//------------------------------// // 3. Friendship is Magic - Part 1 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// “Cock-a-doodle-doo…!!!” “Uurgh…” Midnight groaned, still feeling the after-effects of last night’s party. He edged his eyes open, seeing the room the Apples had provided him with. He was in a comfy bed, snuggled under a warm quilt, his head resting on a pillow stuffed with cotton. By the door was a dresser, beneath the window was a simple desk and chair, and there was a mirror next to the closet. It was simple but Midnight liked it. He did not however like the headache he was feeling from last night’s apple cider. It was the alcoholic kind, and unfortunately he’d found himself in a chugging contest with Pinkie. He won. Thankfully the stuff was the kind for light drinking. But the moment echoed with familiarity, as Midnight felt the glaring sun rays poke through the parting in the curtains and hit him in the face. He was about to try and ignore it when he heard some hoofsteps outside his door. It flew open and in walked Applejack, banging a pot with a ladle, shouting, “Wakey-wakey, rise n’ shiny!” “Aaugh!!” Midnight yelped as he leapt out of bed, and groaned as he felt his headache. “Applejack…! Please, my head!” “Oh! Sorry `bout that, sugarcube!” Applejack apologized as she kicked the pot and ladle out the door. “But `round here, we rise with th’ sun! Ah’ll getcha Granny Smith’s cider-remedy, always clears up th’ head after some good drinkin’!” Before long, the Apples and their guest were having breakfast, and Midnight regarded Apple Bloom, the one member of the family he had yet to formally meet. He saw her at the party last night but things got out of hoof before they had a chance to talk. Apple Bloom was a school-age filly, her coat a gentle yellow, her mane and tail the same red as Big Mac’s coat while she had Granny Smith’s orange eyes, and her flank was void of a cutie-mark. They sat around the table, covered with plates and bowls and silverware. They were having apple-cinnamon pancakes with maple syrup, buttered toast, eggs over easy, and strips of hay-bacon, along with nice cold apple juice. “Mmm!” Midnight groaned in ecstasy as he munched on hay-bacon. Midnight recalled ponies didn’t eat meat and was hesitant to try the hay-bacon but was grinning with joy that he’d given it a chance. “I had no idea this stuff was so good!” “Well, there’s plenty more where that came from, Midnight,” Applejack assured as she took a swig of juice. “Ah cain’t believe y’all really don’t have a cutie-mark,” Apple Bloom said as she sat next to Midnight. “Apple Bloom! Manners, young filly,” Granny Smith snapped, Big Mac agreeing, “Eeyup!” “Sorry, din’t mean nothin’,” Apple Bloom said to Midnight who just waved it off. “It’s okay, I’m sure eventually my memories will come back.” Inside, Midnight squirmed a bit, feeling guilty about continuing the charade. But what could he do? Tell them the truth, and sound like a pony gone bonkers? Putting it out of his mind, he asked, “So… when’s the rest of the family coming?” “They’ll be here soon,” Applejack answered. “They’re all happier than a june bugs that their visit’ll coincide with th’ Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow!” “Not t’ menchin they’re brinin’ some a’ their own special dishes ta’ help us wit’ the caterin’,” Granny Smith added with a chuckle. “Isn’t somepony gonna be overseeing the preparations for the event?” Midnight asked, having an idea. “Eeyup,” Big Mac answered, “Ah heard somepony’s comin’ all th’ way from Canterlot.” Once breakfast was finished, Midnight helped Applejack clean the dishes. “I think I’m gonna go into town. Y’know, just socialize.” “Well Ah don’t mind but Ah hope yer here for-” Applejack was saying only to heard a distinctive ‘kapwing’ sound, followed by the slam of the door. Midnight walked through town, keeping an eye on the sky. Any time now, Twilight Sparkle and Spike should be arriving! …What do I say? Recalling the story, Midnight knew what Twilight was really concerned with and was not interested in making friends. He would need the right excuse to stay in her company. Then he was struck with inspiration by Big Mac’s actions yesterday. Of course! I’ll offer to be her tour guide around town! She’ll have to let me stick around. Out of the corner of his eye, Midnight noticed Pinkie Pie. The earth pony mare lived up to her name, with her bright dark pink mane and cotton candy pink coat, her eyes were blue, and her cutie-mark was a trio of party balloons. Remembering the story, Midnight looked up and gasped! There they were! He couldn’t quite see them but made to follow as the Royal Guard-drawn chariot descended into town, and Midnight got a better look. It was her, Twilight Sparkle, a lavender coated unicorn mare with a dark purple mane streaked with magenta, her cutie-mark a magenta six-point star surrounded with six white sparkles. Getting off, she was accompanied by her #1 Assistant, the baby dragon Spike, whose scales pretty much matched Twilight’s coat, aside from his belly, which was light green while his spines were bright green. Twilight thanked the guards for the ride and Midnight saw Pinkie approach them. 3 – 2 – 1… Pinkie let out a very familiar gasp after Twilight had said hello, and streaked off. Chuckling, Midnight decided now was the time to make his move and approached them, hearing Twilight say, “Well that was interesting all right.” “Well you’ll find there’s no figuring that pony out,” Midnight called out with a chuckle and the two noticed him. “Hello, my name is Midnight Blaze. You’re here to oversee the preparations for the celebration, right?” At first, Twilight was alarmed to see an adult unicorn (he looked to be around her age, maybe a tad older) without a cutie-mark! But then she couldn't help noticing how... handsome (felt like the closest word but not quite) he was. He wasn't dashing or rugged, but more humble and just the right amount of cute, which befuddled Twilight, as she'd seen good-looking stallions before but this was the first time in memory she found herself attracted. Shoving those thoughts aside, Twilight cleared her throat and said, “Yes, good stallion. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my assistant, Spike.” “Hi!” Spike said with a friendly wave. “Well then, Twilight Sparkle,” Midnight replied, “would you be interested in a tour guide to assist you?” The way he held out his hoof, smiled a little shyly but also hopefully, and a slight yet noticeable blush appeared below his eyes, which caused Twilight to feel a little warm on her face as well. Spike took it all in, not understanding what was going on. “That would be most welcome,” Twilight thanked, finding her voice after a slightly awkward moment, “I need to get through these preparations as quickly as possible.” “Alright then. Follow me,” Inside, Midnight was cheering in success. Now all he had to do was not blow it. Before long, they were making their way to their first stop, Spike holding a list, saying, “Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer’s Check-List! #1: Banquet Preparations, Sweet Apple Acres!” Midnight led the way onto the farm when the three of them heard, “Yee-haw!” They all looked and Midnight saw the story play out, as Applejack galloped to a tree, giving it a good buck, and apples fell into the baskets she’d set below, and beamed with pride. Twilight sighed, “Let’s get this over with.” They approached the farmer, Twilight introducing herself, “Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle-” And no sooner did she say her name did AJ give her hoof a welcoming yet rough shaking. “Well howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin’ yer acquaintance! Ah’m Applejack, and we here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!” “Fr-r-riends? Actually-” Twilight tried to say but the farmer’s strength left her shaking as Applejack let go. “So! What can Ah do ya for?” the cowgirl asked with a wink. Twilight’s hoof continued to shake so Midnight stepped in and gently brought her to a stop, but Spike giggled to himself, ignoring the look Twilight gave him. Recomposing herself, she cleared her throat and explained, “Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and you’re in charge of the food?” “We sure as sugar are!” Applejack replied, “Wooja care ta’ sample some?” “Say yes, Miss Sparkle!” Midnight piped in, “You haven’t lived till you’ve tried one of their apple fritters!” “Well, as long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight gave in but Applejack had already started ringing the triangle. “Soouup’s on, everypony!” Twilight, Midnight, and Spike heard a galloping behind them and turned to see a herd of earth ponies stampede over them, and they somehow wound up seated at a table beneath a gazebo, Applejack popping up beside them, and she said, “Now, why don’t Ah introduce y’all to th’ Apple Fam’ly!” “Thanks, but I really have to-” Twilight tried to excuse herself but a mare popped up in front of her. “This here’s Apple Fritter!” Applejack introduced as another mare showed up with caramel apples, “Apple Bumpkin!” More and more earth ponies approached the table, leaving their own special apple dish, Applejack introducing each of them in turn: “Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp…!” She stopped to take a breath before continuing, “Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Ah see y’already met Midnight! He’s an honorary member of th’ fam’ly, and fin'ly…!” She pointed out, “Granny Smith.” The elderly earth pony was napping in her rocking chair. Midnight went over and gently shook her, saying, “Up n’ at 'em Granny Smith, we got guests!” Granny Smith snorted and woke up, saying, “Wah- Soup’s on…?” She ambled over, not quite awake yet as she mumbled “Ah’m `a comin’…” “Why, Ah’d say yer already part o' th’ fam’ly!” Applejack said with a smile to Twilight who spat out a dish somepony had shoved into her mouth. Chuckling nervously, she said, “Okay, I can see the food situation is handled! I’ll just be-” “Aren’cha gonna stay fer brunch?” She looked down to see Apple Bloom giving her the most mournful puppy-dog eyes she’d ever seen. Instantly, Twilight felt guilty as she apologized, “Sorry, it’s just we have an awful lot to do!” “Aww!” Everypony sighed sadly. Twilight looked around, feeling bad, when Midnight whispered in a singsongy tone, “They won’t cheer up till you say yes~…” Sighing, Twilight said, “Fine…” At once everypony cheered and the sampling began. Later, the three of them were carrying on with the tasks at hoof, Spike saying, “Food’s all taken care of, next is weather.” Behind him, Twilight moaned from an overstuffed belly, “Ohh, I ate too much pie…” “Wasn’t it delicious?” Midnight asked, slurping the last few crumbs off his muzzle. He was full too, but it was the blissfully satisfied kind of full. He rubbed his belly full of apples with sighing content before asking, “Mmm, best darn pie I ever tasted, ever!” “Hmm, there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” Spike brought up as he looked skyward, the two unicorns following his example. They all saw the sky was dotted with clouds all over. “Well, she’s not doing a very good job is she-” Twilight snarked when Midnight shoved her, shouting, “LOOK OUT!” There was the sound of a whooshing, and a couple “Oomph!”s and the sound of a splash. Twilight looked to see Midnight and a pegasus pony in the mud. The pegasus had a cynan coat, her mane and tail colored as her namesake, and her cutie-mark was a cloud with a red, yellow, and blue lightning bolt. “Ugh…” Midnight groaned, regretting taking the fall, which might have been better without a full belly. The pegasus pony stood up, giggling sheepishly as she said, “Uh, `scuse me?” “Midnight, are you okay?” Twilight asked in concern. “Here, lemme help you,” offered the pegasus and they watched as she brought over a small cloud and started jumping up & down on it, bringing a downpour over Midnight. When she was done, she looked over and saw Midnight shivering and soaking wet. “Oops! Heh-heh,” the pegasus chuckled, “I guess I overdid it!” “Ya think?” Twilight quipped. “Um, how `bout this?” the pegasus offered and suddenly, she was zooming around Midnight, creating a rainbow-colored tornado that sucked up all the water and mud away as she exclaimed, “My very own patented ‘Rain-Blow Dry’!” She came down, saying, “No-no, don’t thank me, you’re quite welcome!” But then she saw the result of her handiwork – Midnight’s mane and tail were a mess and Twilight had gotten splished by some of the mud, making her look like she had a mud mask. The pegasus tried to keep her cool but let out a bolstering laugh, keeling over, Spike joining her in laughing at the two unicorns’ messy conditions. “Lemme guess,” Twilight said with narrowed eyes, “you’re Rainbow Dash.” “The one and only!” Rainbow Dash replied with a pose. “Why, ya heard of me?” “We heard that you’re supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” Midnight clarified with an edge in his tone. Sighing, Twilight said, “I’m Twilight Sparkle and the princess sent me to check on the weather.” “Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap,” Rainbow waved off the concern while lounging on a cloud. “I’ll get to it in a jiffy, just as soon as I’m done practicing.” “Practicing, for what?” Twilight asked. “The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow declared while pointing out the nearby poster on a public noticeboard, featuring her idols. “They’re gonna be performing at the celebration tomorrow! And I’m gonna show `em my stuff!” “Psst, play to her ego,” Midnight whispered to Twilight and she got the idea and winked at him. “The Wonderbolts?” she asked, addressing Rainbow Dash. “Yup!” Rainbow replied. “The most talented fliers in all of Equestria?” Twilight went on with a raised brow and smirk. “That’s them!” “Please,” Twilight scoffed, “they’d never accept a pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day!” “Hey!” Rainbow bolted up, failing to see the wink Twilight got from Midnight. “I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!” “Prove it…” Twilight challenged. Rainbow’s eyes furrowed as she got to it. Twilight and Spike watched but they heard Midnight counting, “1 – 2 – 3 -…” All the while, Rainbow Dash was zooming and zipping to and fro, knocking out every cloud with incredible speed! Not one move was wasted, she seemed to know where every cloud was without even pausing to look around. “…Loop de’ loop around and…!” Rainbow yelled as she got the last cloud, “Wham!” “10!” Midnight yelled at the same time, and Twilight couldn’t believe it! “What’d I say?” Rainbow boasted as she perched on a bridge, “Ten. Seconds…Flat! I’d never leave Ponyville hangin’!” Twilight continued to gape at the open, clear skies, unspoiled or besmirched, almost like a blank canvass were a canvas colored sky-blue. Midnight reached over and gently closed her mouth. “Ha, you should see the look on your face,” Rainbow Dash bragged, “priceless!” “Rainbow Dash!” They looked and saw Thunderlane fly over, not looking happy. “It’s about time you got your ass moving!” “Oh Thundy, give it a rest,” Rainbow waved him off. “Ergh, why the mayor made you weather captain I’ll never know!” Thunderlane groaned irritably. “Isn’t it obvious?” Rainbow Dash asked before making a zipping move and creating a rainbow after-image of a ring that soon faded. “I am awesome.” “Well maybe you should focus less on being awesome and more on being responsible!” Thunderlane countered. “Look, the mayor wants to have a word with you, on the double! Hey Midnight.” And with that, Thunderlane flew off, Rainbow groaning as she said, “Well, duty calls. By the way, I gotta say, you’re a riot, Twilight Sparkle. I can’t wait to hang out some more!” And with that, she was gone in a rainbow trail. “She’s amazing!” Spike said but then giggled at the two unicorns’ messed up mane and coat respectively. Twilight growled, having been made to eat her own words as she stormed off, Midnight and Spike following as the little dragon said, “Wait! It’s… kinda pretty once you get used to it!” They made their way into Ponyville Town Hall, Spike noting, “Decorations!” Looking around, they saw various colorful banners embroidered with gorgeous patterns, Spike swooning, “Beautiful…!” “Yes, the décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight agreed. “This oughta be quick, I’ll be at the library in no time! Beautiful indeed.” “Not the décor, her!” Spike corrected while pointing ahead to the auditorium. Upon it stood an alabaster white unicorn mare with a glimmering purple mane and tail, elegantly and expertly styled, her cutie-mark a trio of soft blue rhombus diamond-shaped jewels. At the moment she was looking at different ribbons. “No, no, no… Augh! Goodness, no!” “How’re my spines?! Are they straight?” Spike worried, Twilight just rolling her eyes as she and Midnight approached the unicorn. “Good afternoon,” Midnight greeted, the unicorn holding up a hoof and not looking at them. “Just a moment please! I’m ‘in the zone’, as it were!” She then gasped and said,” Yes!” With her aura, she tied a beautiful red ribbon onto a pole, adding, “Sparkles always does the trick, does it not? Why Rarity, you are a talent!” Clearing her throat, she turned towards them saying, “Now, how can I help youuuaugh!” Seeing them she cried, “My goodness gracious, darlings! Whatever happened to your coiffures?!” “Oh, you mean his mane and my coat?” Twilight asked. “It’s a long story. “I’m just here to check on the decorations and then we’ll be out of your hair!” “My hair? What about your hair?” Rarity replied and was suddenly behind the two, pushing them along. “Wait, where’re we going?! Help!” Twilight yelped. “Don’t bother,” Midnight said with a deadpan expression, knowing it was pointless to fight it, Spike floating after them with a goofy grin and hearts in his eyes. Rarity took the three to her store, Carousel Boutique, where everything was chic, unique, and magnifique! At the moment, she was in the process of outfitting Twilight with various dresses and outfits, having already taken care of her and Midnight’s hairy problems. “No! No… No, too green, too yellow, too poofy, don’t like it… Ugh! Disgusting, no.” Finally, Rarity settled upon putting Twilight into a jeweled corset. “Ah, perfect, it just needs a tie. Now go on, my dear, you were telling me where you’re from?” Rarity started pulling the tightening strings, Midnight wincing as Twilight choked, “I’ve! Been… sent from… Canterlot, to- Erk!” Thankfully, that one word got Rarity’s attention, causing her to let go, Midnight catching her to save her from a nasty fall while Twilight gasped for breath. “Canterlot?!” Rarity gasped, pushing Midnight away, too starstruck to notice his good deed. “Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I’ve always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it!” She pressed against Twilight, saying, “We’re going to be the best of friends, you and I!” That one word made Twilight uncomfortable when Rarity cried, “Emerald?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies.” As soon as the fashionista trotted out the door, Twilight yelled, “Quick! Before she decides to dye our coats a new color!” Midnight made sure to grab the twitterpated Spike on their way out. “Wasn’t she wonderful, Midnight?” Spike was so lovestruck that Midnight carried the dragon on his back, chuckling while Twilight pressed, “Focus, Casanova. What’s next on the list?” “If I’m not mistaken, it’s music,” Midnight piped in, Spike snapped out of it and checked the list. “He’s right! And it’s the last one,” confirmed Spike. As if on cue, they all heard birds singing what sounded like a chorus. Following the singing, they looked over a bush and saw a butter yellow pegasus mare with a long and flowing blossom pink mane and tail, her cutie-mark a trio of butterflies. In front of her was a little tree, birds on every branch. They appeared to be practicing, when the mare said, “Oh my. Um, stop please everyone.” The birds stopped and she flew up to a blue jay, saying, “Excuse me, sir, I just wanted to tell you your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. “ Floating back a little, she said, “Now follow me, everyone. A-one, a two- a-one-two-three-” “Hello!” She gasped, all her birds flying off, and she looked to see Midnight and Twilight, who said, “Oh my, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. I just came to check up on the music and it sounds beautiful!” The pegasus landed in front of her, but looked away, leading to a silence most awkward. Twilight smiled nervously, Midnight whispering, “Introduce yourself.” “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and this is my guide, Midnight Blaze,” Twilight said to the pegasus. She continued to look away, looking at them through the corner of her aqua eyes, Twilight asking, “What’s your name?” “Um, I’m Fl..tr…shy,” she said in a low voice. “I’m sorry, what was that?” “I’m …” she muttered, looking nervous. “Didn’t quite catch that.” “Fluttershy!” she squealed almost indistinctly. “I think she’s shy,” Midnight whispered to Twilight, who just wanted to move on and escape that awkwardness. “Well!” She said, “It looks like your birds are back. Keep up the good work.” “Mmm!” Fluttershy whimpered. “Oookay!” Twilight said, gesturing Midnight to follow. But through her hair, Fluttershy saw Spike approach the two unicorns, Twilight saying, “Well that was easy.” She gasped, “A baby dragon!” She zoomed forward, Midnight sidestepping, leaving Twilight to get bumped out of the way, Fluttershy saying, “I’ve never seen a baby dragon before! He’s so cute!” “Well-well-well!” Spike said, giving a smug look to Twilight, Midnight helping her to her hooves. “Oh my! He talks,” Fluttershy was starry-eyed. “I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredible wonderful that- that I don’t even know what to say!” An aura surrounded Spike and he was unceremoniously levitated onto Twilight’s back as she said, “Well in that case, we’d better be going!” “Oh wait, wait!” Fluttershy followed, Midnight in tow. “What’s his name?!” “I’m Spike!” “Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?” “Well, whattya wanna know?” Spike asked. “Absolutely everything!” replied Fluttershy, causing Twilight to groan. “Well… I started out as a cute little purple & green egg,” Spike began and was off, Fluttershy hanging to every word. Midnight went up to Twilight's side to whisper to her, “Hang in there, it’ll all be over soon.” A while later, Fluttershy was still following them, as Spike wrapped it up. “...and that’s the story of my whole entire life! Midnight and Twilight both groaned, Midnight wondering to himself, How can anypony tell their entire life story without break?! “Well, up until today,” Spike amended himself, causing midnight to groan. “Y’wanna hear about today?” “Oh yes please!” Fluttershy happily accepted. She couldn’t take it anymore, so Twilight whipped around, saying, “I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Midnight looked and realized they had walked right up to Golden Oak Library. How did I miss that? “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville,” Twilight explained, “and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.” “No I don’t!” Spike protested, only to get subtly bucked off. “Aww, look at that!” Midnight helped along. “He’s so sweepy he can’t even hold his wittle bawance!” He ignored the indignant stink-eye the little dragon gave him, but Fluttershy swooped Spike up in her arms, saying, “Poor thing! We simply must get him to bed.” She entered the library, only for Twilight and Midnight to run in and nudge her out, Twilight saying, “Yes, yes, I’ll get right on it. Oh, and thank you for being my guide today, Midnight.” “Wait a minute!” Midnight was answered with a slam of the door in the face. Inside, (which was dark by the way) Spike harrumphed, “Rude much?” “Sorry Spike, but I have to convince Princess Celestia Nightmare Moon is coming and we’re running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where’s the light?” In response to her query, the lights went on and there was a shout of “SURPRISE!” And the two found themselves surrounded by a Surprise Party. A noisemaker blew in Twilight’s face, making her sigh when a familiar pink pony popped up, shouting, “SURPRISE!” She stood in front of Twilight saying, “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were you, were you? Huh-huh-huh?” “Very surprised!” Twilight said with a nervous smile before grumping, “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.” “Well that’s silly!” Pinkie replied. “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh! Bo-ring!” “I told you, there’s no figuring her out.” Twilight looked to see… “Midnight! Were you in on this too?” “Don’t be mad,” Midnight said apologetically, “but this would’ve happened whether or not you knew ahead of time. Pinkie would’ve made sure of that.” “He ain’t kidding!” Pinkie agreed as Twilight began to move through the party but the party pony wouldn’t leave her alone. “See, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all ‘hello’ and I was all-” She made a gasping noise like she did before and said, “Remember? You see, I’d never saw you before, and if I never saw you before that means you’re new! Cuz I know everypony – and I mean everypony – in Ponyville!” Twilight groaned, Midnight whispering, “She means well. But be sure to avoid the cider.” Midnight wandered off to enjoy the party, and saw the Apple siblings who waved him over. “I’m not sure our overseer is… taken with Pinkie’s gesture.” “Well, she does seem kinda uptight,” Applejack noted, Big Mac saying, “Eeyup!” “…invite everyone in Ponyville!” they heard Pinkie say, and so they went over, seeing Rainbow Dash, Thunderlane, Rarity, and Fluttershy had come as well. When did they get here? Midnight wondered to himself. Come to think of it, how did I get in here?! “Now you have lots n’ lots of friends!” Pinkie declared when they saw Twilight lurch and turn around looking rather red, with tears welling up in her eyes. “Are you alright, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, and was answered by Twilight leaping into the air, her mane and tail turning to fire while steam blew out her ears, and she suddenly streaked off. Why didn’t I remember that?! Midnight grimaced at his oopsy as Pinkie said, “Aw! She’s so happy she’s crying!” Spike picked up the bottle Twilight had poured to drink and saw she had unknowingly sipped on, “Hot sauce.” Pinkie poured it onto a cupcake and chowed down, much to everypony’s disturbed perspectives. “What?!” she asked with her mouth full. “It’s good!” Later that night, Midnight noticed Spike heading upstairs, wearing that party cliché of a lampshade on his head. No doubt to talk with Twilight. He followed him up and heard him enter Twilight’s room, calling, “Twilight! Pinkie’s started 'Pin the Tail on the Pony'! Wanna play?” “NO!” Midnight winced, hearing how upset Twilight sounded. “All the ponies in this town are ca-razy! Do you know what time it is?!” “It’s the even of the Summer Sun Celebration,” Spike answered, “everypony has to stay up or they’ll miss the princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight, it’s a party!” Midnight waited for Spike to come out, who deadpanned, “She’s not cooperating.” Sighing, Midnight said, “Why don’t I try to talk to her?” “Good luck.” Spike answered pessimistically, walking past him. “For as long as I’ve known Twilight, she’s often been a real stick in the mud.” Midnight took a deep breath and approached the door, when he heard Twilight talking inside. “Here I thought I’d have time to learn more about the Elements of Harmony, but – Silly me! – all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!” Midnight hesitated, no longer sure if Twilight would welcome his presence. But then he heard her talk more. “‘Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about everlasting night!’ …I hope the princess was right, I hope it really is just a pony’s tale.” Sighing, Midnight knocked on the door, calling, “Twilight?” The door lit up with aura and opened, and Midnight stepped in, and saw Twilight. “Hey um… It’s time to watch the sunrise. Can I walk you to Town Hall?” Sighing, Twilight came down from her bed and said, “May as well go.” As they made their way downstairs, Twilight said, “Midnight? I forgot to thank you for being my guide today. I’m sorry if I was any trouble.” “No trouble at all, Miss Sparkle!” Midnight’s hopes reignited, and he said, “I was happy to be of service.” As they stepped out of the library, Twilight said, “Midnight, I hope you won’t think me rude, but…” “Why don’t I have a cutie-mark?” Midnight asked for her, knowing that was exactly what she wanted to bring up. “I’m sorry! I hope I didn’t-” Twilight tried to say, but Midnight waved her off. “It’s okay, I’ve been getting it a lot lately,” Midnight assured her before taking a deep breath. “To make a long story short, yesterday, I woke up outside Ponyville with only a few of my memories, and yes, without a cutie-mark.” “Wait, are you saying you’ve lost your memories?” asked Twilight, her curiosity piqued. “Eeyup,” Midnight nodded, the lie now becoming second-nature, which secretly disturbed him. “All I could remember was my name, the name of this town, and Sweet Apple Acres. Big Macintosh found me and he and Applejack took me in. I don’t know why I have no cutie-mark or if I even had one at all.” “But you must have!” Twilight insisted. “Everypony finds their cutie-mark!” “Well, nothin’ in the noggin to tell me otherwise,” Midnight chuckled while tapping his horn. “I don’t even remember how to do magic.” “Incredible…” Twilight whispered. “I wonder…” “If it has something to do with Nightmare Moon?” Midnight blurted out, and immediately wished he could take it back. “How did you know that?!” Twilight demanded with a nervous look while grabbing Midnight's face. “I… heard you talking before I came to get you,” Midnight quickly answered, which was technically true. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop!” “Sorry,” Twilight apologized as she released him. “I’m just worried.” “Don’t worry, Miss Sparkle,” Midnight assured her as they came up on Town Hall. “Everything will be alright.” Twilight stopped him and said with a small smile, “Please. Call me Twilight.” Everypony in town had turned out for the event. It was so crowded in town hall, some pegasi were even flapping to stay aloft and to have a better view. Midnight and Twilight entered together, Spike having found them and was now on her back when Pinkie popped up. “Isn’t this exciting?! Are you excited? Cuz I’m excited! I’ve never been so excited- Well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I was all-” She made the gasping noise again, before saying with a smile, “But I mean, really! Who can top that?” Almost at once, the music provided by Fluttershy’s birds started as she conducted, to announce the event was starting. A spotlight fell upon Mayor Mare as she announced, “Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” Everypony cheered in response but quickly calmed down for the mayor to continue. “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!” Midnight noticed Twilight looking out the window, and followed her gaze. His heart sank as some stars zeroed into the moon, and the image of the mare in the moon vanished, and the both of them felt cause to be nervous as the mayor went on. “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?” Fluttershy whispered to her birds, and the mayor announced: “Princess Celestia!” Rarity pulled the curtains as the light fell upon the balcony above to reveal… nopony?! Rarity gasped in confusion, as Twilight said, “This can’t be good…!” “Remain calm, everypony,” Mayor Mare said gently, “there must be a reasonable explanation.” “Ooh! Ooh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie squirmed. “Is she hiding?” “She’s gone!” Rarity announced from the balcony, having just investigated. Everypony gasped while Pinkie said, “Ooh, she’s good.” But she yelped in fright, as did everpony, when they saw a shimmering haze appear upon the balcony, Twilight whispering, “Oh no…!” “Twilight!” Midnight whispered fearfully, “Is it….?!” His question was answered in the form of a tall black alicorn pony, clad in blue armor, her eyes narrowed wickedly as she looked down on everypony, her mane and tail were the haze, resembling a starry nebula, moving as though they were alive, and her cutie-mark was a purple mark covering her backside while her flanks were sided by a moon. “Nightmare Moon!” the two unicorns whispered, Spike fainting and falling off Twilight. “Oh, my beloved subjects!” Nightmare Moon welcomed them in a manner elegant yet condescending. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces…” “What did you to our princess?!” Thunderlane demanded as he started to fly at her, only for Big Mac to grab him by the table. “Nnope!” Nightmare Moon laughed mockingly. “Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” “Ooh, ooh! More guessing games!” Pinkie excited. “Um… Hokey Smokes! How `bout… Queen Meanie! No! Black Beauty, Black-” Applejack took the liberty of shutting her up by stuffing an apple into her mouth. “Does my crown no longer count now that I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years?” Nightmare Moon asked rhetorically, glaring at Fluttershy, before turning to Rarity. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” “I did!” All eyes fell on Twilight, who said, “And I know who you are!” Midnight stepped up, saying to everypony, “She’s the Mare in the Moon!” Twilight nodded, and declared, “Nightmare Moon! “ Everypony gasped while Nightmare Moon simply smirked. “Well, well, well! Some ponies who remember me… then you also know why I’m here.” “You’re here to… to-!” Twilight just couldn’t say it. Nightmare Moon laughed wickedly as she spoke, “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last… forever! Ahhahahahahahahahaha…!!!!!!!!” As Nightmare Moon cackled, her vaporous mane rose up in a hurricane, lightning flashing ominously, as Twilight and Midnight looked at each other fearfully.