Nightmare Night
It was currently a Saturday so Nova and Starburst took the opportunity of their free time to spend some time with their mother and father in the park. They had gathered near a tree in the park and sat under the shade to talk a bit. Cosmos and Starla were pleased to know their youngest son was getting an education from the local school in town, just as they were happy to learn Starburst had friends around his own age to hang out with. They talked and Nova informed his parents of a few more things about this world they would need to know to try and fit in.
Twilight had come looking for them and approached them with a smile. “Hello every pony, how are you all today?”
“Oh, hello Twilight, we’re doing fine thanks.” Cosmos answered.
“Nova here was just telling us a few other things about this world we’d need to know.” Starla informed.
“That’s nice, but there is something coming up you all don’t know about, I figured I should come and tell you.” Twilight stated as she drew closer and sat on her haunches next to Nova.
“Really, what’s that?” Starburst asked.
Twilight began to tell of a holiday that was on the way. “There is a holiday coming up you should know about.”
Starburst’s eyes lit up. “Really, a holiday? Like winter wrap up or the running of the leaves?”
Twilight giggled at Starburst’s enthusiasm. “No Starburst, this holiday is all about fun.”
Nova spoke up. “So what is it already? Don’t keep us in suspense.” He asked with a smile.
“It’s called Nightmare Night.” Twilight finally stated.
Just like that, Starburst’s enthusiasm disappeared. “Did….did you say……n-n-nightmare night. Uh, I’m not sure I want to take part in this. Thanks anyway Twilight.”
“Now hold on Starburst, don’t let the name fool you, it’s a lot of fun.” Twilight stated before Starburst could take off.
“Twilight, what is this Nightmare Night, it doesn’t sound very fun.” Cosmos said.
Twilight began to inform them. “It’s a holiday where we set up all kinds of spooky decorations and have booths with all kinds of fun games to play. There will also be a band to play music for dancing and hay rides and all sorts of fun thing. Plus, every pony wears a costume for Nightmare Night. You can pretend to be whatever you want. Aaaaannnd, there’s free candy.” Twilight practically sang out the last part.
Starburst’s ears perked up at the mention of candy. “Did you say….free candy?”
Nova rolled his eyes with a smile. “Oh boy, here we go.”
“I did Starburst. Every little pony dresses up in costumes, goes door to door and says the Nightmare Night rhyme to get free candy.” Twilight informed as she looked at him.
“Wow, that does sound fun, I can’t wait.” He then turned to his parents. “I can take part can’t I mom, dad? PLEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSSE!”
The two aliens smiled at their little son. “All right Starburst, I don’t see any reason not to.” Starla answered.
“ALL RIGHT!” Starburst cheered as he jumped into the air. “You two will take part too won’t you, it sounds like a perfect opportunity for us to have some fun together as a family.” Starburst stated as he looked at his parents and big brother.
Nova answered. “Sure, it does sound like fun. I’m in.”
“So are we, this does sound interesting.” Cosmos said with a smile.
Twilight smiled as she got Starburst’s attention. “Now then, what would you like to dress up for it?”
Nightmare Night:
Nightmare Night had arrived. Before that, Twilight let the family go through some books on other creatures of Equestria to find something they would want to dress up as, real or mythical. Nova had managed to make some adjustments to his and Starburst’s holo-emitters so as to create a costume for themselves. Starburst chose to disguise himself as one of the creatures he had heard about that live in the Everfree forest, a manticore. His head was the only thing that didn’t look different, but he did look like he had fangs in his mouth. For the rest of his costume, he had a lion mane around his neck, fake bat like wings on his back, and a scorpion tail, as well as orange fur. “GRR, beware, I am a manticore and I’ll eat you up.” Starburst growled at his big brother.
“Ha ha, very funny Starburst.” Nova said with a smirk. He had chosen to disguise himself as a zombie. He kept his green color but it was a darker shade. He had dark circles under his eyes, stiches all over his body, and his mane was a mess. It was a darker shade of green then the rest of him and had fake spiders in it. “So how do I look Starburst?”
“Not bad Nova, pretty scary. Now come on, I want to get that free candy.” Starburst was ready to bolt out the door to begin the holiday with his empty white bag around his neck just waiting to be filled with candy.
Nova chuckled. “All right, let’s go meet up with Twilight.”
“YAY!” So the two brothers headed out to Twilight’s.
They soon arrived and saw Twilight and Spike walking out. Spike was wearing a dragon costume while carrying a pile of candy in his claws and Twilight had on a cape and hat with crescent moons, stars, and bells lining them with a fake white beard hanging down from her chin. Nova greeted them first. “Hey there you two.”
“Hello Nova.” Twilight responded looking a little unhappy.
Starburst took notice of Spike’s costume. “Spike, are you dressed as a….dragon?”
Spike answered happily. “Yep.”
“Not very imaginative if you ask me.” Starburst commented.
“Twilight, who are you supposed to be?” Nova asked curiously.
“Well, I don’t expect you to know, but I’m dressed as Starwirl the bearded. He’s one of the most famous unicorns in history.” Twilight informed.
“And why do you seem so upset right now?” Nova asked concerned.
“Because so far, no pony seems to know who I’m dressed up as.” Twilight responded.
“Sorry Twilight, guess a lot of ponies don’t brush up on their history as much as they should. Sorry if I didn’t know right away.” Nova said with a frown.
Twilight’s frown was replaced with a straight look. “It’s fine Nova, I don’t expect you to know any famous ponies from Equestria history, let’s just go enjoy this night.”
Nova offered a smile to try and cheer her up. “Good idea, and if I may say so…..I think I like you better without a beard.” He joked to try and make her smile.
It worked as she cracked a smile. “I still think you should have come out as yourself. No pony would know the difference. I think it would be a great look for Nightmare Night too.”
“I appreciate the thought, but I just don’t think I want to take the chance just yet.
Before making it to the center of town, the group ran into Starla and Cosmos, both were dressed up as timberwolves. “Hey mom, hi dad!” Starburst happily cheered upon seeing his parents. “Nice costumes.” He commented.
“Thanks son, don’t you look adorable.” Starla commented.
Starburst frowned. “I’m not adorable, I’m a manticore, a horrible beast that will eat you. Rawr!” He roared, trying to look intimidating. It only served to get a giggle out of his mother.
“So you two are dressed up as timberwolves right?” Nova asked.
“I think that’s what they’re called, yes.” Cosmos answered.
“That’s right, you got the costumes down good by the way.” Twilight informed.
As the group talked, Nova happen to notice a dark cloud moving over head. He noticed a rainbow tail hanging out the back of it. Figuring what was about to happen, he quickly shot a warning bolt of magic just in front of it. “YAH!” A cry rang out from the cloud.
The group ceased their talk and looked to Nova. Twilight was the first to ask, “Nova, what was that?”
“What’s the big idea Nova?” Rainbow asked from atop the cloud. She was wearing a full body costume of black and purple with yellow zig zagging lines and yellow goggles giving her a fierce look.
Nova looked up to Dash as he responded. “Nice try Dash, but I’m not about to let you fire off a lightning bolt to scare us.”
Dash waved his comment off. “Awe lighten up Nova, tonight’s the perfect night for pranks.”
“Not when those pranks involve scaring my little brother. If you want to pull pranks like that, do it to some other pony, NOT my little brother.”
“Fine……OH, there’s a group over there.” Rainbow Dash quickly said as she pushed the cloud away.
“What was that about Nova?” Cosmos asked.
Nova was still looking up as he responded. “Appearantly, Rainbow Dash thought it would be funny to scare us with a lightning bolt from that cloud she had.” Nova turned back to face the group. "Starburst is scared enough of lightning, the last thing I want is some pony scaring him with it as a prank.”
“Thanks Nova.” Starburst said as he smiled up at his big brother.
Nova smiled back. “Any time little bro. Why don’t you and our parents go ahead and join the fun? I want to hang out with Twilight a bit.”
Before Starburst could respond, his three friends ran up to him. Scootaloo was dressed up like a wolf, Sweetie Belle was wearing a black cape, had a pair of fake fangs in her mouth, and her mane was combed back and looking slick, and Apple Bloom had her mane up and was colored black and white, had dark circles under her eyes, and had fake stiches all over her.
“Hey Starburst, neat costume.” Scootaloo complimented.
“Thanks, what’s up girls?” Starburst asked.
“Come on Starburst, were goin candy huntin together, we’re gonna meet up with Pinkie and some others ta go get candy and have fun.” Apple Bloom informed.
Starburst was a little hesitant. “I don’t know girls, I was kinda wanting to celebrate this holiday with my parents.”
“Come on Starburst, please.” Sweetie Belle begged.
Starburst was about to argue more but Cosmos came forward. “Go ahead son, it looks like your friends really want you to join them.”
Starburst looked up at his dad. “You sure dad?” He asked.
Starla came to his other side to respond. “Go ahead son, we can always spend time together, you go have fun with your friends.” She offered a smile.
Starburst smiled back. “Ok, I’ll see you later. Hope you two have fun.” Starburst was then off with his three friends to enjoy Nightmare Night.
Cosmos then turned to Twilight and Nova. “I think we’ll just wander around a bit on our own as well.”
“We’ll leave you two love birds alone.” Starla said with a smile.
“You sure mom?” Nova asked.
“Go on, we’ll be fine, we are grown ponies after all.” Cosmos said.
“All right, you two enjoy yourselves then.” Nova responded with a smile.
So with Starla and Cosmos gone, Twilight, Nova, and Spike went on their way and found Applejack hosting a bobbing for apples game. She was dressed up like a scare crow. “Happy Nightmare Night Applejack.” Twilight greeted.
Applejack greeted back with a smile. “Howdy Spike, hey Twilight, Nova. Nice costume.” Applejack directed to Twilight.
“Thanks, I’m a dragon.” Spike responded.
“I think she meant Twilight, Spike.” Nova responded.
Applejack walked up to Twilight and started fiddling with her fake beard. “With that beard, I reckon yer some kinda country music singer.”
Twilight was not pleased with that response. She grunted inwardly as Spike chuckled.
“While ya’ll are here, ya feel like bobbin fer an apple?” Applejack pointed to the bucket where Golden Harvest, who was wearing fake red horns, a red tail and a black cape, was about to dunk her head in to try and grab an apple.
Derpy suddenly popped out of the water with a plug in her mouth. All the water in the bucket drained out as Derpy frowned. She just had a bunch of brown paper bags on her head and hooves.
Nova couldn’t help but smile and rolled his eyes. He walked over to her as he spoke. “Derpy, what are you doing?”
“Sorry, I just don’t know what went wrong.” Derpy stated as Nova helped her out.
“Well for starts, you’re supposed to stand outside of the bucket and just dunk your muzzle in, not your whole body.”
“Oh, that does make more sense.”Derpy said with a smile.
Applejack and Twilight talked while Nova spoke with Derpy. “Derpy…..there’s……something I want to tell you. But it will have to wait for later. Do you think you can meet up with me later on tonight?”
Derpy looked a bit more confused with her crossed eyes. “I guess so, what’s this about Nova?”
“There’s…..a secret I want to let you in on, but it has to be someplace private where no pony can overhear us when I tell you.”
“Really? What kind of secret?” Derpy asked with a smile.
“I’ll tell you later if you’ll meet with me.”
“Ok, sure, no problem. I’ll promise not to tell anypony now if you want.”
Nova smiled. “You don’t have to now, but thanks anyway, I’ll see you later tonight.”
Nova went back to join Twilight just in time to hear the mayor begin a speech on a stage set up nearby. She was dressed up like a clown with a rainbow afro wig, a big red nose, a big polka dotted bow tie, and floppy red shoes. “Thank you every pony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night festival.” The crowd that had gathered cheered. “Every pony that has been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the tale of….Nightmare Mooooon. Mwa ha ha ha ha.” She tried to sound spooky as she laughed.
Nova had gotten to meet Zecora in the past and got along with her just fine with the others. He had found it strange though that she always rhymed, but he didn’t want to be rude so he never said anything about it. Zecora was the zebra he met in the past shortly after that incident with the poison joke flowers that disabled his ability to use his magic to disguise himself.
Spike leaned closer to Twilight. “The spooky voice would have been better if she weren’t dressed like that.” Twilight and Nova couldn’t help but laugh a little at Spike’s comment.
A green mist suddenly appeared on the stage next to the mayor and Zecora emerged. She was wearing a flowing black dress, her mane was down and had spiders in it. “Follow me and very soon, you’ll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon.” Twilight, Nova, and Spike followed behind a group of young ponies with Pinkie Pie leading them who was dressed like a chicken. Starburst was among them with his three friends with a bag full of candy.
The group soon came to a statue of an alicorn that was rearing up and had sharp teeth as she smiled wickedly. Zecora began her tale. “Listen close my little dears. I’ll tell you where you got your fears. Of Nightmare Night so dark and scary.” Zecora reached into her dress and pulled out some green powder. She blew it off her hoof and it flew up into the air just above every ponies heads.
It took on the form of Nightmare Moon. “Of Nightmare Moon who makes you wary.” The image swooped down and crashed into the crowed, creating that same green mist Zecora made earlier. “Every year, we put on a disguise, to save ourselves from her searching eyes.” Two little ponies cried out in fear from a pair of eyes and a grinning mouth of sharp teeth, only for it to be Zecora emerging from the mist.
One of the little ponies, who was dressed like a pirate, and had a white coat with brown spots, ran into the statue. “Nightmare Moon just wants one thing. To gobble up ponies in one quick swing.” The little one had backed up from the statue and bumped into Pinkie who had her head in the dirt like an ostrich. The two screamed.
Starburst quickly ran over to Nova and hid behind him. Nova was not happy with this, since it was scaring his little brother.
Zecora continued with her tale as she threw out more of her green powder that formed into Nightmare Moon again. “Hungrily she soars the skies. If she sees no pony, she passes by. So if she comes and all is clear, then Equestria is safe another year.” The image flew up and faded out.
The little pony dressed as a pirate approached Zecora. “Um, miss Zecora, if we were cautioned to hide from her on Nightmare Night, how come we still need to give her some of our candy?”
“A perfect question my little friend, for Nightmare Moon you must not offend.” Zecora answered in her rhyming. She then took out more of her powder and blew on it, forming Nightmare Moon again. “Fill up her belly with a treat or two, so she won’t return to come eat you!” The form lept forth and crashed into the crowd.
“Nova, I don’t like this holiday anymore.” Starburst said from behind his brother.
Twilight came up next to him to try and comfort him. “Starburst, it’s ok, Nightmare Moon is gone now. She isn’t real anymore.”
Starburst looked up at Twilight. “Really?”
Nova turned around and placed a hoof on his little brother’s shoulder. “Listen Starburst, Twilight told me all about this Nightmare Moon. She was princess Celestia’s younger sister who let her emotions get the better of her a long time ago, turning into Nightmare Moon. She was banished to the moon for a thousand years and then made a comeback. But Twilight and her friends found the elements of harmony and used them to make her good again. This happened shortly before we showed up here.”
“So, no Nightmare Moon?” Starburst asked.
“No Nightmare Moon.” Nova simply answered with a small smile.
Starburst gave one back.
Suddenly, the wind picked up and the clouds overhead began to swirl about. A dark carriage being pulled by a pair of ponies with bat like wings and slitted eyes and dark armor appeared. A cloaked figure riding the carriage. “It’s Nightmare Moon, RUN!” Pinkie shrieked. She, Zecora, and all the other little ponies ran off. Starburst stayed with his big brother, but began shaking in fear.
Twilight, Nova, Spike, and Starburst rushed to the center of town where the carriage was headed. It stopped in mid-air and the cloaked figure hovered down to the ground. All the ponies around cringed in fear of the sight. “Whoa, who’s that?” Nova asked.
The figure flung it’s head up and the hood flew back, revealing the face of a mare. She had blue eyes, a dark blue coat, a flowing mane and tail that looked to be made of stardust, was wearing an onyx crown, black necklace with a crescent moon on it and silver shoes on her hooves. She started taking a few steps forward and her cloak turned to bats that flew away. She had a horn and wings. On her flank was a black splotch with a crescent moon on it.
Every pony but Twilight, Nova, Spike, and Starburst got low to the ground. Twilight and Nova were the only ones not showing any sign of fear. “Princess Luna.” Twilight happily said. She started walking towards her but Spike quickly pulled her down and shushed her with a claw.
The alicorn Twilight identified as Luna approached a Pegasus mare dressed as a witch on the ground and gave a smile. The mare just cringed more. Luna raised a hoof and began to speak very loudly. “Citizens of Ponyville, we have graced your village with our presence so that you might behold the real PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!”
“Great galaxies, does she really need to shout so much?” Nova commented.
Luna continued. “A creature of nightmares no longer, but instead, a pony who desires your love and admiration. Tonight, we shall change this dreadful celebration into a BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS FEAST!” She declared as she reared up and raised a hoof just as a bolt of lightning went off.
“Did you hear that every pony, Nightmare Moon says she’s going to feast on us all.” Pinkie said, which was then followed by her and the other little ponies she was with to run screaming.
“But…..that’s not what she said.” Starburst said, showing less fear.
“Pinkie, what are you doing?” Nova asked to himself.
Luna then started speaking normally. “What? No children no. You no longer have reason to fear us. Screams of delight is what your princess desires, not screams of terror.” She declared with the stomp of a hoof, frightening another pony nearby. Luna then turned to the mayor and approached her. “Madam Mayor, thigh princess of the night hath arrived.” Luna pointed a hoof at her, causing her to cringe. Luna frowned at this and looked to a pony next to her. She then pointed her hoof at her and she cringed too. “What is the matter with you?” She asked confused as she pointed her hoof at other ponies that just cringed.
“Very well then, be that way. We won’t even bother with the royal traditional farewell.” Luna said in a huff as she walked off.
Twilight finally stood up. “I’m going to go talk to her.”
“I’ll go with you, she doesn’t seem so bad.” Nova offered.
Spike then got in front of them to stop them. “You can’t talk to her, she’s Nightmare Moon.”
“She doesn’t look like it.” Starburst pointed out.
“She’s not Nightmare moon. I saw the elements change her back to good. But it seems she’s having trouble adjusting after being gone for a thousand years.”
“I can’t imagine what that must have been like.” Nova said.
Twilight turned to him. “Are you sure you want to come with me, aren’t you afraid Luna will see through your disguise?”
“Maybe a little, but if she’s anything like her sister, I don’t think I’ll have much to worry about.” Nova responded.
“I want to come too.” Starburst said. “She doesn’t seem as scary as I thought.”
Nova smiled at his little brother. “That’s because you were afraid of Nightmare Moon, not princess Luna.”
Spike stayed behind as the three went to find Luna. They soon found her in front of the statue of Nightmare Moon lying on the ground looking down. “Princess Luna.” Twilight called to get her attention. Luna stood up and faced Twilight. “My name is…”
“Starswirl the bearded.” Luna cut her off. “Commendable costume. Thow even got the belles right.”
Twilight smiled big at this. “Thank you, finally, some pony who gets my costume.” Twilight soon remembered why she came here in the first place. “Uh, we just came to welcome you to our celebration. My actual name is….”
“Twilight Sparkle.” Luna cut her off again. A wind picked up and clouds formed overhead as Luna began to hover and speak in her loud voice. “It was thow who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!”
Nova cringed a bit and folded his ears back while Starburst just hid behind him and covered his ears. “By the stars she can yell.” Nova commented.
Twilight continued. “And that was a good thing, right?” She asked.
Luna landed in front of her and just yelled normally. “But if course, we could not be happier! Is that not clear?!”
“Well you kind of sound like you’re yelling at me.” Twilight pointed out.
“But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice. It is tradition to speak using the royal we, and to use this much volume when addressing our subjects!” She shouted again.
Her shout left Twilight’s had askew and beard stiff in the air. She just calmly placed her hat straight and readjusted her fake beard. “Well that might explain why your appearance was met with mixed results. I think if you just change your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception.”
“Change our approach!” Luna shouted again.
“Lower the volume.” Twilight simply stated.
“A lot.” Starburst commented from behind Nova.
Twilight then realized she hadn’t introduced Nova yet. “Oh, right, sorry princess, these are friends of mine. This is….”
Luna cut her off again. “Nova, one of the newer bearers of the elements of harmony. My sister has told me of the.”
Nova stepped forward. “A pleasure to meet you your majesty. And this is my little brother Starburst.”
Starburst came out from behind Nova and approached her shyly. “Hello princess Luna, it is nice to meet you.”
“You do not seem afraid of me like the others. We are pleased by this.” Luna said with a smile.
“Yeah well, we can see clearly that you’re not this Nightmare Moon every pony is afraid of.” Nova said.
Starburst gave a small smile. “You seem nice, like your sister.”
“I thank thee little one, for thine comment.”
Nova then came in. “Now as Twilight was saying, you might want to think about not yelling like you have been. It’s not exactly the best way to make a good impression.”
“We have been locked away for a thousand years, we are not sure we can.” Luna stated with a frown.
“I have an idea that might help.” Twilight stated. “Follow me princess, I’ll take you to some pony that might be able to help.”
“Very well, lead the way.” Luna stated.
The group of four soon arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage with Twilight leading the way. “Don’t worry princess, Fluttershy can give you some great pointers. She delicate and demur with the sweetest little voice.” Twilight knocked on the door.
“GO AWAY, NO CANDY HERE, NO VISITORS WELCOME ON NIGHTMARE NIGHT!” Fluttershy shouted out.
“Wow, so much for delicate and demur.” Starburst mused.
“What was that about?” Nova questioned.
Twilight gave a sheepish smile. “I forgot that she doesn’t like Nightmare Night.” Twilight then called out to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, it’s us, your friends.”
Fluttershy opened the door and peeked out. “It is you.” She opened it wider and saw Luna standing there. “Oh, and Nigtmare Moon.” She immediately freaked out. “Nightmare Moon! AH!” She slammed the door shut.
Twilight laughed nervously. “Wait right here.”
Nova looked to his little brother. “Starburst, you don’t mind waiting out here with the princess do you?”
Starburst smiled. “No, I don’t mind.”
“Good, we’ll be right back.” Nova and Twilight went in to Fluttershy’s house.
There was a racket heard from inside and Fluttershy was then pushed out by Twilight and Nova. “Fluttershy, you remember princess Luna.” Twilight said.
Luna raised a hoof in greeting. “Charmed!”
Fluttershy rushed back into her house, only to be pulled back out by Twilight’s magic and floated back in front of her. She plastered on a nervous smile. “Likewise.”
“Twilight Sparkle has spoken of the sweetness of thy voice! We ask that thow teaches us to speak as thow speakest!”
Fluttershy was on the ground cringing. “Okay.” She answered meekly.
“Shall our lesson begin?!”
“Okay.”
“Shall we mimic thy voice?!”
“Okay.”
“How is this?!”
“Perfect lesson over.” Fluttershy quickly answered and bolted for her house, only to have Nova close it before she could get in and slammed into it.
“Try being a little softer princess.” Nova said.
“How is this?!” Luna asked as she lowered the volume of her voice.
“Better, right Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as she looked to Fluttershy, still plastered to the door.
Fluttershy managed to free her head and looked back. “Yes.” She then fell from the door to the ground.
“How….about….now!” Luna said, seemingly struggling.
“You almost got it princess.” Starburst encouraged.
“And, how about now?” Luna asked speaking normally.
“Yes, well done.” Twilight congratulated.
Luna then used her magic to grab Fluttershy and pulled her into a hug, switching her from shoulder to shoulder, speaking loudly again. “I thank thee dear Fluttershy, for a normal sounding voice will surely win the hearts of thine fellow villagers.” Poor Fluttershy just had a scared look on her face.
Pinkie then came trotting up with the little ponies following her. “Fluttershy, you have to hide us. Nightmare Moon is here and….” She stopped when she saw the goofy look on Fluttershy’s face in Luna’s grasp. “She’s stolen Fluttershy’s voice so she can’t scream when she GOBBLES HER UP!” This sent the little ponies in a panic and they all ran.
Nova glared at her as they ran. “PINKIE!” Nova shouted.
Luna became worried at this as she reached out a hoof to the panicking and fleeing ponies. “Nay children, wait!” She quickly ceased her shouting. “I mean, nay children wait.”
“What was that all about?” Starburst questioned.
Nova hung his head and shook it with a sigh. “I don’t know. But I have a feeling Pinkie is going to be a problem for us later on.”
Twilight just put on a smile. “Come on princess, time for plan B.”
They soon came back into town and the ponies quickly dropped to the ground cringing in fear. “It is of no use Twilight Sparkle, Nova, they have never liked us, and they never shall.”
Nova spoke to try and cheer her up. “Don’t worry your majesty, just give them time. We won’t quit until every pony here sees what a good pony you are.”
“Our friend Applejack is one of the most likeable ponies around.” Twilight pointed out. “I’m sure she’ll have some ideas.”
They soon came to the apple bobbing game Applejack was at where the little pirate pony, Pipsqueak, was about to fall in. Applejack grabbed him just in time. “Whoa, careful there partner.” She set him down on the ground and he happily trotted away. She turned and saw Luna before her. She yelped and dropped to the ground.
“Uh, Applejack, the princess is looking for a little advice on fitting in around here.” Twilight said to her.
Applejack looked up from her position. “Fittin in, really?”
Nova came in. “Yes, fitting in. She is princess LUNA after all.” He emphasized with a glare.
Applejack got back up. “I mean, that’s easy. All you gotta do is have the right attitude. Loosen up, be positive, play a few games, have fun.”
“Fun? What is this….fun thow speakest of?” Luna asked.
“You really don’t know what fun is?” Starburst asked.
“Starburst, don’t be rude now.” Nova lightly scolded.
“Right, come on princess, I’ll show you.” Starburst quickly volunteered. He led Luna with Twilight, Applejack, and Nova following over to a game set up with fake spiders and a web.
“Wow Starburst, you’re eager to help.” Nova stated with a smile.
“Hey, who better to show the princess how to have fun than me?” Starburst pointed out.
At the stand, there was a pony dressed as a bee cringing and shivering. Starburst approached the stand and took hold of a fake spider. Luna noticed this and asked, “What purpose do these serve?”
Starburst answered. “Simple, you toss the spiders and try to land them on the web there. Watch this.” Starburst took careful aim with his spider and gave it a toss. He managed to land it near the bottom of the web. “Awe quasars. Oh well, you try princess, just try to land the spider on the center and you’ll win.” Starburst took another spider and gave it to Luna.
Luna took aim and tossed, the spider landed on the ground just in front of the web. “You can do it princess!” Applejack cheered.
“Try again.” Nova also cheered.
Starburst gave her another spider. Luna took careful aim and tossed it. This time she managed to land it dead center on the web. “Nice shot princess.” Starburst cheered.
Luna smiled. “Hah, your princess enjoys this fun.” Other ponies had started to gather around. “In what other ways may we experience it?”
The group soon led Luna to a pumpkin launching game. Luna placed a pumpkin in a small catapult. “Fire away princess!” Twilight cheered.
Luna pressed down on the catapult and released it, launching the pumpkin into the air. It hit the target dead on. “Ha ha, the fun has been doubled!” Luna cheered. The crowed of ponies cheered for Luna.
“Why don’t you try bobbin fer apples, we got the best apples here in Equestria princess.” Applejack said with a smile.
“I ask that thow call us…me….Luna, dear Applejack.” Luna stated, correcting her speech. She then called out to all the ponies. “Hear me villagers, all of you, call me Luna!” The crowd started sounding off in approval. “Show me to these bobbing apples.”
“It’s a lot of fun princess.” Starburst stated.
“And trust me, Starburst knows fun.” Nova stated jokingly.
Twilight and Applejack laughed at his comment.
They soon approached the apple bobbing station just in time for Luna to see Pipsqueak fall in. Luna quickly rushed over and pulled him out. Unfortunately, Pinkie Pie and the kids came by just in time to see Luna holding Pipsqueak in her mouth. “Hey gals, any pony seen Pip, we lost him when we last had to run from….BUKAWK! Nightmare Moon is gobbling Pipsqueak! EVERY PONY RUN!”
“Not this again.” Nova complained.
Pipsqueak started screaming. “Aaahhh, my backside has been gobbled!” Just as Luna set him down on the ground.
“Tis a lie, thy backside is whole and ungobbled ungrateful welp.” Luna declared with a hoof stomp, causing a bolt of lightning to go off. The other ponies started backing away from her in fear. Luna started getting fearful now that the others would start being afraid of her again. “Fair villagers, do not back away. Let us join together in….fun!” She looked around desperately and found one of the fake spiders from the spider toss game on the ground. She tossed it towards the crowd and it just landed on the ground with no results. Luna frowned. “Not enough fun for you? What say you to….this?!” She fired off a magic spell at the spider, bringing it to life and making it real. The ponies panicked and ran off.
Luna fired the spell again at the other fake spiders at the spider toss. They started swarming and some of them crawled onto the poor mare that was hosting the game while the others crawled over to the web and got on the center of it. Luna smiled and spread out her wings. “Hazah, how many points do I receive?”
“Nova, this doesn’t look good.” Starburst pointed out.
“Tell me about it.” Nova agreed.
The whole square was now in a panic as ponies ran about in fear. “Do not run away.” Luna tried to say, but no pony listened. One ran into a barrel of apples and knocked it over. “As your princess, we command you.” Luna tried again. Two ponies ran into each other, one ran into a cart and knocked off a giant fake piece of candy, causing it to roll off. The mayor tried to climb up a poll but only caused it to fall over. Luna had enough. “BE STIIIIILLLLLL!” She shouted as lighting went off.
Every pony stopped where they were and fell silent. Twilight came forward to try and reason with her. “Princess remember, watch the screaming.”
Luna turned to Twilight with her eyes glowing pure white. “No Twilight Sparkle. We must use the traditional royal Canterlot voice for what we are about to say!” Luna started flying up as she spoke. “Since you choose to fear your princess rather than love her, you dishonor her with this insulting celebration. We decree that Nightmare Night shall be cancelled…..FOREVER!” Luna then flew off.
“Forever? But this is our first one, that’s not fair.” Starburst complained.
“Shoot, we had everythin goin our way. Luna was happy, every pony in town was happy, now look at em.” Applejack said sadly.
Starla and Cosmos soon arrived and approached them. “Nova, what in the galaxies was all that about?” Cosmos asked.
“Is every pony all right, why was every pony panicking just now?” Starla asked.
“It’s a long story mom.” Nova stated sadly.
“I can’t believe it, my first Nightmare Night and it’s all over.” Starburst stated sadly as he sat on his haunches and eyed his bag of goodies.
Twilight came up next to Starburst and placed a hoof on his little shoulder. “It’s not over yet Starburst. Nova, I need your help.”
“What for?” Nova asked curiously. “What can we do?”
“I’m going to do what I do best, lecture her. Come on.” Twilight declared as she started galloping off.
Nova put a hoof on Starburst. “Starburst, why don’t you stay with mom and dad for a bit while we try to sort this out?” Starburst nodded sadly. Nova then took off after Twilight.
Nova and Twilight ran about the town looking for Luna, they soon spotted her crossing a bridge hanging her head. The two trotted over with Twilight speaking to get her attention. “Princess?”
“Leave me be Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said sadly with a sob.
“Princess, please, this is all just one big misunderstanding.” Nova stated.
Twilight continued. “He’s right, I’m sorry things haven’t worked out the way we wanted for us, but you have to believe that Nightmare Night is one of the most popular celebrations we have.”
Luna began sarcastically. “Yes, I can tell by all the adoring shrieks of the children as they run away.” She continued to walk away.
Nova spoke out. “This is all Pinkie’s fault you know. If she hadn’t been shouting all that ridiculous stuff and screaming, things would have gone better.”
“Your right Nova, we need to have a word with her. Princess, wait up, I think I have another plan!” Twilight called as she and Nova trotted to catch up to her.
A little later in the night, Pinkie was going around and happen to see a piece of candy lying on the ground. She quickly went over to it and pecked the wrapper off then ate the candy inside. She saw another a little further away and did the same. She found a trail that eventually led her into an alley. She was about to do the same thing when Twilight tackled her to the ground and held a hoof over her mouth. “NO, no shrieking, no squealing or screaming either, okay?” Twilight asked.
“Okay.” Pinkie responded, her voice muffled by Twilight’s hoof.
Nova came up to her next. “Pinkie, we have something to show you and we promise it’s not scary, but you have to promise not to scream or yell or shout or anything, do you promise not to scream?” Pinkie nodded.
Twilight got off Pinkie and the two stepped aside to reveal Luna looking none too happy. Pinkie was about to freak out but she quickly covered her mouth with her hooves. Twilight began. “Pinkie Pie, you remember princess Luna right?”
Luna approached Pinkie. “Ah, the ring leader of the frightened children.” Luna crossed one leg over the other looking shy. “Has thow come to make peace?” She asked with a smile. She reached out a hoof for a shake.
Pinkie started reaching out a hoof to take Luna’s, but that was when Rainbow Dash thought it a good time to pull her prank. She shot a bolt of lightning out and made it look like Luna’s eyes flashed, scaring Pinkie. “Nightmare Moon!” Pinkie shrieked as she started running away.
“Rainbow Dash!” Nova scolded as Rainbow rolled around on the cloud in laughter.
Twilight quickly teleported into Pinkie’s path and managed to get her back to the ground before she could get away. “She’s changed Pinkie, she’s not evil or scary anymore, and she definitely doesn’t want to gobble you up!”
Pinkie looked shocked for a moment. “Well duh.” She stated.
Twilight looked confused at her statement, as did Nova. “Huh?” Twilight asked.
“I know that, sheesh Twilight, I’m almost as big as her, how is she going to gobble me up?” Pinkie asked as if it were obvious.
Nova then came to Twilight’s side and looked down at her. “But then, why did you keep screaming when you saw her and yelled all those things?”
“Sometimes it’s just really fun to be scared.” Pinkie explained with a smile.
“WHAT?” Nova practically shouted. He lifted Twilight off Pinkie with his magic and set her back down just behind him. He then stood over pinkie with a glare. “Let me get this straight, you’ve been screaming your head off, yelling all these ridiculous things because it was FUN?!”
Pinkie was looking less sure of herself as she answered. “Uh, yes?”
“Pinkie Pie! Don’t you realize we’ve been trying to help Luna fit in? Because of all your screaming and shouting, it’s been making it impossible to do that! You think it’s fun? Look at Luna, does she look like she’s having fun?” Nova asked as he pointed a hoof to Luna.
Pinkie frowned, she looked to Luna, then back to Nova. “Well…..no.”
“I didn’t think so. Now because of you, we may end up losing this holiday. I’m sorry Pinkie, I know this was unintentional, but you have really messed up. Luna wants to be loved, not feared!”
Pinkie stuttered. “I…I…”
Nova sighed. “Just forget it.” He turned around and walked away a bit.
Twilight was a little shocked at Nova’s reaction. She came up behind him and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Nova, don’t you think that was a little harsh?”
Nova looked up and back at her. “Twilight, Pinkie was making every pony afraid of Luna. I think I said what was needed to be said, she really needs to think before she acts.”
Luna then approached. “Nova, you seem to have a much stronger reaction to this than I. I am the one that wishes to be loved, yet you act as if this is very important to you. Why is that?”
Nova turned fully around to face Luna. “If it is important to you and Twilight to help you be loved like you want, then it’s important to me too.” He simply answered.
Pinkie cautiously stepped up to the group looking sullen. “I….I’m sorry Nova, I was just trying to have fun.”
Nova looked at Pinkie. “I’m not the one you should apologize too.” He pointed a hoof to Luna who was now looking at her.
Pinkie approached Luna with a small smile. “Princess Luna, I’m sorry I was messing up your chances to get along with every pony, I hope you can forgive me.”
Luna returned the smile. “As long as thow are sorry for thine actions, we…..I can find it in my heart to forgive you.”
Pinkie’s smile grew wider.
Twilight smiled at the scene as well. She then got an idea. “Say, princess, I think I have an idea that can fix everything.”
After explaining her idea, Luna went with Nova back to the statue of Nightmare Moon and hid in some nearby bushes. After some time, a group of kids arrived and started dumping their candy at the base of the statue. After the last one did so, Nova gave Luna the signal. “All right princess, you’re up.”
Luna used her magic to kick up the wind and began speaking in her royal Canterlot voice. “Citeizens of Ponyville, you were wise to bring your candy to me.” As every pony there was looking around, Luna used her magic to make the statue disappear, make herself look like Nightmare Moon and took its place. “I am pleased with your offering, so pleased in fact, that I may eat IT, instead of EATING YOU!” She declared as Pipsqueak looked back and saw her with sharp fangs.
The kids screamed and ran off to hide in a nearby bush. Once gone, Luna changed back to her normal self and spat out the fake fangs she had in her mouth. Nova emerged from the bushes he was hiding in and joined Twilight and Luna. “HAH, that was brilliant princess, perfect.” Nova cheered.
“I am not certain that did what you meant it to do Twilight Sparkle.” Luna directed to Twilight.
“Just wait.” Twilight stated with a smile.
“For what? For them to scream some more?” Luna asked.
Just then, she felt a tug on her mane. “Um, princess Luna, I know there isn’t going to be any more Nightmare Night, but do you think you could come back and scare us again next year anyway?” Pip asked.
Luna was surprised by this. She saw the kids looking at her from the bush, then looked back to Pipsqueak. “Child, are’t thow saying that thow…..likest me to scare you?”
“It’s really fun, scary, but fun.” Pip answered.
“It tis?”
“Yeah, Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year.”
Luna smiled big at his response. “Well then, we shall have to bring......Nightmare Night BACK!” Luna shouted, blowing the little colt back.
“Whoa! You’re my favorite princess ever.” Pip declared. He then hugged one of her forelegs before running off to join the other kids. “She said yes guys.” The children cheered.
Twilight smiled as she came to Luna’s side. “See, they really do like you princess.”
Nova came up to Twilight’s side. “I knew her plan would work.”
“Can it be true?” She smiled. “Oh most wonderful of……I mean, oh most wonderful of nights.” Luna said softly. She turned to face Nova and Twilight. “I wish to thank you both for all your help this night. I cannot thank you enough.”
Nova gave a smile. “No need for thanks princess, I’m just glad I could be of help. But Twilight here is the genius. She came up with most of the plans to help you out.”
“Awe, thank you Nova.” Twilight said as she planted a kiss on Nova’s cheek.
With that out of the way, Nova, Twilight, and princess Luna headed back into town where Luna got a better reception this time. Nova got back with his little brother who was happy to hear that Nightmare Night wasn’t going to be cancelled, he was looking forward to celebrating this holiday again next year. Luna got to have fun with the ponies of Ponyville and every pony had a good time that night.
Sometime later in the night, things started to wind down and the celebration was coming to an end. Nova and Starburst said their goodnights to their parents and went on to their homes. Starburst was looking very sleepy but had a smile on his face. Eventually, Nova had to carry Starburst on his back. As he was making his way home, he ran into Derpy. “Hey Derpy, glad I ran into you, I know it’s late, but I figured now would be a good time to tell you that thing I wanted. Is that all right?”
“Sure, I don’t mind staying up late.” Derpy answered with a smile. “I take it Starburst had a good time?” She asked as she noticed Starburst’s sleeping form.
“You could say that.” The two walked to Nova’s house and he invited her in. “Just let me get him to bed, make yourself comfortable.”
“Ok.” Derpy took a seat on Nova’s couch and waited paitently.
Nova soon came back out after removing Starburst’s bag of candy and necklace. He walked over to Derpy and took a seat next to her. “Derpy, if I were to tell you that me and my family weren’t originally from Equestria, what would you say?”
Derpy looked at Nova curiously for a moment before responding. “Well, it’s not a big deal to me, I don’t care where you’re from. So you and your family are from another country?”
“Well…..if I were to say……we’re from much further away, what would you think?”
Derpy still looked confused. “Much further, what like….from half way around the world or something?”
Nova sighed. “Much further than that.”
Derpy thought a moment longer. “How can you get much further than that? What are you trying to say Nova?”
Nova looked Derpy in the eyes. “Look, you like me for who I am right?”
“Yes?” Derpy answered.
“And we are good friends, right?”
“Of course we are. Nova, what’s going on, what is all this about?” Derpy asked, sounding a little worried.
“What I’m trying to say is……well….me and my family…..we’re…..aliens.” Nova finally relented.
Derpy paused a moment. This information buzzing in her head a good while. After a moment of silence, she spoke. “Aliens, as in…..ponies from another planet?”
“Well….yes. Me, my brother, and my mom and dad are all aliens from another world out in space.”
Derpy paused another moment, then burst out laughing. “HA HA HA, oh man, HA HA, aliens huh? That’s a good one Nova.”
Nova frowned. “Derpy, I’m not joking, I’m serious here.”
“Uh huh, sure, and I’m a princess.” Derpy stated sarcastically.
Nova gave a sigh. “I see, then I’ll just have to prove it to you.” Nova got off the couch and stood before Derpy, he slowly reached up to where his necklace was hidden. Derpy stopped her laughing and watched Nova. He pushed the button on his necklace, deactivating his disguise and revealed his alien form.
Derpy’s crossed eyes went wide as she stared at him. “Whoa,you….you’re…..then……what?” Derpy was speechless.
“Derpy, please, PLEASE promise you won’t tell anypony about this unless I say so.” Nova said.
“Nova…..you’re really an alien?” Derpy asked.
“Yes Derpy, I am. Me and my brother came here looking for a home after we lost our planet. We just want a place to live out our lives. Please don’t tell any pony.”
“You, you lost your planet? But how?”
Nova went into his tale and explained everything to her. By the time he was done, Derpy looked sad. “Gosh, you lost your home and were separated from your parents just to float around space with no pony around? That’s aweful.”
“It was, but then we found this place and made friends. I know this is a lot to take in, but I would like to let others in on me being from another planet, but slowly. The six ponies I usually hang around and Spike already know, but you’re the first pony I’m telling willingly about me and my family being aliens. So what do you say, will you keep this a secret unless I say so? I’m putting a lot of trust in you here Derpy Hooves.”
Derpy gave Nova a smile. “Nova, I promise I won’t say a word to anypony without your say so.”
Nova smiled back. “Thank you Derpy, I really appreciate it. I’m glad I could tell some pony else about this, I don’t want to keep hiding like this forever, but I don’t know how other ponies will react to me and my family being aliens.”
“Well, you can count on me, I won’t say a word.” Derpy stated again with a smile.