Skycoaster

Vote 4

As Blizzard looked up from a clipboard he'd smile and nod to Applejack. "That's me. Acting Captain Blizzard Blitz. And you need no introduction," He'd smirk. "Heroine of Equestria, Miss Applejack. I've seen your stained glass window enough times on rounds in the castle to be able recognize you." The unicorn would be lying to himself if he hadn't at least once wanted to go on a mission with the great 6 of Equestria at least once since reading the Friendship Journal all those years ago. Looking to the clip board once more, he found it odd that only one pony had shown up so far before he heard a voice growing closer. Turning, he'd smile as another seemed to be joining the group. "Nightwalker you say?" as he levitated the clip board. "Hmmm, oh there you are. They had you listed as University Staff. Kinda odd though that the university would have petitioned to go along on this...expedition. For all we know, it's just based off some old legend. Ether way, at least we know we'll have a map to get back out of the uncharted jungle." Blizzard would look to the clock on the station wall as it ticked closer to their planned depatrure time. Sighing, he'd say to nopony particular, "Wasn't S.M.I.L.E. sending somepony?" He'd look to Applejack with a raised eyebrow. "An archaeologist if I read my report right...."

To say Blizzard was excited about his most recent assignment would be a lie. Having served as the acting captain of Princess Twilight Sparkle's honor guard was beginning to take a toll on the ice mage. He was an introvert after all and would rather have been doing rosters and working in the background in Canterlot Castle. Instead he found himself in a limelight that was not wanted. When the opportunity for a more traditional mission came up, he'd jump at the opportunity to escape Canterlot, even if it was just for a week. The unicorn would find himself on the train platform awaiting a team picked for this expedition by none other then Applejack. Waiting, he'd find himself fidgeting with the gold and purple armor he was forced to wear. Mage robes and high humidity did not mix after all. In the back of his mind, he could not help but think about how this mission came to be. Apparently the advice of a mystic in Ponyville...told to the younger sister by this Miss Spell was enough to this journey. If this fountain really did exist, he'd have to make sure to take a drink himself. Perhaps all those pains from his time as a hermit in the Frozen North.

Candy would giggle at the mention of the bat ponies. To be honest, she was wrapped up too much into Nightmare Night to notice till BonBon drew attention to her guests flank. Tilting her head, She'd chuckle. "7.8 out of 10." As the conversation turned to MidNightmare Moon...She'd have to remember that, She'd nod. "Princess Luna doesn't mess around when it comes to costumes. Look," as she nudged the giant candy coated pony. "He may act like he's not enjoying himself, but look." as she pointed a hoof at Midnight trying out different Nightmare Moon poses in a reflection in the window. "Wow," Candy would say, as her mouth hung open for just a moment. "I heard there was an articular about the Kaleidoscope but I didn't have time to read it with all the work I've put into this store." Candy would chuckle. "To be honest, I haven't really even unpacked my living quarters on the third floor. I've just been crashing on the couch at night...the one that used to be in your basement. Still good and comfortable." Tapping her chin, the unicorn would try to remember just where her copy of the Press Guide was. It would take her a few moments to remember Salty took it to be framed. Candy was proud of her shop's kitchen. She had designed it herself after all, all in stainless steel. "Notice anything," as she pointed to the two different cook tops, as she giggled. "That's because of the first lesson I learned from you on day one, Personal space. Remember the shiner I got from your elbow when we where both trying to use the stove...and I think Lyra was trying to cook ramen on the back burner at the same time?" As Candy took a few more steps into the kitchen, she'd smile. "If your staying a few days, you can always try it out. I'm always looking for new recipes. As for my basement...I wouldn't go down there at night. With how old this building is, it might be haunted." If Midnight was to be honest with himself, He could have drawn a much worse posting for this holiday...or a worse assignment. He shivered at the thought of the posting the other Lunar Guard drew. Fillidelphia. Las Pegasus was a fun city where as Filly...sometimes it got a stray snowflake or two this time of year. His attention was quickly shifted to the new group of ponies entering from Candy's shop. "Greeting my little ponies," he'd say trying his best 'evil' voice. "I hope your offering will not disappoint." As he lowered his head to Eden's level and give a fanged smile. "Even the great Con Mane will not be able to protect you from my wrath." as he gave an evil laugh, winking to Applejack, whom he recognized from passing in Canterlot Castle. He'd have to do a doubletake at the pony dressed as the main spy from the award winning spy book series...and movie now. He had the same color mane of Rainbow Dash but well, wasn't. "Enter Nightmare Night Central and earn all the candy you can. There's even bobbing for apples...Fritter Fields apples," as he looked to Applejack. "The Wicked Witch spared no expense to fatten you all up."

Midnight would chuckle half heartedly. “Still, it is possible. Nightmare Night’s date is based off the cycle of moon after all.” He’s tilt his head as he continued to look over his fellow batpony’s costume. “You know, it’s funny. Most of our kinds greatest goal is to join the Lunar Guard. I’m sure if you wore that replica armor long enough though you’d see the downsides of it. At least you don’t make a clanking as you walk.” He’d laugh. “As for me.” He extend one of his front hoofs, “I wonder how the princesses spend all day with these shoes on.” When he was asked about exits, Midnight raised an eyebrow. “Exit? There is no exit,” he’d say as he tried his Nightmare Moon voice. “You could go back, but that would be like trying to get out of line for the Wild Blue Yonder. I’d just follow the trail. It will be a lot easier, plus there are all kinds of stops. Some even have fun family games and of course sweets.” He’s smile, showing his larger than normal fangs. “If you do decide to leave early however, the next building has an exit back to the strip through that’s building old front door.”

Tarot would return with some coffee just in time to hear him as a question about the curse. She would chuckle as she poured him a cup. "If that is what you want. There are a few versions of the curse. I myself would go for one where others see him as ugly as his heart where as he will see himself as conceded as always. He'll begin to wonder why others are disgusted by his appearance." Taking her seat, Tarot would wave her hoof over the crystal ball to reveal Solar's soon to be ex husband. Over the course of a few seconds his image would change to that of a balding, fat, stallion with a missing front tooth. "His own vanaty will drive him insane...till the day you tell him that you've always known about his little side mare." Tarot would tap her chin for a moment. "Speaking of, I think she shares some of the blame as well, don't you." Waving a hoof once more, she would appear, staring in a mirror in shock. The image on the ball would shift to show her reflection....covered in a severe case of acne. Tarot give an evil chuckle. "Fitting, don't you think."

Candy would smile at BonBon's complements of her little enterprise in Las Pegasus. "It's nice to know that the Kandy Kaleidoscope is making both Bittsburgh and Ponyville proud...and making you proud as well. Who'd of though I'd go from living in your basement and refining my craft at your cart all because somepony forgot about the apprenticeship program. I've had that little bit of bad luck starting out, but so far I'm glad to say I hit the jackpot with friends in Las Pegasus." When she heard the bat pony inquire about her security, Candy would nod. "Yep. If I remember correctly he's one of Luna's most loyal as well. Luna let him dress up this Nightmare Night so he could have some normal fun as well...as much as you can when your boss makes you dress up as Nightmare Moon when your a stallion. I think he really pulls the wig off quite well."Candy would chuckle, looking to BonBon. "I think it's a fair trade for the evening. I have Midnight and Luna has my two apprentices handing out treats at Canterlot Castle." Candy would get a grin as her two young pupils came up. "That's right, I have two of them. The best in all of Equestria. Saltwater Taffy is a talented pegasus from Baltimare and Coco Bean is a unicorn from Manehatten. Have you taken any more apprentices on after me? I feel like I was kinda a suprise on your doorstep," she'd giggle. "All because I chose Ponyville so I could be close to my sisters at the School of Friendship." Candy would look back out the door at the pegasus dressed as Dorthy. "She's got this for now. You really have to see the kitchen. It's what I'm most proud of....and will be paying off for quite a while." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Midnight Oil sighed in between party goes going in or out of the next location. Nightmare Night was a day of work normally for the bat pony guard, though usually it was at the side of his boss, Princess Luna. Wearing the armor of his boss's alter ego was one thing....but the wig and fake horn she made him promise to where was another. Being a smaller guard, he was afraid that somepony would confuse him for a mare...as he would look at his reflection in a window. Still, it wasn't as bad as what Luna did to that Blizzard stallion that was a member of Twilight's honor guard last year. He'd scoff and roll his eyes at his boss's sense of humor. As trick or treaters left through the back door of Candy's shop, including a bat pony wearing golden guard armor, he would point a hoof to the adjoining building. "Enter Nightmare Night central and grab a map of the trail of treats or maybe just dance till your dead....on your hooves or else I might." Midnight would gulp before he'd say the next bit... "Gobble you up..." Midnight would look him over, paying attention to Shadow Step's costume and particular his orange eyes. As the foals ran to their next destination, Midnight would walk up next to Shadow. "Nice costume...though your star is crocked." Midnight would smile. "I bet you love this holiday. Orange is a rare eye color in Equestria and its said that only those born under a Nightmare Night moon are so lucky to have them."

When Solar asked what a Neigh Orleans curse was, she would chuckle. “It could be lots of things, but the most common ones are curses of misfortune. There are curses that affect the victims health….but my personal favorites for revenge on past lovers are curses of vanity.” Tarot would pause for a moment to let what she had just said set in. “Perhaps you are more familiar with its…. More widely known name. Voodoo.” Tarot would chuckle sinisterly. “Perhaps a pot of coffee will help you clear your mind. Grave decisions require a clear mind after all.”

"Have a change of heard deary?" She'd say as the bat pony made his way back towards her shop. "The night is still young, and you have plenty of time to catch up on your offering to Nightmare Moon. She can be a real terror if your offering is not to her liking." She would cackle as he entered. "Be sure to try the caramel apple. It's to...Die for.." Candy's attention would turn as she heard a voice she hadn't heard since leaving Ponyville to start her own candy operation in Las Pegasus. "Hi Bon Bon!" as she broke character for a moment, giggling at her former mentor's waddle. She would clear her throat before going back to her witch person for the evening. "I never thought I'd see you here good pony," She'd say as she continued to build off the story her costume was based on. "You are in for a wicked night this evening. Enter my shop of treats and tricks." As Bon Bon got stuck in the doorway, she had to stifle a laugh with her hoof before rolling her eyes. "But of course," she'd say as Bon Bon would be enveloped in Candy's orange aura. "All ponies are eatable. Just ask Nightmare Moon....or other witches. Perhaps you'll make a fine stew? Or maybe just a little nibble..." Candy would smile before giving Bon Bon the shove she needed. She'd giggle a bit as the thought of Bon Bon having to leave the store as well eventually set in. Thank goodness the Trick or Treat trail left through the receiving door, and that door could fit crates of coco and sugar through it. Soon another pony would arrive, this time a young pegasus mare dressed as Dorthy, ruby horseshoes and all. It was one of Candy's sales associates. "Don't have all the fun you wicked witch," she'd say to Candy. "We're not in Ponyville anymore." she'd wink and Candy. Candy would nod, letting the pegasus take over as the barker for the Trick or Treat trail and handing out the candy corn. Candy would enter the shop behind Bon Bon in her blind spot. "Boo!" She'd chuckle. "So what do you think? Everything in Las Pegasus has a gimmick, and it didn't take me long to find mine, especially as a Bittsburger, we really like old timey things...or is it we don't like change." She'd levitate three popcorn balls over to her, giving one to Bon Bon and the other to the bat pony whom seemed to just be taking his time in the store. "There's more through the door. Me and some of the local businesses set up a trick or treat trail you know...just through the receiving door. There one heck of a DJ next door through the back ally. Actually to night it might be the safest ally in all Equestria. We got one of Princess Luna's Lunar Guards to help out with security."

Leading Solar to her parlor, She'd point a hoof for him to sit in a chair before sitting herself. Tarot's mood was different then the first time. She seemed almost agitated. In the back of her head she could not help but try to figure out what went wrong... Her mood would change when Solar told her that her charms worked as planned, if not better. A slick grin graced her muzzle as she chuckled under her breath. "So then," as she waved her hoof over the crystal ball, "Lets see what we can fix next." The ball would show a stallion, whom was close to Solar sneaking off to meet another. Tarot would shake her head. "Tisk Tisk. This is never easy. Your husband and your friend." Tarot would grin, "So then, what shall we do about it? A good old fashion Neigh Orleans curse perhaps?" The shutters outside would slam shut leaving the room void of all natural light...all except the crystal ball and the glowing green of Tarot's eyes...

Candy would continue to had our her namesake treat to all the foal and foals at heart trick or treating down her street near her storefront. She'd try to stay in character as much as possible to add to the spooky nature of the holiday. Every so often though she would glance over at the crowd of ponies whom seemed to be just watching her and the other creatures whom enjoyed the Nightmare Night traditions. "Here you go little pony. Enjoy your night of treats and maybe a few tricks along the way," she'd say as she levitated some candy corn into their bags. "The Trick or Treat trail begin through these doors if you and your parents dare." Candy would chuckle. "Be sure to grab one of my bewitched candy or caramel apples," she'd say to a father accompanying the group. As the entered the shop, a colt dressed up as an astronaut would tug on Candy's skirt and point to a pony who was watching them across the street. "It seems that not all ponies fear the wrath of Nightmare Moon," she'd call out to the onlookers. "Though they should. The Mistress of the Night dose not take kindly to those who do not embrace her holiday." Candy would try her best at an evil chuckle. "Fools! all of you!" Candy tried to hid her smirk. She'd been in Las Pegasus long enough to embrace and mimic the street entertainers the city was known for....also having a famous performer friend like Wind Dancer, she'd picked up a few things. In the back of her head Candy could not help but think of all the candy corn, popcorn balls, and candy and caramel apples she had made. She had planned for a much larger turnout and feared it going to waste. "Come here and collect some free treats." She'd lock eyes with the bat pony across the way. "What's the matter? Afraid you might develop a sweet fang?" As she'd do her best fake cackle.

You good to join. I’m currently away for the weekend but feel free to post

Tarot found herself out of the manor picking up some things in town. She wore the cloak that Moonlight Glitter had given her as she made it back to grand old home near Sweet Apple Acres. As she reached the porch, she’d first take note of the smell of alcohol before catching site of Solar. Groaning, she’d walk up to him. “Looks like your luck ran out,” she’d say looking him over. “And no good luck charm on you? My oh my,” she’d say glaring at him. “This is what happens when somepony dose not follow directions to a T.” Opening the door, she’d point her hoof inside. “Well, are you just going to feel sorry for yourself or do you want to try to fix what’s wrong?” Sighing she would mumble. “So…I wonder who the bad luck attached itself too…”

Tarot would wink at the young mare. "And very important lunch date it is. I will keep a close watch on you and your little nerd." Her voice, though meant to be joking came across a bit more sinister then intended. Sighing, she'd guide the young mare towards the front door. "It's a shame that I can't show you the rest of the house this visit, but maybe by then, your cousin and I shall have more of the restorations completed, including that big second floor ballroom. Perhaps you may even want to have your wedding up there." As Moonlight stepped onto the porch, Tarot would answer her last question. "Oh, it's been so long since I've had a fitting for anything fancy. Perhaps next time you stop by, you can take some measurements and we can look over some of your sketches. I do like red and maroon," she'd smirk. "Something inspired by the Prench Quarter perhaps? I will let you get going. I must prepare for tomorrow. I have the strangest feeling that the ballet is coming to town soon."

Candy would watch as the colt put on a display as to what his costume was. “I see,” Candy would say with a smirk. “A fit little gymnast. Well then, I shall have to give you extra candy corn to fatten you up for my stew. Nightmare Moon isn’t the only one who like to gobble up little ponies on Nightmare Night after all.” Candy would cackle. “Do you dare step inside to begin the trail of treats? I hope so. I put a lot of effort into tonight.” Candy would open the door and extend a hoof pointing into her shop. The lightning was dimmed as Jack-o-lanterns sat on the counter. A tray of green and red candy apples sat next to a door pointing into the alley behind the shop. A sign sat on the tray. ‘The witch’s newest creation. Eat only if you dare.’ The old player piano was playing spooky music to add to the ambience. The alley would would lead to the once abandoned storefront next to hers. What would they find inside? The headquarters for Las Pegasus’s trick or treating, complete with a map of all precipitating businesses. There would be other treats as well. A local DJ would play Nightmare Night classics with small dance floor. Candy would look to her newest arrivals. One of them was an Apple….one of the Princess of Friendship’s friends of she remembered correctly. The stallion she was with thought… she had no idea whom he was, though he was dressed as a spy. Come to think of it, it must have been a couples costume. Non the less, Candy would have fun with her new persona tonight. “Welcome. I’m afraid I haven’t heard of this Gold Withers, nor would I be in league with them. What I can offer you is some candy…as well as a few other surprised tonight" as she levitated some candy corn to them. “Ether of you haven’t see a farm pony running around with ruby horseshoes, have you?”