replied while still wondering what it was Fluttershy had been putting together. She kept insisting that I wait until Gladesong was actually wearing the outfit.

            Rainbow Dash smirked at some funny thought for a second. "Man, it feels like it was just yesterday that Fluttershy would barricade herself in her house every Nightmare Night. Now she's getting out there and enjoying the night with everypony else! I guess having a hunky husband and a kid to be brave for really did something for her confidence."

            "Yep. And she started by being a bush." I retorted before the two of us just started laughing at the memory. Of all things to dress up as, Fluttershy did not even wear a proper costume for my first Nightmare Night. All she did was carry around a bush to hide in. And then came the next Nightmare Night where she and the rest of our friends went as the entire Pony Ponies. That was a night worth writing about. But what about this Nightmare Night? It would be too predictable to wear the same costumes two holidays in a row. What would we wear this time?

            I soon finished up my lunch while Rainbow Dash went for a facial on the other side of the room. Aloe, Lotus, and Quake really had their hooves full with their very large group of patrons, but they were managing. And Spitfire came trotting up and bounded onto the next massage table. "I'm ready for mine, James. Your fingers clean?"

            "Yep, let's get started." I retorted before eyeing Fleetfoot on the other table. She was still out like a light. "And I thought Rainbow Dash liked to sleep."

            "Tell you what. If I pass out too and you need an empty table for your next customer, just dump some hot tub water on her. My call." Spitfire replied while flashing me a smirking wink. I then stood at her side and started putting her right wing through the business while Spitfire made for some pleasant conversation. "Things going well for you now that you're back home? Your hair's growing back nice. No complications from that head trauma?"

            She was right about my hair. It was growing back at a reasonable pace. I looked like I had only gotten a mild buzz cut at that moment. "Things are pretty much just the way they should be here in Ponyville. I'm back home with friends and family and even brought home a few more friendly faces. Some of them are even getting their own place built down the road from my place."

            "New arrivals, huh? You mean those two dragon girls? I had a feeling they had a certain sisterhood going on there." Spitfire said warmly as she rested her chin on her crossed arms. She grunted as I flexed her wing very far back to get the joints to pop nosily. "Oh yeah, that's what the girls need... Other one now!"

            "Gotcha, captain." I then stepped to the other side to get started on her other wing. Although I did not take leave of the conversation topic. "Although it's not just then. Found a lost little blue bird and brought him home too. He's bunking at Sweet Apple Acres for now and he's really good friends with those girls. People their age need a close circle of friends in a similar age group."

            "Oh yeah, you mean that griffon boy? I saw him hanging with the girls during that huge victory party in Canterlot. But...what did he do in the war? Pretty sure I never saw him there." Spitfire asked while clearly not knowing a thing about Gallus. Not that she could have. He only came to the militia's encampment once the war had effectively ended. And only because Gabby had managed to bump into him on the way back.

            I decided to not mince words and spoke with those dreadful memories still having been reduced to little more than white noise in the back of my mind. I spoke softly without missing a beat on my massage performance. "He saved me. PTSD hit me hard in the days after I got home and he could see it. The guy kept an eye on me when... Well, this is just between us, but... He was watching when I wasn't looking and called for help when he got the feeling I was about to do something...reckless. I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for Gallus."

            "Sounds like you found a true blue friend out there, James. I mean... Well, he is blue, right?" Spitfire said softly while she looked up at me out of the corner of her eye. Although she then added, "All sure, I'll keep this between us. A lot of my crew were having problems too by the time they got back. I didn't take any chances myself and got the full treatment once it became available. That procedure really does work miracles."

            It was hardly surprising that even noncombatants like the Wonderbolts were struggling with the trauma of witnessing war. I mean they saw the wounded up close while evacuating them off the battlefield. "Yeah... It's not the kind of thing you can just turn off. I mean I still remember everything that happened. It's just...harder to picture in my mind. Just a dull unpleasantness instead of a burning memory you can't push outta your head no matter how hard you try. At least the best memories of that time are easier to recall than ever."

            "I know, right?! I didn't think I'd be able to remember every meal I had with my boys, but I can. Chilling with my crew after a long day's march or battle was always the highlight of my days out there." Spitfire laughed while I put the finishing touches on her wing. Once those were folded, I went to work on her body with whatever I could reach effectively from the side. She then looked up at me and spoke sweetly, "I'm just glad to see you're doing just fine after all that, James. I know I said it before, but you're just too sweet a guy for the battlefield."

            "It's appreciated, captain. And you're right. While I do appreciate the art of swordsmanship, I don't take pleasure in conflict. It's exhausting..." I replied while hoping I would never have to take up the sword for another major conflict again. How does one top open warfare? Especially when it has no place in Equestria's culture to begin with. Although those thoughts brought up a question of my own. "What about Cloudsdale? Is it the same you remember?"

            "You mean if the war did anything to it? Nah, Cloudsdale's still thriving. Not like the enemy ever would've been able to get up there in the first place." Spitfire snickered at such a ridiculous thought. I suppose if anything, Cloudsdale and other cloud cities would have been left untouched by conflicts on the grounds. Although I doubt the influence of an encroaching otherworldly culture would still sink its hooks into them eventually.

            Spitfire was struggling to fight off sleep by the time I was almost done with her. She yawned frequently before saying, "Now I see why Fleetfoot dozed off. You're way too good at this with those fingers."

            I was massaging her flanks by then while being mindful to avoid her cutie marks. I had added Spitfire's name to my checklist a while ago to insure I would not forget. "Don't pass out yet, captain. You've still got plenty more to enjoy here."

            "Yeah, I don't wanna take up any space on your last table. If I'm gonna take a nap, I wanna do it with cucumber slices over my eyes." Spitfire chuckled before I dismounted her and allowed the Wonderbolt captain to stand up. She flexed herself with groans and grunts before hopping down from the table. "Woo, I needed that! I had a few spots that just wouldn't stop being sore after the war. Thanks!"

            "Anytime, captain. Who's next?" I replied while she went trotting off to the facial station. One by one, more eager pegasi came to me while Fleetfoot slept through half of the entire visit. She hurried off upon awakening to get into the sauna and even found Rainbow Dash in there. They hit each other up for a conversation and went right to the hot tub afterwards. Only once she was done with that did Rainbow Dash come over for a massage. I patted my hand on the empty table once Misty Fly hopped down and said, "Your turn, rookie."

            "Hey, I've been called worse stuff." Rainbow Dash laughed before hopping up onto the table. But when she turned around, she did so in a manner that caused her tail to sweep me across my chin. No one had done that to me that day and I was uncertain if it was deliberate or not. Rainbow Dash looked back at me and wiggled her eyebrows with a knowing smirk on her lips. She then spoke while keeping her voice down, "You know I'm still your mare, big guy."

            "Easy there, Rainbow. Not in front of your future wingmen." I muttered in caution. While we had finally established a proper relationship by then, that was the last place she should ever consider making it public. Even if our feelings for each other were true, that kind of scandal getting out could potentially wreck her Wonderbolt career before it could even get started. Thankfully, Rainbow Dash kept her more flirtatious desires buried for the entirety of her massage. I even tried to avoid engaging in conversation while going to work on her wings and body.

            Rainbow Dash appeared to be struggling at times to keep her desires to herself. She was especially...problematic once I was massaging her flanks. She would periodically shift her hips in a manner that almost caused my fingers to slide along her cutie marks. I felt my heart jump into my throat as they came very close to caressing her marks at one point. I looked over my shoulder at her and took advantage of the clamor filling the air. "Are you really just that horny, girl?"

            "Only for you." Rainbow Dash groaned while trying to keep a straight face. I was glad my current position had me facing the wall behind the table. I was grimacing in discomfort. Although I was not surprised to know that Rainbow Dash was nothing short of sexually starved. That night...was nearly a year ago. The first and only time where we were something more. Rainbow Dash then looked back at me and asked, "You want me, big guy?"

            Her cutie marks came dangerously close to my fingers again. And I started to feel my own frustrated libido trying to get to me. "You keep this up and I'll have to take a prolonged break in the restroom to...relieve something."

            "Heh! Guess I'm still hot, huh?" Rainbow Dash grinned strangely proudly at me over her shoulder. What a wild mare... One would think a tomboy like her would not be too interested in what happens in the bedroom. Unless that was her heart speaking at the time. Although Rainbow Dash then caught herself and smiled much more warmly at me. "Love you, James."

            "Love you too, Rainbow. We should plan a night together sometime." I replied as I wondered what things would be like next time we were finally alone in a bedroom together. She was wonderful that one time. I found myself longing for that memory and actually did end up sliding my fingers across her cutie marks during a moment of distracting contemplation. A muffled moan reaching my ears was what I needed to snap out of it. "Did I just... Oh man, sorry!"

            "Mmph... It's cool, big guy. You know you're the only guy who gets to tap that." Rainbow Dash managed to snicker in an attempt to keep her own libido under control. Although she then said, "You should try this in the bedroom sometime. Would really help in setting the mood."

            "You know what? I'll hold you to that." I snickered before resuming my work in earnest. It took some time, but I did finish up. Rainbow Dash had forgotten all about that by the time she stood up. "Did I miss anything?"

            "Nope! Just like old times. Always hits the spot!" Rainbow Dash groaned while flexing her neck and bending her wings into all sorts of angles. Although she did let out a yawn then. "Maybe now's a good time to take a nap at the facial station. They never know when they can't see your face."

            "Peh, I'm pretty sure Applejack did that recently after a long week during the harvest. You enjoy yourself, Rainbow." I replied while my secret lover snuck a quick kiss onto my cheek. She went trotting off while my eyes carefully scanned any faces who I could see. Not a single pegasus in the room before me was even looking at us. The entire Wonderbolt squadron were only interested in themselves and each other for a day out on the town.

            Hours went by with me serving client after client at my workstation. The lighting outside the window grew increasingly dim with a chilly autumn evening settling in. I had to wonder how the Wonderbolts would even find their way home under the cover of the night. At least until I remembered that Cloudsdale is an actual city and probably is outfitted with outdoor light sources that would make it very easy to spot in the sky. I wonder how that place looks from the ground...

            The spa started to get quiet as closing time drew near. And every last one of the Wonderbolts looked very relaxed and satisfied as they all started to gather near the exit or had already headed out into the lobby. They all passed me and provided me with a hoof and fist bump in farewell. Some even gave me a big hug instead. With the spa starting to go quiet, Rainbow Dash came trotting by after a seaweed wrap treatment. "I'm gonna head out, big guy. We'll see you in town tonight, right?"

            "Yep, and I'll be bringing the kids and missus. Look for us, yeah? I'll see you there." I spoke while patting Rainbow Dash on her head. While she headed out, Spitfire came over one last time as her wingmen saw themselves out. I waved in greeting and asked, "How'd we do, captain?"

            "Excellent as always. And I don't think we needed it more than ever before this time." The warm yet professional mare replied as she hopped up onto the massage table beside me just to be closer to me in elevation. She then grabbed me in a snuggling embrace while I did the same. "So glad to see you doing better! We had a great time, James! We're gonna get outta your hair now, so you have an amazing Nightmare Night! See you next time, wonderboy."

            "Hey, it's always a pleasure having you guys here. Have a safe flight home, captain." I replied while patting her on the back between her wings. Spitfire then departed and I even went over to the nearest window to look outside. It was quite a sight seeing all those pegasi taking to the air and flying north with the sun setting in the west. It almost reminded me of watching a chittering flock of birds taking off for the sheer joy of flying together. With my duties done for the day, I clocked out and hurriedly made my way home. The town was starting to become more lively now that the festivities were about to begin.

            Only a orange glow was filling the western horizon by the time my house came into view. I hurried on over and rushed inside to get out of the chill. The living room was filled with a warm glow as I found Fluttershy sat down in the middle while putting on the finishing touches for Gladesong's costume. And I liked what I was seeing. "Hey, how's the little flower filly coming?"

            "Welcome home, dear. And our little bouquet here is coming along nicely...if she would just stop eating her blossoms." Fluttershy giggled while Gladesong munched on a daisy. The little filly was being wrapped up in freshly trimmed flowers and branches to give her the appearance of a flowering bush. There were a lot more flowers on Gladesong than green leaves. I had to hurry and snap a photo of her once Fluttershy had used up every last bit of greenery on our daughter's costume. We would have to distract her with whatever treats we could find out at the festival just to keep her from sabotaging her own costume. Gladesong always loved flowers a little too much. Fluttershy was very pleased with the end result and nuzzled our baby girl nose to nose. "Oh my goodness, so precious! You're Mommy's little garden now!"

            Gladesong let out a squealing giggle before I noticed that our other daughter was not present. Although I could hear her messing around in her bedroom. "Hey, Scoot! You about ready in there?"

            "Just a second, Dad!" I heard her call out. And then...were her wings buzzing up? Much to my shock, she came rolling out of her bedroom on her own scooter! But at a slower speed than usual. And she was really rocking her new look. Smolder was wearing her favorite goggles and was wearing a very convincing Wonderbolt jumpsuit. She did a quick pirouette before keeping her scooter in one spot while stuck in a wheelie position. "Check me out! The newest Wonderbolt in town!"

            "Scoot... I know we said that you can't ride your scooter indoors, but...that's awesome. That's a really cool look for you. But don't do this again, all right?" I replied while unsure if I should scold or praise her. That was just such a good look for the wild filly that I could not be angry with her.

            "Yeah, sorry. Just really wanted to nail the first impression." Scootaloo retorted before dismounting her scooter. She then lifted her goggles to reveal her eyes. Scootaloo got a good look at her little sister before she trotted over to Gladesong as the tiny filly looked up at awe at her big sister. "Look at you, baby sis! You're the flower filly tonight!"

            Gladesong waved her arms in a flapping manner as she beheld Scootaloo rocking that Wonderbolt outfit. I strongly doubt she will ever qualify for the Wonderbolts, but it was still a good look for her. Scootaloo bumped noses with her giggling sister and said, "Is this what it feels like to be Rainbow Dash? The coolest big sister ever?"

            "I think you'll always be Gladesong's favorite sister, Scootaloo." Fluttershy giggled before placing a kiss on her adopted daughter's head. I found that notion to be more than just a bit amusing. Scootaloo knew she essentially had multiple mothers by then. And surely knew she would have many more siblings in the future. But as far as Gladesong was concerned, her biggest sister was her #1 sister.

            "Thanks, Mom. Anyway, I'm gonna go meet up with the girls. I'll see you guys in town, right?" Scootaloo replied with a big grin before she started to roll her scooter over to the door. A headlight had been attached to the front for use at night and was quickly turned on to direct a bright glow towards the door.

            "Stay safe out there, Scoot. Don't get too crazy with the speed in the dark. And say hi to the girls for us." I replied while patting her on the head. Scootaloo normally would wear a helmet, but she forewent it this time since it would clash hard with her outfit. Under any other circumstances, I would be against it. I only allowed her to pilot her scooter without it since she would be in the company of friends that she would have to slow down for and there was almost nothing to run into before reaching Ponyville. That wild child revved up her wings and went rolling out the door and down the path ahead with that glow of her scooter's light guiding her to town. Although seeing her still effectively grounded despite wearing a Wonderbolt uniform did remind me of an unfortunate fact. I looked back at Fluttershy and said, "We're going to have to tell her eventually."

            "We have a doctor's appointment set up the day before her birthday, right? We'll know for sure then." Fluttershy replied almost somberly while she finished up the last of Gladesong's costume. The little filly was wrapped in a layer of colorful blossoms and still could not help gnawing on one. Fluttershy soon passed Gladesong a carrot to sate her appetite for a moment.

            "Yeah, we did. And I'm convinced she'll be confirmed to have it by then. Stunted Wing Syndrome... Can't believe such a thing exists." I grumbled while closing the door to keep out the autumn chill. Even while knowing we had a backup plan in case it would be confirmed Scootaloo would never fly, there is something devastating in knowing your own child is disabled in some way. She always wanted to fly like her role model. Maybe even join the Wonderbolts themselves someday. And I was convinced by then such a dream was unattainable for the poor filly.

            "At least it's very rare... I wonder why she would even have it anyway? Just...unfortunate genes? Or...did her mother do something reckless while she was carrying her?" Fluttershy asked while fetching a baby harness for me to wear. My wife then muttered in contemplation, "Come to think of it... We still don't know anything about her birth parents. I wonder who they are? Or...who they were?"

            That was definitely a question we would likely never find and I strongly suspected it was a mystery we should not try to solve. The fact that Scootaloo was an orphan in the first place when we met carried very dark implications. And besides that, Scootaloo was perfectly happy with her family life by then. And that was good enough. No need to dig up old wounds she does not even know she ever had. "Whatever the case, we have a backup plan ready in case that happens to be true. I'm pretty sure Apple Bloom's almost done with putting it together by now. Or maybe she's already finished. I haven't checked in for a while to try and keep it under wraps."

            Fluttershy's eyes lit up as I brought up that little bit of information. "Oh, that's right! And she's really good at craftsmanship, right? No wonder her cutie mark turned out the way it did. What was it she's putting together again? I forgot if you told me."

            I smirked in some confidence. I was very certain that even if Scootaloo would be confirmed to never fly on her own power, things would still work out just fine. I decided to be discreet regardless of who I was talking to. "Let's just say we're going to make sure Scootaloo gets to fly one way or another. Anyway... Uh..."

            Once I put on a light jacket and got the baby harness on me, I suddenly realized that I did not have a costume to wear. It was one of the last things on my mind. Fluttershy soon noticed and asked, "Um... James? Don't you have something to wear?"

            "I completely forgot about it... I'm not sure what I could wear that wouldn't clash with this harness here." I grumbled while also knowing I would have to bundle up. This was the first time I would have to join the festivities with my own newborn child with me. As I looked down at myself, I suddenly had a silly idea. I placed my hands on my hips and said, "Say... I know what I'm dressed up as. Just call me Super Dad."

            Fluttershy only stared at me in silence with that smile getting more and more crooked by the second. It was a lame pun, but it was the best I could come up with in justifying me being out of costume. My wife soon snickered with her head bowing in laughter. "You're such a dork sometimes, James... I love you."

            "Love you too, dear. But don't you have a costume too?" I asked while picking up Gladesong to get her comfortable in the harness.

            "I do! And I'll be right back down! I promise I won't be long." Fluttershy replied before excitedly trotting upstairs. I had completely forgotten whether or not she had a costume planned to begin with.

            With nothing else to do but wait, I took a seat on the sofa at the back of the living room with Gladesong having her back to me. I kept her entertained by gently petting her mane and ticking her right under her jaw. Seeing her so thoroughly encompassed in colorful flowers, even with them being so exposed in the harness, got me to snicker to myself. "I'm walking around with a bouquet of flowers strapped to my chest."

            After no more than ten minutes went by, I heard the sound of hooves descending the stairs. And I could see Fluttershy come into view past the stair rails. I thought she was not in costume at all for just a second. But then I started to notice a few visible features once she reached the bottom and stepped into view. "How do I look, dear?"

            "Hang on... Something's different..." I muttered while piecing together what I was seeing. Fluttershy was wearing a green shawl over her back and was wearing something over her hooves that made them resemble exposed cloven hooves. Most of the length of her tail was tightly wrapped in fabric resembling her natural coat color. And there was a bent piece of polished wood extending from her forehead that looked to be part of a headband of sorts. That was when the pieces came together. "Hey, you look like a kirin!"

            Fluttershy grinned in delight at my guess. "Mmhm! Rain Shine was so pretty at the party a little while ago. I would love to meet the rest of her people someday. We would be such good friends, don't you think?"

            "I bet you would. We need to plan a visit to the Grove of Silence sometime, although it might be best to wait until spring comes at this rate." I replied while sliding my fingers over her false wooden horn. It really was a pretty convincing disguise, although a more observant viewer could make out how some of the features on Fluttershy's body were clearly false. But it was still a great look for her. Even Gladesong seemed to like her mother's look and immediately recognized her. Although with the lights in the house turned off aside from the living room, I noticed that someone was missing. "Say, before we head out... Where's Smolder and Ocellus?"

            "Them? They headed out a while ago. Maybe they had something planned in town?" Fluttershy replied while showing an equal amount of uncertainty. That night would be their first Nightmare Night experience in Ponyville. I was hoping it would be a great first experience for them, but where were they?

            There was no point in dwelling on the whereabouts of our two housemates. We would surely bump into them at some point in town. With no other preparations to be made, Fluttershy and I headed out the door and down the path towards Ponyville. We passed the foundation of their new house along the way. A lot of digging had been done to prepare the foundation. I paused along the way to briefly observe the current rate of progress. "At this rate, they might be done just in time for winter."

            "Wouldn't that make a great Hearth's Warming gift for them? Let's hope they finish before the winter chill gets here." Fluttershy said with a smile. I was pretty sure that duplex would not be all that large. Little houses for two little ladies. The two of us hurried along now that the autumn night had settled over Ponyville. The fun was about to begin.

            Ponyville was bustling with activity as soon as we reached town. Everyone we passed by was in costume. The lamps strung between rooftops wee aglow with shapes vaguely resembling skulls to add a touch of spookiness to the spookiest night of the year. Although Fluttershy hardly looked creeped out by all the decor around us. I looked down at her and asked, "You're not creeped out? Like...at all?"

            My wife looked up at me with an almost bashful smile. "Is it weird that I feel really silly for taking this long to really get comfortable with Nightmare Night? I feel a lot more sure of myself when you two are here."

            "You hear that, Gladesong? You helped your mom be brave." I said with a smirk while gently tussling my daughter's mane. She giggled in response, but looked more interested in what was happening around us. Even some of the spookier costumed ponies were passed were not that spooky to her. Gladesong would reach out and say hello to everyone we passed, who were also very happy to say hello to the new baby in town. I really do think Gladesong does not know what fear even is. Hopefully it will stay that way.

            It was when we were nearing the town square that we finally caught sight of Smolder and Gallus. The two had just picked up a pair of candy apples to snack on, but... What was up with their costumes? They were very basic as far as costumes go. Smolder was wearing a large fake electrical plug over her outlet while Gallus was wearing what looked like a cardboard box over his body that had a wall outlet design painted on each side. Fluttershy and I were equally stumped by this strange and minimalistic costume choice the two of them had settled on. They clearly meant to be going as a duo, but...what was the context? My wife glanced up at me with such a confused stare and asked, "What...do you think is the point of their costumes?"

            "One way to find out." I muttered as I headed on over to the dragon and griffon duo. I raised a hand and called out, "Hey, there you are. We were wondering where you ran off to. Had to get your costumes ready?"

            "Hey there, guys! And... Oh my goodness, Gladesong! Look at you! You're the flower filly tonight!" Smolder started to say before she became completely taken with Gladesong's costume while the little filly sat in the harness on my chest. She ran right up to us while Gladesong called out to her favorite dragon. Smolder reached up and tussled my daughter's mane as she said, "Such a perfect look for you, baby girl! Dra dra's loving your new look!"

            "You and babies, girl... I thought you were too cool for this stuff." Gallus grumbled as he rolled his eyes. His strong curved beak had no trouble taking a bite out of his apple before he nosily crunched on it before swallowing. When he noticed my eyes going to and from his costume and the one on Smolder, he only scowled harder in annoyance. "She won a coin toss."

            While Smolder and Fluttershy were distracted with each other, I tried to put the pieces together and why the two of them were dressed as an electrical plug and wall outlet. But I suddenly had an epiphany when I noticed the false plug Smolder was wearing happened to be placed in a very unfortunate location. While hanging from the straps slung over her shoulders, I noticed that it was parallel to her pelvic area. I winced in realization and said, "Wow, Smolder... That's really dirty of you."

            Smolder had reached up and taken Gladesong out of her harness to cradle the little filly against her chest. And as I stepped over to Gallus, Smolder only looked at us in confusion. "Huh? Dirty how? He lost the toss, so now I'm on top. That's how this works, right? He's my catcher boy for the night."

            Gallus and I both stared at Smolder with very wide eyes. Anyone who is savvy enough would know that the implications behind that plug and outlet dynamic carried some very...lewd imagery. Gallus, now looking more bewildered than annoyed, held out an upturned hand and asked, "Wait, you really don't know?"

            The naive dragoness before us tilted her head to one side and responded in brief. "Know what?"

            Just... Wow. In hindsight, I should not have been surprised. Smolder has always been unexposed to the concept of...sexual ideas. We were all expecting too much of her in understanding what that costume dynamic was supposed to convey. Gallus and I started to lose our straight faces and snickered together. The griffon boy held the back of his hand to his beak to keep his voice from reaching his friend before he whispered up to me. "Virgin."

            "Yep." I muttered before having to let out a very hearty guffaw. Smolder only looked confused over what Gallus and I were finding so funny about her own idea on what that costume setup was supposed to get across. Even Fluttershy was a bit slow on the uptake, but she quickly figured it out and buried her face in her hooves in utter exasperation at what their costumes should have been telling us. But as I came down from my laughter, I suddenly had a realization before I spoke quietly to Gallus. "Hey, wait... Aren't you one too?"

            That look of amusement in the griffon boy's eyes faded and was replaced with a very bitter frown. "Yes."

            "Ha! Then you're both on the same level!" I laughed while Gallus just sat there with his arms crossed. Now it was Smolder's turn to be annoyed with how she could not understand what we were getting at. And then it hit me. He lost a coin toss? "Wait... Gallus. You do know bits are perfectly identical on each side, right?"

            "Hold up. They are?!" Gallus almost yelled as he very sharply turned his head to look up at me. I then proceeded to prove my point. I reached into my pocket and pulled out one bit. I showed the gold coin to him before turning it over to let him see each side. A bit is basically a thick gold coin with no patterns or engravings on each side. Their design really is quite basic. Gallus promptly went from being confused to hilariously ticked off as he realized that he got played. He then glared at Smolder while she smirked smugly at him. "I'm gonna get you for this."

            "Took you long enough." The wily dragoness said before she held her head high and laughed at how she thoroughly played her friend like a fiddle. Although once the levity had subsided and Gallus had crunched down the last of his apple in a very angry fashion, Smolder then brought something up. "Hey, before I forget... Did you guys see Ocellus anywhere?"

            Fluttershy spoke up first. "No, we were hoping she was with you. Where did she go after you left the house?"

            "She said she was gonna try to come up with a new look for the holiday. Didn't say what." Smolder replied while letting Gladesong have a bite of her candied apple. The little dragoness then looked around with her eyes scanning the darkened rooftops. "I kind of get the feeling she's pretty close by."

            I felt the need to speak up when I considered the difficulties she had faced before Rarity had helped her come up with a completely unique look for herself that is very easy on the eyes. "You don't think she's getting herself in trouble, right? I know people have started to really accept her after she got her new look, but... Is tonight a good night for regressing into a scarier look?"

            "Hey, we haven't had any trouble in town ever since she updated her look. I'm pretty sure Ocellus is just fine wherever she... Huh?" Gallus started to say before he paused. And his keen avian eyes squinted as he gazed at something in the distance. "Hang on... How long has that been there?"

            We all looked where Gallus was looking. Something was high off the ground. A dark silhouette hanging from one of the cords connected two rooftops that had glowing lamps dangling from it. Something...big. Probably close to my size. And then...it spread its wings. Big moth wings. Fluttershy gasped in shock, "Wha... That's never been here before!"

            With a flap of those great wings, the mysterious entity released its grip on the cord and dropped before quickly breaking out of the fall into a swift fluttering glide. The dark moth creature swooped over us and sent quite a few of the locals nearby scattering in a panic. I was not so convinced it was dangerous, but it was the perfect new arrival to spice things up on Nightmare Night.

            "Yeesh, that's freaky! Where'd that even come from?!" Smolder shouted while trying to protectively keep Gladesong wrapped in her arms. But the tiny filly was once again entirely fearless. She giggled and laughed as she watched the giant moth circling us from overhead. Almost like she knew what it was. There was really no other way to describe it. It brought to mind a giant moth with those big fluttering wings and a noticeable bulky abdomen at its posterior.

            "OK, mothman! Whaddya want?!" Gallus shouted up at the spooky moth silhouette. Just about everyone else had run off by then. I was especially surprised to see that Fluttershy had found the courage to stand her ground. Probably for the sake of our child. At last, the swooping moth creature came in for a landing in front of us. But not in a manner like a traditional insect. It landed upon just two clawed feet and stood about as tall as my shoulders. In hindsight, we really should have known better. Gallus raised an eyebrow and asked, "Wait... Don't tell me that's you, love bug."

            "I guess it was kinda obvious?" The moth creature before us giggled with a familiar and vaguely buzzy voice. That was most definitely Ocellus. And the form she chose to wear for the holiday... Spooky in the shadows, but predictably cute up close. The form she was wearing was very much like that of a moth. She even had two sets of arms ending in grasping digits. The color scheme of her body borrowed heavily from her natural Changeling form, being mostly a very dark gray with her wrists and ankles covered by a ring of fluff that brought to mind the dark cyan hue of the carapace plates on her back. A thick vest of that dark fluff covered her upper torso with it even coating the top side of her rather robust abdomen. A pair of long fluffy antennae extended from her forehead that matched that color two and those big majestic wings, which were hanging down behind her like a cape, were a lovely light blue that matched her natural wing color. Her little curved Changeling horn was present on her forehead with her eyes looking almost like a pair of normal eyes instead of the almost featureless eyes Changelings tend to have. Although her head in general... It did not look like that of a moth all that much. No proboscis and her eyes were not bulging out of her head, but maybe Ocellus understood that would have been going too far. The shape of her head reminded me of that of a bee if the mouth was on the underside and not made up of a pair of mandibles. The adorable moth woman before us swayed a bit from side to side as she asked shyly, "So... Um... How do you like my look?"

            Gladesong was the first to speak up. She reached out to the disguised Changeling in excitement. "La ba! La ba!"

            "Oh my goodness, you knew it was me?!" Ocellus squeaked as she suddenly brought all four hands up in front of her face in surprise. Even her big beautiful moth wings spread wide in an instant. For all her attempts to be intimidating, Ocellus just could not help being adorable. She could not hide her tender heart. She then quickly lifted my daughter out of her harness and cradled her in a way that even I could not. Her two lower arms cradling Gladesong from below while her two upper arms caressed and tickled the giggling filly. "And I love your costume too, Gladesong! You smell soooo nice!"

            Fluttershy stepped up first while I only observed that adorable moth girl in amazement. I was stunned at how every original look she came up with was consistently precious and attractive. "She's our little flower filly today. And what an amazing look you came up with! It's really spooky in the shadows, but so cute when you get closer!"

            "Thanks! I've been studying books on entomology lately at the library to try and get a good mental image in my head. I think it turned out nice! And I love your kirin costume! So pretty just like Rain Shine!" Ocellus giggled before she nuzzled Gladesong's nose with her snout. Although she then looked at me and noticed that I had been staring for a good minute without a word. "James? Do you...uh...like my look?"

            There was only one thing I could say. I promptly stepped up to that precious love bug and grabbed her and Gladesong in a hug. "Why is it that you're so utterly adorable no matter what you look like?!"

            "Eeeeee, I wasn't expecting so much love so suddenly!" Ocellus squealed while nuzzling into me even as she kept Gladesong comfortably pressed against her luxuriously fluffy chest. I must have been generating quite a bit of excess love in response to such a precious look for my favorite love bug. I even brought a hand up and slid my fingers along her left antenna. It really was as silky and soft as it looked. Like the finest feather fibers I had ever touched. But this also prompted a very strong response from the little Changeling. "Ah! James, please! They're... Why are they so sensitive?!"

            "Wait, they are?! Sorry!" I suddenly stepped back as I wondered exactly how responsive those things are on a disguised Changeling, especially when considering that they do not possess an equivalent naturally. Ocellus was quivering once I let go of her, although she quickly stabilized. I then asked, "How exactly did that feel anyway?"

            "Um... I don't know? I guess it kind of felt like...a really deep massage...that was still only surface level? If that makes sense?" She replied in confusion. At least it sounded like a pleasant sensation.

            "Almost sounds like how you give a bug scritches." Gallus snickered before pointing at his friend. "But yeah, that's a good look for you. Better add that to the archives. You found yourself a keeper."

            "Yeah, it is! I think I'll try wearing this for a week so I can really memorize it. Then I can be a real love bug for Gladesong!" Ocellus giggled before the mention of Gladesong's name caught the little filly's attention. When Gladesong started reaching up to Ocellus, the precious love bug gently tickled her under the chin. "Would you like that? Do you wanna snuggle with a real bug on the rug? Ooh, you really like my fluffy floof? Who's your favorite love bug?"

            We just allowed Ocellus to indulge in Gladesong for a moment longer. My daughter utterly adored the giant moth disguise our Changeling friend was wearing. But after a moment longer, she finally got a good look at Smolder and Gallus. The little dragon lady had been admirably patient while letting her friend play with my daughter, but Ocellus started to give them both a cockeyed stare. "What...even are you guys dressed as anyway?"

            Just as Smolder started to open her mouth to get out a smug reply, Gallus beat her to it. "It was her idea. Just a couple of idiots who're actually on the same level. The only difference between me and her though? One of us doesn't know that they're a virgin."

            Oh lord, that utterly flippant response cracked us all up. Although Ocellus just stared in confused horror. Like she was not sure if she should laugh or feel disgusted. Smolder though... I think she had no idea if she should feel insulted or not. She barked at the snarky griffon boy, "Hey, who're you calling a virgin?! Wait... What even IS a virgin?!"

            "Wow, Smolder... Really?" Ocellus retorted in a rather snide manner as well. For being the most weathered of the three of them, it is perplexing paradox that Smolder could be so oblivious to something most teens start to become aware of. Ocellus then giggled shrilly and said, "We'll tell you when you're older."

            Smolder was not having it. And I started to feel a little unsure about revealing the meaning of that word to her. "No! No no no, tell me now! Right now! What's a virgin?!"

            Gallus then delivered the coup de grace. "Later, Smolder. You're still the baby here. Now behave yourself before we gotta put you in the corner."

            God, Smolder was utterly fuming at their dismissal of her demands. She crossed her arms and looked away with a puff of smoke being blown from her nostrils. Probably a physical response from her stomach fire in tandem with her frustration. Her attempt at being top dog over Gallus with that dual costume had backfired spectacularly. And Gallus was not wrong. It is easy to forget Smolder is the youngest among her circle of friends. Although Ocellus then looked up at me and asked, "But anyway... May I hold onto Gladesong for a little while? I like cuddling her with all these extra arms."

            "Uuuhhh... Only if we come with you. I don't want anyone to think the giant moth in town stole someone's baby." I retorted with apprehension. While Ocellus was winning people over with her new default appearance, and that giant moth disguise was very adorable, it would be best to not take chances on a night like that.

            "Sounds like that calls for the oddball posse." Smolder replied now that she had been reminded of her favorite filly. She and Gallus stepped over to Ocellus before saying, "We got your back like always."

            "Yeah, but don't ask me to change any diapers while we're at it." Gallus added while still not on board with looking after a baby. We were all on our way a moment later with the adorable giant moth cradling Gladesong in her arms. Although I happened to notice that Gallus could not stop staring at Ocellus' new abdomen. It was quite large and swayed behind her with every step. And he looked like he was trying to not laugh at it.

            I finally got curious and stepped up behind Ocellus while not missing a step. I stroked my hand down the layer of fluff coating her backside and marveled at the almost silken smoothness of it. Ocellus giggled before looking over my shoulder. "Am I soft enough back there?"

            "Totally. This fluff all over you... This is an excellent...um...costume. Really convincing." I replied while stroking both hands over that fluff while we all came to a stop. Although I too was distracted by the sheer size of her abdomen. It was almost half of her entire size. I pointed at it and asked, "Uh...is that all soft too?"

            Ocellus smiled rather innocently at me while she even somehow made her abdomen visibly quiver. "You wanna hug it?"

            Smolder got a snicker out of that reply. Even Fluttershy could not help giggling as Smolder covered her own mouth. "James, are you really gonna hug a love bug's butt?"

            The cuddly moth actually scowled at Smolder for that quip. "It's not just my butt! That's where most of my organs are! Don't you know anything about insect anatomy?!"

            "Does that mean...I can feel your heartbeat in there?" I asked with sincere curiosity. Without waiting for anything else. I dropped to one knee and grabbed Ocellus' abdomen in a big scooping embrace. My face rubbed up against the fluff lining the upward facing side while Ocellus patiently waited for me to have my fill. It was...like hugging a giant pillow. So very soft. And then I felt it. The faint thumping of a moth's heart somewhere in there. "You're right, love bug. Your heart really is in there somewhere."

            "Really?! I'd like to feel it!" Fluttershy pleaded with a sudden surge of interest. One by one, everyone there took turns hugging Ocellus' new abdomen. They were all genuinely surprised to be able to feel her heartbeat in there. Although as an observer... I too noticed how silly it was that they were literally hugging her posterior. Ocellus did not seem to mind though. It almost looked enjoyable to feel such a large and soft section of her body getting snuggled like that.

            Our curiosity sated for the moment, we continued on. Decorations were actually very sparse throughout town. At least until we started to approached the town square. That was were the real action was at. Music was playing, games were being partaken in, and the aroma of fried goodies filled the air. Gladesong perked up immediately at the influx of activity around us with even Ocellus marveling at how so many were in costume. Smolder let out a quiet whistle as she said, "Wow... First time I ever saw this stuff up close. It's really jumping here on Nightmare Night."

            "Come to think of it, why does everyone dress up in costume anyway? Are they disguises? Are we supposed to guess who everyone is? Because they're not that well disguised..." Ocellus muttered a I recalled that this was definitely hers and Smolder's first experience in Nightmare Night celebrations. They had studied up enough to get dressed up for the occasion, but still knew nothing about it.

            I gently rested my hand on Ocellus' head while being mindful of her antennae. "That's...actually not too far from the truth, if memory serves. This whole holiday got started because of the reputation Nightmare Moon had very early on. Just a result of old superstitions that ACK!!!"

            Something hit me in the back of the head! A water balloon?! I reached back for the rear of my scalp as I grumbled, "OK, who did... Wait... Wait, that's not water... Way too thick... Kind of...slimy and... OH DEAR GOD, WHAT IS THIS?!"

            My fingers were coated with a slick orange substance that was anything but water. Everyone else around me also recoiled in shock at the mysterious gunk that now coated the back of my head. Although that moment of confused horror quickly subsided when we heard a pair of voices cackling somewhere behind us. I quickly recognized them both as belonging to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The former even called out, "Oh wow, pumpkin guts balloons really are the best!"

            "You mean to tell me this gunk is the goop you dig outta the pumpkin after you put it through a blender?!" Gallus squawked while even I was astonished that was even possible. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that was exactly what it was. All that stringy pumpkin material turned into a fine slimy mush and stuffed into a water balloon. Once my horror subsided, I actually found myself snickering at how ingenious and fitting it was to use such a freakish ingredient at that time of year.

            I turned around just in time to see Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash trotting our way. They each had a pair of saddle bags at their sides that looked about ready to burst with water balloons. Fluttershy was just about the only person who was rather irritated with them by that point. "You could've warned us first!"

            "Sorry, Fluttershy. This is the best night of the year for pranks! And they'll never see the pumpkin guts coming!" Rainbow Dash laughed while I took note of her costume. She was decked out in a Wonderbolt jumpsuit...yet not quite. The yellow accents matched, but the goggles had angular yellow lenses and the rest of the suit was a shade of purple. It did not appear to be of the best quality either. The stitching was too noticeable and gave me the impression she had put it together herself on her own time. And...why did I feel like I had seen that kind of outfit somewhere before?

            As for Pinkie Pie... I thought she came dressed up as that Power Pony villain. The one who uses a sorrow-inducing gas and looks like a twisted mime. The one who somehow got brought into the real world last year. What was his name again? Long-Face? Except...she was not pulling off his constant gloomy look. She even dotted her white face with red circles. And she did not dye her mane and tail to match his. Black, white, and pink all over. At least she remembered the beret. But if she was not going as Long-Face, then... I finally asked, "Um... Are you a mime this year, Pinkie?"

            All my chatty friend do was nod rapidly while wearing a big smile. Rainbow Dash snickered as she added, "I haven't gotten a word outta her all night. Even when we were gathering up all the discarded stuff that came outta the pumpkins in town, she didn't say a word. She's really nailing the whole mime thing tonight."

            "Does that mean we're finally getting some peace and quiet tonight?" Gallus asked with a snide smirk on his beak. Instead of being offended, Pinkie Pie just laughed. All without making a sound. The sight of her looking like she was howling with laughter while being utterly silent in the process earned Pinkie Pie concerned stares from all of us. The snarky griffon boy then asked, "You sure you're OK? That's a little...too convincing."

            "You know, I haven't really tested it yet... Com'ere!" Rainbow barked before she pounced on Pinkie Pie and had her pinned. She then began to tickle Pinkie all over while the hapless mime writhed and howled in giggling glee. All without letting out a peep. After a good ten seconds, we all stared in bewilderment. And only then did Rainbow Dash stare at Pinkie Pie before displaying an exasperated scowl on her exposed muzzle. "You gave yourself laryngitis last night for this, didn't you?"

            I have no idea what she did to burn out her vocal cords for a night, but Pinkie Pie just nodded with a huge sheepish grin on display. Even so... To temporarily render yourself mute? I am not sure if that is worrisome or impressive. Although Fluttershy then looked up at me and while showing me a sly wink. "At least you won't have as much dialogue to write down tonight."

            "You know me well, dear." I said with a snicker. Although I then suddenly felt a weird sensation on the back of my head. As if...someone was licking the pumpkin puree off my head. "Someone back there?"

            "Sorry. Gladesong just really wanted to get this stuff." Ocellus retorted from behind me somewhere. Was Gladesong being held up to my head so she could lick that gunk off me? I suppose pumpkins are healthy eating. And it was a blessing that my hair was still on the short side at the time.

            I stood where I was and waited for my daughter to finish up with her snack. It was only then that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie happened to notice the giant moth holding up the filly behind me. They quickly trotted around me to get a better look with Rainbow Dash quickly making a correct guess. "Wait a second... Whoa, is that you, Ocellus?! Awesome mothman disguise!"

            "Thanks! I tried going for a spooky look...but I just couldn't make myself not cute." The big beautiful bug giggled as she fidgeted in place. There was just no way around it. I am convinced Ocellus could never be scary even if she tried.

            Pinkie Pie then got a good look at Fluttershy and started doing all manner of charades to speak without saying a word. Too many weird poses with props she pulled out of her beret to list. Fluttershy just grinned awkwardly as she said, "Why yes, Pinkie... I did try going as a kirin today."

            Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie then took a good long look at Smolder and Gallus. And those smirks they started to show. Pinkie Pie even pulled out a bike horn for a quick honk while Rainbow Dash snickered with a hoof to her chin. "Dang, dude. What'd you do to get stuck with that side of the dynamic?"

            I was not expecting Gallus to smirk as he once again turned the tables on Smolder. The dragoness crossed her arms and looked away while he said, "Oh, trust me. We're on the same level here. If anything, I'm the one who has her on a leash."

            Smolder snarled with her eyes opening wide. She must have really wanted to mess to Gallus all night with that costume only for that plan to have gone up in flames. Rainbow and Pinkie just snickered together even if they were not entirely in on the joke. Although Rainbow Dash then looked up at me and asked, "Um... What're you supposed to be, big guy?"

            I rolled my eyes and replied as honestly as possible. "Just call me Superdad."

            "Ha! You bet you are!" Rainbow Dash snickered with Pinkie Pie honking that horn again while glancing back and forth at Fluttershy and me. While wiggling her eyebrows in a very knowing fashion. The two of them soon trotted off to continue on with their night of pranking mayhem and Gladesong soon finished up with the snack stuck to the back of my head. I gently patted my daughter on the head and said, "Thank you for cleaning Daddy up, sweetheart."

            We finally started to make the rounds at the town square. Helping ourselves to candy, enjoying a few games like spider toss and pumpkin catapults. Although things got interesting when we went for some bobbing for apples. Applejack was running the stall and appeared to be dressed up in what I assumed to be attire reminiscent of the buffalo down around Appleloosa. A feathered headdress and some markings on the face. I never asked much about what happened the last time my friends went down there, but it sounded like a special kind of fiasco. She called out to us in greeting and said, "Howdy, y'all! Lookin' good toni... Uh... Boy, what kinda bet did ya lose ta get stuck in that getup?"

            For as laughably simplistic as their costumes were, Smolder and Gallus were definitely getting the most attention that night. And now that everyone they met were assuming the obvious, things were starting to swing back into Smolder's favor. Even if they were technically on the same level, it meant nothing to Gallus if everyone kept assuming otherwise. Even Gallus was starting to get annoyed with having to repeat himself with every single encounter.

            Applejack's eyes soon fell upon my family and I. And she liked what she was seeing. "Woo, now that's a real love bug right there! Likin' the kirin look ya got goin' on there, Fluttershy. And... Ya takin' it easy this year, James? Y'all had some really good looks the last couple of times. Why're ya goin' casual this time?"

            "We kind of forgot to plan one and wearing a costume might've clashed with this harness to begin with. So I'm just going as something I'm being for the first time ever on Nightmare Night. A dad." I retorted while taking some pride in that statement. At this time last year, I was still a bachelor. And now I am a father. Although Ocellus then held out Gladesong to Applejack, who swiftly got the attention of one of her favorite honorary aunts. I noticed Applejack's eyes widen at the sight of the flower filly and said, "And guess who's first Nightmare Night it is."

            "Oh my goodness, would ya look at that! How're ya doin' tonight, youngin'? And yeah, it's yer first time on Nightmare Night, ain't it?! Good ta see ya, sweetheart." Applejack chuckled while giving a very happy Gladesong a nuzzle. She then looked back at the tub of water behind her and said, "I know yer used to the baked apple treats I keep bringin' by, but how 'bout tryin' yer hoof at bobbin' for the raw stuff?"

            "I got this. Watch and learn, kid." Gallus spoke up while Ocellus made sure to hold Gladesong in a way to let her watch. With one quick dunk of his head, Gallus snatched up an apple quite handily on his hooked beak. That curve and sharp point must have made it easy to snag one. He then plucked the apple from his beak and said, "That's all there is to it."

            "Hang on. You mean we can get free eats if we grab an apple in our mouths? Sweet!" Smolder then rushed to the tub and leaned over it with her hands on the rim for support. When she spotted an easy mark, she dunked her head in and brought it back up a second later with an apple trapped between her jaws. Smolder crunched it down with one bite before looking over at Ocellus. "Your turn, love bug!"

            "I'm not really hungry...but OK!" Ocellus handed Gladesong back to me now that it was probably time for her to go back in her harness. The disguised Changeling spread her glorious moth wings and held onto the rim with all four hands. But...she just could not make it work. Maybe it was due to the shape of her head and her mouth hardly having much of a jaw at all, but she just could not get a grip on a single apple no matter how maybe times she bobbed for them. "I...can't... But then again, moths don't really eat solid foods to begin with. What about you, Gladesong? Wanna try?"

            Gladesong looked excited to get a fresh apple to munch on. We sometimes feed her apple slices for a snack and she has grown accustomed to the crunchy fruit. I removed Gladesong from her harness and held her at the sides before dangling her right over the tub. She kept trying and trying, but just could not get a grip on any of the apples floating at the surface. And she really did not like getting her face wet with how chilled the water was from the autumn cold. But just when it looked like she would not be able to pull it off, I suddenly felt her become a little heavier. A glance from the side revealed that she had indeed snagged an apple. By the stem! Applejack chuckled at the sight of it and said, "I guess that's one way ta pluck an apple!"

            Once she was back in her harness, Gladesong held the apple very close to her face while gradually nibbling away at it. But then a certain noise reached my ears. The jiggling of...bells? A glance to my left revealed a rather regal sight. Twilight Sparkle was approaching and was clad in...quite the wizard robe and hat. Spherical bells dangled from it here and there and was mostly made up of varying shades of blue. And...what was with the fake beard hanging from her face? "Happy Nightmare Night, everypony!"

            "Howdy, Twi! Going with that look again? Didn't ya wear that a few years back?" Applejack asked while I studied that look on her. Spike was even in her company and was dressed up basically like a king. An impressive crown and red mantle lined with soft fluffy trimming rested on his head and was draped across his shoulders. He even had a golden scepter in hand, although I doubt it was authentic. And he had already accumulated quite the pile of candy in his arms. Applejack glanced down at the lordly dragon boy and said, "Woo! Lookin' good there, Spike! Like a dragon prince ready ta claim the throne!"

            "Thanks! I'm just trying to look great for my queen before she...uh..." Spike started to reply before he noticed Smolder and Gallus. And they just...stared at each other for a moment like neither were sure of who should speak first. After maybe a good eight seconds, Spike made the first move. But he did not speak. He laughed. Spike suddenly burst out in howling laughter and staggered about before leaning on the apple tub for support. "I don't even know what's so funny about those costumes!"

            Both Smolder and Gallus scowled at each other as if they were both starting to wonder if their costumes were even a good idea in the first place. I was just glad Spike did not really seem to understand what the underlying implications of them were, but there was something awkwardly funny about it even before the context registered with oneself. Although while Spike was trying to catch his breath, I looked at Twilight and examined her costume. "I don't think you've worn this before... Even though it feels like I've seen it somewhere before."

            "You might've seen this in some illustrations. This is a reproduction of Star Swirl the Bearded's prized robe and hat. I wore this for my very first Nightmare Night in Ponyville and thought now would be a good time to get it out of the closest. How do I look?" Twilight explained while swinging her head a bit to get the bells on it jingling. She looked very proud of it, even if that fake beard was a bit much. I was actually quite impressed with it. And it almost looked fitting for Celestia's star pupil. I could easily see Twilight becoming that sage's true successor somewhere down the line.

            "Yeah, that's a really good look for you. Thanks for wearing so I could see it. A shame I wasn't here for your first time in town." I replied while Twilight started to engage with her friends. And then she noticed the giant moth and backed away in shock. Ocellus was blending in a little too well with the night. I spoke up dryly, "That's Ocellus."

            The giant moth woman just waved at our friend with a sheepish grin on her lips. Twilight's hat almost fell off when she jumped back and had to be readjusted. "Wow... I mean...wow! Really, Ocellus?! That's a great look!"

            "Thanks! I hope I'm not too spooky..." Ocellus giggled while she failed to be truly menacing in any way. She was just far too adorable. Although she soon noticed someone else approaching now that the party was really getting underway. She raised her clawed hand high and waved at someone over yonder. "Rarity! Over here!"

            "My stars, is that you, Ocellus?! What a convincing costume! Festive! But I suppose it's not really a costume at all, is it?" That beautiful voice replied. But when I turned to face my dear Rarity, I was left puzzled. There was no mistaking that outfit. It was the same Radiance costume she had worn last year. Not that I am complaining here. She looked way too good in it. But it was still...puzzling over why one would wear the same costume two years in a row.

            Smolder was the first to speak up. In fact, both she and Gallus were ogling Rarity's extravagant and very true to form costume. No doubt thanks to them being really into the Power Pony series of comic books. "Whoa! You almost look like the real deal there! That's cool!"

            I decided to speak up while I had the opportunity. "You should've seen us all last year. The girls went as the entire Power Pony team and I went as Hunter. That was a fun time."

            Gallus pointed at us as his eyes lit up with excitement. "Whoa, seriously?! Then you gotta do that again next year so we can see it!"

            "Sure! Everypony loved it too! But... Um... Why are you wearing the same costume two years in a row, Rarity? None of us dressed up in our Power Pony costumes." Fluttershy replied while understandably puzzled over the lack in innovation in Rarity's attire. Rarity would be the last person I know who would let her artistic vision stagnate.

            Our beautiful friend's response was rather admirable as she swung her head to let her indigo curls sway while the diamonds in her mane shimmered. "Quite frankly, I just could not think up a costume more radiant than this! And besides that, I see a few of our friends aren't complaining."

            "You know what? That's a good point. You're totally rocking that look, Rarity." I retorted before I felt Gladesong starting to fidget in the harness on my chest. She had dropped what little of that apple was left and was excitedly reaching out for the beautiful mare who had always been a second mother to her. I smirk down at my daughter and said, "And I think someone's really happy to see her Mama Radiance."

            "Oh my goodness, hello there! Come on down, dear!" Rarity squealed in delight now that her goddaughter had caught her attention. She lifted my daughter from the harness with levitation magic and soon snuggled with the happy little filly in her arms. "Are you just thrilled to see your own godmother looking so radiant tonight? And aren't you just the loveliest little bouquet of blossoms!"

            I watched with a beaming smile as the first mare to join my family smothered her goddaughter with sweet loving words and tender nuzzles. Although while Fluttershy took a turn bobbing for an apple, Smolder looked back and forth at her closest circle of friends. "So, uh... What else is there to do for Nightmare Night?"

            "Wow, you girls really are that outta the loop?" Gallus asked while Smolder and Ocellus reluctantly conceded their ignorance to that holiday. Not that I could fault them. Ocellus had been isolated from Equestrian society in the Changeling hive her entire life while Smolder had only been living amongst us for some months with only a couple of opportunities to observe the holiday from afar. And that is when assuming she was near any towns or cities on the last two Nightmare Nights. The griffon boy then smirked and said, "In that case, how about I take you girls under my wing and show you the ropes? I've been to these celebrations often enough to know what to expect."

            The two of them looked happy with that idea. Ocellus spoke first with her wings spreading just a bit in inspiration. "Sure! Show us around, Gallus!"

            "Sure thing! But first..." He replied before smirking up at Smolder. The dragoness only had a second to notice that smirk on his beak before Gallus pounced on her. The two of them fell behind a haystack that they happened to be next to before a scuffle broke out behind it. I saw a few blue feathers fly out from behind their cover while Smolder did most of the yelling. This went on for only a moment before things got quiet and Gallus stepped out from behind the haystack. And I noticed that his torso was bare while Smolder's ridiculously oversized electrical plug was hanging from the base of his neck. "If I'm taking the lead, I gotta look the part first."

            I had to catch my breath in my throat when I saw Smolder step out from behind the haystack with her arms crossed. She looked utterly annoyed with her torso now bearing the double electrical outlet box Gallus had been wearing. And it strangely looked like it fit her body better than it did his. Ocellus snidely snickered as she could not help commenting on the costume swap. "My, how the tables have turned."

            "Coming up with this costume was a really dumb idea..." Smolder growled now that things had come full circle for her. Gallus trotted off with Ocellus following along at a brisk pace. Smolder followed as well, but with a much stiffer and slower walk. I finally wheezed out a laugh when she started to pass me by. This did not sit well with the little lady since she then suddenly pointed at me with one finger. "I don't wanna hear it!"

            "Hey, at least that costume makes more sense when it's being worn by a female." I retorted while knowing that the implications of that costume flew over her head. Smolder groaned in frustration before running off to catch up with her posse. All I could do was shake my head. Those three really do bounce off each other quite a bit in a way they do not with me. "Heh... Teens. At least they're really good teens."

            Moments later, I heard a buzz that I instantly recognized. Scootaloo came rolling through the town square on her scooter while still rocking that miniature Wonderbolt outfit. She ran a full lap around the entire square while weaving between attendees and various attraction stalls and decor. She then came to a sliding stop before us and lifted her goggles to reveal her eyes. "Hey, guys! Happy Nightmare Night! Have you seen the girls?"

            Applejack glanced around for a few seconds. "I reckon they oughta be 'round here... There they are! Howdy, girls!"

            Sure enough, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were galloping our way. And I found it funny how their outfits had either been worn by or had some kind of association with their elder siblings or idols. Where Scootaloo was dressed up in an outfit that Rainbow Dash will finally be wearing next year, Apple Bloom was dressed up in her own rendition of Mistress Marevelous' outfit from the Power Pony series. As for Sweetie Belle... Perhaps it is just me, but I felt like I had seen Rarity wearing that glorious purple mantle with white trimmings and that silver crown before. Maybe in an old photo from before I showed up in Equestria?

            "Howdy, y'all! Lovin' the jumpsuit, Scoot!" Apple Bloom called out before a horseshoe slipped out of the makeshift harness she was wearing and hit the ground with a noisy clatter. While that outfit was very convincing, it was not entirely up to snuff with the one Rarity made for Applejack last year. I assumed she made it herself, but I guess being skilled in carpentry does not translate to mastery over fabrics. The little farm filly glanced down at her heavy prop and grinned uneasily at us. "Oops... Guess I should've tightened the stitching."

            "Girl, yer askin' for trouble with those heavy things fallin' outta their pouch. Maybe you oughta leave those with me." Applejack spoke up a bit firmly before taking the other horseshoe away as well to make sure it would not fall on anyone. Although she then lightly patted her little sister on the head while showing a big smile. "But y'all did a fine job on that outfit. Go lasso some bad guys tonight, ya hear?"

            "Yes, ma'am! I just gotta meet up with the team first!" Apple Bloom grinned while even reaching for a small rope she had hanging at her side. But she could only manage to swing it around like a whip and could not for the life of her tie it and throw it like a lasso. Apple Bloom groaned while tucking it away again, "Applejack, you gotta show me how ta throw a lasso sometime! You always make it look so easy!"

            "When yer a bit bigger, girl. I couldn't really toss it that far myself until my legs here went through their first real growth spurt. I reckon this time next year would be a good time ta start." Applejack replied while I took note of those words. Scootaloo would be turning thirteen in a matter of months and she still looked almost no larger than when I first met her. When would her body start to look more like a mare than a filly anyway?

            Rarity then stepped around the apple tub to get a good look at her sister. And she recognized that outfit right away while sounding very impressed. "Sweetie Belle, I'm loving your Princess Platinum outfit! It's just like the one I wore during the Hearth's Warming Eve play in Canterlot a while back! And I dare say you even match her historical appearance more than I ever did!"

            "I do? I mean... Yeah! I do! Maybe I was her in a different life?" Sweetie Belle giggled while adjusting the crown on her head. And Rarity was not wrong. I had looked up information on the founders of Equestria in my spare time and found that Sweetie Belle bore more than a passing resemblance to the illustrations I had seen of the actual Princess Platinum. Although she then turned towards the only other boy around while beaming excitedly. "And this princess was looking for her king!"

            I glanced down at Spike and... Wow, the poor kid looked spellbound. He was clutching his scepter while just looking so nervous. Maybe Sweetie Belle's outfit was really speaking to him. They perfectly complimented each other's outfits too. Sweetie Belle then trotted up to the dragon boy and bowed rather elegantly before trying a little too hard to mimic Rarity's refined accent. "And how are you this fine Nightmare Night, my king?"

            The poor kid was blushing so profusely. I think he knew what Sweetie Belle would look like that night, but seeing her in the flesh was another story. He breathed deeply to collect himself before saying, "You're... Uh... You look amazing, your highness..."

            Now it was Sweetie Belle's turn to blush. Although nowhere near as thickly as Spike. The dragon boy finally found the will to defy his nervousness and lifted Sweetie Belle's hoof into his hand before placing a kiss on her wrist. And Sweetie Belle was not satisfied with that. In a bold display, she grabbed Spike and kissed him right on the lips for a quick peck. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom did not even comment on it as they watched. Was their budding romance really no secret from her best friends?

            Twilight got a giggle out of seeing Spike just stand there completely stiff. I wonder how much he gushes to her in private about his relationship with Sweetie Belle. It has been nearly a year since their first kiss and I have seen them together on occasion. I stepped over to Rarity while she continued to cradle Gladesong in her arms and whispered to my beloved. "Those two are gonna be so good to each other in the end."

            "Quite, darling. I've seen such wonderful chemistry between those two. Always so happy together." Rarity whispered with a beaming smile. She knew Spike well by then. But I knew him on a level she did not.

            "And he will never leave her. Ember told me about how dragon courtship works." I whispered to her with a knowing smile. Rarity's eyes lit up in intrigue before I revealed a beautiful truth to her. "When he thinks the time is right and when she says yes, he'll be hers forever. Dragons mate for life and make very dedicated spouses."

            "Goodness me, I actually did get that impression from dear little Spike. I just did not know it was that literal. he will make such a wonderful husband for her." Rarity giggled in glee while Sweetie Belle broke Spike out of his stupor with a simple yet effective method. She embraced him. And he embraced her right back. Rarity then whispered to me whimsically, "I just wonder what their children will look like."

            "Already thinking about nephews and nieces? It would be bad form to let them beat us to it, yeah?" I replied as I kissed Rarity on the ear while knowing there was too much happening around us for any strangers to take notice. And Rarity giggled shrilly at those loving words.

            My beautiful beloved turned to me with my daughter nestled between us. Gladesong was just snuggling up to her godmother while Rarity whisper softly to my face. "Don't keep me waiting too long, my love. It's not proper to keep a lady waiting. Especially when she's waiting to have beautiful little ones with you."

            I wanted so dearly to embrace and kiss that beautiful mare. She was the first. Teh first friend to become something so much more to me after Fluttershy and I became more than just friends. Rarity has always been special to me. My best friend in Ponyville. But our hearts wanted so much more. We loved each other... Needed each other. And I would never be able to replace that angel of generosity. It took a great deal of restraint to not shower her with intimate love at that moment. Being too overt would draw attention. But our noses did touch playfully before I whispered with my hand on Gladesong's head, "Soon, m'lady. Soon."

            "Did you hear that, my dear?" Rarity whispered down to her goddaughter. Gladesong even had the presence of mind to look up at the lovely unicorn mare gazing down at her. Rarity then whispered sweetly, "You're going to have so many beautiful brothers and sisters, little Gladesong. And they are just going to love you!"

            It is unlikely Gladesong fully understood Rarity's words, but she did get excited and giggled joyously. It was then that Scootaloo parked her scooter by the apple stall and came our way. "Hey, Dad! Would it be OK if I take Gladesong along for the rest of the party? We're gonna be heading out for the Nightmare Moon legend part of the whole thing in a little bit."

            "Hmm... It is her first Nightmare Night... If I let you girls take her along, be careful with her. And if she gets upset or freaked out, find Smolder. She'll know how to calm her down." I replied while considering the pros and cons of letting my eldest daughter take her baby sister along for a ride. They had engaged in some outdoor fun at times, but it was always under supervision. Gallus would surely be taking Ocellus and Smolder along for the full experience with all the other kids, even if those three were a bit old for it by then.

            Scootaloo nodded while I carefully set Gladesong on her back. The mini Wonderbolt cadet looked back at her sister and said, "OK then! Ready to learn the real story about Nightmare Moon, little sis? Because here we go!"

            I watched with a smirk as Scootaloo went bounding off with more of a spring in her step than usual. Doing her best to give Gladesong a fun ride as the tiny filly tittered all the while. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom followed along while Spike was close behind. Having already seen the lightshow that Zecora tends to put on out there, I was sure any kid would get a thrill on their first time.

            My friends and I hung out in the town square partaking in some little games, sipping hot cider, and listening in on the mayor on the other side of the square up on stage. It sounded like it was time for them to head on over to the edge of the Everfree Forest to visit that statue. Even if that is a surprisingly long walk for a holiday event, the Everfree Forest is an ideal location for that statue of Nightmare Moon to be placed near. It was where her existence even began.

            Speaking of Nightmare Moon, I turned my gaze to the night sky. Beautifully lit by many stars and a full moon. I remember reading about how the moon itself was marked by spots that vaguely resembled Nightmare Moon's head during the entire millennium she was placed in stasis somewhere inside it. It bewildered me how the Elements of Harmony could literally transport someone to the moon and lock them in a state of stasis right inside it. Then again, when considering that it was Celestia alone using them that got those results while the current six bearers were able to entirely purge Nightmare Moon from Luna when they used them... The Elements of Harmony have quite the inconsistent track record. I suppose it all depends on who uses them and on what. But I do know they are a force of purification more than anything. They...fix things, in a sense.

            My eyes scanned the horizon and the silhouette of the mountain to the east. Canterlot was lit up rather beautifully against the dark of the night. I suppose even the Canterlot elite were enjoying Nightmare Night in their own way. But where were they? Luna and Celestia had managed to attend the first Nightmare Night event I first partook in and Nightmare Moon herself showed up next year. I sighed to myself in some disappointment. It would be unrealistic to expect them to show up in Ponyville on every Nightmare Night.

            Things got the quiet around the place once all the kids in town headed off for the spookiest part of Ponyville's Nightmare Night traditions. And Twilight got quite a chuckle once Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash showed up with Pinkie still being mute for the night. They still had a hefty supply of pumpkin guts balloons left and were trying to figure out how to use them all up. We all decided to set them aside for now and wait for things to pick up again once everyone got back.

            I especially loved the few fire pits around the town square and that ingredients for s'mores had been provided. I made quite a few of those with my friends. Although after a while, we started to hear what sounded like shouting in the distance. To the west. Fluttershy looked that way first and said, "They're back already? Did they run the whole way?"

            Sure enough, they really were. Every last one of the attendees who had followed Zecora off towards the Everfree Forest were rushing back in a panic. I even saw Smolder and Gallus among them while looking more than just a bit freaked out. Ocellus was still in her moth form and was trying to not get too far ahead of everyone else while fluttering overhead. Only Gladesong looked like she was having a good time while being securely held in the giant's moth's four arms. Rainbow Dash called out as they rushed by us, "Whoa, what's the hurry this time?!"

            "It... Something came when we got there! And it's not Nightmare Moon!" Smolder shouted as they all tried to find hiding spots around the town square. An uproar was spreading. And then I looked up.

            I strongly doubted there was any real danger around us. Someone showing up at such a time to add to the atmosphere would have been too predictable. But...not Nightmare Moon? Nor Luna or Celestia in costume? But there it was. A winged equine figure came swooping overhead in the night sky. The proportions of the body and that trailing mane and tail... There was no mistaking it. Someone from the royal family was present. But as I eyed the circling alicorn above, I had a realization. "That's...not a mare."

            The soaring stallion above, form as dark as the night, came to a stop over an open empty space. And in an instant, suddenly went from above and crashing into the ground below as he appeared to become lightning itself. A thunder clap roared out as his impact with the ground sent arcing bolts of white lightning over the ground around his hooves before the air became still. But wait... White lightning?

            While everyone watched in caution and dread, I started to have my suspicions over the identity of this mysterious stallion. I watched in silence while the entire town square went quiet with dread. And as the stallion before us raised his head, I could hear a chuckle reach my ears. "Nightmare Night... Born from lingering fears of the Mare in the Moon... But aren't we all forgetting something here?"

            The armor adorning his body... Identical to that worn by Nightmare Moon when I first laid eyes upon her, but colored a pale silver. Pale as the stars above. The stallion called out to all of us with a most sinister tone, "The Mare in the Moon was not always a mare. She was once a filly like so many of you. And where do you suppose that filly came from?! Who is the true originator of Nightmare Night's namesake?!"

            I was smirking from ear to ear. I knew who this stallion was. And he was nailing this first impression. He lifted his head high and cackled in false villainous fervor. "The true sire of the Mare in the Moon stands before you! May you all know the true herald of Nightmare Night! For now you see... The Nightmare King stands amongst you!"

            An uproar filled the air and I could understand why. Almost no one in town had ever seen this stallion before. But I knew who he was as he summoned arcing bolts of white lightning to illuminate the town. Body as black as night and full billowing mane and tail of shimmering silver, the king of Equestria himself had arrived to partake in festivities. And while he had the bravado and armor down, it seemed he had forgotten about the more specific anatomical aspects of Nightmare Moon. His wings did not match hers and his eyes also did not bear the catlike pupil that Nightmare Moon's eyes possess. But it looked like he did not need them anyway. Everyone was running for cover. But then...

            "Do you believe you have overlooked my attention, your majesty?!" A bold feminine voice called out that seemed to project itself all over the town square. I then noticed some scarlet embers forming in a circle some ways behind the Nightmare King. And in an instant, those embers erupted into a towering column of swirling scarlet fire. The menacing stallion turned to face the flames as they receded. And there in the dark of the night, her billowing scarlet mane and tail filled with a warm glow, stood the queen of Equestria herself. Her fiery eyes glaring sternly at her husband as she played along with the act. "You had best behave yourself tonight. Do not incur the wrath of this queen."

            "Ohohoho, the sun queen herself graces me with her presence?" Orbash chuckled like a smug tyrant as he began to fearlessly approach his wife. I was starting to be filled with a certain giddiness while everyone else around us watched with fearful uncertainty. Orbash could always get an entertaining rise out of his wife. He strode towards the sun queen with a faux smugness on his face. "And what brings you here during this most fiendish of holidays? Where I reign supreme for one night?"

            "Why do you suppose, tyrant? As queen of Equestria, it is my duty to see to it my people may sleep without fear. And so help me, Nightmare King. You will behave yourself if you value your existence." Sunflare spoke firmly while maintaining a stony facade of professional stoicism.

            Orbash was anything but the sort. He came much closer until the two of them were gazing into each other's eyes from inches away. And he continued to uphold his smug attitude. "Such radiance, your majesty. How can I say no to a mare as glorious as the sun? Yes, perhaps I shall kneel to you. But only for tonight."

            "Well said. Do not accost my subjects and you shall live to see tomorrow. Agreed?" Sunflare asked while I was starting to wonder if she was truly in on the joke. The sun queen had made it known at first encounter that she is all business nearly all the time.

            "Agreed. Now, shall we... Um... Yes?" Orbash started to say before he happened to notice someone had come over to them. And was hovering near Sunflare while everyone else watched in growing confusion.

            There was no mistaken it. Ocellus had come over to the two of them and was fluttering her great wings while gazing upon Sunflare. The sun queen glanced at the giant moth and asked, "Can I help you?"

            "So...glowy..." I heard Ocellus mutter just loud enough to reach my ears. And I suddenly snickered to myself as I realized what was happening. Taking on the form of a moth had apparently instilled in her a moth's natural instincts. And Sunflare's wavering scarlet accents, from her mane to her tail and even down to the 'shoes' enshrouding her hooves, had her standing out like a torch in the night. Every part of her that was not constantly still was giving off such a hot glow. And the giant moth was drawn to that glow. "Warm... Glowy... I like the pretty light..."

            Sunflare and Orbash both stared at each other with wide eyes. A giant moth girl was probably the last thing either of them expected to see that night. Orbash promptly lost his tyrannical facade and asked, "Well, this certainly kills the mood, my love. What now?"

            "What else? We introduce ourselves." Sunflare replied before suddenly flinching. The giant moth beside her was now resting on her back like a moth hanging out near a lamp. She was somehow able to fit her entire body atop Sunflare's torso while the sun queen just rolled her eyes. "Ugh, such indignity. Have you no shame, silly insect?"

            Orbash got a chuckle out of that. He then looked all around us and called out with a much more cheerful tone that I was more familiar with. "So sorry if we gave you all a scare! If you are not familiar with us, allow us to introduce ourselves! I am Orbash! King of Equestria! And my beloved wife here is Sunflare! As your king and queen, we wished to experience our first Nightmare Night with you all so close to where the legend began!"

            The revelation of their royal identities quickly put an end to any fears amongst Ponyville's population. There was a roaring applause of many hooves while some even started to draw closer. I knew that the king and queen of Equestria became known to all with their presence during the War of Preservation becoming very public following its end, but this was still their first time in Ponyville. And the first time I had seen them since I was last in Canterlot. Seeing the two of them mingling with the common during peacetime really did soothe my heart. They really were home to stay.

            Not much longer went by with the king and queen speaking to their subjects before Orbash's gaze finally met mine. And when I waved at him, his eyes glimmered while his ears perked up in joy. "There you are! Hello there, my boy!"

            The glorious moon king came galloping right over to me while my friends scattered to make room. I was unsure of how to handle the king himself being so nonchalant with displays of affection towards me in a town I now call home, but he was not dissuaded. Orbash rested his jaw on my shoulder and draped a wing over me in an embrace as if I was his own son. "It's been weeks, my boy. Have you been well? Your hair is growing back nicely, I see."

            "I... Uh... Yeah, I'm good. Really good. And it's great to see you, your majesty." I replied rather meekly while putting my arms around him for an embrace of my own. Orbash tightened his wing's grip around me as if trying to shield me from the autumn cold. My embrace tightened as well to be much more sincere. While Sky Beak may have become the closest thing to a father I ever had in Equestria, Orbash was definitely somewhere in that territory as well. The dynamic between us... It was not merely between friends. "I missed you, your majesty..."

            "And I missed you, my boy. Celestia longs for you dearly." Orbash whispered to my ear as that name suddenly reminded me of who was absent that night. He must have read my mind since Orbash then said, "If you need to know, Luna and Nightmare Moon are partaking in festivities elsewhere tonight. I hope you don't mind Sunflare and I arriving in their stead."

            "No, it's fine! It's great to see you two here!" I replied promptly as our embrace loosened. I then ran a few fingers over his helmet as I examined his costume for the night. "And you really nailed the look here. You had everyone fooled."

            "Like daughter, like father! I will be sure to tell Nightmare Moon that her old man could be as frightful as her!" Orbash cackled in delighted laughter. He then turned his attention to his approaching wife. The festivities had begun to resume with even some music starting to fill the air from nearby. Although he then noticed who was still on her back. With her wings held flat, Ocellus almost looked like a cape draped over Sunflare. Orbash then asked with a crooked smile, "Is that comfortable?"

            "She's much lighter than she seems." Sunflare retorted with a smirk of amusement. She did not appear to be having any trouble walking around with her enthralled passenger. As Orbash became the center of attention for my friends, Sunflare's attention was focused upon me. And I was at a loss of what to say to her. Our relationship had been...chaotic since the start. Sunflare noticed my hesitation and swiftly extended a wing towards me. "Come here, child."

            I hesitated for just a moment. Even when offering an embrace, Sunflare had an air of firmness around her that Orbash lacked. But once I was in her embrace, Sunflare nuzzled the side of my head all the same. And she was warm. Her body radiated a gentle heat like the rays of the sun itself. I never noticed it as prominently as I did there in the cold of an autumn night. She whispered gently to me, "It is a shame we cannot see you more often. I pray your return to this humble town has brought you no end of respite after so many trials."

            "Life has been good here, your majesty. Things truly back to the way they should be." I replied before Sunflare tightened her wing's embrace around me. It was...comforting. And I felt compelled to ask. "How have your daughters been?"

            Sunflare spoke very quietly and with such a tender tone. "Well. Very well. And they have dearly appreciated our assistance in their duties. And Celestia... Orbash speaks the truth. She longs for you, child. She tries to hide it, but I can see it plainly. Please, do not keep her waiting too long for your next visit. It would be grand if we could spend an evening together. Orbash and our children would be thrilled to have you along."

            It was an offer I knew I should not turn down. And I considered my response carefully. "I'll...have to decide on that soon. Before winter gets here. Let them know I'll be coming. Should I plan ahead? Does it matter if I show up unannounced?"

            The sun queen snorted with a suppressed chuckle. "Not at all. In fact, it would be all the more thrilling if you arrive when they are not expecting you. Do not worry about you intruding onto their royal duties. We can always catch up later."

            "I have a hunch you and Orbash have been assisting them with more than just advice..." I muttered as I contemplated exactly what goes on behind the walls of Canterlot's royal palace. Surely they also assisted in paperwork as well. Such a mundane role for the true king and queen of Equestria. Although I did nod against Sunflare's head. "All right then... Expect me to show up sometime next week. I won't say when."

            "Excellent. I believe the afternoon would be ideal. Just know that you are always welcome inside the castle, sir knight." Sunflare said very meaningfully. To think that I have been officially knighted... An honor I am sure very few ever receive. Although Sunflare did flinch in response to something. She released me from her embrace before we both looked down. And I grinned as I found Gladesong tapping her hoof curiously at Sunflare's left front hoof. Something about that ephemeral scarlet shroud flickering over her hooves like harmless flames caught her attention. I glanced over yonder and saw Smolder and Gallus watching. Ocellus must have passed Gladesong to Smolder before she became enthralled with Sunflare's glow. The sun queen spoke in curiosity, "Hello there, child. Do you need something?"

            I tapped Sunflare on the shoulder to get her attention. Introductions were in order. "She's mine. This is Gladesong, your majesty."

            "She is yours?!" Sunflare spoke with an unexpected show of excitement. When I nodded, she promptly scooped up Gladesong in her levitation magic and turned to her husband. "Orbash, my love! There is someone here you must meet!"

            "There is? Excuse me, all of you... Oh my goodness... Is this who I think it is, my boy?" Orbash replied before turning to face his wife. Sunflare's eyes were filled with an almost uncharacteristic joy as she cradled the giggling filly against her chest. Orbash glanced at me while I just smirked in joy now that the majestic king and queen of Equestria were finally able to meet my firstborn. The always jovial moon king stepped up to his wife while Gladesong kept reaching for her wavering scarlet mane. But then she noticed the kind yet armored face of Equestria's true king and reached out to him instead. Orbash looked utterly giddy as his own silver magic aura joined his wife's scarlet shroud to hold my daughter together. "Goodness me... Hello, my dear. Are you my boy's little one? I remember when Celestia and Luna were your size."

            "Gently, dear. It's been eons since you last held a foal." Sunflare spoke softly with a tenderness I had never heard from her before. Even during her kindest moments with me. For as powerful and even terrifying as she could be, Sunflare was still a mother. And those instincts had not been lost even after millennia. She tenderly nuzzled Gladesong's head and whispered to her, "Such a fragrant costume you have, my dear. And Gladesong, was it? A child of the meadows and garden?"

            "She is very fond of frolicking in flower patches, so the name ended up fitting very well." Fluttershy said as she watched from my side. It was such an honor seeing our firstborn being doted on by the king and queen of Equestria themselves. It was as if they were meeting their own grandchild for the first time.

            Gladesong kept reaching out to Orbash's face. And when he finally brought his face closer, she started to try and push his helmet off. The moon king obliged and lifted his helmet from his head with levitation. Only for Gladesong to hold his face and nuzzle her cheek against his black coat. Orbash was visibly taken aback by this. His lips quivered as I saw his eyes starting to glisten with tears. He squinted his eyes shut and whispered, "Oh, you precious little thing... Your mother and father are so blessed to have you. Hello, my child. Hello..."

            The king and queen of Equestria cradled my daughter between them as if she was their own. Nuzzling and whispering sweet things to her and to each other. They may have been the world's true sovereigns, but they were still husband and wife. And mother and father. They knew the joy of having children to love. And they had very good children too. And when considering my connections to Celestia... And the fact that we have received their blessing... I wonder if it would be acceptable for Gladesong to refer to them as her grandparents?

            I decided to test this theory. I stepped over to them and directed my attention towards Orbash. "How're you holding up, grandpa?"

            He hardly even flinched at that title. The glorious moon king beamed at me with such a genuine grin while Sunflare's uncomfortable gaze showed she knew where that conversation was going. Orbash nuzzled me as he said, "I am simply overjoyed to meet this precious angel, my boy! You really should bring her along sometime. Perhaps it's time we consider installing a nursery in the palace..."

            Orbash's joy was contagious. I beamed at him and my own child. But when I turned to Sunflare, she spoke up first with a stoic glare. "I know what you are about to say and I will not have it. Not yet, at least. Do not call me a grandmother until I call myself that first."

            I had to suppress a laugh at the tonal shift in her voice. From joyous and motherly to stern and firm in an instant. Orbash showed no such restraint and laughed in the face of his wife's disapproval. "My love, why so stern?! You and I may be ancient, but we are most certainly not old! You are as radiant as the day you brought our daughters into this world. You are...undying. Eternal. You have aged not like fine wine... No, you have aged like the finest honey. The sweet succulent nectar that never fades in quality."

            Fluttershy overheard this and got a good snicker out of that. She then interjected as she said, "He's right! Honey never spoils! It is always sweet and safe to eat."

            "I am well aware of honey's miraculous qualities!" Sunflare snorted as I failed to hide a laugh. Several onlookers joined in as well. For being as imposing as she is, Sunflare is fun to mess with. She then looked down at Gladesong as her husband held her up. My daughter babbled a bit, but it sounded like she was interested in Sunflare's glowing mane. With a sigh, her magic aura became the more dominant presence around my daughter as she pulled Gladesong closer. "Forgive me for raising my voice, little one. I should not shout in your presence."

            Orbash wiggled his eyebrows once his helmet was placed upon his head again. "Sunflare, my love. I think you granddaughter knows who you are. Why not address her as such."

            "Orbash, you know that this filly is not my..." Sunflare grumbled before she was silenced by Gladesong's loving and innocent gaze. I glanced down at Fluttershy while she smirked up at me. She knew enough about Celestia and I, even if I am sure she has still not wrapped her head around that fact yet. With a sigh, Sunflare finally relented and brought Gladesong up to her face. My child promptly took hold of her and nuzzled her cheek against the queen's muzzle. Sunflare asked softly, "I... I am not sure I'm ready for this child... But...if you wish to call me your grandmother, I... I would not be against it..."

            I turned to Orbash and whispered to him, "Really, your majesty. You don't have to do that. I mean I know you love her, but Gladesong isn't..."

            "James, my boy. Enough of that. No need to acknowledge my crown of horns at every turn." The moon king said with a facetious chuckle. He then whispered into my ear, "You have our blessings, my boy. A day will come where Celestia will give that sweet little thing brothers and sisters. Why not skip the formalities?"

            Orbash really was all too eager to be a grandfather. Even if his wife was not ready to accept the implications of being a grandmother. Even so, I was touched. Deeply. Hearing the king of Equestria himself essentially referring to me as his son-in-law was...too much. I grabbed him and held that wonderful stallion in a firm embrace. And he only added to the wonderful words he said. "You're family now, my boy. Remember that."

            It was not much longer before Gladesong was passed back to me so I could place her back in the harness on my chest. Orbash then spoke up, "Now then! I say we should have some fun while the night is still young!"

            Sunflare smirked in delighted anticipation. Although Gallus then stepped forward and asked, "Hey, uh... Are you gonna carry that all night?"

            We had almost forgotten of who was clinging to Sunflare's back. Ocellus was still draping herself across the entire length of Sunflare's torso and would not budge. She was a slave to the sun queen's glorious glow. Sunflare grimaced awkwardly as she said, "It almost feels rude to remove her..."

            "Hey, I can handle being rude for a second. I'll be right back." Smolder said before she ran off to...somewhere. Right when we least expected it, Ocellus let out a startled shriek as something smacked her in the side of the head! She fell right off of Sunflare with...a smear of orange pumpkin guts coating the right side of her head. "That did it!"

            "Hey, I wasn't done...um...vibing to the glow!" Ocellus whined as she pushed herself up onto her feet. At least that jolt to her senses was enough to distract her from those moth instincts. She then noticed the sun queen scowling down at her. Promptly intimidated, Ocellus shrunk with a step back. "Sorry... Was I a nuisance, your majesty?"

            "Hardly. But if you've had your fill of my luminescence, I do believe there are festivities to be had." Sunflare replied before turning to her husband. The armored stallion smirked at her in such a provocative fashion while his wife could only scowl at him. "Shall we, oh fearsome Nightmare King?"

            Orbash regained his rather unconvincing villainous tone as he chucked at the sun queen before him. I swear that he just cannot pass for an evil villain. Too many good bones in his body. "But of course, your majesty. Just be sure to not let me out of your sight."

            The moon king very quickly became the center of attention. Even if he was trying to look the part of a villain, his masculine beauty was constantly on display and drew admirers wherever he went. Sunflare was not neglected at all. Her glowing mane drew a lot of attention as she literally lit up the areas around her. It was...perplexing. Seeing the king and queen of Equestria mingling with the common folk just to have some fun on the spookiest night of the year.

            The night was going well. Games and good food and even taking my family on a hay cart ride courtesy of Big Macintosh. But then it was time for Orbash and Sunflare to take a turn at the pumpkin catapults. Everyone gathered around as the two royals lined up with several targets set out ahead. It looked like Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were even gathering up the splattered remains of the pumpkins that had been smashed already in order to make more of those obnoxious pumpkin guts balloons. Orbash bowed graciously towards his queen and said, "Ladies first, your majesty."

            "Charmed, Nightmare King." Sunflare replied while holding her head high in a haughty fashion. A large pumpkin was placed upon a catapult while Sunflare used her levitation magic to pull it back and rotate it in order to line up a shot. And with little trouble, she sent that pumpkin flying. It soon smashed into a target to score a perfect hit right in the middle. Sunflare sounded rather proud of her as she said, "As expected."

            A round of applause broke out as Sunflare stepped gracefully away from the catapult. She then smirked at Orbash in passing, a smug tone on her lips. "Your move, oh fearful Nightmare King."

            Those two were getting a little too into things. Orbash strode elegantly towards the catapult as he also snatched up a pumpkin to launch. And with perfect aim, he too smashed that pumpkin into the middle of a target. Head held high, Orbash laughed. "Ha! The Nightmare King retains his crown!"

            With them having both a perfect bull's-eye, it sounded like they had decided to keep going until one of them missed. Sunflare loaded up another pumpkin, let it fly and...

            A thunderclap rang out as we all jumped.  Where did it come from?! Not even poor Gladesong liked it. The poor thing started crying in fright as I hurriedly tried to shush her with gentle caresses atop her head. But when we looked out to see where the pumpkin had landed... It turned out that it never even made it to the target. The pumpkin that had been launched had exploded halfway across the way and appeared to have been partially singed. By...lightning?

            Sunflare quickly put the pieces together over where that bolt of lightning had come from. She very stiffly and menacingly turned her head while displaying...a horrifically confusing smile on her face. Her eyes fell upon her husband as she asked, "Orbash. Was that your doing?"

            The sly moon king looked away from her playfully and said, "Who, me? No, of course not. Seems we're in for some rain tonight."

            "There's not a cloud in the sky, you nimrod!" Sunflare promptly let go of that smile and roared at her husband in rightful annoyance. A roar of laughter filled the crowd while I too facepalmed at Orbash trying way too hard to have fun. Sunflare then snorted harshly and stiffly stepped past her husband. "No matter! Take your shot! I'm sure your aim will be as accurate as your weather predictions."

            "Then I shall! But first..." Orbash replied before suddenly rushing over to me. He then sweetly kissed a sniffling Gladesong on the head before whispering to her, "So sorry if I startled you, my dear. Grandpa's just having a little too much fun right now."

            I smirked at the handsome stallion while even Gladesong started to giggle and smile again. Orbash quickly remained his faux villainous poise and fetched another pumpkin to launch. He pulled the catapult down, let it fly...only for Sunflare to blast the pumpkin at the height of its trajectory with a scarlet beam of magical force. This resulted in the pumpkin completely overshooting its target, flying over the town square and...getting stuck atop someone's chimney. 

            We all just...stared at the results of that cheeky act of sabotage. Even Sunflare stared with wide eyes at the results of her actions. The king and queen of Equestria then looked at each other with Orbash being more impressed than annoyed. "Impeccable shot, my dear. Like I'm not even angry. I'm just impressed. That has to be some kind of record."

            "I... I swear that was not what I intended." Sunflare muttered rather sheepishly while everyone just applauded all the same. It at least made for an amusing spectacle. Now it was Sunflare's turn. And Orbash was not about to let his wife take the victory from him. Although he had me going at first. The pumpkin flew through the air. And just when it looked like it would hit the target, a spire of white ice suddenly shot up from the ground in front of it and skewered the pumpkin while stopping it cold! And Sunflare voiced her disapproval in an instant. "Confound you, Orbash! Would you cease these shenanigans?!"

            "Why so surprised, my dear? I am the Nightmare King! You expect me to play fair?!" Orbash cackled while so many of us joined in on the laughter. The ice spike faded in a flash of frigid mist while the pumpkin fell and rolled to the side. It was once again Orbash's turn. And not even a second after the pumpkin left the catapult, it was incinerated in a flash of white solar magic. Not even ashes were left behind as we all turned to face Sunflare. The sun queen was wearing quite the smug smirk on her lips. Orbash, once again entirely unfazed, smirked snidely at his queen. "Fiery. Just the way I like my mares."

            It did not stop with that either. Back and forth the king and queen took turns. And each time, they would resort in magical tomfoolery in order to sabotage the other. It stopped being a competition and turned into a comedy skit as we all got a laugh out of wondering just what they would do to mess up the next shot. Unfortunately, this could only go on for so long. The moment came where the last pumpkin was smashed with neither Orbash or Sunflare having the chance to actually land another shot. Sunflare even snorted in disappointment once there was no way for the game to continue. "A stalemate. How droll."

            "Yes, such a shame this Nightmare Night ends without a decisive victor. Unless..." Orbash retorted before I noticed a worrying smirk on his face. And he was glancing at Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash out of the corner of his eye. From the look of it... They had restocked their pumpkin guts balloons supply to the point of filling both sets of saddlebags to near bursting. My heart jumped into my throat as I realized where this was going.

            Sunflare noticed too late as Orbash cast his levitation spell. Pinkie Pie jumped a bit as the flap over her left bag lifted to have a balloon rise out. It then suddenly went flying right for her! "En garde, sun queen!"

            It hit home. Splattered all over the side of Sunflare's face while her eyes shot open in wide shock. A gasp burst from the crowd as we all stared in disbelief. The queen of Equestria... Struck by a water balloon. Except this one was full of a finely blended orange slime. Her frozen expression only shifted when her eyes glanced at Orbash while she remained otherwise perfectly motionless.

            It took a moment for us to notice. But the smell... Something burning? And then I saw it. The pumpkin slime smeared over the side of Sunflare's face beginning to boil. And then turning dark before evaporating into a fine plume of smoke to leave her face entirely spotless. Even Orbash's eyes widened a bit to see Sunflare do such a thing. Her six horns were suddenly coated in her scarlet magic aura as a few dozen of those pumpkin guts balloons suddenly burst from those saddlebags and came over to her, floating in the air like a fleet of tiny drones ready to swarm her enemy. Only then did she speak. "I will have your head, Nightmare King!"

            "Haha, let us begin!" Orbash cackled as Sunflare unleashed all of those balloons on him. He deftly evaded with a quick use of the teleportation spell as they all splattered into the ground. The rest of us just scattered now that the rivalry between those two was heating up. The king and queen of Equestria quickly used their levitation magic to set up barricades with the various stalls and props littering the town square. They also unloaded the contents of those saddlebags to arm themselves, Orbash taking Pinkie Pie's supply of balloons while Sunflare helped herself to Rainbow Dash's. And with that, the battle began. Ducking and weaving out of cover to fling those liquid-filled balloons at each other as everyone around me cheered for their favorite monarch. And Sunflare was quick to return the favor by being the first to land a hit. One balloon burst as it struck Orbash right in the brow upon his silver helmet. "Gah, you draw first blood, your majesty! But you are not a kingslayer just yet!"

            "Just you wait, you ponce! I'll have your head on my mantelpiece by morning!" Sunflare roared while leaving me unsure if she was actually having fun. She sounded very determined and even angry. Unless it was all just an act. So many balloons went flying as roars of cheers filled the air with every direct hit landed. The banter between those two... For being the true sovereigns of this world, Orbash and Sunflare were goofing off as if they had never worn a crown in their life.

            Ten minutes does not sound like a long time, but that was how long that two-pony war went on. I am just surprised their stash of balloons held out for as long as it did. The whole game ended abruptly when we all noticed that no more balloons were flying. At last, the king and queen emerged from their makeshift strongholds. And...what a sight to see they were. Each had a mass of orange splatters peppering their bodies. They each appeared to be just as caked in that gunk as the other. Orbash and Sunflare stood before each other, took a moment to examine the state they were in...and then laughed. Howled in raucous laughter together while looking like they could fall over at any second.

            What a show those two put on. We all applauded while Orbash and Sunflare bowed to us all with identical grace. They were even courteous enough to put back the stuff they used for barricades back where they had fetched them from. And for a while, things went back to normal. Plenty of hot treats to go around, Gallus and his friends accrued quite a candy haul under his watch, and Ocellus even won the costume award that night. I think she just about fainted when everyone applauded her adorable moth form instead of being afraid of her.

            The Nightmare Night festivities finally started to wind down. Trash started to get sweet up, the stalls went empty, and way too many of us were getting pretty drowsy. Gladesong had already fallen asleep in the harness on my chest and would not wake up no matter how much I moved around. But many waited to see Orbash and Sunflare off. But when they approached me, I could not help but stare. "Why are you still spattered with that pumpkin gunk? It's even dried by now."

            "Because it will make for an amusing story when we return to Canterlot tonight. Can you imagine what our daughters will say when they see us in such a state?" Sunflare retorted with such a snide smirk. She could easily incinerate that slop off her body, yet she permitted it to remain for the moment.

            Orbash chuckled at his wife's reply. The kindly king stretched his wings while letting out such an exhausted groan. "Mmmmmm, what a time tonight... I had not realized what we had been missing out on all these centuries... We were poorer for it. All the more reason to return to our people's society."

            I was very glad to see that the true king and queen of Equestria had not regretted their decision to return to the throne as royal advisors. I then said sincerely, "There's so much more for you to see, your majesties. Nightmare Night is fun and all, but it's just one holiday. I hope you won't regret returning to us."

            "Yes, that is true. Hearth's Warming Eve is mere weeks away... Things will be different this time. There are new details that must be made public." Sunflare replied before she stepped forward with her husband. They both looked down at little slumbering Gladesong as she slept against my chest. Sunflare smiled warmly and said, "Do not wake her. Let the little dear sleep. She's had a long night."

            "Yeah, she normally doesn't stay up this late." I replied before seeing the two of them extend a wing. I recognized the invitation and stepped into their embrace. "It was great to have you both here tonight... Give my best to your daughters."

            "We will, my boy. And may you have wonderful dreams this evening. We will be seeing you again soon, yes?" Orbash whispered while the two of them nuzzled me from both sides. The king and queen then called for their subjects to gather around, wanting to give a proper farewell after attending their very first Nightmare Night festival. And when they took to the sky to return to Canterlot... What a sight, the two of them against the star-studded sky...

            It has been such a long day. Little changes here and there, and yet also a return to something familiar after the earthshaking events that the War of Preservation forced upon us. The house is quite, everyone is asleep, and I just want to finish up this entry before I can take a quick shower and plop myself down in bed.

            Today was a good day. A very good day. And I need to make plans for next week. A day spent with my beloved Celestia and the entire royal family? That is an event I should not pass up. But for now... My eyes are becoming too heavy. That will be all for now. Until next time... Good night.