“Just a few days, I swear.” I pleaded.

Rarity took a deep breath, "Pinkie Pie... staying here for a few days?" As if having two young ponies wasn't enough to handle.

"I promise, she'll be gone within three days," I reassured Rarity.

“Okay so she’s been here slightly longer than three days,” I looked away awkwardly laughing.

“What has gotten in to you and Sweetie Belle lately?” Rarity glared at me, knowing full well I was hiding something.

“Well…”

“Miss Pinkie has been having nightmares,” I sighed, partly to myself for lying while trying to convince Rarity it was true.

“Nightmares?” Rarity quizzed.

“Yeah! And I know how horrible it is to have nightmares, so I suggested she stay with me for a while!”

“Oh dear me, poor Pinkie, she always puts on her brave happy face but I knew she doesn’t have it easy all the time, one dreads to think what she has nightmares about” Rarity shook her head sadly.  “You’re being a good friend Flick, but I shall speak to her about it myself later, I’ve spent enough nights consoling you after a nightmare, maybe I can help her”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea” I gulped.

“So Miss Pinkie, when Rarity asks, just pretend you’ve been having nightmares, understood?” I asked hopefully.

“Not at all!” Pinkie beamed and proceeded to bounce around the room.

“Great…” I sat down on my bed staring at my hooves.

“You backed yourself in to a corner there Flick, and we’re still no closer to finding the changeling.” Sweetie Belle sighed, before giving a look of annoyance. “And seriously, Flick will you control your ferret? He’s run off with my homework!”

“Hey don’t worry miss Fluttershy said it’s just a phase, don’t worry about it," I dismissed Sweetie Belle's worries, "Wait he’s taken mine too!” I growled angrily.

Oh, I probably didn’t mention yet, your aunt Fluttershy had given me some news the last time she’d been looking after Fuzzy for me.

"Thanks so much for looking after him again Miss Fluttershy!" I blushed.

"Oh my it's no problem sweetie, he's a delight to look after." Fluttershy smiled as the small ferret sat in my mane happily.

Although there is one thing I wanted to ask, he keeps stealing little things from home. He's taken loads of Rarity's fabrics and things then runs off and buries them somewhere or something, isn't that what dogs are supposed to do? Not you know, ferrets?"

"Oh dear, well that's a fairly normal thing, sometimes these little critters just get possessive and greedy, they find a nice little hiding spot and hide everything they can, it's common on loads of animals," Fluttershy giggled slightly. "It's just a phase, don't worry about it sweetie."

"Geez pal, you really are like a dog..." I giggled at Fuzzy.

"So you're ferret is a hoarder," Scootaloo rolled her eyes.  

"Hey he's only stolen a few things..." I argued. "Our homework and -"

"The letter!" Pinkie Pie jumped up happily.

"Wait he stole that letter?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah I asked him to look after it that night so I could deliver it in the morning and explain to whoever it was that the mailmare delivered it to the wrong address and I'd just forgotten about it," I looked down at Fuzzy, "Then when we got back turns out this little guy had ran off and buried it with goodness knows where he hides all our things."

"Huh... kinda weird how that letter just seems to not be delivered... maybe there's something super special about it!" Sweetie Belle teased.

I smiled and shook my head, "You know that letter is stupid anyway, whoever it was addressed to surely wouldn't want it anymore," I laughed to myself. Some old letter that seemed to pop up all over the place was becoming an annoyance. "But anyway, we've got bigger problems than a letter and a hoarding ferret..."

"What are you going to do about the Changeling then? Rarity is getting curious now I'll bet," Apple Bloom spoke.

"Maybe I can get a little bit of help..." I pondered, "I know I said we can handle this ourselves but maybe we could gather some information... from somepony who knows a lot about Changelings."

"Twilight?" Scootaloo asked.

"Miss Twilight," I smiled.

“Excuse me Miss Princess Twilight!” I called.  I'd finally found Twilight, she wasn't at her brand new amazing castle funnily enough, instead I'd found her walking the streets of Ponyville.

“Oh hello Flick, I’ve not seen you around lately, I was just out getting some essential reading material!"  Twilight beamed down at me.

"You haven't got anything though?" I scanned around but saw no sign of Twilight having actually bought anything.

"That's because I'm carrying it..." Spike groaned slowly walking towards us.

"Oh hey Mr Spike it's been a while!" I smiled.

Spike returned the smile looking up at me, struggling to carry the pile of books.

“I was just wondering if I could ask you something?” I turned my attention back to Twilight.

“What is it Flick?” Twilight smiled, always happy to help.

I took a deep breath. “I want to know everything you know about Changelings.”

“How come?” Twilight seemed fairly shocked by the seemingly random request.

“Well I… Miss Princess Twilight I kind of…” I felt angry with myself for the lie I was about to tell, “I’ve been having the nightmares again, about the changeling in Manehatten, it’s stupid.”

Twilight looked at me for a brief moment, carefully observing me.  “Okay, well what do you want to know?” Her voice finally broke the silence.

“Everything.”

“Flick you complete… element of dishonesty!” Apple Bloom shook her head.

“Well I didn’t want her finding out, we decided we can do this together,” I lay back on my bed looking at the ceiling. "We're missing something... I know it you guys, there's something we've not pieced together."

"Well what did Twilight say?" Scootaloo asked.

"Changelings are scavengers, they're always in groups, feeding off magical energy. But this one is alone, weak, without power... Miss Twilight said they hunt down anypony who has power to restore what they need."

"So this thing is hunting down anypony with magic?" Sweetie Belle panicked.

"It would seem so, possibly every unicorn," I put my hooves to my face and rubbed my eyes. “But it’s always came to me, twice in a row now.”

“Hey guys, hate to break away from the Changelings subject, but Fuzzy never brought back your homework…” Scootaloo laughed.

I sat up in a panic.

“Wait… but the homework is in for tomorrow, you two will get a detention!” Apple Bloom laughed.

"Oh boy... I forgot all about that. Fuzzy, why are you doing this, what's up with you eh?" I looked down to the small ferret curled up in a ball at the end of the bed.

“Oh I’m sure Cheerilee will understand if we explain that Flick’s pet ferret ran off with the homework, that’s not an excuse any teacher’s heard before,” Sweetie Belle reassured herself.

“I can’t believe she didn’t believe us.” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“What the hay Fuzzy!” I growled to myself.

“Now we’re stuck here for an extra hour… I said we’d meet Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in Sugarcube corner for milkshakes.” Sweetie Belle looked outside the classroom window sadly.

“Yeah well that will have to wait until –“ I started.  “Wait, Sugarcube corner?

“Yeah they’ll be there now having some milkshakes without us, trying the new flavor out as well! Caramel with cookie crumbs, It’s called the caramel cookie crumb crazy creation, full of terrific taste and amazing alliteration!” Sweetie Belle drooled slightly at the idea of such a milkshake.

“WHAT?” I tried to not yell as loud as I did.

“I know! It sounds so delicious!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Plus the slogan is super catchy!"

“No, I mean, what? They’re at Sugarcube corner… that’s where I saw the Changeling!” I put my hooves on the desk stopping myself from jumping out and running out the room.

“Oh come on I doubt it’s still there, those things could be anypony, anywhere at any time... It wouldn't stay in Sugarcube corner, it would be out hunting for any pony too weak enough to stop it.”

Oh Sweetie Belle, always so reassuring.

“Sweetie Belle!” I growled.

“Be quiet you too, the sooner you do the work the sooner you can leave,” Cheerilee spoke up from the front of the classroom.

"Sorry miss Cheerily," We both apologized in unison.

"Now you two behave, I need to quickly go and sort some stuff out for tomorrow's class, but I'll be back soon. Remember my little ponies, concentrate on your work!" Cheerilee smiled before leaving the room.

"I could have sorted out Fuzzy's hoarding problem if the changeling thing didn't happen," I sighed once Cheerilee left the room. "Then we wouldn't be stuck here and we could go try that new milkshake..."

"We should really sort this out once and for all." Sweetie Belle groaned.

"But it's so confusing!" I hopped off my seat and ran quickly to the chalkboard.  "I saw the changeling way back in Manehatten," I cast a glow around the piece of chalk and quickly sketched a diagram.  "Now suddenly it appears here in Ponyville."

"I don't think we need a diagram for that exactly," Sweetie Belle shuddered as the chalk squeaked along the board. "Can you not make it so squeaky and annoying?"

"Have you ever heard your own voice?" I muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," I smiled. "But anyway...don't you see, there must be a link..." I stepped back from the board.

"And what would that be?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Why Manehatten... why Ponyville... Scootaloo was right when she was teasing me. It's hunting me," I nodded my head in deep thought. "This thing hunts down magic and has tried to attack me twice."

"So it can sense you're getting good at magic?"

"Magic is my destiny. I just know it... My cutie mark must be something magic related!" My voice had a hint of excitement.

"But if that's the case, how does it know you're talented at magic? And why go after you and not somepony even more powerful?"

"It knows I'm scared, It's why it attacked me the first time."

“Then you were saved by somepony.”

“Somepony more magical than I've ever seen...I never saw who it was but I sensed the power.” I stared out the window.

“You’re getting pretty good at magic Flick… you should be careful, if this Changeling is hunting down ponies who have strong magical energy, well you’re just feeding yourself more for it to take from you,” Sweetie Belle hopped off her seat and headed over to me.

"I need to carry on… magic is all I want to do,” I sighed looking down at my hooves.

“Things will work out Flick… lets finish this work, then maybe you can start by facing your fear, we should go to Sugarcube corner.”

“But Mrs. Cake… she was the – “ I growled at myself for being so ridiculously scared.

“I know, but a Changeling can be anypony, I could be the Changeling right now, you know I’m not but… if you’re going to be terrified of a mailmare and now Mrs. Cake, if this Changeling becomes everypony you love at some point or another… slowly you’re going to lose us all to fear,” Sweetie Belle put a reassuring hoof around me.

Deep down I just knew, I'd see that creature again soon, and I was right... I'd see it again, on ironically the scariest night of the year.

“Are you little ones still getting ready?” Rarity entered the room.

“Yeah we’re nearly done!” I smiled.

“Good, Twilight shall be visiting soon I simply can’t wait for her to see your costumes!” Rarity smiled, walking out of the room once more.

“I look so amazing don’t I?” Apple Bloom admired her fangs and dark make up. “I’m APPLE DOOM!” She snarled, looking in to the mirror.

“You look so not scary,” Scootaloo laughed.

“Says you dressed as Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom retorted.

“Hey! I’m the cute innocent beautiful pony tonight and I demand you all remain calm in front of the future costume contest winner!” Sweetie Belle adjusted her dress carefully. Her mane was the same as always, neatly brushed and perfect, a glowing yellow halo was fixed above her head and fake eyelashes flicked graciously from her eyes while sparkling glitter sparkled from her tail.

“I hope I don’t scare anypony too much,” I giggled. My usually somewhat messy blue mane was messier, dark black and scraggily. Thanks to Rarity's mane color changing hair supplies. I wore a dark cape around my neck that covered my entire back, while two fake fangs were placed in the top part of my mouth making my smile more sinister "I'll have so much fun tonight! Miss Fluttershy is looking after Fuzzy so I don't need to worry about him," I smiled. "And we all look great!"

“You all look so not awesome,” Scootaloo adjusted her rainbow mane wig.

“You criticise us too much,” I sighed. “But hey tonight is going to be amazing!”

“I’m going to be the most beautiful pony of the night!” Sweetie Belle beamed happily. “There’s a costume contest on, and I’m going to win!”

“Oh hey Sweetie Belle, well aren’t you just the most beautiful pony ever tonight!” Mrs. Cake smiled.

“Oh please! I bet you say that to everypony,” Sweetie Belle looked up proudly.

“Of course I don’t! There’s a costume contest later and I think I’ve just found the winner of the most adorable pony of the year!” Mrs. Cake grinned. “Would you like a spooky cupcake?”

Sweetie Belle squeaked with delight.

“How about you have some of this super spooky slime!” The nearby pony spoke. The pony stood by the cauldron of green slime was a stallion pegasus dressed as some horrific zombie like creature.

“Ew! Is that really green slime?” Sweetie Belle looked at the cauldron of unappetizing green sludge.

“Say what you want about it but it’s super tasty why not have a try? you can trust me, I'm the spooky slime vendor! I'm too spooky for you!" He laughed evilly. "But seriously, ten bits and you can have as much of this green jelly as you want, I gotta make a living here ya know."

“No thanks, I’ll prefer some cupcakes,” Sweetie Belle happily took a cupcake.

“Suit yourself!” The spooky slime vendor was fairly annoyed; he soon turned his attention to the next customer. “Why hello there miss, that’s a super costume you got there! Would you like to try some of the spooky spectacular slime?”

The grey derpy eyed Pegasus mare smiled in delight.

Sweetie Belle looked back only to see me happily walking on by.

“I can’t believe she called me adorable oh my gosh! Okay…keep it together Flick, you’ve got a job to do!” I sighed happily to myself.

Sweetie Belle stared at me confused, she shrugged and carried on looking around. “Hey that’s the catwalk where the fashion contest is!” Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up happily as she headed off backstage to sign up for the contest. “Excuse me, is this the costume contest sign up, I want to sign up for – “ Sweetie Belle spoke.

“Excellent! Right this way you’ll be going on right now!” The ginger maned pony set aside her clipboard and hurried Sweetie Belle to the stage entrance curtains.

“Wait, what do you mean don’t I have to sign up? My sister is working backstage here I was hoping to see her before I went on and - ” Sweetie Belle panicked.

“Catwalk! Now my dear, it simply cannot wait! Photo Finish is impatient, she’s waiting!”  The assistant was clearly panicking. “What’s your name?”

“Sweetie Belle.”

The assistant pushed Sweetie Belle through the curtains. “Ladies and gentlecolts, our newest addition to the costume contest for this nightmare night, the beautiful Sweetie Belle!”

Before Sweetie Belle could speak, she was pushed on to the huge stage.

“Oh wow I feel famous!” Sweetie Belle gasped, seeing the huge crowd of ponies watching.

“She’s beautiful” One colt spoke up from the crowd.

“Isn’t she sweet!” several mares spoke in unison.

“The little ones get more adorable each year, I always say so!” The older mare spoke to the others.

“She is a beauty! She will be perfect for my nightmare night photo shoot, I think we’ve found ze winner!” Photo Finish was at the front eagerly taking photos.

And so everything was going perfect, but right next to the catwalk -

“This slime is super TASTY!” The grey Pegasus mare spoke happily.

“It sure is! … Wow this ones had a little too much I think!” The spooky slime vendor spoke to Mrs. Cake.

“Oh she’s having fun, leave her be,” Mrs. Cake argued.

“What’s up with her derpy eyes?” The spooky slime vendor asked however suddenly he noticed the Pegasus trying to climb in to the cauldron. “Hey! Stop that you don’t want to go in that stuff! It's no swimming pool!"

The Pegasus panicked and fell kicking the cauldron as she did so.

“My slime!” He cried in anguish.

Sweetie Belle stood happily on the catwalk posing for the photographs when suddenly a large amount of slime was flung out of the cauldron covering her completely.

The whole crowd gasped.

“My costume!” Sweetie Belle panicked covered in a thick green substance that smelt somewhat rotten. “I stink! Oh no this is horrible!”

“You know what, I changed my mind! Nope! What a catastrophe oh this is just devastating! Give the first place award to the adorable little one who was on just before this… slimy little thing!” Photo Finish looked away disgusted.

“But I’m beautiful! My sister said so!” Sweetie Belle fell in a slump to the floor, the crowd of laughs got louder and louder. Wiping slime out of her eyes then covering them. Sweetie Belle sighed. “This is my worst nightmare!”

Nearby the happy grey derpy eyed mailmare was covered in some slime from the cauldron, none the wiser to the chaos she’d caused.

And that was Sweetie Belle’s nightmare.

So let’s rewind to that morning again.

“A costume contest? Really Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom scoffed.  “I only have one aim of the night… to scare the living daylights out of somepony!” Apple Bloom grinned menacingly.

So without further ado…

“Hey there little one! Would you like some tasty spectacular spooky slime?” The spooky slime vendor offered.

“Eh, no thanks…” Apple Bloom grimaced at the horrible cauldron. “Would you like a spectacular spooky FRIGHT?” She yelled and showed her fangs while hissing.

“Well aren’t you just the most beautiful pony ever tonight!” Mrs. Cake smiled. “Would you like a cupcake instead?”

“Why is nopony SCARED?” Apple Bloom questioned.

“That is a pretty cute costume!” The spooky slime vendor stared in awe.

“IT’S NOT CUTE! I’m Apple Doom!” Apple Bloom growled.

“Woo! Scary costume there! Oh my you scared me to death!” The voice of a familiar pony came.

“Really?” Apple Bloom turned to see Mr. Carrot Cake.

Apple Bloom smiled smugly “Well I mean I know it’s scary but –“

“And just where did you get that amazing cape?”

Apple Bloom noticed that Mr. Cake was actually talking to me, who’d just appeared behind her.

“My fangs are better than some stupid cape!” Apple Bloom whined.

“My cousin Rarity made it for me! Oh, hey Apple Bloom!” I turned to see my friend.

“Flick…” Apple Bloom growled.

I shrugged slightly at my friend’s annoyance before walking off.

“This is ridiculous, I’m the scariest pony at this here party and nopony is afraid of me!” Apple Bloom moaned.

“Oh my! You there, little one!” A ginger mare called.

“Me?” Apple Bloom looked around confused.

“Yes you! Quick follow me this way!”

“What’s going on?” Apple Bloom cautiously followed.

“I had almost given up hope, I was scouting around, looking for the perfect pony for the costume contest” The mare hurriedly pulled Apple Bloom back stage.

“Costume contest! Of course!” Apple Bloom grinned to herself. “I know I’ll win the scariest costume of the year, then everypony will be frightened!”

“Oh no my little one you’re mistake, this contest is to find the most beautiful adorable model worthy pony in this town, whoever wins shall become Photo Finish’s new model! What's your name?"

“Wait, but I’m supposed to be scary!” Apple Bloom growled. "I'm Apple DOOM tonight I want to  - "

“Here we are! Catwalk, now! Go!”

“Wait, catwalk?”  And then Apple Bloom was pushed out through the curtains on to a huge catwalk, with nearly everypony in the whole town watching and taking photographs. She took the opportunity and looked as menacingly as possible and hissed showing her fangs.

“Awhhhhhhh!” The entire crowd spoke in unison.

“This could not get anymore worse!” Apple Bloom stamped the stage angrily. “I’m SCARY, look at my fangs everypony! You're supposed to be terrified!"

“She is just so adorable!” an older mare close to the stage spoke in awe.

“How dare you! That is an insult! I’ll tell my big brother what you just called me and he’ll have something to say about that for once!” Apple Bloom stomped towards the edge of the stage to confront the mare before she was dragged back.

“Okay hurry! Off the stage!” The assistant who’d throw her on stage quickly pulled Apple Bloom back.

“Thank Celestia,” Apple Bloom sighed. “What sad pony would enter a contest on nightmare night that’s not even judged on being scary?”

“Ladies and gentlecolts, our newest addition to the costume contest for this nightmare night, the beautiful Sweetie Belle!”

Apple Bloom heard the assistant announce the name of her friend. “Of course.”

There were several awes and cheers, soon however before long Apple Bloom heard the entire crowd gasp in shock.  “I wonder what’s going on out there?” she pondered to herself.

“But I’m beautiful! My sister said so!”  Apple Bloom heard Sweetie Belle yell from the stage, she shrugged and attempted to leave.

“Oh no you don’t, I think you should stick around,” One of the other assistants stopped Apple Bloom in her tracks.

“Why would I stay here?” Apple Bloom argued.

“That didn’t take long everypony, for I have decided already the winner of zis years adorable nightmare night costume contest winner is Apple Doom!” The voice of Photo Finish came loudly from the stage.

Apple Bloom was pushed back out on stage once more by the assistant mare that’d stopped her from leaving. The whole crowd cheered.

And so ‘Apple Doom’ the supposedly scariest pony of the night had just won the award for being the most adorable.

“This is my worst nightmare!” Apple Bloom looked down sadly, blinded by the flashes of cameras.

And that was Apple Blooms nightmare.

So you know the drill, back to that morning again.

“While you all run around trying to scare everypony or be beautiful or whatever… I’ll be the most awesome recognizable pony ever, Rainbow Dash! Everypony is going to admire me, I can finally be Rainbow Dash for one night!” Scootaloo beamed with confidence.

“Hey there little one! Would you like some – hey wait a minute who are you meant to be?” The spooky slime vendor asked puzzled.

“Rainbow Dash of course!” Scootaloo scoffed.

“Hm… “ The vendor stared for a while.

“How can you not know Rainbow Dash? Ugh…” Scootaloo stormed off.

“Hey can you believe it? Somepony just got covered in this horrible green slime on the catwalk in front of everypony!” Scootaloo heard somepony laugh.

Snips and Snails were happily walking by. “Yeah! What a loser haha!” Snails agreed laughing slowly.

“Hey that wasn’t funny! Lucky I had a replacement cauldron, and it’s not horrible you two should try some!” The vendor argued.

“Gee, no thanks mister!” Snails laughed.

“Erm, who are you supposed to be?” Snips asked looking over at Scootaloo.

“Rainbow Dash, obviously,” Scootaloo sighed.

“Oh, I prefer Rarity, she’s the pretty one!” Snails sighed contently.

“Oh gosh will you two just buzz off!” Scootaloo growled angrily, storming away.

“Everypony out of the way, YOU’RE ALL DOOMED, DOOMED!” I cried running through the street past Scootaloo.

“Flick what the – “ Scootaloo sighed. “Whatever…Hey everypony! Look! My costume is the best, I’m the best pony ever cause I’m Rainbow Dash!”

“Yeah right! This Rainbow crash can’t be as awesome as me,” A filly dressed as Spitfire ran past.

“Hey Rainbow Dash has proved she’s better than the silly wonder bolts! Gosh, such amateurs!” Scootaloo yelled after the small pony that tried not to trip up as she ran.

Scootaloo had just given up hope until she turned around to see none other than -

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo beamed.

“Hey kiddo!” Rainbow Dash greeted. “I’m on my way to try some of that super awesome slime, I had some last year it was so amazing!” She beamed.

“That’s awesome Rainbow Dash, how come you’re not dressed up?” Scootaloo asked.

“I thought I’d go as the most awesome pony ever this year, myself of course!” Rainbow Dash nodded confidently.

“I don’t blame you, I mean, just look at my costume!” Scootaloo grinned nervously.

“Oh yeah it’s...not too bad I guess,” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“Is something wrong with it?” Scootaloo panicked.

“No of course not, I’m flatted Scoots… it just needs to… well,” Rainbow Dash stopped awkwardly, observing Scootaloo’s costume.

“Needs to what?” Scootaloo moved closer to Rainbow Dash begging for the answer. "WHAT?"

“It needs to be about 20% cooler,” Rainbow Dash giggled. “Catch you later kiddo!” She spoke before heading off.

“Rainbow Dash doesn’t think my costume is cool? But… But...” Scootaloo fell to a slump on the floor.” She cried. “This is a nightmare!”

"My only job tonight is to look out for the Changeling and protect the ponies of Ponyville, I shall succeed!" I looked in the mirror confidently. "Ever since I saw it the other day in Sugarcube corner, I knew I'd have to face it eventually, if it shows up tonight I'll be ready!"

I walked through the misty scary streets of Ponyville; everypony walking by was dressed in various scary costumes. “Oh my silly friends running around trying to prove themselves, I’ll just take the casual walk through the street and wait to get complimented approach!” I smiled to myself before turning serious. “But I have a job… to protect the ponies of Ponyville”

And suddenly, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Miss Fluttershy?” I squeaked in delight, seeing the cute shy pony dressed as a bunny.

“Oh hello Flick!” Fluttershy smiled, the smaller bunny Angel was sitting on top of her head along side Fuzzy.

“I thought you weren’t a fan of nightmare night?” I asked.

“Oh well I thought this year I’d really push myself!” Fluttershy beamed. “Oh and Flick you are quite simply adorable tonight!”

“I’m… adorable?” I blushed and quickly looked away. I shook my head and composed myself. “Hey buddy!” I smiled up at the ferret that was squabbling with Angel on Fluttershy’s head.

“I thought I’d dress as Angel this year!” Fluttershy squeaked happily.

“You look adorable too Miss Fluttershy,” I smiled, blushing once more slightly at what I’d just said, grinning awkwardly, “Hey I’ll see you later okay? I’ve got something I need to attend to,” I smiled before heading off.

“Have a safe night sweetie!” Fluttershy waved cheerily.

And so I continued walking on by I was  happily muttering to myself. “I can’t believe she called me adorable oh my gosh! Okay…keep it together Flick, you’ve got a job to do!” I sighed happily to myself.

Sweetie Belle stared at me confused, she shrugged and carried on looking around.

I continued talking to myself, “Okay… just need to find out if anypony has – “

“Woo! Scary costume there! Oh my you scared me to death!” The voice of a familiar pony came.

I’d accidentally walked in to Mr. Carrot Cake who was laughing, happily looking down at me.

“Oh hey Mr. Cake… is Mrs. Cake not around?” I panicked slightly.

“Oh no, she’s off making some spooky cupcakes! I love the costume though Flick! And just where did you get that amazing cape?”

“My cousin Rarity made it for me! Oh, hey Apple Bloom!” I turned to see my friend.

“Flick…” Apple Bloom growled.

I shrugged slightly at my friend’s annoyance before walking off.

“Flick! Howdy!” Applejack called to me happily waving her hat.

“Hey Miss Applejack!” I beamed.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing okay Sugarcube, that is one mighty fine costume!” Applejack smiled. "Are you holding up okay?"

“Thanks Miss Applejack and I'm - Wait… why do you say that?” I quizzed nervously.

“Well that pony in the Changeling costume sure looks scary, everypony’s seen it, I’m glad you’re dealing well with it!” Applejack proclaimed proudly.

“Changeling…costume?” I repeated to myself. “Oh Celestia it’s actually happening... Oh no no no.”

“What’s happening Flick?” Applejack asked slightly concerned.

“IT’S HAPPENING, I KNEW IT!” I screamed and ran as fast as I could. "It's not a costume... the changeling is here!" I galloped off leaving Applejack bemused. “Everypony out of the way, YOU’RE ALL DOOMED, DOOMED!” I cried running through the street past Scootaloo.

I ran as fast as I could far from the streets of Ponyville, “This can’t happen, please no, please!” I cried to myself galloping without stopping, avoiding the endless wave of ponies walking towards me. "I wasn't prepared enough for this..."

I'd convinced myself I'd be the hero who would be looking out cautiously for the deadly changeling tonight, yet when I was faced with the possibility it was still lurking around, I'd lost that confidence. I Suddenly stopped in my tracks; I’d left the crowded streets of Ponyville and ironically ended up near the Everfree forest, all alone. “Okay Flick, not a good place to be all alone on Nightmare night,” I spoke to myself, "Of all the places to end up, why did I end up at - " I turned around and froze immediately.

There I saw for the third time in my life, the creature of my nightmares.

I froze with fear as the Changeling snarled and moved towards me, I attempted to step back slowly but before I could turn to run, it had lunged towards me. “No please don’t!” I begged to the creature was on top of me smirking down at me. Is foul breath was all I could feel, my entire body began to shudder as it pulled it’s head back and opened it’s mouth wide, this was it, it was going to attack. "Why me? I'm not that powerful, I'm not even good at magic yet!" I stared in to the unforgiving eyes of the deadly creature and closed my own in terror.

This was the end.

"It was so nice of you to drop by Twilight!" Rarity spoke cheerfully to her friend.

“Hey Rarity, before I go could and see the little ones costumes?” Twilight asked. "Oh I just love dressing up at nightmare night and I bet those four look adorable!"

“Of course dear, he they're getting changed now, they said they were nearly ready, that was an hour ago, I imagine they're all done now!” Rarity smiled rolling her eyes.

Twilight smiled, heading out of the room towards ours, however she stopped just outside the room where we were preparing and she had heard -

“I knew it!” Twilight gasped to herself quietly outside of the room. My earlier conversation with Twilght about Changelings suddenly made sense. “Oh Flick, I wish you could have told me...” Twilight was shocked her suspicions were true. Twilight shook her head sadly and walked away, not entering the room. There was a Changeling lurking around after all, and now Twilight knew.

“No please, don’t!”  I cried. The creature opened its mouth wider and lunged its head towards me.

Before it’s sharp fangs inflicted it’s deadly damage to me however, a purple glow was cast around my entire body, the Changeling rebounded off the shield like glow and fell to the floor. Quickly it lunged back up and fled.

“Get back here!” Twilight yelled.

“Miss Twilight, you saved me!” I was shaking, unable to control the tears streaming down my face.

“It’s not over yet! It’s ran in to the woods!” Twilight stepped closer to the looming dark tree’s carefully staring in to the darkness. Suddenly the green eyed creature lunged out striking an attack on Twilight who wasn’t able to counter in time.  “Argh!” Twilight yelled in pain.

“TWILIGHT!” I yelled in fear.

The Changeling had struck and began casting a green glow around Twilight who was lying on the floor with her injured hoof. Slowly, the Changeling began to drain Twilight’s magic and energy, a strong purple glow from Twilight's horn was being absorbed in to the Changeling, the powerful princess now helpless on the ground, unable to retaliate against the dark magic.

“No don’t! I… don’t… please…” Twilight’s speech became weak suddenly as her energy was drained, the Changeling smirked.

“This is my worst nightmare!” I hide behind the nearby bush in a panic.  This was everything I feared, the sounds of Twilight trying to fight were all I could hear, until suddenly there was nothing but the sound of the magical transfer of energy as the Changeling slowly drained the last of Twilight’s magic. “No… this won’t happen” I stood up. “Come on Flick… remember your training, every spell I’ve ever learnt, every single thing Twilight ever told me…”

I leapt out and cast a bright blue glow around myself and leapt in to the air, flying over the Changeling’s head.  “Flight spell! Still got it!” I yelled and landed on the highest tree I could reach on the edge of the forest. “Hey you!” I called down angrily, snarling.

The Changeling looked up and snarled in return, unable to reach me, still draining Twilight’s power.

“You’ve haunted my nightmares for long enough," I felt intense anger, "I'm fine with that... but you DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS!" I leapt down extending my back hoof. I collided with the Changeling striking it in the face with a vicious blow, it recoiled backwards and the magical transfer ceased.

Twilight stood up and shook her head, clearly out of breath and weakened by the attack, struggling to stand on her hoof. “You will leave this town and NEVER return, Changeling!” She yelled breathlessly, casting a strong white glow from her horn.

The Changeling snarled and lunged towards Twilight once more, before a bright white beam engulfed it, wrapping it in a force field. Twilight growled at the creature and concentrated all her energy in to one final huge beam of white light and then with a sudden flash, the Changeling vanished.

Twilight collapsed to the floor.

“Miss Twilight!” I gasped for breath, collapsing near her. I’d strained my hoof when I'd collided with the changeling and was exhausted. "Miss Twilight... I'm sorry, I didn't want you to be hurt." I lay next to her, struggling to comprehend the hellish nightmare we had both endured. I could hardly breathe, "I'm sorry, I didn't want you... to get hurt." My eyes closed as me and Twilight lay at the edge of the forrest. I wrapped my hooves around Twilight, "I'm sorry."

And that was my nightmare.

I woke up in a panic. “Miss Twilight!” I yelled.

I looked around and noticed I was in my room at Carousel Boutique, and there on the edge of the bed was Twilight, sleeping softly.

“Miss Princess Twilight, you’re okay!” I spoke happily, sitting up in bed, I quickly put my hooves to my mouth, not realising how loud I'd spoken.

“Flick?” Twilight’s tired voice came as she lifted her head up lazily, she smiled softly at me. “I’m always okay, how’re you feeling?”

“I feel… okay. Is it still Nightmare night?”

“Not anymore, it’s the next morning now,” Twilight smiled, "You've been out of it for a few hours, you collapsed for exhaustion."

“The Changeling… it’s –“ I panicked.

“Gone,” Twilight reassured me.

“Forever?” I asked hopefully.

Twilight smiled sadly. “Not forever.”

My ears flopped down as I stared out the window.

“Gone for now though, I didn’t have any other spell to use except a dispersion teleportation spell, so it's been teleported elsewhere, I’m not sure where,” Twilight noticed I was panicking still. “But I will look out for it constantly, now I know I promise you, I’ll look over you and make sure that creature never gets to you again,” Twilight spoke confidently. "It's a weak changeling hunter all alone, I could have teleported it anywhere in Equestria, I doubt we'll be seeing it again."

I remained quiet for a short while. “Was it you who saved me?” I asked.

“I think you saved me,” Twilight smiled. “You kicked a Changeling in the face to stop it draining my magic so I could send it away, you’re the hero.”

I smiled before shaking my head. “I mean back in Manehatten, all those years ago, somepony saved me I never saw who… my guardian angel I always called that mysterious pony as I grew up… was it you?” I gazed at Twilight; sure I’d worked it out.

Twilight shook her head.  “I’m sorry, I really don’t know who saved you, it wasn’t me.”

I sighed sadly.

“But whoever it was, be thankful for them, and you know I’ll save you any time you need me to. You have me, Rarity and all the others, we’re all your guardian angels now,” Twilight smiled. “Just be honest with me in the future, if I hadn’t have came around earlier and heard you mention the Changeling… I wouldn’t have been keeping my eye on you all night and wouldn’t have saved you.” Twilight shook her head at the thought.

“I’m sorry… I thought I could handle it on my own, like I always think I can." I tapped my hoof against my head. "I'm so stupid..."

"There's a reason that Changeling is so desperate to get to you Flick, I promise you I'll find out and protect you," Twilight whispered.

For the first time since I first saw the Changeling back in Manehatten, I felt safe.

“I’m so glad you’re feeling better Flick, Oh I was so worried!” Rarity hugged me once more as we walked through the streets of Ponyville.

“Yeah you had us super worried!” Sweetie Belle sighed. "You have a real habit of passing out Flick... Like seriously."

I blushed embarrassed, she had a point. “I’m fine now,” I smiled contently.

“You’re going to love the caramel cookie crumb crazy creation milkshake, it's full of taste and alliteration!” Sweetie Belle beamed. “We’re nearly at Sugarcube corner!” She squeaked excitedly.

I was looking forward to finally trying that milkshake, I took a nice deep breath of the fresh morning air and looked around, almost no pony was around,  We finally arrived to Sugarcube corner and I was delighted to see all your aunts there, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo eagerly awaiting my arrival.

“Here’s the hero of the hour!” Scootaloo ran up to me hugging me.

“Way to show that Changeling who’s boss!” Apple Bloom quickly followed.

I smiled at my best friends.

Fluttershy approached me smiling down at me, the small ferret ran from the top of her head and down towards me, nuzzling me happily.

“Did you guys have a good Nightmare night?” I asked my crusader friends whilst happily hugging Fuzzy.

“Well… not exactly, but none of that matters now, all that matters is you’re safe!” Apple Bloom grinned.

I smiled, looking around at my huge family, your aunts and my crusaders. I really did feel safe. I glanced out the window to see  the grey pegasus mare with derpy eyes, happily carrying a mailbag delivering the morning post. The mailmare looked on over to us and smiled happily like she did to everypony, I looked back at her and for the first time smiled back and whispered four words I never thought I would.

"My nightmare is over." Next Chapter: Chapter 15: ACT II: Mystery Gift Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 11 Minutes