//------------------------------// // Chapter 33: Nightmare Night // Story: The Lost Crafter // by Jeffrey1000 //------------------------------// Steve headed for the train station. He was heading back to Ponyville to check up on his friends. He hadn’t had the time to visit them in a while, but today was a day off. It was a holiday there or some shit like that. He could finally catch up with Derpy and Applejack. He hadn’t spoken to them in a while. Most of the past month was spent doing he job. There wasn’t anything really bad that required him, or the princesses, save for one incident regarding Twilight that Celestia took care of. He arrived at the station, surprised by how empty it was. Then again, it was a holiday so this was probably normal. He ordered his ticket and waited for the train to arrive. When it did, he noticed it was just as empty as the station. Very few ponies got off, and very few got on. It didn’t really matter, considering he always had a car to himself. He sighed as he took a seat in the empty train car. “Another long trip.” He muttered to himself. “Alone, of course.” He said as he sighed again. Steve abruptly woke up. He looked around as he remembered what had happened. The train car was still empty, of course, but they train had stopped. He looked out the window. He had arrived at Ponyville. It didn’t look like how he last remembered. There were lights strung around town (though they were off because it was still day), skulls hanging from said lights, as well as some sitting in the ground, and what appeared to be heads of a pony, but they were dark, like shadows. “I see why they call it Nightmare Night.” He said to himself. “This looks like everything a normal pony’s nightmare would have.” Of course, his nightmares were very different, but he never really paid attention to them. Usually, they were just a reflection of the past, but he always pushed the down, just like he did with his emotions. Shaking his head to clear those thoughts, he made his way through the town. There were stands set up everywhere, as well as a stage being set up, by several construction ponies. After a few minutes of walking, he arrived at his destination. He knocked on the door, and Derpy’s familiar face answered it. “Oh, hey Steve.” “Hey Derpy. Mind if I come in?” Steve asked with a smile. “No, not at all. I was just getting ready for Nightmare Night.” She told him. “You?” Steve asked as he walked in. She looked at him with a confused expression signaling he needed to elaborate. “No offense, but aren’t you a little old for Nightmare Night?” “No way. As Pinkie Pie says, ‘you’re never too old for free candy.’” Steve laughed. “I was just wondering, what is Nightmare Night?” “Oh, it’s a night dedicated to remembering the what happened with Nightmare Moon.” She told him. “We usually get together and play games, share treats, and just have a good time.” “Oh, that sounds nice.” It sounded a lot like a holiday called Halloween where he was from. I wonder if they have holidays here like Christmas or Easter? He thought to himself. “So Steve, what are you doing here?” She asked. “Me? Oh I was just checking up on you. After all, I haven’t visited in a month. By the way, where’s Dinky?” “She’s just hanging out with her friends.” Derpy told him. “Oh, okay. How have you been lately?” Steve asked. “I’ve been fine. There hasn’t been much else happen, except for Discord, of course. Other than that it’s just been the same day over and over.” “Same.” Steve said. “Wait, what is it that you do?” She asked him. “Knowing Celestia, I assume there isn’t a lot of work to being the Secretary of Defense.” “And why do you assume that?” “Because she’s always been known for being the peaceful Princess of Equestria.” She explained. “Yeah, she told me she didn’t like handling military stuff, so I do have quite a bit of work. More than what most ponies know.” “Really?” Derpy said. Clearly Celestia wasn’t really up-front with the majority of military stuff. “Well, what kind of stuff do you do?” “Well, let’s see. I overlook training and recruitment, as well as manage budgets and spending. There about three secret projects, and spies located in...” he trailed off for a second, “I think I’ve said too much.” “Yeah.” Derpy agreed. “You should probably keep that a secret.” “Alright, I’m gonna go check up on Applejack. See ya.” “Bye, Steve.” She waved as he left. Steve shut the door behind him and began to jog down the street. He passed by several stands and games. It was almost night time which was when the celebrations really began. He continued to jog through the town, intent on making it before night. “Steve?” A familiar voice asked. He looked to his left. “Applejack!” He cried out in joy. “Good to see you.” The mare was dressed in her costume. He couldn’t really make out what it was, but his best guess was it was some sort of scarecrow. Either that, or she put a misleading amount of straw in her costume. “Good to see ya, too, partner.” She said back. “Though if ah may ask, what’re you doin’ here?” “Oh, well, just came to check up on you after the Discord incident and all. Haven’t been here in a month or so. I’ve been too caught up in my job, being Secretary of Defense and all. Anyways, enough about me, how have you been?” “Ah’ve been good. We had a couple of problems here and there, but nothin’ too bad.” “That’s good.” Steve stated. The two stood in an awkward silence for a little. “So...” Applejack started, “are ya gonna stay during the festival?” “I guess I’m gonna. Seeing that the next train back doesn’t leave in the next few hours, I don’t think I have much of a choice.” “Alright then, partner. Go have some fun.” She said with a grin. “Ah’ll see ya around.” “Bye Applejack.” He said as he waved goodbye. He spent a good minute walking through the town square, contemplating what to do. There were many games that seemed like fun. Suddenly, he heard applause coming from the area the stage was. Something’s happening. “Thank you everypony.” A mare, that he identified as the mayor, spoke. “And welcome to the Nightmare Night festival!”That was followed by more applause. Steve walked over to the crowd to listen in. “Now, all the little ponies who were out collecting sweets, should follow our friend Zecora, to hear the legend of...” she paused for a little, “Nightmare Moon.” She said with a creepy voice, before laughing an evil laugh. “Spooky voice might worked better if she wasn’t dressed like that.” Someone whispered, echoing Steve’s thoughts. Suddenly, there was a flash of green light, and a cloud of smoke, tinted green, appeared. A creature stepped forward through the smoke. If Steve could recall correctly, they were called zebras. “Follow me and very soon, you’ll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon.” She said. Steve also remembered that they spoke in rhymes. “Might as well tag along.” He whispered to himself. He hadn’t heard this tale as it wasn’t in any of the books he read. “Probably just some bull-, well in this case, horseshit story they tell their kids.” Well, from what Steve could tell, he was most likely right. He had listened to the zebra, Zecora, tell the kids the tale, and from what he could deduce, it was most likely a bunch of nonsense. That was until he spotted a carriage flying overhead. They all stared in awe, trying to figure out what it was. “It’s Nightmare Moon! Run!” Pinkie Pie yelled. She, along with Zecora and the foals, screamed and ran in the direction of Ponyville. Steve noticed that one pony, Twilight Sparkle, didn’t run with them. They looked at each other before they both just shrugged. “I think we should get back to Ponyville.” Another voice, one that he recognized as Spike, Twilight’s assistant, said. “Yeah,” Steve agreed, “let’s go.” They ran through the forest, attempting to catch up with the hoard of ponies. Eventually, they made it to Ponyville, where they could see the carriage hover in air. When they reached the town square, a cloaked figure jumped out. Steve pulled out his sword, preparing for whoever it was. When the figure landed, Steve was almost sure he knew exactly who it was. The pony removed her cloak, which caused every pony, except Twilight, to cower in fear. Steve put his blade away, as he knew exactly who she was. “Princess Luna.” He and Twilight said in unison. The unicorn tried to approach her, but was stopped by Spike. He pulled her down and put a finger over her mouth, shutting her up. Steve just stood, waiting to see what would happen. She approached ponies, causing them to cower even more. Eventually, she spoke. “Citizens of Ponyville!” Her voice cried out. “We have braced your tiny village with our presence, so that you may behold the real princess of the night! A creature of nightmares, no longer, but instead, a pony who desires your love and admiration. Together, we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!” When she finished talking, a bolt of lightning struck behind her. “Did you hear that everypony? Nightmare Moon said she’s gonna feast on us all!” Pinkie Pie cried out, causing the mob to scream and run again. “What?” Luna asked with confusion and disbelief. “No, children, no!” She cried out. “You no longer have reason to fear us! Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror.” She said slamming a hoof down. “Madame mayor,” she said facing the mayor, “thy princess of the night hath arrived.” The princess extended a hoof, but the mayor continued to cower. She tried doing it to another pony, but got the same reaction. “What is the matter with you?” She asked. She tried several more times, getting the same reaction. “Very well then, be that way! We won’t even bother with the traditional, royal farewell.” She said as she walked away. “Oh, boy.” Steve said. “This is gonna be a long night.”