"Looks like rain," Paradise said.
"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!"