The Midnight Zone

by Im Leon

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Random, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Nightmare Moon, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash
Length: 17021

What if Midnight Moon arrived later than she did in the show? What if Twi got to meet the Mane Six earlier?

We all know that the major plot of the first ever episode of MLP: FiM involved Twilight not wanting to make friends, because she was too concerned about Midnight Moon. But what if that wasn't the case? What if Twilight got her assignment to make friends earlier?

Takes place during "Fall Weather Friends." In this AU Friendship is Magic part 1&2 never happened, and all the episodes after were pushed back in time a bit. During FWF, the Ticket Master also happens, simultaneously. Wonderbolts Academy has also already happened.

Note: I wrote this story about a year ago, and so this isn't my best writing. You've been warned.

Published 2024-09-11 05:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-09-11 05:30:00 UTC

Prologue – A Tale Of Two Sisters

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her. Sadly, the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Midnight Moon.

Midnight vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently to the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both Sun and Moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in the escape of Midnight Moon, and she will bring about nighttime eternally…

13 - Zecora

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.

20 - The Final Plan

The first thing Twilight saw when she entered Ponyville, was that there was no more darkness. The ponies had done a great job getting rid of it, and the street lights were all back up, casting a soft glow over the street.

The ponies were still cautious however, because there were a few ponies that were under mind control.

Lightning being under mind control had been a tip-off that Midnight Moon had ponies under mind control, so Twilight had cast an invisibility spell over them. Whenever they saw a pony with unfocused eyes, they avoided that specific pony. Since they were invisible however, they were able to walk normally around ponies that still had a free mind.

Some of the ponies that were under mind control included: Mayor Mare, Mr and Mrs Cake, and the pony that had asked about the Gala tickets.

Once Twilight and her friends had made it inside Twilight's house, Twilight removed the invisibility spell.

“We have five out of the six amulets,” said Rainbow. “Do you think we can take Midnight without the last?”

“I don’t think so,” said Twilight, pulling a book out of her bookshelf. It was The Harmonic Elements. “Listen: when all the Elements are together, they are unbeatable. If so much as one is missing, they are powerless.”

“I guess that makes sense,” said Pinkie, taking off her amulet. “My amulet hasn’t done anything.”

Everypony else nodded.

“Then we have to find the final amulet, or…” she looked in her book… “It might be a tiara.”

Spike sighed . “Look, I don’t get an Element, but I can still help find the last one. And I have a few ideas…”

Twilight thought she might be being watched, but she couldn’t see anyone.

“Fire away,” said Rarity.

“Well, first off, you told me that Celestia said that the Elements need to be united.”

“But they are united!” exclaimed Applejack. “They're all right here!”

“I looked up the definition of united, and it’s not just being in the same room–”

“I got it!” said Rainbow. “We have to try to use the Elements! Apparently Celestia said: Find the Elements–we did–, Unite the Elements–we did–use the Elements! We didn’t! We haven't tried to use them yet!”

“Rainbow, you're a genius!” said Pinkie. ”We can use them to bake cupcakes!”

Twilight paused to consider this. “Why do we have the Elements in the first place?”

“To defeat Midnight!” Applejack exclaimed.

“That does make sense,” Spike admitted.

“So using the Elements to fight Midnight Moon will unlock the last one!” said Rarity. “Yes, I think that sounds right.”

“Now we just have to find Midnight,” said Twilight.

Everypony paused.

“Any, any, pony know, where, where she, is?” asked Fluttershy.

“No,” admitted Twilight, “but I might know somepony who does.”

1 - Twilight

“Spike, can you get me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies?” Twilight called.

Spike poked his head in from the other room. “Sure. What for?”

“Princess Celestia wants me to learn about Ponyville culture,” said Twilight.

“P, p, p, where’s p?” asked Spike.

Twilight glanced around the library. There were rows of bookshelves, and the one closest to her was n. “I think it’s over here!” she walked down a row, and found p.

“Did you find it?” Spike asked.

“I found the aisle.”

Spike headed towards Twilight, snatching a copy of Classic Ponyville Tales on his way. “If you're looking for Ponyville myths, this may be useful.”

“Maybe,” said Twilight. “Anyways, the book I was looking for seems to have been checked out.”

She opened Classic Ponyville Tales to the table of contents. “Hmmm, the ‘Mare in Moon’ sounds familiar. Page twenty-four.”

She flipped to the chapter on the Mare in the Moon and read: “A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!” She gasped. “Spike, do you know what this means?”

“No– ow!” said Spike, as Twilight tossed an empty scroll at him, bonking him on the head.

“I need you to take a note to the Princess,” said Twilight, “My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold up!” said Spike. “Preci… preci… pus?”

“Threshold?”

“Threash…”

“Brink? Ugh, that something really bad is going to happen!”

“Alright,” sighed Spike. “What next?”

“For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twi… light Spar… kle! Got it!”

“Good. Now send it!”

“Now?”

“Of course!”

“Uh, I dunno, Twilight, Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow.”

Twilight walked over to the large window looking out at Ponyville. “Well, that’s just it Spike. The day after tomorrow is the longest day of the thousandth year since Midnight Moon’s imprisonment. Therefore, it’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!”

“Impe… impera…”

“IMPORTANT!”

“Woah,” said Spike, standing back up and rubbing his head. He quickly breathed fire on the note, until it was entirely burned up by his green flame. “There, it’s on its way. But I wouldn’t hold your breath…”

Twilight laughed. “Oh, I'm not worried, Spike. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor she's never once doubted me.”

Spike coughed, and another scroll materialized in front of him, dropping to the floor. They looked at it.

“See?” said Twilight. “I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

Spike picked up the scroll and cleared his throat. “My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely.”

“Mm-hm.”

“... but the Mare in the Moon is just an old Ponies’ tale, and you simply must stop worrying about them.”

Twilight gasped, and Spike smirked.

“I should also say that there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration! Perhaps an even more important mission: spend some time with your friends!”

“I spend plenty of time with my friends!” exclaimed Twilight.

“Well,” said Spike. “You ha–.” Spike coughed, and a second scroll appeared out of thin air.

“I wonder who that's from.”

Author's Note

Sorry that this is copied almost word-for-word from the official transcripts. I more or less stopped copying entierly by chapter 13.

2 - Rainbow

Knock Knock!

Rainbow Dash groaned.“Can you come back in a few hours?!” she yelled.

She waited for a few seconds, and hearing nothing, started to go to sleep again.

“Knock Knock, anypony home?” called the voice from Rainbow’s front door again. “Rainbow, you in there?”

“Can you come back in a few hours!?!” Rainbow yelled.

“What was that?” called a chirpy voice.

“PINKIE! CAN YOU COME BACK IN A FEW HOURS?!?”

“How am I supposed to come back in a few towers? I don’t think Celestia will want me taking the towers off her castle.”

Rainbow sighed. “Alright, I’m coming.”

She rolled over–and almost onto the floor. She barely was able to use her wings in time to avoid it. She walked over to her front door.

Pinkie Pie was floating in front of the Cloudominium’s front door in her hot-air balloon. She laughed. “Look who’s still in her pajamas.”

Rainbow glanced down at her pajamas, which had pictures of each of the Wonderbolts on them; the Wonderbolts were Equestria’s best flyers.

“Alright Pinkie, what do you have for me?”

“A letter from the Princess!”

Rainbow snatched the scroll out of Pinkie's hoof, far more awake, and looked at the address. Sure enough it read:

From: Celestia

To: Rainbow Dash

Receiving address: Cloudominium

Sender address: Canterlot

“Wow!” said Rainbow, unrolling the scroll. Inside was an invitation to the Running of the Leaves.

“What’s in it?” asked Pinkie Pie, trying to look at the note.

“An invitation to the Running of the Leaves!” said Rainbow, striking a pose. “I’m awesome, I’m awesome, I’m so awesome the Princess invited me to the biggest event of the sea-son!”

Pinkie laughed. “Well, Applejack got an invitation too! I think. Anyways, I’d better be off to deliver it!”

Rainbow glanced at Pinkie’s bag, which was full of scrolls. “Doesn’t Spike send all the scrolls in Ponyville?”

“Well, he's busy today,” said Pinkie. “So, I’m delivering the mail today! Bye!”

Rainbow waved and closed the front door.

For the past three falls, Rainbow had watched the Running of the Leaves. It was a race, designed to cause the leaves to fall off the trees. Ever since Applejack had won last fall, Rainbow Dash had set her main goal: to be invited to the race–and win it.

She quickly changed out of her pajamas, and into her regular clothes, before heading out of her house and clearing the clouds from the sky. She could clear all the clouds in Ponyville in ten seconds, but the thought that she’d actually been invited to the Running of the Leaves kept getting her distracted. By the time she’d finally finished, it was lunch.

“I’ll go to Applejack,” thought Rainbow, “and maybe get an apple.” She started heading towards Sweet Apple Acres.

At which point, several more clouds floated over Ponyville, pouring rain.

“Are you kidding me? More clouds?”

Author's Note

Hey, no copied text! :pinkiegasp:

3 - Applejack

Rainbow walked into Sweet Apple Acres at just past noon, and found Applejack Applebucking. Every fall, the apple trees at Apple Acres grew apples that needed to be harvested (or “Applebucked”). Evidently, a few trees had sprouted early.

“Howdy pardner,” said Applejack, coming over to Rainbow. “Want an apple?”

“Sure,” said Rainbow, and accepted the apple.

“I just finished harvesting them early sprouters,” said Applejack. “Want to play a game of horseshoes?”

Rainbow continued her perfect streak of never turning down a challenge, and accepted.

Applejack led her over to a spot behind the barn with a sand pit, and a rusted stake. She handed Rainbow some horseshoes. “Your throw first.”

Rainbow gave it a shot, and her blue horseshoe stopped only a few inches away from the stake.

“Hoo-wee!” said Applejack. “Not a bad pitch for a pony who works with her head in the clouds.”

“Oh yeah?” snorted Rainbow. “Think you can do better, cowgirl?”

“I know I can.” Applejack tossed her horseshoe at the stake, and it hit, bounced off with a sharp crack, and rolled several feet away. “Oh for Pete’s sake!”

Rainbow laughed. “Heh! Looks like this Pegasus can pitch better than the workhorse. In case you didn’t know, the object of the game is to get the closest to the stake, you know.”

Applejack shrugged. “All right, all right. You got another throw there, pony girl.”

Rainbow threw her second horseshoe at the stake, but shot above and into a bush ten feet away.

“Wow, Rainbow, you couldn't hit a barn door with that kind of a throw!”

“Yeah, yeah. I still have the closest throw, Applesmack. Just try and beat it.” Rainbow went over to the bush to collect her stray horseshoe.

Applejack gave her last horseshoe some consideration, but at last threw it and…

“Yee-haw! It's a ringer! That's how you do it down here on the farm!”

“That wild throw cost me!” Rainbow finished off her apple, and tossed the core at the composter, but missed, and bonked Big Mcintosh in the head. He looked around, confused. Applejack chuckled.

“My throw is usually better than this,” said Rainbow defensively.

“Ah, don't feel bad, Rainbow. It's all in good fun. Besides, you're a mighty good athlete. I’m just better. Heh heh.”

“Ha!” snorted Rainbow. “You think you're the top athlete in all of Ponyville?”

“Well, I was gonna say in all of Equestria, but that might be gildin' the lily.”

“I think I’m the top athlete,” said Rainbow, back to her cocky self.

“Prove it.”

“What do you have in mind?”

Applejack said: “an Iron Pony competition, which is a series of–”

“– challenging contests to decide who's the most athletic, once and for all.” Rainbow interrupted. “And you know what? You're on!” She spat into her hoof, as did Applejack, and they put their hooves together sealing the compact.

Author's Note

Aw, back to copied text. :fluttercry:

4 - Iron Ponies

“So you're doing what now?” asked Twilight. After receiving the scroll from Applejack and Rainbow, she’d finished all the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, with the exception of the weather and food, as the two ponies in charge of them were currently doing an…

“An… Iron… Pony… competition,” said Rainbow, finishing her fiftieth one-armed push up, and sitting back down. She had used her wings to help her out.

Applejack turned to Twilight. “See, we've set up a bunch of events to decide which one of us is–”

“The most athletic pony ever!” finished Rainbow.

“And why am I here?” asked Twilight.

“I don’t know,” said Rainbow. “Why is she here?”

“To be our judge and keep score,” explained Applejack.

“Right, heh. Somepony's gotta record my awesomeness for the history books''

“Hello everypony, and welcome to the first annual Iron Pony competition, in Ponyville!” said Spike. He was sitting on Twilight's back, and commenting into a stick, which Twilight had cast a spell on, so that it worked like an actual microphone.

“Uh, Spike, who are you talking to?” asked Rainbow Dash. She was dressed up in what she thought was appropriate: her Wonderbolts outfit. When she’d left for the stadium earlier, Applejack had commented that putting on her Wonderbolts outfit for every special occasion was “a bit overdone,” but Rainbow had countered with: “it makes me feel fast enough to beat you.” Naturally Applejack said: “not all the challenges are speed related.”

Looking at the challenges now, Rainbow realized that was true. She made out a tug-of-war arena, a Long jump, and a fenced area.

“Um… uh, them!” said Spike, pointing at the rest of Rainbow's friends: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. “Let the games begin!”

The first challenge actually was speed related: the Barrel Lead. It was a fifty foot sprint, that you had to do whilst avoiding barrels placed in the road.

Applejack got into position.

Twilight said: “Ready, set, go!”

Applejack raced through the course, and just as Rainbow thought she might not beat her, Applejack slammed into the last barrel, sending it rolling into a bush. “Dagnabbit!”

“Time, Spike?” asked Twilight.

“Eighteen seconds!”

“Your kiddin’!” exclaimed Applejack, trotting up to the group. “That breaks my record from last year’s rodeo!”

“But, you got a five second penalty for hitting the barrel,” said Spike.

“Nuts and chews,” sighed Applejack. “Still that's twenty-two seconds. Not too shabby.” Rainbow stepped into position.

“Hey don’t be nervous,” said Applejack. “Remember, It’s all in good fun.”

Twilight stepped up. “Ready, set, go!”

Rainbow took off, zooming around the barrels easily. He shot through the finish gate, and was back at Spike before he could even say the time.

“Woo! That was some fancy hoofwork there, Rainbow!” exclaimed Applejack.

“Thanks but I… couldn’t have been… as fast as you.”

“What was the time on that, Spike?” asked Twilight.

“Ten seconds!”

“Ten seconds! Rainbow, are you sure you're not secretly a rodeo pony?”

Twilight told Fluttershy: “Rainbow wins the Barrel Lead!”

Fluttershy, being a Pegasus, flew over to the scoreboard, and changed the score to 1-0.

“Woo-hoo, I won!” exclaimed Rainbow.

“Yeah, well, don't you go gettin' used to it,” said Applejack, back in competitive mode. “The next competition is the Long Jump. I’ve never been beat at it before!”

“Ha!” snorted Rainbow. “Good Luck.”

5 - NO WINGS ALLOWED!!!

Applejack was mighty confident going into the Long Jump, and with good reason. She quickly lined up, and jumped farther than Rainbow could have ever expected, setting a new world record; the fifteenth marker.

“Ha! I just set a new world record! Beat that!”

“I can and I will!”

Rainbow sprinted towards the edge, and leapt into the air, making it to the eleventh marker–a respectable distance–but before falling caught herself with her wings, and casually flew over Applejack’s record.

“Wow!” Spike commented. “Rainbow’s just set a new world record, by beating Applejack’s world record!”

“I’m awesome!” squeaked Rainbow.

“No, you're not!” countered Applejack. “You–”

Applejack’s voice was suddenly drowned out by the sound of hooves, and a moment later, what appeared to be all of Ponyville gathered in the bleachers, excited to see who would become the first ever Iron Pony in Ponyville. Spike’s voice was distinct over the crowd, because of his microphone. “And it's now 2-0! But with the next challenge being the High Striker, you have to assume Applejack’s gonna have an advantage in this one.”

Sure enough Applejack did, and a pattern quickly emerged: Applejack would win the strength games, like the Tractor Pull, arm wrestling, and High Striker; Rainbow would win all the other games she could cheese with her wings, like push ups, bringing baby chicks across a pit of mud, and the very controversial Long Jump. with only two games left, the score was 14-4.

“And up next, the Hay Bale Toss!” exclaimed Spike.

Rainbow threw her hay bale, and it flew all the way to the end of the markers. “Pfthfth. No wings no–” Applejack’s bale suddenly fell out of the sky, and flattened Rainbow.

Applejack stared at her from across the field. “Heh heh,”

“And just like that,” said Spike. “We are down to the last challenge– Tug-o’-war! Or Tug-of-war. Or–uh, it doesn’t matter!”

“Alll-right,” said Twilight. “This is the last challenge, so give it all you’ve got! Ready, set, go! ”

Rainbow immediately felt herself getting pulled towards the mud pit, and despite locking her feet in the best she could, the edge was less than a hoof away. Seeing her opportunity, Applejack gave a yank, and Rainbow was on the precipice of the pit.

“And It looks like the workhorse is gonna come out ahead!” said Spike eagerly.

Applejack yanked back again and Rainbow fell into the pit.

Almost.

“Not gonna get me that easy!” said Rainbow, flying up into the air, and pulling Applejack up with her.

“Wow!” said Spike. “And just like that Rainbow’s turned the tables!”

“Dgor treadin’!” Applejack said.

“What was that?”

“Yeor trhdein’!”

“I can’t understand you!”

Applejack spat the rope out. “I said–uh oh.” Applejack fell into the mud pit. Fluttershy set the score to: 15-5.

“Yes!” exclaimed Rainbow. “I win by a landslide! Or a mudslide in your case.” she laughed. Two pegasi ponies flew behind Rainbow, and held up a banner saying: “THE IRON PONY!” Rainbow looked at it, then struck a mid-air pose. “I am the Iron Pony!”

The crowd cheered.

“Only ‘cause you cheated!” yelled Applejack!

The crowd gasped. “What?” said Rainbow innocently.

“You used your wingpower to win most of the contests!”

“It just looks like sour apples to me.”

“Are you sayin’ you didn’t use your wings?”

“Well… no, but you never said I couldn’t!”

“I didn’t think I’d have to tell you to play fair!”

“I still would have won without my wings!”

“Hah. Prove it!”

“Gladly. How?”

“Tomorrow’s the annual Runnin’ of the Leaves. I challenge you to beat me at it.”

“Easy shmeasy.” Rainbow started flying away.

Applejack caught her tail, and slammed her to the ground. “There’s one condition: the point is to run so NO WINGS ALLOWED.”

“No wings? No problem.”

“We’ll see about that,” said Applejack, and walked off.

6 - The Ticket Master

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.

7 - Fluttershy

“Oh Angel, these are perfect!” Fluttershy carefully took the two golden pieces from her pet bunny, Angel. Fluttershy quickly put a length of thread through the holes in the end, and strung them up. Fluttershy's friend bear, Harry, had a birthday coming up.

Angel pointed to a spot on the wall that didn’t have any decorations on it yet. The rest of the room was decorated.

“Oh Angel you're right! That spot is looking a bit bare.”

The doorbell rang.

“Oh,” said Flutterhy. “That must be Pinkie.”

Fluttershy and Angel went over to the door.

“Hey Fluttershy,” said Twilight. “Have you, by any chance, seen two gold tickets?”

Angel nodded, and pulled them off the string.

“Oh nice!” said Twilight. “I found them!”

“What are the tickets for?” asked Fluttershy curiously.

“The Grand Galloping Gala,” said Twilight.

“Wow! I’ve always wanted to go to the Gala!” Fluttershy paused. “If it’s okay, I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else...”

“You want to go to the Gala?”

“Oh, no. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!”

“Gee Fluttershy, that sounds beautiful.”

“Now wait just a second,” said Rainbow.

Twilight and Fluttershy jumped. “Rainbow, were you following me?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow grew flustered “No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anypony.”

“Wait just another minute!” exclaimed Rarity.

“Rarity, you were following me too?”

“No,” Rarity replied. “I was following Rainbow to make sure she didn’t try anything crazy.”

“Well,” said Applejack, “I guess I’ll just reveal myself too.”

“How did you all sneak up on me without me knowing?”

“I can’t make a decision on an empty stomach,” Twilight repeated. “And I have the tickets, and I am going to Sugarcube Corner to get a snack. Or maybe a stack of snacks. Or a stack of snack stacks.”

“Can I tag along?” asked Fluttershy.

“Sure!” said Twilight, walking away.

“Noooooo!” The tickets flew out of Twilight’s hoofs, and into Sugarcube Corner, Twilight Right Behind.

The tickets flew into the shop, and hit Pinkie. “AHH!!” she yelled “Bats! Bats on my face! Help! Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Uh–”

“It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!”

“Those aren’t your tickets!” said Rarity.

“Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Hip hip

Hooray!

It's the best place for me

For Pinkie...”

Rainbow entered the shop. “Now hold it right there–”

Pinkie didn’t stop. “With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!”

“Now hold on pardner!” called Applejack.

“Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me

'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever

In the whole galaxy

Wheee!!”

“For Pinkie!”

“Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever.”

“Well–”

“It’s my ticket!” yelled Rainbow.

“No, it’s mine!” called Rarity.

“I thought Twilight gave it to me!” Applejack said.

Twilight snatched the tickets and quickly ran out of the shop. The others were too busy fighting to notice.

8 - Favors

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!”

9 - Ticket Troubles

“Oops, sorry,” said Twilight, looking at the now soggy Rarity.

“oh no, it's quite alright. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?”

“No?”

“Makeovers!”

Rarity dragged Twilight into her makeover tent. Twilight tumbled inside. “Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight.”

“There!” said Rarity, coming out of the tent. “You look beautiful! And it just so happens, that I have a costume that matches yours perfectly! It’ll be all eyes on us at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“So it’s all about the Gala!?!” asked Twilight angrily. She pushed open the door. “All these favors aren’t increasing your chances you know! You’ll have to wait until tonight. And after I get lunch!”

“Some’ne say lunch?” asked Applejack from across the street.

“Oh come on,” muttered Twilight. “Please tell me this isn’t another favor!”

“‘Course not!”

Twilight walked over to Applejack’s stand. Thankfully it had an awning. “What’s the menu?”

“Well, we have apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple crumblers.”

“I’ll take an apple fritter!” called Spike.

“And I’ll have an apple pie, and an apple crumbler,” said Twilight.

“Alright!” said Applejack. “Ten bits please.”

Twilight handed over the surprisingly few bits, and put them in a bag, before heading home. She caught a quick glance back.

“I’ll have an apple pie, and an apple crisp,” said a pony.

“Twenty-five bits please,” said Applejack.

“So she gave us cheaper prices,” said Twilight dejectedly.

Twilight pushed open the door to her house. “Fluttershy!” gasped Twilight. “Not you too!”

“Oh, well, hello, Twilight.” said Fluttershy. “I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you.”

Sure enough, bears, bunnies, and everything in between were in Twilight’s house “cleaning.” As she watched, a group of rats took off with one of her books.

“It’s almost fall!”

“Oh well, better late than never!”

“You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?”

“Oh, no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Angel shook her head, and crossed her arms.

“Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.”

Twilight opened the door, and Pinkie bounced by. “Twilight is my bestest friend, whoopie, whoopie!”

“Uh, Pinkie…”

“She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony!”

“Pinkie.”

“I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party!”

“Pinkie!”

“She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!”

“PIIINKIIE!!!”

“Yes Twilight?”

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket!!”

“What ticket?” asked a pony next to Pinkie. “What Gala?”

“Oh don’t you know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the–”

Twilight jammed a hoof into Pinkie’s mouth. “Heh, it’s nothing!”

The pony looked at her. “How can there be a ticket if there’s no ticket?”

“Time to leave,” said Twilight, and she snatched on to Spike, before casting a teleportation spell, and arriving back in her house.

“Wow,” said Spike. “If Pinkie told that pony what the ticket was…”

“I wouldn't be able to leave my house!” finished Twilight. “Good thing is, there’s no–”

“SURPRISE!”

Twilight and Spike jumped five feet into the air, before Twilight cast a spell into the darkness. A purple flare shot across the room. Spike flipped on the lights.

Across the room, all of Twilight’s friends were standing there. Rainbow was magically bound to the wall; purple light had wrapped around her, and locked her to the wall.

Twilight broke. “I can't decide! I just can't decide! It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!”

The room was silent for a few awkward moments. Twilight unbound Rainbow.

Applejack sighed. “ Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.”

“Yeah,” said Pinkie. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.”

“It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did,” Rarity put in.

“Which means, I get the ticket! Yes! I’m actuall– you know what, I’ll just wait for Daring’s show next month.”

Twilight nodded. “You’re great friends. All of you. And I think that these tickets have caused enough trouble. Spike, can you take a note to the Princess?”

Spike nodded.

“Dear Princess Celestia, despite your wonderful offer of the tickets, I have realized that I won’t be able to fully enjoy the Gala without all my best friends with me. Therefore, I will be sending the tickets back.”

“Twilight, you don’t have to do that!” Applejack exclaimed.

“I’ve made up my mind. Spike?”

Spike blew flames until the scroll and tickets were completely incinerated.

“But now you won’t get to go to the Gala either,” said Fluttershy sadly.

“It’s okay! I couldn't have really enjoyed it without you, and all the rest of my friends.”

Spike suddenly coughed.

Applejack sighed. “Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment.”

Spike coughed again, and a second scroll appeared. Spike cleared his throat, and opened the scroll. “My faithful student Twilight…” Spike grinned. “...why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” a few golden tickets slipped out of the scroll. “Six tickets!”

“Now we can all go!” said Twilight enthusiastically. Her stomach groaned. “But can we maybe get some lunch first?”

As the ponies left, Spike sighed. “Wish I could go too.” he coughed, then unrolled the scroll and smiled. “And one for you too, Spike. Yes! I mean, aww, I have to go too?”

10 - The Running of the Leaves

Rainbow walked up the starting line for the Running of the Leaves, jostling a pony out of her way, before taking her place next to Applejack. “Make way for the Iron Pony!”

“Iron Phony more like it,” muttered Applejack.

“So, Applejack, ready to win second place?”

“I’m ready to run a good, clean race.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Remember, NO WINGS!”

Rainbow snorted. “I could win this thing with both wings tied behind my back!”

A small smile appeared on Applejack’s mouth. “Oh really?”

“Definitely.”

“‘Right then.” Applejack pulled out a length of rope, and before Rainbow could react, coiled it around, pinning her wings tightly against her body.

“Hey!” said Rainbow. “I never said you could do that!”

Applejack smirked. “Well you never said I couldn’t!”

“I didn’t think I’d need to tell you not to tie me up!”

“Sounds a lot like me, right after you cheated with your wings!”

Rainbow frowned.

“Now you're trussed up like a turkey!” said Applejack.

“One that can’t fly that is,” said Twilight walking up to the start line.

Applejack chuckled.

“What are you doing?” asked Rainbow.

“I’m racing.”

Rainbow immediately tipped over, so that her legs were pointing straight up in the air, jerking slightly every time she laughed. “G–g–good one–Tw–Twili–Twilight.”

“I’m not joking.”

Rainbow stopped laughing and stood up. “Have you ever actually run a race?”

“No, but I know a lot about them.”

“Ha!” snorted Rainbow. “You’ll run out of stamina before White Tail Woods!”

“Well,” said Applejack. “Knowing how to run, and actually running are two very different things.”

Twilight nodded. “I understand that. I’m still running though. I got an invitation from Celestia, and I can’t really turn it down. Besides, running is good for you. Even if I don’t win, this will be great for my health!”

“Well I think that’s just dandy,” said Applejack. “Good luck.”

“Well see you at the finish line!” said Rainbow, then added softly: “Tomorrow.” Applejack couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“Well scoff if you must,” Twilight told Rainbow. “But I think I’ll prove more capable than you think.”

Spike’s voice suddenly exploded through the air, magnified by his speaker. He turned it down. “Sorry!” Spike and Pinkie were riding in Pinkie’s hot air balloon, and were the set announcers for the event.

“Racers, take your positions!” said Pinkie.

Rainbow got ready. “Tomorrow.” she whispered softly.

Pinkie started the countdown “three!”

Applejack gave a final soft chuckle.

“Two!”

Twilight rolled her eyes.

“One!”

Rainbow burst from the start line, as did all the other ponies.

“Gooooooooooo!!!!”

Rainbow sprinted at top speed, managing to get into second, right behind Applejack. Rainbow moved over to the side, and tried to pass.

“And they're off!” commented Pinkie. “Welcome to the official coverage of the Running of the Leaves! You know, Spike, despite its name, the leaves don't do any of the actual running. No, that's left to my little ponies.”

“Why, yes, Pinkie, it's the running of the ponies that causes the leaves to fall,” said Spike.

“Ugh. Those lazy, lazy leaves. But this year, the run is about more than the weather. It's about the race to the finish and the two runners who want to win it: Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”

“You know, Pinkie, these two ponies have a bit of a grudge match they're trying to settle. Trying to prove who's the most athletic.”

“Yes, and ‘grudge’ rhymes with ‘fudge’.”

“Uh. yes, it does. Why?”

“I like fudge. But if I eat too much fudge I get a pudge and then I can't budge.”

“So... no fudge?”

“Oh, no thanks. I had a big breakfast. Let's check in with our two competitive ponies, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Having come fast out of the gate, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are evenly matched running neck and neck. But what's this? Applejack is making a move, she's now ahead by a nose. But Rainbow Dash won't let Applejack have it and takes the lead. She's ahead by half a nose. Or maybe three quarters of a nose. No, about sixty-three point seven percent of a nose... roughly speaking. Applejack sees this move and pushes forth with her strong workhorse legs, slinking ahead by three hundred and fifty noses!”

Applejack laughed. “Not so easy without your wings, is it?”

“Come on Rainbow, show her a little Dash.”

“Ho-hold your horses, Pinkie!” said Spike. “Rainbow Dash is catching up to the frontrunner Applejack!”

“This is unbelievable! I thought Applejack had it in the bag!”

“You didn’t think I was gonna let you off that easily, did you?” said Rainbow, shooting past Applejack.

All of a sudden, Applejack felt herself hit something, and flip over. There was a crash, and Applejack slid across the dirt, before all the other ponies shot by.

“Unbelievable!” yelled Spike. “The defending champ might be down for the count!”

“I don’t believe it!” said Applejack standing back up.

“I know!” said Twilight, coming up, and looking at the leaves. She wasn’t running; Applejack could have flown by her going backwards.

Twilight stopped to look at the leaves. “Aren’t they beautiful!”

“Not the scenery, Twilight. Rainbow Dash just tripped me!”

“She did not.”

“She did too!”

“She did not, and if you slowed down and looked where you're going, like me, you'd see that you tripped over a rock!”

“What? Oh, hayseed! Now I got a lot of ground to make up to catch Rainbow!” Applejack took off running.

“Just be careful!” called Twilight as Applejack darted around a bend.

Rainbow continued sprinting at top speed, as she entered White Tail Woods. She knew that she was miles ahead of Applejack, but the other ponies were still close enough that she could hear their hooves kicking up dirt. They seemed to be catching up with Rainbow, and much quicker than she’d hoped. She thought about the irony that at the beginning of the race, she’d told Twilight about how she thought she’d run out of stamina before White Tail Woods. How ironic that she’d end out there instead.

Rainbow forced herself to keep going, even though the other ponies were catching up to her. The sound of hooves were getting louder and louder, and then Rainbow realized that the sounds belonged to only one pony.

“And somehow, Applejack is back in contention!” Pinkie yelled.

Rainbow’s battery recharged instantly, and she zoomed up even farther, but despite everything, Applejack was able to pull up beside her as they thundered over a bridge. Rainbow pushed herself and managed to pull ahead.

“Aand Rainbow holds onto her lead, but Applejack is only half a nose behind!” commented Pinkie. “Oh but look at this! Applejack is making a move, taking the inside around a curve, and has managed to get a lead of about thirty-one point three percent of a nose!”

Rainbow kept pushing and was right besides Applejack, but then Applejack regained control going over a bridge.

“This race isn’t over you know!” Rainbow yelled.

“It is–for you!”

Rainbow’s hooves slid out from under her, and she slammed into a tree, and tipped over, dazed, as Applejack and all the other ponies thundered by.

“I can’t believe Applejack would trip me!”

“Don't you ponies ever look where you're going?” asked Twilight. “You tripped on a stump. See?” she pointed to a stump.

“Applejack knocked me into it!”

“Rainbow, Applejack would never cheat. It was just an accident.”

“Sure it was. I mean, yeah, I'm sure it was.”

“Remember, Rainbow, this is just a game.”

Rainbow smirked. “A game in which the rules just changed.”

Author's Note

Uh Rainbow, whatcha doin'? :rainbowdetermined2:

11 - To the Finish

Applejack tore around another corner, and heard the sound of a pony catching up to her. She wasn’t sure if Rainbow had caught her; after all, Rainbow just had a tough crash.

“Look cowgirl, no wings!”

Rainbow blitzed past Applejack to regain the lead.

“Applejack’s trying to catch up!” called Spike.

“What’s ketchup have to do with this?” asked Pinkie.

“Uh–that’s not quite what I meant…”

“Personally I prefer mustard on my hot dog. What about you Spike?”

“Uhm–pickles?”

“Speaking of pickles, Rainbow’s in a really big one! Applejack is right behind her, and closing!”

“Hey Rainbow, miss me?”

Applejack pulled up right besides Rainbow.

Rainbow thought quickly, and forced herself to re-take the lead, before catching a branch in her mouth, and then letting it go. It sprang back, and nailed Applejack, sending her stumbling into a bush.

“See ya later alligator!”

“Why, that little cheater did that on purpose!” said Applejack. “It’s on!”

Rainbow shot down a long straightaway, and looked back for Applejack… and saw her zooming past. Evidently Applejack had turned the springy branch into a catapult.

Applejack’s trick had gained her some ground, but she’d been almost out of momentum by the time she passed Rainbow, and so resorted to a different trick: syrup. Applejack had often gone out to get syrup in White Tail Woods, and therefore she knew where the syrup was. She thundered down the straightaway, and turned around the bend, before knocking one of the buckets of fresh maple syrup onto the road.

Rainbow zoomed around the bend, and got caught in the syrup. “Hey!”

The other racers blew by Rainbow. Twilight probably would have stopped, but Rainbow had gotten far away from her. She slowly inched forwards, before the syrup shot her back. That gave her an idea. Rainbow went back as far as possible, before lunging forwards. The syrup shot her forwards then let go, and even without her wings, Rainbow was flying. She whizzed past Applejack, before landing back on the ground. “Look who’s back!”

“Nuts and Chews! How on Equestria are you here?”

“Sorry, but the question should be: how in Equestria are you gonna survive these oranges?”

Rainbow hit a tree, sending oranges rolling. Applejack slipped on them, and crashed to the ground again.

“And what a trick by Rainbow Dash, putting Applejack into a spin–literally!” Spike said.

“But here comes Applejack, trying to get back into her frontrunner position!”

“AND SHE DOES!!!”

It only took a few seconds for a few things to happen. #1: Applejack put on a rush of speed and retook the lead. #2: Rainbow rammed into Applejack. #3: The bridge that they’d thundered over became covered in oranges, effectively making it impossible for anypony else to finish the race. #4: Rainbow and Applejack arrived on the final stretch, and saw the finish line.

“Cut it out!” yelled Applejack, slamming into Rainbow, who slowed a little, before regaining her balance.

“No you cut it out!” Rainbow blindsided Applejack, sending her into a barrel, which spun away crazily.

Applejack hit Rainbow, pushing her into a stack of spare wagon wheels, sending them flying. “You started it!” Applejack yelled.

Rainbow saw the finish line drawing ever closer. “And now I’m gonna finish it!” she rammed into Applejack, sending her over to the edge, where Applejack sent small rocks flying into the rocky ditch at the shoulder of the path. Rainbow could literally see Princess Celestia watching as the race was about to draw to a close.

“On, no you don’t!” yelled Applejack, biting Rainbow’s tail, and pulling her back. Rainbow did the same thing. Applejack managed to catch Rainbow and yank her back, but caught the rope that was binding Rainbow’s wings in the process… and then suddenly they were free. Despite this, Rainbow didn’t even notice, as she could now see the Wonderbolts, cheering in the stands. That was the boost Rainbow needed. She gave the final stretch everything she had, just in time to blitz past Applejack and win.

“I WIN!!” yelled Rainbow, and the crowd erupted in cheers. To Rainbow’s surprise, Applejack didn’t seem upset at all. “Good race,” she said cheerfully.

“Thanks,” said Rainbow, before realizing her wings were free. “Hey! My wings were tied!”

“They came undone on the final stretch,” said Applejack. “And you didn’t use ‘em!”

Rainbow decided not to mention that she hadn’t used them because she hadn’t noticed they were free.

“Congratulations Rainbow!” said Twilight, coming over to her. She had a medal around her neck.

“What, you got a medal for being the slowest pony ever?”

“Nope,” said Twilight. “It's a third place medal. Not bad for my first ever race.”

Rainbow tipped over, and her legs were sticking straight up.

“Congrats Twilight,” said Applejack.

“Thanks,” she replied, glancing down at Rainbow, whose legs were still sticking straight up. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine,” siad Applejack. “Though I’m beat. I think gettin’ my medal, then going right back on home, and taking a five hour long nap sounds dandy to me.”

“I’m tired too,” said Twilight.

“Speaking’ of which, how’d you finish third?” asked Applejack. “You were, no offense, not even running for most of the race.”

Twilight laughed. “I paced myself. And then, when all the other ponies were all worn out, I blitzed past them and got third–or at least that's what thought would happen. Instead, all the other ponies were blocked by oranges.”

Applejack chuckled. “That was Rainbow’s doin’”

Twilight and Applejack looked at Rainbow, who’d fallen asleep, upside down.

Author's Note

So, yes, Rainbow Dash does win the race in this AU. I have to say though, this chapter and the one right before it, are easily my favorite chapters.

12 - The Summer Sun Celebration

Twilight walked into the town hall with a growing sensation of dread. This night was the one Midnight Moon was set to return on. She and her friends had stayed up late, as had all the other ponies in Ponyville. They entered town hall, and took their seats. Mayor Mare took her position on stage. Fluttershy whispered something to her birds, upstage, probably about the music they were about to perform.

“Isn't this exciting?” asked Pinkie. “Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went–” Pinkie drew in a deep breath– “but I mean really, who can top that?”

Mayor Mare raised her hoof for silence, then started her speech. “Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!”

All the ponies cheered, except for Twilight, who was certain something bad was about to happen.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...”

“Ready?” asked Fluttershy to her orchestra.

“...Princess Celestia!”

Nothing happened. Fluttershy’s orchestra faltered. Celestia didn’t appear. Rainbow flew up to the stage. “She’s gone!” she exclaimed.

There were hushed whispers.

“This can’t be good,” said Twilight.

“Huh?” asked Rarity. “Isn’t it obvious? The synchronization was messed up, and Celestia–”

The stage suddenly exploded in a cloud of a dark, smoky substance. It poured slowly off the stage, and flowed across the floor, like water in slow motion. Ponies jumped up on chairs to avoid touching it, their eyes riveted on the strange smoke… except Twilight. She was looking up.

“Oh no.. Midnight Moon!” she whispered.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” said Midnight Moon. “It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

Midnight Moon was standing atop the stage, and the smoke seemed to be emanating from her. Her coat was dark black, the same color as the smoke, which Twilight now took to be Darkness.

“You must leave!” commanded Mayor Mare.

Midnight Moon chuckled. “Why, am I not royal enough for you? Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs? Do you not know who I am?”

“I did!” yelled Twilight. “And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon–Nightmare Moon!”

The ponies gasped. Midnight smiled. “Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here.”

Twilight gulped. “You're here to… to…”

Midnight Moon laughed. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”

“What did you do with our Princess?!” Yelled Rainbow. Everypony looked at her. Including Midnight. She seemed amused.

“And who are you?”

“I’m Rainbow Dash! And I’m asking what you did with Celestia!” the ponies in the crowd gasped, but Midnight Moon yelled in rage, and shot a curse at Rainbow.

It hit.

And Rainbow fell out of the air.

“YOU!” yelled Twilight, and before she even had second thoughts, she powered up her horn, and shot the binding curse she’d used on Rainbow the previous day. Midnight blasted Twilight’s spell out of the air, before shooting a spell that destroyed Twilight’s seat. Twilight shot more spells at random, which Midnight blocked. Fluttershy screamed and ran. Applejack dragged her best friend Rainbow away from the flying spells. Ponies were running every which way. There was an explosion, and the domed roof of town hall cracked and large chunks of concrete fell. Twilight shot a stunning spell at Midnight Moon, who at the same time shot a spell that seemed to have no color at all. They connected, and Twilight was pushed backwards. Twilight gave the spell all the power she could muster. “C’mon!” In her peripheral vision, Twilight caught a glimpse of Rainbow sprawled out next to Applejack, barely moving. Twilight tried to remain calm, and envisioned her spell stunning Midnight Moon.

The spell exploded, and there was a resounding CRACK! and then Twilight felt a rush of heat pass over her, and then she was running, running towards Rainbow and Applejack, and she caught Rainbow, and pulled her out of the building with Applejack right behind her.

“Twilight!” yelled Rarity.

“Did you beat Midnight?” asked Pinkie.

“I don’t know!” said Twilight. “But we have to leave! As long as we stay here we're in danger!”

Ponies started running again.

“Oh no!” said Fluttershy. “Rainbow Dash needs a doctor!”

“I don’t think a doctor will be able to help Rainbow,” said Applejack weakly. “Not when she’s been cursed.”

Rainbow gave a low moan.

“If a doctor can’t help to reverse curses, we need to find somepony who can!” said Rarity.

“But who?” asked Twilight.

“Zecora!” said Fluttershy.

Twilight nodded. “Let’s go!”

14 - The Search for Celestia

As soon as Twilight and her team got out of the everfree forest, Twilight realized the town was deserted. Nopony roamed the streets, doors and windows were locked and in some cases, boarded. The streets were covered in the strange, flowing Darkness. Rarity looked at it and asked: “is it dangerous?”

Twilight grimaced. “Only one way to find out.” She put one hoof into the stuff. It was like vapor; Twilight’s hoof passed right through it, and touched the path beneath it.

“It’s really cold, but not dangerous,” said Twilight.

Rarity and Pinkie both put one hoof into the stuff, before drawing back quickly.

“It really is cold,” said Rarity.

Twilight sighed. “No time to waste.” She stepped into it fully.

And disappeared beneath it.

Rarity gave a gasp. “Twilight!” she called. “Are you okay?”

Twilight’s head appeared through it. “Eh. I’m cold.”

Pinkie smiled. “So it’s like a game, where we can’t fall into the holes? Fun!”

Twilight jumped out of the hole and picked up a pile of rocks with her horn. “I’ll find out if there’s any holes.”

There weren’t any more holes, and Twilight and her team kept moving, past houses that were boarded up, taverns that were shut down with large crates covering the doors and windows, and shops that were abandoned–the Darkness flowing inside of them.

With their swift pace, the gang was able to reach town hall in a matter of minutes. Interestingly, there wasn't any smokey Darkness around it.

And as Twilight looked at the place, she realized what her fight with Midnight Moon had caused.

There was a large ring around the town hall that was burned, and blackened. The walls were cracked, the entire roof had caved. Every window was shattered. Around town hall, many buildings in the near vicinity had been damaged, and quite a few of them had their roofs burned off.

“What happened here?” asked Pinkie. “Looks like the S.H.I.P after you lose in Alien Ship Wars.”

“My spell,” said Twilight, slightly awestruck. “I shot a spell at Midnight Moon, and it exploded.”

Rarity looked over, confused. “What do you mean the spell exploded? There are explosion spells, but the spells themselves don’t explode.”

Twilight looked at the damage in wonder. “I shot a spell at Midnight’s, and they connected. After a few seconds, one of our spells exploded. Like, it shattered and there was a lot of heat. It must have been my spell that broke, Midnight Moon’s couldn’t have. She’s too powerful.”

After searching the whole town hall and finding nothing, Twilight and her friends decided to head to Canterlot: it was where Celestia lived, and that seemed like the most likely place to find her.

“Remember,” Twilight cautioned. “I’m not the greatest at teleportation spells, so hold on tight. Also I can’t just teleport us into Canterlot, since my brother, Shining Armor, has cast an anti-teleportation charm on the whole city. I’m gonna try to teleport us right outside the place.”

Rarity and Pinkie nodded.

“Okay. Hold on tight.”

Twilight cast the spell, and they quickly whizzed away from Ponyville.

Twilight’s spell worked surprisingly well, teleporting her and her team less than ten feet away from the gates. Since Twilight was a friend of the Princess, the guards waved her and her friends in.

“Let’s head directly to the castle,” said Twilight.

The castle was in the center of Canterlot, and Twilight and her friends chose to head around the path that ran around the outside. Since Canterlot was located on a mountain, Twilight was able to look over the edge. She couldn’t see Ponyville, but there was clearly a cloud of Darkness hovering in the direction of it.

“The Darkness is spreading,” said Pinkie glumly. It was strange to see Pinkie so glum, as she was usually so happy and cheerful.

“Then we have no time to lose!” said Twilight. “Come on!”

Celestia’s castle was huge, and Twilight had to hope Celestia was in the top room.

They quickly headed up to the top room.

“Let’s hope she’s in there,” said Rarity.

Twilight opened the door.

Celestia was sitting in her office looking troubled. “Twilight,” she said. “I’m so glad you're visiting!”

“You have no idea how happy we are to see you,” said Twilight.

“Why weren't you at the Summer Sun Celebration?” asked Pinkie.

“Why didn’t you answer the scroll we sent you?” asked Rarity.

“The Summer Sun Celebration starts tomorrow,” said Celestia. “And I haven't received any scrolls today.”

“Well, why are you troubled?” asked Twilight.

“It’s because there is a cloud of Darkness over in the direction of Ponyville,” said Celestia thoughtfully. “And because…” she sighed. “You all know my job is to raise the sun, right?”
They all nodded.

Celestia sighed. “Well this morning I tried… and couldn’t.”

Twilight gasped.

Celestia seemed extremely frustrated at herself. She didn’t say anything more.

Rarity and Pinkie looked at Twilight. They seemed to be silently asking her: is it time?

Twilight nodded. “Celestia. Midnight Moon arrived in Ponyville and cursed Rainbow.”

Celestia suddenly seemed more frightened than Twilight had ever seen her. “Then…” she trailed off. “...we must evacuate Ponyville.”

Twilight shook her head. “Not an option. Ponyville’s trapped, they're locking themselves in their houses. The only way to save Ponyville wil be to defeat Midnight Moon.”

Celestia seemed even more frustrated. “Then… I’ll hardly be of any help to you.”

“Why not?” asked Rarity.

“I can’t fight Midnight.”

“Why not?” asked Twilight.

“Because,” said Celestia. “Midnight Moon is my sister.”

15 - Sisters Separeted

Celestia sat down on her throne. “A thousand years ago, me and my sister Luna, had come to rule Equestria. I controlled the day, as I do now, and Luna controlled the night. As sun and moon, we maintained harmony.

“However, as I assume Twilight knows, Luna grew envious of how much the ponies loved my day.”

“Yes!” said Twilight.

Celestia nodded. “I tried to reason with her…”

Twilight noticed Celestia’s horn glowing, followed by her world swirling, and she had a brief sensation of spinning around in awkward directions, with no up and no down. Twilight was just starting to get nauseated, when she and her friends were suddenly laying on some grass.

Twilight looked around. She was on a hill that was located in between Ponyville and Canterlot. She recognised it perfectly. Rarity and Pinkie were looking at her with the same confused expression. How in the world do we know exactly where we are despite ever being here before? Twilight tried to say something but quickly found that she was mute, and couldn’t change that.

Sitting on the edge of the hill were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

“…but Luna wouldn’t listen.” Celestia’s voice wasn’t coming from the Celestia sitting on the hill; it seemed to be coming from inside of Twilight.

“Look, do you see any ponies out at night?” asked the Luna on the hill. “See anypony enjoying my beautiful night? No! They spend all their waking hours in the day!“

“But the night is beautiful!” protested the Celestia on the hill. Twilight became even more befuddled. “And just because the ponies aren’t awake to witness your night, it doesn’t detract from its beauty!”

“Oh, but it does! How can something be beautiful if nopony is there to see it?”

“I’ve offered you the job as Minister of Dreams!”

Twilight and her friends looked at each other.

“I’ve already told you!” spat Luna. “Dreams are deceptive! They're not something I’d ever want to be associated with!”

“As you can see,” said the Celestia from the present. “Luna rejected my offer. And on that night, she refused to lower the moon.”

Twilight’s world spun again, and then she had landed in the courtyard of Celestia’s castle. As she watched, Celestia parried a curse that Luna sent, before launching her own. Twilight looked at her friends again, before her world was set spinning.

“Eventually, Luna backed me into a corner…”

Twilight looked on, as Luna cornered Celestia in a dark back alley. Celestia pulled out some runes with engraved marks on them. She used her horn, and the runes arranged themselves in a circular manner.

“…and I was forced to use the Elements of Harmony against my will to stop her.”

The runes all shot light from their cores, and Celestia powered up her horn, and there was an explosion of light.

“Once she was banished, I quickly realized that the Elements were too much power for one pony alone, and so I hid five of the six, and used magic to hide the last.”

Twilight’s world swirled one last time, and she saw Celestia hiding the runes. They were inside of a book that was magically suspended on a stone altar, hidden somewhere in a deep dark forest.

And then she was back.

Twilight stood back up wary of another spinning transition, but none came. She was back in Celestia’s tower in Canterlot.

“The Elements of Harmony are a curse if they are used by only one pony,” Celestia finished. “And it’s such a shame too. All the good that could have been done with them.”

Celestia looked wistfully at Twilight and her friends. “The Elements needed six holders.”

Twilight gasped. “There are six of me and my friends!”

Celestia nodded. “And your Cutie Marks and personalities match up. One of The Elements of Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity, and Friendship perfectly encapsulates one of your friends.”

“Wow!” said Pinkie. She seemed to be happy again.

Celestia seemed to be considering something. “The Elements of Harmony were not created by me, although I’ve taken to hide them, and protect them from evil.” Celesta paused, and frowned. “They are also what Midnight Moon is most definitely searching for.”

Rarity gasped. “So you need us to defend them!”

“Almost. I need you to get the Elements first, and use them to free my sister from the evil that’s infested her. Remember, the last Element will reveal itself after the others have been united.”

There came a sudden explosion, and Celestia jumped up. “Luna is coming!”

“C’mon!” Twilight yelled to her friends. “We have to meet back up with the others and get the Elements.”

There came a second explosion, and the spell that Shining Armor had put over Canterlot shattered. Pieces of the shattered shield fell out of the sky, and rained down on Canterlot, a deadly rain. Ponies were waking up and freaking out.

“Celestia!” said Rarity. “When we leave, if you don’t deal with Midnight, all of Canterlot will perish!”

Celestia seemed to be fighting an incredible internal battle. “I’ll hold her off,” she said finally.

Twilight nodded. “Let’s go!”

16 - The Fight for Canterlot

Twilight and her friends rushed down the street. Twilight had cast a spell over her and her friends that made a dome over them. Bits of the destroyed shield rained down, creating a Tink! everytime they hit the spell. Anyponies who were outside cowered under fruit stands, or jumped into coffee shops.

“I can’t cast the teleportation spell!” said Twilight. “The bits and pieces of the shield must still be preventing teleports!”

A shot of dark magic hit Twilight’s protection spell, breaking it just as the last pieces of the shield rained down. Midnight Moon was standing in front of her.

Twilight let a spell fly, and Midnight barely avoided it. Instead, a hot dog cart was knocked off the cliff.

“Luna! Stop the insanity!” Twilight called desperately.

Luna froze. “How do you know my name? Did my sister tell you that too?”

“Stop right there!” yelled a commanding voice. Twilight turned her head and saw her brother, Shining Armor. He was with twenty members of the Royal Guard.

“Shining Armor!” called Twilight.

“Twilight!”

“What a precious family reunion,” said Luna coldly. “I really do hate to ruin it. Seeing as some ponies are finally enjoying my night!”

“Attack!” yelled Shining Armor.

Curses flew wildly, and Twilight’s brother entered the fray, shooting a powerful spell directly at Luna. Luna parried it and sent it directly back at Shining Armor, who staggered back a few steps.

“NO!” screamed Twilight.

Suddenly a beam of light cut across the street. Luna looked up and saw her sister looking down at her from the top of her castle.

Midnight yelled in rage, and then spun on the spot, catching the broken shield bits, and creating a tornado with them, before all of the bits were turned to a dark blue fire and burned up, and Midnight teleported, arriving inside of Celestia’s tower.

“That was crazy!” said Pinkie.

Twilight suddenly felt herself being yanked into a spin, and saw that Rarity had cast the teleportation spell.

“Why Luna?” Celestia was looking at her sister, as they circled each other, horns at the ready. “Why would you go so crazy over jealousy?”

“It’s not just jealousy, it’s ignorance!” yelled Luna. “You ignored me! You were too absorbed in your ‘wonderful’ day, to see how wonderful the night was! And when I asked you to do something about it, what did you do? WHAT DID YOU DO?”

Luna cast a curse at Celestia, who parried, and sent a gold spell back at her sister, and the spells connected. Celestia pushed harder and harder to get her spell to hit.

Luna suddenly broke. “Nothing.”

Celestia’s spell overpowered Luna’s and sent her flying into a wall, before Luna summoned a hundred small moons that spun like daggers towards Celestia. Celestia's horn powered up, and then gravity had been reversed, and the moons flew above her head, and then she and Luna were dueling on the roof.

“You did nothing!” screamed Luna, sending a flurry of Darkness towards Celestia, who put gravity the right way up…

“I couldn’t make ponies enjoy something if they didn’t want to! And what you never realized, is that creatures did enjoy your night, they just weren't pony! They were owls, and frogs, and mice!”

The Darkness was flowing down, and the whole castle tower was entirely filled by it.

Celestia powered up her horn to its full power, and then it exploded with the power of the sun, obliterating the Darkness, and shattering every window.

Luna flew back and fell to the ground.

“You beat me this time,” Luna spat. “But it won’t happen again.” And with that, she teleported away.

17 - The Everfree Forest

Twilight’s head popped out of the fountain in Ponyville town square. Several ponies looked at her in confusion. Twilight stepped out of the fountain. Thankfully, there wasn’t any Darkness here. The street lights had been fixed, and were illuminating the square.

“You’re back!” called Applejack, coming over.

“Hi!” said Rainbow. “Been a while since I’ve last seen you guys.”

Spike and Fluttershy came over.

“We have to find the Elements of Harmony!” said Twilight.

Find the Elements. Unite the Elements. Use the Elements.

Twilight and her friends passed Zecoras, and headed deeper into the Everfree Forest than they’d ever been before. Twilight had remembered that the Elements were inside a book, that was on an altar, that was in a forest.

The Everfree Forest was the only forest that was as deep as the one she’d glimpsed, and Rarity and Pinkie backed her up.

There was only one path through the forest once you passed Zecoras, and it was very seldom used. Twilight didn’t even know anyponies who used it. Weeds and foliage covered the path, everfree.

“This is ruining my dress!” exclaimed Rarity.

Twilight’s mane got stuck on a long vine. “Ow!”

“This isn’t very fun,” said Pinkie, tripping over a gnarled tree root. “How about we play I-spy? I’ll start! I spy with my little eye, something pink.”

“Is it that pink flower over there?” asked Fluttershy, pointing to a large pink flower a few feet off the path.

“It is!”

“Alright,” said Applejack. “I spy with my little eye…” she looked around. “Something green.”

“Oh come on!” said Rarity. “The whole forest is green!”

“Is it that green fern over there?” asked Fluttershy, pointing to a small dark green fern.

“How’d you know?”

“Fluttershy’s very good at this game,” said Pinkie.

“Um–can I, uh, be the, uh, pony who picks a, um, thing?” asked Fluttershy.

“Sure,” said Twilight.

“Okay, then um, I spy with, uh, my little eye, some–er, uh, thing, um, red!”

“Is it that tree trunk?” asked Twilight, pointing to a strangely red tree trunk.

“Good try, but it, is not.”

“Is it that reed?” asked Rainbow, pointing to a reed in a small pond.

“Oooh, almost.”

Applejack pointed to a red rock. “That rock?”

Rarity looked at a red toad. “That toad?”

“My cupcake?” asked Pinkie, pulling out a cupcake, and eating it.

“It was a ladybug,” said Fluttershy, admiring the small red, black spotted bug.

“Mow,” said Pinkie. “D’gor really good at dis gabe!”

“Thank you,” said Fluttershy.

“The Altar!” said Twilight.

Across a large ravine, there was an altar. It was cracked, and mossy. Vines had wrapped around one of the pillars. Half the top had cracked off. Twilight realized that Celestia’s memory of it, truly was a thousand years old.

“Wow,” said Rarity. “This is much older than it looked in Celestia’s flashback.”

“But look, the book’s still there!” said Pinkie.

There was an old rope and planks bridge that spanned the chasm, but it had fallen.

“I can’t teleport over there,” said Twilight. “There can’t be any magic in the Everfree Forest, I guess.”

“No worries, I’ll just fly over there, and fix the bridge,” said Rainbow.

Rainbow flew over the chasm. She looked down. The chasm was at least five hundred feet deep. As a Pegasus who lived in the clouds, it didn’t bother Rainbow in the slightest.

What did, were the three ponies flying directly towards her.

18 - The Shadowbolts

They were wearing the Wonderbolts outfit, but in purple, and with black instead of yellow. They all seemed to be targeting Rainbow.

Rainbow barrel rolled, and two of them whizzed by on either side of her, Rainbow flipped around doing a twirl, before dropping out of the sky. She fell down, before catching herself, and blindsiding one of her attackers. One of them hit Rainbow, sending her towards the cliff face, but Rainbow caught herself in a triple backflip, before racing at top speed up the cliff face, only a inch from touching it, before she whizzed over the edge, did a double frontflip, and stuck it in an awesome pose. “You think you can defeat me? Well, think again!”

The leader of the squad landed in front of Rainbow. “Looks like someone’s been practicing!” Her voice was surprisingly friendly, as though she already knew Rainbow.

And Rainbow realized she did.

“Lightning Dust!” said Rainbow accusingly.

“Yeah, it’s me!” said Lightning Dust, still surprisingly friendly. “Isn’t it great to be back together?”

“What do you want?” asked Rainbow.

When Rainbow Dash had first joined the Wonderbolts Academy, Lightning Dust was the first pony she’d talked to. However, after Lightning ignored Rainbow getting injured during a training exercise, and blowing off the fact that creating a tornado endangered Rainbow’s friends, Rainbow and Lightning had broken up, and Lightning had gotten expelled from the academy.

And now she was here.

“You know Rainbow, me and my team here–the Shadowbolts–could use a new member…”

“No.”

“The best…”

“Not gonna happen.”

“...quickest…”

“Sorry.”

“...bravest…”

“I’m afraid I can’t take your offer.”

“...flier in all of Equestria!”

“Well…” said Rainbow. “Maybe. Just let me tie up this bridge.”

“No!” said Lightning. “It’s me, or them.”’

Rainbow considered her options. “You.”

“Really? Awesome!”

“No, I mean thank you. For the offer. But I’m afraid that I can’t leave my friends.”

“Aww… well then. I’ve made my offer. You declined it. Thunder, Fuse.”

Thunder and Fuse walked up to Rainbow. Rainbow stepped back, until her hoof slipped into the ravine.

“Now hold on,” said Rainbow weakly. “Let’s talk about this!”

“I already did,” said Lightning menacingly. “Now it’s time for my teammates to end you.” She spat on the ground.

Fuse shoved Rainbow off the edge.

Rainbow extended her wings, and whipped around, as Fuse and Thunder leapt off as well.

“Get her!” yelled Lightning.

Thunder charged Rainbow, who banked left, and into Fuse. Fuse was sent back into the cliff.

“Hey!” yelled Thunder.

Rainbow attempted to hit Thunder, but was forced to shoot off to the side. Thunder’s turbulence sent Rainbow into a spin, but as an experienced flier, she saved it. Rainbow aimed at Fuse, who’d recovered, and shot towards him. Thunder clipped Rainbow from behind, and sent her sliding. She still clipped Fuse though, and sent him flying into the cliff face, where he fell to the ground, unconscious.

Thunder shot towards Rainbow, but she was too quick, and faked him out. He spun around and crashed onto a rock ledge, also unconscious.

Lightning Dust jumped off the edge and aimed towards Rainbow, and they charged each other, not slowing down. At the last possible moment, Rainbow and Lightning curved away from each other, but Lightning stuck out a hoof, and hit Rainbow dead in the chest. Rainbow grimaced, and shot sideways, a searing pain in her chest where she’d been hit.

“Woo hoo, I win, you’re a loser!” called Lightning Dust.

Lightning Dust had made a very big mistake: thinking the fight was over before it was. Rainbow turned and charged Lightning as hard as she could. She hit Lightning knocking the air out of her, before speeding, still at top speed, towards the cliff face.

BAM!

Lightning Dust fell to the ground, beat up, but still conscious. “Oww,” she said weakly.

Rainbow aimed at Lightning.

Lightning winced. “C’mon Rainbow. Let’s just put our differences behind us! Please?”

Lightning rolled just as Rainbow hit the cliff face. It cracked off the mountain, and Rainbow was left with some sore hooves.

Lightning grew annoyed. “Oh come on!” she yelled, flying up, and attacking Rainbow. “I’m being very reasonable here!”

Rainbow blocked the first blow, the second, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, before throwing her first blow, and hitting Lightning solidly in the face. Lightning fell down into the chasm.

Rainbow flew over to the top of it, and connected the bridge.

Author's Note

Just remember that in this AU "Wonderbolts Academy" has already happened.

19 - The Elements of Harmony

Twilight walked across the bridge, and arrived at the altar. The book was still there.

“Think it’s booby trapped?” asked Pinkie.

“I don’t think so,” said Twilight. “Or Celestia probably would have told us.”

She reached in, and grabbed the book.

Nothing bad happened. The ground didn’t give way. A massive boulder didn’t roll down a hill. A huge Ursa Major didn’t come out and eat them.

“Phew,” said Fluttershy.

Twilight attempted to open the book, but it was locked. On the book’s spine was an alphabet combination lock.

“What could it possibly be?” asked Rarity.

“Ooh, ooh, guessing games!” exclaimed Pinkie, “Harmony, Elements! Or maybe Magic.”

Twilight shook her head. “It’s not any of those.”

“Maybe Celestia?” suggested Applejack.

“Hidden?” asked Rainbow.

“They didn’t work,” said Twilight.

“It, it, might be friendship,” suggested Fluttershy.

Twilight entered the code, and the book popped open.

“Yes!” said Rainbow, “it worked!”

Inside the book were five amulets.

“This can’t be right!” said Rarity. “Celestia put runes in the book!”

“She must’ve changed it,” said Twilight. “So that anypony could use them, not just unicorns.”

“I want that one,” said Rainbow, pointing to the one that had a rainbow colored lightning bolt. “It matches my cutie mark.”

“Didn’t Celestia say something about cutie marks?” asked Pinkie.

“‘And your cutie marks match up’, remember?” said Rarity. “That’s what Celesta said!”

“That one matches mine,” said Applejack, pointing to one that had an apple on it.

“I–I, think, that, that one, looks, looks like, like mine,” said Fluttershy, pointing to one with a butterfly.

“That one’s definitely mine,” said Pinkie, motioning to the one that had a balloon on it.

“Which leaves that one for me,” said Rarity, pointing to the last one left, a diamond. “And it matches too!”

“So mine’s the secret one,” said Twilight. “That will be revealed after the others are united.”

Pinkie scratched her head. “But–the Elements are already united!”

“Maybe you have to put them on?” suggested Rainbow, slipping hers on.

“I guess not,” said Rainbow after that failed.

“I wish Celesta was clearer about how to get the amulet…” sighed Twilight.

There was a sudden crashing sound from in the forest, as if several ponies were coming towards them.

“Um, Rainbow?” asked Rarity. “Are you sure that you dealt with those ponies in the ravine?”

“You did not!” scowled Lightning Dust, coming out from the trees.

“Where are your little henchmen?” asked Rainbow tauntingly.

“None of your business!” yelled Lightning

Rainbow noticed that Lightning’s eyes were unfocused. Could that have been as a result of her fight with her? Or had her eyes been like that all along. Rainbow couldn’t be sure…

“The only thing that concerns me,” said Lightning, “are those amulets. Now hand them over!”

Rainbow and Twilight caught a glimpse of Midnight Moon’s face through Lightning's eyes.

“She’s possessed!” yelled Twilight, as Lightning lunged at Rainbow.

Rainbow threw herself backwards, and Lightning slammed into the stone altar. One of the pillars cracked, and fell back on Lightning.

Twilight and Rarity sent a spell at Lighting at the same exact time, and bounced off each other. Twilight’s knocked Applejack’s hat off, while Rarity’s split the altar in two.

Lighting jumped backwards, but the altar fell back, and clocked her in the head. A second later, Twilight sent some sort of anti-mind control spell at her. It was a direct hit.

There was a rushing noise, and then a cloud of darkness left Lightning’s body and flew away into the night.

Lightning staggered back, throwing the stone altar off of her. “What in the world just happened?”

“You were… possessed,” Fluttershy explained.

Lighting saw Rainbow. “Hey,” she said. “Long time no see.”

“Actually,” said Rainbow through gritted teeth. “I just saw you five minutes ago, when you tried to hurt me!”

“Really?” asked Lighting sarcastically. “I doubt that thought’s ever run through my mind.”

“Actually she’s right,” said Twilight quickly, before Rainbow could say anything. “Lightning didn’t try to hurt you, Midnight Moon did. She just used Lightning’s body.”

“That’s nice,” said Rainbow sarcastically. “Your enemy didn’t hurt you, a supervillain did, she just used Lightning’s body.”

“Hey,” said Lightning. “I think I saw Midnight–”

Twilight cut her off. “Let’s get back to Ponyville quickly. If we move fast, we may be able to beat Midnight there!”

Everypony started trekking away, leaving a very befuddled Lighting Dust behind.

21 - Lightning

“I’m not telling you,” said Lightning Dust.

“Why not?” asked Twilight.

“‘Cuz I don’t like you,” replied Lightning.

“Oh come on!” snapped Rainbow. “It’s the least you could do after–”

“As said formerly, that was not me, it was Midnight Moon.”

Rarity sighed. “Look, you’re in trouble too, if we don’t get rid of Midnight.”

Lightning paused to consider that for a moment, grew frustrated, and slammed her door in their face.

Twilight and her friends were in Cloudsdale. Despite the fact that Pegasus ponies were the only ones who wouldn’t fall through the clouds, Twilight had found a spell that allowed Earth ponies and Unicorns to walk on them too.

“She is not very reasonable!” said Pinkie.

“Not at all,” muttered Spike.

“Do we know anypony else who knows where Midnight is?” asked Applejack.

“No,” said Rainbow. She knocked on Lightning’s door.

Lightning opened it. “Go away.” She slammed it again.

Rainbow knocked on Lightning's door again.

“I’m not telling you!” came Lightning’s muffled voice from through the door. “Stop bothering me!”

“Bothering’ you?” asked Applejack, walking over to the door. “We’re trying to get critical information here!”

“I don’t care.”

Rainbow pounded on her door. Twilight sighed. “Open up!” yelled Rainbow. “Or Twilight will blow your door off!”

Twilight gasped. “Rainbow!”

“Twilight wouldn’t do that,” said Lightning calmly.

“I might, if you don’t start cooperating!”

There was a pause, and then Lightning opened her door. “I opened my door,” she said. “Now leave me alone.” she turned and walked back down into her house.

Twilight gave a frustrated groan. “When will you stop being so annoying?!?”

“I’m not annoying,” said Lightning. “I’m annoyed. That you won’t leave me alone!”

“We’ll leave you alone if you tell us the information!” said Rarity.

Pinkie and Fluttershy had given up, and were playing tic-tac-toe in the cloud.

“No deal,” said Lightning. “I’m not just going to give something away, just to make you stop doing something.”

“Well what do you want then?” asked Twilight irritably.

“For you to go away,” said Lighting. “So that I can keep trying to find a way to get rid of the Wonderbolts.”

Rainbow yelled, and lunged towards Lightning, but Twilight stopped her with a spell.

“You can’t do that,” said Twilight morosely, as if she really did want Rainbow to hit Lightning. “It’s against the law to attack someone without being attacked first.”

“Now who made that law?” asked Applejack.

Rarity sighed, and went over to play tic-tac-toe with Pinkie and Fluttershy.

“Wait–” said Rainbow, “Lightning attacked me first! In the ravine. So she can be arrested!”

Applejack looked hopeful.

“Nope,” said Lightning, “Fuse attacked you first, then you beat up him and Thunder. I attacked at the end, only because you attacked my friends first.”

“Well you told your friends to attack me! I was defending myself!”

“Yeah!” said Applejack. “Whadda have to say about that!”

“87.5, section B,” said Lighting smugly.

Twilight summoned a law book, and flipped to law 87.5, and turned to section B. She frowned.

“Read it,” said Lightning.

Twilight narrowed her eyes at Lightning. “Telling someone else to attack someone else isn’t illegal, since the other person can choose to ignore you.”

“Who made that law?” asked Applejack.

“Excellent,” said Lightning. “Now please leave me alone.”

“So you can dish dirt on the Wonderbolts?” asked Rainbow angrily.

“That’s not really how friends talk to each other.”

“You think I’m your friend?” asked Rainbow, surprised.

“Well you're the only pony who said a few nice things to me.”

“Well,” said Twilight frustratedly, “I’m sure ponies would say nice things to you if you weren't such an–an–an arrogant jerk!”

Lightning recoiled. “I’m not a jerk!” she said, before pausing. “Well not all the time.”

“So you figured it out,” said Applejack. “Finally. It only took you… fifteen minutes!”

“Well thanks for the compliment,” said Lightning coldly.

“Soo…” said Twilight. “Can you tell us where Midnight Moon is?”

Lightning considered it. “No.”

“Come on!” Rainbow pleaded. “What’s the difference to you if you don’t tell us? Please?”

Lightning sighed. “Fine,” she said at last. “If you leave me alone afterwards.”

“Deal” said Rainbow.

“Okay,” said Lighting. “She’s in Canterlot.”

“Wait–” said Twilight. “Luna beat her sister?”

Lightning stared blankly.

“She means, did Midnight Moon beat Celestia?” said Applejack.

“Ah,” said Lightning.

“So?” said Rainbow.

“Are you almost done over there?” asked Pinkie. “We’ve played tic-tac-toe fifty-seven times!”

“Almost!” said Twilight.

“I hope so,” muttered Lightning.

“So?” said Rainbow again.

“No,” said Lightning. “Celestia beat Midnight, who teleported away. After that, Celesta left to check on the Crystal Empire, and Midnight Moon came back to the castle. From what I know Celestia hasn’t come back.”

“How do you know all of this?” asked Applejack suspiciously.

“I felt her thoughts,” said Lightning. “That’s just how mind control works. It’s both ways. I thought you were so good at magic, Twilight.”

“Well,” said Twilight. “Thanks, I guess.”

Lightning snorted. “Any time losers.”

22 - The Mare in the Moon

Twilight looked around. She, Rainbow and Applejack were standing in the living room of a small house. The roof had been blown off, and a few of the walls had crumbled.

“Woah,” said Rainbow. “Looks like a bombshell went off in here.”

“Sure does,” said Applejack. “Whaddya reckon happen’d here?”

Twilight looked around and got instant trauma. Sprawled out near a wardrobe was Shining Armor. His face was pale and ghostly. Rainbow gasped.

Twilight walked numbly over to her fallen brother. She cast a spell at him. Shining Armor twitched. Twilight sighed in relief, before casting a spell over him. A purple bubble surrounded him.

“He’ll be okay,” said Twilight, and her friends sighed in relief.

“When do you think Rarity and the others will arrive?” asked Rainbow.

“I’m not sure,” said Twilight. “They should have arrived already.”

“They must’ve gotten lost,” said Applejack.

A scroll materialized out of thin air.

Spike had gone with Rarity and the others, so Twilight read the scroll. “My teleportation spell failed, and me, Fluttershy, Spike, and Pinkie are still stuck in Ponyville. I’ll try to make the spell work, but chances are slim. You should go ahead with the plan without us.

“– Rarity”

“Is she crazy?!” Rainbow exploded. “Go ahead with the plan, we can’t! The plan is to use the Elements, and if all of them aren’t there, Twilight’s Element won’t reveal itself!”

“I could go back and try to get them,” said Twilight.

“I don’t think so,” said Applejack. “As soon as Celestia realizes she’s been tricked by Midnight, she’ll head right back to Canterlot, and Midnight will leave.”

“And we’ll be back to square one,” admitted Rainbow. “I guess that makes sense. What was Spike saying before we left?”

“I don’t know,” admitted Twilight, “I should have listened…”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow mockingly. “You should have.”

“We can’t tear each other down!” said Applejack. “There’s only so many of us left!”

Rainbow sighed. “Sorry.”

“Thank you for apologizing,” said Twilight.

Rainbow giggled.

“Whatever,” sighed Twilight.

Applejack nodded. “Let’s go.”

Twilight and her friends had no trouble getting into the castle: the Royal Guard had been defeated.

Once inside, the group headed right to the top.

Twilight stared at the imposing doors. She felt woefully undefended, without her Element.

“Think we can take her?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said Twilight. “We just have to stall her until Celestia or the rest of our friends come.”

“Are you sure about this plan?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said Twilight. She suddenly thought about leaving.

“Celestia’s coming,” came a voice from behind the door. Twilight recognised it as Midnight’s. “Time to leave…”

“Now or never,” whispered Rainbow, and before Twilight could do anything, Applejack slammed the door open.

Midnight actually seemed to be caught off guard. “Hey!” she yelled accusingly.

Twilight sent a stunning spell at her. It glanced off of a shield that midnight summoned.

Rainbow and Applejack charged. Midnight blasted Rainbow down. Applejack jumped into the air, just to get blasted down as well.

Twilight sent a spell that Midnight blocked.

“What do you think you’re doing?!?” yelled Midnight.

“Stopping you!” retorted Twilight, and it wasn’t really a lie.

Midnight sent a curse directly at Twilight, who dodged, and sent a stunning spell back. It hit one of the pillars that supported the roof…

…With a CRACK! the pillar gave way, and the roof started to droop.

Twilight realized this was the worst plan she’d ever made.

Sparks flew from the tip of Midnight’s horn. Twilight put up a shield. Midnight’s sparks ate through it.

And then Midnight sent a curse that hit Twilight in the chest.

Twilight flew backwards, sliding across the floor, before coming to a rest.

She thought hard about defeating Midnight, and decided not to think about the rest.

And then something happened.

23 - The Final Element

The tiara appeared on the ground in front of Twilight, glimmering in the moonlight. Midnight stared at it. And then she sent a curse at it.

The tiara flew through the air spinning madly, and Twilight caught it and put it on. It wasn’t even damaged.

“What?!” spat Midnight. “How can this be?”

“It’s over Luna,” said Twilight.

“Twilight!”

Twilight glanced behind her, and saw Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity standing behind her, utterly bewildered.

“WHAT!?!” roared Luna. A curse flew from her horn.

Twilight cast a spell, and bursts of light came from each one of her friends.

There was an explosion of light.

And Luna was standing where Midnight Moon had been before.

Twilight and her friends cheered.

“What just happened?” asked Luna.

“I think I can explain,” said Celestia, landing in the now roofless castle tower. “And not just to my sister.”

“What I don’t understand,” said Twilight to Celestia, “Is how the last Element came to me even without all the rest of them being united.”

Twilight and Celestia were sitting in Celestia’s tower. Canterlot had been put back to normal, as had Ponyville, and the cloud of darkness was gone.

“Ah, but the Elements were united.” Celestia took a sip of her tea. “Did Spike not explain it to you?”

“Well, he did, but we didn’t really listen…”

Twilight paused. “Wait, how did you know?”

“I was watching you, through your window.”

Twilight remembered back at her house that she thought she’d been being watched. “So what was Spike gonna say?”

“That the Elements had to be united in a goal.”

Twilight gasped. “So, when I thought about defeating Midnight Moon, the Elements were united! I was the last one to think about it!”

Celestia nodded. “Does that answer your question?”

“Almost,” said Twilight, “I’m just wondering, we were all united in trying to figure out how to get the last Element back at my house. Why didn’t it work then?”

“Because Pinkie took off her amulet.”

“Oh,” said Twilight. “Well at least the final Element revealed itself in time.”

Celestia nodded. “That was lucky.”

“Well,” said Twilight, “what now?”

“I believe you and your friends have tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“We do,” said Twilight.

“Then have some fun!”

“The Gala is awesome!” exclaimed Rainbow. She was standing with Twilight. Applejack was making lots of sales, Fluttershy was already in the royal gardens, and Rarity was busy selling her new fashion line. Pinkie was playing pin the tail on the pony. Rainbow had already gotten a signed copy of Daring Do and the Marked Thief of Marapore.

“It is, isn’t it,” said Twilight. “And the best part is that Luna and Celestia are back together.”

“Well I think the best part is that I got to meet Daring Do in person!” squeaked Rainbow. “I mean, what’s cooler than that?”

Twilight laughed. “This is the best night ever.”

Author's Note

Sooo...
This chapter was writen in an insane rush job, because I wanted to finish the book and just get it out there. It will probably get a rewrite. I'll also be posting the sequel to this story in due time, although it's not finished and I have no incentive to change that:twilightsheepish:.

Also here's the link to the Gdoc: The Midnight Zone