The Midnight Zone

Twilight sighed. She and Spike had left Sugarcube Corner in a rush, and headed to a restaurant on the opposite side of town. It was really expensive, but Twilight didn’t really care: her mind was very far away from money. Therefore, she forked over twenty bits, just to get into the place, before sitting down in one of the outdoor booths as the inside ones were closed for cleaning. She stared at her menu absentmindedly. “What am I gonna do Spike? All my friends have really good reasons for going!”

The waiter, who had introduced himself as Savoir Fare, asked: “Have you made your decision, madame?”

“I CAN’T DECIDE!!”

Spike elbowed her. “He means your order.”

Twilight frowned. “Oh. I’ll just take a Daffodil and Daisy sandwich.”

Savoir Fare turned to Spike. “And you monsieur?”

“Do you have any Rubies? No? Okay, Emeralds! Aww… I guess I’ll just take Sapphires then.”

“We do not sell jewels, monsieur?”

Spike sighed. “I guess I’ll just take the hay fries, extra crispy.”

Savoir nodded, and walked away.

“What do you think Spike?” asked Twilight.

“I think we have to try another restaurant,” said Spike “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anypony to offer some gemstones?”

“I mean about the Gala.”

“Oh,” said Spike tiredly. “You’re still on that?”

“How couldn’t I be? I have two tickets to the most coveted event of the year, and five of my friends want it!”

“Well,” said Spike, “you know, the Running of the Leaves is tomorrow…”

“Why?

“... and the day after that is the Summer Sun Celebration…”

“I’m in charge of that Spike.”

“... and then we have the Gala.”

“What are you getting at?”

Spike sighed. “Oh come on! Would it really be that terrible to miss the Gala? I mean, you have two more events right before it!”

“Well I don’t know. The Running of the Leaves has been initiated in late summer, rather than autumn the last few years, but it may be delayed! And the Summer Sun Celebration is well…” Twilight frowned. “I still can’t be sure that my friends will be alright with missing the Gala! You can’t exactly sell your dresses there, or meet Daring Do. And the wildlife will be the same as normal. Plus there won’t be any games!”

“I guess you're right.”

Twilight frowned. “This is frustrating! We’re back at square one!”

“Maybe not! Here comes our food!”

Savoir Fare arrived at Twilight’s table, and deposited her sandwich, and Spike’s fries. “Your food.”

“Thank you!” said Twilight. “I’m sure I’ll be able to think better with some food.”

Savoir glanced up at the sky. “Em, madame? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?”

“Huh?” asked Spike. “It’s not raining.”

There was a loud thunderclap, and ponies were suddenly scattering, running for cover.

“Well you do you!” called Savoir, and bolted.

“What is going on!?” Twilight looked up. She saw Rainbow looking down at her. “What are you doing Rainbow?”

“Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?”

“Rainbow Dash, what in the world are you doing?”

“Yeah,” said Spike suspiciously. “What’s your game?”

“Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all.”

“Really? You’re not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?”

“Me? No, no of course not! I’d do it for anypony!”

“Uh-hu.”

Rainbow gulped. “Heh, heh.”

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting gifts to influence my decision, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now.”

“Ugh. Fine.”

Rainbow zipped up the cloud, and took off.

“Much better,” said Twilight, raising her sandwich. At which point, the rain ruined Twilight’s sandwich.

“Twilight!” called Rarity from across the street. “It’s raining!”

“Is it?” grumbled Twilight.

“Come inside before you catch a cold!”