Chapter 9:
Look before you sleep

Most creatures today were straightening up the landscape due to a scheduled downpour. Every thing was going swimmingly…except for one worker. ‘There we are: reattached.’ A worker thought as she reconnected a broken branch back to its home, but something was still wrong. “Perfect.” The worker said aloud after doing some topiary work, and thought it perfect until another worker had other ideas.

“Just take the broken limb down, Rarity. Don’t you care about anything other than pretty-fying?” Honesty questioned to her fellow element after lassoing the limb, and forced it back to ground.

“Some-pony has to. You’re making an absolute mess of town square, Applejack.” Generosity commented back while gazing at all the fallen limbs.

“Yeah, well, the storm’s going to make an even bigger mess if we don’t prune all these loose branches off, so they don’t fall down on anyone.” AJ responded before looking at all the Poke`mon and their partner helping in the clean up - especially how Kingler was using his own claw as a container as the others were picking up the branches.

“I simply cannot imagine why the Pegasus pony would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what should have been a glorious sunny day.” R counted and watched as winged horses along with Ash’s birds covered the sky with dark clouds. Beedrill heard their squabble and decided to end it.

“Please, try to think of it in a more practical sense. They accidentally skipped the scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need one doozy of a whammy to make up for it.” The insect informed the beauty based one after buzzing over to them.

“Oh no! My wonderfully styled mane will be ruined!” Rarity shouted out as the sprinkling started. Out of instinct Ketchum motioned for the others to head home, and for some to watch over Beedrill since the human knew wet insect wings were a hazard.

“You should have hurried up and finished the job already.” Applejack informed as she watched the pocket creatures walk away while their tamer remained behind.

“It’s coming down too fast. Help me!” R informed and shouted to the only ones in the area. AJ and AK scanned around and spotted an object that might help.

“There. Take shelter at that bench while Applejack and I handle the last of the clean-up.” Ash offered while pointing at a simple bench, and for the sake to get out of the rain she galloped over to it, but stopped as soon as she reached it.

“No! No! No!” She shouted out when she saw one of her worst fears.
“What now?” AJ questioned after the two followed after her once they saw that she was just standing beside it.

“I rather not get my hooves muddy.” The fashion expert informed while looking at her white as snow upper left hoof.

“There’s just no pleasing you - is there?” The farm girl questioned even though she already knew the answer. “Everything's got to be just so.” She added to her first statement.

“Oh, and how does muddying up my hooves serve any useful purpose?” R questioned to the hard worker.

“Ya’ll wouldn’t know useful if it came up and bit ya.” AJ commented back, and stood by what she just said.

“That doesn’t even make any sense.” Generosity counter stated to her friend with a confident smile on her face. The two exchanged ’does, does not’ comment before going with the infinity and infinity plus one part.

‘Is this what Brock and Tracy had to deal with when Misty and I got into an argument.’ Ash thought since he knew that this yell off was a waist of time and energy when this mess could be solved peacefully.

“What say - we go our separate ways before one of us says something she will regret.” Rarity offered after the two shared an angered glare with one another.

“I reckon ya’ll are gonna say something you’ll first!” The earth pony shouted back as their glares intensified.

“On the contrary - I am most certain that it will be you who says something you will regret first.” The white/purple one commented as she emphasized ‘you’ in her comment.

“I’m not saying anything!” The farm girl shouted.

“Nor am I!” The fashion expert shouted back to her friend.

“Ya’ll be on your way then.” AJ instructed while shooing her friend away with her upper right hoof.

“After you!” R countered while motioning with her own upper right hoof. They glared a bit and then backed away while glaring. Ash shook his head after hearing all of that and believed that his two friends had the patience of a priest to deal with his and Misty/May’s verbal fights without sending Onix or Scyther to quiet them down.

‘Strange I feel a…’ Ash sensed something coming, but before he could finish his thought a clap of thunder startled all three of them.

“Perhaps we should stick together for now? Until we find shelter.” Rarity questioned as she hugged AJ for support.

“Uh-huh. Perhaps we should, and fast.” AJ answered back and did not like that the storm seemed to be picking up steam. Ash knew that seeking shelter was top priority when it came to storms, so he needed to help his pony pals even though one had decided to take shelter with the bench.

“Nice and dry under here…sorta.” AJ said and did find the mud somewhat of a nuisance, but made due.

“If you are worried about muddy hooves then I have the solution, Rarity.” Ash informed her before going over to the bench. “I’ll just put it in a less muddy spot.” He informed them which seemed better than his first brainstorm - his jacket/shirt as cover for their hooves.

“I suppose that will have to do.” Rarity comment at Ketchum’s idea, but the moment he placed his hands on the seat a voice called out to them.

“Applejack. Rarity. Ash.” The voice shouted, and then repeated which caused all to look over at the source of the voice. The three looked over and saw that it was a fellow Element of Harmony.

“Twilight.” Generosity and Honesty, who got up from under the bench, said together after seeing their friend.

“Come on in, you guys. Quick.” She said while motioning for the three to come inside. The ponies quickly did so while Ash saw that his Water-types were all out and enjoying this rain, but he knew they knew that they were doing, so he let them be.

“Whoa, Nelly. Is hiding in a tree the best place to be in a lightning storm?” The farm girl questioned since it did not seem safe. Ash, who was jogging behind them, knew that she had a point thanks to a television show with an episode called ‘Electrical Storm’ which informed the viewers the dos and don'ts of Electrical Storm safety.

“It is if you have a Magical Lightning rod protecting your home like I do. Come on in.” Magic informed the three which that was one thing they liked to hear.

“We are most grateful for your invitation.” Rarity stated with a courteous bow to her friend.

“Thank ya kindly for your hospitality.” Applejack said as she walked on in, but was stopped by the groomer who pointed at the bucker’s muddy hooves.

“Uh, do be a polite house guest, and go wash up please, won’t you.” R commented to her friend before walking into the building.

“If I have to spend one more moment with that fuss-bucket Rarity today I can’t be held responsible for what I’m about to do.” AJ muttered and went outside which was noticed by the trainer.

“Don’t worry about the hose, Applejack. I’ve got a better idea.” Ash said to her before adding once he spotted a familiar face, “Buizel, can you come over here for a minute.” The creature sped over thanks to his Swift Swim.

“You called?” The tough guy questioned to his partner.

“Help clean off Applejack’s hooves with Water Gun, but keep the pressure down.” Ash informed before walking in with the others.

“Some storm, huh. The Pegusas ponies sure outdid themselves this time. I hope you and Applejack don’t have any trouble getting home.” Twilight stated to her beauty based friend with a concerned tone.

“It may indeed be a problem.” Rarity answered back since she really didn’t like getting her mane wet.

“Well, your welcome to stay with me. Spike, is away at Canterlot on royal business.” TS offered to them with a genuine smile on her face. “I’m home all alone tonight.” She added and that was when an idea hit her. “You three should totally sleep over we’ll have a slumber party. I’ve always wanted one of those.” The book smart one stated, but that word confused the monster tamer.

‘Slumber Party?’ Ash thought of the foreign word since he had never been to one himself - too busy with his quest. ‘Can’t be too hard.’ He thought before bowing as a sign that he was in.

“Oh goodness, uh, I do believe I have another engagment scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now. Oh, silly me, I can’t possibly stay here all night…with Applejack.” R explained back as to why she needed to leave the nice, warm home as soon as possible.

‘Oh, this is going to be so exciting.’ TS thought as she was too excited about her idea to hear out her friend’s statement. She rushed over to one section of the library, and levitated a certain book to her.

“Slumber 101. All you’ve ever wanted to know about slumber parties, but were afraid to ask.” Rarity read the first sentence of the book Twilight floated before her.

‘At least there’s a how to guide.’ The monster tamer thought, and was happy for that much.

“My own personal copy. 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’s the day!” TS informed before adding, “This is going to be so great.” Seeing how happy she was to do this Ketchum decided to put all of his effort into it, but the human could tell that the other unicorn wasn’t as happy.

“Great…great.” She responded with fake laughter to cover her despair of doing such a thing with this particular pony. Ash looked over and saw that his sea otter was making sure all form of mud was all off her paws which he liked.

‘That Buizel knows how to close a hoof.’ Applejack thought as she made her way in while looking at her squeaky clean hooves. When she looked up the young horse saw something truly odd. “What in tarnation?” She shouted as she watched as Rarity put some sort of green mud on Twilight and Ash’s faces.

‘Sounds like she’s in.’ Ash thought as he reached for the book in question with his eyes closed.

“Now, wait just a got darn minute. You made me wash the mud off my hooves, but it’s okay to have mud all over your faces?” AJ stated and questioned since she didn’t see the logic in that.

“Silly. This is called a mud mask. It’s to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.” R informed her late to the gathering friend.

“We’re giving each other makeovers.” TS said with utter glee since she was really enjoying herself. Ash finally found the book, and got up to show it to her while using a special Aura Sight power.

“It’s all in the book.” He informed while opening the book to the bucker. ‘Once they get to the hair I must think of something.’ Ash thought out of panic, but externally kept calm.

“Slumber 101. Everything you---” Honesty read the section shown to her, but stopped after seeing words she’s never been a part of. “Oh, hey, would you look at the time. I’ve got to skedaddle on home I probably late for something. Good night.” She said as a means to flee the scene…which she did.

‘What got into her?’ Ash thought since AJ seemed like the type that would not be scared too easily. A clap of thunder was heard causing something else to happen.

“Or maybe I’ll sit here for a spell.” She said due to fear of being a four legged lightning rod.

“Hooray! Slumber Party!” Twilight shouted with great joy while clapping her front hooves. Generosity splashed some clean mud on Honesty and then grounded it in followed by cucumbers on the eyes.

“What in the world is this for?” AJ questioned since she was as new to this as the other three.

“To reduce the puffyness around one’s eyes of course.” The beauty expert commented back with a sigh as if they should already know that much.

“Puffyness, Shuffyness.” The orange/blonde one started to say before licking the pieces of food from her face, and then ate it. “That’s good eatin.” She said with a smile after finishing that appetizer.

“Isn’t this exciting? We’ll do everything by the book, and that will make my party officially fun.” The studiaus one said after looking a the book again, and felt overjoyed that this was actually happening.

“Did you hear that, Applejack? You wouldn’t want to do anything that ruins Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?” Rarity questioned to the other participant to this gig.

“A course not. You wouldn’t either, I reckon.” AJ said back and still had a gut feeling that the fussy one would crack first.

“So, do we have an agreement?” The fashion expert stated through clenched teeth.

“You betcha.” The farm girl stated back before spitting on her hoof and offered it to the easily upset woman before her who seemed disgusted by the offer.

“OH! GROSS! You know there’s messy, and there’s just plain rude.” Rarity commented out of disgust which rubbed Honesty the wrong way.

“You know there’s fussy and there’s just plain getting on my nerves.” AJ said back after getting right up in her friend’s face.

“Fortunately I can get along with any pony no matter how difficult she may be.” R commented back while emphasizing ‘she’. The emphasis did not go unnoticed by the others.

“Oh yeah? Well, I’m the getting alongiest pony your ever gonna meet.” The farm girl stated back while trying not to get this argument out of hand.

“That’s not even a word.” The purple/white one countered.

“This is gonna be the best-est slumber party ever! YAY!” Twilight, who was too busy with her book to notice the squabbling, shouted after rejoining the two and put them in a group hug.

“Yay.” The two said only not as enthusiastically as their friend.

‘Oh, yeah, this is gonna be fun.’ The human thought and knew that this slumber party idea was going to go from bad to worse. Even though he was having flashbacks of his girl persona Ash stayed for the curling.

“So, how are you getting along over there, Applejack?” Rarity questioned with a bit of smugness in her tone. The three had their manes and their tails in rollers.

“Just fine, Rarity.” AJ answered back and wondered if it would be in bad taste if she tail smacked her fellow element in the face.

“This is so fun. Make-overs - check.” Twilight said before doing away with the rollers which was okay by the other two. “Ooh! It says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first.” She informed the three which Ash was all for it, but thought again.

‘Hold on. If I tell them one of my main adventures it will really give them nightmares.’ He thought when wanting to tell them of Team Galaxy’s plan and their alliance with the cruel Hunter J, so the human remained silent.

“ME!” Applejack shouted before going on with her plan, “I’d like to tell y`all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove every-pony crazy with her unnecessary neatness. I’m sure y`all are familiar with that one.” The pony informed them with an added, Oooo, for effect.

“Never heard of it, but I have a much better one. It’s the horrifying story of the messy inconsiderate, ghost who irritated every-pony within a hundred miles.” Rarity countered since she already knew what her friend was trying to do.

“That’s not a real story. You made it up.” Applejack commented back since she knew who the white pony was talking about.

“It’s a ghost story - they’re all made up.” R countered back, but before anything could start between them the lights turned off.

“I’ve got one.” Twilight informed after turning on a lantern of fireflies, and stood between the two bickering buddies. “This story is called - the Legend of the Headless Horse.” She informed them and began to spin her yarn to her three guests. “It was a dark and stormy night just like this one. Three ponies and a monkey were having a slumber party just…like…this one.” She started to speak, and as the tale continued all three were becoming a bit frightened. “And just when the last of them thought they were safe there standing right behind her, just inches away was…the Headless Horse!” Twilight shouted before turning off the lantern and put a cover her head.

‘The lady is good.’ Ash thought as he felt both other ponies cower behind him out of safety. When they poked their heads out from over his shoulders TS revealed herself from the blanket, and knew it was a success.

“Ghost story - check.” Twilight informed after checking that from her to do list. The two noticed that they were near one another, so they quickly parted and stood to either side of the monster tamer.

‘I hate being the man in the middle.‘ Ash thought as he looked over to both of the bickerers.

“Now, who wants smores?” The happiest of the three sang to the guests which did sound good. Ash gathered the materials, and using the indoor fireplace they got started.

“Place one marshmallow on top of the chocolate: make sure it’s centered - that’s critical, and place another perfectly square gram cracker on the top, and done. Ta-Da.” Rarity explained as she showed the steps to the novice of slumber party while Ash and Applejack provided the cooked marshmallows.

“Oooh.” Twilight stated in awe at the piece of food before her, but the farm girl was not all that impressed.

“Nah. Ya just eat em.” AJ informed before scarfing down the piece of food which was followed by a burp.

“You could at least say ‘excuse me’.” Rarity commented after the belch was made.

“Oh, I was just about to, but your interrupted me. Pardon.” Applejack explained and stated to the fussy one. She only rolled her eyes at the comment because she knew that it was somewhat sarcastic jab at her comment.

“Smores - check. Now the next item of fun we have to do is: truth or dare.” The studious one stated after making another check in her book, and then looked at her party guests.

“I dare Applejack to do something carefully and neatly for a change.” The fashion expert stated as soon as she heard the game.

“Oh yeah?! Well, I dare Rarity to lighten up and stop obsessing over last little detail. For a change.” The hard worker commented back.

“I think the truth of the matter is that some-pony could pay a little more attention to detail.” The white/purple one commented back.

“Well, I think the truth is that some-pony ought to quit with her fussing so the rest of us can get things done.” The orange/blonde one commented back. Ash knew that things were going to get ugly soon, but before he could play referee the pure purple one did it for him.

“Um, I don’t think this is how the game is supposed to work.” The student of Celestia informed before looking at her book and added, “You have to give an honest answer to any question or do what ever any-pony dares you to do.” After finding the rules and said them aloud.

“I dares you to step outside and let your presious tidy mane get ruined again.” AJ challenged as soon as she heard the rules which caused the victim to gasp in alarm.

“Sorry, Rarity, but rules are rules.” Ash informed after glancing at the rules, and saw that the bucker got the designer dead to rights.

“Fine.” Rarity shouted before walking outside and allowed her mane to get soaked. Ash that was going on Ash glanced over and saw that the one who issued the challenge was enjoying the suffering a bit too much with her stiffiled laughter.

“Okay. I dare Applejack to play dress-up. In a froo froo, glittery, lacey outfit.” The soaked heroine challenged back which caused a gasp from the country girl. She followed the rules and borrowed Twilight’s fancy suit, and went back to the others.

“Happy?” AJ questioned with her voice truly showing just how angry she was at the time.

“Very.” R answered back feeling pretty proud of herself. Ketchum had a got feeling that this was going to get worse.

“Do we ever get a turn?” Twilight offered in a quiet tone. The two ignored her and made dares involving the rodeo, and mane maintains.

“Better call this one off before they pull out the big guns.” Ash whispered to the hostess who nodded in agreement.

“I think we’re going to check off truth or dare and move on. Let’s see what our next fun, fun, fun thing is - shall we.” Twilight said as she enchanted the book, and sent it over to her. “Hmm, what does this mean - pillow fight?” She questioned after reading the next part of the to do list, and looked at the fighter who only shrugged in confusion since he’s never been in anything called that before.

“Oh, please, I am not at all interested in participating in something so crude.” Generosity stated before getting a pillow to the face, and knew who dare strike her. “IT. IS. ON!” She stated before taking the pillow and returned fire.

‘Grateful to get out of that dress.’ AJ thought before going with a real counter by hind bucking three pillows. Those were sent back to her with front bucking which let to lassoing and throwing which was answered by magic.

“Oh, I get it. Pillow. Fight. Fun!” Twilight said as she stood in the middle of the battle and then got slammed by three pieces of their ammunition.

“Perhaps you two can pull back on the force.” Ash offered since those strikes did seem painful.

“I will if she will.” AJ stated while dodging fire.

“She started it.” R stated back as she evaded fire from her foe.

“Maybe we should call it a night and get some sleep.” Twilight offered after getting herself free from the pillows she was buried under. With that Ash helped in building the back-up bed for the two guests, and when confronted of where he was going to rest the trainer answered:

“I always carry a sleeping bag with me.” After saying that he unrolled in beside Twilight’s bed and went to sleep. As half of the group slept the other half were still having issues.

“Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed.” Rarity commented as she tried to sleep on the right side of the bed.

“My hooves ain’t muddy.” Applejack comment back, and could not believe that she was still on that kick.

“They were. There might still be a little on them.” R said back angrily. This caused the bed mate to get up close and counter it.

“There ain’t. See?” AJ offered by showing off one of her hooves to the fussy one.

“Ew!” She shouted back before taking the cover and yanked it off of her friend.

“Now, who’s being inconsiderate.” The worker stated before pulling the cover onto her and left her friend with nothing which didn’t go over well.

“I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right. Get up.” The perfectionist stated after head butting her fellow element off the bed and then enchanted the cover until it was perfect.

‘Whatever. I’m going back to bed.’ Honest thought and was about to reach for the cover with her mouth, but was cut off.

“Uh, uh, uh. You’ll ruin it. You have to do it like this.” Generosity instructed and demonstrated a crawling method to get under the cover which didn’t go over well.

“Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. Geronimo!” The worker informed and shouted before jumping on the bed causing the glamor expert to crash off and the cover to cradle her. “Ah!” AJ said out of contentment over what she had just done.

“You did that on purpose.” Rarity accused and was confirmed when she replied with a ‘yeah’. “Get up so I can fix it again.” She instructed since she did not wish to rest in an uneven bed.

“Can’t hear you. I’m asleep.” AJ answered back and made fake snoring sounds which was answered by the other removing the cover from her. “I ain’t budgin.” She informed and stayed in her lying pose.

“You will if you want this blanket.” R informed back, but her bargaining chip was yanked from her mouth by her current opponent. This started a tug-of-war match between the two that finally woke up the hostess.

“Enough! It says right here that the number one thing you have to do at a slumber party is have fun, and thanks to you two. I can’t check that off.” Twilight informed by showing the book to them which they saw what she meant.

‘Guess with all the arguing I’ve been a part of or listened to makes me more tolerable to this.’ Ash thought as he calmly sat up and decided to watch the show.

“I’ve been tryin my darndest to get along.” Applejack informed while pointing an accusing hoof at the girl before her.

“No, it is I who have been trying my best.” Rarity answered back while informed the other the proper way of saying her sentence. This started another challenge between the two which was cut off by the sixth element.

“I hope your happy. Both of you. You’ve ruined my very first slumber party. The make-overs, the smores, truth or dare, the pillow fight. I mean is there anything else that can possibly go wrong.” TS informed and challenged.

‘Open mouth inset hoof.’ Ash thought since he knew that was one thing you never want to say when you are having a bad day.

“Sorry I asked.” Magic said as she hid beneath her cover as a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree. The four rushed to the bedroom window and saw that the top section of a neighboring tree was about to fall on a house.

‘Better get to work.’ Ash thought as he reached for his belt, but there was nothing there. ‘Right, I gave the others the day off.’ Ash recalled and tried to come up with a backup plan, but listened to the worker’s comment:

“Ya see. That’s why we needed to take all those loose branches around town. Not spiffy `em up. Now, stand aside, missy, I’ve got a job to do.” AJ said as she ignored what her friend had to say, grab the rope she had in her hat, and went to work.

“Wait. Applejack, bad idea.” Ash warned her, but she didn’t even listen to him since she was certain her plan was going to work.

“Now that my friends is what we call: gettin er done.” Applejack informed before yanking on the rope toward her. In that instance Ash shielded the other two as the upper half came crashing into the window.

“I tried to warn you that it would come crashing down in here.” R informed after getting out from under Ash, the tree, and used a book to protect her mane from the rain water that was coming through the open window.

“Well you shoulda tried harder.” The lasso expert informed back after climbing the rope to get to the others. She saw Ash and a somewhat dazed Twilight come out from under the tree. “I’m mighty sorry, Twilight.” She confessed since she did not want this to happen.

“It’s…well…it’s not okay. There’s a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, and the book doesn’t mention anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party. Or at least I haven’t found that entry yet.” TS stated as she went back to the book and sifted through the pages.

“What in tarnation are yall doin over there?” AJ stated since she recalled R messing with the little things.

“Cleaning up the mess some-pony made. Who was that again, oh, that’s right - you.” R stated back as she put away a book. Ash couldn’t believe that they were still at it, so he decided to give them a little nudge of teamwork.

“Enough. Like Twilight, I’ve had to deal with your senseless bickering for a while, and I’ve had it. You two are friends and Elements of Harmony. Not to mention this is a job that neither of you can do on your own.” Ash informed after wading through the tree to get between the two.

“It ain’t nothin I can handle.” Honesty informed as she did her best to buck it, and step on it with little to no result. “Okay, your right. I can’t do it by myself.” She confessed after going over to the other two.

“Glad to hear that you can admit that. As for you Rarity, you need to stop worrying about that little mess, and deal with the tree limb.” Ash instructed to the young one beside him before adding, “Applejack could really use your help.” This got her attention.

“He’s right. I’m sorry. Your guys attention to detail could have saved us from this mess.” AJ said back which caused the beauty girl to consider helping, but stopped when she saw the wet earth that came in with the tree.

“But I’ll get all icky.” She said up to Ash.

“It’s true that doing hard work, and getting messy go hand in hand, but you really have to understand that this job needs teamwork, and since I gave my creatures the day off it’s up to you two.” Ash said as he could hear Twilight go under the ‘B’ in her index, but with zero success.

‘I’m still not sure.’ She thought with doubt before listening to Ash again.

“Ok, try this then. You’ve faced Nightmare Moon with zero fear, but your telling me that your willing to let a piece of lumber call the shots.” Ash offered to her, and after hearing it like that she did sound like a wuss.

“Let’s do this.” Rarity said as she joined her friend in the tree to come up with a plan.

“Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties. Is that what we’re doing right now? Is this considered camping?” Twilight stated and questioned since she wanted this to still be considered a slumber party.

‘I can do this. I can do this.’ Rarity thought as she transformed most of the fallen tree into several tiny topiary pieces, but that still left the base of the fallen tree. AJ was about to buck it away before catching her, now muddy, friend’s angered expression.

‘I guess doing it the easy way just this once won’t hurt.’ Applejack thought as she took the limb from the remaining piece into her mouth, and gently tossed it outside which got a smile from her friend.

‘I’ll take care of the rest.’ Ash thought as he closed the window, but after that was over R finally saw that she was muddy.

“I look awful.” Generosity informed after taking a look of herself. Honesty thought of what to do, but saw the Aura warrior offer her a couple of slices of cucumber which he swiped from the kitchen when he got the smore supplies.

“Better?” AJ questioned after taking the pieces and put them on her friend’s eyes. This earned her another smile from her fussy friend.

“Thanks.” She answered back which the two hugged soon after that. Throughout that whole mess the studious one was still looking through her book for what to do, and when she took a break from that Twilight was greeted with the sight of the tiny topiary treats.

“Oh, pretty. Where di these come from? They’re not in the book either.” Twilight said as she looked up from the book, but quickly went back to scanning the words. After a bit of clean up the four were finally enjoying themselves with TS and R in curlers while AJ and AK were as they should be.

“Is it bigger than a barn?” Honesty questioned the human of what it could be.

“Nope.” AK answered back.

“Is it smaller than a saddle?” Generosity offered.

“No, and only three of your twenty questions left.” He answered back after a chuckle.

“We’re never gonna guess what your thinking of. It could be anything.” AJ stated since she knew that much to be true about her friend.

“Are we getting warmer?” R questioned and prayed that they were.

“Why, is it too cold in here for you. I could turn up the heat.” Twilight offered as she sat in between her friends.

“She means is we getting any closer with our guesses.” The farm girl clarified of what the beautician was talking about. The spell-caster felt sheepish that she did not know that, but none of them held it against her.

“No, and that did sort of count as one of your questions, so only two more to go.” Ash stated which got the two to really try to think of what he is thinking about. The two decided to share the last two guesses as one, and pray they get it right:

“Is it…a six legged pony with a purple polka-dot mane with shooting stars coming out of its eyes.” AJ offered first and then left her partner to pick it up from there.

“Who flies all over the world to hide magical eggs of leaves, fire, and water.” R offered with both of them having big smiles since they believed to have finally got it.

“That’s it!” Ash shouted out happily.

“It is?!” The two answered back in shock.

“No. It was actually my first six: Pikachu, Butterfree, Pidgeot, Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Squirtle. But a applaud you two on your creativity.” Ash said with a smile which made the two feel happy as well. “Truth is it was good to see you gals getting along that I wanted you two to win together.” Ketchum added while rubbing the back of his neck out of embarrassment.

“See, we could have been having fun like this all along.” The hostess informed them which the two did realize that what she said was true.

“If only some pony wasn’t so persnickety.” AJ said while looking at the white/purple one.

“Well, maybe she wouldn’t have been if some-pony wasn’t so sloppy.” The white/purple one said to the orange/blonde one. The two glared, but it was a softer glare than before.

“Sorry for being such a pain the patootie.” AJ offered her apology.

“Oh no, I’m sure I was much worse.” R replied back.

“That’s kind of you to say, but I’m the one who’s sorry.” The farm girl said back.

“Oh I’m much more sorry than you are.” The fashion designer replied back. The two went with an ‘are not/are too’ bit, but more light hearted this time.

“I declare my first slumber party a success.” Twilight said and the two cheered for her saying that and then she added, “Have fun - check.” The four chuckled some more before having a two on one pillow fight with AJ providing the throwing power and R providing the means to get the pillows before AK could grab them. As they were doing that Twilight wrote her mentor a letter:

“Dear Princess Celestia,

It’s hard to believe that two ponies that seem to have so little in common could ever get along, but I found out that if you embrace each others differences you might just be surprised to be friends after all.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

“So, who’s up for another slumber party tomorrow night?” TS questioned after finishing the letter and received a couple of pillows to the face. “How about a week from Thursday? Oh, how about two weeks from Saturday? A month from now?” She questioned and with that all four laughed about their happy time together. Outside their happy mood was granted by the parting of clouds and the sun beaming down on them.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/Nintendo and Cartoon Network.
My Little Pony, and the others, are owned by Hasbro and the Hub.