This is the 14th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Guest: Let me rephrase that so you'll get the ideas. Master Mr B died years ago and his story was left unfinished, which I'll have to carry out his work and finish what he started. Don't believe me go look at the reviews of Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element and see for yourself. If that's not enough proof, then I don't know what will. So, don't try and stop me because I'm gonna have to do this since no one else will do it.
Look Before You Sleep
It began as a clear blue sunny day until a large collection of dark-grey clouds began to fill. All the weather Pegasi were hard at work bringing over a much needed rainstorm for Ponyville. The ponies along the ground gathered as much loose, torn tree branches from the trees to prevent any damages or safety risks as the storm spread throughout the town. All of Ponyville worked together to clear out the nearby trees...at least, they were supposed to.
While most of Ponyville were busy clearing branches for an upcoming storm, Mario Star used his own magic to pull the branches off the tree. He then stacked a bundle of branches in his magic aura on a single spot on the surface into a neat little pile. He wipes the brow with a single hoof, as he looks up towards the sky as the last rays of the sun would soon be shrouded in a pitch black clouds. After a second or two, Mario Star made off to grab some more branches off another tree.
He just turned around with another load when...
POP!
"Huh?"
Mario Star's eyes went wide at the sight, noticed the pile of tree branches were disappeared before his eyes. He eyed the same spot suspiciously, his eyes twitching side to side wondering who done it. Slowly, Mario positioned a new stack of branches upon the same spot on the ground. He turned around for one second, to reach for a loose branch by his hooves...
POP!
Mario turned around quickly, taken aback as the branches disappeared before his eyes. Mario quickly grabbed the branch with his own hooves and stuck it deep into the surface. He plopped upon his stomach, eyeing the branch intensely. But at first, nothing happened. Mario Star forced himself to keep his eyes open, in the event the branch could disappear at any time. He barely blinked for just a second when...
POP!
"What the?!" Mario exclaims in surprise, as for the third time a branch disappeared.
He twisted his head around quickly, searching for the source behind the occurrences. Then his eyes spot something just in front of him. His groaned with his face-hoof in annoyance. It didn't take long to realize why the tree branches were disappeared in the first place. Rarity seemingly trimming and mending some of the broken, torn branches previously removed. She eyed her work with deep thought, as if pondering what more she could do.
"Hmm...Hah!"
Using her magic, Rarity started trimming some of the leaves into shapes of ponies in majestic poses.
"Perfect." Rarity declared, satisfied.
Soon as she heard some pony clearing a throat, Rarity turned from her work for a brief moment, only for her eyes to catch sight of Mario Star. The stallion raised his eyebrow, tapping his hoof.
"Rarity, what are you doing?" Mario asked.
"Oh, Mario, dear." Rarity spoke cheerfully. "They are lovely, aren't they? I thought the branches could use an elegant touch...a little life style if you will."
Mario Star turned his sight toward the pony-shaped branches along the trees, studying them for a moment or two."
"They're very nice." Mario admitted with a sigh. "But Rarity, you can't..."
All of a sudden, a lasso plucked one of the branches and tore it down. Rarity gasped as her hard work was completely ruined. The two unicorns turned around, spotting Applejack with the lasso along with her daughter, Apple Shine.
"Just take the broken limbs down, Rarity." Applejack said with annoyance. "Don't y'all care about nothin' other than prettyfin'?"
"I don't think that's the word, sis." Mario muttered.
"It's not, Uncle Mario." Apple Shine said, turns to Rarity. "Don't think Ah didn't know that you took Uncle Mario's branches and place 'em back where they were. Don't ya care about helpin' instead of puttin' back where it belongs?"
Rarity then gasped, feeling accused which Apple Shine knew she took those branches.
"Somepony has to." Rarity said indignantly. "You and your daughter are making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack."
Rarity tilted her head toward the ground, now loaded with more torn twigs and branches.
"Rarity, we appreciate you find the joy of 'smaller' things in life." Mario spoke calmly. "But, the storm we're about to be in will get worse and leave a bigger mess for every pony, unless we get all of those loose branches removed. Last thing we need is one of the townsponies get hurt by the storm and the branches."
"He's right, and trust me on this, it happens to my old world, too." Apple Shine agrees. "Storms can happen to anywhere in the states and in the continents."
Rarity huffed as the Pegasus ponies above her continued their job of filling the sky with more dark clouds.
"I simply cannot imagine why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day." Rarity remarked.
"Think more practical-like, will ya?" Applejack sighed when she and Apple Shine continue to work. "They accidentally skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy downpour to make up for it is all."
Just then, the rain finally started pouring down. Mario grew irritated as the rain made his mane go down while Rarity is getting frantic, more likely dramatic.
"Oh no!" Rarity exclaims. "My wonderfully styled mane shall be ruined!"
"Ya shoulda hurried up and finished the job already!" Applejack points out.
But Rarity just paced around, trying to minimize the amount of water from hitting her mane. Unfortunately for her, the rain fell faster and in large drops. Mario and Apple Shine shook their heads while watching Rarity squirm with a blunt look.
"Oh! Ah! Oh! Ph! It's coming down too fast! Ah! Oh! Oh! Ah! Help me!"
Applejack watched her for a moment before she noticed a nearby picnic table.
"Uh, there." Applejack pointed. "Hunker down to yer heart's content whilst we finish things."
Rarity quickly raced towards the picnic table as fast as her hooves could carry her. Just as she was about to duck under the table, she came to a sudden stop and gasped in horror. For just underneath the table...was a huge puddle of mud.
"Oh, no, no, no!" Rarity panted.
Hearing her cries, Mario Star, Applejack, and Apple Shine stroll toward Rarity.
"What is it now, Rarity?" Mario asked.
"I prefer not to get my hooves muddy." Rarity pouted.
Mario Star, Applejack, and Apple Shine groaned, not even bothered to hide the annoyance in their expression.
"There is just no pleasin' ya, is there?" Applejack asked. "Everything's got to be just so."
"Well, how does muddying my hooves serve any useful purpose?" Rarity retorted with a scowl.
"Y'all wouldn't know useful if it came up and bit' cha!" Applejack replied irritably.
"That doesn't even make any sense." Rarity answered with a definitive laugh.
"Does so!" Applejack said.
"Does not!" Rarity retorted.
"Does so!"
"Does not!"
"Does so!"
"Does not!"
"Does so infinity, hah!" Applejack shot out, leaning forward.
"Does not infinity plus one, heh!" Rarity retorted, leaning forward.
Mario and Apple Shine just shook their heads as the girls glared at each other in anger. The daggers practically pierced through their eyes, as not one of the girls blinked.
"What say we go our separate ways before one of us says something she will regret?" Rarity suggested.
"I reckon y'all are gonna say something you'll regret first." Applejack said.
"On the contrary, I believe it shall most certainly be you who says something you will regret first!" Rarity said.
"I'm not sayin' anything!" Applejack replied in a definitive tone.
"Nor am I!" Rarity said in the same tone.
"Y'all just be on yer way, then!" Applejack said firmly.
"After you!" Rarity adds.
Mario Star and Apple Shine just stood there with an unamused expression, watching the back-and-forth banter between the country mare and the fashionista. The two ponies just glared at each other, slowly backing away from one another. With a sigh, Mario and Apple Shine looked at the sky as they muttered.
"In 3, 2, 1..."
KABOOM!
A loud rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, sending both ponies straight toward Mario Star and Apple Shine. The unicorn stallion and the Texan filly found themselves caught between the grips of the two ponies' forelegs as the two mares trembled fearfully.
"Perhaps we should stick together for now and find some shelter." Rarity said nervously.
"Uh-huh, perhaps we should." Applejack agrees. "And fast."
Mario Star and Apple Shine just looked annoyed more than ever. The two ponies continue to huddle close to one another, gazing fearfully as the rain around them continues to fall while Mario and Apple Shine just looks mad.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're all my best friends?
The rain quickly picked up its pace, the wind hollowing across all of Ponyville. As the storm increased, Applejack ducked beneath the picnic table trying her best to keep dry.
"Heh." Applejack chuckled. "Nice and dry under here, sorta."
It was then she soon noticed her hooves were completely covered in thick mud. As for Rarity, she preferred to stay out of the open attempting to find a better, or at least cleaner, shelter. But for now, Rarity had to settle with Mario Star and Apple Shine, being a gentlecolt, conjuring a shield just big enough for the three ponies.
"Oh! Unacceptable!" Rarity muttered.
"How else am I supposed to keep you from getting soaking wet?" Mario asks with annoyance. "I have to keep my niece from getting wet."
"I'm not about you, Mario!" Rarity retorted. "I appreciate your help, I truly do. But Applejack...ooh! She really gets on my nerves!"
"And what did she even do to ya that made ya irritated, exactly?" Apple Shine asks, raise her eyebrow.
"Well..."
"Mario! Apple Shine! Applejack! Rarity!"
It was then they heard a faint call in a distance. As the ponies, even Applejack, turned to look it was then the voice started to grow louder.
"Maro! Apple Shine! Applejack! Rarity!"
Before their very eyes, they spotted Twilight Sparkle calling out to them. She stood just outside her home, in the Golden Oak Library, with her completely open.
"Twilight?" They called out.
"Come inside every pony, quick!" Twilight beckoned.
Mario and Apple Shine quickly heading towards the library while Applejack and Rarity wasted no time heading the same direction, following the two. While Mario Star, Apple Shine, and Rarity wasted no time rushing inside, the moment Applejack came to a stop just outside the door.
"Whoa, nelly!" Applejack spoke in concern. "Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?"
"It is if you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home like I do." Twilight said proudly. "Come on in."
"Had to help Twilight set it up." Mario told them. "Nearly broke my neck on a 'loose branch' for getting it up there."
"I'm going to ignore that comment." Rarity whispered, smiling at Twilight. "We are most grateful for your invitation."
"Yeah, much oblige, Twilight." Apple Shine thanked her.
"Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality." Applejack said.
But just as Applejack made her way inside, Rarity held a forehoof stopping her from going past the welcome mat.
"Uh, do be polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?" Rarity suggests plainly.
Applejack looked towards her hooves, remembering they were covered in mud. She even acknowledged all of the hoofprints she made while walking inside. Though it is common sense that it would be rude to walk in some pony's house in muddy hooves, but the way Rarity told her to wash up clearly rubbed Applejack the wrong way.
"If I gotta spend one more second with that fuss bucket Rarity today, I can't be held responsible for what Ah'm gonna do." Applejack grumbled."
Apple Shine was about to ask her mother if she needs help, but decided not to which it got her worried. Mario however, sighed when he saw his sister walk back outside to wash her hooves. He can tell the look on Applejack's face, she was furious.
"What's Applejack doing?" Comet asked in confusion, came out of the kitchen.
"She's washing up, darling." Rarity answered. "We wouldn't want to get muddy hoofprints all over your home."
"More like kicked Ma out of her house in the middle of the storm." Apple Shine muttered quietly.
"What was that?" Rarity asks, turns to Apple Shine.
"Nothin'." Apple Shine quickly answered.
"Some storm, huh?" Twilight asked cheerfully. "The Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you, Mario, Apple Shine, and Applejack don't have any trouble getting home."
"It may indeed be a problem." Rarity said, noting the heavy downpour.
"Well, you're welcome to stay if need be." Twilight offered. "Spike is away in Canterlot on royal business. It's only Comet and me that are home tonight."
"I...I think I should go up to take a bath." Comet said. "Do you mind?"
"No, go ahead." Twilight said.
Comet then head upstairs and into the bathroom.
"Ah'd better go and join with Comet to wash up." Apple Shine suggests. "Since a certain prissy pony asks Ma rudely."
That got Rarity gasp, feeling offended as Apple Shine headed into the bathroom. Mario can tell that his niece didn't appreciate Rarity for getting Applejack to wash up outside, but the look on Apple Shine's face, she's irritated.
"I went along to make sure Spike get to Canterlot safely. I was about to head up to the mountains to visit with Master Wu, but for some reason I decided to head back." Mario explains. "I guess I came back to make time for getting those loose branches before the storm."
"If I may ask, what was your teacher like?" Rarity asks.
"Well, Master Wu is a very wise, yet eccentric and mysterious. He usually instructs me and his students in martial arts with cryptic hints and would often avoid being straightforward, it was confusing, I know." Mario explains. "But he's also strict when it comes to training."
As Apple Shine and Comet Stardust were upstairs, Twilight gasped with excitement as an idea popped into her head.
"You and Applejack should totally sleep over! We'll have a slumber party! I've always wanted one of those. And since Mario, Apple Shine, and Comet's here, maybe we should include them too!"
Naturally, Rarity had nothing against the idea of slumber party with Twilight, being their 'best of friends'. But two certain ponies almost made the idea sound...little less appealing.
"Oh! Uh, goodness. Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now." Rarity replied with a nervous chuckle. "Ah, silly me, I can't possibly stay here all night...with Applejack."
Rarity looked out the window, as Applejack was trying to wash her hooves down only to get sprayed in the face a few times.
Meanwhile, Rarity's insistence on not taking part in a sleepover fell on deaf ears. Having not listened to a single word she said, Twilight searched the shelves and presented Rarity with a single book.
"Slumber 101: All You've Ever Wanted To Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid To Ask." Rarity read aloud.
"My own personal copy." Twilight said excitedly. "It's a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents. I've been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great."
Rarity could only give a sheepish smile, for all the excitement Twilight displayed. Every now and then, Rarity glance toward Applejack outside.
"Yes, uh, great." Rarity nervously laughed.
Mario then arrived after getting himself all dried up as Twilight turned to him with an excited smile. Though, Twilight was about to say something when Mario Star beat her to it.
"I'll enjoy your slumber party, but only if I allow you girls to have your own time and I'll do the same with mine and Comet's." Mario said bluntly.
Twilight just smiled, not knowing what the problem was but allowed him to have his own time.
In the bathroom, Comet then turned both the faucets of the bathtub for warmer water, and filled it up with a bottle of bubble bath fluid.
"Mind if I join ya?" The voice of Apple Shine asks, earned his attention when she took her hat off. "Ah've been workin' mah flank off gettin' loose branches off of those trees."
"I can understand that." Comet confirms. "But did something happen between Applejack and Rarity? I can tell you and Mario are irritated during the storm."
Apple Shine was surprised that Comet knew something was off about the two.
"Well, you could say that Ma and Rarity are arguing over for some things that needs to get done, like gettin' the branches down so it won't make a mess or tumble down to any pony." Apple Shine explains. "And Rarity just gone over the small things instead of worryin' somethin' big is goin' to happen."
Comet knew what she means about something big which it happens to be the storm. And Comet can tell his godfather figured it out on his own. Soon as he turn the faucets off, they got in to relax in the tub since the water is warm.
"Comet?" Apple Shine asks, earned his attention. "What was it like to live with Twilight?"
"Well, it was strange at first when I was reborn as a unicorn because of the unnatural birth, and I was scared when I first met her and her friends. And then, I realize that they're trying to help me, and they told me about themselves and some things in Equestria." Comet explains. "After I give them an explanation of my past and what I once was, my name has changed and the Princesses have asked Mom to take in. After days time, I was starting to see her more than a caretaker, I was seeing her as my mother."
"But have you accepted?" Apple Shine inquires.
"Not at first, because I was trying to find out what path takes me. I just feel lost." Comet shook his head. "Then we came to Canterlot, because they came with a solution which they're given me a closure just to me my family and friends one last time. And next thing I knew, I give them a proper goodbye and I'm accepting this new life and seeing Twilight as my mother along with Uncle Shining, Grandma, and Grandpa."
Apple Shine was happy to hear that Comet accepted his new life in Equestria, and given his family and his friends a closure.
"So, I'm gonna ask you, what was it like to live with Applejack and the Apple family?" Comet asks.
"Like you, Ah didn't start out that way, either. Ya already how that happen at first, but Ma and her family took me in because Princesses. Ah mean, Ah was amazed how big the orchard is and how much they put a lot of effort of sellin' apples and bake some. It's almost similar to mah old family back in Texas, except of the apple orchard." Apple Shine explains. "Ah didn't accept it because Ah felt worried about mah old family."
"Do you know what happen to them?" Comet inquires.
"After few weeks, yeah Ah did. It's a relief to hear that mah old family is alive and lived in Fredericksburg, but Ah was sad to hear that a ranch was gone along with the farm animals." Apple Shine answered. "But Ah won't forget fer what they did for me. Like you, Ah've also got to see mah family one last time before Ah'd be at peace. Also, after they gave me a proper burial in Houston, they put up a country song for me. It's called 'The Last Cowboy Song', it was sang by four country singers named Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson."
Comet was surprised that her old family set up a country song for her after the burial, but happy that she get to see them one last time.
20 minutes later, Comet and Apple Shine got out of the tub, and headed on downstairs after drying off. When they looked at Twilight and Rarity, they had mud masks on their faces.
"Hey, Comet. Hey, Apple Shine." Twilight greeted the two. "Wanna try a mud mask?"
"You should try it." Rarity suggests. "It makes your faces smooth as silk."
Comet stood there in shock while Apple Shine didn't like the idea of having mud mask on her face, then they went back upstairs, went into the bedroom he shared with his mother and Spike. Mario couldn't blame them, mostly Comet because he's a colt and Apple Shine don't like having a mud mask on her face. Like her mother, she's a country girl and also a Texan filly.
It wasn't much long when Applejack arrived inside. Applejack's hooves were still wet, but they're clean as a whistle. She felt pleased with herself, till what she saw before made her gasp.
"What in tarnation?!" Applejack exclaims with her eyebrow raise.
Rarity and Twilight were sitting upon some pillows, brushing some mud mask on each other's faces. Mario was in a corner of the room polishing the golden hammer and his katana.
"Now, wait just a goll-darn minute. Ya make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it's okay for y'all to have mud all over yer faces?" Applejack questions.
"Silly!" Rarity retorted snootily. "This is called mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion."
"We're giving each other makeovers! Eee-hee!" Twilight squealed with delight. "We have to do it. It says so in the book."
Mario just looked a little uneasy as Twilight used her magic to bring the book towards Applejack.
"Slumber 101: Everything You..."
All of a sudden, Applejack felt pale. Like Rarity, she had nothing against slumber parties nor having one with Twilight or any pony. Also, it was more like over being 'a slumber party...with Rarity'.
"Oh hey, would'ja look at the time. I got go get mah daughter and skiddadle on home quick. I'm powerful late, for, us, fer somethin'." Applejack then called her daughter. "Apple Shine! Time ta go!"
When the door opens, Apple Shine head downstairs when she and Applejack were about to head for the door when...
KA-BOOM!
She and Apple Shine zipped right back in their spot in the room, but the Texan filly head back upstairs with Comet.
"Maybe Ah'll sir her for a spell." Applejack conceded reluctantly.
"Hooray slumber party!" Twilight cheered joyfully.
"At least one of us is enjoying this..." Mario muttered, sighed.
Then, Rarity and Twilight Sprakle threw a huge glop of mud mask right in her face. The mud mask splashed all over her face as Rarity spread it all over her face.
"Blech!" Applejack spluttered when Rarity set two cucumber slices on her eyes. "What in the world is this for?"
"To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course." Rarity answered with a sigh.
Mario just looked unamused by this as he continues to polish the hammer.
"Puffiness-schmuffiness!" Applejack huffed, collecting the cucumber slices with her tongue and eats it. "That's good eatin'!"
Rarity just glared as Applejack chewed loudly. She slowly turns to Mario Star, who's still polishing the hammer and the katana.
"Don't look at me, I'm not saying anything." Mario said bluntly.
"Hee-hee! Isn't this exciting?" Twilight continued, oblivious to the tension. "We'll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun."
"Did you hear that you two?" Rarity asked innocently. "You certainly would not want to anything that would ruin Twilight's very first slumber party, would you?"
Clearly, Rarity was trying to make Applejack and Mario Star feel guilty. But Mario and Applejack were having none of it, including being stuck in the middle.
"I'm staying out of this!" Mario waved it off. "This is between you two! Also, I want Twilight to have the best slumber party as much as the next pony. I'll admit, I thought this was more Pinkie's thing...anyway, no pony is going to ruin it, would you sis?"
Even if she didn't have to answer, Applejack isn't afraid to stoop to Rarity's level.
"Of course not, 'n you wouldn't either, I reckon?" Applejack shot back.
"So do we have an agreement?" Rarity asked plainly.
"You betcha." Applejack confirms.
Applejack spat her hoof, then held it out for a hoofshake. Mario just rolled his eyes in annoyance while Rarity just felt utterly disgusted.
"Oh! Gross!" Rarity replied, glaring at Applejack. "You know, there's messy and that's just plain rude!"
Mario Star could tell from Applejack's face, she took great offense and he'd do well to stay out of it.
"You know, there's fussy, 'n there's just plain gettin' on my nerves!" Applejack answered, irritated.
"Fortunately, I can get along with anypony." Rarity said indignantly. "No matter how difficult she may be."
"Oh yeah?" Applejack glared. "Well, I'm the 'get-alonin-est' pony you're ever gonna meet."
"That's not even a word." Rarity points out.
Mario just stayed quiet as he placed the golden hammer and the katana away. But he didn't go too far when Twilight Sparkle appeared above them and pulled the ponies together in one group hug.
"This is going to be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!" Twilight said excitedly.
However, Twilight Sparkle was so feeling excited for her first slumber party, she failed to feel the tensions between Applejack and Rarity...and Mario was stuck in the middle. By the tone of their impressions, there was no enthusiasm at all.
"Yay..." Mario and the two girls said in unison.
As the wind and rain howled long in the night, the three mares continued their makeover session while both Comet and Apple Shine remained upstairs, not going downstairs to do some girly stuff with them. All three girls had put rollers into their manes and tails. While Twilight and Rarity were enjoying it, Applejack hunched low to the ground, not enjoying it and feeling miserable, more like in a sour mood. Mario was meditating.
"So, how are you getting along there, Applejack?" Rarity asked smugly.
"Just fine, Rarity." Applejack answered, not hiding her irritation.
"This is so awesome!" Twilight giggled as she then used her magic to lift the book and quill. "Makeovers, check!"
Twilight used her magic to remove all the curlers out of their manes and tails, much to Applejack's relief.
"Ooh, it says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first?" Twilight asks excitedly.
"Me!" Applejack volunteered. "I'd like to tell y'all the terrifying prissy ghost who drove every pony crazy with her unnecessary neatness. Oo-oo!"
Applejack moved her fore-hooves in front of her to emphasize the spookiness. Rarity just glared, knowing Applejack was referencing her.
"I'm sure y'all are familiar with that one?" Applejack questioned.
"What's the terrifying part?" Mario asks, meditating.
"Never heard of it." Rarity replied quickly. "But I have a much better one. It's the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everypony within a hundred miles! Oo-oo!"
Now, Rarity moved her fore-hooves and emphasize the spookiness. Mario just sighed in exasperation with annoyance.
"That's not a real story." Applejack argued. "You made it up."
"It's a ghost story." Rarity said smugly. "They're all made up. In fact, how about if Mario were to tell us a story?"
"Really?" Mario asks, uncertain. "I mean I have a story, but it's hardcore."
"Just git on to tellin', will ya?" Applejack ushered.
"All right, all right...let me think." Mario pondered, cleared his throat. "He watches from the ageless Void, Enlightened Shadow of his former self, waiting for the time He'll take Human form again...to avenge the victims of the War Machine, and vanquish..."
"Umm, Mario?" Twilight interrupted. "Maybe you shouldn't tell that story for a sleepover."
"I barely even started!" Mario argued. "Besides, it's the only scary story I know."
"And it was very generous of you to offer it." Twilight said. "But we just want to give a light scare for our friends, not fill their heads with nightmares."
"Oh please...like anything else could be scarier than the Vengeful One." Mario retorted.
KA-BOOM!
Another clash of thunder was heard and all the lights went off...
"Oh boy." Mario groaned.
WAH-AH-AH-AH-AH!
A high falsetto scream bellowed in the dark. Twilight suddenly reappeared between the three ponies. Twilight held a green lantern loaded with fireflies inside, its green light making her look very ominous.
"I've got one!" Twilight said cheerfully.
Before the others could say a word, all at once Twilight's tone changed into something spooky, something...sinister.
"This story is called The Legend of the Headless Horse..."
The thunder clashed again, putting Rarity and Applejack on edge while Mario had a little interest.
"It was a dark and stormy night, just like this one." Twilight began. "And four ponies having a slumber party, just like this one..."
Another lightning flash appeared, displaying the howling rain and the outside of the tree house. By then, Applejack and Rarity trembled from each side. Twilight was just near the end of the ghost story.
"...And just when the last pony thought she was safe..." Twilight continued a low voice. "There, standing right behind her, just inches away was-The Headless Horse!"
A gasp escaped both Applejack's and Rarity's lips in complete unison before another thunder clash sent them screaming and Twilight reappeared with a blanket over her head making her look headless. Applejack and Rarity screamed as the two ponies held each other in terror. Until, they heard a scream coming from upstairs and the door was opened.
"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"
Twilight and Mario suddenly saw them up there and came up to Comet and Apple Shine.
"Comet? Apple Shine? Is everything okay?" Twilight asks, worried.
"You two alright?" Mario asks.
"MOM/TWILIGHT, MARIO/UNCLE MARIO! WE HEARD SCREAMING!" Comet and Apple Shine replied.
Twilight and Mario then smiled and chuckled, before pulling them over for a hug.
"It's okay, Comet. We're just having our slumber party." Twilight assures her son.
"We were just telling them a scary story." Mario assures his niece.
"Sorry." Comet said, nuzzling his cheek on Twilight's soft and warm chest.
Apple Shine did the same, nuzzling her cheek on Mario's soft chest.
Twilight and Mario then rubbed their hooves onto Comet's and Apple Shine's head.
"No, no, it's okay." Twilight assures. "Sorry if we scared you or anything, but there's nothing else to be afraid of. I promise."
Comet and Apple Shine nodded, smiled softly at their faces.
"Why don't you join us?" Mario suggested. "We'll do something related to the things foals your age like to do, you know, play a board game or something."
Comet and Apple Shine then followed Twilight and Mario downstairs.
"Thanks fer invitin' us, but are ya sure we won't be a bother?" Apple Shine asks.
"Don't worry, you're not." Mario assures, shook his head. "Rarity and Applejack won't mind at all. Let's get you two downstairs."
As soon as they got down, Comet and Apple Shine saw Rarity and Applejack, looking at the light on his horn. Before the two foals sat down.
"Oh my, Comet. I'm impressed that you have already learned how to make your light." Rarity said, impressed of her godson.
Comet nodded as he smiled at his mother. Apple Shine looked at Comet, impressed of his magic while Applejack looked at his horn, then at Rarity.
"I don't really see what the big deal is." Applejack said. "I mean, it's just a light."
Rarity and Mario got offended and angry.
"Just...a light?! Just a light?! Applejack, making your light as a unicorn is indeed a big deal!" Rarity said with a shout. "And if Comet here has only been practicing for a couple of months, that means he's in fact gifted, just like his mother and your brother."
Applejack looked annoyed at Rarity, but looked at Comet when she realized that she's right, looked ashamed.,
"Ah'm mite sorry Comet, I-I didn't know." Applejack apologizes.
"It's okay, Applejack. We all have to learn." Comet said, tried to make her feel better and she gave the colt a smile, believing it worked.
Twilight then switched the lights back on and rushed to her book.
"Ghost stories, check." Twilight said.
Rarity and Applejack looked at Mario, who's holding Apple Shine.
"Mario, you weren't scared of that story?" Rarity asked.
"It's not the ghost story I'm scared, it's Apple Shine I'm worried about." Mario told her. "Even though, she's with Comet, they're still foals."
Applejack and Rarity can understand what Mario is telling them until they realized they were holding each other before they roughly pulled away from each other. Twilight reappeared between.
"Now, who want s'mores?" Twilight offered.
"You had me at s'mores!" Mario said with a smile.
Twilight looked at Comet, who admittedly knew he actually wanted one as well.
"Comet? Do you want s'mores?" Twilight asked, earned a nod from Comet.
"What about you, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, turned to Apple Shine. "Do you want s'mores?"
Apple Shine nodded, and then felt Applejack's hoof rubbing her mane. Twilight does the same, rubbing his mane with her hoof.
A short while later, Applejack and Apple Shine stood near the fireplace roasting several marshmallows at once. At a nearby table, Rarity showed Twilight and Comet how to make s'mores. It's quite apparent Twilight never made one before and Comet never had one, either. Unlike Mario Star, who was already nibbling on his own s'more as he silently watches them.
"Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate." Rarity explains. "And be sure it's centered-that's critical-and then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. And done. Ta-da!"
"Ooo!" Twilight and Comet said.
"That's a marvelous job, Rarity." Twilight said, impressed. "I just feel bad I didn't decide to learn sooner."
"For the record, I did offer to teach you back during Magic School." Mario points out. "But you turned me down so you could spend more time on studying."
"...I said I was sorry!" Twilight pouted.
"Forget about it." Mario told her. "These s'mores are perfect...almost feel bad about scarfing them. when they ought to be in some food museum."
While Rarity gave a satisfied laugh remark, Applejack was more annoyed over the orderly display of what was supposed to be to a camping style snack.
"Nah, ya just eat 'em." Applejack stated.
Applejack shoved the whole thing in her mouth, munching it loudly and a little sloppily. Mario just shook his head with a sigh while watching her. Rarity just looked annoyed until Applejack gave a loud belch.
"You could at least say excuse me." Rarity sighed.
"Ah was just about to, but you interrupted me." Applejack replied, tilted her head towards Rarity, before giving her a smug look. "Pardon."
"On second thought, I've lost my appetite." Mario said, putting his treat aside.
Both Comet and Apple Shine were already making their s'mores with a toasted marshmallow from one of Applejack's roast sticks, and then ate it.
"I see you and Apple Shine enjoying your first s'mores." Twilight said with a smile as Apple Shine gulped it up.
"Not really, usually make camp at night after corralin' the cattle, back in mah old world." Apple Shine said.
"Ah bet 'cha yah had fun corralin' some critters?" Applejack asks with a smile.
"If yah count as fallin' off the horse while try to catch the cattle, then yeah." Apple Shine answered as Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Mario, and Comet cringed. "Took a while to get used to it, but Ah was able to catch the cattle...without fallin' off."
"Good ta know that yer still tryin' with a lot of hiccups along the way." Applejack said with a smile, earned a nod from her daughter. Applejack then kissed Apple Shine in the forehead, turns to Twilight. "Anyway, is Comet's first s'more since bein' here, or first s'more his whole life?"
"First s'more his whole life. He said he always wanted to try one." Twilight answered, looking down at Comet. "And how was it?"
"Amazing." Comet said with a mouthful.
"Don't talk with your mouthful." Twilight said, smiling.
Twilight then grabbed a napkin with her magic, started dabbing Comet's mouth. Twilight then kissed the side of Comet's head, and started making her own s'more. Twilight and Applejack then gave Comet and Apple Shine two cookies since the two foals deserved one more snack before bed. Mario smiled at the two mares loving their foals, which it was heartwarming. Rarity couldn't help but feel envy for the two, wishing she had a foal of her own. Twilight then headed toward the book.
"S'mores, check." Twilight declared. "Now the next item of fun we have to do is: Truth or Dare."
"Uh oh..." Comet and Apple Shine said, worried.
"I dare Applejack to do something carefully and neatly for a change." Rarity proposed.
"Oh yeah?" Applejack challenged. "Well, I dare Rarity ta lighten up and stop obsessin' over every last little detail for a change!"
"I think the truth of the matter is that some pony could stand to pay a little more attention to details." Rarity retorted, glaring at Applejack.
"And I think the truth is some pony could oughta quit with her fussin' so the rest of us can get things done!" Applejack replied, glaring at Rarity.
Twilight, Mario, Comet, and Apple Shine watched these two ponies go at it. They turned toward each other and Mario could Twilight and the two foals grow worried that these two were going to start a fight. Mario quickly jumped in between before hooves were thrown.
"Um girls!" Mario interrupted. "I'm no expert or a fan of slumber party, but I don't think that's how the game of Truth or Dare works."
"Mario's right." Twilight agrees, flipping through the pages. "You have to give an honest answer to any question or do whatever anypony dares you to do."
"So long as it's reasonable...and clean." Mario adds.
Applejack and Rarity faced each other when the former got the idea.
"I dares you to step outside and let your precious, tidy mane get ruined again." Applejack proposed.
Rarity gasped and faced her other friends.
"You have to." Twilight said. "It's the rule."
"But Mario said it has to be clean!" Rarity whines.
"Actually, I was referring to the 'other' clean." Mario shrugged. "This on the hoof...that's different."
"Hah!" Applejack laughed loudly.
"Fine!" Rarity said.
With no other choice, Rarity angrily stepped outside. Applejack snickered as she heard Rarity cry outside. By the time Rarity returned, Applejack and Mario couldn't help but laugh. There Rarity stood, her curly mane wet and straight. She also shivered since the rain was very cold.
"You know, Rarity, you should consider keeping that look." Mario suggests. "Looks good on you."
"Ha-ha-ha, very funny." Rarity laughed sarcastically.
"Here you go, Rarity." Comet said, levitating a towel nearby.
"Thank you, dear." Rarity thanked him as she dried herself a little.
Her mane still had its wet look, but Rarity knew it would take time for it to return to its original style. She then walked toward Applejack with a glare.
"Okay, I dare Applejack to play dress-up in a frou-frou, glittery, lacy outfit!" Rarity proposed.
Now it was Applejack's turn to gasp before she grumbled and found a light-blue princess dress, a matched hat, and ribbons. Applejack continued to give an icy glare to Rarity once she came back. Mario, Comet, and Apple Shine were surprised.
"Happy?" Applejack asked.
"Very." Rarity smirked.
"I'm not sure that outfit would work for the Grand Galloping Gala." Mario whispered to the two foals which they shook their heads.
"Um, do I ever get a turn?" Twilight wondered curiously, looked at Comet. "Comet, why don't you and Apple Shine go upstairs and read or color? I'll be up soon when it's bedtime."
"Apple Shine, you too." Mario said to his niece. "We'll let you know when it's bedtime."
Comet and Apple Shine nodded as they head upstairs. Twilight was about to ask Mario, but Applejack and Rarity beat her to it.
"I dare ya to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town." Applejack challenged Rarity.
"I dare you not to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town." Rarity retorted.
Mario and Twilight watched them, still at it.
"I dare ya not to comb yer mane a hundred times!"
"I dare you to comb yours just once!"
It's a good thing that Twilight and Mario sent Comet and Apple Shine upstairs since things are escalating. Twilight decided to stop the game before they go any further.
"Uh, I think we should check off Truth or Dare and move on." Twilight suggested.
By now, Applejack was out of the dress and Rarity's mane and tail were dry and assumed its curly style. As all four ponies adjusted, Twilight returned to the book.
"Let's see what our next fun-fun-fun thing is, shall we?" Twilight asked, reading. "Hm, what does this mean? Pillow fight?"
The words pillow...and fight made Mario Star's eyes widen before became discomforted.
"Oh no..." Mario groaned.
"Oh, please." Rarity replied, rolled her eyes. "I am not at all interested in participating in something so crude."
A pillow suddenly hit Rarity in the face. That was all she needed to set her manners aside, as a fierce determined glare appeared on her face.
"It. Is. ON!" Rarity declared, darkly.
Rarity grabbed a pillow with her mouth and threw it Applejack, who got one in the face. Applejack bucked three pillows right at Rarity, hitting her in the face more than once. For a brief moment, Mario tried to stay low from the incoming pillows, swore he just saw the 100, 200, and 400 figures rising above her head with each hit.
Rarity narrowed her brow as she sent several pillows at Applejack, who grabbed one of them and sent three pillows at once using her lasso. Rarity glared as she used her magic to freeze the three pillows in motion and held them alongside her before sending them back at high speed, but Applejack returned fire. Soon the pillows were zipping back and forth between them, while Mario Star used his hooves and block the incoming barrage of pillows. Though, Twilight felt puzzled the entire, but figured it out.
"Oh, I get it!" Twilight exclaimed. "Pillow, fight! Fun! UGH!"
Mario turned as Twilight was pelted in the head by not one, but two pillows.
"TWILIGHT!" Mario shouted.
WHAM!
A pillow knocked Mario straight into a large pillow pile as Twilight's head popped out rather woozily.
"Ah, uh, girls?" Twilight said wearily. "Maybe you should take it down a notch?"
"I will if she will!" Applejack called out.
She sent out one pillow and dodged another. Rarity gasped as she barely missed getting hit.
"She started it!" Rarity accused.
Their one-on-one battle continued until Twilight and an unconscious Mario Star were buried in a mountain of pillows. Eventually, Twilight rose from the pile, spitting out some leftover feathers from her mouth. She searched through the pillows until her eyes caught what she searched for, and she gasped.
"Mario!"
Twilight dug through the pillows, pulling out the unconscious Mario Star who could see figures of Applejack and Rarity running around his head arguing.
"Mario? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.
Mario's eyes swirled around a bit before he shook his head with a babble sound, regained his senses.
"Peachy." Mario groaned.
A sigh escaped from her lips, as Twilight turned back toward her friends.
"Maybe we should just call it a night and get some sleep?" Twilight proposed.
While there wasn't an answer between Applejack and Rarity, the two girls soon complied...bitterly.
Short time later, Comet and Apple Shine heard a knock came from the bedroom door until Twilight, Mario, Applejack, and Rarity came in.
"Hey Comet, it's time for bed." Twilight proposed to her son.
"Apple Shine, it's time for bed." Applejack said to her daughter.
Comet and Apple Shine walked towards them and then the bathroom to get ready for bed. After Comet got closer to Twilight while Apple Shine got closer to Mario and Applejack.
"Do you want to sleep with me tonight?" Twilight offered. "I'll even read you and Apple Shine a bedtime story."
"Yes, mom." Comet said with a smile, looked up at her.
"Apple Shine, do want to sleep with me tonight?" Mario asks, earned a nod from Apple Shine.
After Comet and Apple Shine got ready, Twilight had another bed out for both Applejack and Rarity to sleep together before Comet got on the bed and underneath the covers while Apple Shine is next with Mario on the floor. After Twilight got into bed, the colt next to her snuggled into her and the filly snuggled next to Mario while she read the two foals the bedtime story, and as both Comet and Apple Shine used their heartbeat to fall asleep, the foals then fell asleep. Both Twilight and Mario kissed their foreheads and fell asleep as well.
Throughout the stormy night, Comet was sleeping while snuggled underneath his mother's hug and the bedsheets of her bed as he laid his head on the soft and fluffy pillow, but his cheek also pressed against Twilight's chest. Apple Shine was also sleeping while snuggled underneath her uncle's hug as she laid her head on the pillow, but her cheek also pressed against Mario's chest.
However, Rarity and Applejack still had their own problems while sleeping in their guest bed.
"Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed." Rarity warned from her end.
"Mah hooves ain't muddy." Applejack argued indignantly.
"They were!" Rarity retorted. "There might still be a little on them."
"There ain't! See?" Applejack said, turned to Rarity and shoved a hoof in her face.
"Eww!" Rarity groaned.
Rarity leaned away from it, turned away so angrily that she claimed the entire blanket for herself.
It got both Comet and Apple Shine woke up when they heard them arguing, so they nuzzled closer to Twilight and Mario so they could stop and covered their ears.
"Now who's bein' inconsiderate?" Applejack shot back.
Applejack took the entire blanket and wrapped herself into it. Rarity groaned as she got out of the bed.
"I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right. Get up." Rarity told her, nudged Applejack off the bed by pushing her to the floor.
"Hey!" Applejack grumbled.
When Applejack forced herself up, Rarity carefully set the blanket properly on the bed. Applejack just glared as she went to get back in.
"Ah, ah, ah!" Rarity stopped her. "You'll ruin it. You have to do it like this."
Rarity then carefully scooted into the bed without ruining the blanket.
"Mm, uh, ooh, u-u-u-uh, uh, ah..." Rarity murmured.
Applejack just stared with a bored expression, watched Rarity snaked her way down into the blanket and snuggled into it till she could close her eyes to sleep.
"Yeah, that's not gonna happen." Applejack replied. "Geronimo!"
Applejack jumped high into the air and body slammed into the bed. The force sent Rarity flying out, as Applejack took the entire blanket for herself. Comet and Apple Shine suddenly woke up again after hearing Applejack hollering, and Mario groans while trying to sleep. Slowly, he raised his head watching the two mares arguing...again.
"Hey!" Rarity called out.
"Ah." Applejack sighed, relaxing.
"You did that on purpose." Rarity accused.
"Um, yeah?" Applejack admitted shamelessly.
"Get up so I can fix it again!" Rarity ordered, annoyed.
"Can't hear ya, Ah'm asleep!" Applejack replied.
Applejack tried to feign snoring, Rarity is now totally frustrated. It reached to a point that Rarity pulled the blanket right off.
"Ah ain't budgin'." Applejack retorted stubbornly.
"You will if you want any blanket!" Rarity replied.
Comet and Apple Shine were trying to cover their ears with their pillows, but due to the pony ears having a stronger sense of hearing, the pillows didn't help much at all. Mario can't blame his niece or his godson for trying to get some sleep, watching Applejack pulled the blanket out of Rarity's mouth and to a point of tug of war.
"Give it back!" Applejack demanded angrily.
"I will not!" Rarity muffled, her mouth on the blanket.
"Yes you will!" Applejack argued.
"Won't!"
"Will!"
"Won't!"
"Will!"
"Won't!"
"Will!"
Mario then covered Apple Shine's ears and about to say something, until Twilight got up, covered Comet's ears.
"ENOUGH!"
That made five ponies quickly turned toward Twilight Sparkle. Apparently, Twilight hadn't been clueless to their argument and was now very upset as she showed them the book. Both Comet and Apple Shine were still tired and really wanted to sleep, while trying to nod it off.
"It says right here that the number one thing you're supposed to do at a slumber party is have fun and thanks to you two, I can't check it off!" Twilight shouted, keeping Comet from falling asleep, who snuggled into her and laid on her thigh and as she noticed that her son and Apple Shine were awake as well, she scolded them further. "And now, Comet and Apple Shine can't sleep since you woke them up!"
Both Comet and Apple Shine were trying to sleep. Comet nuzzled against Twilight's belly and laying on her lap while Apple Shine nuzzled against Mario's belly and laying on his lap, as well.
"You knew the whole time?" Mario asked, surprised.
"Of course I knew, Mario!" Twilight cried. "I tried my best to bring us close together, but they don't know when to stop!"
The two mares stared at the unicorns before glaring at each other.
"Ah've been tryin' my darnest to get along!" Applejack retorted.
"No, it is I who have been trying my best!" Rarity argued angrily.
"No, it was me!"
"No, it was I!"
"Me!"
"I!"
"SHUT UP, BOTH OF YOU!" Mario shouts.
Applejack and Rarity instantly stopped arguing and turned towards Mario Star. His eyes burned with pure rage, and he snorted heavily like a raging bull. Never before had they seen Mario this angry before until now, and it scared Applejack and Rarity.
"I hope you're happy!" Mario continued, furiously. "Not only Comet and Apple Shine can't already get some sleep, you've ruined Twilight's first slumber party! The makeover, the s'mores, Truth or Dare, pillow fight...if I knew you two were just going to argue the whole time, I'd have just stayed at the martial arts dojo with Master Wu right now!"
While the rage within burned inside, he turned towards Applejack as she shivered in fear of the angry brother.
"You could at least be a little more sensitive instead of taking things personally!" Mario yelled, before facing Rarity as she squatted down to the ground in fear of him. "And YOU are so obsessed with sweating over the small stuff, you blind yourself from the BIG picture staring you in the face!"
"Is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?" Twilight asked.
It was then that a large bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree. The bolt damaged a tree just near the top end, the very sight frightened Twilight Sparkle. She hid her nose into her pillow.
"Sorry I asked." Twilight said meekly.
Just then, the lights went on. Comet then covered his face, tried to cover up the light while Apple Shine covered her face with the pillow.
"Comet, stay on the bed." Twilight told her son, got out of the bed.
"Apple Shine, you too, young lady." Mario said to his niece.
Comet and Apple Shine nod in acknowledgement as the Texan filly jumped up on the bed next to him.
"Wait, if we have a magical lightning rod, could something have been hit outside?" Comet asked.
They galloped to the window and gasped when they saw the burnt top of the tree leaning dangerously forward.
"It's the tree next to us that was hit and it's about to fall on the house next to that." Twilight answered.
"Ya see?!" Applejack called out, turned to Rarity. "That's why we need to take down all those loose branches in town, not spiffy them up!"
Rarity looked rather stunned, not only for the scolding she received, but the fact she may put somepony in severe jeopardy.
"But I-"
"Outta my way, missy!" Applejack cuts her off. "Time's a wastin'!"
Applejack opened the window and used her lasso to grab the top part of the tree, keeping it from falling onto the roof of the other house. Mario saw what Applejack was about to do.
"Wait! Stop! Don't!" Rarity shouted.
"Applejack, don't pull the-"
"No waitin'! No stoppin'! Doin'!" Applejack spoke with the rope in her mouth.
Applejack pulled the rope hard, forcing the tree to fall the other way.
"And that, my friends, is what we call 'gettin' her done'." Applejack gloats.
Before she took the rope, but as she pulled it, Rarity, Twilight, and Mario cried out, Comet and Apple Shine jumped away from the window by instinct, but got underneath the pillow and bedsheets safely.
CRASH!
The top of the tree flew through the window into the bedroom, knocking Mario Star backward and sent crashing into a mountain of pillows. Applejack dangled along the rope leading downstairs to the library. Comet and Apple Shine were hit on their backs by the tree, pushed into the floor with great speed while still covered with the blanket and hidden underneath the pillow. The heavy rain and intense wind came rushing inside Twilight's bedroom.
Comet and Apple Shine then tried to pry themselves out of the tree, but the tree is too heavy and they couldn't move.
"Ma, we can't move!" Apple Shine shouts. "The tree is too heavy!"
"Hang on, Apple Shine, we'll get ya and Comet outta here!" Applejack said.
"I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!" Rarity cried out towards Applejack.
"Well, ya shoulda tried harder!" Applejack protested.
But Applejack sighed with guilt when she saw Twilight poked out of the tree branches. The moment she saw Mario's tail sticking out through the pillows, still and limp, she stared in horror.
"Mario!" Twilight gasped.
"I'm mighty sorry, Twilight." Applejack spoke regretfully.
Twilight tried to stay calm. But it's clear to see she could no longer hide the fact over how upset she was.
"It's...well, it's not okay!" Twilight said. "There's a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, Mario could have a concussion, and the book doesn't say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party. Or at least I haven't found that entry yet, ohh...ah!"
"Mom!" Comet called her. "Never mind the book, and help Applejack get us out!"
Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears as Twilight began shuffling through her book. Applejack looked around and soon saw Rarity cleaning some items which fell off the bookshelf due to the tree branch. The rain and the winds started to pick up with each passing minute.
"What in tarnation are y'all doin' over there?" Applejack asked loudly.
"Cleaning up this mess some pony made." Rarity answered. "Who was that again? Oh right, that's you!"
Rarity continued cleaning, as Applejack looked at her indignantly. She tried to buck the main tree branch out of the bedroom, but she couldn't budge an inch out of it.
"We gotta do somethin'!" Applejack shouted over the winds.
"Baking...BFFs...Brothers..." Twilight read aloud. "There's nothing in here about branches!"
Applejack saw she was being ignored, as Twilight desperately scrolled through her slumber party book for answers. With Twilight preoccupied, Mario Star out cold, both the foals tried to get out, she headed back toward Rarity.
"Hurry, Applejack!" Comet shouts with a plea.
"Just sit tight, Ah'll try and get some help!" Applejack shouts, turned to Rarity. "Rarity for pony's sake! Stop sweatin' the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!"
Applejack's rant fell on deaf ears, as Rarity continued to clean up the bookshelf.
"I said hussle over here and help me!"
But no matter how loud Applejack shouted, she was ignored again and two of the foals are in need of help. She could feel the frustration build up inside her, but she knew what she had to do.
"Look, Ah'm sorry all right?" Applejack spoke softly.
Rarity stopped, as the look on her face showed she had been so focused that she hadn't heard Applejack till that point. It's as if she hadn't been tuning Applejack out on purpose at all.
"What was that?" Rarity asked.
"Ah said Ah'm sorry!" Applejack repeated. "Ah shoulda listened to you when you said where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin' attention to detail would'a saved us from this whole mess. But right now, Mario was right! Ya need to stop being so dang fussy, pickin' up all the little things, and help me move the one big thing in here that really matters! Please!"
Rarity stared at the large tree branch nervously, but noticed the wet puddle.
"Uh...uh, but I'll get all icky!" Rarity protested feebly.
"RARITY!" Comet and Apple Shine shouts which it got Rarity's attention.
"Are they...?" Rarity asked with a gasp.
"Yes, both Comet and Apple Shine are in trouble, and they can't get themselves out." Applejack confirms. "But right now, ickiness is often the side effect of hard work. But y'all need to get over it, on account Ah just can't fix this mess Ah made myself. Ah need yer help and the foals need yer help."
Rarity, though hesitant, shifted her face to a look of determination, now realize that Applejack, Comet, and Apple Shine need help.
"Oh. Let's do this!" Rarity declared.
As the two discussed a new plan, Twilight was still shuffling through the book.
"Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties." Twilight points out. "Is that what we're doing right now? Does this count as camping?"
But Twilight received no answer. Rarity made her horn glow while Applejack began to move the branch with all her might. With a huge flash, the branch was broken down into several smaller branches...many of which had miniature sculptures on them. The rest of the branches had magically been removed, except a single piece of wood. Applejack was about to buck the wood clear across the next town when Rarity gave her a glare. Applejack stopped and instead lifting the branch with her mouth, allowing it to drop easily to the ground before shutting the window tight. Then Rarity looked at herself, her coat with covered in leaves and mud.
"U-ugh. Oh, I look awful!" Rarity said sadly.
Fussy or not, Applejack couldn't stand seeing Rarity so glum as she come up with an idea. She grabbed some leftover cucumber slices and set them on Rarity's eyes.
"Better?" Applejack asked.
Rarity suddenly remembered what she mentioned before, about how mud mask had purposes. Then what she did for Rarity...Applejack did pay attention to one detail and it's enough to make her smile.
"Hmph, thanks." Rarity thanked her, with a brave smile.
Rarity reached a hoof out to find her. Applejack shifted so Rarity knew she was there and the two shared a warm, yet messy hug. Despite their achievement, Twilight was still shuffling through her book when she saw some of the leftover miniature sculptures.
"Oh, pretty!" Twilight said. "Where did these come from? They're not in the book either..."
"Ugh..." Mario groaned.
Twilight's search through the book was interrupted by a deep groan. She rushed downstairs with Applejack and Rarity not too far behind. They stopped by the pillow mound, as he poked his head out of the pile and got on his four hooves. He tumbled a bit before he knelt down panting and shook his body a bit to get the feathers off of him.
"Mario!" The three mares exclaims as they hugged him.
"I'm so glad you're okay." Twilight sighed in relief.
"Yeah...I think I've come down with a splitting headache." Mario moaning, looking around. "I see you two finally decided to work together."
"Well, you're right about our petty argument." Rarity said. "Aside from a little mud, once we started together, we performed just fine."
"Just fine, sugarcube." Applejack added in agreement.
Mario smiled in satisfaction, seeing the two have made up after one crazy evening. But then, he noticed some pony is missing.
"Where's Comet and Apple Shine?" Mario asked.
Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack widen their eyes, but heard them wincing in pain as the four rushed upstairs. Twilight uncovered them, but as she and Applejack picked up and hugged the two foals, both Comet and Apple Shine let out a cry in pain, so they quickly laid them on the floor and lightly poke their backs.
"Does this hurt?" Twilight asked. "How about this?"
"Does yer back hurt, Apple Shine?" Applejack asks with worry, lightly poked her daughters back.
Just where it hurts, both Comet and Apple Shine let out a high-pitched scream from his lungs.
"OW! THAT HURTS!" Comet yelled.
"SUFFERIN' SASSAFRAS! THAT HURTS!" Apple Shine yelled.
"Shhhh...Don't worry. We're going to take care of it, but first...you two need a second bath." Twilight said, turned to Rarity. "Rarity, do you want to go first?"
"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Let's get Comet and Apple Shine cleaned up first." Rarity suggests.
Twilight thanked her before she levitated Comet and Apple Shine to the bathroom while Mario follows her and carefully cleaned them.
After the careful bath, Twilight and Mario carefully dried the two foals off before she brought them back to the living room and wrapped some bandages around their backsides as carefully as they could.
"Alright...Tomorrow, we're going to the hospital. Just to be sure." Mario suggests, turned to Applejack. "Applejack, wouldn't you mind sleeping with Apple Shine?"
"Sure, Ah don't mine." Applejack answered.
Just as Twilight laid Comet beside her and Mario laid Apple Shine on the bed, both Rarity and Applejack came over.
"Are you two feeling any better?" Rarity asks.
"Ah'm might sorry, you two, if Ah had been more careful, you two wouldn't have gotten hurt." Applejack apologizes. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"It's okay, y'all two made up and that's all that matters." Apple Shine said to her mother.
"And I think this slumber party Mom had turned out to be a success." Comet replied.
"Totally." Twilight said.
Applejack then came over to the bed, carefully place the sheets on Apple Shine and herself, then tucked her in, kissed her on the forehead.
"Goodnight, sugarcube." Applejack said.
"Goodnight, Ma." Apple Shine replied with a yawn as Applejack stroke her mane and then fell asleep.
Twilight then carefully levitated him and the blankets and pillows up and placed them, along with Comet back down on the bed, pulled the sheets over him and herself, then kissed him on the forehead.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." Twilight said.
"Goodnight, Mom." Comet replied with a yawn.
Twilight hummed a soft melody as she stroked his mane, and then fell asleep along with Mario and Rarity, who finished cleaning up the mess from the storm.
The next morning, Comet and Apple Shine eventually woke up and notice the rain was soften up. They then headed downstairs to see Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Mario having fun together and eating breakfast.
"Morning." Comet and Apple Shine greets.
"Morning Comet/Apple Shine." Twilight and Applejack greets back.
"Why don't you two come downstairs and have breakfast before we head over to the hospital to check on the both of you." Mario suggests.
As Comet and Apple Shine tried to move after breakfast, it still hurt as they were forced to let out a small cry before they got back to their very comfortable position on the pillow Twilight and Mario suggested.
"Oh my, we better get you two to the hospital, just to be safe." Twilight suggested.
"At least it's not your problem anymore." Comet said with a smile.
Twilight just rolled her eyes at that as she and Mario levitated Comet and Apple Shine in the air and loosely wrapped some blankets around the two foals before placing them on their backs, and then they went out of the Golden Oak Library and towards the hospital.
In the hospital, they waited for about an hour being called in as Twilight, Mario, and Applejack placed the two foals up on the bed and explained what happened to Doctor Horse, who said that an X-Ray scan would be for the best, just to be sure nothings broken or not.
After the scan, Twilight, Applejack, Mario, Comet, and Apple Shine waited in the room, until the doctor came back.
"You three should be happy to hear that nothing is broken or damaged, but it was a serious hit you two got there." Doctor Horse told them. "As I looked at your scans, it's like you've never been hurt in your entire life."
Comet and Apple Shine looked at the three in concern, but they only looked concerned at the two foals before the doctor continued.
"So, I'd suggest you two should stay in bed for the rest of today and get something warm on those backs, then you should be just fine by tomorrow." Doctor Horse suggests. "But if it's getting worse, do not hesitate to come back over again and we'll come up with something while we talk."
"We won't. Thank you, doctor." Twilight thanked him.
Then Nurse Redheart got a proper bandages onto Comet and Apple Shine, before Twilight and Mario rewrapped them in the blanket again and Twilight took Comet back in the library while Applejack and Mario took Apple Shine to Sweet Apple Acres.
"So...when is Spike coming back?" Comet asked.
"About half an hour." Twilight answered.
Soon as they came back home, Twilight and Comet realized that Rarity already left. Twilight then took him into to her bedroom instead of his. She then placed him down in the middle, tucked him in, and after she was sure Comet was comfortable. She then told him to get some rest, as she went to pick up Spike and some things for dinner. Some time after she had left, Comet fell asleep.
Later on, Comet woke up to dinner in bed, which was the tomato soup and some bread on the side, and a glass of ice water. After he ate his dinner and had his 2 cookies.
"Do you want to stay there and sleep or do you want me to move you into your own bedroom?" Twilight asked.
"I wanna stay." Comet answered as he snuggled under the sheets.
After he got a nod from Twilight and a kiss on the forehead from her, he went to sleep.
Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres, both Applejack and Mario filled them in of what happen to Apple Shine. The Apple family gives Apple Shine some rest while Big Mac placed a heat pack on her back after taking her to Applejack's room and she fell asleep. After Apple Shine had dinner, which was tomato soup and some bread and a glass of ice water. Applejack came to her room.
"Wanna stay here, Apple Shine?" Applejack asked her daughter.
Apple Shine nods with a smile as Applejack kissed her on the forehead, she slowly fell asleep.
That's it for the 14th chapter.