> Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales > by Nirtha > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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