Luna Eclipsed

Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x ?

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Author's Note

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There are a few more things I decided to switch around. You know making sense of the seasons and all that. Among that is shuffling a few plot points. I kind of prioritize developing character or plot and I feel stronger characters help support the plot.

Now there were plans for a hospital scene to follow up right after the end of the last chapter, but all three versions I did I found unsatisfactory. So I decided to cut it all together and if I can come up with a version I’m happy with I’ll flashback to it. Of course there will be mentions and such, but I’d rather continue on instead of inadvertently causing a hiatus. With that enjoy this latest chapter.

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Story Start

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Luna stirred in her sleep. Alone, in her chambers, she felt that something was wrong. Terribly, terribly wrong. It was something that called to her, deep in her gut. A sense of dread and coldness spread about her room as the air threaten to leave her lungs. The sort of pressure one expects to find when exploring the highest of altitudes along with the sensation of light headedness. Luna slowly stirred, her wings flexing slightly as a faint glow radiates from her far.

“Who goes there?” the princess of night demanded as her eyes could make out the faint shape of something.   She couldn't see it clearly, as if it were standing in a thick fog. Slowly her eyes began to make out the figure and terror coursed through the Princess. It was impossible; It just couldn’t be, not until that laughter was Luna willing to accept what her eyes was showing her.

"Oh, Luna..." It mused, amusement and a hint of sadism in its voice. It peered at her through the fog, and although she could barely make it out, she knew, without a doubt, that she saw her clearly. "...As I told you I will never be just a memory.  For I exist in the depths of your mind and your heart. For as long as you exist I can always come back and I will not stop until Eternal Night is brought to this world.”

“No! WE WILL NOT LET YOU!” Luna violently bellowed as her horn glowed.  The sudden outburst of magic had incinerating sheets and blast through the ethereal figure that became nothing more than dust. Thankfully the powerful enchantments cast on the room were more than enough to withstand the blast of magic.

The bellow of their princess had frightening several guards standing outside her door. "Your Majesty are you alright!?” several Unicorn soldiers piled in.

Luna seemed stumped by this question. The problem here was, she didn't know what the problem was. This fact infuriated her, and urgency was taking over diplomacy. "Did thou not see her? Have the guards truly become these lax the last thousand years?”

“At ease men!” the soldiers turned to the voice of none other than their captain.

“Captain?” one of the stallions.

“I believe it is a matter I’m fully capable of handling on my own.” Naruto told them before dismissing his soldiers.   The look in her eyes was not that of a happy Luna. “Princess.”

“We have told you Captain Naruto when we are alone you are to call me Luna.” There was a still an edge to the Princess’s voice but seemed to have calmed down. She folded her wings and using her magic ignited her lamps.

“Well your majesty it wouldn’t be proper of someone of my station.” He cheekily answered.  “Princess Luna is everything ok?”

“We are fine,” she answered a bit more curtly then she attended.

“No, are you ok?” he asked her again, putting emphasis on you.

Luna opened her bedroom window and let the cool night air brush across her skin and flow through her mane. They remained silent like that was the majestic moon came into sight. “The festivities of this Nightmare Night have brought the incident to the forefront of our mind.  Adjusting has proven to be a bit more difficult then we imagined.”

Naruto joined the princess and took in the fresh night air. “Princess, why not join me for Ponyville’s Nightmare Night celebration?” he asked her as the Princess paused and contemplated. “I’m sure you would enjoy it and I’m sure the Elements would be more than happy to help you adjust.”

‘The Element Bearers.’ Luna hadn’t had any contact with them since the Nightmare Incident with the exception of Twilight who was brought to Canterlot not too long ago for her injuries.  She owed them a debt she felt she’d never be able to repay.  She spared a glance at her Captain who had hardly left Twilight’s side during the duration of her stay. The only pony who probably had more visiting time then the captain was her sister Celestia herself.  “My sister did indeed mention this celebration, though we felt unsure about it.”

“I made plans to spend time with both Twilight and Fluttershy that night. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you tag along.”

“Your offer is much appreciated. We bid you night captain as there is much to consider.”

Naruto gave a bow before leaving the dark alicorn to her thoughts. He only hoped she would take up his offer. It would be nice to take a few days to relax. It was gracious of the Princess’s to give him two weeks paid leave to rest and recover from his injuries. While the fillies that were lost would never return, at least the death of the creature kidnapping them brought closure to their parents. Even if the creature’s master was still out there, in its current condition it was too weak to do anything. Naruto was determined to hunt down and finish the creature off once his injuries fully healed.

After turning in and getting a few hours’ sleep Naruto woke up to the rays of Celestia’s Sun. He took a shower, grabbed a light breakfast and began making his to the Canterlot shops. He was anxious to see just how well Rarity could recreate his old outfit based off the descriptions he gave her.

A few days passed and Nightmare Night had finally arrived.  It was a dark night. Separated but united stars filled the sky and there was a huge and glowing full moon facing down at Ponyville.

Fluttershy was currently at her costume preparing candy for the trickertreaters.  She was dressed as a Butterfly thanks to Naruto’s urging.  Normally Fluttershy didn’t celebrate the holiday, preferring to spend the night hiding until it was over, but Naruto’s urging that she dressed up and join him at the celebration later tonight. As much as Fluttershy feared the holiday and everything that came with it she was afraid of disappointing her friends even more.

A loud knocking at her door stir from the bowl of candy she just fixed. "Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!"

She noticed a triplet of fillies at her door, chanting the usual slogan for treats. One filly was a fairy tale princess, another one was an astronaut, and another one was a ladybug. Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile at how adorable they were.  Unlike those nasty ponies last year who egged and tped her house. It took her three days to get the smell out.

She grabbed the bowl of and passed out several pieces to their bags. “You all have such wonderful costumes.” She softly spoke. She then took notice of Granny Smith who was with them. "H-Hello Miss Granny Smith, mam. How are you this Nightmare Night.”

"I should have been asleep five hours ago." Granny Smith answered.

"O-Oh,” Fluttershy softly gasped. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Another young one squeezed through the fillies and presented himself, waving his little plastic sword around as he wore a pirate costume. "Pipsqueak the pirate at your service. It's my very first Nightmare Night."

“W-Well I hope you have a very good one.”

Suddenly our conversation was interrupted by Pinkie Pie… who was wearing a chicken costume. She squawked loudly. "Enough chitchat! Time is candy!"

"H-Hello Pinkie…" she began, smiling even more from the sight of her costume. "…that is a nice chicken costume.”

“Yepperooni. Made it myself!” She suddenly dipped her head in the candy bowl and began picking at it like a chicken.

She gave one last loud squawk before running away to look for more candy. Fluttershy looked at the bowl to notice it was empty. With a blink she placed it back on the counter and closed the door. She then took notice of the time. Naruto shouldn’t take too long to arrive.

Speaking of which Naruto was currently making his way through town. He couldn’t help but marvel at his costume. Rarity had truly outdone herself. He really needed to do something special for her to show his appreciation. The outfit was a near thread by thread recreation of his jumpsuit and cloak with the exception of being made for a pony. It was then he ran into Twilight who was walking around town. They struck up a conversation which led to Naruto asking Twilight who she was.

"Star Swirl the Bearded is only the most important conjurer of the pre-classical era. He created more than 200 spells! He even has a shelf in the Canterlot library of magic named after him. Maybe I should start up a pony group to teach ponies about history. I bet everypony would love it! Don't you, Spike?" she directed the last question at her assistant who was tagging along.

"Mhmm!" He agreed as he continued to throw candy in his mouth. "I'll love it."

Naruto couldn’t help but chuckle. “So what is your plan for the evening?”

“To join in on the festivities and enjoy myself.  Unfortunately nothing comes to mind seeing as a certain someone found it fit to hide my organizing materials.” She finished sending a glare at Naruto who merely grinned.

“Now Twilight I’m sure obsessively making lists and then making lists about those lists was against the doctor’s order on your relaxing. You and Spike can hang out with me and Fluttershy. From what I understand she hasn’t celebrated Nightmare Night in years and I managed to convince her to join me later tonight.”

“That sounds like it could be fun.”

A sudden sharp crack of lightning caused the three of them to jump followed by the sound of Pinkie and fillies screaming as they ran off.  The sound of Rainbow’s laughter drew their attention as the Element of Loyalty was dressed in a Wonderbolt costume resting on a cloud.

"Rainbow Dash, that wasn't very nice." Twilight scolded.

"Lighten up, old-timer. It's the best night of the year for pranks!" Rainbow Dash responded.

"Look what you did to Spike." Twilight pointed at him. He looked as if he was having a heart attack as he coughed and wheezed.

"It's all in good fun. OH OH, there's another group over there!" She flew off the cloud raced it towards the other victims.

Twilight sighed, picked up Spike, and placed him on her back.

“That’s Rainbow for you.” Naruto shook his head. “No sense in getting upset about it. Let’s just focus on enjoying our night.  We still have some time so why don’t we go see Applejack to pass some time.” Naruto suggested as they continued their travels.

"Happy Nightmare Night, Applejack!" the trio greeted her as they arrived at an apple bobbing area.

She wore a scarecrow costume and noticed us. "Howdy, y'all! Nice costumes." She answered as she observed them.

"Thanks! I'm a dragon." Spike responded, who was fully recovered.

"She means us, Spike." Twilight spoke in an irritated tone.

Naruto looked over to Spike, a little confused. He hadn’t really paid too much attention to Spike’s costume, but now that it was brought to his attention be couldn’t help but ask the baby dragon the following question."Spike, aren't you already a dragon?"

"Yea-… so…?"

"I…guess.”  Naruto decided to let it go seeing as he was going as well, essentially himself as well he didn’t have much room to talk.

"With that beard, I reckon you're some sorta country music singer." Applejack commented as she flipped Twilight's beard. Spike returned a laugh as Twilight groaned in annoyance. "While y'all here, ya' feel like bobbin' for an apple?" She presented the apple bobbing bucket that was nearby.

Naruto took notice of Derpy and another pony he didn’t recognize.   Naruto titled his head slightly as he tried to figure out just what Derpy was dressed as. She wore a large paper bag on her head and small paper bags on her hooves. “Hey Derpy!” he greeted her with a grin as he walked over. “So what are you supposed to be?”

The sound of his voice resulted in Derpy pulling out the plug of the bucket. She released a saddened look when she realized she had drained the bucket. “Oh…sorry I didn’t mean to distract you.” His voice drew Derpy’s attention to him meaning that the sad look on her face didn’t last long. Like Pinkie Pie, Derpy was a very bubbily pony.

“Hiya Naruto.” She greeted with her usual bluster. “What are you dressed as?”

“A shinobi.” He simply answered. Derpy tended to accept quite a few things at face value. “So what are you?”

“Cool. I’m a princess posing as the twin look alike of the poor girl who took my place. How do you do my good sir.” She said extending her hoof.

Naruto took her hoof and kissed, playing along. “Good evening my lady. I love to stay and chat, but I plan on hanging out with some of my other friends. I’ll catch you later ok.”

“Alright…bye bye.” Derpy waved him off before happily going off to do something else.

Suddenly, some loud cheering nearby drew his attention. “Come on.” Twilight called to him as everyone began gathering to see what was going on. "Thank you, everypony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night festival!" The mayor announced from the podium on the stage dressed as a clown.  "Now all the little ponies who have been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the legend of…Nightmare Moon!" She ended with a spooky tone and laugh.

"Spooky voice might work better is she wasn't dressed like that." Spike whispered, which led to Twilight giggling.

The mayor presented a green fog that rose from nowhere. Zecora stepped out of the fog, wearing a witch's wig that contained fake spiders on it, along with a torn dress. "Follow me and very soon you'll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon." Zecora stepped off the stage and began leading the little fillies.

Zecora had led the assembled ponies toward a statue of Nightmare Moon out of town. "Listen close my little dears, and I'll tell you where you got your fears of Nightmare Night, so dark and scary." She pulled out some green dust and blew it. "Of Nightmare Moon, who makes you wary." The green dust formed into an image of Nightmare Moon, who began heading straight towards us with her sharp teeth.   "Every year, we put on a disguise, to save ourselves, from her searching eyes." Zecora scared a couple of the fillies, startling them to scream. Pipsqueak was running, screaming, as Zecora continued talking. "But Nightmare Moon wants just one thing." Pipsqueak bumped himself onto the statue. "To gobble up ponies in one quick swing." Pipsqueak had been backing away from the statue but touched Pinkie Pie who dug her head in the ground. They both screamed and fled the opposite direction from each other. Zecora presented another image from the green dust. "Hungrily, she soars the sky. If she sees nopony, she passes by. So if she comes and all is clear, Equestria is safe another year!"

"Uh, Miss Zecora…" Pipsqueak tugged at Zecora's dress. "If we wear costumes to hide from Nightmare Moon, so she won't gobble us up, 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 blew more dust, presenting Nightmare Moon with a hungry expression on her face as she stalked towards the children. "Fill up her belly with a treat or two, so she won't return to come eat you!" The image pounced towards the group and filled the area with the dust. The entire group immediately screamed.

"Everypony!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Just dump some candy and get out of here!" The group had dumped their candy in front of the statue.

However, a heavy wind blew around the ponies and dark clouds formed in the sky. By the look on Zecora's face… it seemed it wasn't planned… A bright light emerged and out came a dark carriage pulled by the same colored ponies.

The carriage had stopped above us, surprising Pinkie Pie. "Ah! It's Nightmare Moon! Run!" She screamed, taking the group with her.

The carriage now began heading towards town, causing us to see what was going on. The hooded figure jumped off from the carriage and landed in the center of everypony. Throwing off the hood, the figure was none other than… Princess Luna!

All the ponies immediately cowered in fear.

"Princess Luna!" Twilight and Naruto announced both heading towards her but the former was grabbed by Spike as he took her down with him, shushing her.

Princess Luna walked over to the ponies as her cape dissolved into bats. She spread her wings and looked down at a pony, causing that pony to cower ever more. She raised her hoof towards them.

"Citizens of Ponyville!" Princess Luna spoke in a booming voice so loud that it almost pushed them away. "We have graced your tiny village with our presence, so that you might behold the real princess of the night! A creature of nightmare is no longer, but instead a pony who desires your love and admiration! Together we shall change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!" Lightning flashed.

"Did you hear that, everypony? Nightmare Moon says she's gonna feast on us all!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed and screamed, causing the other ponies to scream with her and run.

Princess Luna returned a shock and confused look. "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 pounded her hoof on the ground in front of a pony who squeaked in terror. "Madame Mayor, the princess of the night hath arrived." She walked towards the mayor and presented her hoof, but the mayor continued to cower in fear. Princess Luna realized this and moved her hoof to another pony, but the pony just followed the same example. "What is the matter with you?" She asked and continued moving her hoof to different ponies, but soon grew tired. "Very well then. Be that way. We won't even bother with the traditional royal farewell." She left with Naruto trailing after her.

“Princess…” they had come to a stop in front of a stature of Nightmare Moon. “That was an interesting entrance.”

“It appears both our expectations failed tonight Captain.” Luna said as she continued to gaze as the reminder of her greatest mistake.

“Princess Luna its simply the fear that Nightmare Night has inspired into people. I’m sure they didn’t mean to upset you it’s just…” Naruto tried to find the words, but he was failing badly. What could he say to convince the princess.  The sound of hooves drew his attention.

"Princess Luna?" Twilight called. "Hi, my name is—

"Star Swirl the Bearded." Princess Luna answered as she stood up to face Twilight. "Commendable costume! Thou even got the bells right..."

"Thank you, finally! Somepony who gets my costume!" Twilight realized that she had gotten off topic. "Uh, I just came to welcome you to our celebration! My actual name is—

"Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna looked over to me. Afterwards, she began flying as dark clouds and heavy winds formed around her. She spoke in a booming voice. "It was thou who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!"

The heavy winds were strong enough to almost blow them away.

"And that was a good thing, right?" Twilight asked.

"But of course." She replied in her normal voice and placed her hooves back on the ground. "We could not be happier. Is that not clear?"

"Well, you kinda sound like you're yelling at us…"

"But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice! It is tradition to speak, using the royal 'we', and to use…" She began speaking in a booming voice again. "…this much volume when addressing our subjects!"

“Probably why there was such mixed reactions.” Naruto addressed. “From what I understand things have changed from your time. It might help if you change your approach a bit you know.”

"Change our approach?" Princess Luna questioned in her booming voice sending Naruto flying off his feet.

"Lower the volume…?" Twilight added in a gentle and soft voice praying that the princess wouldn’t send her flying like Naruto was.

"Ohhh." Princess Luna responded, returning to her normal voice. "We have been locked away for a thousand years. We are... not sure we can."

“Of course you can. As long as you are willing to try Princess Luna we’re willing to help.”

“In fact I know just the pony for the job.” Twilight began walking out of the forest, bringing Princess Luna and Naruto with her.

"And who might that be?" Princess Luna asked.

"One of our friends… Fluttershy."

Naruto’s eyes widened at just what Twilight had planned in mind.  “Princess, Fluttershy is a very shy and withdrawn mare. She might appear frighten of you once we get there so please don’t take offense.  She isn’t one to be comfortable around those she isn’t close to.”

“Very well, we shall try and show restraint.”

They arrived at the cottage and Naruto knocked on the door. “Fluttershy, it’s me. I brought some friends so don’t be alarmed.”

Fluttershy slowly opened the door and saw them. "It is you." She opened the door further to spot Princess Luna. "Oh, and Nightmare Moon." She gasped. "Nightmare Moon?" Fluttershy screamed and instantly closed the door shut.

Naruto sighed. “Sorry Princess, let me talk with her.” He said as he entered the cottage and spotted Fluttershy hiding behind the couch. "Fluttershy…"

She screamed again but relaxed when she saw it was Naruto. “Oh Naruto…I…I’m sorry its just…I don’t like this holiday. I know you wanted to celebrate…with all your friends, but I just hate anything scary…and…and…” she was cut off as Naruto pulled her into a comforting hug.

“I won’t let anything hurt you Fluttershy. I promise you that. Now listen, Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon are two separate identities. Luna is no longer controlled by her darkness, the Elements of Harmony saw to that. I know she can be scary, but she needs help. She needs your help. She wants the love and admiration of her people and part of that is her presenting herself in an approachable matter. That means lowering her volume and you of all ponies can help her with that.”

“R-Really? The princess wants my help?”  she couldn’t believe that one of the Princesses would come to a nervous wreck of herself for help.

“Yeah, so no worries ok.”

She took a deep breath. "Okay…" with that she let him lead her to the door.

"Princess Luna, this is Fluttershy. Fluttershy, this is Princess Luna." Naruto announced, presenting them to each other.

"Charmed." Princess Luna spoke in her booming voice.

Fluttershy immediately cowered in fear.

"Fluttershy…" he grabbed her hoof and encouraged her. His presence was enough to help her calm down.

"Likewise…" She managed to say.

"Twilight Sparkle hath spoken of the sweetness of thy voice. We ask, thou teachest to us to speak as thou speakest."

"Okay." She replied in a quiet voice.

"Shall our lessons begin?"

"Okay…" Fluttershy responded even quieter.

"Shall we mimic thy voice?"

"Okay…"

"How is this?" Princess Luna asked, keeping the same tone.

"Perfect, lesson over." Fluttershy answered hurriedly and wanted to go back home, but Naruto blocked her.

"A little quieter, princess." Twilight advised.

"How is...this?" Princess Luna asked, lowering her voice, but still having a loud tone.

"Better. Right, Fluttershy?"

"Yes…" Fluttershy replied with a little fearful tone.

"How... about... now?" Princess Luna asked.

"Now you're getting it." Twilight praised.

"And... how about now?" Princess Luna finally spoke in a normal tone.

"Yes! Well done."

Fluttershy was just about to sneak back inside but Princess Luna grabbed her with her magic pulled her towards her. "Ah, thank you, dear Fluttershy!" Princess Luna spoke in a booming, but softer, voice as she hugged Fluttershy, who remained paralyzed. "Our normal speaking voice shall surely win us the hearts of thy fellow villagers."

"Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie's voice exclaimed from across the bridge. "You've gotta hide us! Nightmare Moon is here and..." She squawked at the sight of Princess Luna holding Fluttershy. "She stole Fluttershy's voice so she can't scream when she GOBBLES HER UP!"

She led the children out of the area as they continued to scream loudly.

"Nay, children, wait!" She called after them in her booming voice. After, she remembered the lesson and lowered her tone. "I mean... nay, children, wait."

"Come on, princess. Time for plan B. Are you coming, Naruto?" Twilight asked him.

“I’ll join you two later I won’t take long.” He said as he went back in. “Flutter.”

“I changed my mind. I want to stay in.” she whimpered.

"Fluttershy…I understand that you're scared but you can’t spend your entire life scared. You’ll miss out on so many things in life if you do. You believe me when I say I’m your friend right?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“…and that I hold my promises incredibly important right?”

She nodded again.

“So trust me when I say I won’t let anything hurt you ok. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to stay down here. Princess Luna has been rather lenient of my frequent trips down here, but I still have a lot to learn about being Captain of the Guard and I want to make most of the free time I have with my friends when I have them. That includes you, so think you can join me.”

“Ok…I’ll try.”

"Come on then." he replied in a light smile. "Let's go."

It didn’t take long for them to catch up with Luna and Twilight. “Aah Fluttershy, we are pleased that you decided to join us.” Luna enthusiastically greeted at a normal volume. Fluttershy merely responded with a nervous smile.

Unfortunately the ponies who were dancing didn’t share this enthusiasm as they ran in fear upon seeing the Princess."It is of no use, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna commented as we walked through the terrified ponies. "They have never liked us and they never shall."

"Our friend Applejack is one of the most likeable ponies around." Twilight responded, attempting to keep Princess Luna's spirits up. "I'm sure she'll have some ideas."

They walked towards Applejack's apple bobbing station to see her catch Pipsqueak before he fell in the water. After Pipsqueak ran off, she turned around to see Princess Luna and lay in fright. Princess Luna returned an inexpressive look to Twilight as she walked towards the scene. "Uh... Applejack, the princess is looking for a little advice on how to fit in around here."

Applejack removed the hooves from her eyes and looked at Twilight seriously. "'Fit in'? Really?" Twilight snarled at her as she scrunched her nose. Applejack immediately stood up and faced the Princess. "I mean... that's easy! All you gotta do is have the right attitude. Loosen up a bit, be positive, play a few games, have some fun."

"Fun? What is this 'fun' thou speakest of?" Princess Luna replied in confusion.

“Princess Luna it’s the same as the enjoyment of you once spoke of. Fun is merely the word ponies nowadays describe it as.” Naruto explained to the princess.   “Like…” Naruto began looking around trying to come up with an example.

Applejack and Twilight pointed towards a bowl of fake spiders. "Pray tell, what purpose do these serve?"

"Try to land the sp-sp-spiders on the web." A pony, dressed in a bumble bee costume, announced nearby as she continued to cower.

The Princess grabbed a spider with her hoof and aimed towards the web. She gave a light throw which resulted in the spider landing a few inches away from the web. She looked back at us with some worry in her eyes as if she thought she might have done the wrong thing.

"You can do it, princess!" Applejack encouraged.

Princess Luna returned a bold look and took another shot, throwing the spider harder. This time, it landed straight in the middle. "Ha! Your princess enjoys this matter of 'fun!'" She spoke in a slightly excited tone. "In what other ways may we experience it?"

The others shared a look and smile. It looks like they were finally making progress.

Applejack led them towards another station where pumpkins were fired from a catapult.

"Fire away, princess!" Twilight shouted as Princess Luna loaded a pumpkin onto the catapult.

She pulled back the catapult and released her hooves from it, allowing the catapult to fire the pumpkin. It shot upwards and landed directly on the painted target. "Ha ha! The fun has been doubled!" Other ponies had gathered around to notice the not so terrifying Princess and cheered.

Naruto couldn’t help but chuckle at the Princess’s statement. Her whole matter and even her way of speaking was rather…cute. Naruto shook away the thought wondering where that stray thought came from.

"Why don't you try bobbin' for apples?" Applejack suggested. "We got the best apples in Equestria, princess."

"I ask that thou call us... me... Luna, fair Applejack." She responded and began announcing to the other ponies. "Hear me, villagers! All of you! Call me Luna!"

“The princess seems to be enjoying herself.” Fluttershy softly commented.

“See, all the princess wants is to relate to her ponies.”

Every other pony spoke in agreement once they heard her less hostile voice. "Show me to these bobbing apples."

However, when they reached at the bucket of floating apples, Pipsqueak was reaching for one, but, due to his size, fell inside instead. Princess Luna quickly rushed over to him to help him out of the water.

"Hey, ponies." It was none other than Pinkie Pie call out to them.

“We heard Pinkie Pie from behind us. We turned to see her with the children. "Anypony seen Pip?”

“Pinkie before you freak out…” Naruto tried to keep her from freaking out the inhabitants like the incidents before it was too late.”

  Pinkie Pie squawked when she saw Princess Luna grab Pipsqueak from out of the bucket with her teeth. "Aaah! Nightmare Moon is gobbling Pipsqueak! Everypony run!" Pinkie Pie ran off, along with the children, screaming.

"Help! My backside has been gobbled!" Pipsqueak cried out and ran away when Princess Luna placed him back on the ground.

"'Tis a lie!" Princess Luna responded in an irritated manner. "Thy backside is whole and ungobbled, thou ungrateful whelp!" She pounded her hoof, causing thunder and lightning in the sky. After seeing this, the other ponies began backing away slowly and fearfully. "Fair villagers, please do not back away. Let us join together in... fun!" She pleaded desperately. She looked around and spotted a spider on the ground. She quickly grabbed it and tossed over to the ponies, who only flinched at the sight and looked back at Princess Luna with widened eyes. "Not enough fun for you? What say you to this?" She pointed her horn towards the spider and shot out magic. When the flash disappeared, the spider transformed into a real one, immediately scaring everypony. Princess Luna repeated the process with the bowl of spiders. The spiders began bombarding everypony as they could only scream. Fluttershy began shaking as she held on to me. I could only hold her back as I tried to keep her away from the spiders. "Huzzah!" Princess Luna yelled out joyfully. "How many points do I receive?" A pony screamed as she still had a spider on her face. After, everypony began running away. "Do not run away! As your princess we command you!" Princess Luna was becoming highly irritated now as she observed all the ponies crash into things and scream. In a deafening voice, the Princess exclaimed towards all the ponies. "Be still!" Her voice echoed throughout the silent town as everypony lay in fear.

“Princess Luna calm down! Remember all your progress!” Naruto coaxed.

"Princess, remember! Watch the screaming!" Twilight warned.

"No, Captain Naruto and Twilight Sparkle!" Princess Luna responded to duo in a booming voice as her eyes glowed white. "We must use the traditional royal Canterlot voice for what we are about to say." After, she turned towards all of us and flew in midair. "Since you choose to fear your princess rather than love her and dishonor her with this insulting celebration, we decree that Nightmare Night shall be canceled! Forever!"

Afterwards, she immediately fled away, leaving the others  to look at the whole mess that had been caused in town.

"Shoot. We had everything goin' our way." Applejack spoke. "Luna was happy, everypony in town was happy, now look at 'em."

Children were being confronted by their parents as they tried to make them feel better.

"But I wanted to be a zombie next year!" A blonde colored pony spoke as she cried.

"It's not over yet." Twilight stated from near us.

"What are you gonna do?" Applejack asked.

"I'm going to do what I do best. Lecture her!" Twilight stood proudly.

She was about to run off to find her, but Naruto called after her. "Twilight."

She looked back at him. "Huh?"

“I should talk to the Princess.”

"What…? Why...?" She asked, concerned.

“There are still things about my past I haven’t told you girls. In way I can relate to the Princess. I was never sealed away, but I understand being ostracized and being regarded as a monster. You two keep Fluttershy…” he spared a glance at Fluttershy who ever since Luna used the Canterlot Voice was frozen as stiff as a statue. “…busy and I’ll talk with Luna. I have a feeling I can get through to her.” He said as he managed to find the princess of the night crossing a bridge.

“Princess Luna.”

"Leave me be, Captain Naruto…" She responded despondently.

He remained silent for a moment as He walked over to her side. "I just want to talk to you. The children do love you, really its just…”

“Love me? I guess I couldn’t tell over the adoring shrieks of fear they partook in as they ran away?"

"Princess…Luna please just listen to me.”

She stopped and turned around. "Fine…"

“Come sit with me.” He beckoned her to as spot near the river. "I know how you feel, Princess Luna…"

"Really…?" Princess Luna responded in an unbelievable tone. "You've felt how horrible it is to have every pony despise you and fear you every time you show your face?"

“Actually I do.” He answered as the Princess reacted with a double take.

"What?"

He remained silent for a moment and looked at her. "I wasn’t born a Pony Princess Luna. I was born as a bipedal creature known as a human.  On the day of my birth a being known as the Kyuubi was unleashed in my village. At that time the perpetrator was a student of my father who felt like he lost everything. As a young child he was manipulated into a horrible plot by an old war mongerer who almost brought the complete destruction of our world.  On that day as a mere child the perpetrator nearly killed me when I was a minute ago. The being, the Kyuubi went on an ensuing rampage that saw many dead, including my mother and father.  That very being was once sealed in my mother and removal left her dying. The injuries my parents sustained were for the very sake of protecting my life. For the first thirteen years of my life only a few people in the village treated as something more than a parasite. As such I was treated as something to be scorned or hated, ignore for the most of life and treated as the very being.

In years I was finally able to earn the admiration and love of my people, but it doesn’t erase my past.  Though my story was far from over.” He turned and looked at the princess with a depressive expression. “You still have a chance to serve your people, unlike me. We were able to bring peace to my word, but that peace didn’t last long. Decades after the war my world was attacked by a malevolent monster that attacked my home world and killed hundreds.” Naruto’s head bowed as his hair hid his eyes. “I failed them Luna. For all that power I gained during my lifetime and for all the lessons I learned. I wasn’t fast enough to save the lives of my people. Here I am out here celebrating and out here replacing them when the creature out there is most likely still alive. I don’t even know the condition of my old home.  How can I call myself a hero when I can’t even properly honor the memory of my people by destroying the one responsible?”

Using her wing Luna brought Naruto’s focus to her. She was shocked when she saw the stallion brought to tears. He had always seemed so strong and confident that seeing him so weak and vulnerable allow her to reexamine how much she knew about the captain and the nature of her feelings for him. “What happened during the confrontation with that creature?”

“I…I don’t remember the details. I remember fighting it and then the rest is blank. I remember a bright emerald light and the sound of that creature…Ombra was its nice disintegrating. I woke up and that’s how I found myself in Equestria. I didn’t want to give into despair so from that day on I decided to make what I could of the situation.”

“Then the blame does not lay with you. Thou fought for his kind, bled for his kind, and cry for his kind living on and honoring their memories is the greatest service thou can do for them before and after killing the damned wraith responsible.” Her words only consoled Naruto so much. “Thou are both brave and noble, if thy tale is true than one is a warrior of value for those who are not your own you fought and protected. Risking your life to aid me and the Elements when a selfish being could have simply ignored what was going on.” The closeness they shared must have become apparent as Naruto looked up at Luna.  “If this fowl creature has taken residence in this world then it shall fall to the might of the Equestrian Forces.”

“I couldn’t ask you and your people to be drawn into this Luna. Ombra, its presence is the same as Nightmare Moon. Either they are one in the same in the way or they come from the same origin.”

Luna grew quite at this tidbit of information. Naruto silently wondered just how the princess would react.  “Then that gives us a chance to make amends for the past transgressions we have caused.”

“Princess…”

“Are we not…as you put Captain Naruto your people now?”

A word struck a chord in Naruto. His people. Slowly but surely many images flashed through his mind. The Konoha 12. The Hokages. The friends he had made in Konoha. The other villages. The Kage. His family. His Parents. Hinata.

"In my eyes you're a proud failure! When I look at you, I get an intense feeling in my heart. Because you are not perfect… Because you fail… you have the strength to get back up… Because I believe that's what true strength is…" an ethereal image of Hinata briefly appeared before his eyes before vanishing. A lone tear slid down his cheek. That’s right, no matter what he would not give up. Not on his comrades past or future.  The image of those precious to him began to expand.

The image began with his new team that composed of his squad of soldiers under his command. The image continued to weave as Raven and Nightwing continued to form. Then Ponyville natives like the Cakes and the Apple Family. It continued to expand as images of Canterlot inhabitants such as Princess Celestia came to mind.  Finally it settled down on his closest friends.

Applejack. Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie Rarity. Rainbow Dash. Twilight Sparkle.

He opened his eyes and took in the person…the pony next to him. ‘And Princess Luna.’ He finished.

“Princess, as your friend can I make one request?”

Luna’s face softened. “Of course, as of us what you will.”

“When it’s just us, could you call me Naruto.”

“Of course…” she said as she hugged him.

Naruto was caught off by the sudden action. He was sure that he was probably breaking like fifty didn’t protocols that he sure if any nobles saw they would pass multiple motions to have him executed.

They partially pulled apart as their eyes met. Suddenly the temperature seemed to rise as the two of them began to lean in when the sound of rustling caused them to break apart.

“Princess Luna? Naruto?”  she said as she arrived upon them. “Are you two okay? You’re not getting sick are you?” Twilight asked as she pressed her hoof against Naruto’s head. “You both look flush.” She stated, clueless to the romantic atmosphere she walked on. “Naruto…were you…” she took notice of the redness of his eyes.

“I…I was talking to the princess about my past.” He cut her off before she could finish the question. “I…I had a rough past Twilight, one that I found difficult to talk about. Maybe someday I tell you, but we came here to help the Princess.”

Twilight knew there was something Naruto wasn’t telling her, but decided to let it go. They were indeed focusing on helping Princess Luna.  “Princess Luna I think I came up with a way to help stop making everypony afraid of you. Pinkie Pie is the pony who causes it most of the time. If we can find a way to show her that you aren’t so scary, maybe she'll tell the other ponies as well!"

"That's a good idea." Naruto responded. “Kind of a really simple solution now that you think about it.

"But how are we going to lure her away from the other ponies?" Twilight asked.

A grin formed on Naruto’s face. “Find me a piece of candy, a reel, string, and a stick.” He said as Twilight gave him a confused look.

Moments later the trap had been set. A lone piece of candy had been set in the alleyway. Squawking was soon heard in the alley. It was Pinkie Pie in her chicken costume. She attempted to peck at the piece of candy only for it to be drawn slightly out of her reach. Take two steps forward she attempted to peck again only for the piece of candy to be drawn.   Eventually Pinkie was baiting close enough to where Twilight immediately tackled Pinkie Pie towards the ground. Twilight placed a hoof on Pinkie Pie's mouth to prevent her from screaming. "No! No shrieking. No screaming or squealing either. Okay?" She demanded.

"Okay." Pinkie Pie responded in a high pitched squeal that was muted by Twilight's hoof.

"There's something we want you to see. And we promise that it's safe, but you really, really can't shriek. Do you promise not to shriek?" Twilight asked.

"Mmhm." Pinkie Pie agreed, causing Twilight to remove her hoof from her mouth. We turned our heads to bring Princess Luna with us. She appeared from the darkness in the alley. Pinkie Pie began squawking fearfully, but she immediately placed her hooves on her mouth.

"Pinkie Pie, you remember Princess Luna, right?" Twilight asked.

"Ah. The ringleader of the frightened children." Princess Luna walked over to Pinkie Pie and rubbed her hooves shyly. "Hast thou come to make peace?" She held out her hoof to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie stared at it for a moment, but soon released a warm smile. She began bringing out her hoof to Princess Luna.

Just before they were going to connect, lightning suddenly flashed above Luna. Pinkie Pie instantly pulled back and shouted. "Nightmare Moon!" She fled.

"Rainbow!" Twilight scolded as Naruto chased after Pinkie Pie.

Before she made it out, Naruto was able to run in front of her and block her from exiting, causing her to fall to the ground. "Pinkie I’m surprised at you. You know Princess Luna was purified by the Elements. She’s not going to gobble you up so can you please stop running in fear.”

Pinkie Pie's eyes popped out as she stared at me. "...Well, duh!"

“Wait…what?”

"I know that. Sheesh, Naruto. I'm almost as big as her. How's she gonna gobble me up?" She chuckled lightly.

"So why do you keep running away and screaming?" Twilight asked as she walked over to us.

"Sometimes it's just really fun to be scared." She replied as I pulled back my hooves from her. “You all seemed to be having so much fun with the Princess that I decided to play along too.”

Naruto couldn’t help but groan. Pinkie Pie logic. He should have really seen this coming. Of course Pinkie didn’t mean anything by her antics tonight. Quite honestly he should have realized that embodiment of Laughter wasn’t displaying any sort of ill-will by her behavior.

"Fun?" Twilight questioned. She thought for a moment and then immediately faced Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie Pie, you're a genius!"

"No, I'm not. I'm a chicken." Pinkie Pie corrected, being her usual silly self, and squawked.

Twilight   walked over to Princess Luna who was once again gloomy as she lay on the other end of the alley. "Princess Luna! I've finally figured out why you're having so much trouble being liked!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm." She responded.

"Come with me. I'll explain everything on the way." Twilight’s plan was quickly put in action as the children were led to the statue of Nightmare Moon.

Zecora walked over to Pipsqueak, who was with the other fillies, sulkily. "Come, little Pip. Now don't you fret. Nightmare Night's not over yet. We still have candy left to give, so Nightmare Moon might let us live."

"Yes. Come on, little ponies." The mayor walked over to them, encouragingly. What's Nightmare Night without the annual candy offering? You don't want Nightmare Moon to gobble you up…" She spoke in a spooky voice. "…do you?"

Spike had been walking past them with some lights in his hand. "Aw, the rainbow wig just kills it for me."

Pipsqueak was the last one to walk towards the pile of candy with his bag clenched by his teeth. He had a saddened look as he deposited his candy in front of the statue.

"Goodbye Nightmare Night. Forever…" Pipsqueak began walking away, but all of a sudden, winds blew heavily around us.

"Citizens of Ponyville! You were wise to bring these candies to me. I am pleased with your offering. So pleased that I may just eat it... instead of eating you!" Nightmare Moon's statue came alive and immediately scared all the ponies. They ran, screaming. The statue transformed into Princess Luna, surprising me. Princess Luna removed the fangs from her teeth as Twilight came out from the bushes.

"I am not certain that did what you meant for it to do, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna announced with uncertainty.

"Just wait." Twilight replied, confidently.

"For what?" Princess Luna questioned as she jumped off of the platform. "For... for them to scream some more?"

Pipsqueak had come by and tugged at Princess Luna's hair. "Um... Princess Luna." She turned her head to face him. "I know there's not gonna be any more Nightmare Night, but do you suppose maybe you could come back next year and scare us again anyway?"

She turned her head to see the other fillies hiding behind the bush, but also listening to hear her decision. "Child. Art thou saying that thou... likest me to scare you?"

"It's really fun! Scary, but fun."

"It... is?" Princess Luna questioned, surprised.

"Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year!"

"Well then." Princess Luna replied, bringing a smile to her face. "We shall have to bring…" She began speaking in a booming voice, once again. "…Nightmare Night back!"

"Whoa!" Pipsqueak exclaimed as he was pushed back by the voice of the Princess. "You're my favorite princess ever!" He quickly bowed below her and fled back to his friends. "She said yes, guys!"

"YAY!" The children yelled, bringing a smile to my face as well.

"See?" Twilight asked. "They really do like you, princess."

"Can it be true?" She rose up her hooves and shouted. "Oh, most wonderful of...!" She lowered herself and realized she had been yelling again. "I mean... Oh, most wonderful of nights."

Afterwards, the Nightmare Night festivities were back on.  Princess Luna had begun to truly enjoy herself.  The children even returned to her to give her more candy. Princess Luna especially continued to frighten ponies in good fun. One pony, who was dressed as a mouse, was about to bob for an apple when Princess Luna suddenly emerged from the water and scared her. The pony jumped back in fear, but once she saw Princess Luna eating an apple as she hung her hooves over the tub, they all shared a laugh.

Suddenly, the sound electricity crackles followed by the sound of Rainbow Dash screaming and flying away rapidly. Princess Luna descended down to the group as she laid on a dark cloud. She winked at the group and she smiled. Then, she began laughing which eventually led to the others joining her.

“Tonight’s events were truly wondrous. Your suggestion had led to such a wonderful time.”

Naruto smiled in response to Luna’s statement. “I’m glad I suggested it then.” Everything simply just felt right. Even Fluttershy’s fear of the night princess had practically vanished…well for the most part.

"Well, we're really glad that you enjoyed Nightmare Night with us, Luna!" Twilight expressed.

“Indeed, we look forward to future festivities. Cap-Naruto Uzumaki we believe it is time for me to depart. We wish you well this week and look forward to your return to Canterlot. There are matters that must be discussed upon your return.”

“Of course Princess.”

“We have enjoyed all of your company. You really showed me how we have friends, and will be looking forward to the next time. Until then my little ponies farewell." She waved to all of them. "Goodnight and have a happy Nightmare Night."

With that the group said their goodbyes and after exchanging some last words began making their separate ways, with Twilight levitating a full and sleepy Spike and Naruto offering to walk Fluttershy home.

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Chapter End

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Now I decided to push Luna Eclisped up at this point for a variety of instances. I already have a plot arc and plot elements that I’m connecting to the two-parter Return of Harmony. The last two chapters played parts as part of the set-up for chapters later down the road.

Try as I might I realized the best way to handle these plot points would be after Discord’s first unsealing instead of before it. Also in terms of season continuity I figured Nightmare Night taking place say before the Winter Wrap-Up episode would not only make sense of the time frame, but rather easy thanks to the episodic nature of the show.

I probably have you shippers frothing at the mouth at the amount of Naruto x Luna tease this chapter. Quite honestly I don’t know whether I want to go with Twilight or Luna. Now I had received a great deal of reviews on Deviantart, Fanfiction, and Fimfiction support either one or the other pairing.

Quite honestly the initial mare choice I had was one of the background ponies, funnily enough leaning between either Derpy or Lyra.  Even as I talk to you guys I have pages worth of background info and plot ideas I decided on multiple background ponies.

Around chapter eight to twelve I planned on introducing Lyra and her whole fanon human obsession along with Bon Bon and Octavia, but I never got around to that.

I think after the Darkness Arc the background ponies are going to gain a lot of prominence.  Another important idea I wish to do is expand upon Naruto and Derpy’s friendship.

I’m more than certain a fanfic of that pairing is going to eventually spring up; it’s only a matter of time.  I haven’t decided what role Dinky will play in this fic yet, but there are other characters who will play a rather interesting role.

If everything goes just as planned I’ll have the next chapter posted by tomorrow with that said goodnight everyone.