Author's Note

Welcome back, here are we with another chapter. Enjoy and comment.

''Nightmares are releases.''

-Slyvia Browne.

Nightmare Night, Nightmare Fright

Dream Of Nightmare Night. . .

Duncan sat at the edge of his bed, looking down at the floor with a neutral expression. The dim light of the room's candle reached his face, illuminating the glow in his eyes with each second. The air was stale, the small howling of the wind outside rushing against his closed window with a firm woosh that flung small rocks and dust towards the glass. The moon appeared to be closer than it had even been since he arrived to Equestria.

This would be the death of him before a crazy, 10ft power horse princess would have the chance.

''Duncan!'' Twilight called from downstairs, her voice muffled by his closed door. He did not want to have to do this, in any capacity. ''Are you ready?''

Was he ready for this? He knew it was coming up, he knew all the buzz it would bring to the town, and he even knew that it would probably his best chance to have the majority of the town in one place to help his introduction to the town without any complications or underlying judgment from him being who he was.

And only if things went right for tonight. Duncan sighed, combing his hand through his hair as he fought a battle within himself to make himself stand up and do this without complaining or to embarrass his friends. Walking over to his mirror, he traced a finger over his makeup and double-checked none was showing his own skin color besides the dark red paint that was so intricate to be put together after a grueling appointment with Rarity on what colors would and would not clash. The light white crescent moons under his eyes resembled tears rolling down his face with minor wave patterns in between.

''Why did I agree to this?'' Duncan asked himself in a low voice, shaking his head in disbelief. Pinkie certainly made a good case against the promise that it would be, as well as how sad she would be if he did not attend the night's festivities. ''Oh, yea. . .friendship.''

All of this said last minute before he was fully backed out of it while her being in a chicken costume.

Rubbing his index finger and thumb together to generate a bit of heat, he ran his fingers through the collar of the cloak he was wearing to ensure the crease remained as straight and crisp as possible. Rarity would kill him if he ruined this at all. Once upon a time, which was last week, Duncan found himself wondering what exactly compelled her to do all of this when he was sure his initial plan of doing things his way would work, but he knew better than to question the opinion of a woman, especially about something he knew next to nothing about. ''Let's see what this 'Nightmare Night' is all about. Yea! I'm ready Twi!'' Duncan shouted back, turning around and shuffling to the door, paying one last look to his bedroom.

He just wanted to sleep this night off, but his friends (Pinkie) was ever persistent.

''About time!'' Spike called, coming over to the bottom of the staircase to see Duncan close his door and venture down, the cloak perfectly covering all of his body except for his head and a bit of his neck. It was a simple black, purposely made with folded layers that made it appear as if he was just wearing a curtain until Spike looked to see the simple chain the same color as his face paint connecting the cloth together. ''You look like you're floating almost,'' Spike said, noting the cloak clipping just barely before the tops of his shoes.

Duncan snorted, looking at Spike's costume once he got to the bottom, noting the crudely made attempt at. . .whatever it was Spike was trying to do. ''What in the name of all that is considered holy are you supposed to be?''

Spike thumped a claw against his chest, the half-heartedly made green and purple costume that covered his body resembling something that a child would draw. ''I'm a dragon!''

Duncan quirked a brow, slightly tilting his head as he bent down to Spike's level. He reached a hand out and felt his forehead to see something.

''Uh, what are you doing?'' Spike felt him firmly press the back of his hand into his forehead. It didn't hurt, but it did kinda feel strange.

''Checking to make sure you don't have a heat stroke or something going on, because if not, you're sillier than I thought.'' Duncan felt no abnormal temperature from what he was able to tell.

Twilight finished adjusting the beard on her Starswirl The Bearded costume with a grin a mile wide plastered on her face. This would be one of the best nights ever; ponies could see her costume and admire her hard work and maybe even want to learn some of the spells that the unicorn knew back during his time. Or both. Whichever one took precedence. This would also be beneficial for Duncan in more ways than one.

Candy, tricks, and games should be enough to help take the edge off of some of the feelings that some of them felt ever since Princess Celestia attacked Duncan and made her declaration, which was still understandably as unjust in Twilight's eyes as it was sudden. Ever since that day, she dared not sending any manner of letter to her for the possible fear of it backfiring on her. Never had she seen something like even remotely change her perspective on a matter.

Except for Nightmare Moon.

''At any rate, that can wait,''Twilight thought, looking herself over once more before she traveled over to Duncan and Spike as they bickered about the validity of Spike's costume. ''This night should be enjoyed.''

''-And also, you could have gone as anything else!'' Duncan chortled, flicking the small spines on Spike's costume. ''A mummy, firefighter, even Clifford, but you had to go as yourself.''

Spike was confused. Who was Clifford? ''But you're going as yourself.''

''Because as far as everypony is concerned; Humans don't really exist,'' Duncan folded his arms and gave the dragon a smug smile that told him that he had won this argument. He always considered himself to be a bit of a smooth talker when it mattered. ''That's like seeing Medusa walking down the street; you just can't ignore it.''

''I still don't get it.'' Spike said, walking over to his tiny pumpkin basket for candy.

''And that's why you have lost this battle of wits,'' Duncan replied in a positive tone, walking over to the door with a bemused expression. ''We going or not?''

Twilight smiled back at Duncan and continued to the door as well. She would do her best to help Duncan adjust, and make this a night that nopony would forget. And who knows; he may just win an award for the costume contest.

The night always was always a comfort. It allowed for the true nature of those who would otherwise lie and cheat to be revealed, and the ensuing retribution to be all the sweeter when caught. She would always be just the pony who be called in to handle any unruliness and to instill fear in the hearts of any creature foolish enough to go against her client. ''With all of the jobs I did in the past, this one is probably the most annoying. Princess Celestia and her. . .eugh. Rules.''

Faster, stronger, more accurate, and better than any of her previous assignments. This one would be the one to get her in the best position of power. Only playing the role of the fool, for now, would guarantee her own plans for the future. . .a world where her word is law.

Conform or die.

Brrrr. The cold air certainly got to her quicker than she thought. Always standing watch over a mountainside had certain advantages, but not as much when compared to being up close and personal with her prey. The clinking of her gear against the rock as she stood up and stretched. Almost time for the first strike. ''Let's light this town up. Princess Celestia, I am moving now.'' Starlight communicated telepathically.

POOF!

Craning her head to the left, the pony in question appeared in a fantastic display of teleportation magic, the radiant light blinding her for a second as the waves of light flowed down Celestia's body before dying out in the ground in a wave of magical particles. How smug of her to walk like she was in charge of this operation, especially without lifting a hoof. She stopped halfway and directed her attention to the town which would be a few miles away from the outskirts of town. ''You do know what is expected of you, so I expect it to be done with the. . .care and professionalism you have been known for, Starlight Glimmer.''

Starlight bowed her head a tad, crossing a hoof over her chest. Mere formalities to just feed her client, soon to be master's ego. ''Yes, Princess. I shall give a full report when done. Not one moment less once the mission is complete.''

''Good,'' Celestia used her magic to pick up a loose rock in her magic, using a bit of her magic to wither away at it, the process as second nature to her as breathing. The pieces that were unfit to stay fell to the ground with no consideration; they were rejects. Before long, with Starlight casting a look of mild wonder as she began to stop her work and present what she made to her soon to be the student to replace which was, in her opinion, a mistake. ''Humans. . .resilent as ever; and Duncan will-'' she spit the word out with such rage that she scrapped her teeth against themselves by accident. ''-with no doubt, pose an annoyance to you if you fail to pay attention.'' Celestia showed the rock sculpture to her as she looked on.

She knew that. with the way that she described him to her, and with the different time she observed, she did think that the fool thought highly of himself that he could take on any opposition if it came his way. If only he knew. He wouldn't know what hit him. But, for the sake of her becoming closer to her goal, she would swallow her thoughts and smile and wave. ''Yes, Princess.''

POOF! THUMP! The rock fell, almost rolling over the side of the cliff before Starlight's magic picked it up so she could better look at it with her own eyes. It. . .was funny in a way. The way Celestia so easily made that into what she wanted would be the same for her making Duncan suffer, and the different ways that she could implement that pain would oh so difficult to pick one to leave such a lasting effect. ''Element of Magic, huh? This better not be for nothing,'' Starlight resigned herself and focused her power, bringing forth a pair of ethereal wings that formed over her cloak as she took a few flaps and glided forward.

''So far, so good,'' Duncan commented, noticing the festive decorations that littered the town. The ground was adorned with various decorative webs and baskets that held images of a pony bathed in black with a singular eye peering back at them. Princess Luna, from what Twilight told him and he found out a bit in the books around the library. The younger sister of Celestia just sounded all the worse to him after using what she did to him as a benchmark for any future behavior. ''I think this is working, you guys.''

Nopony had looked at him too strangely, besides the occasional sideways glance that he actually didn't mind all too much as they continued on with just enough curiosity to wonder, but not enough to question outright. Some costumes were made with thought, ranging from scarecrows, mummies, doctors, and everything in between.

The only oddball, besides himself, was Spike.

''See? Not that bad once you give them a chance,'' Spike said, shaking in delight at the prospect of candy and pranks.

''Well, he technically is wearing a costume, Spike. They probably think he's just another pony.'' Twilight said, also noticing the ponies carrying on pretty much the same as she would expect them to without Duncan present. He looked to be having fun, waving to a few of the fillies that were brave enough to give him a glance. But, there still seemed to be something on his mind, and she knew it was Celestia.

That still was an issue that she still had trouble believing that her mentor was someone that had the capacity to be standoffish about the entire situation, and the fact that she has yet to hear anything at all from her about anything. And that would make any further plans down the line all the more difficult if she were, to be honest with herself. That disconnect could possibly mean the end of any further studying under her tutelage, no more spells, and possibly no more friendship lessons. . .

That reality was something that she may have to soon face, with the way that things were now.

''Oh my goodness,'' Duncan stopped walking when the trio walked into the town square as he spied Mayor Mare in her costume. ''What is she wearing?''

''Even I can't tell you that,'' Spike shook his head and wondered what possessed Mayor Mare to dress up like that. ''You think anypony tried to tell her why it's not gonna work?''

''Doubt it.'' Duncan said, folding his arms and sweeping a look across the various tables that were set up with games, decorations, and candy. Ugh. Candy corn; something he always hated as a kid, and even now, he still was not a fan. Spying some moment out of the corner of his eye, he turned to see a small group of files and colts running after one another. The colt who seemed to be the biggest focus of the group almost swept Duncan off his feet if not for his quick reflexes and footing.

''Oh, my goodness,'' the small colt apologized, the red bandanna that sat perched on his head falling to the ground in a small plume of dust and rocks. ''I am so, so, sorry! I should have looked where I was going, Mr. . .whoa. Who are you?''

''Oh, Pipsqueak!'' Twilight walked over, frowning and helping the colt up who looked in awe at Duncan.''You need to be more careful; you could have hurt somepony. Are you ok, Duncan?''

Duncan waved his hand back and forth, chuckling at the panicked state of Pipsqueak. ''No harm, no foul. But, to his question. I'm. . .different.''

''You're not a pony, so what are you, sir?'' Pipsqueak asked, searching for his list bandanna to complete his pirate costume, frantically looking before Spike came to his rescue.

''Let's just say-'' Duncan swept his cloak in front of his face, covering everything except his eyes. ''-I am a myth made a reality,'' Pipsqueak's eyes dilated and his hooves thrummed with nervous shakes. Myth? W-Was he dangerous? ''I am a Homo Saipan, and if you know what's good for you on this Nightmare Night. . . you won't tell anypony!''

Crack! BOOM!

''Ahhhh!'' Pipsqueak and his friends ran off, though Duncan couldn't tell if it was from him or from the sound of thunder sounding that scared the ever-loving life of them. He also noticed Spike taking a toll for the worst as he fell flat on his face as Twilight complained to whoever caused the scare.

''Rainbow!~'' Twilight turned her head to Rainbow Dash, who frowned at her friend who sat on a darkened thunder cloud as she sat in a dark skinsuit and googles.

''HAHAHA!~ Oh, man; classic!'' Rainbow fell on her back, kicking her hooves in the air as she lowered the cloud closer to the ground. ''Suprised I didn't get Duncan, I'll just have to get him later.''

''That wasn't very nice, Rainbow,'' Duncan shot a venomous look to Rainbow, the sound of her laughter making his eye twitch.

''Lighten up, Duncan. It's all in good fun.'' Rainbow said, making Twilight scowl at her friend's antics.

''But look what you did to Spike!'' Twilight frowned and pointed to Spike who looked to be having a heart attack. ''And Pipsqueak and his friends, too.''

Rainbow looked very much annoyed that her friends were party poopers. This was the one night a year she could enjoy this without any repercussions. Almost. And she would be remised if she was going to let anypony get in the way of her fun on this Nightmare Night. Plus, she wouldn't be the only one who would plan any pranks. Something that did miff her a bit was that the true target of her prank failed to react. ''Won't be acting that way for long.'' Rainbow thought.

''Are you listening to us?'' Duncan put his hands on his hips, exhaling a breath through his nose. If he didn't know any better, he had the feeling that she was in her head, about something and that it would not be any good for anypony tonight.

''Oh! Oh! There's another group over there!'' Rainbow zoomed away, leaving the group by themselves.

''I swear, I will hurt her one day,'' Duncan growled, looking at Spike as he twitched on the ground, a few ponies looking at him with a curious eye. ''Ey, Spike; you good?''

''He'll be fine, I'm sure,'' Twilight took hold of him in her magic and set him on her back as the pair began to walk around and see some of what the other ponies were doing. ''Where are the girls? They said they would meet us here.''

''Maybe that got caught up for a second. This is a night where scares could be around any corner.'' Duncan said, Twilight shaking her head and continuing with looking around the town. ''Still surprised I haven't been noticed really.''

Starlight Glimmer trotted through the clearing that stood by the side of Fluttershy's cottage from what Princess Celestia informed her in the dossier. The information that she provided her with certainly helped her to make a good enough persona for whoever she would need to use to get close enough to her target and to do the job she was sent here. Fluttershy, from what she was told, would be more on the lesser side of candidates should the need arise.

Applejack would be difficult due to her honesty and often spot on track record of being the voice of reason of the group, which she factored into being a problem, should the rest of them be in the position to question.

Rarity would be too obvious. . .and that her sense for fashion would be against her. Starlight continued walking, slowly passing by the trees that side of either side of her as she slowly walked through Ponyville, keeping her eyes open and ears raised for the littlest thing that could stand out. All the planning in the world would amount to nothing until it actually was put into place, and if it held a significant chance of success.

And Pinkie Pie?

''No,'' Starlight said, shaking her head and continuing on her path. The town soon came into view after she began to see the dim lights of torches being lit through the town For Nightmare Night. Why Celestia chose this night of all nights still eluded the unicorn no matter what angle she attempted to think from. In recent years, Celestia's mind has, for a lack of better words, deteriorated. She lied to herself every day she raised the sun; every deal she ever made with every delegate, king, queen, or political power was all a front. Celestia knew something was coming, but what exactly, she never told Starlight.

With taking that into account, the only logical option would have to be-

''Hmm.'' Starlight paused her walk for the moment, looking around to see nothing; just trees, the dirt road that led into Ponyville, and the few clouds that littered the night sky. ''Mmm.'' Starlight continued walking, closing her eyes for a moment before the sounds of her metal horseshoes against the dirt, silently thumping.

BOOM! CRACK!

''Ngh!'' Starlight instinctively fired a blast of magic towards the sound, nearly striking the pony who used the cloud to catch her off-guard. She knew she heard something, but whoever it was possessed good reflexes to avoid her attacks so quickly.

''Jeez,'' a voice called from the dark cloud as it floated closer to the ground, revealing Rainbow Dash blowing a bit of steam from her mane. So close. ''Can't take a joke?'' Starlight looked at Rainbow Dash chuckling a bit and looking a bit miffed that she was exposed before she could fully enjoy what she tried to do. A small fire sparked itself inside Starlight's mind, wanting to grow more into an inferno of malice. The Element of Loyalty? More like a waste of great power and this Wonderbolt wannabe has yet to even scratch the surface of her Element's power. None of them did.

Especially not Twilight, the thief.

''Hey, are you okay?'' Rainbow asked, taking off her goggles so she could see a bit of her better. Starlight nearly lurched out, if not for her own restraint. She would have to temper her anger, but only just long enough to get her in the best position possible.

''I'm fine,'' Starlight clenched her teeth as the words came out rather forced, Rainbow quirking her brow and hopping off the cloud. ''I'm just not one for jokes, is all.''

Rainbow blew a raspberry, waving her hoof in defiance. Not a fan of jokes? Oh, how rich. If she didn't know any better, she kind of sounded like Duncan. ''So why are you out here by yourself? You don't seem like you're from around here.''

Of course, she wasn't. Having too many questions, however, could be something that could be the end of her very, very, small life if she continued to put her nose where it did not belong. This incident, however, was certainly operating within the parameters she projected, but she still wanted to move it along with all the more quickly; the fewer ponies who knew about her presence would be all the better for her to finish the mission she was given.

She would have to handle this quickly before anypony else came.

''Hey, are you ok-''

Starlight used her magic, channeling a magical blast that Rainbow Dash narrowly missed, looking back at Starlight with a panicked look. Rainbow grit her teeth and readied herself. Pranking this pony was obviously something she couldn't do. ''What's your deal?!''

Rainbow truly was fast as Celestia made her out be. Firing a barrage, Starlight used her magical prowess and instinct to lead her prey into a position where she was able to strike her down, causing the speedster to seize up and plummet to the ground after the sounds of her magic piercing the air and the flapping of Rainbow's wings soon came to a stop. Weakly trying to stand up after it felt like she was hit with a cart full of bricks, Rainbow coughed and fought to look at the pony who suddenly attacked her. ''W-What. . .did you do?''

Walking up to her target and smiling, Starlight only responded by using one of her hooves to strike Rainbow Dash in the head, her face soon ending up in the dirt as a swollen, red mark began to form on her left cheek. Lighting her horn with magic once again, she only wished she could have more time to pay back this. . .imatator.

But, she had a mission to complete, and she would not falter.

''I guess you'll have to be the vessel for now, but worry not. I won't do too much damage.'' Starlight chuckled, beginning the process.