//------------------------------//
// A Midnight Light 
// Story: Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales 
// by Nirtha 
//------------------------------//


Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales
Chapter 4: A Midnight Light
by Nirtha



Hello my dear Children, please hurry in
Enjoy the warmth my home holds within

Some years ago-In a city that exists far away
While I was in search for a way to spend my day
I had not found much before the sun had gone
Not to return until the morrow's break of dawn
Disappointment rose but I would not give up 
I was not one to walk away with an empty cup

Instead of heading back for a night's rest
I went in search of fun - I gave it my best
Trotting along a decaying broken walk
I felt quite lonely with none but myself to talk

As the sun went down the moon came to view
A cold chill rose and so did feelings anew
I was ready for the night - I gave a smile
I could stay outside for quite a long while
There was so much joy in the night air
So much more wonder rising everywhere

So I cantered along that old weathered road
There wasn't a sound but the croak of a toad
I looked around, wandering the strange town
I began to enjoy time with nopony around

The town was quite interesting - Like a place from a book
The city was archaic - Dust in every cranny and nook
I had even found some treasures - Somepony else's junk
Behind a home, I released a trunks clasp with a clunk
Within was a box wrapped up in an old dingy white cloth
And as I slowly lifted the lid, out fluttered a blue moth
As delicately as I could, I pulled out the wrapped box
I removed the cloth and let it slip down to the floor
I found a simple wooden box - Nothing less nor more
I had removed the lid to find that nothing lie inside
So I closed the box, wrapped it up, and sighed

Just as I was about to put the box in place 
A chime rang loud causing my heart to race
Startled I jumped back due to the sound
I wasn't expecting any with nopony around
Quickly I realized that everything was well
It was only the chime of the Midnight bell

Just when I relaxed - thinking nothing was wrong
The box began to shake and opened before long
Out came an orb - It glowed with a blinding white
It rose to the air and I could only stare at it's light
I knew not of it's origin - I knew not what it was
All I could tell was the hovering gave a buzz

In an instant the color changed - It was then shining red
It grew and then darted right for me - In fear I quickly fled
I galloped away - Once again I was being chased
This was not the same as those timberwolves I had faced
I knew nothing of what it was - Only what I could see
I knew not if it was safe or if it could maybe kill me
I galloped away and behind me that light stayed
I bent around many corners hoping it would be delayed
Twice I thought I had lost it but found I had been wrong
It seemed to always find me - It never took too long

My efforts seemed so futile - My approach needed to change
So I turned around and decided to try out something strange
I stood my ground and bared my teeth - I tried to muster a growl
It came out wrong and sounded weak so I tried instead to howl
The red orb took no notice and continued closing in on me
I panicked but did not move - Soon red was all I could see

The eyes were fixated - Not by my own control
My plan was foolish and now I had to pay the toll
I felt my coat prickle and my skin began to burn
But somehow I managed to force my head to turn
When I did I gained control and managed to flee
But the orb chased much to closely behind me
I still felt it's burn - I still felt the prickling in my coat
It felt as if the orb was a lion and I was a goat
Three more times I thought I was safe and sound
I had lost the orb and didn't see any red around

Each time I was wrong - It found me again
I knew I'd collapse but I didn't know when
I was growing weak as I'm sure you'd guess
But I hadn't learned how to keep out of a mess
The night dragged on and I saw a stretch of sun
I gasped for air uneasily - I was still on the run

I turned back to the orb - It seemed to have shrunk
But I still had doubts of this orb that escaped a trunk
The sun was rising but was now blocked by a house
It's hiding sunk my hope - I felt like a fleeing mouse

I couldn't go on - My strength was gone
So I turned around to face it head on 
The sun peaked over the shining it's light
Hitting the orb and lightening my fright

The orb had frozen and the buzzing became loud
The orb faded - disintegrating as it fell to the ground
I sighed in relief - I was safe and I was still alive
I was so very grateful that I managed to survive

My dearet children, please do listen up
Be wary of the way you choose to fill your cup
Never take more than you can handle on your own
Don't mess with what you don't know - Leave it alone