Fright in the Night

Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales
Chapter 1: Fright in the Night
by Nirtha

Welcome, dear children, to my humble hut
Tonight I have a story of a wooden mut
I start you off with a story quite light
One with less fear - to end with more delight

Once upon a dark eerie night
Just the kind to instill you with fright
When I was a filly - when you were not born
I went in search of those tales left forlorn
I was so young- I had not put thought
Into the signs that my eyes ever caught
My days went so quickly but hours so slow
I just wanted fun and places to go
So off I went in search of some fun
Off through the trees away from the setting sun
I played and played all on my own
Among the trees and plants overgrown

Far from home- I had not fled
For I had fears of ending up dead
So near the edge, I trotted and hopped
Yes I was alone but imagination never stopped
I laughed at myself and observed all around
It was a joyous night until I heard the sound

A yelp and a howl from somewhere far
When no light came but from moon and star
My playing did cease, my ears twitched and turned
All was still, but my stomach had churned
Back then the sound was new
The creatures of which I knew were few
My heart skipped a beat, my head began to spin
I tried to cover it up with a forced laugh and grin
“It’s just far away, no reason to worry”
I told myself as I trotted away in a hurry

I got home quite safe, but forgot the next day
All about the noise that I heard far away
So again that night - to the forest - I went
I completely lost track of how much time was spent
I enjoyed the night and played like before
I knew not of what the night had in store
Not until I heard the low but clear growl
Something was around - something on the prowl

I made a quick turn - startled by the sound
But a pile of twigs was all I had found
I backed away - afraid to turn my back
Thinking something would jump out of the stack
Soon I saw the twigs move and stir
And then there was a dog - one that had no fur

It’s size matched my own
It’s big green eyes had shone
It’s body was made entirely of wood
The situation was nothing close to good
My first sighting of a timberwolf- though I didn’t know
I only knew to trot away - I knew I had to go

To get out of the forest - I trotted as fast as I could
Away from that wolf entirely made of wood
I went the wrong way - confused and afraid
I got myself lost - from the path I had strayed.
Behind me the timberwolf was running
I had to lose it - I had to be cunning
I turned this way and that - I jumped over a log
That didn’t help a thing - I only got lost in some fog

I used it as an advantage - the fog gave me a chance
If I didn’t hurr - the timberwolf would advance
So I turned around and trotted passed it
Vision was so blurred that we almost hit
Luckily we did not - we only barely touched
Still, it noticed, and after me, again, it rushed
I trotted faster - my hooves began to burn
I had gotten so dizzy - I barely managed each turn
I escaped the forest but still didn’t stop
The wolf’s green eyes glowed off the window of a shop

I was almost home but losing strength
My speed had slowed for the rest of the length
Behind me, the timberwolf grew near
When I turned to see, my heartbeat sped in fear
I trotted as far as I could -I wouldn't look back
As tired as I grew - I couldn't let myself slack
My very life was on the line - I couldn't give in
Breaks were no luxury, even though my head did spin
I took turns in hope of getting away
But right behind me the wolf did stay

Behind a bakery - through streets and alleys
We passed them all as we ran - soon reaching valleys
Again, I had to turn, needing to stay close to home
Already I had been lost enough - no more could I roam
I made a run behind a house - the timberwolf turned as well
I noticed and made a turn and over a bench, nearly fell
The wolf noticed I slipped way but caught up very quick
I knew it would be a very long night and on my trail it would stick

Through the night, I had trotted so long
My body was starting to feel quite wrong
Sore was I - inside and out
All I wanted to do then was shout
I couldn't trot anymore - my hooves had been worn
My legs had burned as if every muscle was torn
I managed to keep goin, but not for very long
I thought I would be safe but something went very wrong

A rock was in my path - of course I did not see
In my haste, I tripped and hit a tree
I sat up, my head feeling heavy with pain
I wanted to get away but there was nothing more to gain
The timberwolf was right before my eyes
It tilted its head at the sound of my cries

I sat in fear but the wolf began to whine
It was then I knew that I would be fine
The wolf sat and let out little cries
Looking at me with glowing eyes
I looked back in confusion and wonder
Had it all been an unnecessary blunder?
The wolf approached - I resisted the urge to yell
For I knew the look in it’s eyes - I knew it quite well
The wolf was just lonely - it must have wanted to play
So for a little while - I decided to stay
My fears faded away - the wolf and I had fun
I enjoyed the night with it - until back home, it decided to run

I had only met a baby - that I soon learned
But aftere that night I trod with more concern
How lucky I had been, not to find one grown
Just remember, dear children, don’t trod the forest alone
You never know what you may find
The forest, dear children, is not known to be kind

To Travel on Gravel

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Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales
Chapter 2: To Travel on Gravel
by Nirtha

Welcome, dear children, back to my humble abode
Tonight I have a story of my trips along the road

Not to many years ago, the time had come to move
I needed to gain experience - I needed a new groove
So off I went, in search of lands and interesting places anew
I remembered stories of the road but assumed them all untrue
I had my bags thrown across my back, full of food and drink
I was ready for a lengthy journey- At least, that is what you'd think
I said my goodbyes - I left my home - I was on my way
I knew not where I would go - but I would travel the entire day
I trotted along pathways quite old, with promise of interesting travel
I gave a little hop and skip with excitement for the paths of gravel

The day went by quite smoothly - Night was reaching close
I was ready to stop for slumber - I was unaware of any foes
I rested my bags against a tree and curled up for my rest
Just as my lids grew heavy, howls put my bravery to test
I jumped up to my hooves, startled and confused
I searched my bags for something I could have used
With relief I found a tiny flashlight and lit it as fast as I could
To my horror, and much surprise, there stood three wolves of wood

I let out a scream - They let out a growl
I stumbled back - I heard another howl
The howl was not from the wolves ahead
The new sounds came from behind my head
I turned my head to match my gaze
To three more creatures that could end my days
Timberwolves had surrounded me there
I was outnumbered but they didn't care

They each took several steps closer - hissing and bearing their bites
I was enclosed and trapped by these prowlers of frightful nights
With not much choice other than running - I grabbed my bag to flee
I ran right between to timberwolves, who turned to chase after me
I galloped as fast as I could - wanting nothing more than to save my life
I had plans - to be the greatest alchemist - maybe even a wife

The timberwolves were close behind
I was hoping there would be shelter to find
All I could see were trees and grass
I felt so vulnerable, as if I was made of glass
I continued to canter- I would find a way
I was quite determined to see another day
Those wolves stayed on my tail
I had to trot on - There was no room for me to fail
With a burst I quickened pace
The night had become a survivor's race

As determined as I was to lose those beasts
They were in as great a need of feasts
I could hear their hunger in the way the growled
I could tell from the chase, how long they had prowled
They were hungry and weary - in need of some food
But to worry for the predator would set no good mood
These wolves were adults - unlike the baby before
They did not want to play - It was meat they looked for
There was no misunderstanding of any sort
This was a risk that could cut my life short
So I galloped away from those wolves of wood
I galloped away just as fast as I could

They were no longer on my tail - There had been a break in the space
They had fallen farther back but I wasn't yet in any good place
Even though I had increased the distance, I was still unable to rest
I had to give it my all - I would need to go past my very best

As I galloped, I had noticed a light
Perhaps an escape from my terrible fright
The hope triggered relief, refreshing and sweet
Energy rushed through me as I neared the end of my feat
A small town formed in the view before my eyes
I took in a breath and then let out my cries
"Somepony, please help me escape"
As I neared, the town gained shape

Somepony had heard - They were waiting outside the town
He stood tall with shotgun in hand - His face had worn a frown
He rushed me in - He told me to take shelter inside
I trod past the gate and found somewhere to hide
I was standing inside an inn, breathless and fatigued
Ponies were sitting and staring, some looking intrigued
"Are you alright?" A mare had asked me curiously
"We have no room for trouble," another said furiously
I nodded to the mares, looking at them with fear
A stallion finally asked, "So what brings you here?"
I had been hesitant to answer, but eventually explained
I was chased by timberwolves - my travels had been strained

"Timberwolves here? That doesn't seem right."
Another said, "Perhaps it was imagined fright"
I insisted that it happened - I knew what I saw
The others only looked at me in disbelief and awe
I mentioned my savior, the man with the gun
They wondered who - They concluded - No one
I tried to convince them - I came to no avail
They only took my words as mythical tale

It hadn't been long before they decided I needed to sleep
A mare showed me to a room that, for a night, I could keep
I went to sleep relieved of escape but worried none the less
Wondering why telling my experience had come with such a mess
I drifted off into my dreams, dreams to comfort and ease
I woke the next morning refreshed - awoken by a breeze

I ventured out of the room I was in
Surprised to find that the inn had nothing within
I was alone, the whole building was deserted
All of my fears had then been alerted
I left the inn to go check around town
Seeing nopony there, my spirits sank down
I had awoken that morning hoping to thank the hosts
Only to learn that I had been speaking with ghosts

Again, dear children, my message is quite the same
Never take roaming or travel as any sort of game
Always have a friend, beware of all sorts of danger
You never know what you'll find, even with the nicest stranger

I Don't Care for the Air

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Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales
Chapter 3: I Don't Care for the Air
by Nirtha

Welcome again - Please take a seat
While I tell you a story of a magical treat

When I was just a little filly
I could be just a little silly
I didn't often listhen to friends
I chose to make my own ends
I wasn't ever extremely polite
But neither would I put up a fight
When given the chance I did as I saw fit
But I'd retreat if ever I was bit
To say more simply - I did what I chose
But I did as told when an order arose

One day in the past, I was out with a friend
We were in search of some fun and rules to bend
We only looked to play - We wanted no real trouble
But when we were together - troubles would double

My friend was a zebra, just like yours truly
His hair was much shorter and he smiled cruelly
Though his appearance was mean
And his personality was witty and keen
The zebra was really very sweet inside
He just saw kindness as something to hide

On the day I earlier mentioned, we were spending time at his house
It was an interesting day to say the least - We had found him a pet mouse
His mother was not at all pleased to see the little critter in the box
So we had to find a better shelter - One that came with locks

The new cage was not at all difficult to find
For we found a shop owner who was very kind
He gave us a mouse cage, free of charge
It was perfect - Not to small - Not too large

So we played with the new pet while he sat in his cage
The mouse ran back in forth, seeming to be in a rage
We laughed at the mouse, for it seemed very cute
But the squeaking ceased and it sat quite mute
For a moment we worried, but we came to realize
The little critter was staring at our lunch with sparkling eyes
The two of us laughed as he looked at our leftover food
So we gave him a bit of lettuce and he ate in a brighter mood

We let the little mouse eat
I really thought that it was neat
He cheeks seemed to poof
He looked like quite the goof
As he settled in his very new house
We left alone that little cute mouse
We left the room and went downstairs
Laughing at the day and previous dares
Down in the kitchen, there was something new
A doughnut on a plate and a big pot of vegi stew
"I think my uncle made that," my friend said
I only responded with the tilt of my head
He went on, "He does strange things"
He explained he once tried to grow wings

We looked at the food - We thought it looked good
We wondered if we should eat it and figured we could
So I took the doughnut for myself and he took the stew
We ate quite greedily - Breaks between bites were few
The food was delicious - We both ate every last bite
We cleaned our plates and went out to enjoy the night
Not much time passed before I began feeling odd
My friend asked if i was alright - I gave him a nod
I didn't want to worry him - I wasn't sure of the problem
It wasn't at all normal but not quite yet fearsome
We trod away from the home, enjoying the air
Not much time passed before I was forced to care

My hooves no longer hit the ground
I yelped at the serious issue I found
My friend looked at me with concern
I looked to the ground trying to return
Still, my hooves hit against nothing
Forward I went with every hoof swing
I glided through the air with shock
Up and up I went - I needed to stop
My friend jumped up to grab my tail
The pain struck and I let out a wail
My friend pulled me along to his home
To my luck, there wasn't far to roam

When he took me in he let me go - I floated to the ceiling
He looked at me confused - I tried to ignore my sick feeling
We wondered how to fix the problem that had occurred
I did not want to spend my life in the air like a flying bird
"I think this is from that food you ate," my friend hypothesized
"It did happen soon after you ate," he then knowingly revised
"But how do we fix it," I asked him in horror and fear
He looked at me and frowned with a twitch of his ear

My friend rushed to his uncles study
I waited for him, growing a bit angry
"Sorry," he chuckled, coming back
He led me, by tail, near a tall book stack
As I waited and watched from high
He read with a serious look in his eye
He was determined to help me down
But I was worried at sight of his frown
He couldn't find anything of help
He tossed a book with a soft yelp

The night passed by and I was stuck in the air
I had taken what wasn't mine - Perhaps it was fair
Still, I wanted to get down and I wanted to trod
I wasn't meant to fly - I didn't like the strange mod

His uncle had returned, giving us relief
He looked at me and laughed in disbelief
"Did you eat my doughnut? I was saving that"
He questioned as he removed his old hat
I nodded feeling embarrassed by my deed
"Don't worry, you'll be fine," he had decreed
My eyes brightened up and he gave me a smile
"The affects will wear off. Just give it awhile."

Two days had passed before all was well
Until then I had many things on which to dwell
My dear children, please remember this
This is not the lesson for you to dismiss
Never take what does not belong to you
You may be surprised and won't know what to do
So only take the things of which you can be sure
Are alright for you to touch and won't need a cure

A Midnight Light

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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