Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep

It began as a clear blue, sunny day until a large collection of dark-grey clouds began to fill the sky. All the weather Pegasi worked tirelessly to bring in a much-needed rainstorm for Ponyville. On the ground, the townsponies hurried to gather loose, torn branches from the trees to prevent damage or safety risks once the storm rolled in. Everypony worked together—well, most of Ponyville did.

While the others busily cleared branches, Storm meticulously used his magic to pull them from the trees. Humming a merry tune to himself, he stacked the branches into a neat pile on the ground, his horn glowing steadily as he worked. Wiping his brow with a forehoof, he glanced toward the sky. The last rays of the sun were about to vanish beneath a blanket of dark storm clouds. Satisfied with his progress, Storm turned to grab more branches from another tree.

He had just finished gathering another load when—

POP!

"Huh?" Storm froze, his eyes darting back to the pile he had just made. His neatly stacked branches were gone.

Eyes wide, he scanned the area suspiciously, his ears twitching at every sound. "Okay... what’s going on?"

Deciding it must’ve been a fluke, he carefully restacked a new pile of branches in the same spot. Turning around for just a second to pick up a stray twig—

POP!

Storm whirled around, his jaw dropping as the pile disappeared again. "You’ve got to be kidding me."

Determined to catch the culprit, he grabbed another branch, wedged it into the ground, and lay flat on his stomach, staring at it intently. "Alright, I’m watching you this time. Let’s see you try that again."

For a moment, nothing happened. The branch stayed exactly where it was. Storm forced his eyes wide open, refusing to blink. Just as he began to relax—

POP!

"What the heck?!" Storm shouted, leaping to his hooves. His head darted in every direction, searching for the source of the mysterious disappearances. Then his gaze landed on something—or rather, somepony.

Not far away, Rarity was delicately trimming and arranging the branches she had gathered, her magic glowing with precision. She hummed to herself, studying her work with a critical eye. Storm’s face fell flat as he connected the dots.

"Rarity," he muttered to himself, trotting over with purpose.

Rarity, oblivious to his approach, carefully carved one of the branches into the shape of a pony standing in a regal pose. "Perfect," she said proudly, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

"Ahem!" Storm cleared his throat loudly, startling her.

"Oh! Storm, darling!" Rarity exclaimed, turning to face him with a bright smile. "What a pleasant surprise. Aren’t these just lovely? I thought the branches could use an elegant touch—a little style, if you will."

Storm raised an eyebrow, glancing at the pony-shaped branches now adorning the trees. The level of detail was impressive, but that didn’t stop him from sighing. "I’ll admit, Rarity, they’re… very nice. The craftsmanship is impressive. The poses are spot-on. You’ve really outdone yourself."

"Why, thank you, Storm!" Rarity beamed, flipping her mane. "I knew you’d appreciate a touch of sophistication amidst this otherwise dreary task."

All of a sudden, a lasso snapped through the air, yanking one of the branches from the tree and unceremoniously tossing it to the ground. The branch landed with a thud, undoing the careful work that had been done. Rarity gasped dramatically, horrified to see her painstakingly arranged display ruined.

Storm and Rarity turned toward the source of the disruption to find Applejack, her lasso spinning deftly as she prepared to grab another branch.

"Just take the broken limbs down, Rarity," Applejack said, her tone dripping with exasperation. "Don’t y’all care ‘bout nothin’ other than prettifyin’?"

"I don’t recall that word in the dictionary," Storm muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

"Somepony has to," Rarity said indignantly. "You were making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack."

Rarity tilted her head toward the ground, now loaded with more torn twigs and branches.

Storm’s gaze flicked toward the pile of broken branches on the ground. "She’s not wrong about the mess," he admitted with a shrug. "But, Rarity, turning these branches into mini art installations isn’t exactly… helpful right now."

Rarity sniffed, tossing her mane dramatically. "I simply couldn’t let the town square descend into chaos! It needed a touch of elegance—an air of sophistication amidst the dreariness!"

Storm held up a hoof to calm the escalating tension. "Rarity, I get it. Trust me, I do. You’re about the finer things in life. But right now, this storm is going to leave a much bigger mess if we don’t get these branches cleared. The last thing we need is for somepony to take a late-night stroll and end up with a concussion because a loose branch fell on their head. Think practicality first, artistry later, okay?"

Rarity merely huffed, as the Pegasus ponies above her continued their job of filling the sky with more dark rain clouds.

"I simply cannot believe why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day," Rarity remarked.

Applejack merely sighed, as she continued to work.

"Storm's right. Think more practical-like, will ya? They accidentally skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it all."

Storm tilted his head curiously. "Define ‘doozy,’ Applejack. Are we talking ‘moderate inconvenience’ or ‘everypony should invest in a canoe’?"

Before Applejack could answer, the sky opened up, unleashing a torrential downpour. Storm sighed heavily as rain plastered his mane to his head.

"Well, that answers that," he muttered. "Great. Just great."

"Oh no!" Rarity exclaimed. "My wonderfully styled mane shall be ruined!"

"Ya shoulda hurried up and finished the job already!" Applejack pointed out.

But poor Rarity just paced around and about, trying to minimize the amount of water from hitting her mane. Unfortunately for her, the rain fell faster and in large drops, nonetheless. Storm shook his head while watching the marshmallow unicorn 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 I 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.

Storm and Applejack exchanged a look before strolling over to see what the commotion was about.

"What now?" Storm asked, his voice flat.

"I prefer not to get my hooves muddy," Rarity pouted.

Storm and Applejack groaned, not even bothering 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.

Storm let out a long, exasperated sigh, shaking his head as the two mares bickered like foals. He couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, "If there’s a universe where you two are married, I hope if I’m ever invited to dinner this doesn’t happen often."

The daggers practically pierced through their eyes, neither mare daring to blink.

"What say we go our separate ways before one of us says something she will regret?" Rarity suggested, her voice dripping with icy civility.

"I reckon y'all are gonna say something you'll regret first," Applejack shot back, her tone tight with frustration.

"On the contrary, I believe it shall most certainly be you who says something regretful first!" Rarity retorted, her nose held high.

"I'm not sayin' anything!"

"Nor am I!"

"Then y'all just be on yer way, then!"

"After you!"

Storm stood a short distance away, his patience visibly thinning as he watched the escalating argument. His brow twitched, his expression a mix of irritation and disbelief. He muttered to himself, "I should’ve brought popcorn…"

The two mares continued their heated exchange, their voices rising in volume as they glared daggers at each other. Slowly, they began to back away, their pride keeping them from turning their backs.

Storm glanced upward, noticing the storm clouds thickening overhead. With a resigned sigh, he rolled his eyes. "In three… two… one…"

KABOOM!

A deafening crack of thunder roared across the sky, shaking the ground beneath their hooves. Both mares yelped in unison, their bravado shattering like glass. They bolted forward, colliding with Storm and wrapping their forelegs around him for dear life.

Storm stumbled slightly, their combined weight throwing him off balance. "Well, this is cozy," he deadpanned, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he glanced at the two trembling mares. "Didn’t realize I’d signed up to be a pony-shaped thunder blanket."

Rarity trembled, her wide eyes darting nervously toward the stormy sky. "Perhaps we should… stick together for now… and, um… find some shelter?"

"Uh-huh," Applejack mumbled, clutching Storm’s other side. "That… sounds like a good idea. And fast."

Storm gave a long, exaggerated sigh, prying himself loose from their death grips. "You think? Great idea, ladies. Let’s ignore the part where I’ve been saying we need shelter for the last ten minutes while you two were busy having the most passive-aggressive showdown in Ponyville history."

Rarity huffed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Well, there’s no need to be rude about it, Storm."

"Rude?" Storm raised an eyebrow, his voice sharp. "Rarity, I’ve stood in the rain, watched you argue about who gets to regret something first, and got turned into a living thunder pillow. I think I’ve earned the right to be a little rude."

Applejack chuckled nervously, adjusting her hat as her ears flattened. "Fair point, sugarcube. We, uh… might’ve gotten carried away there."

"Carried away?" Storm repeated, his tone incredulous. "Applejack, I’ve seen dragons less intense than you two! But hey, as long as we’re all friends again now that the thunder’s got you both holding hooves."

Rarity gasped, pulling her hoof away from Applejack as if it burned. "I most certainly was not holding hooves!"

Applejack snickered. "Sure ya weren’t, sugarcube."

Storm groaned, running a hoof through his wet mane. "Okay, enough. Shelter. Now. Before one of you starts drafting friendship contracts or something equally ridiculous."

The two mares nodded sheepishly, finally falling in line as the trio trudged through the rain together. Storm muttered under his breath, "If I survive this day without losing my sanity, it’ll be a miracle."

*Main theme*

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," She chuckled. "Nice and dry under here, sorta."

It was then she soon noticed her hooves, completely covered in thick mud. As for Rarity, she preferred to stay out in the open attempting to find a better, or at least cleaner, shelter. But for the time being, Rarity had to settle for having Storm, being a gentlecolt and all, conjuring a shield just big enough for the two ponies.

"Oh! Unacceptable!" Rarity muttered.

Storm’s ears twitched, and he gave her a flat look. "You’re welcome, Rarity. You know, for literally keeping you dry right now. No big deal or anything."

"I wasn’t referring to you, darling!" Rarity replied quickly. "Your effort is greatly appreciated. It’s just… Applejack. Ooh! She really grates on my nerves sometimes!"

Storm rolled his eyes and shifted the shield slightly to keep the rain from splashing onto them. "And what did she even do this time? Was it the crime of being practical, or was it the heinous act of caring more about safety than aesthetics?"

Rarity huffed and opened her mouth to respond, but a distant voice interrupted her.

"Storm! 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.

"Storm! Applejack! Rarity!"

Before their very eyes, they spotted their friend Twilight Sparkle calling out to them. She stood just outside her home, in the library, her door completely open.

"Twilight?" They called out.

"Come inside every pony, quick!" Twilight beckoned.

Storm let out a long sigh of relief. "Finally. A break from this chaos."

Applejack and Rarity wasted no time heading towards the library, with Storm following close behind. While Rarity and Storm 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 Storm and I do," Twilight said proudly.

"Had it installed myself," Storm added, shaking some water off his mane. "Nearly took a dive off the roof trying to secure it, but hey, no big deal. Just risking life and limb for good ol’ safety."

Rarity pursed her lips, choosing to ignore the jab. Instead, she turned her attention to Twilight. "We are most grateful for your invitation, darling. Truly."

"Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality," Applejack said.

But just as Applejack made her way inside, Rarity held a fore-hoof stopping her from going past the welcome mat.

"Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?" Rarity said plainly.

Applejack looked toward her hooves, remembering they were coated with mud. She even acknowledged all the hoof prints she made while walking inside. Of course, while it would be considered rude to walk about some pony's home with muddy hooves, the way Rarity told her to wash up clearly rubbed the orange pony the wrong way.

"If I gotta spend one more second with that fuss bucket Rarity today," Applejack grumbled. "I can't be held responsible for what I'm gonna do."

Storm, now toweling off his mane, sighed heavily and watched Applejack’s retreating figure. He muttered under his breath, "You’d think we’d all have bigger problems than a bit of mud right now… like, I don’t know, the raging storm outside."

Rarity sniffed indignantly, missing the sarcasm. "A clean home is a happy home, Storm. You wouldn’t want Twilight’s lovely library to become a pigsty, now would you?"

Storm arched an eyebrow and shook his head. "Rarity, I don’t think mud is the biggest issue when half of Ponyville is practically swimming right now. Maybe cut A.J. some slack—she’s been working her tail off all day." He then left to dry himself off completely.

Rarity opened her mouth to respond, but Twilight, sensing the tension, stepped in.

"Some storm, huh?" Twilight said cheerfully, trying to ease the tension in the library as the rain continued to pour heavily outside. "The Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you, Storm, and Applejack don't have any trouble getting home."

"It may indeed be a problem," Rarity replied, eyeing the relentless downpour outside the window. The rhythmic patter of rain against the glass only reinforced her point.

"Well, you're welcome to stay if need be," Twilight offered kindly. "Spike’s away in Canterlot on royal business, and Storm went along to make sure he got there safely. I thought he might stay to visit his parents and siblings, but for some reason, he decided to come back early. I guess he was worried about me being here alone."

"How very gallant of him," Rarity remarked with a teasing smile. "He truly is quite the protector, isn’t he? Although, if I may ask, what are his parents like? You’ve known him for quite some time, after all."

Twilight’s expression softened as she reflected on her rare encounters with Storm’s family. "Well, I’ve only met his parents a few times because Storm usually spent time at my house instead of his. But from what I remember, they’re… amazing. His mom, Sapphire Moonlight, has this quiet grace about her. She’s calm, wise, and carries herself with this serene confidence—kind of like his older cousin now that I think about it."

"Sapphire Moonlight… such an elegant name," Rarity commented, leaning in with interest.

"And his dad, Mythic Vision," Twilight continued, "is intense but not in an overbearing way. He’s sharp, focused, and deliberate with everything he does. He’s a legend in martial arts circles—Storm’s mentioned how ponies everywhere respect him for his skill and discipline. He’s the type of pony who walks into a room, and everypony just feels his presence."

"A legacy like that must be a heavy one to carry," Rarity noted thoughtfully. "And his siblings? What about them?"

Twilight smiled as she recounted the stories Storm had shared. "Oh, Crimson and Aqua are just as remarkable in their own ways. Crimson’s the youngest—he’s got this fiery personality to match his name. He’s competitive, always trying to outdo Storm. They have this sibling rivalry that’s intense, but you can tell there’s a lot of love behind it. Crimson’s energy is something else—Storm says he’ll never back down from a challenge, no matter how tough it is."

"Quite the spirited younger brother," Rarity mused. "And Aqua?"

"She’s… the exact opposite," Twilight said with a chuckle. "She’s calm, analytical, and always thinking several steps ahead. Storm told me how, growing up, Aqua could outsmart him in just about every game they played—especially chess. He said it drove him crazy, but it also made him respect her even more. She’s sharp as a tack and incredibly focused, but she’s also the type who rarely jokes around."

"A perfect counterbalance to Crimson’s energy," Rarity observed. "It sounds like Storm grew up surrounded by excellence."

Twilight nodded, her expression growing more reflective. "Yeah… I think that’s why he works so hard. He doesn’t talk about it much, but I can tell he’s always pushing himself to live up to their legacy."

Rarity raised a brow, intrigued. "And I assume you’ve met the rest of his family as well? He’s mentioned older cousins, hasn’t he?"

Twilight tilted her head, her brow furrowing in thought. "Oh, Serene and Jasper, you mean? I’ve only met them a few times when I was younger, and they didn’t stay long. But from what I remember, Serene has this… motherly presence about her. She’s always composed, even when everything around her feels chaotic. She reminded me of Sapphire, but with more of an edge—like she’s hiding a uh, monster beneath that calm exterior waiting to come out."

"Oh dear. And Jasper?" Rarity pressed.

Twilight chuckled. "He’s the jokester. From what Storm’s told me, Jasper loves to make ponies laugh, even if he gets himself into trouble doing it. He’s got a big heart, though, and he’s fiercely loyal to his family. I don’t know him as well, but from the few times I met him, he seemed… larger than life. He’s one of those ponies you don’t forget, that’s for sure."

Rarity smiled warmly. "What a fascinating family. No wonder Storm has such a strong sense of discipline and loyalty—he was practically raised by pillars of strength and determination."

Twilight nodded with a fond smile. "They’ve shaped who he is, no doubt about it. But he’s not just following in their hoofsteps—he’s making his own path, too. And I think that’s what makes him so special."

Before Rarity could respond, a loud clap of thunder echoed through the library, making both mares jump slightly.

"Special, indeed," Rarity said with a sly smile, once the thunder faded. "And, might I add, it’s no surprise he’s always looking out for you, Twilight."

Twilight’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly turned back toward the window, pretending to watch the rain. "He’s just being a good friend, that’s all."

"Of course, darling," Rarity said, her knowing tone unmistakable.

Twilight tried to ignore the teasing, then a loud clap of thunder echoed through the sky, causing both mares to jump slightly.

Suddenly, Twilight gasped excitedly as if she'd been struck with inspiration of her own.

"You and Applejack should totally sleep over! We'll have a slumber party! I've always wanted one of those. And since Storm's here, maybe we should include him too!"

Naturally, Rarity had nothing against the idea of a slumber party with Twilight, being they're the 'best of friends'. But a certain pony almost made the idea sound… a little less appealing.

"Oh! Uh, goodness," Rarity replied, with a nervous chuckle. "Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now. 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 her friend 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 (If the excitable hoof clapping didn't give it away). Every now and then, Rarity glanced toward Applejack outside.

"Yes, uh, great," Rarity nervously laughed.

Storm stepped into the room, drying off his mane with a towel while muttering something about the "blasted weather." As he set the towel aside, Twilight turned to him with an almost unnervingly enthusiastic grin.

"Oh, Storm! Would you like to stay for a slumber party?" Twilight asked eagerly, bouncing slightly on her hooves.

Storm froze mid-step, his eyes widening. "Uh… a slumber party? Me?" He glanced between Twilight and Rarity, his discomfort visible. "I mean… isn’t that more of a… ‘mares only’ kind of thing? Wouldn’t it be weird if I was here?"

Twilight tilted her head, clearly not understanding his hesitation. "Why would it be weird? You’re our friend, Storm. We trust you completely! Besides, we wouldn’t want you to feel left out."

Storm scratched the back of his mane awkwardly, his gaze darting around the room. "I don’t know… it’s just been a while since I’ve been to a slumber party. And, well… I didn’t expect to be part of one with… you know…" He motioned vaguely toward Rarity and Twilight.

Twilight stepped closer, her eyes growing wide and round, practically glimmering with exaggerated innocence. "Please, Storm? It’ll be fun! We can play games, tell stories, and have snacks. You don’t want to miss out, do you?"

Storm instinctively looked away, trying to resist the full force of her puppy-dog eyes. "Twilight, that’s not… You’re not playing fair," he muttered, feeling his resolve crack.

Twilight’s lip quivered, and she added a tiny, hopeful smile. Storm sighed heavily, knowing he was losing this battle.

"Fine," he finally said, raising his hoof in surrender. "I’ll stay. But if this turns into some kind of… makeover session or something, I’m out of here."

Twilight squealed happily, clapping her hooves together. "You won’t regret it, Storm! It’s going to be so much fun!"

Rarity smirked slyly, watching the exchange with growing amusement. "Well, well," she teased, her tone lilting. "I must say, Twilight, you’ve discovered quite the effective tactic. Perhaps I should try those puppy-dog eyes on Storm someday."

Storm turned to Rarity, his ears flattening as his cheeks turned a faint pink. "Let’s… not get carried away, Rarity," he said, shooting her a narrowed look.

Rarity gave a light chuckle, brushing a hoof through her mane. "Oh, I’m only teasing, darling. Though I must admit, your willingness to cave under such tactics is rather… endearing."

Storm groaned, rubbing his temples. "This is going to be a long night, isn’t it?"

Twilight, oblivious to Storm’s exasperation, pulled him further into the room. "Come on! Let’s get started. I have so many fun activities planned!"

Storm followed, muttering under his breath, "If I survive this night with my dignity intact, it’ll be a miracle."

(Scene changes)

It wasn't much longer before Applejack arrived inside. Applejack's hooves were still wet, but at least now they were sparkly clean. She felt pleased with herself, till what she saw before her made her gasp. Rarity and Twilight, sitting upon some pillows, brushing some form of mint-green goop on each other's faces. Storm sat quietly, looking at the two. He occasionally glanced at the chaos unfolding around him, his face a mix of amusement and mild discomfort. The mint-green mud mask on his face felt oddly cool and soothing, though he’d never admit it outright.

"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?"

"Silly!" Rarity retorted snootily. "This is called a 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 this book."

"At first, I was against the idea," Storm admitted, waving a hoof vaguely at his own mud-covered face. "But… it’s nice. I hate to say it, but Rarity’s right about the ‘refreshing’ part."

Applejack squinted at him in disbelief. "You serious, sugarcube?"

Storm shrugged nonchalantly. "Don’t knock it ‘til you try it."

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 of all ponies. It was more over being 'a slumber party… with Rarity'.

"Oh hey, heh, would'ja look at the time. I gotta skiddadle on home quick. I'm powerful late, for, uh, fer somethin'." Applejack made a quick dash for the door when…

*KA-BOOM!*

She zipped right back in her spot in the room.

"Maybe I'll sit here for a spell," Applejack conceded reluctantly.

All of a sudden, Rarity and Twilight threw a huge glop of cosmetic mud right in her face. The mud splashed all over her face, as Rarity spread the goop about.

"Hooray slumber party!" Twilight cheered joyfully.

Storm rolled his eyes, suppressing a smirk. "Well, at least one of us is having fun," he muttered.

Later, Rarity set two cucumber slices over Applejack's eyes shortly.

"Blech!" Applejack spluttered. "What in the world is this for?"

"To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course," Rarity said, with a sigh.

"Puffiness-schmuffiness!" Applejack huffed.

She proceeded to collect both cucumber slices with her tongue, consuming them.

"That's good eatin'!"

Rarity looked scandalized, her mouth falling open as if Applejack had committed some grave sin against the art of skincare. She slowly turned her incredulous gaze toward Storm, clearly hoping for an ally.

Storm casually popped one of his own cucumber slices into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. When he noticed Rarity staring, he raised an eyebrow. "What?" he said bluntly. "Waste not, want not."

"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."

Storm glanced at the Slumber 101 book sitting nearby. "Yeah, because nothing screams fun like a perfectly orchestrated checklist," he muttered under his breath, though he couldn’t help but smirk. Twilight’s enthusiasm was infectious, even if he had his doubts about how smoothly this would go.

Rarity, ever the opportunist, saw an opening to subtly prod Applejack. "Did you hear that, you two?" she asked, her tone dripping with faux sweetness. "You certainly wouldn’t want to do anything that would ruin Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?"

Storm raised an eyebrow, instantly recognizing the passive-aggressive jab. "Hey, leave me out of this!" he interjected, waving a hoof dismissively. "I want Twilight to have the best party of her life, just as much as anypony else. I mean, I’ll admit, I thought slumber parties were more Pinkie’s thing, but no pony’s ruining anything… right, A.J.?"

Applejack, who had been glaring at Rarity, turned her attention to Storm. "Course not," she said, though her tone was laced with irritation. "’N I reckon you wouldn’t either, huh, Miss Priss?"

"Do we have an agreement then?" Rarity asked, arching an elegant eyebrow at Applejack.

"You betcha," Applejack replied.

Without missing a beat, she spat into her hoof and extended it toward Rarity for a hoofshake. Rarity recoiled instantly, her face twisted in sheer horror.

"Oh! Gross!" Rarity exclaimed, backing away like Applejack had just offered her a hoof full of slime. "You know, there’s messy, and then there’s just plain rude!"

Storm immediately put a hoof to his forehead. "Uh oh…"

Applejack’s ears flattened, her expression hardening. "Oh yeah? Well, there’s fussy, ‘n then there’s just plain gettin’ on my nerves!"

"Fortunately, I can get along with anypony," Rarity sniffed indignantly. "No matter how difficult she may be."

"Oh, is that so?" Applejack said, leaning closer. "Well, I’m the 'get-alongin-est' pony you’re ever gonna meet."

Storm blinked, leaning slightly toward Twilight. "Is that even a word?"

Twilight shook her head but didn’t say anything as Rarity fired back. "That’s not even a word," she said, her voice as sharp as her glare.

Before Applejack could retort, Twilight sprang into action, swooping down to wrap all three ponies in a tight group hug. "This is going to be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!" she squealed.

The poor unicorn was so excited for her first slumber party, she couldn't see the growing tension between her two best friends… and 'one' best friend stuck in the middle. By the tone of their impressions, there was no enthusiasm at all for this party.

"Yay…" Storm and the girls said, in unison.

(Scene changes)

As the wind and rain howled long into the night, the three girls continued with their makeover session. All three girls had put rollers into their manes and tails. While Twilight was enjoying it, Applejack was hunched low to the ground feeling miserable. Thankfully, Storm was spared from this but kinda enjoyed seeing applejack like this.

"This is so awesome!" Twilight giggled, reviewing her own personal checklist. "Makeovers, check."

She took her slumber book and read the next page.

"Ooh, it says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first?"

Twilight used her magic to remove all the curlers from the girls' manes and tails, much to Applejack's relief.

"Me!" Applejack volunteered. "I'd like to tell y'all the terrifying tale of the 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?" Storm asked sarcastically.

"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 it was Rarity's turn to wave her fore-hooves about. Storm just used his magic to make an auric hand as pinched his face in exasperation.

"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 Storm were to tell us a story?"

"Really?" Storm raised an eyebrow, uncertainty in his voice. "I mean, I have a pretty scary story, but I don’t know if you girls can handle it."

"Aw, quit stalling," Applejack said, leaning back with her hooves crossed. "Just git on to tellin', will ya?"

"All right, all right," Storm said with a chuckle, clearing his throat theatrically. He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering for effect. "Nightmare Night is one of the most popular holidays in Equestria. But this wasn’t always the case. Once, long ago, it held a far darker meaning. This is the story of what happens when a culture forgets its past and ignores the true purpose of its traditions."

The room grew quieter as Storm’s tone turned ominous, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows across the walls.

"This is the origin of a true nightmare, of what happens when a terrifying entity is unwittingly returned to the waking world by three young, foolish friends."

The mares leaned closer, even Rarity unable to resist the pull of Storm’s storytelling. He paused dramatically before delivering his next line.

"But most of all… this is a story about candy."

The tension broke slightly with a collective blink of confusion.

Applejack tilted her head, her brows furrowing. "Candy?"

Storm nodded solemnly, his expression deadly serious. "Yes. Sweet, delectable candy that became the vessel for something far more sinister. This is the story of the Candy Mare."

"Storm…" Twilight’s voice rose slightly, a nervous edge creeping in. "Maybe that’s a little too scary for a sleepover."

Storm frowned, clearly disappointed. "But I barely started.”

"Storm," Twilight interrupted firmly, "we're here for light scares, not years of trauma. Save that story for… I don’t know, a horror-themed party."

Storm sighed heavily, leaning back. "Fine, fine. But just know you’re missing out on one of the best horror tales ever."

Applejack snickered. "Probably for the best. Don’t want to end up with Pinkie sneakin’ candy into bed and blaming it on some imaginary ghost."

Rarity shot a bemused look at Storm. "Well, darling, I must admit, your storytelling voice is rather captivating. Perhaps I’ll need to use some 'puppy dog eyes' of my own someday to hear the rest."

Storm gave her a flat look. "Please don’t."

*KA-BOOM!*

Another clash of thunder was heard, and all the lights went off…

"WAH-AH-AH-AH-AH!"

A high falsetto scream bellowed in the dark. Twilight suddenly reappeared between the three ponies. The unicorn mare held a green lantern loaded with fireflies inside, its green light making her look very ominous.

"I've got one!" She 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. Storm had a little interest in it.

"It was a dark and stormy night, just like this one," Twilight began. "And four ponies were having a slumber party, just like this one…"

Another lightning flash appeared, displaying the howling rain and the outside of the tree house (Along with a familiar home upon its left). By then, Applejack and Rarity trembled from each side. Storm snickered silently watching the two mares get more and more scared. Twilight was just near the end of her ghost story.

"… And just when the last pony thought she was safe…" Twilight continued in a low voice. "There, standing right behind her, just inches away was – The Headless Horse!"

Another deafening clap of thunder filled the room as Twilight reappeared, a blanket draped over her head like a hood, mimicking the terrifying figure in her story.

Applejack and Rarity screamed in unison, clutching each other in pure terror as the thunder rolled again. Twilight, grinning widely, darted back to the center of the room and flipped the lights back on, her face brimming with satisfaction.

"Ghost story, check," Twilight declared triumphantly, marking off her checklist.

Storm chuckled softly, leaning back casually as if the entire tale had been an amusing diversion. Applejack and Rarity, realizing they were still clutching each other, quickly recoiled with embarrassed scowls, each brushing themselves off.

"Storm," Rarity asked, her voice incredulous, "you weren’t scared? Not even a little?"

"Nope," Storm replied with a smug grin, casually adjusting his mane. "Ghost stories don’t really faze me. You two may be ready to leap out of your horseshoes, but me? I’m cool as a cucumber."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Really? Not even a single chill?"

"Not even a tickle," Storm replied, winking playfully. "Though, I will say, Twilight’s storytelling was on point. Solid delivery."

Twilight beamed at the compliment. "Thanks, Storm!"

Applejack and Rarity were merely stunned until they realized they were holding each other before they roughly pulled away from each other. Twilight soon reappeared between them.

"Now, who wants s'mores?" Twilight offered.

Storm looked at her and smiled. "You had me at s'mores!"

(Scene changes)

A short while later, Applejack stood near the fireplace roasting several marshmallows at once. At a nearby table, Rarity showed Twilight how to make the perfect s'more. It is quite apparent Twilight never made one before. Unlike Storm, who was already nibbling on his own s'more as he silently watched the girls.

"Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate," Rarity explained. "And be sure it's centered – that's critical – and then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. Ta-da!"

"Ooh!" Twilight said, clearly impressed. "That's a marvelous job, Rarity. I just feel bad I didn't decide to learn this sooner."

Storm, mid-bite of his own s’more, smirked and raised an eyebrow. "For the record, I did offer to teach you back at Magic School," he said, his tone teasing. "But if I remember right, you said something along the lines of, 'Marshmallows are sticky, and I need this weekend for advanced spell revision.'"

Twilight’s ears flattened as her cheeks turned pink. "I said I was sorry about that!" she huffed.

Storm chuckled, waving her off with a hoof. "I know, I know. It’s ancient history, Sparkle. Honestly, though, these s’mores are so perfect they should be in some kind of culinary museum. Almost feels like a crime eating them."

Rarity laughed, basking in the compliment. "Why, thank you, Storm. I do believe food should be an art form, even something as simple as a campfire treat."

Applejack was more annoyed over the orderly display of what was supposed to be a camping style snack."Art form, huh? Nah, ya just eat 'em," she said, her voice full of rustic charm.

The Earth pony shoved the whole thing in her mouth, munching it loudly and a little sloppily. Storm just watched her with a blank look on his face and sighed. Rarity just looked annoyed until Applejack gave a loud belch.

"You could at least say excuse me," Rarity sighed.

"Aw, I was just about to, but you interrupted me," Applejack replied.

She tilted her head towards Rarity, before giving her a smug look.

"Pardon."

Storm only rolled his eyes as he finished his treat.

As for Twilight, she headed over toward her book.

"S'mores, check," Twilight declared. "Now the next item of fun we have to do is: Truth or Dare."

"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 oughta quit with her fussin' so the rest of us can get things done!" Applejack replied, returning Rarity's glare.

Twilight and Storm watched these two ponies go at it. They turned toward each other, and Storm could see Twilight grow worried that these two were going to start a fight. Storm quickly jumped in between before hooves were thrown.

"Girls!" Storm interrupted. "I'm no expert of 'slumber party' games, but I don't think this is how the game's supposed to work."

"Storm's right," Twilight agreed, flipping through her book. "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," Storm added.

Applejack and Rarity faced each other when the former got an idea.

"I dare 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 Storm said it has to be clean!" Rarity whined.

"Actually, I was referring to the 'other' clean," Storm shrugged. "This on the other hoof… that's different."

"Hah!" Applejack laughed loudly.

"Fine!" Rarity said.

With her nose in the air, she stepped outside. Applejack snickered as she heard Rarity cry outside. By the time Rarity returned, the orange pony and Storm couldn't help but laugh. There the marshmallow unicorn stood, her curly mane wet and straight. She also shivered since the rainwater was very cold.

"You know, Rarity, you should consider keeping that look," Storm suggested. "Looks better on you."

"Ha-ha-ha, very funny," Rarity laughed sarcastically.

She then walked up toward the orange pony with the Stetson hat.

"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 matching hat, and ribbons to boot. She continued to give an icy glare to Rarity once she had come back. Storm's eyes widen in surprise.

"Happy?" Applejack asked.

"Very," Rarity smirked.

"Though snrk I'm not sure if that outfit would work for the Grand Galloping Gala," Storm pointed out trying to hold it together. "But I will admit it's… different."

"Um, do I ever get a turn?" Twilight wondered curiously.

"Great idea!" Storm spoke up. "I'll let you ask me if you want, I'm an open book. The first thing that 'pops' in your head."

"Well, since you've volunteered," Twilight nodded. "Here's a 'truth' question… Why did you really come all the way back from Canterlot when you said you'd be visiting your family?"

You can hear glass shatter as Storm eyes widen comically as he wasn’t prepared for Twilight to ask that question as he tried to clear his throat.

"Uh…" Storm sputtered, nervously. "Well, that is to say… if we're being honest, I just—"

"I dare ya to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town," Applejack challenged Rarity, interrupting Storm.

"I dare you not to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town," Rarity retorted.

Storm turned to the side, as now the two ponies were face-to-face.

"I dare ya not to comb your mane a hundred times!"

"And I dare you to comb yours just once!"

It was during this moment Twilight realized this game wasn't going as planned.

"Uh, I think we should check off Truth or Dare and move on," Twilight suggested.

For once, Storm sighed with relief as that meant he didn't have to answer the question. By now, Applejack was out of the dress, and Rarity's mane was dry and assumed its curly style. As all three ponies adjusted, Twilight returned to her 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 Storm eyes widen and he wasn’t prepared for what was about to happen.

"Oh no…" he muttered quietly, sensing the storm (not his name) that was about to erupt.

"Oh, please," Rarity replied, with an eye roll. "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.

"Oh. It. Is. ON!" Rarity declared, darkly.

She grabbed a pillow with her mouth and threw it at Applejack, who got one right in the face. Applejack bucked three pillows right at Rarity, hitting her in the face one after another. For a brief moment, as Storm tried to take cover from the incoming pillows, he swore he 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 a 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. Applejack returned fire. Soon pillows were zipping back and forth between them, while Storm used his magic to levitate one pillow and block any incoming barrage sent toward him. The entire time Twilight looked puzzled until she figured it out.

"Oh, I get it!" Twilight exclaimed. "Pillow, fight! Fun! UGH!"

Storm turned as Twilight was pelted in the head by not just one, but 'two' pillows.

"TWILIGHT nooooooooo!" Storm yelled in exaggerated slow motion, reaching out a hoof dramatically.

*WHAM!*

Storm’s heroic intervention was cut short as a pillow smacked him squarely on the back of his head, sending him tumbling into a pile of pillows. Twilight’s head popped out from the feathery heap, feathers stuck in her mane as she groaned wearily.

"Ah, uh, girls?" She said wearily. "Maybe we 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 Storm, 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.

"Storm!"

Twilight dug through the pillows, pulling out the unconscious stallion, who was seeing figures of Applejack and Rarity running around his head arguing.

"Storm? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

Storm's eyes swirled around a bit before he shook his head with a babble sound. Then he regained his sense's back.

Storm groaned softly as Twilight pulled him upright, still brushing feathers from his mane. "You know, I expected a lot from tonight, Twilight," he muttered, rubbing his head. "But getting buried alive by pillows wasn’t exactly on my list of 'must-try experiences.'"

Twilight gave him a sheepish smile, clearly relieved he was okay. "Sorry about that, Storm. I should’ve stepped in sooner."

"No harm done… except maybe to my pride," he replied, glancing at the still-feuding Applejack and Rarity. He rolled his eyes, standing up with a slight wobble. "Although I’m starting to think my survival instincts need work. I should’ve seen this coming."

A sigh escaped her lips, as Twilight turned back toward her two 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.

(Scene changes)

Within a few minutes, Twilight was just settling into her bed, fluffing her pillow and pulling the blanket up to her chin. Across the room, the second bed was shared by Rarity and Applejack. Though it seemed they had finally calmed down, an occasional huff or twitch from one of them hinted the truce was tenuous at best.

Twilight turned her gaze downward to the floor, where Storm lay sprawled atop a carefully arranged pile of pillows, adjusting every few seconds in search of the elusive perfect spot.

"Sorry I couldn’t give you the spare bed tonight," Twilight said softly, guilt tinging her voice. "I thought it would be more polite to let Rarity and Applejack share it since, well… they didn’t seem too keen on sleeping anywhere else."

Storm waved a hoof dismissively, offering a small, tired smile. "Don’t sweat it, Twi. This is perfectly fine. These pillows are comfier than you’d think. Besides, I’ve slept in tree branches, rocky caves, and once even on a frozen lake during training. Compared to that, this is practically luxury."

Twilight giggled lightly, the sound soft and warm amidst the patter of rain against the window. "Still… I appreciate your patience. Tonight’s been… a lot."

Storm chuckled, shaking his head as he stretched his legs out and rested his head back. "You can say that again. Between Applejack and Rarity’s… creative approach to teamwork and that epic pillow fight, I’d say this slumber party has been one for the history books."

The room fell into a brief silence, save for the muffled thunder rumbling in the distance and the faint sound of rain. Twilight shifted slightly, her eyes flicking toward Storm again. Her expression turned contemplative before she spoke.

"You never did answer my question earlier," she said, her voice soft but insistent.

Storm opened one eye to glance at her, his brow raising slightly. "Which question was that? The one before I got ambushed by flying pillows?"

Twilight smiled despite herself, though her eyes remained earnest. "You know which one. Why didn’t you stay in Canterlot like you planned? Why did you come back to Ponyville?"

Storm sighed, closing his eyes briefly as if weighing how much to share. Finally, he opened them and met Twilight’s gaze, his voice quieter than usual.

"I guess there’s no dodging it this time, huh?" he said, half-joking before turning serious. "Okay, here’s the truth. Spike and I had just gotten off the train in Canterlot when I noticed something… off. The storm clouds forming over Ponyville were heavier than I’d ever seen before, and for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to come back."

Twilight tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Why didn’t you just trust the weather team? They’ve handled plenty of storms before."

"Maybe it sounds weird," Storm admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, "but it wasn’t just the storm. It felt like… like something was pulling me back. I can’t explain it. It wasn’t panic, exactly, but it was this gut feeling I couldn’t ignore. Spike noticed it too. He even told me to go, said he could handle the royal stuff on his own. Guess he figured I’d be restless anyway."

Twilight smiled softly. "That does sound like Spike. Always so thoughtful."

"Yeah," Storm agreed, his tone warm. "I got lucky with that little guy. Anyway, I tried teleporting back, but the storm’s interference made it a mess. Ended up on the wrong side of the Everfree Forest before I finally got my bearings. By the time I reached Ponyville, I barely had enough time to grab some gear and start clearing branches before the storm hit. And, well… you know the rest."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on Storm as she absorbed his words. "That… actually makes sense," she said finally. "You’ve always had strong instincts, Storm. I guess it was just your way of looking out for everypony, like always."

Storm chuckled, though there was a hint of bashfulness in his tone. "I wouldn’t say always, but… thanks. I just couldn’t shake the idea that you guys might need me here. I’m glad I trusted my gut."

"Can I be honest?" Twilight asked.

Storm silently nodded.

"I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip just to come back," Twilight admitted, her tone tinged with guilt. "I guess I was worried you came back for nothing."

Storm's lips curved into a reassuring smile as he waved her concern off with his hoof. "Don’t worry about it, Twi. I’ll just write to my parents tomorrow and explain the situation. They’ll understand. Besides, you needed me here more."

Twilight’s own smile widened, touched by his selflessness. "I’m glad you came back. This slumber party… as chaotic as it was… wouldn’t have been the same without you."

Storm chuckled, leaning back into his makeshift bed. "Yeah, I’ll admit, this was… fun in its own way. But you should’ve seen my sister Aqua’s slumber parties with Crimson and me. They weren’t as wild as this, but they definitely had their moments."

Twilight perked up at the mention of his siblings, tilting her head in curiosity. "Aqua Diamond and Crimson Charge… you know, in all the years we’ve known each other, you’ve never talked much about them. What are they really like?"

Storm smirked, a mixture of pride and fondness lighting his features. "Aqua? She’s sharp as a tack—brilliant, methodical, and always five steps ahead of everyone else. But she’s got a tongue that can cut sharper than my katana. Deep down, though, she cares more than she’ll ever admit. She’s just… guarded."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully. "And Crimson?"

Crimson, well… he’s like me. Always feels like he has something to prove. He’s got this energy—always in motion, always trying to prove himself. He’s competitive, stubborn, and a bit of a hothead, but his heart’s in the right place. No matter how much we argue, he’d go to the ends of Equestria for me—or Aqua or any of our family."

Twilight’s eyes softened as she absorbed his words. "They sound wonderful, Storm. It’s clear you love them deeply."

"Yeah," Storm replied, his voice dropping into a wistful tone. "I do. They drive me crazy sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything."

Twilight hesitated for a moment before asking, "You mentioned Aqua’s slumber parties. Were they anything like this one?"

"Well…" Storm started, his voice dropping. "Aqua was just starting magic kindergarten, and she was so excited to make a good first impression. She poured all her energy into making these invitations—like, all her energy. Everypony in her class got one. She even spent hours making sure the paper was just right… I’m talking glitter, special fonts, the works."

Twilight's eyes lit up at the thought. "That sounds like something Rarity would do!" she giggled, imagining the effort Aqua must have put in.

Storm smiled faintly, though his eyes grew distant, the weight of the memory settling in. "Yeah, it was a masterpiece, really. But…" His smile faded, replaced by a shadow of sadness. "No pony showed up."

Twilight’s awe turned to shock, her face dropping as the warmth of the story took an unexpected turn. "That’s awful!" she gasped.

"Yeah…" Storm sighed, his gaze falling to the floor. "Canterlot ponies can be… notoriously snooty, you know? Not one response, not even a polite decline. Aqua waited by the door all night, checking every few minutes, hoping someone—anyone—would show. When it was clear no pony was coming, she locked herself in her room and refused to come out. She was heartbroken."

Twilight’s heart ached for Aqua as she imagined the scene. "That must’ve been so hard for her… and for you."

"It was," Storm admitted quietly. "Looking back, I think that was the moment she started closing herself off from others. It was like… something inside her decided it was easier to guard her heart than risk being hurt like that again. Crimson and I couldn’t stand seeing her like that, though. We weren’t going to let her spend the night crying alone. So, we 'invited' ourselves over."

Twilight tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "You threw a slumber party for her?"

Storm nodded, a small, wistful smile returning to his face. "Yeah. The three of us ended up having a blast. We ate all the snacks she’d prepared, played every game she’d set up, and even had a pillow fight. Crimson, of course, got way too into it and nearly knocked a lamp over. But Aqua? She smiled the whole night. That smile made it all worth it."

Twilight’s eyes softened, her admiration for Storm growing. "That’s so sweet, Storm. You and Crimson really came through for her."

Storm’s smile faltered slightly, his voice lowering. "We tried. But… I’ve always wondered if it was enough. That night might’ve cheered her up, but it didn’t undo the damage. Aqua’s been guarded ever since—careful about who she lets in, keeping ponies at a distance. I wish I could’ve done more to help her back then. Maybe… maybe she wouldn’t feel the need to protect herself so much now."

Twilight placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder, her gaze filled with empathy. "It sounds like you did everything you could, Storm. You and Crimson showed her she wasn’t alone when she needed it most. That’s what matters."

Storm looked at her, his smile returning faintly. "Thanks, Twi. I just hope someday she realizes she doesn’t have to carry that fear forever."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully, then offered a warm smile. "Maybe one day, I’ll get to meet her and Crimson again. They sound amazing."

Storm smirked, his tone lightening. "Yeah… maybe next time I head to Canterlot, you can come with me. Just the two of us for a weekend. We could stop by the academy, check out some old haunts—"

Twilight giggled. "What about Spike?"

"Of course! He’s always welcome," Storm replied with a chuckle. "And maybe next time he can come to another sleepover… even if it is a bit on the girly side. He could learn a thing or two about teamwork from these pillow fights."

Twilight burst into laughter, playfully nudging Storm’s shoulder with her hoof. "I’ll hold you to that."

Storm rubbed his shoulder where she’d nudged him, pretending to wince but grinning nonetheless. "Looking forward to it, Sparkle."

"Could you imagine if any of our other friends were here right now?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, how can I not?" Storm chuckled, imagining. "Pinkie Pie would turn this into an all-out party. We'd have to hold down Rainbow Dash just to get her to do a makeover. And Fluttershy… well, I don't really think parties are her thing. But just to be around friends she can trust, I think she'd at least be… content. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind having another slumber party with all our friends and maybe participating in the activities."

"Well… maybe someday," Twilight replied, yawning. "We better get some sleep and see what happens tomorrow. Good night, Storm."

Storm watched as Twilight roll herself under the sheets, lying her head upon the pillow. A smile spread across his face as he admired Twilight's sleeping figure from the floor.

"Good night… Twilight," Storm said softly.

Before long, Storm's eyes couldn't stay awake as he drifted off to sleep while all was silent inside the tree house.

(Scene changes)

Unfortunately, for either unicorn, 'silence' was not going to be golden on this night. As Applejack and Rarity lied on the spare bed, neither girl was even willing to share it quietly.

"Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed," Rarity warned, from her end.

"My hooves ain't muddy," Applejack argued indignantly.

"They were!" Rarity retorted. "There might still be a little on them."

"They ain't! See?"

Applejack turned to face Rarity, shoving a fore-hoof right in her face.

"Eww!" Rarity groaned.

The fashionista leaned away from it, turning away so angrily that she claimed the entire blanket for herself.

"Now who's bein' inconsiderate?" Applejack shot back.

Applejack took the entire blanket and wrapped herself into it like a burrito. Rarity groaned as she got out of the bed, pulling the blanket off of Applejack.

"I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right," Rarity told her. "Get up!"

"Hey!" Applejack grumbled.

The cowgirl pony forced herself up, as 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 climbed in from the top of her pillow.

"Mm, uh, ooh, u-u-u-uh, uh, ah…" Rarity murmured.

Applejack just stared with a bored expression, as she 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 to herself. A groan lets out, not just from Rarity but a certain stallion 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.

"Can't hear ya, I'm asleep," Applejack replied.

The farm pony tried to feign snoring, as Rarity tried to get Applejack to move. It reached to a point that Rarity pulled the blanket right off the orange pony.

"I ain't budgin'," Applejack retorted stubbornly.

"You will if you want any blankets," Rarity replied.

"Give it back!" Applejack demanded angrily.

"I will not!" Rarity muffled, her mouth on the blanket.

"Yes you will!" Applejack said.

She grabbed the other end of the pillow with her mouth, as a game of tug of war commenced between the two ponies. Storm's eye twitched, as his face scrunched to a frown as he tried to stop himself from blowing up.

"Won't!"

"Will!"

"Won't!"

"Will!"

"Won't!"

"Will!"

Storm had enough of their bickering as he took a very deep breath, but before he could say anything a certain mare beat him to it.

"ENOUGH!"

All three ponies quickly turned toward Twilight. Apparently, she hadn't been clueless to their arguing and was now very upset as she showed them the slumber book.

"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 that off!"

Storm blinked, his frustration momentarily replaced with surprise. "Wait… you knew they were arguing this whole time?"

"Of course I knew!" Twilight exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of irritation and exasperation. "I’ve been trying my absolute hardest to get us to bond, but these two won’t stop acting like foals fighting over a toy!"

The two girls stared at the unicorns before glaring at each other.

"I've been tryin' my darndest 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!"

Storm groaned loudly, rubbing his temples with his hooves as his patience finally snapped. He stepped between the two mares, his fiery glare bouncing between them.

"Are you serious right now?!" Storm growled. "You two have been bickering nonstop since this slumber party started! The makeover? Ruined! The s'mores? Barely tolerable with your snide comments! The pillow fight? Nearly knocked me unconscious!"

"And now, you’re standing here, arguing over who was more of a pain while my best friend is over there trying her hardest to make this work? Honestly, if I knew this was going to happen, I would’ve stayed in Canterlot! At least there, the drama comes with snacks and live classical music!"

Rarity and Applejack flinched slightly at Storm’s words, their ears flattening as guilt began to settle in.

"Is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?" Twilight asked.

It was then that a large bolt of lightning struck a nearby tall, yet skinny tree. The bolt damaged the tree just near the top end, the very sight frightened Twilight. The unicorn mare hid her nose into her pillow.

"Sorry I asked," She said meekly.

The three girls and Storm turned their heads toward the tree. They all gasped as they saw the burnt top of the tree leaning dangerously forward. Any moment from now, it could tumble onto the top of a house along the right side of Twilight's home.

"Oh boy." Storm said.

"Ya see?!" Applejack called out. "That's why we needed 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 cut Rarity 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. Storm saw what Applejack was about to do.

"Wait! Stop! Don't!" Rarity shouted.

"A.J., do not pull the—" Storm warned.

"No waitin'! No stoppin'! Doin!" Applejack spoke, with the rope in her mouth.

She pulled the rope hard, forcing the tree to fall the other way.

"And that my friends is what we call 'getting' er done'."

But all Storm, Rarity, and Twilight could do was cry out when…

*CRASH!*

The top of the tree flew through the window into the bedroom, knocking Storm backward and sent crashing into a mountain of pillows. Applejack dangled along the rope leading downstairs to the library. The heavy rain and intense wind came rushing inside Twilight's bedroom.

"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 the orange pony sighed with guilt when she saw Twilight poke out of the tree branches. The moment she saw Storm's tail sticking out through the pillows, still and limp, she stared in horror.

"Storm!" Twilight gasped.

"I'm mighty sorry, Twilight," Applejack spoke regretfully.

Twilight tried to stay calm. But it's plain 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, my best friend knocked out, 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, ooh… ah!"

In her panic, Twilight began shuffling through her book. Applejack looked around and soon saw Rarity cleaning some items which fell off the bookshelf due to the sudden tree branch. The rain and the winds started to pick up with each passing minute.

"What in tarnation are y'all doing 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 to clean, 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 book for answers. With Twilight preoccupied and Storm Shadow out cold, she headed back toward Rarity.

"Rarity for pony's sake!" Applejack grunted. "Stop sweatin' the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!"

Applejack's rants 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. She could feel the frustration build up inside her, but she knew what she had to do.

"Look, I'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 the orange pony till that point. It's as if she hadn't been tuning Applejack out on purpose at all.

"What was that?" Rarity said.

"I said I'm sorry!" Applejack repeated. "I 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, Storm 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.

"Uh… uh, but I'll get all icky!" Rarity protested feebly.

"Cosarnit! What the…"

Applejack was about to snap, but quickly corrected herself.

"… Eh… you… I mean, yes, ickiness is often the side effect of hard work. But y'all need to get over it, on account I just can't fix this mess I made myself. I need your help."

Rarity, though hesitant, shifted her face to a look of determination. As if it suddenly dawned on her over what was more important for them now.

"Oh. Let's do this!" Rarity declared.

As the two discussed a new plan, Twilight was still shuffling through her slumber book.

"Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties," Twilight pointed 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 cute mini sculptures on them. The rest of the branches had magically been removed minus 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 lifted 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 covered in leaves and mud.

"U-ugh. Oh, I look awful!" She said sadly.

Fussy or not, Applejack couldn't stand seeing Rarity so glum. Then the orange pony got an idea. She grabbed some leftover cucumber slices and set them upon Rarity's eyes.

"Better?" Applejack asked.

Rarity suddenly remembered what she mentioned before, about how mud had cosmetic purposes. Then what her friend did for Rarity… Applejack actually paid attention to that one detail. It was more than enough to make Rarity smile.

"Hmph, thanks," She said, with a brave smile.

Rarity reached a hoof out to find the orange pony. Applejack shifted so Rarity knew she was there and the two shared a warm, yet messy hug. Despite their little achievement, Twilight was still shuffling through her book when she saw some of the leftover mini sculptures.

"Oh, pretty!" Twilight said. "Where did these come from? They were not in the book either…"

"Ugh…." Storm groaned

Twilight's search through the book was interrupted by a deep groan. She rushed downstairs with Rarity and Applejack not too far behind. They stopped by the pillow mound, as Storm poked his head out of the pile and got on his four hooves. He tumbled for a bit before he knelt down panting and shook his body a bit to get the feathers off him.

"Storm!" The three girls exclaimed as they hugged him.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Twilight sighed in relief.

"Yeah… though side from the splitting headache I think I’m fine," Storm moaned, looking around. "I can see you two finally decided to work together."

"Well, you were right about our petty argument darling," Rarity said. "Aside from a little mud, once we started working together we performed just fine."

"Just fine, sugarcube," Applejack added in agreement.

Storm smiled in satisfaction, seeing the two having made up after one crazy evening.

Twilight’s face lit up with an idea. "You know, everypony, our slumber party isn’t officially over until we’ve had some real fun. I’ve got the perfect way for all of us to enjoy ourselves. What do you think?"

The mischievous glint in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Applejack and Rarity. They exchanged sly smiles, clearly picking up on Twilight’s unspoken plan. Storm, meanwhile, was oblivious as he dusted off the last of the feathers from his mane.

"Finally," Storm muttered, shaking out his coat. "Maybe we can have a peaceful—"

The three mares crept up behind him silently, their movements in perfect sync. They prepared to pounce, their grins widening as they closed the gap.

But just as they leaped— FLASH! TWEEK!

In an instant, Storm vanished in a flash of light, reappearing directly behind them. Before they could react, his aura-covered hooves expertly tapped pressure points on their necks. The three mares froze mid-motion, their muscles tensing briefly before Storm released them. They stumbled forward slightly, rubbing their necks with sheepish winces.

"You know, girls," Storm said, his voice calm but edged with playful smugness as he leaned casually against the wall, "I’m starting to notice a trend here. You try to ambush me, and I end up one step ahead. It’s cute, really."

Rarity pouted dramatically. "You could at least pretend to let us win once in a while."

Applejack adjusted her hat, her grin widening. "Yeah, sugarcube, yer makin’ it mighty hard for us to surprise ya."

Storm chuckled, shaking his head. "That’s not my fault. Maybe try being less obvious next time."

Twilight smirked, her gaze narrowing as she stepped forward. "Oh, we’ll see about that."

Without warning, the three mares turned to him with their secret weapon: synchronized puppy dog eyes. Twilight’s sparkling, wide-eyed stare was paired with Rarity’s perfectly quivering lower lip, and Applejack added her innocent, down-home charm to the mix.

Storm’s confident smirk faltered. He looked at them, then away, then back again, trying to focus on anything else. "Oh no. Nope. Not happening. I am not falling for this…"

The trio leaned in closer, their expressions growing even more exaggeratedly adorable. Storm broke into a nervous laugh, holding up a hoof. "Okay, this is… unfair. There’s three of you. This should be illegal."

"You know you can’t resist, darling," Rarity teased, batting her lashes.

"Come on, Storm," Twilight coaxed sweetly. "We just want to have some fun… together."

"Yeah, big guy," Applejack drawled, her grin tugging at her lips. "Ain’t like we’re askin’ ya to go wrangle a hydra or somethin’."

Storm groaned loudly, rubbing his temples as if physically battling their combined cuteness. Finally, he let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing his hooves in the air. "Fine! You win. But just know this… I’m keeping score."

The three mares erupted into giggles, their victory evident in their grins. Twilight clapped her hooves. "Great! Now let’s do something fun!"

Storm muttered under his breath as they dragged him toward their next activity. "This is why I’m afraid of having foals… too many big, cute eyes to deal with."

"Storm, what was that?" Twilight asked, looking over her shoulder.

"Nothing!" Storm replied, forcing a grin. "Just thinking about how great this is gonna be."

The mares laughed again, and despite himself, Storm couldn’t help but smile.

(Scene changes)

A little while later they were all laughing together in the middle of their game of twenty questions with Twilight and Storm.

"Is it bigger than a barn?" Applejack asked.

"Nope," Twilight laughed.

"It is smaller than a saddle?" Rarity guessed next.

"No!" Twilight laughed again. "Only three of your twenty questions left!"

"We're never gonna guess what you're thinkin' of!" Applejack sighed. "It could be anythin'."

"Come on," Storm teased, leaning back with a smirk. "You two are usually sharper than this."

Applejack shot him a playful glare. "Oh, big talk from the stallion who thought the 'answer' was a chair earlier."

"Hey, I’m just here for moral support," Storm said, chuckling. "And besides, it was technically a good guess."

"Are we getting warmer?" Rarity asked.

"Why? Is it too cold in here for you?" Twilight asked worriedly. "I can turn up the heat."

"She means are we getting' any closer with our guesses?" Applejack asked.

Twilight said. "And that technically counted as a question, so only two more left!"

Applejack and Rarity exchanged puzzled looks before facing Twilight once more.

"Is it… a six-legged pony with a purple polka-dotted mane and shootin' stars coming out of his eyes?" Applejack guessed.

"Who flies through the air all over the world to hide magic, sparkly eggs?" Rarity added.

Storm blinked slowly, his face a mixture of disbelief and amusement. "I—what? Seriously, what goes on in your heads?"

"That's it!" Twilight said.

"It is?!" Applejack and Rarity said at once.

"It is?" Storm added.

"No," Twilight said simply. "It's that."

Twilight pointed behind them showing that what she was thinking is her telescope.

"But it was just so nice to see you two finally getting along, I wanted you to be able to win together."

Applejack and Rarity just looked at each other before they laughed.

"See?" Twilight continued. "We could have been having fun like this all along."

"If only some pony hadn't been so persnickety," Applejack pointed out with a smirk.

"Well, maybe she would have been if some pony else hadn't been so sloppy," Rarity retorted with her own smirk.

"Sorry for being such a pain in the patootie," Applejack said sincerely.

"Oh no," Rarity protested. "I'm sure I was much worse."

"That's kind of ya to say. But I'm the one who's sorry."

"Oh, I'm much more sorry than you are."

"Ugh. Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

The two ponies glared before they broke out laughing, no longer caring about who was right anymore.

Storm rolled his eyes but smiled as the two mares bickered. "Guess some ponies never grow out of these silly spats," he thought with a chuckle. "Though, who am I to judge? Twilight and I have had our share over the years."

His thoughts were interrupted the moment Twilight got between them and gave them a hug.

"I declare my first slumber party a success!" Twilight said.

Storm grinned as the three mares turned to him, their smiles infectious. They all lifted their hooves, meeting in a triumphant high-hoof before breaking into laughter.

"And it wouldn’t have been as great without our special guest," Rarity said teasingly, giving Storm a knowing look.

"Aw, c’mon now, don’t start," Storm replied, feigning annoyance. But when the three mares surrounded him in a group hug, he chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind being invited to another one of these… chaotic little gatherings," Storm admitted with a smirk.

"That’s the spirit!" Twilight said happily. "Next time, maybe you’ll be in charge of the games."

"Next time?" Storm raised an eyebrow, though his smile lingered. "Fine, but only if I don’t end up buried in pillows again. No promises, though."

(Scene changes)

But in the meantime, as morning drew near and the rain stopped completely, Storm leaned back and watched the three girls enjoying some fun party games with each other. While munching away on a s'more, Storm observed Rarity and Applejack playing a team game where one was blindfolded and the other telling them which way to go to reach the goal. The only obstacle in the way was a fortress wall made out of several books. Rarity was in command while Applejack was blindfolded.

"Now take two steps to your left," Rarity said. "Uh, no, my left."

"Whu, which is it? Whoa!"

Applejack crashed into the book fortress, but merely chuckled as she got back up.

"That mess is your fault, not mine."

"Sorry," Rarity laughed.

Twilight watched her friends laugh together before continuing with her letter.

Dear Princess Celestia

It's hard to believe that two ponies who seem to have so little in common could ever get along. But I found out that if you embrace each other's differences, you just might be surprised to discover a way to be friends after all.

Twilight paused briefly to face Storm, who took another bite of his s'more while watching the girls. For a brief moment, he turned toward Twilight Sparkle with a smile and offered a soft gesture to her which she smiled in return.

P.S. I… must admit I was worried that I took Storm hostage during our slumber party when all he did was check up on me because he cared. But in a way, I had a chance to learn from him as he learned from me. So… despite some hiccups… I think you'll agree that I should share my lesson with him. So… you'll see both our names on this letter as usual.

Twilight chuckled sheepishly to herself, though she'd probably rewrite that last part later. Just then, she got an idea.

"So, who's up for another slumber party tomorrow?" Twilight proposed.

While Storm eyed Twilight widely, Applejack and Rarity just exchanged looks before throwing two pillows at Twilight's face.

"Ugh, how about a week from Thursday?" Twilight suggested. "Oh, how about two weeks from Saturday? A month from now?"

Storm just chuckled, while Applejack and Rarity smiled. Satisfaction formed on Storm's face knowing Twilight had a successful sleepover with her friends… and a night with Twilight he won't ever forget. As Storm looked out the window, he witnessed all the grey clouds break apart as the warm morning sun basks over Ponyville once more.

Author's Note

If you guys haven't read or even listened to the story on Youtube then you guys are missing out. Really glad I listened to it on Halloween.