Evernight

Pinkamena wiped her brow. “Wow, I can't say I've seen that much of a mess for quite some time.”

“Thank you again Pinkamena.” Midnight tied the last bag before removing her cleaning gloves.

“Coffee's ready.” Spike called from upstairs.

Midnight smiled. “Oh finally. Would you care for some coffee?” She asked Pinkamena.

“I've only had three cups this morning, so sure.” The pink manes pony smiled and followed Midnight up the stairs. “You know, I've never been up here before. Spells Caster never left the living area door open.”

Midnight shrugged. “I can't blame him. He was the town's 'wizard' before me. I'll most likely be leaving it closed and locked most of the time as well.” She entered the kitchen and set the pot and ladle back where it belonged.

The pair sat down and enjoyed their coffee. Midnight drinking it with a spot of cream, while Pinkamena dropped quite a few sugar cubes in to sweeten it.

Spike joined them on the table, his own small cup of coffee held up by the tip of his tail.

“Hi.” Spike said. “I'm Spike, Midnight Sparkle's familiar.”

Pinkamena smiled. “A pleasure to meet you.” She looked over the black and red scaled creature. His small feathered wings were folded at his sides. “Um... what are you exactly?”

“I'm a feathered serpent. Don't worry, I'm not too poisonous.” He smirked.

Pinkamena grinned. “A pleasure to meet you Spike. I'm Pinkamena Diane Pie. Everypony calls me Pinkamena. Just don't call me Pinkie.”

“Of course.” Midnight said, leaning back in her chair. “Once I'm finished my coffee, I'm going to have to do some research. Just something we wizards do a lot.”

“Really?” Pinkamena giggled. “Spells Caster never really did much research. He had all sorts of strange projects on the go all the time, but he didn't really try to learn anything new.”

Midnight finished off her coffee and set the cup down. “Well, I've studied a little of what Spells Caster did. Nothing really important of note other than stopping his aging for a hundred years.”

“He was an odd one.” Pinkamena shrugged.

Midnight rose to her hooves and stretched. “I need to get to my studies.” She escorted Pinkamena to the library proper. “If you need to borrow a book, I'll be opening the library the night after the Celebration.”

“Great. I've been wanting to take out a few cook books.” She stepped toward the door and paused, glancing over her shoulder. “If you feel hungry, come down to Sugar Cube Corner. It's the bakery here in town.”

Baked goods... Midnight stuck her tongue out a little. “Well... I'll think about it. I don't really eat much in the way of sugary foods.”

“We also bake a variety of breads and a few meat pastries.” Pinkamena winked before grabbing the cleaning supplies and waste bags. “Have fun.” With that, the pink mare trotted out of he library, a spring in her step, despite her carrying everything.

Midnight's horn flickered and the door closed, the bolt locking into place. She sighed and started searching the library for any relevant books about her topic of interest.
...

The whole night had been a bust for the most part. Other than a few historical books that were commonly known, she found only one single lead.

A book detailing the Elements of Harmony.

As she read, she became a little confused.

“A long time ago, the land of Equestria was ruled by two sisters. Princess Celestia, who ruled the day and brought forth the sun, and Princess Luna, who ruled the night, and brought forth the moon.”

“Over time, the younger sister, Princess Luna watched as the ponies of Equestria lived and played under the warm sun, but hid and feared her beautiful nights. Resentment grew in the young sister's heart until she transformed into a wicked monster known as Nightmare Moon.”

“She refused to lower the moon, saying that she would bring everlasting night so the ponies would learn to love her.”

“Princess Celestia pleaded and begged with her sister to lower the moon, but to no avail. In the end, she was forced to call upon the Elements of Harmony to try to defeat Nightmare Moon., but the wicked mare had already captured the Elements and sealed them away.”

“With her dark powers, she entrapped Princess Celestia in dark crystal and sealed her away in the very centre of world, forcing to keep the world warm and able to sustain the life that the Moon could not.”

“Princess Celestia swore before the final seals were placed upon her that she would return in a thousand years to restore the sun and daylight to the world.”

Midnight closed the book and shuddered. She looked at the book. It was positively ancient looking, and did not look to have been tampered with in the slightest.

“Can this book hold the true history of what happened a thousand years ago?” Her blood ran cold at this concept. Her beloved Queen was the evil one? Not the one known as Tyrant Skyfire? “This book is either genuine, or some elaborate hoax...” She examined the cover.

The six symbols of the Elements of Harmony were displayed on the cover, along with a golden sun and silver moon. These symbols had been displayed beautifully through the entire book, and Midnight's mind started racing at the implications.

Midnight loved her Queen. She was her Prime Apprentice. All the magic she knew had been taught to her by the wonderful Queen.

Midnight took this book and hid it away in her personal storage trunk in her room. It would not do to have others find this and read it. If they questioned their Queen, then chaos might arise. The young mare headed back into the Library proper and closed her dwelling door behind her, feeling he magic take effect and lock.

From there, she exited the library, closing and locking the door behind her.

Was there anypony in this town she could ask about these events? Maybe Pinkamena. She seemed smart enough, despite being so energetic.

Or perhaps Rarity. She was definitely intelligent. Perhaps she might know more about this past.

The bakery was the closer of the two. She set out to find Pinkamena and ask her what she knew of Evernight's past.
...

The sweet smell of baking greeted Midnight's nose as she pushed open the door. There were a few other customers making their selections and paying for purchases.

A somewhat chubby mare, blue of coat and with a swirled pink mane atop her head was behind the counter taking bits for their goods.

“Oh hello dear.” The mare smiled at Midnight. “How may I help you?” She asked as she finished tending to the last customer. “Might I interest you in some pastries or bread?”

“Actually, I'm looking for Pinkamena.” Midnight smiled as friendly a smile she could manage without showing her teeth. She found most ponies tended to be wary of her when they realized she was an omnivore.

“She's in the kitchen preparing to bake up some shepherds pie.”

This caught Midnight's attention. This mare was certainly a regular pony, yet she just talked of a meat, potato and vegetable dish like it was nothing. She then recalled Pinkamena mentioning that the bakery also made meat filled pastries.

“Let me see if she's available.” The mare smiled and trotted back through the kitchen door.

A few moments later the pink mare walked out. “Why hello Midnight Sparkle.” She smiled cutely, not even afraid her teeth and fangs were showing. “Got hungry did you?”

“Well, not really. I was wondering what you knew about the history of Evernight.”

“Oh, that's easy. Queen Nightsong beat up Tyrant Skyfire a long time ago and trapped her away in the world so she couldn't make the world burn like she wanted.” Pinkamena replied plainly. “Why? Certainly you know all that.”

“Of course I learned that at the Academy.” Midnight replied.

“Then there's the false one where the Tyrant was actually a good Princess and our Queen was he evil one. I don't know much about that one, but there's some ponies who believe that the true history and Queen Nightsong created the one we all know to hide the truth.” Pinkamena shrugged. “Why, which one do YOU believe in?”

Midnight blinked. She honestly had never heard this 'alternate' history before. How could a simple village pony have known about it before her?

Of course, the book. Somepony must have read it and spread the word around Ponyville.

Midnight lowered her voice and whispered to Pinkamena. “Personally, I'm not really sure, but what I do know is that tomorrow night is the thousandth Summer Never Sun Celebration.”

Pinkamena paled a little. “Wait, are you serious? I heard that that's supposed to be when Tyrant Skyfire is supposed to return.” She looked nervous. “What if it's true and she comes and burns everything to ash?”

“Pinkamena, calm down. I'm sure there's something we can do to keep this from happening.” She glanced around, glad that there was nopony else in the bakery at the moment. “Keep this quiet. I'm going to go look for others who might be able to help. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Why ask me?”

“Well, for starters, you know about this. I can't do this alone, and I'm going to need help to protect our Queen.” (Or expose her if Tyrant Skyfire is not what she seems.)

“Oh, well, I guess that's ok. I'll help you out. I have been getting the feeling that something bad is going to happen. It's been bothering me all night.”

Midnight was glad to hear she would have help. Now all she needed was to get more help. Two ponies would not be able to face off against the Tyrant after all.

“Thank you Pinkamena. I'm going to see if I can find others who can help me out.”

“I'm coming with you. Let me just talk to Mrs. Cake first.” She poked her head into the kitchen. “Hey Aunty? I'm going out for a moment. Something come up.”

“Alright deary. I'll take care of the Shepard's Pie. You take care.”

Pinkamena thanked the somewhat chubby mare and followed Midnight out. “So... where too?”

“Hmm, perhaps Rarity?”

“Oh, she's a good one to know. She runs Rarity's Boutique.” Pinkamena pointed toward the stylish building down the street. “Let's go.”

Midnight followed her companion to the shop. Her last experience with this place had been less than favourable. Still, her clothing, and more importantly, her bag, had been ditched in her bid to escape.

Pinkamena pushed open the door and walked in, Midnight right behind her.

“Welcome to Rarity's Boutique. How may I help you.” The white and royal purple Unicorn almost sang as she stepped into the display and sales room. “Oh, Pinkamena, a pleasure to see you again. And Miss. Sparkle as well.” She bowed her head politely. “Ah, you must be here for your garments. I hope you don't mind, but I mended a few loose seams and fixed the embroidery a little.”

“Oh... I didn't mean to leave them here.” Midnight wrung her hands nervously, glancing around at all the wonderful outfits that were on display, including the white dress she had tried on. “I left my satchel as well...”

“They're right back here.” Rarity pushed open the door to her workshop and gestured for the pair to enter.

Midnight spotted her jacket and bag sitting on the workbench. The rest of her belongings were sitting neatly on a shelf.

“I must admit, when I saw your book, I was quite surprised, but then, you are Ponyville's new wizard.” Rarity picked up the jacket and held it out for Midnight to see.

The cutie mark embroidered on the back was now in full colour rather than silvery grey. Even the bag now had the same cutie mark embroidered, and they looked wonderful.

“Oh my... You didn't have to do this. How much do I owe you?”

Rarity shook her head. “Darling, please. You owe me nothing. I felt bad about chasing you off. I admit, I do get a little overzealous from time to time.” She handed the jacket back and Midnight put it back on.

Midnight then placed her book and a few other belongings back into the bag, which she then placed over her shoulder. “Thank you kindly. Now, I have a question for you.”

“Ask away. I'm all ears.” Rarity's white ears perked up.

“What do you know of the history of Evernight?”

“Oh, well, there's two histories that some in town have been talking about for many years. One which is taught in the schools, and one that Spells Caster started telling other ponies about. To be honest, I love Queen Nightsong, and I trust her completely.” She placed a finger to her chin. “Though, if this other one should ever turn out to be the true history... I don't think I would feel any differently about our Queen.”

“Really?” Midnight blinked.

“Of course. She has done a wonderful job ruling all of Evernight. Still, if her sister turns out to be as kind as this story claims, I don't see anything wrong with her returning.”

“I see. And are you aware that tonight is the thousandth Summer Never Sun Celebration since our Queen sealed away her Sister?”

Rarity eyed Midnight. “Are you certain?”

“Of course. What will we do if our commonly known history is the right one? What if Tyrant Skyfire tries to burn the sky?”

“Dear me, I don't know what we can do.”

“I have an idea of how we can protect Queen Nightsong. I have a favour to ask of the two of you. Can you find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy for me? I don't know where they live. Meet me back at the library once you do, and please bring them. I'm off to see Applejack.” She turned toward the door. “I have a bad feeling about this myself.” She looked at Pinkamena, who nodded her understanding.
...

The road to the orchards was not too long, but Midnight hated having to walk such far distances. She didn't use her flight spell, mainly because she didn't know how the ponies of this town would react to seeing a flying Unicorn.

As she reached the path that lead off the main road, she looked over the orchard. Last time she was here, she didn't pay much attention at all as to just how large this place was.

She walked down the well beaten path till she arrived at the farm house. It was large, and looked very nice.

Midnight then spotted Applejack emerging from a cellar.

“Hello, Applejack?”

“Why howdy again. Midnight Sparkle right? We met yesterday and again at th' party.” She grinned as she walked up, towering over the Unicorn by a good head and a half. She was built strong, but not heavily muscled. Her mane reached her waist and was tied with a red scrunchy, just as her tail was.

“I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm in a tough spot right now. I really need your help.”

“Well shoot. Whatcha need? Got a hankerin' fer some more pie?”

Midnight hid her distaste. “No, nothing to do with food. What do you know about the history of Evernight? This is important.”

“Ah know that Queen Nightsong had a fight with Tyrant Skyfire a long time ago. Nightsong defeated Skyfire and locked her away. Why ya ask?”

“What do you know of a rumoured other history?”

“Ah, Ah see what ya wanna know. Well, long time ago, it was Nightsong who was bad an' wanted t' bring everlasting night, but Skyfire, Ah think she was called Celestia, was th' good sister an' tried t' reason with her. In th' end, Nightsong won an' sealed her away. Everythin' after that's pretty much history.”

“Which do you believe in?”

“Does it matter? Queen Nightsong is our leader. Been that way for a long time an' all. Ah dun see no reason t' think our Queen is a bad pony.”

Midnight smiled a little. “Well, tonight, when Queen Nightsong brings forth the bright moon, that will be the thousandth Summer Never Sun Celebration sense Skyfire was locked away in the core of the world.”

“Hold on a sec. Ya mean THIS year's the one the Tyrant threatened t' return and burn the sky?” Applejack frowned. “Ah dun think so. She so much as show her face, Ah'll buck her so hard, she'll find herself back underground.” She cracked her knuckles.

“Then you'll help me?” Midnight smiled.

“Ah course Sugercube. Queen Nightsong's done right all these years. Ah dun think we should overlook the chances that Skyfire might return.”

Midnight sighed with relief. “I'm glad to hear that. Can you come with me to the Library in town? I've gathered some others who are willing to help out as well... And I don't know anypony else in town but you five.”

“Alright. Ah'll come an' see if Ah can help.”
...

Back at the library, Pinkamena and Rainbow Dash were waiting outside. Rarity and Fluttershy were walking up the road when Midnight and Applejack arrived.

“Everypony is here. Good.” Midnight used her magic casually and opened the door as she approached. The five followed her inside and watched the small Unicorn light up the lamps. She then closed the door.

“I've gathered all of you here because I believe that when Queen Nightsong raises the Respite Moon for tonight's festival, Tyrant Skyfire will attempt to return. We need to protect the Queen at all costs.”

“Just a sec now.” Rainbow Dash crossed her arms. “You expect us to believe that some monster from some old mare's tale is real?”

Midnight nodded. “She is real. I am the Prime Apprentice of the Queen herself. She has taught me all about history and magic. She told me personally that Tyrant Skyfire does exist.” She paced back and forth, her long jacket flapping behind her. “The Queen told me that she has everything under control and that Skyfire can never escape, but I'm still worried.”

“Dear me.” Rarity frowned. “What can the six of us do against somepony who can turn the sky to fire?”

“If we stand with Queen Nightsong, we can help her. I don't expect any of you to sacrifice yourselves. All I can ask is that you be there to protect her.”

“Ya'll can count me in.” Applejack grinned.

“Sounds like a blast.” Rainbow Dash matched Applejack's grin,

“Afterwards, we can have a party.” Pinkamena stepped between the two mares and wrapped her arms around their waists, pulling them into a hug.

Rarity sighed. “I can hardly expect to be able to sell my fashions to anypony if we're all dead. I'll do what I can.”

Fluttershy looked nervous. Actually, she looked frightened. “Wh-what can I do?”

Dash pulled the taller Pegasus into the growing group hug. “Hey, I'll be there to cover you. You can always count on me Shy.”

“Um... well, I guess I can tend to any injuries.”

“Darling, you're a vet, not a medic” Rarity tried to help get the meek mare out of this endeavour. “But if you feel you must be there, then I too will support you.”

Midnight smiled. “Then the six of us will support and protect our Queen.” She turned to Spike, who somehow was always there when Midnight needed her. “Spike, I'm going to have you send a letter to the Queen.” She pulled a scroll and enchanted quill from her bag and wrote something down.

“What's that you're writing?” Spike asked.

“A request for the six of us to receive the Queen's blessing.” Midnight said after she finished the letter. “Send it please.”

Spike looked skeptical, and a little confused. “Blessing?”

“The Queen can bestow blessings upon those who help and serve her.” Midnight replied. “She gives a blessing to her guards when they first become Royal Guards.”

Applejack finally freed herself from Pinkamena and tilted her head slightly. “What kinda blessin' are we talkin' about?”

“Well, the guards are blessed with strength, speed and endurance.” Midnight stated, then looked out the window. “Bright Moon is setting. Time for respite. I'd like all of you to stay here so we can be at Town Hall first thing, and in case Queen Nightsong responds.”

“She's responding.” Spike said before belching up a small burst of green flame.

“Oh eww.” Rarity cringed and plugged her nose. “Please learn some manners.”

Spike ignored her while Midnight picked up the scroll and opened it.

“Midnight Sparkle.”

“I have already told you I have matters in hand. Do not try my patience and stay out of affairs that do not concern you. I would rather not have to punish you.”

“As for your request for a blessing for you and those you have selected, I have one thing to say. If I find out you are gathering forces to stab me in the back as my previous Prime Apprentice had, you will share his fate, and it is not a pleasant one.”

“Queen Nightsong of Evernight.”

Midnight sighed and incinerated the scroll. “Well... You heard what the scroll said...” She looked apologetically at her visitors. “I'm sorry for wasting your time.”

Fluttershy held up a hand. “Um... maybe we should stay together anyways, just in case something does go wrong and the Queen needs us.”

“I must agree.” Rarity nodded. “Of course, let us hope that there is no fighting after all.”

Dash shrugged. “Don't matter to me where I sleep. I live on a cloud.”

“Oh, can we have a party?”

“No Pinkamena.” Midnight replied. “As much as I enjoyed your last one, this is no time for a party.”

“Aww... Alright. Can I make us snacks?”

Midnight's stomach growled at that moment. “Food, good idea.”

This was much agreed upon. Pinkamena rushed back the the bakery to grab some things and was back in under ten minutes.

While Pinkamena busied herself in the small kitchen, the other five headed upstairs to the main living and sleeping area.
...

To Be Continued...
...

Author's Notes:
Too clear up any confusion I have added the following information.
The term 'night' and 'tonight' refer to the waking time, when the bright moon crosses the sky. This moon is about twice as bright as a normal full moon, and is always full.
The time for sleeping is called 'respite', and has the dimmer moon which changes phases as our own moon does.