The sun rose over the mountains beyond Dream Valley. The snow on a nearby tree branch fell to the ground. Two blue birds woke up and flew around Ponyland, waking every animal in the land up, to let them know it was spring time. The snow was melting. It was time for the Little Ponies in Paradise Estate to hold their annual Spring Festival. The minute the bluebirds got to Paradise Estate, they went directly to the nursery and sang a lively tune. That tune woke up Baby Lofty. She got out of her bed and looked out the window."

"Oh boy!" she shouted."Spring time!"

Soon, the other baby ponies woke up and looked out the window. They cheered. They couldn't wait for the Spring Festival to begin. At that exact moment, the Little Ponies ran out of Paradise Estate in order to make the preparations for the Festival."

"This is going to be the best Spring Festival ever!" Fizzy exclaimed."

"But what if something goes wrong?" Shady asked."

"What can go wrong, Shady?" Gusty asked, who had little patients for Shady at times."

"Smooze," was all Shady said."

Gusty was speechless. Shady did have a point. The year before this, the witches from the Volcano of Gloom had sicced Smooze on the Little Ponies, and that almost ruined the Spring Festival."

"That was last year, Shady," Lofty said, flying over."This is, well, this year! And besides, the witches learned their lesson. They won't try anything like that again! Besides, I have news. My cousin, Airedale, is coming for a visit today. He's dropping in for the Spring Festival."

"That's great," Fizzy said."I don't think we've ever met your cousin."

"Nobody here has," Lofty said. She flew off to give Baby Lofty the good news."

Gusty, Fizzy, and Shady continued to set up for the Festival. They were joined by Lickety Split and Masquerade. They helped set up for the Festival when somebody reached over Lickety Spilt and covered her eyes."

"Guess who!" a familiar voice laughed. "

"Uh, North Star!" Lickety Split shouted."Because you have a British accent!"

"North Stah?! I'm insulted!"

Lickety Split turned around and was face to face with Davy Jones. The other three Monkees were behind him, as well as Jerry, Valerie, and Fluey, and all of them were laughing hysterically. The other ponies began giggling as well."

"I didn't think North Star had that deep a voice," Lickety Split said."

That did it. Micky, Peter, Mike, Valerie, Jerry, and Fluey were howling. Gusty rolled over laughing. Masquerade, Fizzy, and Shady chuckled politely. Lickety Split was glaring at all of them. North Star flew over, giggling as well."

"Surprised, Lickety Split?" she asked. "

"That's Surprise's department!" Lickety Split shouted. Then she smiled and turned to the Monkees."When did you guys get here?"

"About five minutes ago," Micky said. "We looked out the window this morning and the day was awful. Rain, rain, rain. And lo and behold, there is North Star at the window, along with Heart Throb, Locket, Firefly, and Paradise, and they invite us to your annual Spring Festival, and we figured, hey, ought to be better than hanging around here, and have Mr. Babbit yell at us."

"And Lofty and Sprinkles went to get Valerie and Jerry, to come with us," Mike explained.

"Besides, it's such a groovy day for a Spring Festival," Micky said."

Lickety Split laughed. She had to admit, it was a"groovy" day. Perfect for the Spring Festival. In fact, the Monkees gave the ponies a hand in setting up. After a little while, Megan, Danny, and Molly arrived to give the ponies a helping hand."

"I think we'll be ready for the festivities in no time," Ribbon said."Absolutely nothing can go wrong today!"

Ribbon was about to be proved wrong. As she spoke, she was being watched through a crystal ball. Two hands were circling it, but the body was covered in total shadow."

"You may think that now, little pony," the voice belonging to the hands said."But you haven't seen me in action yet. You little ponies think it's going to be a beautiful spring day. Bah!"

The voice belonged to a sorceress, wanting to turn the world into eternal darkness for centuries. But she never got the chance. She was always stopped. Even others who also wanted eternal darkness were stopped, even the great Tirac, who was stopped by the little ponies' Rainbow of Light. The sorceress watched her crystal ball intently, until she saw something that made her take a second look. She saw Mike sitting on the grass talking to Sundance."

"Well now," she said."Isn't this interesting? Where's my book?"

The sorceress snapped her fingers and a book flew to her. She opened to a page about her greatest defeat, in 1679. The one who defeated her then was Claudius Nesmith, and he looked exactly like Mike."

"Hmm, he cannot be Claudius Nesmith," the sorceress said, looking at her book to Mike."He's been dead for two hundred years. He must be his ancestor. No doubt about it. The resemblance is amazing. For years, I have wanted to seek revenge on Nesmith for defeating me in a task so great that it destroyed my power for centuries! Finally, I shall have my revenge, and plunge the world into darkness at the same time!"

Back at Dream Valley, Lofty and Baby Lofty were walking around. Lofty was telling her baby the news she received that morning."

"My cousin, Airedale, is coming in for a visit," she said."Maybe he'll teach you some air tricks."

"Oh boy!" Baby Lofty shouted, excitedly."

Elsewhere, Buttons and Slugger began blowing up balloons for the festival. Slugger smiled at Buttons and she smiled back. Then, Firefly and Medley hung the balloons on the wall, making the Estate look pretty."

"That's enough balloons, you guys!" Firefly called. She and Medley flew away."

"Alone at last," Buttons said."

Slugger smiled. Buttons was about to nuzzle up to him when a pale yellow streak blew past them, followed by a gust of wind. Buttons' hair was in shambles thanks to that."

"Wow!" she shouted."

The pale yellow streak made it's way around Paradise Estate, basically ruining everyone's hair do. It blew Mike's wool hat clear off his head!"

"What is that?!" he shouted."

"And I thought Whizzer was the fast one!" Micky shouted."

"Hey!" Firefly shouted as the streak whizzed past her."

"Look out!" Medley shouted, and the streak bumped directly into her and both of them fell to the ground. Lofty and Baby Lofty ran to them."

"Medley! Are you all right?" Lofty asked."

"I think so," Medley said."

"Gee whiz, I'm sorry!" the yellow streak shouted. He turned out to be a Pegasus pony, but he didn't look like the other Big Brothers. He was pale yellow like Lofty and had straight white hair. He wore a scarf and an aviator's helmet, and had an airplane on his hind quarters. He looked at Medley and gaped. He got the typical Davy Jones look of love, the stars in his eyes."

"I, uh, I hope I didn't hurt you when I crashed into you," he said."

"Oh no," Medley said, stars appearing in her eyes as well."I'm all right."

"'Ey!" Davy shouted."They're using my trademark!"

"Oh shut up, Davy," Mike said."

"Well, I see you two have met!" Lofty shouted."Medley, this is my cousin, Airedale. Airedale, this is my friend, Medley."

"Hi," Medley said, softly."

"Medley," Airedale repeated. "What a pretty name. It sounds . . . it sounds like . . . like music!"

"It should," Peter said."A medley is a group of songs strung together in a certain order and then sung . . ."

"Shh!" Mike hissed, nudging Peter in the ribs."

Lofty giggled and introduced Airedale to the other ponies and their friends."

"You really teach me to do tricks?" Baby Lofty asked."

"If you want me to," Airedale said. "And if your mother will let me."

"Please, Mama?" Baby Lofty pleaded, opening her eyes wide, trying to look cute. It worked."

"You know I can't say no when you make that face!" Lofty groaned."All right. But be careful!"

"It . . . it could be dangerous," Medley said."I worry about things like danger all the time."

"That's a practical pony," Airedale said."And a pretty one. A pretty practical pony. Ha, ha."

Then he blushed. He hoped that didn't sound too stupid. Medley giggled a little and smiled. Then, Airedale and Baby Lofty took to the air to begin a flying lesson."

"I think someone's got a boyfriend!" Micky sang. The others giggled."

"It's amazing," Magic Star replied. "I always thought Heart Throb would get a boyfriend before any of us. You know how romantic she gets."

The others nodded in agreement, except Medley. She just watched Airedale cruise the skies. The Spring Festival was under way. Buttons had to go down to the Baby Bonnet School of Dance to check out the preparations for the show. She hoped Baby Lickety Split wouldn't show off like she did last year."

"Everything ready?" she asked."

"We're one baby pony short," Ember replied."

"I hate to ask. Which one?"

"Baby Lofty."

"Oh. She's out flying with Airedale. I'll have to get a Pegasus up there to get her."

Buttons left the dance hall and went to find Lofty or somebody. She ended up running into Medley."

"Medley, can you do me a favor?" she asked."

"Sure, Buttons," Medley said. "What is it?"

"I need Baby Lofty for a final rehearsal. The show's today, you know. So I was wondering if you'd get her for me."

"Sure!"

Medley took to the air in a split second, nearly knocking a blue bird clear out of the sky! She found Airedale in a matter of minutes."

"Buttons needs Baby Lofty," she said. "There's this dance show the baby ponies do every year and Baby Lofty's part of it."

"Oh, I see," Airedale said. "Sure. I can teach her some tricks later. Okay, Baby Lofty?"

"Kay," Baby Lofty said."Let's go!"

Baby Lofty, Airedale, and Medley flew to the dance hall. Baby Lofty went directly for the stage."

"Thanks, Medley," Buttons said."

"No problem," Medley said."No problem at all, Buttons."

Medley and Airedale flew off at that moment. Buttons got down to work with the baby ponies."

"Now all of you are a team," she said, giving Baby Lickety Split a Look."None of you have any solos, so please don't show off!"

Baby Lickety Split nodded."

"Now, you are the second to perform," Buttons continued."We were able to convince the Monkees to play for us, so they'll go first. Any questions?"

Nobody said anything. The seats were beginning to fill up. The show was about to begin. Buttons stepped between the curtain."

"Hello, and welcome to our annual Spring Festival," she said."First on our agenda, our very special guests, The Monkees!"

Buttons stepped off the stage as the curtain opened. The Monkees played"Valleri" and the crowd went wild. However, the sorceress was watching them through her crystal ball."

"Soon, Nesmith," she said."I'll have my revenge. You won't be able to escape what I have in store for you. And soon, the entire world will be black. First of all, I must find a way to dampen the little ponies' spirits."

The sorceress snapped her fingers and a book came to her. She skimmed it until she found the spell she was looking for."

"Perfect!" she shouted."I'll start a fire on their precious Paradise Estate. That way, the ponies will have nowhere to go, and I can get Nesmith in my sights."

The sorceress cackled madly as she waited until the show was over. The Monkees finally finished up their tune and walked off stage. Next on the program was the Baby Pony Dancers. Luckily, that went smoother than it did last year! After the Baby Ponies came a new feature: the Bushwoolie Marching Band. They played"Stars and Stripes Forever." Peter was actually humming with the tune. Finally, everyone went back to the Estate to relax."

"Finally we've got a Spring Festival with no flaws," Magic Star said, stretching."

"I know," Truly replied."And let me tell you, it feels good!"

"I hope your cousin enjoyed it, Lofty," Shady said."

"I think 'e enjoys Medley more," Davy laughed."

The others murmured in agreement and giggled. Lofty looked out the window and saw Airedale doing flips in the air and Medley was giggling at him. She just gave a little nod to her head and turned to the others."

"He's such a show off," she said. The others laughed."

The sorceress looked at the scene through her crystal ball and cackled under her breath."

"Isn't this a pretty picture?" she said."It almost makes me feel bad to set their home on fire. Almost."

The sorceress pointed her finger at the crystal and a beam of magic blasted it. That was what she wanted to do for power. She just pointed a finger and whatever she wanted to do was done. The minute she pointed her finger, the roof over the kitchen burst into flames."

Fizzy sniffed the air. She thought she smelled something burning."

"Cupcake," she said."I think your cake is burning."

"But . . ." Cupcake said,"I'm not even baking a cake!"

"You're not?"

"No."

"Then, what's that burning smell?"

Davy stood up and walked over to the kitchen. Then he gasped."

"Oh Mylanta!" he shouted. He started running back to the others."Paradise Estate's on fire!"

"Everybody get out!" Mike ordered. "Quickly!"

Every single pony darted out of the Estate as fast as they could. The fire was spreading quickly. Even the trees behind it were burning!"

"I'll blow it out!" Gusty shouted."

"Gusty no!" Megan yelled."

However, Gusty didn't listen. She used her wind powers to blow the fire out. But the wind only caused the fire to spread. It made it's way to the nursery."

"Oh no!" Ribbon shouted."The Baby Ponies!"

"We've got to get them out of the nursery before the fire reaches it!" Bubbles shouted."

Megan, Peter, Micky, Valerie, and all the mother ponies ran into the nursery and led all the baby ponies out of the nursery."

"Where we going?" Baby Glory asked."

"Just follow us," Glory replied."

"Don't ask any questions," Micky said. "Just move!"

"Hurry!" Valerie shouted."

The Baby Ponies moved out of the nursery, just as the fire reached it. It was spreading fast."

"Everybody up to the hill!" Firefly shouted."We'll be safe there!"

"Lead the way, Firefly!" Mike shouted. "

Firefly led everyone to the top of the hill, far away from the fire. They made it there just in time to see the fire burn itself out. Paradise Estate and the Lullaby Nursery were destroyed. Sweet Stuff started to cry."

"Our home," she said."Our beautiful home!"

"What are we gonna do now?" Shady asked."

"Sorry, guys," Gusty said, sheepishly. "I didn't mean to . . ."

"It's not your fault, Gusty," Valerie said."You didn't know you'd spread the fire."

"But the problem is figurin' out where the ponies are gonna go," Mike said."

The sorceress laughed. She loved to cause misery among people. And furthermore, she had Mike right in her sights."

"I have you now, Nesmith," she said, pointing her finger to the ball."Just try to get out of this one!"

The sorceress sent her beam into the air. Mike had no clue what was coming."

"Ow!" he shouted, and he began to rub the side of his neck."Somethin' bit me on the neck!"

"Probably a mosquito," Moondancer replied."

Mike moved his hand. On the right side was a small black star, and it looked like it had been burned into his skin."

"I didn't know you had a birthmark, Michael," Peter said."

"I don't," Mike said, trying to get a view of the star."I think Moondancer's right. Must be a mosquito bite."

"Weirdest looking mosquito bite I've ever seen," Applejack replied."

"Well, we can't argue about it now," Micky said."Where are the Little Ponies gonna go now that the Estate's burned down?"

No one had an answer to that. Not at that time anyway. The sorceress laughed as she watched what was going on in her crystal. She already got her revenge, so now it was time to plunge the world in eternal darkness. Then she looked up the spell in her spell book. She wasn't pleased after she did."

"Drat," she said."I'm going to need the Rainbow of Darkness. But that was destroyed when those meddlesome ponies destroyed Tirac. No matter. I can always bring him back."

The sorceress walked over to her crystal and waved her hands around it. There, she got a vision of Tirac, the evil Minotaur who needed four ponies to pull his chariot of darkness. She raised her hands and there was a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning. In the blink of an eye, in the sorceress' throne room was Tirac, with his Rainbow of Darkness."

"Ah, Tirac, my old friend," she said."

"It has been awhile, my dear Enchantra," Tirac said."It's good to be back at Midnight Castle."

"The place certainly went to seed since you left. No matter. I've fixed it up. Anyway, I brought you back for a purpose."

"And what purpose is that?"

"I want to plunge the world in eternal darkness. And I need your Rainbow of Darkness to do it. This will put an end to those Little Ponies' fun forever. However, I'll handle everything. You don't need your chariot."

"That was destroyed anyway. No matter. I'll gladly plunge the world into darkness."

"Good. We have to use certain procedures, or else the spell won't work right."

Enchantra stepped into the light, to reveal herself as a very beautiful young sorceress (even though she was nearly three thousand years old), with long black hair and dark eyes, and the same star shaped mark on her forehead that was on Mike's neck. She wore a long dark dress, but no jewelry that supplied her power. It didn't matter. She had plenty to spare. And with Tirac's Rainbow of Darkness, she couldn't go wrong. The first step of Eternal Darkness was to unleash the Rainbow of Darkness onto the crystal ball."

"This will only cause the sun to go out," Enchantra said."We'll worry about the rest later."

"Excellent," Tirac replied. He opened his pouch and the Rainbow of Darkness flew out into the crystal, blocking the sun over Ponyland."

"The first step is complete," Enchantra laughed."Let's see them try to overcome this!"

Back in Dream Valley, Paradise was trying to make heads or tails out of the mark on Mike's neck, but she couldn't. All the books in Paradise Estate had been burned. Mike just shrugged."

"It really doesn't matter now," he said."We have to figure out what to do about the Estate before it gets dark."

As if that were the sky's cue, it got dark. Clouds covered the sun."

"Looks like rain," Paradise said."

"Maybe the Flutter Ponies will let us stay with them," Fizzy said."

"Fizzy, that's the most sensible thing you've ever said," Gusty replied."

"Okay," Mike said."Gusty, Fizzy, Galaxy, Micky, and I will go to Flutter Valley. The rest of you stay here and see if you can keep dry if it starts rainin' or somethin'."

The group was off. Flutter Valley wasn't far from the Estate. However, it seemed to get darker as they reached Flutter Valley."

"Sure gets dark quickly around these parts," Micky said."

"Something funny's going on here," Galaxy said."It's not natural."

"Yeah, it's only noon," Mike said. Suddenly, a lightning bolt flashed across the sky and zoomed toward Flutter Valley. The three unicorns, Micky, and Mike heard the Flutter Ponies scream and they ran to the Valley."

"What happened?" Gusty asked."

"A bolt of lightning broke the Sun Stone in half!" Peach Blossom shouted."

"That's not good," Fizzy said."

"There blows one idea," Gusty said. "Paradise Estate burned down. We don't have anywhere to go."

"Let's just go back to Dream Valley and figure out what to do from there," Mike said."

The others decided that was the best idea they had thus far. They walked back through the forest. They didn't notice the black star on Mike's neck was starting to glow. Mike suddenly grew tired and leaned on a tree for support. He didn't know why he was so tired all of a sudden."

"Mike, are you okay?" Morning Glory asked."

"Yeah, fine," Mike said."You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Morning Glory went ahead of Mike, as did the other Flutter Ponies. Enchantra was watching the whole thing from her crystal ball."

"Ah ha," she said."My Eternal Sleep spell is taking effect. Within seconds, Nesmith will fall into a deep sleep that nothing will be able to bring him out of it!"

Mike staggered along the forest, trying to keep up with the others. Micky noticed it and walked back to his friend."

"Hey, Mike," he said."Come on. We have to get back to the Estate. Or what's left of it."

"I know, I know," Mike said. "It's just that suddenly . . . I'm kinda tired, you know?"

"Well, it's been a pretty exciting day, Mike. More or less. I mean, I could use forty winks myself."

"I know Mick, I know."

"I'm gonna go on ahead. I'll see you later Mike."

Mike tried his best to stand up straight and get walking. However, he didn't get too far. It felt like the star on his neck was taking control of his body. He took a few more steps and finally collapsed. Micky heard a dull thud and turned around."

"Mike!" he shouted. He kneeled down to his Texan friend and shook his shoulder."Mike! Wake up, man! Come on, wake up! Oh, this is bad. This is bad. GALAXY!"

"What's the matter, Micky?" Galaxy asked, as she and the others ran to Micky."

"Mike just fell," Micky said. "Boom! He's asleep, and I can't wake him up, and it looks like the star on his neck is glowing."

"I sensed this thing on his neck wasn't what it seemed!" Galaxy shouted."We'd better get back to Dream Valley. Paradise will know what to do."

Micky put Mike's arm over his shoulder and did his best to take him back to Dream Valley. It wasn't easy. Gusty decided she should carry him on her back. That was what they ended up doing. Paradise and Cupcake were waiting on the hill. They were surprised to see the Flutter Ponies with the group that went to Flutter Valley, and also to see Mike laying limply on Gusty's back."

"What's the news?" Cupcake asked."

"A bolt of lightning broke the Sun Stone," Rosedust said."

"And Mike just collapsed," Micky said. "I can't wake him up. And the star on his neck is glowing."

"This looks bad," Paradise said. "We'd better bring him into this cave we found."

The group moved into a large cave that was around the hills of Ponyland. Sparkler had her horn lit up for light."

"What 'appened to Mike?" Davy asked."

"I don't know," Micky said."

"He just fell asleep, I guess," Fizzy said."And the star's glowing."

The ponies cleared a path for the others. Micky and Peter took Mike's arms and legs and laid him down on the ground. Paradise got a close look at him and the star."

"I remember something about this star, but I can't remember what," she said."I wish I could."

"Did it have to do with magic?" Sweet Stuff asked."

"I think so," Paradise said."

"Then I think we may have to go see the Moochick," Megan said."If magic is involved."

Fizzy, Wind Whistler, Galaxy, and Paradise went with Megan to see the Moochick. The others staid behind to try to figure out what to do. The four of them walked along until it began to get darker."

"This isn't natural, Megan," Galaxy said."It's not a normal rain cloud, either."

"The Moochick will know what it is!" Fizzy shouted."And he'll know how to fix it!"

"I hope you're right, Fizzy," Megan said."

Megan and the three ponies walked to the Mushrump. The Moochick was sitting outside, reading a book."

"Mr. Moochick!" Fizzy called out. "We're sorry to bother you, but we need help."

"Help? Again?" the Moochick asked, putting his book down."My, my, my, my, you ponies get yourself into more trouble than anyone I know!"

"We realize that, Mr. Moochick," Wind Whistler said."But we need to inquire if you agonize anything about this sudden somberness."

"Huh?" Fizzy asked."

"She said we need to ask Mr. Moochick if he knows anything about the sudden darkness," Galaxy whispered."

"Hmmm, seems familiar," Mr. Moochick said."I think I have a book around somewhere. HABIT!"

Habit was Mr. Moochick's rabbit, and he was smarter than the Moochick! Habit hopped about the house, just as Mr. Moochick, Megan, and the ponies walked inside. He gave Mr. Moochick the book."

"Ah yes, here it is!" he shouted, opening up a page."Eternal Darkness. It says here that this spell has been tried many times, once by Tirac, who was stopped by the Rainbow of Light, and the other by the sorceress Enchantra, who was stopped by a great warrior, Claudius Nesmith."

"Did you say Nesmith?" Galaxy asked."

"Yes," Mr. Moochick continued. "Even though Enchantra has lived for years, her powers really never ceased. This looks just like her work."

Mr. Moochick showed Megan and the ponies the picture of Enchantra. They gasped when they saw the symbol on her forehead."

"That looks like the one on Mike's neck!" Fizzy shouted."

"And here's an image of Claudius Nesmith, Megan," Wind Whistler replied."

"He looks exactly like Mike," Galaxy said."You guys don't think . . . ."

"Mr. Moochick, we have another problem you might want to look at," Megan said."A friend of ours suddenly got this star shape on his neck, and he just dropped into a sleep, and we can't wake him up."

"We think it has to do with magic," Fizzy said."Will you look at it for us?"

"Might as well, might as well," Mr. Moochick said."Lead on!"

Megan, Mr. Moochick, and the ponies went back to the cave. Paradise and Davy were waiting for them, and she looked panicked."

"I'm glad you're back," she said. "We're having big problems with Mike."

"It's terrible," Davy replied. "We've tried everything, and I mean everything, but we can't wake 'im up! Who's that?"

"Oh," Fizzy said."Davy, this is Mr. Moochick. Mr. Moochick, this is Davy, and he's here with his friends, Micky, Mike, and Peter. Mike's the one who needs help. Let's go."

"I've never seen Fizzy so sensible before," Galaxy said."

"I have," Gusty replied, coming out to the opening. Peter was with her and he was carrying a candle."

"Follow us, Mr. Moochick," Gusty said. "

Peter lead the others down to the end of the cave, carrying the candle, since Sparkler provided the light in the cave."

"Mr. Moochick," Galaxy said. "This is Mike. He fell asleep a little while ago, but, as Davy said, we can't wake him up."

"We think it has something to do with that small star on his neck," Magic Star replied."

"Let's have a look here," Mr. Moochick said."Megan, bring me my book."

Megan handed the book to Mr. Moochick. He looked through it and nodded."

"Ah ha!" he shouted."It's Enchantra's Eternal Sleep spell. She's a vengeful sorceress. She vowed to get even with Claudius Nesmith and, I believe, since this young man looks a great deal like him, she assumed he was Claudius's descendant, and put the spell on him."

"Is there any way to wake him up?" Jerry asked."

"The only way to do that is to destroy Enchantra," Mr. Moochick said."

"We can use the Rainbow of Light on her like we did on Tirac!" Twilight shouted. The Moochick shook his head."

"I'm afraid that won't work this time," he said."The Rainbow of Light was able to defeat Tirac, but Enchantra is much too powerful."

"I can't remember how she can be defeated," Paradise moaned."I wish I could."

Unknown to them, Enchantra was watching the ponies in her crystal ball. She laughed as Paradise tried hard to remember everything."

"As long as you can't remember, I'm home free," she said."Tirac! It's time to begin the second phase of eternal darkness! I've created a new chariot for you, but you can use the Strattadons to pull it."

"What's the next phase, Enchantra?" Tirac asked."

"You take the chariot to Ponyland and unleash the Rainbow of Darkness. That will start to create the Eternal Darkness effect. I'll have to look it up in the book for the rest."

"But the Little Ponies have the Rainbow of Light. That can destroy me any time with that."

"Don't worry. I'll fix it so I destroy their precious Rainbow! We will not be stopped again!"

Both Enchantra and Tirac laughed wickedly. Enchantra gave Tirac some final orders. They were to come back to Midnight Castle once he unleashed the Rainbow of Darkness. Then they would work on the rest of it. Tirac and Enchantra walked to the roof of Midnight Castle. The Strattadons were already hooked up to the chariot. Tirac got inside and flew off. Meanwhile . . ."

"Isn't there anything we can do for Mike now?" Peter asked."

"I suppose I could stay here and try and figure something out," Mr. Moochick said."

"Maybe you can use your magic on Mike," Cupcake suggested."That might bring him out of his sleep."

"Maybe, yes, maybe," Mr. Moochick said, thoughtfully."

Suddenly, Bow Tie ran into the cave, in a panic. She crashed directly into Applejack."

"Anything the matter, fellow freckle face?" Applejack asked."

"It's . . . it's Tirac!" Bow Tie shouted."He's outside!"

"What?" Megan asked."

"I thought we got rid of him," Firefly asked."

"Looks like he's back from the dead," Medley replied."

"And he's got the Rainbow of Darkness!" Bow Tie said."Megan, you've got to unleash the Rainbow of Light!"

"You bet I will!" Megan said. "Come on, Firefly!"

Megan jumped on Firefly's back and they flew out of the cave. Bow Tie and Twilight followed to watch what was going to happen. Tirac flew above them, ready to unleash the Rainbow of Darkness. Megan opened the locket that contained the Rainbow of Light and it flew out, ready to defeat Tirac once more. However, Tirac unleashed his Rainbow of Darkness. The two rainbows battled it out for what seemed like hours. Neither of them were winning. However, Enchantra was watching through her crystal ball. She blasted her crystal ball, wanting to smash the Rainbow of Light, and she succeeded. The magic beam she produced hardened the Rainbow. With her second blow, she smashed it to hundreds of pieces."

"Oh no!" Twilight shouted."

"Our rainbow!" Bow Tie wailed."

Firefly flew back to the cave. Lightning flashed from the sky as the world plunged into darkness, due to the Rainbow's effect. Then he cackled and flew back to Midnight Castle, leaving the ponies in the dark."

"What do we do now?" Firefly asked. "The Rainbow of Light was our last resort."

The four went inside and told the others of the Rainbow's defeat. The ponies began to worry."

"Now there's no way to stop the eternal darkness," Medley said."We'll never defeat Tirac or Enchantra without the Rainbow of Light."

"Never say never, Medley," Airedale replied."It's always darkest before the dawn! Every dark cloud has a silver lining! When life deals you lemons, make lemonade!"

"All right, Confucius, we get the point," Lofty groaned."But that doesn't solve our problems."

"Paradise, can't you remember anything about how to defeat Enchantra?" North Star asked."

"I think it has something to do with unicorn magic," Paradise said."But I can't remember exactly what."

"That helps a little," Gusty said."

"Maybe we should head over to Midnight Castle and try to defeat Tirac and Enchantra using our own wits and stuff," Fizzy said."

"That's a good idea," Megan said. "All the unicorns come with us. Paradise, you too, just in case you remember how unicorn magic can defeat Enchantra."

"I want to come too," Firefly said."

"Me too," Magic Star said."

Peter, Jerry, Micky, Wind Whistler, Firefly, Lofty, Medley, Airedale, North Star, Heart Throb, Skydancer, Bow Tie, and Applejack joined the crew. A couple of the Baby Ponies wanted to come as well."

"We help, too!" Baby Lofty shouted."

"Pretty please?" Baby Cuddles asked."

"We never get to have adventure," Baby Moondancer said."

"Okay," Megan said."But only a couple of you Baby Ponies can come with us."

"Hooray!" the Baby Ponies shouted."

Ember, Baby Moondancer, Baby Glory, Baby Ribbon, and Baby Lofty went with the Midnight Castle crew. The other ponies were told to stay behind and take care of Mike. Peter left candles and a box of matches with Davy for light."

"Hopefully we'll be able to defeat those two and stop Eternal Darkness," Micky said."

"We're counting on you," Cupcake said to the crew as they walked off, Sparkler leading the way."Mike's life depends on it!"

"Don't worry, Cupcake!" Firefly said. "We won't let you or Mike down!"

Megan, the Monkees, and the Ponies disappeared into darkness, on their way to Midnight Castle."

"I hope so," Cupcake said, and she walked back into the cave."

The forest the group had to pass was dark and spooky before Tirac and Enchantra started their Eternal Darkness spell, but now it was scarier. Sparkler led the way, giving just enough light for the group to see where they were going."

"It's creepy in here," Airedale said."

"Ha, you should see it normally," Medley said."

"I hope we reach Midnight Castle soon," Jerry said, looking around."It's downright scary in here!" "

Suddenly, Jerry heard some rustling in the bushes. He screamed right into Micky's ear."

"Don't do that," he said, cleaning his ear out."

"I'll go see what it is!" Firefly shouted, and she jumped into the bush. She popped out with the Bushwoolies."

"It's scary out here!" one shouted."

"Yeah, scary! Real scary, yeah, yeah scary!" the other Bushwoolies agreed."

"We don't want to be alone!"

"No, not alone, no, uh uh!"

"I guess they can come with us," Megan said."

"The more the merrier, I always say," Airedale replied."

"Besides, we may need a little extra help defeated Tirac and Enchantra," Buttons said."Especially without the Rainbow of Light."

The group walked further into the woods. Firefly flew in front of Sparkler, since she knew the way to Midnight Castle and Sparkler didn't. The forest got darker as they walked further down."

"I'm scared," Peter said."I wish I had my night light."

The crew continued to walk through the forest. Suddenly, they heard the sound of growling in the distance. It was so dark, nobody could see what it was."

"Micky, you got a flashlight?" Jerry asked."

"Yeah, somewhere in here," Micky said. "

Peter, Jerry, and Micky fiddled around with the bag Micky was carrying pulling out just about everything until Jerry found the flashlight. He turned it on the shined it on the bushes where the growling was coming from. It turned out to be a giant dragon."

"Oh Mylanta," Jerry said."

"Run!" Megan shouted, jumping on Firefly's back."

Jerry and the two Monkees jumped on the Pegasi and they flew off. The unicorns winked out, and the Earth Ponies and the Bushwoolies ran away. The dragon growled and breathed fire at the ponies and the others. Enchantra watched what was going on through her crystal ball and cracked up."

"I knew my dragon would stop them," she said."Finish them off!"

The dragon growled and chased the Earth Ponies and the Bushwoolies. The ponies hid in the bushes while the Bushwoolies dug tunnels underground. However, one was a little late and the dragon caught him and swallowed him. Then he breathed fire at some of the ponies."

"What are we gonna do?!" Applejack asked, panicked."

"Hey Furnace Breath!" Micky called. "Up here!"

"Bet you can't catch us!" Lofty shouted. She and Micky flew around until they were above the river."

"Nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah-nyah!" Micky called."

The dragon growled and stepped into the river. Then Megan stuck her fingers in her mouth and whistled."

"Now, Sea Ponies!" she shouted."

The Sea Ponies popped out of the water and splashed the dragon repeatedly until his fire went out. Then, the Sea Ponies pushed him toward the current where he was swept under and was never seen from again."

"Alas, poor Bushwoolie," Micky said. "We hardly knew ye."

The Ponies, Megan, Jerry, the two Monkees, and the Bushwoolies gave a moment of silence for the Bushwoolie that was eaten by the dragon. Then they continued on their way."

"Is it just me or is it getting darker?" Applejack asked."

"I think it's getting darker," Magic Star replied."But I don't think there really is anything to worry about."

"Easy for you to say, darling!" Heart Throb said."It's getting so dark you can't see your hooves in front of your face!"

"And the batteries in the flashlight are going dead," Jerry replied, smacking the flashlight, hoping that would help."

"That does it!" Gusty said."I can't walk another step!"

"And it's still a long way to Midnight Castle," Bow Tie replied."

"But we can't stop," Jerry said. "We promised the others that we'd defeat Tirac and Enchantra."

"Jerry, we're tired!" Micky said. "It's dark, it's scary, the batteries in your dumb flashlight are dead, my feet hurt, and I'm ready to collapse! I say we take a break!"

Most of the others looked at each other. Micky, Gusty, and Heart Throb sat down. Fizzy followed a minute later, and so did Sparkler and Applejack. Medley and Lofty sat down as well and so did all the Bushwoolies. Pretty soon, Jerry was the only one standing up."

"Come on, you guys," he said."We can't quit now! What'll happen to Ponyland if we do?"

"Jerry, we aren't abdicating," Wind Whistler said."We're merely regenerating until we unearth our strength. We're debilitated."

"I don't care if you're tired, much less debilitated!" Jerry shouted."We can't stop and that's that! We have to keep going!"

The others stared at him as if he had broccoli sprouting out of his hair. They didn't budge."

"Look," Jerry continued. "Ponyland will be doomed if we don't stop Enchantra or Tirac. And if Ponyland is doomed, probably the whole world's gonna be doomed, as well as the people in it. And what about Mike? Are we just gonna sit here and let that spell take over his body? He's counting on us! And so are the others. You may not care about what happens, but I do! And I'll go alone if I have to!"

Jerry spun around and started walking. The others looked at each other and hung their heads."

"He's got a way of giving a guilt trip," Micky said."

"Jerry wait!" Peter called, jumping up and running to his friend."I'll go with you, Jerry."

"Thanks, Peter," Jerry said, with a smile."I knew I could count on you."

"Us too, Jerry!" Baby Moondancer called."

"We no give up!" Baby Lofty said, speaking for the Baby Ponies."

"Thanks a lot, you guys," Jerry replied."I knew I could count on you, too!"

"Me too," Firefly said."

"Me three," Fizzy said."

The others got up and ran to Jerry, ready to join the fight. Sparkler lit up her horn."

"Firefly," she said."Lead the way to Midnight Castle."

Firefly smiled and led the group. They regained their spirit and were ready for a fight. Back in Dream Valley, however, the ponies' spirits were beginning to fall."

"How long have they been gone?" Lickety Split asked."

"About a couple of hours," Fluey replied, looking at his watch."We can't expect them to reach Midnight Castle on the first day."

"They did the first time," Bubbles said."

"Bubbles, shut up!" Lickety Split shouted."

"But they have to make it," Cupcake said."They have only until midnight to defeat Enchantra and Tirac. And they have only until midnight to save Mike."

The ponies were becoming irritable being cooped up in the cave. Mr. Moochick kept reading his books. Molly and the Baby Ponies had fallen asleep. Danny was making a cat's cradle out of his shoe laces. Whizzer kept dodging in and out of the cave. Lickety Split kept pacing around. Davy was sitting there, twiddling his thumbs. And as usual, Shady was worrying. "

"I wonder what could be taking so long," she said."

"I wish they had the Rainbow of Light," Valerie said."

"I hope they reach Midnight Castle," Shady replied."Or else we're going to be doomed!"

"It's not us I'm worried about, Shady," Cupcake said. She walked over to Mike, laying on the ground, black star glowing on his neck. Cupcake sighed and put her head on his chest."

Enchantra found this delightful. Others misery made her happy."

"They're spirits are falling," she said, laughing."And those other little ponies are nowhere near our castle!"

"What's the next plan, Enchantra?" Tirac asked."

"We keep the ponies away from Midnight Castle. I know just what to do! I'll take them off the trail! They'll never find us that way!"

Enchantra laughed as she made her magic spell and poured it over the crystal ball. Soon the atmosphere changed and the ponies, the two Monkees, Jerry, nor Megan had no clue what had happened. Firefly just flew on, Sparkler close behind to light the way."

"Hmm," Firefly said."I was sure this was the right way to Midnight Castle."

"Maybe you took a wrong turn by accident," Peter suggested."

"Where are we, anyway?" Jerry asked."

"Let me check," Sparkler said. She walked forward, lighting her way. The crew had found themselves standing at the side of a rather large lake. Jerry tried turning on the flashlight, but it was no use."

"I can't see exactly how big it is," he said."Didn't you bring any batteries, Micky?"

"I knew I forgot something!" Micky shouted."

Jerry wished there was a tree nearby. Then he would have something to bang his head against. Soon, there was a low growl."

"Was that your stomach, Micky?" Jerry asked."

"No," Micky said."Was it yours, Pete?"

"Uh uh," Peter said."How 'bout you guys?"

Megan, the Bushwoolies, and the Ponies shook their heads. Soon the growl grew louder."

"Well, somebody around here is hungry!" Jerry shouted."And it's not me, I'll tell you that!"

Peter shrugged and walked toward the lake."

"I wonder if we can swim this?" he said."

"Only if your a fish," Gusty said. "Or a Sea Pony, or a shark, or a crab or a . . ."

"OCTOPUS!" Peter shouted, suddenly panicked."

"That too."

"No! There's a giant octopus in the lake!"

"What?!"

Without further ado, the octopus reached a tentacle out and grabbed Peter."

"HELP!" Peter cried."

"Hang on, Peter!" Jerry shouted."

Fizzy, Moondancer, and Buttons began poking the octopus with their horns. Galaxy used her magic on him. Firefly and Skydancer were trying to distract him from the air. The others began throwing things at him. It wasn't working. The octopus just squeezed Peter tighter and started to go under the water."

"This isn't working!" Medley shouted."

"We've got to think of something else!" Megan shouted."Fast!"

"Wait! I have an idea!" Fizzy shouted. "

"There's a first," Gusty said."

"All of us unicorns use our magic on the octopus at the same time!"

Gusty had to admit that was a good idea. The unicorns used their magic at the same time. Twilight drove him crazy by winking in and out. Galaxy heated things up as Gusty blew the biggest wind she could. Fizzy made the water bubble, and Glory shot out flashes of light. Moondancer tried to use her mystic powers to put the octopus to sleep. Mimic imitated a shark using her horn, and Ribbon tried to send telepathic signals of warning, as if a shark was coming. Buttons moved rocks to try to crush the octopus's head. Sparkler created light beams that nearly blinded the octopus. Powder created a snowstorm directly above the octopus."

"It's weakening," Micky said."

The octopus let out a fierce growl and dropped Peter. Then it started to scream. The unicorns increased their magic. And that caused Ember to scream, for some strange reason."

"Ember, are you okay?" Jerry asked, walking over to the Baby Pony."

Ember didn't answer, but she seemed to be in pain, as she had her eyes squeezed shut and she was groaning. And, on top of all that, she was starting to glow. Finally, the octopus shrank down to the size of a shrimp, thanks to all the magic that was coming to him, and swam back into the lake. Then the unicorns relaxed. Once they stopped using their powers, Ember relaxed as well."

"What was that?!" Jerry asked Ember."

"I don't know," Ember said."

"Funny, that's never happened before," Bow Tie said."

"Every other time one of us uses our powers, she's fine," Twilight said."

"Have you unicorns used your powers at the exact same time before?" Micky asked."

"Nope," Mimic said."This was our first time."

"Maybe all the light just hurt Ember's little eyes," Peter said."

That was the best answer they heard all night. Sparkler lit her horn and scanned the area. There was no way across the lake."

"I have an idea," Megan said. She took a small shell out of her pocket and threw it into the water."

"The Sea Ponies should come any minute," she said."

Suddenly, our heroes heard singing."

"Shoop-ee-doo, shoop-shoop-ee-doo. Shoop-ee-doo, shoop-shoop-ee-doo!"

"We have to get across this lake," Firefly said."

"We'd better get reinforcements," Wave Jumper said, and she dove underneath the water with Sea Winkle and Sea Light."

The others shrugged. Soon a whole fleet of Sea Ponies arrived with giant clam shell halves. The Monkees, the Ponies, the Bushwoolies, and Megan climbed on them and the Sea Ponies were off."

"I wonder how Mike's holding up?" Jerry asked."

"I don't know, man," Peter said. "But I hope he's okay."

Peter would have to do a lot of hoping. The Moochick tried his best to free Mike from the spell, but nothing he did worked. "

"I hope he doesn't make it worse," Lickety Split whispered."

"Maybe some more cold water to the face will help," Gingerbread suggested."

"I think we've already got a whole buckets worth of water on 'im," Davy said."We want to help Mike. Not drown 'im."

"Besides," Truly said."We've been doing that all day."

"Well, a little more shouldn't hurt," Cupcake replied."

"I'll go get some water from the pool," Posey said."

"If you can see it," Locket replied. "Molly, better take a candle and go with her."

"Okay," Molly said."

Molly and Posey went down to the pool with a bucket. It was hard to see it, but they managed to fill the bucket and walk back to the cave without any problems. Cupcake took a rag between her teeth and dunked it into the bucket. Then she wrung it out on Mike's face. Normally, Mike would have reacted by either waking up, or twist his face into some expression, or even smack Cupcake on the nose. But he was under a spell, so his face remained expressionless and his hands remained at his sides."

"This isn't going to work," Cupcake said, sadly."

"What do we do now?" Lickety Split asked."

"Looks like there isn't much we can do," Sundance said."Except wait."

"And hope they make it," Cotton Candy replied."

"This is going to be a long night," Fluey said with a sigh."

The others nodded. Cupcake nudged Mike's hand, but she didn't get a response, like she hoped."

The Sea Ponies pulled the group across the huge lake. They were surprised to see the lake led directly to the river that took them to Midnight Castle."

"We made it!" Peter shouted."

"Not yet," Megan said, checking her watch."We have until midnight to stop Tirac and Enchantra."

"But we don't know how," Jerry said. "All Paradise can come up with is all this talk about unicorn magic." "

"I'm doing the best I can, Jerry," Paradise replied."I'm a little rusty with my legends."

"Uh oh," Peter said, as the Sea Ponies pulled our heroes up to the castle."

"What's the matter?" Jerry asked."

"Dead end," Peter said."

"How are we gonna get inside?" Fizzy asked."

"No sweat!" Firefly shouted."I know exactly what to do!"

Firefly flew up to a gargoyle at the edge of the wall. She pushed down on it's nose with her legs. A secret door opened and our heroes walked inside. The corridor was dark and spooky."

"I think it's actually darker in here than it is outside," Davy said."Micky, are you sure you didn't bring any batteries?"

"Come off it, Jerry," Micky said. "I don't have any batteries with me, so shut up."

Jerry shrugged and continued walking. Firefly wasn't surprised about how Midnight Castle was like a maze. It just drove her crazy because she had no idea where she was going."

"I can't for the life of me remember which way we came the last time," she said."

"Me neither," Twilight replied. "What about you two?"

"Beats me," Bow Tie said."

"I was turned into a monster," Applejack said."I can't remember much from this creepy old castle and I'm glad!"

"That was a big help," Sparkler said, sarcastically."Okay, Galaxy. You've got a sixth sense. Where do we go?"

"My sixth sense tells me we should've stayed home," Galaxy replied."This place gives me the creeps!"

"Amen to that!" Jerry shouted."

"Jerry, shut your trap and let's get a move on!" Micky shouted."

Jerry shrugged once more and walked on. He really wished Micky had brought some batteries. Walking through the dark corridor with only one unicorn's light didn't make the hallway any better to walk through. Plus it was hard to see where they were going, as the hall was narrow and they had to get into a single file line. Sparkler was at the head of it so she could give off light. North Star was at the end of it. She was looking around the hallway for a secret entrance. When she heard a creek, she jumped at least a mile high and crashed into Jerry, creating a domino effect."

"Don't do that," Peter and Micky said to North Star when every last pony and human (and Bushwoolie) were on the ground."

"Sorry," North Star said."

"Are we almost to the Rainbow of Darkness?" Fizzy asked."

"I still think we've got a long way to go," Firefly said."

"Especially if Tirac or Enchantra or even both of them are in the throne room," Megan said."This isn't going to be easy without the Rainbow of Light."

Firefly nodded. The ponies had to find the Rainbow of Darkness before Tirac and Enchantra could plunge the world into an eternal darkness. They took at least a dozen twists and turns trying to find the throne room."

"Can't you remember the way you came the last time?" Gusty asked."

"It's been awhile," Firefly said. "Galaxy, give us your sixth sense. Where do we go?"

"I don't know," Galaxy said."I feel so lost!"

"Welcome to the club," Micky said. "I'm beginning to think this is a lost cause."

"No, it isn't, Mick," Peter said. "We have to keep moving on or else the world's gonna be plunged into eternal darkness and we'll be pawns in the villains avaricious ambitions!" "

"Where'd he get that?" Fizzy asked."

"Eh, it's in the script," Jerry said."

The group continued around the maze. Galaxy kept running into dead ends. Firefly finally figured out why Midnight Castle was like a maze."

"It's amazing whether or not you can find anything!" she shouted."

Medley flew into the air and scouted around. Then, she finally saw a doorway with some sort of light coming from under it."

"I think I found something!" she shouted."

"What is it?" Firefly asked, flying up to see what Medley was looking at."Ah ha! Follow us, everybody!"

"What've we got to lose?" Jerry asked. "

"Our shirts," Peter and Micky said in perfect unison."

The group followed Firefly to the door. Megan looked through the keyhole to see if she could find out whether or not it was Tirac and Enchantra's throne room."

"It's kind of dark," she said."

"They must have something stuck in the keyhole," Jerry said, looking under the door."Because there's light coming from the bottom of the door."

"But how are we gonna get in?" Lofty asked."

"Open the door," Twilight said."

Micky and Peter tried to open the door, but it was locked."

"Any other ideas?" Micky asked."

"Break it down!" Airedale said. "Stand back, everybody! Hiyo!"

Airedale gave the door a swift kick and it fell off it's hinges. It landed with a huge (and I mean huge) crash. BOOM! That surprised Tirac and Enchantra. It surprised Jerry, the two Monkees, Megan, and the others as well."

"Don't do that," Micky said, calmly."

"Yeah, don't," Enchantra said."

"Sorry," Airedale said, sheepishly. "But how else do you expect us to get inside a locked room."

"Well, he does have a point," Enchantra said."It's the only way to get in without a key and . . . . what am I doing? I'm not supposed to debate with the little ponies! Where's my mind? Oh well. You're too late anyway ponies. There's no way you can stop us!"

"Oh yeah?" Gusty asked. She tilted her head down and used her unicorn magic on Tirac and Enchantra. Wind soon filled the throne room. That didn't do much except knock Enchantra's crystal ball off it's stand. It cracked, but that was about all the damage."

"Anything else?" she asked. Micky pulled a squirt gun out of his bag and sprayed water all over Enchantra."

"Are you melting? Melting, what a world! What a world!" he said."

"That's the wicked witch of the west, silly boy," Enchantra said."

"Oh yeah, I forgot," Micky said."

Enchantra shook her head and turned to Tirac."

"Are you sure it was these ponies who defeated you?" she asked."

Tirac shrugged. Enchantra didn't have time to deal with the ponies now. She had more important things to do."

"It's time for the final phase of my spell!" she shouted."Tirac, unleash the Rainbow of Darkness!"

Tirac opened his pouch and the Rainbow of Darkness flew out. The ponies backed up, and so did Megan, the Bushwoolies, Jerry, and the two Monkees. Enchantra sent the Rainbow of Darkness into her crystal ball. Even though it was cracked, it worked just as well as it did before. The Rainbow of Darkness filled the crystal ball and then basically took over the sky. Lightning bolts flashed through the sky and thunder clapped."

"What's happening?" Sweet Stuff asked. "

"Sounds like a thunder storm," Cherries Jubilee said."

"Worse," Lickety Split said."

"The world's plunging into darkness," Sundance said."

"What time is it, Fluey?" Bubbles asked."

"About eleven thirty," Fluey said, looking at his watch."

"They have only half an hour to defeat Tirac and Enchantra," Morning Glory said."If they don't, we're finished!"

"Or at least Mike is," Valerie replied."I don't know how much longer he can last under that spell." "

Cupcake sighed and sat by Mike. She had been doing that all night. Time was running out and darkness had taken over the world. The Midnight Castle Crew looked into the crystal ball and saw the darkness that was plaguing the world."

"Are we too late?" Fizzy asked."

"No," Jerry said."We've still got a half hour. We can still save the world and Mike!"

"That reminds me," Enchantra said. "It's time for the end of Nesmith!"

"Wha?" Micky asked."

Enchantra pushed Micky aside and waved her hands around her crystal ball until she got an image of Mike laying on the floor of the cave, the ponies surrounding him. Enchantra sent a magical beam into the ball and soon, Mike's entire body became illuminated and it was glowing on and off, like a neon sign of a night club."

"What's happening to him now, Mr. Moochick?" Rosedust asked."

"It must be the next step in Enchantra's spell," Mr. Moochick said."If the others don't defeat her by midnight, I'm afraid it's the end of Ponyland, and Michael."

"What are we going to do, Danny?" Molly asked."

"I guess we just have to wait for Megan and the others," Danny said."

"And hope they make it," Masquerade said."

"Of course they'll make it!" Gingerbread shouted, smiling."You know it's always darkest before the dawn!"

"You said it," Lickety Split said."

Meanwhile . . ."

"It's almost midnight!" Micky shouted, panicked."

"What are we gonna do now?" Jerry asked."

Enchantra laughed. She just had to get up to the roof to see this from a better view. Tirac followed."

"We can't let them go!" Galaxy said."

"Everybody to the roof!" Firefly ordered."

"Hiyo!" Airedale shouted, and followed Firefly."

Lofty gave her cousin a Look, and followed him. The others darted up to the roof as fast as they could. They had only half an hour to stop Enchantra and Tirac from plunging the world into eternal darkness. Enchantra looked over the tower at the land and laughed wickedly."

"The world as we know it will soon be covered in darkness!" she shouted. Thunder clapped at lightning flashed through the sky as she cackled."

"Not so fast!" Micky shouted."

"Haven't you ever heard the saying it's always darkest before the dawn?" North Star asked."

"And what is that supposed to mean you pathetic little twerps?" Enchantra asked, putting her hands on her hips. "All of you are pathetic."

"I'll show you pathetic!" Jerry shouted."I'm gonna tear you apart!"

Jerry began to charge like a bull. Enchantra merely yawned. She held her hand out and hit Jerry with a magic particle. He sailed into the wall with a loud crash."

"Jerry!" Micky whimpered."That does it! Come on, Big Peter! CHARGE!"

Micky and Peter ran. Peter went for Enchantra's legs, as Micky went for her shoulders. Enchantra sent them into the wall as well."

"Ouch," Peter said."

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?!" Magic Star shouted."

"Because it's more fun to pick on pathetic little ponies!" Enchantra said. With that, she summoned all her magical powers and grew about a hundred feet tall."

"This isn't a problem," Fizzy said."

"Are you kidding?!" Gusty shouted. "This is a calamity!"

"Gusty, try to blow her down," Paradise said."

Gusty tilted her head down and used her magic. Strong winds filled the air, but it was merely a breeze to Enchantra. In fact, she blew wind in the ponies' direction and then sucked it back her way like a vacuum cleaner. Medley was swept up right into it. Airedale was on the scene. He found a rope, tied a loop in it, and lassoed Medley."

"I've gotcha, Medley!" he shouted, acting very heroic."

"But who's got you?!" Medley cried."

Suddenly, Airedale was swept up in the wind. Lofty grabbed the lasso with her teeth, but she couldn't stay on the ground. Firefly and Magic Star grabbed the rope to help, but they were being swept off as well. Soon, all the ponies, except the unicorns and the four baby ponies, Jerry, the two Monkees, Megan, and the Bushwoolies held onto the lasso, but they were having a hard time staying on the ground."

"Don't let go!" Applejack shouted."

Enchantra found this amusing. She stopped the wind and everyone fell to the ground with a thud. Enchantra cracked up."

"Don't do that," Micky said."

"That does it!" Gusty shouted."

"I've had enough!" Mimic shouted."

Mimic, Gusty, Fizzy, and Moondancer used their powers all at once on Enchantra. She laughed and zapped them away."

"You think a little unicorn magic will stop me?!" she shouted."Ha ha! It will take more than that to end Eternal Darkness!"

"Looks like we're sunk," Micky said."

Enchantra began zapping our heroes right and left. She dropped rocks on them and sent them into walls. Soon, every single pony, human, and Bushwoolie had been either scratched or bruised."

"We can't defeat her," Buttons asked."

"Her power's much too strong for us," Galaxy said."

"What about all that talk about unicorn magic?" Micky asked."

"Paradise, please try to remember!" Jerry pleaded."We've only got fifteen minutes to midnight!"

Paradise began to think hard. Suddenly, she remembered something."

"Unicorns!" she shouted."All of you need to put your horns together!"

"What?" Mimic asked."

"You need to put your horns together and generate your magic! That will create s force similar to the Rainbow if Light only stronger."

"It looks like we don't have any other choice," Galaxy said."

"We'd better get together and fast," Powder said."Come on, everybody!"

The unicorns got into a large circle and put their horns together. Then they concentrated as hard as they could to use their magic. Once their horns lit up, power began to generate. In the meantime, the others began to fight off Tirac and Enchantra from creating more darkness. Enchantra kept blasting them back into the wall."

"It's all up to the unicorns now," Megan said."

"We help, too!" Baby Ribbon said."

"Yeah!" Baby Moondancer shouted, as she, Baby Ribbon, Baby Gusty, and Baby Glory put their horns together and generated their power. Every little bit helped."

Soon, all the unicorn magic combined. As it did, Ember began to groan. That was when Jerry noticed a rainbow forming from the unicorns horns and the light was surrounding Ember. He pulled on Micky's sleeve and pointed."

"What's going on with Ember?" he asked. "You know she was looking like that back where we had to fight the octopus.""

"I don't know," Micky said."What do you think, Paradise?"

Paradise shrugged. Soon, Ember flew into the air without wings and she moved in front of Enchantra's face."

"A little baby pony is going to defeat me?" she scoffed."Oh no, I'm so scared."

Ember glared at Enchantra and with that glare, rainbow light soared from her eyes. The others were shocked. Then, a giant rainbow came from the unicorns' horns and surrounded Ember, giving her more rainbow power. These powers suddenly blasted from her hind quarters, as a star appeared on her sides. Then the unicorns made another rainbow, similar to the Rainbow of Light. It surrounded Tirac and Enchantra and let out it's full power, as well as Ember, giving off her own powers."

"Duck and cover, everybody!" Megan shouted."

Midnight Castle began to rumble. Pieces of the stone walls were falling. The rainbow the unicorns made was making it's way around the castle, destroying it, Tirac, and Enchantra."

"No!" Enchantra shouted."I've come too far to stop now!"

She began to use her own magic, but it was no match for the rainbow."

"Enchantra, face it!" Tirac shouted as the rainbow swirled around them."It's over!"

"Nooooo!" Enchantra screamed, as she and Tirac exploded with a loud KABOOM!"

The castle started to shake. Soon, the unicorns stopped using all their magic. Ember landed safely on the ground. The unicorns collapsed. Micky wiped the blood off the corner of his mouth and looked at the spot where Tirac and Enchantra blew up."

"Wow," Gusty said."

"What a bang," Fizzy said."

It began to rain all of a sudden. Jerry looked at his watch. It was midnight on the dot. He broke into a big smile."

"We did it," he said."We did it! It's midnight! It's midnight! We did it! We've stopped Eternal Darkness!"

"All right!" Airedale shouted."

"Wonderful!" Medley shouted."

"We'd better get back to Dream Valley and see if Mike's okay," Paradise said."

"Let's go!" Megan shouted."

The group ran from Midnight Castle and back to Dream Valley as fast as they could. Lickety Split and Shady were standing guard at the entrance of the cave."

"Oh great," Lickety Split said. "It's raining."

"What time is it, Fluey?" Shady asked. Fluey checked watch, and his face grew very grim."

"Midnight," he said."And we don't know if they made it or not."

Suddenly, Lickety Split saw the others run to the cave, bruised, battered, and wet from the rain. Not one of them came out of the fight without a scratch."

"We did it!" Jerry shouted. "We've stopped them!"

"Hooray!" Shady shouted."Let's get inside and see what happens with Mike!"

The others gathered around Mike, watching anxiously for something to happen. All of a sudden, his body stopped glowing and the star on his neck disappeared. Peter gripped Davy's hand and bit his lip. Mike groaned slightly, shifted, and his eyes slowly opened."

"Michael?" Peter asked."

"What?" Mike asked, leaning up. "What happened? Why's everybody starin' at me?"

"He's okay!" Cupcake shouted."

"Yay!" Peter shouted, and he wrapped his arms around his Texan friend. Mike was taken aback at that."

"Okay, somebody want to fill me in on what happened?" Mike asked."

"It's a long story," Jerry said, patting Mike on the shoulder."

"Isn't it always?" Micky asked. "Anyway, Mike, it all started when we were leaving Flutter Valley."

Bit by bit, the group filled Mike in on the details of what had happened."

"Man, I'm sorry I missed it," Mike said."

"Ember was the real hero," Wind Whistler said."

"I'm wondering how she did it," Jerry said."All that rainbow power coming out of a cute little pony! Wow!" "

"I don't know," Ember said."Once Twilight and the other unicorns put their horns together and made their magic, I just zapped the bad guys with the rainbow magic."

"I always knew you would be a special pony," Twilight said, as she nuzzled Ember."

"Hey, guys!" Danny called."It stopped raining and the sun's coming up!"

The others walked out of the cave in order to see the sunrise as they stood on the hill. It truly was a beautiful sight. But then, Baby Shady saw something at the bottom of the hill."

"Look everybody!" she shouted."

Everybody looked and saw that Paradise Estate had been restored, as well as the Lullaby Nursery."

"It's a miracle!" Firefly shouted."

"It's impossible!" Wind Whistler shouted, astonished."

"I don't care what it is!" Medley shouted."It's home!"

Nobody could argue there. They were happy to have their old home back."

"I'll never look at it the same way again," Twilight said."

"You know somethin', Twilight?" Mike said."I won't either."

"

Mike: The changing of sunlight to moonlight "

Reflections of my life, oh, how they fill my eyes

"

Twilight: The greetings of people in trouble "

Reflections of my life, oh, how they fill my mind

"

All: All my sorrows, sad tomorrows "

Take me back to my own home "

All my cryings, feel I'm dying, dying "

Take me back to my own home

"

As the little ponies, the Monkees, and their friends sang, a rainbow shined over Paradise Estate. The ponies knew they had saved the day, and their greatest adventure had come to an end."

 "

Medley: I'm changing

"

Airedale: Arranging

"

Davy: I'm changing "

I'm changing everything, ah, everything around me

"

Shady: The world is a sad place, a sad place

"

Firefly: A terrible place to live

"

Fizzy: Oh, but I don't wanna cry

"

All: All my sorrows, sad tomorrows "

Take me back to my own home "

All my cryings

"

Peter: All my cryings

"

All: Feel I'm dying, dying "

Take me back to my own home

"

Gusty: Oh I'm going home

"

All: All my sorrows, sad tomorrows "

Take me back to my own home "

All my cryings, feel I'm dying, dying "

Take me back to my own home "

"

The End"