Rising Hope 2: The Harmony Of Equestria.

Fear

A calm breeze swept through the lowly lit town of Ponyville, the small chirps of grasshoppers and occasional barking of a dog bringing peace to the human's mind as he stared out his bedroom window. Looking to the mirror, he check over his appearance and did a quick twirl. His midnight black collared dress shirt, custom fitting dress pants, strapped biker boots and black and gold feathered fedora receiving a nod of approval from Frank. The latter chose to dress up for the festivities as the king of Vampires. Down to the long, black cloak, pointed shoes, suit vest underneath a white dress shirt, fangs, and done up hair making him seem If not just as, then somewhat to close the real deal with a slight alteration spell done by Twilight and Jamir. For the time being, his body changed In every way, giving him a more subtle, but convincing feel.

''Alright remember: this only last for a few hours so don't waste it.'' The human warned his friend as they proceeded outside, a slight drizzle falling upon them.

''Yes, I understand.'' Frank smirked, a bit of rain falling to his face.

Walking through the town: Twilight, Spike, Jamir, Xenia(his red panda companion), and Frank walked down the cobblestone path, discussing the activities that would befall them.

''So it's basically our version of Halloween? Meh, seems a little...hell if I know.'' Frank scratched his chin. Thinking to himself, Jamir figured that Nightmare Night seems like one of those unnecessary holidays, like Easter or Mardi Gras. Still, the chance for free candy and a spook or two did not stop him from saying yes. Listening on what Twilight was discussing, his little friend was currently resting in a pouch that Rarity constructed for Xenia should she grow tired of always resting on the human's shoulder or head. At least this way, both got what they desired: Xenia wanted to be more comfortable and Jamir looks like a mother Kangaroo with her joey.

''So you mean to tell me after all those history lessons I gave you plus a bit of what Discord said, you still don't know who Starswirl The Bearded is?'' The unicorn asked, her fake beard swaying back and forth with her every movement. Choosing for more of a knowledgeable theme, she chose to go as just the pony she mentioned. Sporting the beard, bells, and hoove stitched robe and hat, she appeared slightly better than the drake in question. Seeing as he is a baby dragon and how he has no real sense of fashion by going as a dragon in a rubber like suit. Few words came to the human's mind:

''He needs help.''

Back to the topic at hand: reviewing the aspects and interests of the holiday and complimenting ponies on their costumes, the group came into the town square, decorations and games going on all around. Lively music was playing, ponies were talking, and the atmosphere seemed good. Going over to the apple-bobbing tank and spying a young colt struggle and fall in, Applejack helping him out.

''Hey Applejack, happy Nightmare Night.'' Twilight greeted. Turning and cracking a smile, the scarecrow pony returned the gesture in kind.

''Howdy guys, nice costumes.'' The earth pony complimented. Puffing his chest out in pride, Spike took that for an excuse for his terrible wardrobe.

''She meant us Spike. Do try and stay level about this.'' The vampire chuckled. Conversating for a few minutes, all went quiet as Mayor Mare made an announcement.

The group turned their eyes to the mayor giving a speech whilst being 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!'' Mayor Mare spoke.

''Spooky voice might work better If she wasn't dressed like that.'' Spike complained.

''Agreed.'' The human and vampire backed his play.

''Once every year, ponies 'shed' their skin, how have you, my friends been?'' Zecora arrived, In a mystic shaman's outfit.

''Alright, everything has been calm and dandy.'' The human smiled.

The conversation drifted back to Mayor Mare's topic when a chance to experience a part of Nightmare Night was offered.

''Follow me, and very soon, you'll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon.'' She led the group off.

Passing through a part of the Everfree that showed an easy view of the town,  a stone statue In front, a depiction of a pony with armour looking rather menacing as Zecora spoke.

''Listen close, my little dears, I'll tell you where you got your fears of Nightmare Night, so dark and scary. Of Nightmare Moon, who makes you wary. Every year, we put on a disguise, to save ourselves from her searching eyes. But Nightmare Moon wants just one thing: to gobble up ponies in one quick swing!  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!'' She Informed.

''But why?'' Frank inquired.

''A perfect question, my human friend. For Nightmare Moon you must not offend. Fill up her belly with a treat or two, so she won't return to come eat you!'' A dust specter of Nightmare Moon hit the crowd, prompting their immediate leave.

''Everypony! Just dump some candy and get out of here!'' Pinkie yelled and took off, the other ponies doing the same and bolting back to town.

''Hey! I was supposed to make you run and flee In terror! Zecora, you stole my job!'' Frank stomped his foot and huffed.

She chuckled as those of us who didn't flee stayed and looked at the sky turning awful darker than would have been more comfortable with.

''Okay, now what Is It?'' Twi observed the skies.

Thunder and lighting filled the air as we took a few steps back as It started to rain somewhat, and by that count: was a lot. Lightning sparked in and out, the clouds grew a darker shade, the wind began to blow fiercely and a figure loomed its shadow to the eye of the clouds. For a better look, a pair of bat-winged stallions flew towards the statue, hauling a carriage that held a cloaked pony with their head down. Coming to a stop at the base of the statue, everything went quiet. Stepping off, the figure's hood was taken off to reveal the princess of the night, Princess Luna.

''Princess Luna!'' Twilight smiled.

''Citizens of Ponyville! We have graced your tiny village with our presence, so that you might behold the real Princess of the Night! A creature of nightmares 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!'' She boomed with the Royal Canterlot voice.

Holding their ears in discomfort, Jamir winced and looked ecstatic to see one of his lovers.

Walking over and kissing her on the nose, the Luna blushed as they came into a embrace.

''Greetings, love: I trust thou are enjoying tonight?'' Her voice sounded rich and graceful, with a hint of old Equestrian Royal speech.

''I am.'' He stretched. ''And I know is must be a little hard to even show up at this time of year because of...well I'm trying to say that-

She cut him with a hoof to his mouth.

''Tis alright love: as much as I find it to be a tad vexing, this has to be a step to otherwise convince our fellow ponies that their princess only wishes for love and admiration. And if we have our love here with us...then we would not care of other's opinions.'' A few tears left her eyes.

Brushing them aside and looking into her eyes, a moment of silence befell them as everyone else watched on with curious intent.

''You're right about that: as long as we have each other and our friends then it won't directly matter about the other's opinions.'' He gave her a loving hug. Gathering their wits and heading back to Town Hall, the mood seemed to drop a tad as they trekked back.

5 Minutes later:

Going back to where the group started: Luna tried to go about greetings in a way  preferred be not loud. That voice hurts your ears at close range.

''Madame Mayor, thy Princess of the Night hath arrived.'' She offered her hoof to the shaking mayor. Then another one. Then another. Same response. Nothing but whimpers.

''What Is the matter with you? Very well, then. Be that way. We won't even bother with the traditional royal farewell!'' A look of anger was plastered on her face.

''Think we should talk to her?'' Frank pegged.

''We, and by we: I mean myself and Twilight should do that. You and Spike can try convince the town to change their opinion of her.'' The human looked to the princess walking away in a tizzy.

''Does this mean that?...''

''Yes, but nothing too much: do not want a heart attack victim.'' The human, his marefriend and pet panda followed. Luna's trail led them back to the statue near the Everfree. Slumped over with a sad look on her face, the human approached and took a seat next to her. Finding the right words to say, the human waked on thin Ice.

''Are you alright?'' He finally decided.

She shook her head no and sighed. ''We should just face the facts, the ponies will never like us, they never have.''

''I think maybe just change your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception.'' Twi smiled.

''How?''

''We could start with your voice, that could be a good place as any.''

''Ohhh. We have been locked away for a thousand years. We are... not sure we can.''

As if on schedule, an idea was offered.

''Oh,oh! Ms. Fluttershy can help! She has a nice voice.'' Xenia moved out from the pouch and onto the human's shoulder.

''That..actually may be a good Idea.'' He held his chin in contemplation. Finding that to be a solid lead as any, the group set off to Fluttershy's cottage.

A few minutes passed and the group came upon the dark, silent cottage. Walking up the small ramp, the look of shut windows and turned off lights showed for a longing silence as Twilight knocked on the door.

''GO AWAY! NO CANDY HERE! VISITORS NOT WELCOME ON NIGHTMARE NIGHT!''

Or that could be good enough.

''Uh Fluttershy, It's me Twilight.'' The unicorn hesitantly listened for a response. The door slowly opening, the timid pegasus showed her face and any previous feelings of possible rage disappeared.

''It Is you. and Jamir. Oh and Princess Luna.'' She relaxed. ''What can I do for you?'' She smiled.

''Little bit of a predicament here: could you maybe be Luna's voice coach?'' The human asked.

''I don't see why not.''

''Shall our lessons begin?'' Luna's voice boomed.

Fluttershy nodded.

''Shall we mimic thy voice?''

''Repeat after me: Hello, It's nice to meet you: I am Princess Luna.''

''Greetings: tis a pleasure to meet you: I am princess Luna!''

''Maybe turn It a notch down.''

''How...Is this?'' Her voice lowered.

''Good, good.'' The human complimented.

''How...Is this?'' Her voice sounded more natural.

''Nice job Princess: right Ms. Fluttershy?'

''Mmm-hmm.''

''And... how about now?'' She spoke perfectly. Receiving a nod from all four of them, Luna smiled and bear-hugged Fluttershy to the point where her eyes nearly popped out of her skull.

''Thank you dearest Fluttershy: our new speaking voice shall surely win the affection of the villagers!''

With that in mind, the group along with Fluttershy made their way back to town to show the locals the change their princess made for the better.

''My friend Applejack Is one of the most likable ponies around. I'm sure she'll have some Ideas.''

''I just hope that this works.'' The human thought.

Twilight went over to Aj and tried to get some Ideas whilst the human, Fluttershy, and Luna talked to Spike and Frank, the latter not really getting a lot of time to chat with the lunar princess.

''All you gotta do Is have the right attitude. Loosen up a bit, be positive, play a few games, have some fun.'' She offered.

''And what exactly Is this 'fun' you speak of?'' She looked as if a Ursa Minor came to town.

Following a demonstration of some simple games, Luna tried her hoof at spider tossing which she failed first time around.

''You can do It princess!'' Twilight urged.

She tried again and managed to land one on the net. Looking so ecstatic at just having a small bit of fun, she unfurled her wings and took flight for a few moments, landing with a backflip.

''Your princess enjoys this "fun"! In what other ways may we experience It?''

''I have a few Ideas.'' A smile came to the human's face.

Going with the flow of things, they tried pumpkin tossing, though Jamir put his own spin on It and played pumpkin ball. Having one launched at towards him, the human unsheathed his katana which he brought with him for appearance purposes and slight bragging rights and sliced a line through the gourd, sending pieces flying off.

''May I have a try?'' She looked happy.

''Go ahead.'' Frank went over and prepped a pumpkin. Giving the going ahead, the catapult launched with a fling.

''Here It comes!''

Being away for 1000 years must have taken a toll on her since she looked absolutely cheerful when she blasted It to pieces.

''Hah! Are there any other ways to have ''fun?'' She asked.

A wave of thoughts came to the human as he got the chance to play and have some actual fun for once. A game that he was certain his lover would enjoy had to be search and destroy: pretty much capture the flag, but a tad different.

Time Skip: 10 minutes and a small cleanup later:

After the events of the game, which mostly included chasing: the group headed back over to the town center to enter In the 'best costume' contest, and not to jump the gun, but Jamir hoped he would get 1st.

Talking for a few minutes as slips were entered, the mayor put the entries In a box and picked out 4 slips.

''Will Dracula, Starswirl the bearded, The dark mage, and Artorius please show up on stage?'' She asked.

''Prepare to lose, faker.'' The vampire added competitive flare to his voice.

''And how am I a faker?'' The human made his way up the wooden steps and onto the stage.

''Unlike you, my costume was not made up.''

''You're just jealous you couldn't think of this first.'' A snicker came.

''Now, if you can tell us a little about your costume, Mr.Dracula?''

''Thank you for asking: unlike that faker over there, my costume Is the great king of Vampires.'' He smelled the rose in his hand.

''And what about you Starswirl the bearded?''

''I am better known as the father of the amniomorphic spell and have played many a part In making a bountiful number of spells that have Influenced the pony world.''

''Mr. Dark Mage?''

''...I am the dark mage...that's all.'' The cloaked pony said.

''Artorius?''

''My costume was Inspired by a few elements back on Earth: two of which stand out the most.''

The crowd was silent for a second before a mix of 'Artorius' and 'Dracula' rang out. Looking to be the mediator for this, the mayor made her decision as to who gets 1st.

''It appears we have a tie, one way to settle this would be to-''Look out!'' Lavender shouted, coming to the party dressed as a bumblebee while her unicorn daughter, Rose went as a little ghost.

A low moan emanated from the crowd as  a tinge of magic fired up. Looking over, the source turned to be that cloaked pony using his horn. The disturbance revealed Itself as a pack undead ponies rising from the ground. Scattering away, the putrid smell, torn flesh, decaying and mutilated bodies forcing everyone within reach to cover their nose and back away. Narrowing his eyes to the stallion, the human walked over and attempted to reach for his cloak to wring his small body when he suddenly teleported a few feet away.

''You...monster. Why would you revive the dead and disturb their souls? Have you no shame?'' Frank shook with slight fear and uncomfortableness.  Laughing at his question, the pony merely backed away before lighting his horn back up.

''I only do what I'm paid to: so why should I care about the dead? They're dead. Just like you will be.'' He sent a blast of magic to the Frank, the magic seemingly going for his chest when it ricocheted off the blade of the human's sword and struck a walking zombie pony, knocking it over like a rag doll and slowly getting back up, cracking and bending its body a way that looked to be impossible. Blowing the smoke of his blade, he took the sheath and sword and passed It to his friend.

''Huh? What's this abou-

''Luna.'' Jamir called with absolute calm and seriousness.

''You, and Frank take care of getting the citizens to safety while Twilight and Applejack: you buy them time and put those disturbed souls to peace while I deal with this guy.'' he glared and cracked his knuckles.

''Ha! You think that you, a bucking ape or whatever the hay you are can possibly best me?! This I want to see.'' His neck was cracked, showing his determination and equal skill. Crouching down focusing his eyes, the unicorn shot a beam of magic to his midsection that he took head on, the most damage being done being a bruise. Rushing forward and letting a bit of magic into his palm, he slammed it to the stallion's chest which forced him back a few feet and slammed him into a house. Getting up from the crashed carrot cart, the Dark Mage limped a bit, but nonetheless brought forth his magic and erected projectiles of stone and hurled them to the human. Doing his best to weave in and out of the attacks, his leg was brought up in an arc and struck the temple of the unicorn as he knocked a tooth out and forced him to a sitting position.

''Nice try.'' He smiled.

Using the position to his advantage, the stallion delivered a buck that pushed the human's soles to the ground as he slid back. Growling, his magic pulsed and swayed, creating a trio of magic tendrils from behind his back that extended his reach beyond  5 feet. Using the first two to propel himself to the air, the last one brought a massive rock along as it contacted his jaw and brought a massive pain to the Mage's head. Spitting out blood and charging, the human did the same as their magic met each other In the middle and cancelled each other out. Jumping up and thrusting his front hooves forward, the human slid underneath and caught him midway and forced the momentum back as he slammed his body to the ground, a pained groan coming from him. Putting magic into both his fists, he slammed one down where the stallion's head was, narrowly missing and creating a head-sized crater. Bringing his right fist down, the same result albeit slower than the first. Growling in rage, a tendril found its way to the throat, holding the pony in place.

''Get...off me...you bastard.'' He wheezed. A curious look overtook the human's previous angry look as he smiled and only increased the pressure.

''No.'' He whispered.

''If I let you go, then you may as well do this again: but I will get a look at your face before you meet your demise.'' He grew sadistic. Pulling the hood back, It was revealed a pony that had a blue flat mane and mustard yellow eyes that were widened and a paralyzed look on his face. Ever so gently increasing the pressure, his breath began to come in short, quick sets, face slightly sweating, and whole body shaking as he looked to have another minute or two before it happens.

''Anything you want to get off your chest before...well, you know.'' The human straddled the male, forcing his eyes to look no other way.

''The...plan...will proceed a-a-as p-p-plaaaa-n-n~...'' His voice grew silent as the tendril wrapped its way around his throat so much that blood began to pool out of his mouth. Getting up, the sounds of slashing and magical blasts alerted the human to a bigger threat. Looking over, Aj and Twilight finished helping evacuating the general citizens and joined Luna and Frank in taking the hoard of undead ponies out. Paying the now dead pony no mind, his tendril grabbed the leg of a limping pony and threw it to the air which the head was slashed through by the human's sword being wielded by his friend. Joining the fray, the human worked in tandem with Frank, throwing bodies towards him and slashing the heads off that seemed to stop any further movements. As the princess looked to be slightly disturbed by the dead bodies, that did not deter her as she sought the quickest way to end their suffering. Twilight and Aj combined their efforts and herded them together in one spot, allowing the humans to wipe out remaining dozen with a surge of condensed magic that severed the remaining heads. Breathing a slight sigh of calmness, the first thing to come to his mind was more along the lines of:

''What the hell was that?''

''Okay, that's the last of them.'' Twi Informed the princess and human as the rest of made sure nopony was bitten or hurt.

''Excellent, but a more valid question would be to ask exactly that stallion was and why he did such a savage and horrible thing.'' Luna had been baffled.

''Whoever he was, somepony had to pay him to do this.'' Frank pointed out.

''What kind of sick pony pays another to try and commit pony Populicide? That's a thought for another time.'' The human had a internal conflict.

''Come, we should discuss this at the library.'' Luna stated.

Before we left, a few of the ponies who Initially were scared witless were now voiced their appreciation on how Princess Luna stood up and helped fight against the undead. The ponies...loved her, they cared and respected her. Just like her and her mate set out to do. Though small, the townsfolk began to see the true, yet somewhat gruesome side of their princess. Walking back to the library, the human pecked her on the lips and held in a loving hug.

''I'm so proud of you: regardless of how you were treated, you didn't let that stop you from defending your subjects when the time came.''

''Of course...it felt a tad saddened to hear and see our subjects flee but it looks to be a wonderful night to enjoy.''

''First piece of the puzzle down, now for the rest to come Into play.''