The Midnight Zone

Twilight was surprised to find another scroll sitting on her front doorstep.

“Now how in Equestria did this scroll get here?” asked Twilight. “You’ve been with me all day, Spike.”

Spike shrugged. “Since I was helping you out today, I asked Pinkie Pie to help out with the mail.” He picked up the scroll. “Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.”

Twilight jumped. “The Grand Galloping Gala!”

“And look!” Spike pulled two tickets out of the scroll. They were gold, and really shiny. “Two tickets!”

“Well Spike have you ever wanted to–”

“No, definitely not. And I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.”

“Aww, come on Spike. A dance would be nice.”

“Excuse me, but what are those shiny gold tickets you're holding?” asked a voice, coming up from behind Twilight. As per usual, Rarity was wearing an extremely fashionable dress, embroidered with gems. Today, she had emeralds on.

“There're tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala,” said Twilight.

“Well you're very welcome to take the other ticket, and go with Twilight!” Spike declared.

“Really?” asked Rarity. “You're just giving up a ticket to the grandest, most elegant party of the year?”

“Well maybe it’s the grandest, most elegant party of the year for your ponies, but for me, it’s just a bunch of lovey-dovey mush.” Spike crossed his arms.

Rarity glanced at Spike. “Well if Spike really doesn’t want to go…”

“I suppose I could take you,” said Twilight.

“Wonderfull!” exclaimed Rarity. “And now is simply the best time for me to head! You see, I've just started a new fashion line based around fashion from the olden pony times, and I’m just certain it will be a big hit. Selling them at the Gala would give the new line, and my business, a huge boost in popularity!”

Twilight smiled. “Well I guess it’s–”

Rainbow zoomed out of the sky, and landed directly in front of Twilight, kicking up a cloud of dust that left them all coughing.

“You delinquent!” Rarity exclaimed. “That was expensive silk!”

“Yeah, yeah, who cares.”

“Well I do–”

“So Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, huh?” Rainbow looked at Twilight expectantly.

“Yes, and she’s already given it to me,” said Rarity.

“Well,” Twilight started, “I guess I never really said I would… Rainbow kinda interrupted us…”

“So?” Spike snapped. “Rarity was here first. Just give her the ticket, and then let me get some sleep.” Spike flopped down on the front steps.

“Well, don’t you want to hear my reason?” asked Rainbow. Spike said nothing.

Twilight sighed. “I guess it would be unfair to kick you out without hearing it…”

“Unfair?” asked Rarity. “Unfair? You were about to say: ‘it’s settled’ when Rainbow fell out of the sky! This is my ticke–”

“So you know, the greatest, most awesome writer ever is gonna be there!” said Rainbow.

Rarity sighed dramatically. “Not this again.”

Rainbow flew up in the air. “Pause for dramatic effect… Daring Do!”

“Okay?” said Rarity. “What’s so special about that?”

Rainbow recoiled. “What’s so special about that? What’s so special about that!?! Have you never read a Daring Do book?” Rarity shook her head.

“What!?!” Rainbow gasped. “Daring Do’s gonna be there personally! And she’s gonna be signing books! A Daring Do signature would be–”

“Hold on a moment,” said Rarity. “You want to take my ticket just so you can get a signature?”

“Um, yes!” said Rainbow. “Anyways, it’s a way better reason than for you to advertise your dresses.”

“Well,” said Twilight. “Those are both good reasons for wanting to go…” Twilight’s stomach growled… “but I’m no good at making decisions on an empty stomach. Let’s go to Pinkie’s and get a snack.”

“Aww come on Twilight, who knows when Daring Do’s gonna come back!”

“Sorry Rainbow, but my decision stands. Food first, ticket second.”

“Fine…”

“Stop grumbling Rainbow,” snapped Rarity. “It’s really incensing for you to be grumbling about a ticket that's not even rightfully yours.”

Twilight sighed. “Can you two stop fighting? I don’t want to give the ticket to a complainer.”

“Well that’s hardly fair, Rainbow started this mess!” Rarity proclaimed.

Rainbow shook her head. “Did not.”

“Did to!”

“Did not!”

“Definitely did to!”

“Girls cut it out!” yelled Twilight. “I might just have to give the ticket to Applejack, if you don’t stop!”

“Someone mention me?” asked Applejack, coming out from behind a stand.

Twilight froze. “Er–”

“Yup,” said Spike, coming up to the group. “And you cowgirl, just won yourself a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“Spike!” yelled everypony.

“Really?” asked Applejack. “I’ve always wanted to go! If I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace the saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace his saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace her saggy old hip.”

“Well–” said Twilight.

“No!” yelled Rainbow. “It’s my ticket!”

“It’s most definitely mine!” screamed Rarity. “I was there first!”

“Who cares about your silly clothing!”

“Probably all the ponies in Canterlot!”

“So, I don’t get a ticket to the Gala?” asked Applejack.

“NO!”

“QUIET!” Twilight's voice echoed around the buildings.

The wind suddenly kicked up, and the precious tickets were blown out of Twilight’s hoof. They spiraled away, spinning and dancing, until they were out of sight.