- >You wipe the sweat from your brow as you store the last of your shipment into the barn.
- >Applejack had a mandate.
- >You were allowed to get off work early if you finished off the northwest field.
- >Of course she would tell you this on Nightmare Night, an event that you’ve been looking forward to.
- >It’s been a long while since you’ve had to use your camo and it’s about time that it got a reboot.
- >You head back inside, peeling off you armor as you walk in, the muddy pieces are in need of a good cleaning.
- >The hose out back is suitable for the task.
- >But first things first, shower and food.
- >As you turn the faucet Applejack calls for you, “Anon? That you?”
- “The one and only!”
- >”You got that section done yet?”
- “Yep. Just put them all in the barn.”
- >”Come find me when you’re done with that there shower. I need your help.”
- “No problem, I’m just finishing up.”
- >You finish quickly and dry yourself off, picking up your freshly washed garment off the bed.
- >Stepping out into the hall you knock on Applejack’s door, “Come in. Gosh darnit…”
- >Spools of what look like medical wrap litter the floor and all wrapped up in the middle is a tied up Applejack.
- >She tries to force a laugh, and all you can do is shake your head.
- “Looks like you really could use some help.”
- >”Ya could say that.”
- >You shut the door as the tries to untangle herself.
- “So, what exactly are you doing?”
- >”Trying to… git this costume…” she grunts further wrapping herself up.
- “Don’t even think about going down to Ponyville. The doc said no unnecessary trotting.”
- >”Well my doctor ain’t here now is he? Besides, I’ve been getting better.”
- “Be that as it may, you know I can’t have you hurting your leg again.”
- >”I know. That’s why you’re gonna watch after me.”
- “Calling in that second favor?”
- >”Nnope. I just know you’re gonna.”
- “That’s quite the assumption.”
- >”Am I wrong?”
- “…”
- >For a farmhand she’s one insightful little minx.
- >She knows just which buttons to press.
- >You sigh and approach her.
- “You’re doing this all wrong by the way.”
- >You strip away the bandages revealing her toned legs, the muscles tensing when you accidently brush your hand against them.
- >She steps out of the mess one by one until you reach her cast.
- >Your hesitation is unmistakable.
- >”I said I forgive ya. You can let it go.”
- “Were it so easy…”
- >You finish up your work, effectively freeing her of her constraints.
- >Applejack stretches her legs, “Phew, much obliged partner.”
- “Don’t mention it. Seriously, don’t. I don’t need that kind of rep.”
- >She chuckles and promises not to tell a soul, “Mind helping me get back into costume?”
- “You’re just a glutton for punishment now aren’t you?”
- >”Is that a no?”
- “I hate you,” you joke.
- >”Love ya.”
- >You roll your eyes and take a nearby roll and begin wrapping at her hoof.
- >You work your way up, the bandage sculpting to her leg comfortably.
- >”Ya know,” she remarks as you get further up her leg, “This is the first time I’ve seen ya without your armor.”
- >The grey suit you’d long hidden now stands prominently out in the open, and only when she brings it up do you feel truly naked.
- “Crap. I forgot to put it on, give me on-“
- >She rests a hoof on your shoulder, “Ah don’t mind the sight.”
- >Well, if it’s ok with her… You guess it isn’t that bad.
- >Her eyes feast upon your skintight suit which leaves little to the imagination, “Ya might be a seven.”
- “Not everyone can appreciate my great looks,” you boast jokingly.
- >You finish up the leg and begin wrapping her rear, Applejack getting antsy.
- “Hold still or I’ll have to hold you down and do it, and I’m not into BDSM.”
- >”What?”
- “Nothing, just stop moving.”
- >Her breaths slow as you reach her upper body, her chest rising and falling in rhythm with your own.
- >This… this is…
- >Different, yet, strangely familiar.
- >”Why’d ya stop?”
- “It- it’s nothing. Just thinking is all.”
- >She buys your excuse and you finish wrapping her torso and other legs, taking care not to make it too tight.
- >You take a step back and view the mummified p0ny and rub your chin in contemplation.
- “Something’s not right… It’s missing something.”
- >Before she can respond you plop her cowboy hat right back on her head.
- “It’s just not the same without it.”
- >”Thanks partner, now how about you? Need any help?”
- “Nah, the white sheet over the body is too childish. I’m just going in my armor.”
- >“Well that ain’t very festive of ya.”
- “Oho, but that’s what you think.”
- >”Well yeah, it kinda is.”
- >You ignore her statement and ask if she can move around fine.
- >She wobbles around, getting used to the wrappings before sounding the all clear.
- “Good. I can’t tell you how much I hate shoddy workmanship.”
- >She thanks you again for your help and heads downstairs while you get your armor on.
- >You join her out by the barn even going so far as to help her board the wagon because you’re just an upstanding gentlemen.
- >Naww, you’re still a dick.
- >You just haven’t shown it much lately.
- >Now if you can get loose today…
- >Applebloom and Granny Smith are already on, the pair dressed up as a duo of witches, Granny snoring away.
- >Big Mac’s dressed up as… what the hell is he supposed to be? He’s got on a top hat along with a black cape with a white skull apple thing.
- “Should I bother asking?”
- >”Nnope.”
- >With Big Mac by your side pulling the wagon you walk into Ponyville, the town bustling with activity.
- >The little ones scamper about with their parents, everyone dressed up for the holiday.
- >It’s a welcome sight to see so many people just happy for once.
- >The town’s been decorated as well adding to the dark yet cheerful night.
- >The p0nyfolk’ve set up a variety of games and the cheers of the contestants don’t hurt your ears as they once would.
- “And you would’ve had me bucking apples all night. The gall…”
- >”I wasn’t gonna make you miss out so quit your jabbering.”
- >Mac stops the cart and you help everyone out.
- >Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle come running along, and before you can make a comment they’ve snagged Apple Bloom and disappear into the crowd.
- >”Let her go Anon,” Granny Smith says wobbling over to you, “Those young rascals can take care of themselves.”
- “Yes ma’am.”
- >You and Applejack get over to one of the gaming stalls, a game where you toss spiders onto some web.
- >”Want to give it a shot?”
- “I’m good thanks,” you say giving another p0ny a shot, “I don’t want to set the bar too high.”
- >You watch as the contestants have their fun, giving a sigh as you grow bored.
- >”Ya don’t have to just stay here ya know.”
- “I know, but I know you just can’t be without my company.”
- >”Don’t make me smack you. Go on and have some fun.”
- “You sure?”
- >”O’ course, it’s what Nightmare Night’s all about.”
- “Applejack,” you say switching on camo like an old suit, “You have no idea what beast you just unleashed.”
- >”Don’t get into too much trouble.”
- “I will.”
- >You wave your hand in front of her until it becomes apparent that she can’t see you.
- >Good you’d hate for her to have to hit you. *flick*
- >”Anon!” she hollers as you giggle off into the crowd. Twas but a taste.
- >What manner of shenanigans shall you pull?
- >You don’t have time to contemplate on this pressing issue when you spot a familiar unicorn.
- >You sneak up by her side and lean against a wall as she chats with her lizard.
- “How goes it Detective Sparkle?” you ask nonchalantly observing your fingers.
- >Twilight gasps at your sudden appearance, making your day a little better already, “Do you make it a habit of stalking people?”
- >You give her a knowing gaze.
- “An irony in that statement?”
- >”And what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” she avoids the question.
- “I don’t know. Thinking of exactly how I want to fuck with the p0nies. When I saw you I lost my train of thought.”
- >”Really?”
- “It’s kind of like watching a train wreck, you know you shouldn’t stare but you can’t help it.”
- >“Charming.”
- >You sigh as you are content with watching the p0nies in the time being.
- >They go about their business but you find yourself staring more at Applejack’s stand than the others.
- >This doesn’t go unnoticed however.
- >”I figured you were one for the rough and tough. I couldn’t see you with somep0ny like Rarity.”
- >Speaking of, Rarity just happens to be passing by and flashes you with her seductive eyes.
- >You shiver before realizing exactly what Twilight’s implying.
- “Really? We’re two different species you’re just imagining things.”
- >”Am I though? You’re showing symptoms remarkably similar to that I read about in-“
- “A book and what did I tell you about reading?”
- >”I don’t need a book to tell me that you have feelings for her. So, am I wrong?”
- >Applejack sees you and waves, you doing so in turn.
- “If you tell a soul-“
- >”I won’t… for the right price.”
- “I won’t slit your throat.”
- >”Deal.”
- >Of course, Twilight’s company only lasts for so long.
- “Well, I better get going. Children to terrorize and such.”
- >”Don’t let me keep you.”
- >You spot a prospective target and stealth your way over to her and her entourage.
- >The p0ny squees as the door swings open and takes her share of candy.
- >She won’t know what hit her.
- >You grab the pink menace by the tail, the squawking loudly as she flails about, everyp0ny shrieking at the sight of the floating p0ny.
- “SURRENDER YOUR CANDY TO THE NIGHTMARE GHOST!”
- >You thought she was freaking out before, but when you mentioned the candy she went haywire.
- >A hoof hits your hand and you lose your grip as the slippery p0ny shakes free.
- >”Everyp0ny run! It’s the Ghost of Nightmare Past!”
- >The crowds go into an uproar as the p0ny incites a panic.
- >Only Pinkie.
- >You follow the group as they try to escape, but there are no brakes on the rape train.
- >And when there’s delicious treats to be had you can’t resist.
- >You grab one of the younger colts and drag him squealing away down an alley.
- >”We can’t help him,” Pinkie yelps. “He’s been decandified!”
- >The group grieves at the loss of their friend, but not before fleeing the scene.
- >The colts screams are muffled as you force a sucker into his mouth and snag his stash of goods.
- >Pinkie takes a breather by the town square as her group tries to reorganize.
- >”Everyone check your candy, we can’t have him sneaking up on us.”
- >If only she knew, you kneel beside another disguised p0ny.
- “Return the candy, or suffer my curse.”
- >She goes wide-eyed, the mare shaking like a leaf.
- >”Keep it together,” Pinkie says unaware of your presence.
- “I MAKE IT RAIN!!!”
- >You grab the mare and twirl her in the air as her candy goes everywhere.
- “You can run my little p0nies, but you cannot hide.”
- >This goes on as you take them down one-by-one like some sort of candy serial killer.
- >”P0nies fall back now!”
- >You rest on the rooftop and watch Pinkie hold together the last of her group together.
- >Damn this bag is getting heavy.
- >You’re not sure how much longer you can jack their sweets.
- >”Is there any sign of him?” Pinkie asks one of her underlings as they creep under you.
- >”Negative Pinkie, I think we lost him.”
- >You perch yourself in lunging position as they begin to calm back down.
- “Not yet.”
- >You tackle Pinkie Pie before she can get away, the real prize in this little chase.
- >”RUN! It’s too late for me!”
- >They don’t have to be told twice, practically pissing themselves as they escape your wrath.
- >When she’s sure they’re gone Pinkie goes still and smiles, “That was fun. We have to do this again Anon.”
- >You come out of cloak, your ruse ruined.
- “How did you know it was me?”
- >”Silly, everyp0ny knows there’s no Nightmare Ghost.”
- >She knew it was you from moment one. Every time you open your mouth…
- “Then… why’d you play the part when you knew it was me?”
- >She pops back up and adjusts her beak, “’Cause it was fun. Wanna go again?”
- “Not really, you kind of threw off my groove. Damn, I really thought I had you scared.”
- >”If you want I can pretend I didn’t know it was you.”
- “It’s alright. It’s just not the same.”
- >A bolt of lightning flashes across the sky along with a blast of thunder, a silhoute cast upon the earth.
- >”I HAVE RETURNED! MUAHAHAHA!”
- >You stare upwards into the sky where a Pegasus drawn chariot rests and a creature as black as night in tow.
- >Her piercing eyes are only complemented by the slick wings and starry mane on her back.
- “And just who might that be? Pinkie?”
- >You turn to find Pinkie shrieking off down the street.
- >The chariot swoops down overhead, the fiendish mare bellowing into the sky.
- >You try to ask another p0ny, but he’s too busy hollering for everyp0ny to hide.
- >In fact everyp0ny seems to be running off in every which-a-way.
- “Seriously who the hell is that?”
- >Well since no one else is going to answer you…
- “Twilight, who is that- loud Pegasus unicorn thing in the chariot?”
- >She drops down the patio ceiling stunned that you found her out.
- >”How did you-“
- “You’re always there, but seriously.”
- >She dusts herself off and readjusts her hat, “Her? That’s Princess Luna and she’s an Alicorn.”
- “And it’s general practice to flee from your ruler here?”
- >She explains how this entire celebration is based around her past persona, Nightmare Moon.
- “If everyone is afraid of her, why would she go around looking like that?”
- >”Because sometimes being scared is fun.”
- “…”
- >”…”
- “That’s retarded.”
- >”Halt!” the princess’s voice commands from behind you, “Who art thou?”
- >So fucking loud…
- >You turn to look at her, her body changed slightly.
- >Her appearance is far less menacing than when you first saw her, but that voice is still there.
- >”Princess,” she bows, “It’s great to see you again.”
- >”For me as well Twilight Sparkle, but I ask again, who is this…”
- >Twilight eyes you, eyes darting to the ground signaling to bow.
- >You look back to Luna and extend a hand.
- “Name’s Anon, nice to meet ya.”
- >”Charmed,” she shakes your hand.
- >Shaking hands with a princess, you figured it’d be a bit more climactic.
- >Ah well, what’re you gonna do.
- >”He’s taller than you reported.”
- “I ate my veggies as a- What?”
- >Twilight looks away from your gaze.
- >”Didn’t Twilight tell you? She reports directly to my sister. She has been… watching you.”
- “I wasn’t able to tell,” you joke earning a blush from Twilight.
- >So she had the inside scoop with the Princess and she didn’t even share it with you. Shame.
- >”Twilight, I wish for us to chat in private.”
- >”Of course Princess, Anon…”
- >You wave it off and walk off down the street and leave them to their business.
- >You didn’t want to listen to what they had to say anyway.
- >Finding your way back to the cart you plop yourself on the back and stretch your arms.
- >Meh, you had your fun for a while.
- >You’re just not having the fun you thought you’d had.
- >But at least you managed to score a metric shit ton of candy.
- >You open up your bag of loot one second and the next its gone, a faint snickering hanging on the wind.
- >You’re going to fucking kill Dash.
- >It’s a lost cause though. The Corps issued you a rifle, not wings.
- >But you’ll have your revenge, there’s no doubt about that.
- >The screaming finally dies down after what feels like an eternity.
- >You might have permanent hearing impairment after that session.
- >Gwah! Why are you bored?! This is fucking p0ny Halloween!
- >You should be out having fun, but no, you’re sitting in this cart bored to tears.
- >Well, not tears. Spartans never cry, we’ve just got something in our eye.
- >Maybe this is how things are going to be.
- >Could your life just be going stale? That doesn’t seem right.
- “Infinity,” you say on the comm.
- >What are you doing Anon?
- “I- I’m thinking bout staying a little longer...”
- >You shut off the comm, an intense sense of relief forming inside.
- >You’d rather have a boring stale life than the same thing but you’ll probably die because of it.
- >Plus, you’ve got something here now. It’s not much, but you can call it your own.
- >”Ready to go Sugarcube?”
- >And she happens to have an accent.
- “Not quite. Just taking a load off. How about yourself?”
- >”Me? Ah just got relieved. There ain’t no way I’m leaving yet.”
- >You look back over to the game station, Luna and Twilight playing, the princess shouting something about fun and doubles.
- >”I was ‘bout to check out the haunted house.”
- “Sounds like fun.”
- >She shifts her hooves, “Ah was wondering if you’d like to come with me.”
- >You chuckle at her nervousness.
- “The tough Applejack scared to go alone?”
- >She seriouses the fuck up, ”Ah can take care of myself thank ya.”
- >You raise your hands and jump off the cart.
- “I kid AJ, I kid. I know you’re not scared of nothing. Just poking fun is all.”
- >She raises her head almost defiantly, “So you joining me or are you gonna just keep poking?”
- “Of course I’d like to go with you. You shouldn’t have to ask.”
- >You slip off your helmet and take in the night’s air.
- “So which way’s the house?”
- >She points her head and the two of you head on over, your helmet attached by the hip.
- >”So I heard you’re staying.”
- >You eye the mare curiously, “Ya know I don’t like eavesdropping.”
- “Yeah well. If they haven’t answered me so far, I don’t they deserve this hunk of man meat.”
- >She chuckles before continuing, “It didn’t sound like they were the ones ya were trying to convince.”
- “I don’t need anymore convincing. I’ve got everything I could need right here. A place to live, a job, friends…”
- >”And family?”
- >You sport a grin and run your fingers through her mane.
- “Well I’ve got the Apples for that don’t I?”
- >”Ya certainly do.”
- >You open the door for her and she steps through, Twilight finally turning to look at you.
- >Her jaw hits the floor to see you without your helmet and scrambles for a note pad.
- >Silly egghead.
- >You and Applejack emerge a half hour later, Applejack clutched to your side laughing her flank off.
- >She struggles to breath and you find yourself giggling as well.
- >”Ah- Ah think they were- More scared of you than you were of them.”
- >You waft the air about your nose.
- “I didn’t expect them to be that scared though.”
- >She barely has the strength to keep herself standing when you bring it up.
- >You pick up the mare and place her back atop your shoulder.
- “Gah, you’ve picked up some weight after this long. You’re gonna break my shoulder.”
- >”I don’t need weight to do that.”
- >You chuckle and place her back on the cart.
- “Need I remind you the first time you attacked me? It didn’t end too well for you if I recall.”
- >”Is that a challenge?”
- “And just what if it is?”
- >She growls playfully as the others start packing things in.
- “You all done for the night?”
- >Applebloom starts talking a mile a minute, but judging by the candy she’s stored you can understand why.
- >Granny Smith says something ‘bout today’s young whipper snappers and Big Mac just nods.
- >”Good ol’ fashioned fun for all,” Applejack hollers as the crowds begin to dissipate.
- “Well let’s not waste anymore time. Applebloom’s got school in the morning and Mac and I have to keep up the field work.”
- >”Eeyup.”
- >You help the family aboard and trek back to the barn.
- >”Night Anon!” Applebloom yells still on her sugar high as she heads back in the house.
- >Mac helps Granny indoors as well.
- “Come on Applejack, time to get some shut eye.”
- >”You never answer my question,” she replies much to your confusion.
- “What question?”
- >”Challenge accepted.”
- >Oh no she-
- >Before you can protest the mare tackles you full force and you lose your balance, falling back into the hay.
- “Dangit Applejack. I gotta go to bed.”
- >”Five more minutes,” she says trying to pin you down. Well if she wants a fight.
- “That means I’ve got five minutes to make you my personal tickle slave.”
- >Terror fills her eyes, “Oh no! You ain’t gonna- Ah haha hehehahaha!”
- >You flip her onto her back and set your fingers loose upon her ticklish skin.
- “Give up? Huh? I can do this all day.”
- >”N-never! Ahaha,” she cries. “Ooh Anon my leg…”
- >You stop at the mere mention of it, Applejack cradling it in her other hoof.
- “I’m sorry Applejack I just got-“
- >No, not that smile.
- >She pulls you down by the arm and sits squarely on your chest.
- >”And I win again.”
- “You cheated,” you argue lying on your back.
- >”Meh I improvised.”
- >You shake your head as she lies down on you.
- >”You’d make a good bed ya know.”
- >Her mane sits next to your head, the fragrance of cinnamon apples and shampoo filling your nose.
- “Applejack, I have to work in the morning.”
- >She yawns but stays where she is.
- >It’s not that you mind the smell, but she’s acting pretty- pretty.
- “AJ…”
- >”Five more minutes.”
- >You sigh reaching your hand up and stroking her mane as she lies atop you.
- >She hums, the beat of her heart echoing down through your armor.
- >This is nice…
- “Five more minutes.”
- >Today was… Today was a day.
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SpartAnon: Chapter 8 (Nightmare Night)
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