The Midnight Zone

There had been a time when Twilight and her friends had been afraid of the Everfree Forest. There had been a time when they’d been afraid of Zecora. However, they quickly learned that Zecora was not evil. She was a zebra. The forest… was still as spooky as ever, but with Rainbow in trouble, they hardly slowed down.

They quickly reached Zecora’s house, which was a tree. The masks that lay outside the door were hardly spooky, more relieving, as their presence indicated that the ponies had arrived at Zecora’s. Twilight knocked on the door.

Zecora opened it. “Hello, Hello!” she said, but before she could finish, Twilight interrupted. “Midnight Moon has returned, and she cursed Rainbow Dash!”

Zecora paused then ushered them in. “I can clearly see that your friend is in a fix. But worry not, when it comes to healing, I have plenty of tricks!”

Twilight and Applejack heaved Rainbow onto Zecora’s sofa. Zecora set about making a potion.

“Spike,” said Twilight suddenly. “Take a note to the Princess.”

“Right now?” asked Spike. “But won't she be busy dealing with the Midnight Moon situation?”

“Celestia doesn’t know about Midnight Moon,” Applejack reminded Spike.

Zecora glanced over at them. “The Princess doesn’t? In this situation I believe she must become more of a discussant!”

“You’re right,” said Twilight. “Spike, here’s the message: Dear Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon has escaped from her prison in the moon, and arrived at the Summer Sun Celebration. She must be stopped, but I don’t know how to. I await your response. Your faithful student, Twilight.”

“Okay,” said Spike. “And… Sent!”

A long while passed, and it was broken, by Zecora saying: “The potion you seek is ready. Now please keep your injured friend steady.” Zecora passed by Twilight holding a bright blue potion.

“How long will the effects take to kick in?” asked Pinkie.

“The effects will take root in half an hour, but whilst you wait there’s no need to be dour!”

“Maybe there is,” said Twilight glumly. “Celestia didn’t respond. That must mean Midnight Moon did something to her.”

After waiting a few minutes more, Twilight was forced to admit Celestia had been captured.

“I say we split up into two teams,” said Rarity. “One stays here with Rainbow, while the other searches for the Princess.”

Twilight nodded. “I can’t think of a better option.”

“I’m stayin’” said Applejack firmly.

“I could, stay too–if you don’t need me of course,” said Fluttershy.

“I’ll stay, In case we need to get a message to you,” said Spike.

Twilight nodded again. “Alright, so Fluttershy and Applejack and Spike will stay with Rainbow, while Me, Rarity and Pinkie go to find Celestia. All good?”

There were four nods.

“Alright then. Rarity and Pinkie, there’s no time to waste!”

Twilight opened the door, and she, Rarity and Pinkie stepped into the everlasting night.