Chapter 97: Hallows Eve
Storm was shown sitting behind the counter of Sugarcube Corner as he was lost in thought.
"You seem a lot happier than usual," Mrs. Cake noticed, glancing at the boy beside her, "Did something happen?" she asked, smiling teasingly.
Since the baby's room was mostly done, they had time to, once again, start helping out in their store, with herself working the counter with Storm and her husband helping Pinkie in the kitchen.
Storm shrugged, "I suppose. I've been getting restless lately, and now I have an outlet for my excess energy, is all," he said, not feeling like going into too much detail.
"Really?" Mrs. Cake asked, sounding strangely excited, "Well, that's wonderful! I'm glad to hear that you've found yourself a nice girlfriend," Storm blinked at the unexpected response.
"Uh... what?" he asked. Mrs. Cake tittered.
"Oh, come on now, there's no need to be shy," she said, patting his shoulder lightly, "Pinkie's told me all about you and Twilight, and I think it's wonderful."
"Umm..." Storm muttered, sparing a backward glance, hoping to get Pinkie to explain. He didn't find her, "Sparky and I aren't... together, Mrs. Cake," he said. She blinked.
"But... Pinkie said-"
"She's joking," he interrupted, "It's in poor taste, yes, but it's still a damned joke," he growled, though he made sure to direct it away from his employer in case he'd offend her.
"Plus, Jedi can't fall in love."
"Oh, dear," muttered Mrs. Cake as hearing that this young boy couldn't find love made her feel... sad. Almost pity him.
"Jedi don't form attachments," recited Storm.
"I see..." she breathed, then turned pink, "Oh my, I'm so sorry for assuming, dearie!" she apologized, "But..." she continued, "I must admit the thought of you and Twilight together is a rather nice one," she added, smiling gently.
The kind smile did nothing to fix his now ruined mood.
Storm slammed his head into the counter, ignoring the sound of the bell ringing from in front of him.
"Why hello! How can we-" Mrs. Cake suddenly cut herself off with a gasp, "S-s-sapphire Shores?!" she stammered.
Storm's head shot up immediately, nearly giving himself whiplash.
Sapphire Shores, the famous singer, stood in their very doorway. With short but poofy, two-tone blue hair, bright yellow skin, and gleaming yellow eyes that held a strange hint of darkness within them, she cut a regal figure. Tall, thin legs led up to an equally thin torso that expanded slightly towards her behind, where he could spot a gleaming sapphire wreathed in ocean-blue waves.
She wore a poofy white shirt with a blue and white striped collar, flared out at the back into golden-tipped arrows, with small sapphires gleaming in the center. There was also a set of purple shoes with golden buttons set in. The outfit complimented her appearance perfectly, and the purple eye shadow she wore only accented it further.
Although this was the natural appearance of 'The Superstar of Pop,' an irregularity could be found resting on her back. A large white and yellow striped box adorned with a yellow bow stood out impressively, looking completely and utterly out of place on the singer.
"Well, ain't this just a cute little shop?" he heard her mutter, looking around appreciatively, "Sugarcube Corner certainly fits."
Storm clicked his tongue, "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner; what can I get you?" he asked, ignoring the stunned look Mrs. Cake, as well as the looks her husband and Pinkie, who peeked out the second they heard her shout, were giving him.
"Oh, I'm not here to buy anything. Any sweets I consume will go to my hips, and I have a figure I need to preserve."
"Then, if you're not gonna buy anything, then can you please leave?" said the Jedi.
"Storm!?" said Mrs. Cake, as she nudged to get the boy's attention on who exactly he was addressing.
"Pardon me, young man. But do you know who I am?" asked Sapphire Shores as she heard how Storm addressed her.
"Should I?" responded the teen with a calm tone and a raised eyebrow.
Mrs. Cake tapped his shoulder, trying to get his attention, but Storm ignored her.
"You're serious? You don't know The Superstar of Pop?" asked Sapphire Shores as she did a pose.
"As I said, I don't know who the hell you are," said Storm as the Cakes and Pinkie gasped that the Jedi said that to the face of a, if not the most popular celebrity in all of Equis, "So if you're not going to buy anything, can you kindly leave. We have a business to run."
Sapphire Shores was left stunned. In all her years, she had never met someone who didn't know who she was, period. But to see this boy, not know who she was, and treat her like any other customer. It cracked a small smile.
"In all my years, I've never been treated like a regular. So this is was it feels like. It's been so long since I felt it."
"Wha?" said Storm as he didn't follow what the popstar was saying.
"Tell me something, Mr..."
"Storm."
"Right, Storm. Are you a fan of music?"
"I guess," stated the Jedi Knight with a shrug.
"Well, let me say that I'm one of the best pop superstars to ever take Equis by... storm, winked Sapphire Shores at the boy as he rolled his eyes at her for making that joke. "I'm planning a tour around Equis, but I've been stuck lookin' for a new designer," she admitted.
Storm frowned for a moment before a thought crossed his mind. Though he hesitated to speak his mind, fearing the repercussions. Eventually, he disregarded his thoughts and spoke.
"I happen to know a good designer. There's one here in town," he said, immediately catching her attention.
"Really?" she asked, "Who?"
"Her name's Rarity," he provided, "If you walk out the door, turn left, and keep going until you hit another left, it's the giant carousel-shaped building. You can't miss it," he directed. Sapphire nodded.
"Hmm, I'll definitely have to take a look," she said.
The woman then snapped her fingers as her assistant appeared in a dash before handing her a pen and something else. Sapphire Shores then wrote using the pen as she gave it to Storm, who read it out loud.
"Thanks for treating me like a normal person. Means so much to me. XOXO, Sapphire Shores."
"An autographed print?" said Storm, as he didn't see how important it was.
"Figure you'd want a little somethin' to remember me in my prime. Plus, consider it a gift for making me feel... normal," Sapphire Shores said.
You're welcome, I guess," said Storm as he put the signed print away.
"Woo! I'm burning daylight! I gotta head down and check out this designer of yours," she said, laughing, "If you think she's good, then she's gotta be somethin' special!" she added, already jogging out the door before coming back and giving a kiss on his cheek. "See you around, Storm!" she called, waving at him.
The Jedi Knight wiped his cheek off the red lipstick as he looked to see both Cakes and Pinkie still gasping at him.
"What the hell is wrong with you guys?" asked the boy.
--
After getting three people all up in his face on what he did, Storm was on his lunch break. The Jedi found himself heading over to Horte's Cafe once more.
Perhaps that was poetic, in a sense. It was this cafe where he and Twilight had ended up bonding several times throughout his stay, and now it was where he found himself congregating every day for lunch.
Admittedly, some part of him even expected the princess to show up, given that she had revealed that this was her favorite cafe in town. Perhaps it was that little part of him that kept him coming back?
Inwardly he realized that since that girl had come into his life, it had been getting more complicated.
Her questions and beliefs about friendship. Her friends. His job, his duty, his everything. Ever since he had come into contact with Twilight Sparkle, his life was taking a very, very strange turn, and he wasn't sure if it was for the better or the worse yet.
On the one hand, he felt more... comfortable in this town than he had anywhere else for quite some time now. He had... friends whom he spent time with. People in this town made him... appreciate his life more. Who changed him for the better?
On the other, he knew that whatever bonds he made here would only end up hurting them when he inevitably left them behind. These bonds would plague him when he left, distracting him from his work, and who knows who would end up suffering if his lapse in concentration cost him precious moments he needed to work?
And then there were these infernal emotions of his. Admittedly that was his main issue. His feelings he had that somehow occurred when Twilight was around. The princess was making him more invested in her life. Her friends' lives, even.
He gave his order to the waitress when she came by, and he was about to return to his meddlesome thoughts when-
"Storm!"
He barely had time to register who the voice belonged to when he was all but tackled by a white figure, her arms wrapping around him wildly.
"Uh, hey, Rarity?" he said, only partially confused. Her hands tightened around him for a moment, her cheek rubbing against his as she hummed happily.
"Oh! I can't believe you sent the Sapphire Shores down to my little boutique! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful that will be for my business! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!" she gushed, only to pull away for a moment, and she took the time to place a very loud, very long kiss against his cheek, "Mwah!"
He rolled his eyes and gently pushed her off him, "While I appreciate the affection, however unusual it may be, I think you're going a little far, aren't you?" he asked, only for Rarity to titter.
"Oh contraire!" she said, smiling widely, "You might not understand just how big this will be for me, but if I have Sapphire Shores wearing my designs during her entire tour, why, I'll be one of the most desired dressmakers of the year! I know I've already been featured in a few articles, but this is the real deal, Storm!" she gushed, then deflated slightly, "Of course, it won't be easy. I'll need more gems," she sighed, "A lot more..." Storm frowned.
"What, exactly, do you need gems for?"
"My dresses," she responded easily, "My latest design required a rather hefty number of diamonds, and not only did she ask for it, but several others... all done in a different jewel."
"What kinds, exactly?" Rarity gave her hair a small flip.
"Well, I'll most likely go with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, and perhaps amethysts," she said, "Those are the most well-known gems among the population, though I might change my mind depending on what I find."
"Ov vey," said the Jedi.
A field of was shown. Grass blowing in the wind as nighttime had fallen. A hill was shown overlooking the sea. On that hill was a figure on a horse. They dawned some armor as they turned and took off. The dark figure was heading into the forest; his eyes shined blood red. His sword was by his side, and a dark aura followed go with him leaving behind a trail of blue flames.
Someone was in the fields of his farm as he was picking some herbs. He was about to head back in when he heard something. He looked toward the nearby forest as the sound was getting louder. Soon leaping from the shrubbery was the figure as he charged at the person. They dropped their basket and ran. The figure was shown getting close as he had his sword behind him. Soon crows fell into the sky; they let out a sound that echoed into the night.
--
"And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder. One of the poor beasts said: Come and see. And I saw, and behold, a white horse. And its name that sat on him was death, and hell followed him."
"That's very... ominous," said Storm.
"It's to be taken as a warning by the story's author. Being aware that judgment will be passed on you based on your actions," said Twilight as she put the book away.
The girl put the book back on one of the shelves. The princess had wanted to share some haunting tales with her partner, as within a few days, there was a special holiday that Equis was celebrating. It was named Hallows Eve, a day where kids would go around asking for treats from people's homes while wearing extraneous costumes. According to the princess, the holiday came from one of her ancestors as a way for the poor citizens to go to the homes of those with more wealth and beg for some food. As the years went by, the Royal Family became invested that it was a day celebrated around the planet. Not to mention that wearing some disguise allowed the people to be wary that if they were denied any treats, they would suffer to any tricks that person saw fit. But for the most part, they were harmless pranks by kids.
The boy had spent some time with the princess learning about this holiday as the festival was fast approaching. As for Storm, he admired the holiday for what it was worth but didn't see any reason to attend, seeing as how he was probably too old to ask for candy or any treat. The Jedi Knight was about to exit the castle library when he was stopped.
"Hey, Storm!" called out Twilight.
The boy turned. The object of his dormant affections walked towards him, a simple smile on her face betraying the excited look in her eye. Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, he spoke.
"Somethin' you need, Sparky?" he asked. Try as he might, he couldn't prevent his eyes from glossing over every smooth curve of the princess before him, few as they were. Twilight, thankfully oblivious to his lingering looks, spoke.
"I was just wondering what you were planning for Hallows Eve?" she asked, giving him a winning smile. Storm found himself momentarily speechless before he caught himself.
"I don't have anything planned, really," he admitted. Twilight seemed to perk up at that.
"Really? That's great!" she said before her words registered in her mind, causing her to turn red and spit, "I-I mean, it's awful that you don't have anything planned because you're a great guy, and I'm sure there's plenty of people who'd love to spend the day with you, but I meant great as in-"
"I know what you meant, Sparky," Storm said, firmly cutting her off, though the smile he wore dulled whatever edge might've been in his voice. She sighed, but the blush remained.
"Sorry," she muttered, "I was just..." she mumbled something that Storm, even with his hearing, didn't catch. Despite that, he had the distinct feeling he should also be red in the face.
"Speak up," he stated, forcing the feeling down. Twilight looked up at him and glanced away but seemed to steel herself by taking a deep breath, "I was wondering if you'd like to go to the Hallows Eve Festival with me later tonight?" Storm blinked at the question before its implications struck him.
"Y-you mean... like a date?" he asked nonchalantly, steadfastly ignoring how his body began heating up. Twilight's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, her face went the color of a ripe tomato, and she started sputtering like a broken faucet.
"D-d-d-d-d-date?!" she exclaimed, her body twitching in a way that suggested she was fighting the urge to jump away from him, "Nononononononono!!!" she continued, waving her hands around frantically, "I-I meant like friends! Like, really good friends who are totally comfortable with each other in a completely platonic way!" she insisted, stumbling over her words.
But he didn't hear her.
Storm was much too occupied inwardly panicking about spending the night with her, for he couldn't come up with a proper reason to refuse her offer since he'd outright told her he didn't have any plans, an oversight on his part to be sure.
Finally, his mind slowed down, returning him to the present situation.
"S-sure, Sparky," he agreed shakily, "Not like I've got anything better to do," he added, hoping it downplayed any excitement he may have let slip. Twilight blinked, going silent. She hadn't been expecting him to agree to go along, despite working up the nerve to ask.
"R-really? Are you sure?" she asked. He growled at her but averted his gaze.
"I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't, idiot!" he snapped, flushing, either through embarrassment or anger, even he didn't know. Twilight didn't flinch away at his response, appearing lost in thought.
She remained lost in thought for another five minutes, with every one of Storm's attempts to rouse her proving ineffective. Finally, she came to her senses, completely red in the face.
"I-I gotta go!" she stuttered before rushing out the bakery door, leaving Storm just standing there, a little confused.
A moment passed in silence before he sighed.
"I don't even wanna know..."
--
Storm was out in the orchard picking up some more apples. He had wiped his forehead as he'd been working hard for the past hour. He heard a rustling sound as he came down from the ladder. The boy turned, and there was Applebloom as she was looking for the Jedi.
"Hey, Storm!"
"Hey, AB," spoke the boy as he saw the girl.
"I brought you some cider," smiled Applebloom.
"Thanks," smiled the Jedi Knight as he took the bottle from the girl.
"Of course, as one of the members of the Jedi Crusaders, it's my honor."
"Jedi Crusaders? What?" said Storm as he finished taking a sip.
"It's the name that me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came up with. We want to do good things and help people like a Jedi does."
"Oh, jeez," said Storm, as he didn't like what the girls did.
"Plus, we know you're an actual Jedi, but we decided to have you as an honor Jedi Crusader. You're the only one who can attend our meetings that's actually a Jedi." smiled Applebloom.
"That makes me feel so much better," spoke the boy sarcastically.
"Glad you liked it," said the girl as Storm rolled his eyes. He then brought it up as he rubbed her head, with the girl having a small blush on her face.
The pair then decided to head back as the sun was setting. Applebloom jumped on Storm's back as the Jedi Knight offered to give her a piggyback ride. They began to head back as the girl smiled and hugged the teen as the red on her face continued to show.
"Won't Sweetie Belle be jealous when she finds out," snickered Applebloom under her breath.
Nighttime was shown as emerging from a forest was the same figure. They were riding along the trail as crows let out some sounds. In a section just out of town, a couple was shown sitting on a hill.
"So, you mean you would do anything for me?" asked the girl.
"Absolutely. Anything." said the boy as he went for a kiss.
"Wait," said the girl as she put a finger on his lips, "What if someone was trying to hurt me?"
"They'd have to go through me first," said the boy with cockiness in his tone.
The girl giggled as they smiled. The couple began to lean in when the girl heard a sound. She stopped the boy again as she pointed in the direction behind them.
"Look. That's weird," said the girl as a white horse dawned in black armor behind them.
At that moment, a sword came in between them as they screamed. They quickly got up and backed off as there was the figure from before. It was revealed to the rider of the horse as it was some knight based on the black armor he wore. He lifted his sword from stabbing into the ground as he looked at the pair. His eyes glowed bright red as it got the teens to be scared. Soon he spoke.
"Show your valor!" growled the person as he pointed his blade at the young couple.
"Go ahead, let him have it," said the girl as she shoved her date in front of her.
"What, you think I'm crazy?!" shouted the boy as he turned and pushed the girl in front of him.
"You'd said you would protect me!" shouted the girl as she shoved her date in anger.
"Well, he has a sword," stated the boy.
The knight didn't have any more patience as he struck the ground. Magic came out as it headed toward the pair. They all screamed as they were enveloped before they could run. The screams echoed as they traveled a good distance, all the way to the castle, as a certain Jedi Knight heard it.
Storm looked in the direction that the sound came from as he stared out the window.
"What was that?" said the boy as he approached the window.
The Jedi Knight looked out the window and scanned the area. All he saw was the town as everyone was fast asleep. His pet bat, Sonar, was on his shoulder as the small mammal seemed to pick up the sound that echoed.
"You heard it too, huh, bud?" said Storm as he looked at the small animal.
"Click," responded the bat.
"Something's out there," said the boy as he stared into the night.
In a cave deep in the forest, the knight was shown. He entered his base as he had some orbs in his glove. He put them into jars, and it zoomed out to show several other orbs that were the souls of the people he had terrorized the past few nights.
The knight looked at the wall as above them was the image of someone. It was someone he once loved as he recalled something that went down many, many, many years in the past. The image of him slaying his beloved stained his mind as he recalled his hands and how they shook.
"I swear, they will pay," stated the knight as the sun rose.
--
The following morning, Storm was walking in the hallways. All night, he'd been thinking about what he heard. He was passing by the throne room when he overheard something. He leaned against the door as he listened; Night Light was talking with some of his guards. The men and mages had reported that there had been reports of people disappearing the past few nights without a trace.
"What will we do, your Majesty? Hallows Eve is tomorrow night. And we fear the citizens are in grave danger, " said one of the mages.
"As much as Hallows Eve is a tradition that has stood since my ancestor, we have longed to consider the safety of our citizens even longer. I'm afraid I have no choice but to cancel the festival."
"I doubt the citizens will be pleased to hear that," responded one of the guards.
"Indeed. But as King, it's my duty to keep the interest of my people first."
Night Light was about to inform his army to tell the people about his decree when suddenly Storm entered. The King saw the boy as he gave him a look.
"What do you want, Jedi?"
"Forgive me, your Majesty. But I couldn't help but overhear. I know how much you value the safety of your citizens, but the Hallows Eve festival is something that everyone looks forward to. Especially the kids." said Storm.
"Yes, of that we can agree on. I fondly remember the Hallow Eve festivals that me and my wife had when we were kids."
"Then allow me to offer my services. Let me help to figure out these mysterious disappearances. It would take a lot off your mind, and the festival can continue as scheduled." suggested Night Light.
"Tell me something, boy. What is your goal? Are you trying to curry favor with me so that I might turn a blind eye to what you may do to my daughter?" growled Night Light.
"Twilight, I mean, your daughter has nothing to do with this. I'm simply sticking to my Jedi Code that says I am to help people in need. That... is my goal." said Storm as he put his head down.
Night Light looked at the teen, thinking long and hard about what he was saying. With the reporting of his people disappearing in the blink of an eye and how everyone was looking forward to the Hallows Eve festival, he knew he had very few options.
"Very well," stated Night Light, "You are tasked with finding out this mystery and solving it. My knights and mages will assist."
"Thank you, your Majesty," responded Storm.
The Jedi and some of Night Light's men were shown near a farm. They were near the first spot where the sightings took place. While one of the guards asked the owner of the farm, who was a woman telling them how her husband vanished while picking some herbs, some of the mages and Storm were checking out the area.
The Jedi stood in the center of the field as he looked around. As far as he could see, nothing was out of the ordinary. He looked at his feet as he saw footprints. One he could assume belonged to the wife's husband, but they suddenly vanished after a bit. The teen bent to a knee as he put his hand on the ground. Storm closed his eyes and concentrated. The Jedi was now using the personal skill that Luna taught him as he entered his mind.
In his mind, Storm was shown in the same position as all around; pieces began to move. Images were starting to show in blue lines and dots as time rewinded. The boy stood up in his mirage-like state as he looked around. The events then began to play as he observed.
So the farmer went to pick out some herbs. Which explains the crushed plant that we found. Based on his trail up to this point, he had just finished picking the stuff and was starting to head back.
The next series of events occurred as it saw the blue shadow figure turning its head, looking toward the forest. He then began to run as he tripped, and within a second, he vanished entirely. The only thing that remained was the bag as crows from the nearby trees flew away.
He must have seen something from the forest and ran. But he tripped, at that point, whatever he saw caught up to him, and then he... vanishes.
Storm was now putting his hand to his chin as he was thinking. The events began to replay as he observed them to see if he had missed anything.
It doesn't make any sense. There's no way he could have just turned into thin air. And if he was attacked by something, what was it? I'm not seeing anything.
Storm then ended the recreated crime scene in his mind. The boy then opened his eyes. The Jedi looked in the direction of the forest as the wind blew against the trees. He was looking to see if anything were there, but nothing.
Storm and the rest of Night Light's guard traveled to their next location. They arrived at the hill where the latest reporting was sighted. Apparently, a young couple had come here for a night of privacy. The parents of the kids were concerned when their children didn't come home. They contacted the other to see if they had seen them, but even they didn't have an answer.
The guards and mages scanned the area to see if they could find any clues. Storm looked down at the town as he turned and closed his eyes. Once again, he began to tune in with the Force and concentrate on his mind. The teen was recreating the events of what went down; he saw the teens sitting next to each other as they looked to kiss. Just then, a scream was heard as they were shown back up on the floor before getting up. Moments later, they screamed as they put their arms up and vanished.
The same thing is with the farmer. It appears they saw something; moments later, they vanish without a trace. So whatever is terrorizing isn't after a specific target but on a mission. Still, there's nothing making sense. How do people just... vanish?
"What am I missing?" said Storm as he opened his eyes.
The boy was really at a loss. Despite his special tracking skill, he needed to figure out why people disappeared. The Jedi was lost in thought as one of the mages approached him.
"Sir, we've detected some traces of magic," said one of the royal mages.
"Magic, huh? Tell me, was there magic back at the farmer's land?" said Storm.
"Yes, a small speck," responded the mage.
"Hmm... Magic... Thanks for that. Let's go check out the next sights," said Storm.
As the search team investigated the other spots, Storm used his skill to see the events that played out. Like with the two scenarios, it showed what went down as people saw something and soon disappeared. But it didn't show him what it was. The mages and guards also confirmed that they found very small traces of magic. However, they found the word "Judgement" written in ink during the last spot they investigated.
Storm was now back in the castle. The boy was trying to figure out the mystery as the word "Judgement" kept playing on his mind. He soon bumped into Twilight as the princess saw her partner.
"Hey, Storm."
"Hey, Sparky."
"Are you excited about the Hallows Eve festival tomorrow?" asked the princess.
"Oh, shit. I forgot that she asked me to go with her," muttered Storm, as with these recent disappearances, he'd forgotten the promise he made to Twilight.
"Well?" said Twilight.
"Y-Yeah, wouldn't miss it," smiled the boy as Twilight seemed to buy it.
"Great, can't wait. I get to spend this festival with my friends and my partner," said the girl as she placed her hand in his.
"Hey, Twilight? Do you remember what was that little mantra you spoke to me?"
"Yeah."
"How'd it go again?" asked the boy.
"Easy," said Twilight as she spoke, "And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder. One of the poor beasts said: Come and see. And I saw, and behold, a white horse. And its name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him."
"Right," said Storm as he heard the line and began to think. "What does that mean again?"
"It's an old saying that says be mindful of what you do, for judgment will be passed based on your actions."
"Judgement... Sparky, you're a genius!"
"W-Well, I mean, I am," giggled Twilight nervously as she twirled her hair.
The princess was then hugged by Storm, which got her to turn even redder.
"You're the best. Thanks," said the Jed Knight as he took off.
"You're welcome," sighed Twilight as she leaned against the wall and slid down it as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
--
The moon was high in the sky. The stars were out and about as the town of Equis was shown. On one of the rooftops was Storm as he was on a knee. The boy was looking at the square below as he kept an eye on things. The Jedi Knight heard a sound as he looked up and saw his pet bat flapping in the wind.
Sonar landed on his shoulder as he made some noise. The Jedi didn't say anything, trusting his small partner with what he saw. Soon, something flickered in the distance. He saw the forest trail that connected to the town as there appeared to be some light flickering among them. It soon raced out from the dense trees and approached the town.
The black knight entered the town and circled around the water fountain. At that moment, Storm leaped down as he made his presence known. The dark figure turned around as there was the boy. Neither said anything as they seemed to lock eyes with each other.
The Jedi Knight was staring at the knight as he saw his eyes glow red under his helmet. True to the saying that Twilight told him, the knight rode on a white horse as he had the scent of death.
"Can I help you?" said the Jedi.
The knight didn't answer as he pointed his blade at the boy.
"Are you the one making people vanish?" stated Storm.
The knight began to race at the boy with his weapon high above. Storm saw this, as he didn't move right away. The Jedi was standing his ground as his foe was coming at him. The knight was seconds away as he was bringing his sword down. Storm finally made a move as he leaped over the figure and landed on a nearby hay wagon.
"Now!" shouted the boy.
Soon the streetlights came on as they shined on the knight. Some guards and mages emerged from their hiding spots as they had the figure surrounded. The dark knight looked at the foes surrounding him as he didn't seem to care. Before Storm could give the command, the dark knight made his horse stand on its hindlegs before slamming its front legs on the ground. It created a wave of magic as it pushed back the guards and mages, with Storm looking away to avoid the breeze blowing in his face.
He turned as the dark knight began to run forward. He raced by the downed soldiers as his blade came down on them. However, what followed gave the Jedi Knight some answers instead of a bloody scene. When the sword touched the soldiers, they turned into blue wisps of energy. That energy flew toward the knight's hand as he had his hand open. They circled above it before he closed it as they were gone.
With more souls collected, the dark knight took off.
"After him!" instructed Storm to the remaining guards.
The Jedi put his fingers to his mouth and gave a loud whistle. A neigh was heard in the distance as racing toward the Jedi was none other than his steed. Storm quickly jumped onto his horse and grabbed the reins.
"Don't lose him, Spirit!" said Storm to his horse as he got a neigh.
The other guards also got on their horses and followed behind the boy. The chase went over the bridge that connected the town and the forest. They then headed inside the dense woods, and the dark knight saw his pursuers still chasing him. He waved his free hand as magic began to glow. Roots and thorns began to appear as they began to get in the way of the guards as their horses halted. The guards did their best to get their steeds to calm down.
Storm was weaving in and out of the obstacles in his path as he kept on the heels of his target. Soon a wall of thorns was starting to form as if he failed to get over before it finished, then they would lose their suspect.
"Come on, bud! You can do it!" encouraged Storm to his horse.
Spirit gave a confident neigh as he picked up speed. The dark knight had passed the thorns forming as they began to rise to create a wall. Storm was approaching the wall as his horse then leaped into the air. The animal pushed off with so much momentum that it looked like they were flying through the skies. They soon landed as they appeared on the other side, just as the wall of thorns formed.
Without any backup, Storm was all on his own as he continued to chase after the mysterious foe. Even the dark knight was surprised to see the teenager keeping up and closing in. He picked up the pace as he entered another part of the forest as it was dark.
"Sonar, guide me," said Storm to his pet bat, who was still on his shoulder.
The bat gave a click as he flapped his wings and took off. The small mammal was positioned in front of his owner as they entered the dark woods; it was pitch black, with bits of light being allowed to enter. The boy was going in blind as he could barely make out what was two feet in front of him. However, with Sonar using his echolocation and ears, he was able to guide the Jedi through the forest. Storm made Spirit move in that lane whenever he turned to a side. When an obstacle was above or below, the bat made the movement go up or down to signal the impending danger.
Storm was soaring through the dark woods with ease as his animal pals were helping him. It wasn't long before they exited the woods and kept riding along the trail.
"Good job, Sonar!" said Storm to his bat flying alongside him. He clicked as he latched onto the boy's shoulder and continued to ride.
The boy soon exited the dark woods and quickly pulled on the reigns. He made Spirit come to a halt as the horse neighed. The boy looked ahead as there was the dark knight. The two stood in an open field as they stared at one another. The wind blew in their direction as the knight lifted his blade. Storm did the same as he turned on his lightsaber as it hung from his side. Sonar took off from Storm's shoulder as the small animal sensed what was about to go down.
Both knights charged at each other as they were racing toward the other. Neither was backing down as they charged ahead. The pair lifted their weapons as they were moments from connecting with each other. A black screen was shown as a slash effect occurred. Once it came back, the two figures had zipped past each other as they were now on opposite sides. They each stopped and turned around as they looked at each other.
The wind picked up as it blew around them. Both figures held their stance with their weapons, ready to continue fighting. Just then, something happened. The scene showed the body of the dark knight as an object fell. The object was none other than his helmet, as it appeared that Storm had gotten the better of their exchange and sliced the head off of the knight.
The boy saw the helmet on the ground as it soon disappeared into magical energy. Storm looked back at the rider as the knight was still moving despite its head being chopped off. The boy was stunned, to say the least, as the dark knight in front of him finally spoke.
"Such valor. Indeed, you are a knight."
"Who are you?"
"Someone seeking their judgment," said the knight.
"Judgement?" spoke Storm.
"Perhaps, you can give it to me.
"Look, I don't know what you are. Or what kind of sorcery is this? But I want to know, what did you do to the people that vanished? Where are you keeping them?" stated Storm.
"Their souls are mine. Such is my duty until I have been judged for everything I have done. If you wish to free them from their prison, face me tomorrow. When the moon is nigh and high, the power that old Hallows Eve has."
"What are you saying?" said Storm, as he wasn't making much sense from his foe.
The dark knight waved his hand as blue wisps appeared. They soon disappeared as they revealed the guards the dark rider had captured when he touched them with his sword.
"Consider this your reward," the knight spoke as he took off.
He zoomed by Storm as he rode off into the distance.
"Be prepared, young knight. For tomorrow Hallows Eve, one soul shall be judged for all to see."
Storm kept his eyes on the rider as he disappeared beyond the horizon. The boy kept looking in that direction as Sonar landed on his shoulder. All around the Jedi Knight, the guards started coming as they rubbed their heads. With the new discovery of this mysterious foe and the explanation for the disappearance of people, it seemed Storm now had a different set of questions that needed answers.
--
The next day, Storm was in front of Night Light and Velvet as the royals demanded his report of the night's events. The Jedi explained to Twilight's parents how they figured out people were vanishing because of a mysterious black knight that took people's souls. He'd said he'd been doing that as a way for his judgment to be determined.
"If this dark knight thinks he can terrorize my people, he has another thing coming!" spoke Night Light as he stood up from his throne. "I want all guards on high alert. Security doubled for the festival!"
"Yes, your Majesty," said a guard as he bowed and was about to leave.
"Wait a moment, your Majesty. I believe that may not be necessary."
"What do you mean, Storm?" said Velvet to the boy.
"I'm saying that before he disappeared, the black knight said he would appear for a test of combat. Let me devise a plan: if guards are stationed at every corner, it might frighten the people, and they'll lose interest in the festival. This is a night when they must be able to enjoy themselves."
"I will not endanger my citizens, boy!" stated Night Light.
"Do not worry; I have a plan," said Storm.
"Very well. We'll leave it to you," said Velvet.
"Thanks, your Majesty," stated the boy as he bowed his head before the Queen.
"Let me stress this fact, Jedi. Should anything go wrong for the festival, or if my subjects are put in harm's way, your life will be the payment to be made. Am I understood?" stated Night Light.
"Yes," said Storm as he bowed before Twilight's parents and took his leave.
The teen was now in the castle library, sitting at a desk. Storm was doing some research as he was trying to look something up. From what the dark knight had said about waiting for his judgment to come, he began to dig around for any clues in the library as to what that might mean. He had gone through several books but needed help finding something.
Just then, a pair of arms wrapped around from behind him.
"Hey!" said Twilight. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm just trying to search for something," said the boy.
"That's a first for you," smiled Twilight as she sat on the table next to her partner. "So, what are you looking for?"
"You got anything books or tales on some kind of night that roams about taking people's souls?" asked Storm as Twilight raised an eyebrow.
"You mean, like, a ritual?" said the girl.
"Oh, I know. How about this one?" said Spike as the small prince held out a for Twilight to read the cover.
"Supernaturals?" Twilight read aloud, "Spike, the word supernatural refers to stuff like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are make-believe curses. This book is just a bunch of hooey!"
"But what if you're wrong, Twilight?" asked the younger brother.
"Trust me, that's not the one. Let's see," said the princess as she climbed up a ladder and looked at some of the higher-up shelves.
After a quick selection process, Twilight had gathered a stack of books for Storm. They were next to the boy, and she found every single piece of info related to rituals, sacrifices, and other forms of black magic that she thought might be useful.
"Well," said the girl.
"I think this enough, Sparky," said Storm, as he didn't want the girl to add more to his pile. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. Come on, Spike. Let's finish our costumes." said the princess to her brother. The small prince put the book on Supernaturals down on the table as he began to follow his older sister out the door.
Storm was about to start researching when the door creaked open, and Twilight popped her head.
"Uhm, you're still coming with me tonight, right?" said Twilight as she smiled nervously.
"Don't worry, I'll be there," said Storm.
"Great!" stated Twilight as she perked up on hearing that. "Don't keep me waiting. I mean, it's just two normal friends just hanging out. Okay, I'm leaving. Bye!"
"Nerd," said Storm as he ignored Twilight's weird behavior and returned to the book stack.
The Jedi Knight dug through the book's contents, trying to find any information on the mysterious foe he encountered. However, none of the princess's ritual books had given him information on some black knight collecting souls. Storm was at his wit's end as he finished the last book of the pile. Through all that, he had no info on the figure. The Jedi Knight then looked at the book the small prince put down.
"What have I got to lose at this point?" said Storm as he picked up the book and began to flip through it.
The boy was flipping through until he came to something that caught his eye. He came to a book section with a picture that looked just like the mysterious black knight.
"Long ago, there was once a knight so brave. He faced countless enemies without any fear. However, the knight was cursed by an evil witch. As part of the curse, the knight's wife and daughter were killed due to his actions. Haunted by the memory of slaying his own kin, his soul was sentenced to wander the land aimlessly. He disappeared into a secluded part of the forest and was never heard from again. Over the years, people started to slowly vanish without a trace. The legend states that a dark, black figure that haunts the streets at night comes riding in on a white horse. Death itself has come to pass judgment on those that sin. So if you see a black figure, it's already too late. Death has come to collect your soul. So be wary at night, when the full moon is nigh and high, for the Black Knight rides tonight."
"Hmm..." hummed Storm as he saw the black knight painting and could no doubt see that it was similar to the one he fought, well, minus the head being chopped off.
--
Tonight marked one of the spookiest nights of the year, for it was Hallows Eve. A time for all things scary, and people of all ages dress up and enjoy fun, games, and lots and lots of delicious candy. Spike was getting impatient as he, already dressed in his costume, was waiting for Twilight to come out in her costume.
"Ugh, come on, Twilight," Spike complained downstairs, "We're gonna be late for the festival."
The princess then came down the stairs wearing a blue wizard's cape and hat with stars and moons on them, with bells along the bottom of the cape and bells along the rim and top of her hat. She also had tied a white beard on her chin as she posed before her little brother.
"Huh?" said Spike, puzzled as Twilight walked down the last flight of stairs, "Are you that one kooky grandpa from Ponyville Retirement Village?" Twilight went agape before looking at her brother.
"I'm Star Swirl the Bearded!" stated the princess to her brother, who just stared and blinked at her, "Father of the amniomorphic spell?" Spike just blinked twice with a blank look on his face. "Did you even read that book I gave you about obscure history?"
"Uh.." Spike tried to come up with a reply, raising a finger in the air when he heard some knocking at the door, "That sounds important! Guards!" The small prince ran toward the door, sending Twilight spinning about and getting herself tangled in her own cape. The princes gave an indignant glare as the front guards opened the door.
"Trick or Treat! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!" shouted three kids dressed as a ladybug, a daredevil, and a fairy princess. Spike yelped due to the loud shouting before recomposing himself as Twilight made her way to the door.
Hi, everybody," said Twilight cheerfully to the little kids, "Great costumes. Happy Hallows Eve, Granny Smith."
"I should have been asleep five hours ago," said Granny Smith.
"Guards," said Twilight.
The two left and brought back a bucket full of candy as they each gave one to the kids. Then, a very small young brown and cream-spotted kid wearing a pirate's costume pushed his way out of the crowd. He attempted to show off his sword skills but ended up tipping and falling on his face.
"Pipsqueak the pirate, at your service, Princess Twilight!" said the young boy with a salute and an accent, "It's my very first Hallows Eve."
"Since you moved here from Trottingham?" asked Twilight.
"No, my very first Nightmare Night ever!" Pipsqueak replied but then one pink girl dressed as Ella Pollo Loca appeared.
"Enough chitchat!" said Pinkie with a chicken squawk, "Time is candy!"
"Pinkie Pie, aren't you a little old for this?" Twilight asked as the pink girl/chicken went agape as she looked at her own candy sack.
"Too old for free candy?" Pinkie remarked before giving the purple princess a death glare. "Never."
Twilight rolled her eyes as she took a bucket of candy from one of the guards. She then took a single piece and tossed it into Pinkie's bag. Pinkie eyeballed it excitedly until she noticed one of Twilight's bells dangling under her nose. Twilight smiled as she showed Pinkie her costume and continued to jingle the bells on her hat.
"Do you like it?" asked Twilight.
"Yeah! Great costume, Twilight!" said Pinkie, "You make a fantastic weirdo clown!" Pinkie then used her beak to gobble up most of the candy in the bucket that one of the guards held and took off at high speed. Twilight was feeling a bit offended.
"A clown? Look at the borders on these robes. These are hand-stitched!" said the princess as she pulled her cape to prove a point.
"It's a great costume! Huh! Grandpa!" teased Spike as Twilight grumbled irritably.
"Let's get going! Guards continue to pass out candy to everyone that stops by," said Twilight.
"Will do, your highness," saluted one of them.
The princess and prince were heading toward town when a massive line started forming leading to the castle door. All night, the guards kept handing out buckets full of candy as they gave them to the kids to enjoy.
In town, the festival was in full swing. People were having fun, kids were laughing, and all sorts of games were being played. Storm was on one of the roofs; the Jedi Knight was shown on a knee as he looked about the square. The teen kept an eye on the people as he suspected the black knight would appear.
As he was scouting, he overheard something.
"C'mon Twi," said the voice of Spike, "so what if nobody knows who you're supposed to be?" he asked.
The Jedi Knight turned in that direction as he saw the princess and prince walking about the fair. The girl had a fuming expression on her face.
"So what?" she asked, stopping in her tracks.
"Ah, crud," whispered Spike.
"So. What?!" she snapped, whirling to face the unhappy boy, "Starswirl the Bearded is the most famous Conjurer of the Classical Era!" she exclaimed, "He invented over 200 original spells that have uses even today! He has a whole shelf dedicated to him in the Canterlot Library of Magic! Plus, an entire wing in the Royal Archives! How does nobody else know who he is?!" she huffed before turning straight around and storming off.
Spike sighed, "Me and my big mouth..."
Twilight snorted to herself as she and Spike passed by the stage, where stuff was being set up for something.
"Maybe I should start up a Classic History Group so I can teach people about him?" she muttered to herself, "I'm sure everyone would love it!" she gushed, "Don't you think, Spike?" she asked her little brother behind her, though the sound of chewing was her only response.
How he got a pile of candy bigger than he was in five minutes, Twilight didn't know. She assumed it had something to do with Pinkie and promptly ignored it.
"Ooh, Twilight! Twilight!"
Speaking of Pinkie...
"Look at our haul!" the excited pink girl all but shoved a bag of candy into her face, not even bothering to stop running before doing so, "Isn't it amazing?!" she gushed before shoving her entire head down the bag, the kids following her giggling at her antics.
Twilight watched her excitable friend munch on the sweets. She... had absolutely no idea why Pinkie had chosen to dress up as a chicken of all things, though, knowing her, there was probably some random reason that would give her a headache if she tried figuring it out.
"Why the hell are you chicken, Pinkie?!" said Storm as he was shown jumping down from the roof and landed on the ground.
"Duh, 'cause why not!" said the girl as she took off with the kids following her.
"I'll never understand that girl," spoke Twilight.
"Same here," said Storm as he looked at the princess and noticed her costume. "Are you dressed as Starswirl the Bearded?" Twilight stopped in her tracks, staring at him as though he was the last drop of water in the desert, "Uh... Sparky?"
YOU ACTUALLY KNOW WHO STARSWIRL IS?!" she screeched, making him wince away.
"Yes! Yes! I do. Now stop shouting!" he snapped, causing Twilight to blush and laugh.
"Hehe, uh... sorry? It's just that nobody else in the whole town knows who he is! Which doesn't make sense considering he's one of the foremost pioneers in Equis magic!"
"Yeah, well anyways, nice costume," said Storm.
"Thanks. So... um... are you... busy? I mean, if you are, that's cool." said Twilight while fidgeting her fingers and tracing her foot on the ground. "I was just wondering... since you're here, maybe you want to do some things together."
"Um," said Storm as he looked up at the moon. Based on the thing's position, it was too early for the knight to show up. So, he had some time before it happened.
"S-Sure," replied the boy.
"Great!" said Twilight as she excitedly grabbed Storm's hands and looked at him.
The princess realized what she had done as she quickly let go of the boy's hand and tried to make herself small, but the red on her face was hard to hide. Storm merely shrugged as he and Twilight began to go about the fair.
The princess, prince, and Jedi knight made it to another part of the festival. A large bucket had been set up for people to play "bob for apples." One person reached in to grab one while two others went to take their turn as well. Applejack was overseeing the game, wearing a scarecrow outfit.
"Happy Hallows Eve, Applejack," said Twilight as they arrived at the game.
"Howdy, Spike, Twilight. Hey, Storm!" said the farm girl, "Nice costumes!"
"Thanks! I'm a dragon," said the small prince as Twilight looked indignant for her brother to cut her off.
"She means me, Spike," replied the bookworm.
"With that beard," said Applejack as she tapped on Twilight's clip-on beard, "I reckon you're some sorta country music singer." Twilight just grunted annoyingly as Spike laughed. "Are you two on a date?" teased the country gal.
"What? No!" said Storm sternly as he didn't see how Twilight reacted to him stating that with confidence.
"While y'all are here, ya' feel like bobbin' for an apple?" asked Aj.
Two people were about to take their turn when Derpy popped out of the water wearing paper bags on her head and body for her costume. She then tried to grab herself an apple and ended up pulling out the plug to the water in the bucket.
"So what the hell is this?" said Storm.
"Ya don't know about apple bobbin'?!"
"Um, no?"
"Well, that ain't right!" Applejack declared. "Welp, this is it," she repeated, happily nodding to the water-filled tub in front of them.
Storm peered into the washtub, blinking confusedly at the many apples he saw floating in the water. The boy glanced back at the farmer.
"This is... apple bobbing?" he asked. Applejack laughed.
"Well, ya gotta bob fer 'em, o'course," she said, "Jus' stick yer head in an' try to grab one with yer mouth. No Force, no magic. If ya get one, ya keep the apple. One bit per attempt!" she said, before stiffening, "Er... I mean, first game's free if ya want."
Storm just rolled his eyes at how Aj was trying to be a good friend and not charge the boy seeing as how he'd never played this game. The Jedi pulled out some money and tossed it at the country gal.
"U-uh, thank ya kindly, Storm, but I can't..."
"Just take it, Aj!" said the boy as he wasn't gonna argue with the girl for doing her job.
Storm stepped up to the side of the tub, staring down at the floating fruit. The boy plunged his head into the water; he managed to stay submerged for a moment, then came up with a large green apple clutched between his teeth.
"Woowee!" Applejack hollered, "An' on yer firs' try too! Yer a natural gamer, Jedi!"
Storm merely took the apple from his mouth with his hand as he took a bite and gave Aj a thumbs up.
"My turn!" said Spike as he rushed over and dunked his head in, not concerned about getting his costume wet.
After a bit, the young prince pulled up as he had a tiny apple stuck between his teeth.
Alright, Sparky. Your turn!" gestured Storm.
"M-Me? Well, okay," said the princess, as she was a bit hesitant.
The princess approached the tub. She took a moment to remove her fake beard, which was attached to her hat, levitating it next to her. Twilight glanced back at Storm, took a deep breath, then plunged her head into the water. The Jedi turned to see Spike talking with Applejack; he sighed and turned back to Twilight, wondering what was taking her so long.
She was moving, at least, so she hadn't drowned. He felt a smirk form on his face. Was she really having that hard of a time grabbing an apple? He did it first try in a few seconds.
...
A spike of worry shot into him. She'd been under for about thirty seconds by now. Twilight's body jerked back suddenly, but her head stayed under.
"Uh, Sparky?" he asked, edging closer to her. Her body jerked again, but once more, her head remained under. Feeling his chest go cold, he rushed to her side and peered in, but it was for naught as Twilight suddenly pulled away from the tub, splashing water everywhere.
Storm shook away the water and turned to Twilight, only to clap a hand against his mouth. The princess had landed on her back, apparently hard enough to knock the wind out of her. But that wasn't what the Jedi Knight found funny.
Rather, it was the large red apple stuck in her eye.
"Th-that's a nice look for ya, Sparky," he said, stifling his laughter. She shook her head and sent him a confused look before her eyes looked at the water's surface.
She stared at the apple stuck to her right eye for a moment before her entire face went red.
"Wh-bu-I-!" her hands flashed for a moment, and the apple shot off her eye into the air as if it was fired from a cannon.
Storm couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face after that, which only caused her to blush harder.
--
"You all cleaned up now, Sparky?" Storm asked, smiling cheekily at the purple mare as she sat on a bench, wiping her eye with a towel to get the water out.
The princess in question sent him a glare, offset by the small smile she wore underneath.
"Yes, Storm," she snarked, "You can quit laughing about it. Bobbing for apples is a lot harder than it looks," she defended.
He scoffed, "Yeah? Then how'd I do it so easily?" he asked before frowning and looking away, ignoring the slight heat build-up in his face, "... You had me worried for a second there, ya know?"
"What?" Twilight asked, blinking in confusion. He fidgeted slightly.
"You were under the water for a pretty long time," he specified, "I... got a little worried you'd gotten stuck to the bottom of the tub or something and couldn't get out," he admitted. Twilight stared at him for a moment, turning red.
"O-oh... you... you were really worried?" she asked.
"I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't, you idiot!" he snapped, teeth bared slightly, though the blush on his face only worsened.
Twilight didn't flinch away from him; rather, his reaction only caused her to laugh a little. The princess stood up to face her partner as she grabbed his right hand and intertwined their fingers together.
"Thanks," she muttered, causing his anger to fade, replaced by his own confusion.
"For what?"
"For worrying," she replied immediately, then looked away, "A lot of things, dangerous things, we've been through, so it's nice to know that there's somebody worried about me."
"Well, I have a promise to keep, right?" said the boy.
"Yes," smiled Twilight as she stared into the teen's eyes.
The moonlight shined down, allowing the pair to see the other's faces. Their eyes stared into the other as soon they looked away with slight pink on their faces. Neither said anything as they looked away in silence.
"So... wanna play some other games?" asked Twilight.
"Sure," replied the boy as they walked away, hand in hand, to the other booths.
"So... what is the point of... this?" the Jedi asked, staring down at the stuffed spider in his hand indifferently,
"W-well," the person operating the booth, Rose, began, "you just gotta throw the spider in the middle of the web..."
Storm frowned as he exchanged his gaze between the spider and his apparent target.
"I see... and this is supposed to be fun?" he asked, glancing at Spike and Twilight, the latter of whom nodded while the former just shrugged.
"Meh," Spike grunted, earning a punch to the side from Twilight.
The boy looked at his target and tossed the spider. His spider fell a few feet short of the target, but a push from Twilight got him to try again. Sticking his tongue out in concentration, the Jedi threw his second spider, landing directly in the center of the web.
"So... that's it?" said Storm as he was given a small stuffed plushie.
"Congrats," said Rose.
"S-Sure..." stated the boy as he didn't seem to see the whole point of the game. "Here you go, Sparky. You can have it."
"F-For me?" stuttered Twilight as she caught the cute plushie that Storm had decided to give her. "W-Wow..."
"Don't think too much of it," stated Storm as he stuck his hands into his hoodie pockets and began to walk away with Spike.
The princess had some red on her face at seeing the small thing her partner had won for her; she hugged it tightly before going after the boys. The trio kept going to the many booths as they played the different games. All night, Twilight tried to show Storm some fun as while he wasn't impressed by most of the games, the boy was having some fun. Soon the festival was starting its annual costume-judging party for the kids. They were all on stage, and in the audience were Twilight and Storm.
At that moment, a small bat was shown flying above. He circled before he came down and landed on Storm's shoulder. The boy noticed it as the small mammal made some noises.
"Good work, Sonar," replied the Jedi as he saw Twilight was still looking ahead.
He quietly snuck away as the moon was high above, signaling to him who had shown up. Twilight, out of her eye, saw Storm riding off out of town and into a section of the forest. The princess was curious as to where her partner was going.
--
Storm was riding on Spirit as the horse ran through the woods. With his bat flying next to him, the boy was being led to where his foe was waiting. A white horse was on its back as its rider in a meadow full of flowers. The dark knight was shown without his head; he appeared even more menacing. Even without his missing limb, the dark knight heard the sound of hooves galloping as emerging from the woods was Storm.
The Jedi pulled back the reigns of his horse as it neighed and came to a stop. The boy was now looking at his foe from afar as the high moon provided enough light to see.
"Time for your judgment day, Jedi," said the knight.
Both riders drew their weapons, with Storm turning on his lightsaber. Neither backed down as they pointed their swords at each other. The pair then began to race forward as they charged ahead. They were getting closer and closer as if they were actual knights battling in ancient times.
The two were seconds away as they raised their swords and clashed against each other as they zipped by. The pair quickly turned around as they kept on charging at each other. Both knights were about to connect as both thought of the same thing. They each stood up and jumped into the air; the two clashed their blades in midair as they held for a few seconds before they jumped back and landed.
The headless knight waved his arm with a shield attached as dark magic headed toward Storm. The Jedi swung his arm about as he used the Force to make the magic spread out around him. The boy then lunged as he went for a downward slash, which the dark knight blocked with his shield. He then pushed it back and went for a swing as Storm brought his blade back to deflect himself.
The two knights stood in place, trading blows and swinging their blades. Watching this from a distance was a certain someone as they saw the headless figure and Storm fighting.
The two sword masters skidded along the ground as they came to a halt. Storm kept his lightsaber raised as the dark knight also had his weapon up. Storm made a great leap as he landed on the knight's shoulder before pushing off and landing behind him. The knight tracked his movements as he saw him land. He rushed at the boy as Storm turned and leaned back while twirling to avoid the swings. He did a full backspin, then swung his lightsaber upward on the rotation as the knight looked to block it with his shield. The momentum was stronger with Storm as he clanged against the shield and knocked it away.
Storm then twirled his lightsaber in his hand, bringing it upwards upside as it clashed with the knight's sword. The Jedi then pushed the sword back and quickly spun back with his hands behind him as he twirled his lightsaber. The boy spun back to face forward as he came with a side slash as a sound was heard.
The two figures were shown as something landed a few meters from them. It was a piece of the knight's sword as Storm managed to not only go for an attack but also slice off the sword of the knight who looked to block the boy's attack. Storm stood as he took a few steps back with his lightsaber. Standing there was the black knight on his chest; there was a slash mark from Storm's lightsaber as it pierced through him.
The knight then fell to his knees and put his hands on the floor. Storm looked at the foe as he was still moving. The knight used his last ounce of strength as he got to a knee and looked at the boy, despite Storm looking at a headless foe.
"You... have done well. To lose to a worthy foe is truly an honor."
The knight then waved his hand as dark orbs soon emerged from him. They were the souls of the people he terrorized as some of them turned back into the people while others started to ascend toward the sky. Storm watched it as he looked all around as the light from the moon made it look like a star shower ascending to the heavens. The boy then turned to look back at the headless knight.
"And now, it's time for my judgment to be passed. Strike me down, Jedi. Your path... lives across my grave. It is time for you to find the courage to walk it."
Storm tightened his grip on his lightsaber as he began to walk toward his defenseless foe. The knight sensed the boy approaching as he put his arms out, ready to accept his fate. The teen twirled his sword around as he held it high above him and looked at the knight. Then with a deep breath, Storm brought the weapon downwards, and there was silence. Nothing was said; no sound was made as there was complete silence.
The knight, while headless, sensed what happened. Storm was standing before him, and the boy didn't do what he said but instead turned off his lightsaber. Storm extended his arm out as he offered his hand to his foe.
"Your strength is remarkable," said Storm. "So then. Let me ask you a question. What does strength mean to you?"
The black knight thought about Storm's question as he gave his answer. "To some, you need strength to fight, win, and take everything. But to me, strength is the ability to make that which you believe in a reality," answered the knight.
He then grabbed Storm's hand as his head appeared. The Jedi was now seeing the knight's true face as he gave a respectful smile to the teen, which the boy returned as the armored foe started to fade into particles and disappeared. His judgment had been passed as he was now free.
The boy looked up at the sky and saw the soul ascend upward. It was met with two other blue orbs: the knight's wife and daughter. Together they went into the night sky as Storm and the person who had watched everything go down also smiled.
--
"Don't you just love happy endings?" Twilight asked, flicking her quill as she penned down what she was writing about the soul of the mysterious knight being set free.
"Eh, more of a bittersweet fan, myself," the Jedi Knight replied from one of the couches in the castle library, "Seems more realistic to me."
"I guess that's true," she said, turning to face him, "But isn't it more satisfying when everything works out in the end?" she asked, "When all those hardships and difficulties make the end so much more worth it?" He shrugged.
"Maybe to you," he said, "But the kind of stories that have you cheering for them the whole way along, only to turn against you by threatening to make you cry your heart out with that character's timely sacrifice? I find those ones speak to me far better than anything else."
Twilight swallowed at the admission. She ran a hand along her chest, feeling her skin brushing against herself. A moment passed before an unpleasant smell wafted up to her nose. She grimaced at the scent and looked down. Her skin was slightly matted in one or two places, a byproduct of tonight's excitement and her costume's heavy fabric.
"Ugh," she sneered, before looking at her partner, "Sorry, but I need to take a shower," she said, her eyes roaming his body for a moment. Said amethyst orbs narrowed, "Why aren't you all sweaty?" she asked, "You were fighting against a supernatural foe."
Storm laughed.
"Exercise, Sparky!" he taunted, "And a lot of it!" he added, "Maybe you should try it sometime instead of reading your happy endings so often?"
"I hate you," said Twilight as she threw the plushie Storm gave her at his face.
The princess and knight laughed as the girl closed the book and walked over to the couch. The girl sat next to her partner, leaned on him, and placed her head on his shoulder. The princess sighed and closed her eyes. Storm merely looked at the princess as he moved his head to her face and pushed away some hair strands.
"Happy Hallows Eve, Twilight," said Storm as he thanked the girl for tonight's festival.
"Happy Hallows Eve, Storm," replied the princess, looking at her partner with a smile.
Author's Note: A special Halloween edition that I've been working on these past few days. Hope you all enjoyed it. One thing to pay attention to is what Storm said at the very end to Twilight about he prefers bittersweet endings. That's something to keep in mind as starting next chapter, things will get very interesting and happen very fast as the next chapter is the start of an arc that is most beloved. I won't say what, you'll just have to wait and see. As always leave a review expressing your comments and thoughts. Also, Happy Halloween, or in Mlp terms, Nightmare Night.