I woke up to the dawn and gazed at the ceiling. It has been four days since we came back from Trottingham with the mirror. I awoke to the feeling of two curvy forms pressed against me, looking down I saw both Luna and Nightmare resting on my chest. Leaning down I give both mares a kiss on their forehead before I made my way onto the balcony to enjoy the autumn morning air. As I gazed out across the ever expansive landscape I couldn't help but take a deep inhale of the air when suddenly a flash went off within my mind of a dark figure. I couldn't see much except a ribcage made of silver on the figure's chest along with an amber coloured eye with a dark purple vapour trail rising from it. Finally, clutched in the figure's hand, was a very familiar triple bladed sword that I summoned in the Hollow Shade's asylum. Shaking the image from my head I placed my left hand over my left eye and sighed.

"Ugh again...That's the third time in a week," I groaned when suddenly I felt a pair of arms curl around my torso while a familiar voice tickled my ear.

"Good morning lover," Nightmare whispered.

"And to you my mare of the moon," I said as I reached around and gave Moon a nuzzle.

"Why are you up so early?" Nightmare asked.

"Oh no reason, guess I'm just a little excited for Nightmare Night tonight," I said.

"Nightmare Night, as in the holiday Pipsqueak loves so much?" Nightmare asked.

"That's the one," I said with a smile.

"Oh my stars I completely forgot, what do we do first?" Nightmare asked causing me to chuckle.

"How about a nice soothing bath for starters?" I suggested.

Quickly waking up Luna we made our way to the massive bath and undressed before hopping in.

"Oh this is nice, a nice warm bath is one of the best ways to start the day," Luna stretched her body out.

"Agreed," I said as I went to reach for the soap and cloth to wash myself when a black hand is placed atop it.

"Beloved would you please wash me?" Moon asked with a sly little smile.

"As you wish," I said with a smile.

Grabbing the soap and soaking the cloth I began to wash Moon's back. Once that was done I then lathered up my hands in soap before I ran them over Moons soft wings, removing all the broken feathers and straightening all the uneven ones. All the while Moon was purring in delight as I cleaned her.

"Oh that's so nice beloved...would you mind if you washed my front?" Moon asked as she moved to sit in my lap.

I could only smirk at Moon before I noticed Luna was looking a little left out and was giving me a cute pouty look.

"Aw Luna don't be like that I'll wash you also but Moon asked first is all," I said.

I then reached around Moon and began to scrub her belly, much to her pleasure if her moans were any indication, before I moved upward and began to clean her massive milk jugs.

"Oh my beloved your so frisky," Moon purred.

"Aren't you the one who wished it so?" I asked before I noticed Luna about ready to throw a fit. "Scuse me Moon but I also have an obligation to a certain mare as much as it is to you."

"Yay!" Luna cheered as she appeared in Moon's place and Nightmare appeared in Luna's.

Giving a quick shrug I got to work on Luna's back then her wings and doing the same like how I did for Moon with her front and more so with cleaning her legs and then finally washing her hair.

"Oh darling you are the best when it comes to stroking my mane," Luna cooed.

"I believe you've had a longer turn then I have Luna so if you don't mind," Moon said.

"Nuh-uh you've had a longer turn then that," Luna said getting off my lap to stand up in an attempt to intimidate Moon.

"Oh don't even go there, you and I both know you like hogging Ash all to yourself like a selfish foal," Moon said as she also stood up offering a challenging stance.

The two then went back and forth exchanging 'words' till I decided to break the tension by standing up myself. I then raised my hands and brought them both down on the two alicorn's large rear ends with a mighty crack sending their cheeks into a fit of jiggling. The two gasped before rubbing the places where I slapped them before turning to me.

"Now look, the both of you, just because I am tending to one of you first or for a longer period of time it does not mean I love either of you any differently from the other. You are both my wives and that is never going to change. So just because there are two of you it does not mean there is less love to go around you hear," I said firmly as I folded my arms across my chest.

"Yes Ash," the two said as they hung their heads in shame before I brought them in for a hug.

"I love you both, never forget that," I said.

Suddenly I hear a door open and close along with several voices when suddenly the mane six and Cadence walk in and spot us.

"Aw crud this feels familiar," I thought as I brought a hand to my face.

"Whoa Ash I know you got big but damn," Rainbow said as she licked her lips while looking at the lower half of my body.

"That sure is some party cannon," Pinkie commented.

Realising I was giving the group a full view of my package I simply turned around and sat down in the water.

"So there any reason you lot are here?" I asked.

"We are so sorry," Fluttershy squeaked while hiding in her mane.

"Ugh yeah we were told no-one was in here. I mean since we're all friends we figured it'd be alright but then Cadence showed up and well here we are," Applejack said while looking away while her face was as red as an apple.

"And who was it that told you that?" I asked calmly.

"Discord," Rarity said also trying to divert her gaze.

"Note to self, strangle that oversized serpent," Moon growled.

"So if it's alright mind if we join you three?" Cadence asked as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

"WHAT!" most of the mares screamed besides Rainbow and Pinkie Pie.

"Guess so if you wish," I said with a shrug.

"WHAT!" again most the mares screamed this time Rainbow joining in.

"What, your not gonna boot us out?" Rainbow asked.

"Not really any point now, besides be kinda rude if I did and as long no-one tries anything no one else needs to know" I asked.

"You know he does make a fair point since we're all friends it should be alright I suppose but you're all to keep your hands off our beloved," Moon said as she moved to my side.

"Agreed you all may stay as long as it's on the other side of the pool," Luna said.

Nodding the new arrivals moved to the opposite end of the bath and I looked away to allow the mares some privacy and once their bodies were submerged I began to lather up a cloth to clean myself.

"You know this is the first time I've bathed with male company in the same room," Rarity said.

"Really but haven't you and Thunderlane...," Cadence trailed off.

"Oh no for now we are quite satisfied with bathing separately and keeping our *ahem* 'private activities' simple so far," Rarity said.

"You surprise me Rarity, you strike me as the type who is into a little BDSM," Cadence said.

"Um...yes well I will admit there is a certain...charm to such things," Rarity said as her eyes made their way over to my direction before gazing off at something else.

"Am I a disturbance?" I asked.

"Oh no Ash...It's just...well uh...yes," Rarity admitted.

"Yeah I would say all that stuff just to tease you Ash but this is just a little awkward, can't you just...I don't know leave and come back later?" Rainbow asked.

"For your information Rainbow if anyone should leave it should be you if your feeling uncomfortable because A, Both Luna, Moon and myself were here first till you barged in which reminds me get a locked door or sign informing others that the bath is in use. B, I did say if you wished to join me it was your choice, I never forced you to join me in the bath. C, you really want to tell the owner of the castle where to go in his own home? Besides I ain't going anywhere till I get fully cleaned up,"

"You know he makes some seriously good points there, you could've left," Cadence said.

"Well what about you Cadence, why aren't you feeling awkward here?" Twilight asked.

"Twi I'm filthy and I just got up from an almost sleepless night plus this is the nicest bath anywhere, you really think I'm in the mood to care whom I'm sharing the bath with?" Cadence asked leaning against the basin of the bath.

"Won't argue with that," I said as I went to scrub my back but the cloth was grabbed by someone else and placed on my back.

"Here allow me Ash," Moon said as she began to scrub my back.

"Thank you Moon," I said with a smile.

"So how are you so calm about this Ash, normally you'd kick us out without a second thought," Rainbow said.

"Hm well I guess when your bathing with several different gods at once for three years you tend to get used to it," I said.

"Other gods, were there any goddesses?" Luna asked.

"More then enough and relax, none of them tried to make a move on me...well actually there was Aphrodite and a few others but I shut them down before anything happened," I said quelling the fire in Luna's and moon's eyes slightly.

"Um...what is Aphrodite the goddess of Ash...if you don't mind me asking?' Fluttershy asked.

"Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation kinda reminds me of you in a way Cadence both mischievous and flirty ," I said.

"Hm I'd like to meet this goddess some day," Cadence said with a smirk.

"Bad idea," I said to myself thinking of all the trouble those two would cause if put together.

"So any other greek gods or goddess that remind you of us?" Rarity asked.

"Well Pinks, I'd think you'd like Dionysus god of wine and parties. Rainbow you would like Hermes the messenger of the gods and fastest one among them, always rushing about and he's a bit of a trickster. Twilight you'd be captivated by both Athena and Apollo and all the knowledge they can share with you. Rarity, you and Xenia would get along famously in the generosity department. Applejack, for you would be Demeter goddess of farming and the harvest. Now as for you, Luna and Moon, you'll enjoy Nyx, Selene and Artemis the goddesses of the night and the moon but Flutters, I'm not sure how you'll feel about Artemis," I said.

"Why?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well Artemis is the goddess of the moon alright but she is also the goddess of wild animals, childbirth and virginity but she is also the goddess of...of the hunt," I said.

"Oh," Fluttershy said.

"Wow just how many gods and goddesses do you know?" Cadence asked.

"Heh more then you know agh," I yelped when Moon accidentally ran the cloth against one of my wing stumps.

"Oh I'm so sorry," Moon said sincerely.

"It's fine no harm meant I know," I said.

"So...how do you think it happened?" Rainbow asked rubbing her arm.

"My guess...well judging from the way they were cut I'd say it was with a surgical saw, meaning someone wanted my wings most likely for a trophy," I said with a sigh.

"That's sick," Rainbow said angrily.

"Yeah well not much I can do right now is there?" I asked.

After getting a wash I left to get dressed before I went to go wake Pip and the other kids. Upon arriving at Pip's personal room I gently roused Pip from his slumber.

"Hm dad what time is it?" Pip asked.

"It's time for you to get up so we can celebrate our favourite holiday Pip," I said causing the young alicorn to sit up with a start.

"It's Nightmare Night!" Pip cheered.

The foal couldn't get out of bed fast enough even if he tried. He rushed into the bathroom to take a shower whilst I just smiled and watched him go before continuing on to my personal study. I grabbed a certain book before heading to the Dining Room and sat down were I was immediately serviced before reading through the book and was soon joined by the rest.

"Ah good morning everypony," I said with a smile.

"You seem chipper," Elisa said with a raised eyebrow.

"How can I not, Nightmare Night is tonight and it'll be the first one since I came back and it's also Nightmare's first as well. Not to mention you and your group will be joining us," I said.

"I suppose that is a good excuse. After all it's been...Well a long time since I celebrated Halloween," Elisa said as she sat down.

Suddenly Jabir, Rosa and Akachi walked in and was greeted by everyone. The ones that weren't present when they arrived were shocked that they were here.

"Morning you three, I trust the rooms were comfortable?" I asked.

"Oh yes Ash thank you," Rosa said.

"Wait I'm sorry how the buck are you here?" Soarin asked but got slapped in the back of the head by Mac.

"Language around foals remember," Mac growled.

"Well we were kinda forced into coming here by these...caribou. We were heading home from a family outing when suddenly we were snatched and brought here," Jabir explained much to many of my friends anger.

"We are so sorry you were all involved in such a vicious kidnapping," Celestia said.

"Please Celestia don't, none of this is your fault," Rosa said.

"She's right if anyone is to apologise it should be me."

We all turned our gaze to the doors and saw both Shye and Pita were there.

"Jabir, Rosa, Akachi I'd like to introduce Shye, queen of the caribou, ex-wife to Diann and her girlfriend Pita the Griffoness," I said.

Rosa then got up and approached the two before she embraced them in a hug.

"You poor dears, I know it must have been terrible for you both but if you wish to talk to someone know that I understand," Rosa said.

"Thank you for your words but forgive me, how would know how we feel?" Pita asked.

"Both my husband and I were once slaves alongside Ash, it is where we met and we survived by taking care of each other," Rosa said as she gestured to me to which I nodded in conformation

"I-I'm...not sure what to say," Shye said.

"Then don't worry about it just sit down and enjoy breakfast with us," Rosa said as she led the pair to the table and sat down.

"Hey I got a question, how exactly are you guys still human? When you came through the portal the first time you became zebras except at my last battle you were all human then," I said.

"Oh well we had Faust change us into humans because both Eli and I could fight better as we were," Jabir explained.

"And I tweaked the mirror to allow humans to remain as they were when they come through the mirror but we'll still turn into humans when we go through," Twilight said.

"Fair enough," I said before I noticed Nightmare was looking nervously at Pip before I smiled. "Hey Pip."

"Yes dad?" Pip asked.

"What would you say if I told you that you now have a second mother?" I asked as I glanced at Nightmare whose eyes widened in shock.

"Ash what are you going on about!" Rosa shouted in outrage much to everyone's shock and I suddenly remembered that she wasn't aware of the ways of Equestria.

"Oh no no Rosa I believe you are misunderstanding this situation," Luna said quelling Rosa's terrifying fury slightly.

"Allow me to explain Rosa you see in Equestria the mare to stallion ratio is 10 to 1 so we have a rule called herd marriages," Faust explained.

"Wait I believe this is done with horses back in our world, multiple mares sharing a single male if I'm not mistaking," Jabir said.

"Correct and if both mare and stallion are okay with this then they may invite a new mare into their relationship or marriage. It is a rare thing to see in Equestria but not outlawed in any form," Faust said.

Hearing this Rosa sat back with a relaxed sigh and closed eyes before she opened one eye and looks at Jabir.

"Don't even think about it," Rosa said causing Jabir to stutter while most of the group laughed.

"So who's my second mother dad?" Pip asked as he hopped up and down with excitement.

"Hm why doesn't she tell you," I said with a smirk.

Luna then gave Moon a playful nudge before gesturing to Pip so the black alicorn stood up and walked around the table and crouched before Pip.

"I'm your new mother Pip," Moon said.

The look on Pip's face had to be the most priceless thing I may have seen. He was speechless and his eyes were full of happiness and after a few seconds he wrapped his arms around Nightmare much to her shock and loss of breath. When she regained it she looked down at Pip before tears began to spill from her eyes before hugging him back. Both Luna and I then joined in on the hug and stayed that way till Twilight levitated the book I was reading over to her.

"History and Events of Aephoceria," Twilight read.

"Uh yes, I was actually looking through it one time for some old holidays I could perhaps reintroduce to Equestria 'like the Fall Harvest Feast' or 'the Spring Festival'. But one seemed interesting to me that I think you'll all find interesting called 'the Festival of Frights'," I said.

"Festival of Frights is that like some old version of Nightmare Night," Rainbow asked.

"Old perhaps but twice as fun," Faust said.

"Mother have you attended?" Celestia asked.

"Oh most defiantly there were rides to go on, trick or treating along with games. But there was also a time were many would gather around a massive bonfire to tell ghost stories. Oh there was so much to do on this night it was neigh impossible to do it all," Faust said.

"Agreed but you seem to be forgetting the haunted castle," I said with a smile.

"The haunted castle of course, how could I forget something like that," Faust said slapping her forehead.

"The haunted castle?" Luna asked.

"Well apparently my parents had the entire castle decorated from the tallest tower to the lobby to make it look like a haunted castle. The point was to have adults and children go on a self tour of the castle to find a prize while being pursued by monsters and having to avoid traps that catch you and if your caught then your out until the next round. The whole thing begins again when someone has found a prize or everyone is caught. It was basically one of the most entertaining events back then," I explained.

"Whoa that does sound cool," Rumble said earning voices of agreement from some of the group.

"Hey what kind of monsters do you think there would be?" Pip asked.

"I can think of a few," I whispered as I gave Luna a wink causing her to start giggling.

"Oh and I just remembered the most important part of this event. This holiday was made on the day that the spirits of the dead return to the land of the living and dance through the streets of the city in a beautiful display," Faust said.

"Spirits, as in...ghosts?" Fluttershy asked while shaking like a leaf and cowering in her mane.

"Oh no no no Flutters, these spirits aren't here to harm you. They are only here to spend time with the living and dance the night away, quite literally. Give them music to dance too and they'll dance to it," Faust said.

"Wait seriously?" Applejack asked.

"Oh yes most defiantly," I said.

"Whoa this is gonna be awesome," Scootaloo said with excitement.

"Oh and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie you should know that pranks were smiled upon during this holiday as well but just try not to go overboard," Faust said causing Pinkie and Rainbow to high five in delight.

"Hey uh dad I was wondering but what will you be wearing tonight?" Pip asked causing me to chuckle.

"You don't worry about that Pip I've already chosen what to wear but I prefer to keep it secret till tonight," I said with a smile.

"So what now?" Comet asked.

"Now I have to go prep the castle so I must be on my way. Faust can you help organize some things like rides and stands?" I asked.

"It would be my pleasure," Faust said.

"Great now I'll see you all later," I said before I left.

I walked around the castle letting everyone know what was happening with the preparations for tonight. Before you know it the word spread and everyone got to work prepping the castle for tonight while I took off to the hall of armors and walked into a certain room containing my costume for tonight.

"Been a long time," I said as I brushed some dust off the shoulder.

---

7:00pm Aephoceria Town Centre Third Person P.O.V.

---

"Good evening mares and stallions, tonight it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this years Nightmare Night slash Festival of Fright," Faust said who stood upon stage dressed as a witch causing the gathered subjects to cheer before Faust raised her hand silencing the crowd. "Now there is much to do this night that everyone shall enjoy like rides and foods and ghost stories to tell. But the main events will be the official candy offering along with the haunted castle where everyone shall explore the palace in search of a prize, but be warned everypony that monsters lurk those corridors and if you are caught well let us say it shall be very unfortunate for you all. But if you were to offer them something sweet then maybe, just maybe, they might let you go. Finally when the bells toll at midnight the spirits of the dead shall return from their graves to dance through the streets of the city. With that I declare this night of fear and fun has begun!"

With a round of applause Faust disappeared off stage and over to her family and friends. Celestia was dressed as a sexy vampire, Dream Catcher was going as a banshee, Chrysalis a zombie, Discord a cowboy, Cadence was going as a sexy maid while Shining was a butler, Luna was going as a sexy angel and Nightmare was dressed as a sexy demon. Next was the mane six. Pinkie was dressed up as a jester, Fluttershy was going as a nun, Rarity was going as a gypsy, Applejack was going as a skeleton, Rainbow was going as a rock star and finally Twilight was going as a teacher. Next up were the mares coltfriends who all decided to wear their assassin robes. Next came Eris who was dressed up as a sexy cat while Rage was dressed as a berserker. Finally all the CMC members were dressed up as a Mexican mariachi band while the youngest three were dressed up as 'The Blues' from Angry Birds.

"Are you all sure of this outfit it seems a little too...revealing," Moon said.

"Oh come now Moon your armor was more revealing then this when we were still linked," Luna said.

"Perhaps but I knew I could rely on my armor, this dosn't protect me from swords or weapons," Moon said.

"Speaking of armors, anyone seen Ash?" Rage asked.

"He said he was making sure his costume wasn't torn anywhere and that he'll join us soon," Luna said.

"I wonder what dad choose to where tonight?" Pip wondered, he and and the rest of the CMC were dressed up as Mexican mariachi players.

"I have no idea Pip but he said it would be rather unique," Moon said before she gave Midnight a kiss on the forehead who was in her arms.

"Well while we're waiting might I enquire as to what do you think of my outfit?" Rarity asked as she gave a twirl showing off her costume.

"Oh it's lovely Rarity," Fluttershy said.

"Thank you darling and what of my earrings aren't they to die for?" Rarity asked as she presented an ear to the group.

"Uh what earrings?" Soarin asked.

Checking her ears and feeling where her earrings were and finding nothing Rarity let out a shriek.

"I've been robbed!" Rarity cried.

"Rares calm down maybe you dropped it somewhere," Rainbow said.

"If that was the case then the other would be here but both of them are gone they were latch backs not easy to come off," Rarity wailed.

"Ain't that the truth."

Everyone then turned to the new voice and were met with a figure wearing a black tunic and pants with a dark grey long sleeve shirt beneath the tunic and a dark brown cloth belt going across the waist. The figure wore a pair of grey poulaines boots made of leather with a dark blue cloak with a golden broach on the figure's left shoulder. Connected to the cloak was a matching turban and mask that covered the figures face and beneath the cloak, being held by the dark brown belt, was a scimitar with a gold handle and fairly thick blade. All in all the whole outfit looked Arabic and being juggled in the figures right hand was a pair of earrings.

"My earrings you...you thief!" Rarity yelled as the stallions reached for their weapons but Rage stopped them.

"Did you really have to steal those Ash?" Rage asked causing everyone's eyes to widen while the figure removed it's mask revealing Ash.

---

Ash's P.O.V.

---

"Now why'd you have to go and do that?" I asked as I handed Rarity back the earrings.

"Wait you snagged those?" Rainbow asked.

"Impressive," Faust said.

"I assume your little stunt has something to do with your costume," Rarity huffed as she put the earrings back in place.

"Very perceptive," I said.

"Allow me to present to you all the king of thieves," Rage said.

"The king of thieves?" the group repeated.

"At your service," I said as I gave a mock bow before I turned to Rage. "I take it you saw this in the hallway?"

"Yep I'm actually surprised you wanted to wear this," Rage said.

"They were gonna find out at some point might as well do it with style," I said.

"Wait a second you mean this was actually a title you carried a long time ago?" Rainbow asked.

"Yep so you like," I asked simply.

"Not like, more like love," Rainbow said.

"Indeed I'll admit it has quite a fabulous style," Rarity said.

"So...the king of thieves huh, I'm sure there is quite a fascinating tale behind that costume," Faust said admiring the outfit.

"One I'm sure you can have a look at on a later date," I said with a smirk.

We all then went our separate ways, I was taking Moon, Luna, Midnight and the CMC and the three youngest foals trick or treating.

"So a sexy demon and sexy angel costume huh, if I didn't know any better I'd think you both were trying to seduce every stallion and possibly some mares in the city," I said as the CMC knocked at a house door.

"Now where on earth did you get that assumption dear?" Luna asked innocently.

"Indeed this is just a message to our subjects that all this is off limits except to you," Moon said while gesturing to her body.

"Now's that's just being cruel," I said with a smirk.

"So Ash tell me will you be performing tonight?" Luna asked.

"Performing?" Moon asked.

"Oh in a bit of story telling I believe Ash told a great ghost story from his home world or perhaps a song?" Luna asked.

"Hm perhaps later but now I just want to enjoy this night with my two very special mares and equally wonderful family but believe me I'm sure to send chills up some spines," I said with a grin.

"Oh how exciting," Moon purred as she nuzzled my cheek.

"Thank you," the foals said in unison as they walked away from the house.

"Nice haul so far guys," I smiled.

"Yeah we gotta get a lot for the offering and the haunted castle," Scootaloo said before she and the others took off for another house.

"Offering?" Nightmare asked causing both Luna and I to freeze up.

"She doesn't know?" I asked in a hushed tone as I looked at Luna.

"I thought Pip would of told her in his explanation," Luna whispered.

"Oh this going to be awkward as hell not to mention dangerous," I whispered.

"What do we say?" Luna whispered.

"Let me try," I whispered before I looked at Nightmare and saw her trying to hold back her laughter. "Oh you little minx."

"I apologise but I couldn't resist," Nightmare said as she giggled before her laughter ceased and turned into a frown. "However I am displeased of this story of how I eat foals when I love foals."

I then wrapped an arm around Moon's waist and pulled her close before I gave her a quick reassuring nuzzle which caused her to smile. Soon enough we stopped trick or treating and went back to the square where a stage was set up and music was being played. Luna then looked at me before her eyes gestured to the stage with a smile.

"Oh alright," I said with a smirk before I went over to the stage.

Getting onto the stage wasn't a problem since I had my status and all that jazz. Once I was backstage I saw Vinyl wearing a vampire costume and hadn't noticed me. I then felt a smirk form on my lips as an idea shaped in my mind before I walked forward and ran a finger up Vinyl's spine making her shriek before she spun around and saw me.

"Who The Buck You Think You Are Pal?!" Vinyl yelled.

"Whoa chill Scratch any louder and the audience will hear us," I said as I removed my mask revealing my face to the DJ.

"Holy mother of Celestia...I don't believe it, the legend lives," Vinyl said before she wrapped her arms around me in a hug.

"Believe it Scratch I'm back, hey where's your better half?" I asked looking around for Octavia.

"Right here."

Turning around my jaw dropped to the sight of the normally refined and dignified cellist player wearing a sexy full body werewolf costume that hugged her curves.

"Do close your mouth your highness before you catch flies," Octavia said.

Snapping out of my trance I figured out what I should say before I went and opened my mouth.

"Apologises for staring but wow Tavi never thought you'd wear something that...um," I started but trailed off.

"Sexy?" Vinyl commented.

"Uh yeah that," I said.

"Well normally I wouldn't but I lost a bet to Vinyl here so she picked out my outfit for tonight but if I'm being honest it's...a breath of fresh air in truth," Octavia said.

"Told ya you'd like it," Vinyl said.

"Well don't let me stop you from having fun," I said with a smile.

"You con obviously guess our costumes but I must ask Ash, who are you dressed as?" Octavia asked.

"This is an outfit I once wore a long time ago when I was in Arabia. An outfit that came with the title as the king of thieves," I said with a bow.

"The King of Thieves, intriguing," Octavia

"Nice kinda figured you were a thief what with the mask and all," Vinyl said.

"Thanks and if your interested I'll tell you the story some time," I said.

"Sign me up," Vinyl said.

"So am I to assume your here to put on a performance?" Octavia asked.

"You read my mind," I said before I handed Vinyl my IPod before I walked on stage.

When I stepped on stage the audience cheered while I gave a brief wave before I picked up a microphone.

"Hello mares and stallions and let me welcome you to this night of frights fun and obviously candy," I said causing everypony to chuckle. "Now some of you or perhaps many of you from Ponyville knew what happened when I stepped on stage on this fantastic night and for those who don't well please enjoy," I said as I put the mic back and Vinyl started the song.

As the song began I snapped my fingers and was now dressed in a white suit with a blue shirt and white tie, black dance shoes and a white fedora with a black band giving me that gangster look Michael Jackson had. On either side of me were a pair of hologram ponies dressed in the same way but with different colors who began to mimic my movements perfectly through the entire song. I even pulled off the famous lean done by MJ that made the crowd go nuts along with the moonwalk. As the song began to close I spun around quickly and suddenly stopping with a famous pose and Aaaaaow!

Applause rose from the crowd as the holograms vanished and I switched back to my original ensemble before I gave a bow and walked off stage. After grabbing my IPod back from Vinyl I headed back to my wives.

"So how'd I do?" I asked before Luna kissed me on the lips.

"Smooth like silk," Luna said.

"And you do this every Nightmare Night?" Moon asked.

"Yep if I can make it of course," I said.

"Interesting," Moon hummed

"So what shall we do now?" Luna asked.

"Hmm how about the pumpkin launch I recall both that and the spider toss were favourites of yours," I suggested.

"Splendid idea Honey," Luna said.

So we left to partake in the nights activities. I brought the mares a stick of cotton candy each and when Moon took a bite her eyes widened in blissful ecstasy causing both Luna and I to laugh before we continued on our way. We listened to a few ghost stories that were being told in the zebra village there were even smoke images to help tell some of the stories. Moon was clutching onto my arm through some of them and when it ended Moon denied having been scared. Now it was the time for the offering. I was walking with Pinkie along with many foals in the city and their parents and before me was the CMC and Akachi who was dressed as a sea monster and finally Jabir and Rosa who were dressed up as a gladiator and an explorer. We were heading down a path that led to a small grove of spooky trees with a torch lit pathway till we came to a statue of Nightmare Moon dressed in her armor with a terrifying grin upon her muzzle. One by one the foals placed some candy in a bowl before the statue but when Akachi had his turn he placed a single candy on the pile before he began to walk away when suddenly the wind picked up followed by both a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder.

"YOU THERE!"

We all looked at the source of the voice and I saw the statue of Nightmare Moon was now flesh and blood and was glaring at Akachi with a frown.

"YOU HONESTLY THINK A SINGLE PIECE OF CANDY IS ENOUGH TO SATISFY THE THREE OF US!" Nightmare Moon roared in the Canterlot Voice.

"T-three?" Akachi asked nervously.

Suddenly purple clouds of smoke drifted into the clearing, they all stood up and formed into a pair of Nightmare Moons.

"Three Nightmare Moons that means they're three times as hungry everypony run for it!" Pinkie yelled causing the foals and Akachi to scream before running out of the grove while the adults smiled and laughed.

"So this happens every Nightmare Night?" Jabir asked.

"Yep the foals enjoy it despite the act and everyone gets a laugh out of it," I said.

"If you don't mind me saying but doesn't this seem like your cheating the kids out of their um...hard work?" Rosa asked.

"I understand your feelings but we have a method that unknowingly grants the foals back their candy that they gave to us," one of the Nightmares said as she walked over to us before turning back into Dream Catcher.

"Indeed but we do get a small portion of the *giggle* offering for ourselves though," one of the other Nightmares said before changing back into Luna.

"And what is this method?" the last Nightmare Moon asked who was the genuine one before she changed back into her devil costume.

"That would be me but now you'll have to excuse me," I said as I retrieved a large portion of the candy and placed it in a sack. "I have to go prep for the haunted castle."

I then teleported into the castle throne room and smiled at my growing control over my powers. I then looked at an alter that had been placed in the center of the room and sitting atop the alter was a golden jack o lantern. I then walked over to the item and poured some candy into it before I went and scattered the rest about the castle for the foals to find and when the castle was opened to the public the children rushed inside eager to find the prize in the throne room or perhaps get a good scare maybe even both. I then watched from the shadows while the foals explored the castle while the monsters of the castle searched for them, it was basically a massive game of cat and mouse with spooky surroundings. When the foals were caught the one who caught them brings them back to the entrance of the castle where they have to restart the game all over again unless the foals bribe the monsters with their candy to let them go. Even my wives and Dream Catcher got in on the fun. The castle had a haunted room for everything, like the gardens had been turned into a cursed graveyard patrolled by the dead flame guardians. The hallways, the armory and even the art gallery was full of ghosts that came out of paintings for an added effect.

The whole scenario was entertaining to watch and entertaining for those being hunted or doing the hunting. Suddenly a silent alarm in my head informed me someone had made it to the throne room. So I turned my body into smoke and flew to the room where I saw the mane six looking around before they made their way over to the jack o lantern. I then flew behind the wall behind the throne and made my body look like it was made from tattered black cloth that acted like a ghostly smoke before I summoned a mirror. Looking into the mirror I shrouded my head in the same black cloth as my body before I formed it into the shape of that of a pony. Once that was done I then changed my eyes to be sunken empty sockets before I levitated myself into the air and if anyone saw me they would think that I was a pony version of a dementor from Harry Potter before I flew out into plain view of the mares.

"It's a monster, run for it!" Pinkie shouted when she noticed and pointed at me.

Applejack then grabbed the jack o lantern and ran out of the room while I just smiled before letting out an evil howl like scream before I flew after my prey. It took me awhile to catch up because of the sudden tight turns the mares made and the fact they were really quick. Suddenly Applejack tripped dropping the jack o lantern. When I flew in to grab it a pale green aura surrounded the golden pumpkin and it was levitated out of my grasp. I flew upward and looked around and saw the treat filled container was being levitated over to the CMC and Akachi.

"Nice grab Sweetie Belle now take it to the entrance," Scootaloo said patting the unicorn on the back.

I then made my presence remembered to the foals by letting out my howl.

"Uh guys...I think he wants this back," Rumble said.

"Run!" Pip cried causing the foals to sprint off down the hallway.

Immediately I took off after the foals and chased them through the corridors, being mindful of others as well. As we came to a cross section of the corridor Moon suddenly leapt out in an attempt to capture and scare the foals but they ran past her while I tilted myself ninety degrees upward in an attempt to stop and succeeded I flew into Moon. When Moon saw me she looked terrified before she fired a bolt of magic at me. I leaned back and avoided the blast but ended up falling to the ground. That's when I saw Moon aim a blade made of her magic towards me and hold it at my throat.

"Fowl creature I shall send you back to the world of the damned from whence you came," she declared.

"Whoa Moon wait it's me," I said as I quickly removed the hood from my head.

"Ash!?" Moon screamed.

"Yeah...uh you mind?" I asked as I gestured to the sword causing Moon to banish it into thin air.

"What were you doing?" Moon asked.

"Chasing foals, same as you," I said.

"As a vengeful spirit?" Moon asked.

"Yep it's kinda the thing I did back in Ponyville. I told the foals this story from my world before I brought the monster in the story to life to scare everyone. Hahahahaha oh gods you should have been there," I said with a laugh.

"So I take it this is the method you used to return the foals candy?" Moon asked.

"Well...not as fancy as this particular set up but eh close enough," I said as I stood up.

"Should we go after them?" Moon asked.

"Nah let them have their victory," I said.

"So what now?" Nightmare asked.

"Hm well it's almost midnight so why don't we go wait for the dance of the spirits?" I asked as I switched back to my king of thieves outfit.

"Sounds thrilling," Moon said

We made our way outside the castle and down to the city square where many civilians were enjoying themselves Moon and me also had some fun dancing and playing games till suddenly the bells began to toll twelve and everything stopped. The city was perfectly silent till the last stroke of the bell ceased to vibrate and suddenly fog began to creep through the streets causing everyone to back away. Suddenly the fog began to take shape of figures wearing old yet beautiful clothing and each figure seemed to wear a mask over their face. The figures stared at the living and the living stared back till finally music began to drift through the air on the wind and the ghosts took a partner.

The spectres then began to dance with both grace and beauty as the song played through the night air. I then offered my hand to Moon who smiled and took my hand before I led her into the crowd and we began to waltz with the other spirits. Moon had a nervous smile on her face as we danced but she followed my lead as we danced in the streets. Soon more of my subjects began to join in on the waltz. Moon and I often exchanged partners during the waltz before we wound up dancing with each other again and when the song ended the spirits faded from this world and everyone applauded. I then looked around and saw Luna looking at us with a jealous pout probably because we left her back at the castle. Luna then walked up to me and pointed an index finger at me.

"One day you're going to dance with me like that," Luna said.

Next Chapter: Chapter 31 Faces From the Past Estimated time remaining: 24 Hours, 37 Minutes