//------------------------------// // Part 2 // Story: A First For Everything - Luna's Slumber Party // by Sonic Rainblast //------------------------------// Tonight was the night: the slumber party of Princess Luna was moments away for the special six ponies. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie were all ready to make their hostess' first party the best after a day of hopeful talking and anticipation. Everypony had an eager desire to seek satisfaction in a certain activity of the nightly occasion: Rarity and Fluttershy indulging in makeovers, Applejack and Rainbow Dash vying in a pillow fight, and Pinkie Pie whipping up a scary ghost story. As for a resolute Twilight, she was more inclined to share her constellation progress with Princess Celestia, but playing Truth or Dare for the first time would be intriguing. She had packed her best work and her trusty telescope in her saddlebags, hoping to find more star patterns tonight; but this time, with her mentor. Dusk had fallen upon Equestria, and the six friends had rendezvoused at Twilight's home, waiting with an air of excitement for their transportation to appear. Pinkie Pie happened to be the only pony in the group wearing pajamas; they were light blue, arrayed with apple-topped, pink-frosted cupcakes, and were amazingly soft and fleecy. No matter what Pinkie wore (even if they were surprisingly casual), they would always express her alacritous spirit. "Lemme guess: your favorite PJs?" Rainbow Dash asked while hovering next to her. "Uh-huh!" Pinkie Pie nodded. "These are my all-time favorite, even though I got these yesterday. The cats and pajamas store had all kinds of them, but none were as soft and snuggly-wuggly as this one!" Pinkie nuzzled the sleeve of her left arm as proof of it. "So I'm like a huge pillow! I also wanted a cute little kitty, but I was afraid Gummy might become jealous of me having another pet around." "They certainly fit you and your love for cupcakes," Fluttershy remarked. "Thanks, Fluttershy, but I bet a caramel apple pair would be perfect for me!" She punctuated her statement with giddy bounces. Alas, not all of the young mares fully assimilated the spirit of recreation. "Are you sure Spike c’n handle my li'l sister an’ ‘er two filly friends in yer library, Twi?" Applejack spoke to the violet unicorn, wanting to be rest assured. "I can trust Spike to handle those three," Twilight promised. "All they're doing is having a sleepover just like we will. What harm can they do?" "Make a mess of yer entire home, or lose some of yer possessions, or drive Spike crazy," she protested. "Applejack," Rarity stepped in, "you need not to worry so much. This is a time of cherishing and fun for them and for us. Don't forget my little sister Sweetie Belle is in there as well, and I know she has manners when in a pony's home. So relieve yourself of doubt, Applejack. The cheerful mood of tonight is what we should have." Rarity's more fluent assurance yielded a smile for the now ingratiated orange pony. "Yeah, Ah guess yer right. This 'ere night is all about fun, and Ah'll enjoy it like bein' in a rodeo. Ah hope you two are right about placin’ trust on ‘em." "We're positive," Twilight affirmed, sending a “well-done” wink to Rarity who reacted in correspondence. “Look! Our ride’s here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, projecting a hoof to four royal pegasi arriving with a carrier. The transporters landed in front of the six, retaining their stoic composures. The ponies took heed to their discernable pantomime and proceeded to the carrier. Fortunately, it was large–––and comfortable–––enough to accommodate them in a small circle. “Here we go, everypony,” Twilight zealously said to them. “Onward to the slumber party!” Rarity cheered. As if acknowledged, the pegasi arched, extended their wings, and took off at an angle safe for ascending. In no time, they all were high enough above Ponyville to see the roofs of abodes and nearly the outskirts. Because their direction was west, they were directly facing the captivating descent of Celestia’s sun. The expanding below view was marvelous, but it was nothing compared to the grand and awesome view of the sunset and its intermixed colors. Everypony was enthralled to see such a sight of stunning and spectacular surrealism; it was virtually an once-in-a-lifetime moment for the earth ones to witness a display like this, too. “Go-lly. Ya don’t see somethin’ like this every day now huh?” Applejack spoke. “Next to fireworks, nope!” Pinkie Pie concurred as she hung over the edge of the carrier, feeling the altitude's flowing breezes. “And it’s all thanks to the princesses of Equestria,” Twilight added with gratitude. “You two must always enjoy glorious sunsets like these do you?” Rarity spoke to the only two pegasi of the group: Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. “At least you two aren’t limited like the rest of us when it comes to being in the sky.” “Yeah, well, I don’t usually pay attention to them, but I would from time to time,” the blue pegasus clarified. “I love to watch them whenever I get the chance. They’re so beautiful,” Fluttershy answered in contrast with Rainbow Dash’s statement. “Indeed. Such natural works of art,” Rarity accorded. Then she leaned towards the yellow pegasus and discretely whispered, “We have got to share a moment like this together.” Fluttershy nodded as her cheeks tinted red. “So, are you ready to get thrashed by pillows, AJ? Because I intend to,” Rainbow Dash ensured. “Not as much as I wanna pummel ya wit' ‘em, Rainbow,” Applejack retorted with a daring grin. “Like I said before, I’ve developed mad skills in Air Dodgeball. You don’t have a chance.” “Always puttin’ yer bits where yer mouth is. We’ll see when we get there.” “Yes, we, will.” Rainbow Dash pressed her face against Applejack’s, proving her growing, competitive disposition. “Remember you two: this is Princess Luna’s party, so show good behavior under any circumstances. Okay?” Twilight advised them. “I bet that she wouldn’t even allow such a vigorous activity. Pillow fights aren’t proper for royalty,” Rarity interposed. “We must show self-control and be formal.” “Chillax, Rarity. We saved her life from Nightmare Moon; we’re bound to get a break from her in having fun,” Rainbow countered. “Yeah! I mean, what kind of a party doesn’t have fun? Bor-ing!” Pinkie Pie zestfully chirped in. “Still, we don’t want to make any bad impressions on Princess Luna. She doesn’t entirely know us,” Twilight stated. “Umm, if I may say, maybe Princess Celestia has told her all about us beforehoof,” Fluttershy inserted herself into the fluctuating conversation. “Maybe she explained to her our personalities or behaviors.” “Very reasonable, Fluttershy,” Rarity commended. “If so, I hope she informed her about my passion for beautiful and exquisite things and how I lavish on recherché items.” “Re-sher what?” Applejack inquired into understanding this beyond word. “Oh, that’s just a fancy word for something exotic or rare. And we all know royalty includes exotic or rare things.” “Like the attractive flowers and fauna in the royal garden,” Fluttershy exampled with verve and received a nod from the white unicorn. “Well, I hope so too, because we’re almost there.” Twilight pointed to the large, spiring realm ahead of them that was the royal castle. Going to the most affluent place in Equestria for a night with the princesses can make anypony consider the six friends extremely lucky. All of this was only for benefiting Princess Luna’s socializing skills, but fortune was going to give them a memorable experience. Nighttime prevailed as they had finally arrived at the castle. After landing, the guests stepped out of the carrier (Rainbow Dash flew out instead only to use her wings). Twilight briefly gazed above her, seeing another dark but dazzling display of dominance by the moon princess; the night seemed as if it itself was inviting them into the castle. The violet unicorn was starting to appreciate the night and its noble nature. In fact, without any of this, starting her assignment wouldn’t have been possible. Now she felt like thanking the moon princess for bestowing her stellar zodiac signs all over Equestria. “Welcome, my honorable subjects!” a feminine voice from above perturbed the placid atmosphere. All eyes and attention went up to see Princess Luna and Princess Celestia standing on a cloud next to the center facade of their domain. The alicorns jumped off and gently hovered down like the natural levity of snow, landing almost soundlessly. The ponies were about to bow until . . . “No, everypony,” Luna stopped them. “There is absolutely no need for any show of deference nor address us using titles. Not for tonight." Taking that into relief, everypony stood back up with grateful smiles. Celestia was pleased to see this. “Anyway,” the indigo alicorn continued with a smile, “I want to thank you all for coming here on this special night of ours.” “We wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed interruptedly and sparked a reprimanding glare from Twilight. Even in the presence of paramount figures that effervescent pink pony would never refrain from acting herself. That one must be Pinkie Pie, Luna assumed in thought, also noticing her fitting pajamas. Just like my sister said: excitable, pink, and loves cupcakes. She resumed with an amused chuckle. “I appreciate hearing that. Along with my sister’s faith, I have high hopes of gaining great things from this slumber party we are about to start on. I am counting on you six so I can harbor interacting competence and enjoy this night. Are you all with me?” “You bet!” everypony prompted in unison. Luna, despite bemused by the simultaneous replies, was glad to hear such readiness. A definite connection between them all, she affirmed in thought. “Wonderful! Follow me so we can begin.” Luna took lead, and (respectively) Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle trotted behind. “I see you’ve brought stuff along with you.” Princess Celestia’s voice halted the violet mare in her tracks, her speaking insinuating curiosity. Twilight turned her head back to see the white alicorn graciously approaching her. “Oh, y-yes,” she stammered at first. “I’ve brought my progress of the constellation project you’ve assigned me and my telescope. I really wanted you to see how far I have gotten, and to let you know, I’ve enjoyed every night of researching them.” “I’m glad to hear so. I would love to see your progress, but remember what you are here for. My little sister is depending on you and your friends so she can grasp the joys of felicitating with others.” “Of course,” Twilight hearkened the premonition. “I’ve had a slumber party of my own, so my knowledge could come in handy.” “Actually,” Celestia said serenely, “you’ll be quite surprised at how my sister will manage it. You’ll see my faithful student. Let us catch up with her.” The alicorn went forth, while Twilight trailed behind, her mind in requisition. How will Luna manage her slumber party? A list to be done in a specific order? Everypony to instruct her how it should be done? A book demonstrating . . . no, it can’t be: not the same book Twilight herself utilized for organizing her past party. She quickly discarded that assumption; there was just no way. Besides, this was royalty they were adjoining in. There were bound to be unique and exciting things in store for The Elements of Harmony. Deciding to desist her thinking, Twilight stayed close beside Celestia, a sheepish smile conspicuous. The group ahead of them had already come to Luna’s quarters. The door was cobalt and adorned with a luminous crescent, matching the color and symbol of the moon princess. With a dark blue glow of her prominent horn, Luna swung her door open. The indigo alicorn leisurely stepped in, while her guests awed at the ambrosial and furnished décor of the bedroom. Sapphire was voluminous: the walls, the ceiling, the opaque curtains of her grand windows, and the drapes of Luna’s canopy bed deluged the color. Most noticeably, a blue chandelier of six concave-shaped shades that contained the lights hung from the star-plastered ceiling. On the center of the floor, there were eight large pillows conveniently situated in an almost perfect circle all with individual, bright colors: yellow, red, pink, orange, blue, rainbow, purple, and sapphire. “As you can see,” Luna directed them, “these pillows designate the color of your coat along with Celestia’s and mines. Well, the rainbow one shares my sister’s multi-colored mane and tail. They are yours to keep.” “A pink pillow for me? Thanks, Luna!” Pinkie Pie flopped onto her pink headrest. “I’ll say. Mighty kind of ya,” Applejack added and hugged her orange one. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash also reveled in their respective gifts of softness, but Rarity seemed confused as to whether the red one or purple one was supposedly hers. “The red one is yours,” Luna clarified for her. “I thought a white one would be too plain of a gift for you, so I hoped a red one would suffice.” “Oh, it most certainly does. I have a comforter patterned and laced with red, so this will be fitting apparel for my bedspread. I would’ve been flexible with a plain white pillow, but thank you, Luna. I am quite satisfied as your guest,” Rarity credited Luna’s thoughtfulness. “You’re very welcome . . . Rarity, is it?” “That is correct,” Rarity nodded. “I am the proud proprietor of the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville, where I make all kinds of beautiful dresses and designs that are more than worthwhile.” “Yes. My sister has told me about you and every one of your friends. I only need to polish up remembering your names. Now is everypony ready to begin?” Twilight and Celestia had just joined the circle to their according pillows, so everything was set. After resting on hers, the hostess levitated forth a hazel-colored book with two golden rings on its spine and a picture of two colored pillows on its front. Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity were all instantly struck with familiarity as they saw the same book the violet unicorn had for her slumber party before. Well, this is in fact Luna's very first, so one could surmise that anypony who engages in this fun occasion would by high chance consult a Slumber 101 guide book. So that’s what Celestia meant by me being surprised, Twilight thought. So much for new and exciting, but at least I will know what to expect after each activity. “Alright. The first activity we will do is . . . makeovers!” Luna declared. Rarity foresaw this and squealed in excitement inside, clearly anxious on discovering what unique cosmetics the princesses have; Applejack gave a convincing grin, deciding to capitulate with any means of being prettified for the hostess; Rainbow Dash grew uneasy, for girly things didn’t–––and never will–––fit her nature. “Umm, I think I’ll pass on this one,” she effortlessly fought shy of participating. “Awww please don’t pass on this, Dashy,” Pinkie Pie pleaded. “We know makeovers aren’t your thing, but you gotta have fun with us and for Luna!” “Yeah,” Applejack stepped in. “Ah may not be a big fan of girly or froufrou things, but Ah'm willin’ ta oblige if it means helpin’ the princess. So do it fer Luna.” She then faced the indigo alicorn with a sorry smile. “An’ no offense, ma’am.” “None taken, Applejack,” Luna gave a relieving smile. The Element of Honesty indeed. “Oh, al-right,” Rainbow Dash gave in, slumping desultorily on her left hoof. Despite the self regrets she will have, it wasn’t as though it will kill her. Perhaps relaxing under a face mask or trying a fruity fragrance won’t be so bad. What could be worse? “Yay! I can’t wait to see how you look in curlers!” Pinkie Pie ironically said. Please have mercy. Still wielding a nonchalant countenance, Rainbow Dash found her chromatic mane and tail coiled in magenta curlers, and she was feeling the ickyness of a chartreuse mud mask. The things she does for the group, but at least Pinkie Pie was the one who applied these on her. “See? You look fine, Dashy. Turn that frown upside down!” The pink pony tried to cheer her friend up as she rubbed more of the creamy substance on her face. Applejack, who was already dolled up in curlers, snickered quietly at the blue pegasus’ annoyed expression. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. You look positively darling,” Rarity supplemented, but Rainbow Dash knew she was teasing for the fun of it and repelled her fake compliment with a glare. Deciding to leave her alone, the white unicorn returned to her voluntary task of having Luna luxuriate in this activity. “Are you finding this treatment satisfactory, Luna?” she asked while refining the layer of the salubrious content with a delicate brush. “This all feels very new, but I like it,” Luna answered. Aside from the ticklish feeling of the moving brush, the composition of purified minerals bestowing its cool, tactile smoothness on her complexion what was she really took delight in; Luna could practically discern a new texture being added onto her face. She was really glad that makeovers were the first activity dictated by the book. “How about you, sister?” “I’m feeling quite relaxed thanks to these two,” Celestia replied, referring to Fluttershy filing her resplendent horn with meticulous care and Twilight doing the same (with magic) on her bare left hoof. “A-Am I being too rough, Celestia?” Fluttershy asked warily. “No, Fluttershy. You’re doing quite fine. In fact, it’s been a while since I remember my horn being treated like this. This is very kind of you.” “Oh. Th-Then it’s my pleasure, Celestia.” Celestia's salving rendered the yellow pegasus blushing. “And the same goes to you, Twilight,” the white alicorn sent an impressed smile down to her generous pupil. “Since when did you learn about proper hoof care?” “A few resourceful books, but the twins that own the spa in Ponyville really deserve the credit. I gained plenty of knowledge about proper and luxurious care from them,” Twilight explained after finishing. “But I hope it’s enough so I can make you feel comfortable.” “It’s comfortable enough having you around,” Celestia cooed. Twilight hid her smile and blush from the sun princess but went ahead to tend the right hoof. “Now it’s time for these,” Rarity said as two circular slices of cucumber were delicately placed on Luna’s eyes by the unicorn’s magic. “These are for restoring the natural smoothness around your eyes, not to mention complementing the face mask.” Being blinded by a green vegetable as part of rejuvenating your skin? Luna thought this was silly; nonetheless, she went with it free of reluctance. Luna giggled to herself; her green-covered face must look like some kind of vegetable pie, healthy for the body but a sickening taste as a downside. The cucumbers were quite the touch though. Their crisp freshness must really contribute to this whole skin-refreshing activity. Plus, if she was hungry, she would freely lick one right off and eat it. She made a mental note: cucumbers can serve as eye healers and at the same time convenient pastime snacks. Unfortunately, the good feelings were discontinued when all of a sudden her nose began to twitch. Luna dropped her smile as she tried to control it, but then an underlying yet mild irritation occurred, forcing a desperate need to scratch her nose. What was this disturbance that vexed her so? This contradicting feeling can’t possibly be part of the activity. Her question didn’t apprehend an answer–––in fact it seemed to have made her problem worse–––for the agitation increased to unbearable levels. Luna couldn’t take this anymore. Sacrificing the looks of her veggie pie face, she firmly rubbed her nose, smearing off some of the muddy content. She scratched as roughly as she could, but the itching refused to decease. Now water was building up in her eyes, and then sneezing took its toll on the poor indigo alicorn. Everypony gave nonplussed stares at Luna’s strange, involuntary acting. None of them had the foggiest idea why this was happening, while Celestia had a preventive hoof to her mouth in silent giggling. “Oh my goodness. What’s wrong, Luna?” Twilight asked in complete worry. “I don’t *achoo* know. Something that’s *achoo* provoking my senses *achoo*. Please excuse me *achoo*." Luna dashed to her bedroom’s bathroom as more sneezing trailed with her and resonated behind the closed door. All of the guests were left in a stale air of awkwardness, but Celestia’s recalcitrant laughing audibly broke it. “Please forgive me, everypony,” she spoke after settling down and regaining her regal composure. “I knew it would come to this, but I couldn’t resist seeing how funny it really is. You all must know: Luna is allergic to cucumbers.” “She is?” her subjects responded in unisonous unbelief. “Yes. This exact issue happened when she ate her first salad: she swallowed a piece of cucumber, and seconds later, she had an inflamed throat, watery eyes, and a red nose. I couldn’t help but laugh at how she reacted, and ironically, she thought the problem was the salad dressing.” Rainbow Dash rolled on her back in a burst of laughter, for a goddess being allergic to a mere vegetable sounded ridiculously hilarious to her. “And you never ever told her about it? Never thought you were like that Celestia, hehehe.” “I fail to see what's so laughable about a pony who has allergies or their allergic reactions, Rainbow dash," Rarity scolded, but then she faced down disconsolate, looking as though she had floundered on perfecting the intricate constitution of a gem-encrusted dress. “Even if somepony herself committed that reaction by mistake.” “It’s not your fault, dear Rarity. You never knew,” the white alicorn abated her grief. “And Rainbow Dash is right. I should’ve told my sister about it when I had the chance.” “I’m right? I mean, yeah, I’m right.” The blue pegasus’ complacency kicked in for receiving agreement from the sun princess. Twilight rolled her eyes at her conceited friend. “Will she be okay?” she asked Celestia. “Yes. Fortunately, the effects don’t last long for her,” she also informed. “In fact, she should come out as fine as my morning day.” “Aaaah, that’s better.” Luna popped out of the bathroom, her appearance clean from the lenitive material and relieved of all the adverse conditions. “I’m sorry about that display. It seemed as though I’m allergic to cucumbers, but cold water easily took care of the sinuses.” “You’re not upset with me at all, are you?” Rarity asked, hoping not to be berated. “Of course not. You never knew, and I never knew, so everything is fine,” Luna magnanimously assured after trotting back to her sapphire pillow. “But let us move on to the next activity shall we?” Now she took a new mental note on cucumbers: have sister send them to the moon. The fashionista’s expectancy of trying the finest and most superlative cosmetics that the princesses own became a letdown. As much as she wanted to whine in protest, she had to stay professional and yield to the advance of Luna’s party. Rarity forced an accommodating smile as Luna brought forth the slumber party guide book and a red quill to mark off the first part as done. “Makeovers, check.” Immediately, the hair and skin care items disappeared, and everypony was reverted back to their normal looks. Rainbow Dash thanked all that was good and awesome this practical nightmare was over; Fluttershy and Twilight wished to have done more but were nonetheless content for satisfying Celestia. “Next on the list are . . . ghost stories.” “Yes! My time to shine!” Pinkie Pie jumped up in surefire preparation of introducing her story; alas, all but one pony was willing to hear it. “G-G-G . . . Ghost stories?” Hearing those two words sent dismaying shivers down Fluttershy’s spine as her pupils dilated. Aside from her fear of dragons and her own shadow, listening to scary tales of horrifying creatures and suspenseful scenes were enough to have the yellow pegasus hide under her pillow. And she definitely didn't want traumatic nightmares in her sleep. “I . . . I don’t know if I want to hear one,” she squeaked while crouching behind her soft, yellow shield. “Oh, come on, Fluttershy. Ghost stories too?” Rainbow Dash groaned. “They’re not even true; they’re just made up, so get a grip of yourself.” “But some can be true, and they’re so s-s-scary and terrifying.” Timorous, diffident, and easily frightened, hence her name, Luna reviewed in thought. She must also be an introvert just like me, so she and I may have similarities. Only one way to resolve this. “Aw, there’s no need ta be shakin’ in yer horseshoes, sugarcube. Ghost stories are nothin’ ta be 'fraid of,” Applejack tried to allay Fluttershy. “I’m still not sure.” Her trepidation refused to subside its hindering on the party, but a determined Luna approached the pegasus to mitigate it. “It’s okay, Fluttershy. We all have fears that force us to consider them,” the alicorn solaced in a sincere tone, crouching to Fluttershy's level. “I had a fear of listening to ghost stories myself when I was a filly.” “You did?” Fluttershy lifted her head. Luna’s alleviation began to work. “Mmmhmm. Whenever Celly tried to tell or read me one, I’d hide in my bed or under my pillow and didn’t come out until she raised the sun again. But as I became older and more comprehensive, I learned that they are fictitious, purposed to scare ponies for generations, and sometimes full of nonsense. So I overcame my apprehension of ghost stories and listened to them without a problem. You may be hesitant of it now, but once you realize how silly it actually is, it won’t be so bad. Alright, Fluttershy?” Of course taking advice like this from anypony would have been first time’s the charm, but hearing it from a princess was unconditionally fruitful. Fluttershy had procured dauntlessness thanks to Luna. “Thank you, Luna,” she understood with a smile and nod. “I guess I’ll try to listen to Pinkie’s ghost story.” “Perfect. And I’ll even be by your side in case you happen to be frightened,” Luna generously acted again. “And I as well,” Rarity concurred and walked over to the pegasus’ other side, providing herself as another wall of comfort. She and Luna consolidated the inspiration with nuzzles. To Fluttershy, there was no better way of consolation than this. “Oh, thank you both! I feel much better now,” she showed her gratitude with a blush. “Great! So is everypony ready for my super scary story?” Pinkie Pie jumped to the center of the circle for the attention. “Yes, Pinkie Pie. We’re all ready,” Luna said for all. “Good. Celestia, hit the lights.” A white aura illuminated one of the light switches as Celestia flicked it off. Darkness flawlessly engulfed the room; it was so dark that nopony could see their hooves in front of their face. Only the lofty windows altruistically broadcasted their light and visibility, but then a cone of white light appeared, kindling the audience of various faces and revealing Pinkie Pie’s intimidating grimace. In the upside-down spotlight, with the atmosphere set, and with an adjusted low voice, she began. “It was a dark and stormy night, and four friends were preparing the last batch of creamy cherry muffins for tomorrow’s annual bake sale in their messy kitchen. One of them discovered that there were no more cherries for the recipe, so that pony had to go outside in the storm, and get some more from the garden. With a raincoat and a bowl, she set out despite the cold rain and the threatening thunder and lightning. She went to the garden where ripe cherries and other juicy fruit were just waiting to be picked. She started gathering one by one, but then a rustling sound disturbed her attention. She gasped, looked around, but saw nothing but ominous darkness, like something was bound to erupt out of nowhere and attack her. With a nervous gulp, she continued her picking with watchful eyes. As soon as she had finished, and picked up the bowl, there were more rustling sounds, but louder. Frozen stiff and heart beating faster than a speeding pegasus, she slowly turned around. A gasp . . . then a flash . . . and then the bowl of cherries spilling on the ground was what happened next.” As Pinkie Pie’s scary muffin story progressed, it had implemented silent but petrified expressions on most of the ponies: Applejack and Rainbow Dash shivering to the bone, Twilight biting her lower lip in angst, half of Rarity’s face cowering behind her hooves, and ironically Luna gulping under her pillow. As for Fluttershy and Celestia, they haven’t shown any signs of being fazed at all–––disturbed, but not fazed. Soon enough, Pinkie had most of them right where she wanted them as she was about to conclude the hanging suspense. “And just when the last pony thought she was safe with her last muffin, there . . . standing right behind her . . . just inches away . . . with a machete was . . . the MUFFIN PONY!” In a flourish, the pink pony jumped on her hind legs as though primed to pounce on an unlucky target, her front hooves arched menacingly over her listeners. Suddenly, the single wide ray of translucent light deceased, and everything went pitch black again. A split-second flash occurred, and then a huge, ghostly white silhouette of the malicious murderer wielding two blades appeared where Pinkie stood. Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all broke out in terror-induced screams as it seemed horror manifested itself and was about to claim their lives. Miraculously, nothing gruesome or fatal happened. In fact, the next thing was hearing fits of laughter from Pinkie Pie and strangely from Celestia herself. Their eyes opened to seem them sprawled on the floor together. “Hahaha! We really scared them! Way to go, Celestia! Up high!” Pinkie raised her hoof, and Celestia high-hoofed it with hers. The four were baffled at this but then realized they were holding one another securely. Rainbow Dash and Applejack automatically released each other, while Twilight and Rarity slowly dropped their hold from around a startled Fluttershy. “So, wait. You two did all of that?” Rainbow Dash inquired Pinkie. “Uh-huh! She did the flash and the whole muffin ghost thing,” she explained. “I sent her a letter yesterday all about my ghost story and my plan, and she agreed to do it with me!” “It was a little over-the-top, but I knew it would be a good scare for you all,” Celestia added, smiling furtively. “A little? That story was downright sick-twisted!” Twilight asserted. “I couldn’t stand the part where they ate the cupcakes that had their friend’s blood in it, and the bake sale became an epidemic!” “Or the part where they ate strudels and blood gushed out as soon as they bit into it,” Rarity cohered. “Disgusting and unpleasant if you ask me.” “But I liked the part where in the middle of the night, they saw cupcakes on their counter that they had never made, and each one had a letter spelling out, ‘You’re next’!” Rainbow actually favored. “Well, land sakes, Pinkie Pie. That hair-raisin’ tale of yers scared the horseshoes outta me,” Applejack admitted. “Guess you were right about it bein’ frightenin’.” “But I don’t get how you went through without so much as to flinch, Fluttershy,” Twilight pointed a demanding-to-know hoof at the yellow pegasus. Fluttershy looked down at her wrinkled pillow but was consistent to reply. “Oh, well, I did react a few times, but they were subtle." She raised up to display a self-content smile. “I tried not to think about any of those terrible images, so I kept hugging my pillow. I kept hugging it tighter and tighter when even more terrible images tried to enter my mind, and none of them did. So I guess it’s thanks to my lovely pillow, also to Rarity and Lu–––“ Fluttershy turned left to see nothing beside her; the indigo alicorn was gone. “Oh my. Where’s Luna?” “Did the muffin ghost get her?” Twilight’s eyes darted back and forth anxiously. “Don’t be silly, Twilight,” Celestia calmed. “The ghost isn’t real, but I do know where she happens to be.” She sauntered over to Luna’s bed and knelt down to the sapphire bed skirt. “It’s okay, dear sister. You can come out now.” Slowly, Luna’s head and hooves peeked out like a scared little filly unsure that all danger was gone. All she viewed was light and color, so she assumed that the dark event was over. “Are, are you sure?” she asked while looking around sharply. “Yes, Luna. The whole thing was a contrivance by me and Pinkie Pie, so come on out.” Cautiously, Luna came out from her hiding place and into sight, her pupils still shifting in paranoia. Confirming that nothing threatening was present, she huffed in relief but then glared at her mischievous sister. "Ahem. I should've expected something like that from you, Celly, but I'll admit that charade was brilliant. Good story, Pinkie Pie, despite it being so," she shivered a little, "gory." "Thanks, Luna!" Pinkie replied, taking another negative comment as a compliment. "Anyhow, ghost stories, check. Now it's time for . . ." Luna telekinetically flipped through a few pages in her aiding book for the next activity, "oooh, s'mores!" Fluently dismissing her previous worries, Luna was now appetent to taste one of those delicious-looking treats that were specifically for slumber parties. The Slumber 101 book had a picture depicting the common s'more: a piece of rich chocolate and a roasted marshmallow smothered between two perfectly square graham crackers, like a dessert version of a sandwich. It was an all-in-one sweet, gooey, and crunchy confection. There couldn't possibly be a way this, an activity centered on a toothsome snack, will go wrong. "I'll get the contents!" she fervently persisted and dashed to the royal kitchen. Everypony looked at the sudden change of Luna with a little perplexity. "Well, looks like she's more excited th'n a cowpony gettin' ready ta lasso down a bull," Applejack figuratively commented. "That is because she has been waiting eagerly to try one ever since she read that section about them," Celestia mentioned. "Frankly, I think it is the chocolate that she really seeks to savor." "Then we shall send her taste buds on a chocolately and delicious journey!" Pinkie Pie assured. By the time Luna returned with the food items, the fireplace was lit and ready along with fireproof skewers for roasting the marshmallows. The indigo alicorn took charge of gingerly rotating the white cylinders over the tractable fire, while Celestia critically centered a toasted-brown one on top a square piece of chocolate and half a honey-graham cracker. In the meantime, two impatient ponies were already eating to their heart’s content. "Umm, shouldn’t you save some for the rest of the s’mores?" Fluttershy advised Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, but this chocolate is way too good to be left hangin'," Rainbow said after tossing another piece into her mouth. "Tell me about it!" Pinkie Pie coincided, munching with a chocolate-coated mouth, even after proclaiming to enliven the host's palate senses. It was a good thing Luna had brought plenty of the perforated bars, for all would have been gone by the time the marshmallows were done. "Now calm yer cravin's you two," Applejack tried to order them, "fer most of this 'ere good stuff is fer Luna's appetite." "Funny hearing that from a pony who was once unyielding to let her hostess try the first s'more," a satirical voice perturbed the orange pony. Applejack faced Rarity with a provoked brow. "An' what's that s'pos ta mean?" "Don't you remember? You didn't let Twilight eat the first delicately made s'more regardless of her briefly marveling at it, when you were quite inconsiderate back then." "Now Ah wasn't bein' inconsiderate back then. Ah was jus' showin' 'er how ta . . . take th' chance ta . . . ta jus' . . . not waste time an' eat 'em?" Applejack gave a wry grin after her poor self-defending. "It's okay, Applejack. I wasn't upset at all," Twilight saved her friend from the pangs of guiltiness. "Although, technically, it was made for me. Just make sure Luna gets the first one made, okay?" "Right. Don't you worry none about it," Applejack nodded. "Especially from these two." Before another piece of chocolate fell into Rainbow's mouth, Twilight froze it in mid-air with her telekinetic grasp as well as seizing the spare pieces from Pinkie. "I think that's enough for you two." Rainbow Dash huffed and crossed her hooves like a spoiled filly, while Pinkie Pie turned her attention to Celestia who had just finished assembling the perfect s'more. "All done. Luna, the first s'more is waiting for you," she called for her sister in a motherly tone. Luna looked back to see the small, sweet creation beheld to view. Oh, how she couldn't wait to sink her teeth into such diminutive goodness. She rested the unfinished marshmallows on the metal rack near the fire and went over to the table, her eyes fixed on her mouth's target. "Oooooooh." Luna licked her lips and awed at it as though it was something priceless–––pricelessness that was edible. One could've sworn they had seen a string of drool cascading from her mouth. "Well, what are you waiting for?" her sister giggled. "Go ahead and enjoy your treat." A sapphire aura surrounded the s'more. Luna carefully levitated it to her yearning, open mouth. As soon as it was near, she expended no time and ate it whole. A faint taste of honey was present on her tongue and roof, but when she crushed it all with her teeth, a plethora of mouth-watering flavors flooded her interior fleshy sanctum. Fletcherizing, Luna lost herself in the delectable coalescence: the pair of graham crackers supplied their scrumptious crispness, the chewy warmth of the marshmallow welded satiably inside her puffed cheeks, and the chocolate. The sweet, divine, luscious taste of it ultimately made every second of chewing pleasurable, deeming itself the best out of the other palatable sensations. Luna gave hums of satisfaction as she flexed the fluctuation of fanciful flavors, and after several more thorough chews, the delectation was ended by a swallow. Her mouth had just experienced something unprecedented, and only one simple word could describe it: "Delicious!" Luna happily declared. Everypony cheered for the alicorn's enjoyment of her first s'more. "And now for all of you to enjoy a s'mo . . . oh no!" All post reveling was relegated when she realized she left the marshmallows near the fire for too long. Luna hastily withdrew them from the fire, but it was too late. They weren’t just burnt to a crisp; they were cremated to their fluffy, sugary centers, completely charcoal black. “Those were all the marshmallows that were left. I’m so sorry to let this happen. I guess my enjoyment got the utmost best of me,” Luna grieved. “Umm, that’s okay, Luna,” Twilight said submissively, masquerading her disappointment of still not tasting a s’more of her own. “It’s really no big deal.” “At least we still had this amazing chocolate to eat!” Pinkie Pie brought up. “Ah, yes, of cour . . . wait, had?” Luna turned around and froze in a gasp, her jaw dropping dramatically in disbelief. There stood Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Celestia, and Fluttershy all with cocoa-colored evidence plastered on their faces, plus discarded candy wrappers adjacent to them. It was self-explanatory: those four had eaten the rest of the chocolate. “Pinkie!” Twilight reprehended. “Rainbow!” Applejack glared. “Fluttershy?” Rarity gasped. “Celly!” Luna whined. Luna sighed despondently; so far it’s been a faux pas for each activity. First the cucumber conflict, then retreating under her bed from being scared half to death, and not a while ago accidentally burning her guests' marshmallows (plus not having any of her savory chocolate to happily devour). What’s next to possibly mess up? The book answered her pessimistic question: Truth or Dare. The name itself didn’t seem so propitious, but the rules of the game itself were intriguing. You had to give an honest to every question, or do what any pony dares you to do. Simple but oh so advantageous. Luna could target her vulnerable sister with questions or dares, and she would have no choice but to fulfill them. Now with an ulterior motive set, Luna hoped for a thrill from this. “Alrighty,” she said unctuously. “Next up is Truth or Dare, and as the hostess of this party, I shall–––“ "Generously let one of my guests go first. Isn't that right, dear sister?" Celestia intercepted the young alicorn's speaking with contrary words. She faced Luna with a discrete smirk that told her, "Two can play at this game." Luna's eyes were broad in shock. That cheater interpolated on purpose! That Celly always knew how to craftily turn things around, even at the last moment. While her mind was registering this situation, Luna retaliated with an acute glare that said, "This means war." "W-why yes that's correct, what I was just about to say," she feigned agreement. None of the ponies discerned the underlying incitement in her tone, but Celestia and her deft side certainly did. Abridging Luna was what it did best. "So, who wants to start first?" "Meee!" Rainbow Dash seized her chance for some real fun, sporting an indirect but cunning grin. To Rainbow, selectivity was bucked out of the window, for the reticle had already pinpointed her target: Applejack. "Alright. I dare Applejack to say, 'Rainbow Dash is better than me'. Three times!" "What!?" Applejack gasped. "Until every single apple in Sweet Apple Acres is sold if ya'll think that Ah'm gonna repeat somethin' false like that three times." Starting off with a merciless and degrading dare was pretty expecting from the blue pegasus, something her adversary would no doubt hate to have cross her lips. Luna would have done something similar to Celestia had it not been for the unforeseen intervention that forced her to show generosity, but she schemed swift payback on her sister. In the meantime, this current and artful impasse should be quite amusing. "Hate to break it to ya, but you have to do it," Rainbow Dash grinned maliciously. "It's the rule." "Sorry, Applejack, but she's right. You have to fulfill it. Thrice to be exact." Luna may have sounded sorry for her, but deep down she couldn't wait to speculate some humiliating entertainment. This game can involve one to downplay another, but it all should be facetious. Nothing too serious whatsoever. "And make sure we can all hear it clearly," Rainbow added for provocation. "Ahh hayseed. Fine, I'll do it." After a silent mutter, Applejack proceeded with the loathsome dare. A voice in the back of her head reminded her of the bright side however—'This won't kill me. Yeah! An' after Ah git through this, Ah c'n get Dash back twofold fer pullin' this off on me.' "Rainbow Dash is better than me." Ugh! It felt as though a degenerative poison was sparked on her tongue, and it began its deleterious course throughout her body. "Rainbow Dash is better than me." It was already the second time, but the demoralizing effects were taking their toll. This was nothing but pure torment, but just one more would end it all. It was doubtful if her body were to fully recover from this, but . . . "Rainbow Dash is better than me." She was still alive. "And it's alllllll true." With the deed done, the blue pegasus obtained her thrill alongside a condescending smirk. Applejack clashed it with a listless glare, but now it was her turn, and her target was indisputable. "Alright, Rainbow Dash. You think yer so high n' mighty with that no-good dare o' yers? Well, git a load a this!" Prying looks took over everypony's face as they leaned in to precisely hear the next verbal action. A few had a bad feeling what kind of mandatory challenge the orange pony will dish out. As for a prehensile Luna, she was desirous to hear it all. It took only one dare to have the indigo alicorn eager for her chance to deliver one of her own, but for now, she had to be patient. "Ah dares you ta not fly fer a whole day! A whole twenty-four hours!" A ring of catenated gasps occurred from the ponies (except Celestia albeit surprised). Rainbow Dash's face froze in horror, for she was just given the bane of every pegasus in the form of a dare: being grounded. "Didn't see that one comin' now didja?" Wow, what a daunting dare for a pegasus like Rainbow Dash, Luna deduced in thought. And she has to accept it. Hehe, I would be shocked as well if Celestia gave me a dare similar to that. "Ooooooh. That's a good one, Applejack," Pinkie Pie remarked, unmindful that she irked a glare from Rainbow. It's true this affected the unfortunate blue mare, but her demeanor refused to be afflicted. "No flying for a day? No problem!" she bluffed behind a pretense of confidence. "I can take it! Just you see, Applejack!' "Mmmhmm. I'd like ta see ya try, Rainbow." "Okay, you two," Luna said in-between her mirth. "Let's have somepony else take a turn. Somepony like . . ." "Meeee!" cried the restless voice of a rambunctious pink pony as she jumped on her pillow. "I wanna go next! I wanna go next! Please, please, please, Luna?" Luna blinked as though stupefied. Darn it! It was almost her chance for some traumatizing fun! Of course that pony had to call for it. "O-oh, umm . . . o-of course you can, Pinkie Pie," she allowed before a silent sigh, sacrificing her opportunity. Curse her generosity, but hopefully it will repay her with the chance to go. "Okay," she began. "Is it true that you, Rarity, once drank so much of Applejack's apple cider at my last party that you became drunk?" Rarity took exuberance to a whole new level as her cheeks became fiery red, and her expanded eyes complemented them. She couldn't exactly recall being lost in a drunken stupor at the event, but remembering the awkward yet irresistible taste from the first bottle she had was fresh in memory. Admitting such an unbecoming fact was embarrassing enough, and having attracted the eyes of everypony (including the princesses') didn't fail to induce excruciating discomfort in her. "Well . . . even though half of that event doesn't seem to cross my memory . . . yes. It's true." Another round of gasps (except Celestia albeit quite amused) was brought forth, while Fluttershy was more transfixed than merely shocked. "Ya mean that was you who drank five bottles of that stuff? Dang, Ah knew Ah shoulda mentioned there were sum hard cider bottles mixed wit' them apple ones by mistake." By now Rainbow Dash's lungs needed a gallon of air from all the tearful laughing she had done. "Of course! No wonder Rarity was dancing so weirdly with Berry Punch that time and was knocked out on the floor with her. Hahaha!" Twilight's, Applejack's, and Pinkie Pie's irrepressible laughter accompanied Rainbow Dash's; even Luna and Celestia were finding this plight comical as they silently chuckled. Oh my. Am I glad that I wasn't chosen so far, Luna smiled. This game is so fun to be a spectator of. Rarity's glower showed that she obviously was neither happy nor letting this go unchallenged. "Hmph! You all must really take amusement in such a frivolous game. Right, Pinkie Pie?" she directed her chide to the pony who caused this. "Uh-huh! As long as it's all in good fun!" she replied blithely. Theoretically, Pinkie Pie's overly-optimistic personality and naivety would prevent her perception of anything pernicious, (unless self-evident or her Pinkie Sense self-activates). Thus, little did she know that dispiriting retaliation was approaching her. "Well how's this for good fun? I dare you to not hold a single one of your parties for an entire week!" The spitefulness in that sentence overpowered the cheerfulness in Pinkie as her tenacious smile disappeared. "Th-That's not fun," she whimpered behind the sleeves of her pajamas. "That's not fun at all . . ." "Hey!" An indignant Rainbow Dash snapped at the white unicorn's indiscriminate act, her wings flaring up to match her anger. "That wasn't intended to embarrass you, Rarity. This is how the game goes! You should've lightened up and not have taken it seriously!" "Well, I couldn't!" Rarity argued back. "I couldn't stand to have something so unladylike of me exploited like that." "Oh, boohoo. Pony up for once and don't be so sensitive! Wanna not stand anything else? I dare you to not make a fancy shmancy dress for a week." "Now wait just a minute!" a meek yet assertive voice disconnected the quarrel. Fluttershy, the pegasus who always succumb to reticence, was taking a stand. "Rarity is making a dress for me as a gift, and that dare you just gave her will keep it from being done. So listen here! I dare you to . . . to, umm . . . to go to the Ponyville spa with me and Rarity one day." "What!?" First restricted from flying and now forced to attend a day at the last place she would ever want to be in Ponyville? Rainbow Dash couldn't have been more chagrinned. "Ha! Good one, Fluttershy," Applejack snickered. "Oh, that's funny huh?" Rainbow scowled at her. "I dare Twilight to turn your hat pink." That reprisal paralyzed the orange pony. Applejack dared not to picture her most personal possession altered into such an outlandish quality, but a connate feeling convinced her that Twilight probably wouldn't commit something that would devastate her own friend. "Ha!" Applejack gave a smug grin. "Like Twi would ever turn mah hat–––" She was interrupted by a brief flash right above her. Fearfully looking up, Applejack's mouth went agape. Twilight had done it: the orange pony's Stetson was bright pink, and it practically burned. "Sorry, AJ, but a dare is a dare," Twilight said before letting free a humored laugh. Feeling affronted, Applejack huffed. "Yeah? Ah dare you ta dye your mane a different col'r." "I dare you to get a new mane style," Rarity told Applejack. "I dare you to mess up yours," Rainbow Dash shot at Rarity. "I dare you to uhh . . . umm, paint your mane a different color," Fluttershy added to the concoction of mane-altering dares. "Umm, if that's okay with you." As the onset of those dares converted into a cacophony, Luna bit her lower lip and made another conjecture: this game can involve altercating and quality-degrading dares. Before she could cease the dissonance, one singularly sound dare did the trick. "I dare Celestia to let me prepare the Grand Galloping Gala!" All was then silent thanks to Pinkie Pie's wishful attempt to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming Gala. Unfortunately, Princess Celestia knew her too well. "As much as I modestly regard your skills in party preparing," she smiled playfully, "I am afraid I can't comply with that." "Awwwww. That's okay, 'cause I know it'll be super funtastic anyway!" "It will, Pinkie Pie. Anyhow, I believe it is my turn since you picked me, so . . ." Celestia gave some thought for a perfect dare, and then a realization occurred to her. Pillow fight was the next activity for the slumber party, and since everypony owned a pillow . . . "I dare everypony to throw her pillow at Luna!" Darn you, Celly, gulped a wide-eyed and confounded indigo alicorn as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle all grabbed their respective pillow. "Yes, ma'am!" "Can do!" "Okie dokie lokie!" "Why certainly." "I-I hope it doesn't hurt you." "Sorry, Luna." "Wait!" Luna flailed her hooves but to no avail of stopping them. She was struck face first by the blue pillow, knocked back by the orange pillow, and finally enclosed in a colorful mountain by the pink, purple, red, and yellow ones. Feathers undulated in the air as Luna's head lifted the yellow pillow above the pile. After spitting out the few feathers in her mouth, a mindset of payback had procured. Despite the fact her guests were dared to assault their host with pillows, Luna had an impetuous inclination to get them (including her sister) back. After all, pillow fight was the following activity, and thanks to Celestia, the colored pillows were in Luna's possession now. It. Was. On. A dark grin slowly broadened on Luna as each surrounding pillow was being levitated by her telekinesis. Oh my, Celestia thought in hindsight. Perhaps I should not have done that. "Uhhh, girls?" Twilight said, voice shaken with fear. "I think we should run." "Yaaaaaaah!" was the indigo alicorn's initial yell before simultaneously launching all of the pillows right back at her guests. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie all luckily foresaw the volley and jumped away from their oncoming pillow, but Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy were all directly hit and knocked back. An invigorated Luna smirked, for she had more ammunition in store: the numerous cerulean pillows on her bed. Lifting five of them, she hurled one by one at Applejack first. "Woah, nelly!" The orange pony barely had a chance with dodging the first two velvety projectiles. Alas, two more consecutively brushed the hat clean off her head and knocked her to the wall. Recollecting, Luna's next target was bouncing and pink. "Heeheehee! I bet you can't get me!" Pinkie Pie giggled, overtaken by her frolicsome proclivity, but it didn't seem to be acknowledged. Before she knew it, she was repressed by a hail of Luna's pillows. Pinkie emerged as her eyes rolled in a brief daze, and yet she gave a laugh as though all of this was loads of fun. "Hahaha! Good one, Luna!" "Oh yeah? No way you can get me!" a presumptuous voice acquired Luna's attention. None other than Rainbow Dash was off ground, looking down at Luna provocatively. The indigo alicorn gathered seven of her fluffy weapons and propelled one after another at the airborne pegasus. As each pillow came at Rainbow, she executed one successful dodge after another, resulting in seven consecutive evasions. After that unsuccessful barrage, Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves triumphantly, closing her eyes. "Ha! Is that all you got?" she scoffed. Her self-glory of becoming unscathed was about to end however. There was a tap on her left shoulder, Rainbow turned, and she was instantly struck in the face by a cerulean pillow. Luna had teleported. The blue pegasus fell down fortunately onto her blue pillow. Luna had viciously returned the favor to her guests, but . . . "Feel my fluffy wrath!" It wasn't over. While in the air, Luna telekinetically amassed every single pillow present in her room. The seven that belonged to each pony plus the seven cerulean ones (including hers) equaled fourteen deadly bullets of softness. Luna raised her hooves, and the pillows were above the defenseless ponies. With a single downward thrust of her hooves, she assailed them all. Feathers were rife and prevalent in the air, and they signified the victory of Princess Luna. "Muahahaha! I have proven myself superior in the sport of pillow fighting! I have dominated all competition! I, Princess Luna, have . . . won . . ." She slowly but finally became conscious of what she had just done: mercilessly beat everypony with pillows, not to mention the huge mess of feathers everywhere. Luna winced at the groans coming from most of the young mares, but what about . . . "My, my, Luna. You certainly have proven yourself superior when it comes to pillow fighting," Celestia commended over Luna's right shoulder. Of course. "Woohoo! That was awesome, Luna! Can we do that again?" Pinkie Pie fervently asked with feathers festooned in her mane, apparently fine in almost every way. Before wondering on how that pony could sustain such impacts, Luna sighed dispirited. "I'm so sorry that I became so carried away like that," she frowned. "I hope I didn't hurt any of you." "Are you kidding?" a surprised Rainbow Dash flew up to the depressed alicorn as well as everypony else conjoining around her. The pegasus did wanted an aggressive battle against her favorite adversary Applejack, but after witnessing (and suffering) Luna's more dynamic display, she rather not attempt to entice her. Nevertheless, Rainbow highly regarded the outplay. "That was some serious skill the way you threw those tons of pillows at us! And it's okay. None of us are really hurt." "Agreed, and I myself don't favor such an uncultured activity," Rarity endorsed as she magically brushed away the artificial plumes from around Luna. Despite the esteeming and sight of nopony superficially injured, Luna still didn't smile. "No, it's not okay. My very first slumber party is a total disaster! I had to cut the makeovers short thanks to my cucumber allergy, I hid under my own bed like a filly, I incinerated the marshmallows, I didn't get a turn in Truth Or Dare, and just now, I ruined both your pillows and the pillow fight! On top of that, I've learned not a single essential prospect of having fun with others, so I can't check "Have Fun" off. And it's my fault for it." After ending her self-reproaching with a hoof stomp, Luna fell onto a deformed pillow and gave another suspire of failure. The feeling that there was no point in continuing now painfully stymied her endeavor; all of the past anticipation and enthusiasm was for naught. She discomposed her trial of cultivating her social skills, just as she disarrayed her previously clean room with feathers, pillows, and scrolls. Wait, a scroll? Derailed from her crestfallen state, Luna looked at the object in front of her before raising it in her magic. Where could this have come from? It apparently wasn't hers, for it was accentuated with a golden seal of Celestia's cutie mark plus a red ribbon. Only one particularly studious pony could have owned this manuscript. "Oh, that belongs to me, Luna." Twilight approached her prior to realizing her own saddlebag toppled over due to Luna's finishing bombardment. "May I know what this contains?" the alicorn asked. "My illustration of a constellation and information about it as part of my assignment for Celestia. You can look in it if you want." "Constellations?" Unraveling the scroll showed her Twilight's esoteric picture of networking lines with dots that construe the actual image. Luna easily recognized this one: Gemini. Underneath it was an ample description telling its history and the name of the stars that produce it. Luna knew Twilight Sparkle was a very intelligent unicorn as far as being acquainted with her, but seeing how she was even capable of work like this increased positive thought about her, plus feeling honored. "Gemini. This is quite accurate for a mare at your level of interpreting," she smiled and then faced her sister. "Celly, you never told me you gave your student an assignment that relates to my charisma. I'm impressed with her work." Celestia came up to see for herself. "I knew it would be a surprise for you, Luna. Twilight has developed an admiration for your night ever since she began this." "I really wanted to show Celestia how well I've done so far, so I took your occasion as a chance to do so," Twilight explained. "It wasn't the sole reason I came if you happen to think that. In fact, I knew showing you would delight you, too. You may be lacking the intimacy of making friends, but you will never lack the will needed to obtain it. Just like your will of procreating one beautiful night after another." No doubt she was right; Luna couldn't have been any more venerated by the unicorn's creditable sedulity and such . . . motivational words. The fact that her slumber party didn't go as planned lost its deterring linger on her; no more has her impression been dissuaded. Getting up on her hooves, Luna dismissed her downcast mood, proving so with a weak but reconstituted smile. "Thank you very much for those influential words, Twilight Sparkle. Let me admit I did have a few fun moments during our time, so our slumber party wasn't completely a catastrophe. However, I still can't check the last task off." "Awwwww," everypony repined, complementing their disappointment with lowered heads. As for Celestia, a suspicion of playful pretense had her guessing. "And why is that, dear sister?" she asked in an affectation of surprise. Luna's newly-founded but happy grin was a portent of something grand she had in store. "Because . . ." Before finishing, Luna concentrated forth a white glowing sphere of magic on the peak of her horn. Thereafter, the entire clutter of feathers and pillows was instantly cleaned up. All feathers were gone and all pillows were replenished to their original condition. Not only did Luna's magic proved itself highly proficient but also set the grounds for the indigo alicorn's fresh zeal and imminent disclosure. "The slumber party is not over yet." The guests wondered what their hostess was planning after they had followed her to a grassy field outside Ponyville, vast and capacious of ground and air. The night sky furnished Luna with newfangled energy just waiting to be discharged in accordance to her idea. Nearly likewise for Twilight and Celestia, who both hold admiration of the moon princess's glorious nighttide. The cool grass blades tickling their hooves provided an easeful ambience. This environment was perfect. "Alright, everypony," Luna called their attention. "What I'm about to do is something that ponies rarely see me do. Only my sister has witnessed it once or twice." Celestia's eyes broadened as her memory went back over a thousand years to what Luna was referring to. Ah, she remembered well enough: how Luna aesthetically portrayed her divine power; how she showed her ability to call upon the heavens; how simply beautiful the act was, and it was time for Celestia to experience it again. The white alicorn softened her face into a smile, and she sat down with the audience of young mares. "So for my special guests, you all will be the first to have this view of it. I hope everypony will enjoy." Taking a few ceremonious steps forward, the moon princess prepared herself. Wings extent and horn opulent of ancient magic, Luna ascended at a leveled speed with an outstretched hoof seeming as though she was reaching to touch her celestial objects. Her other hoof joined her first before she reached high altitude. The umbral image of Princess Luna obscured the moon. The power was now at its crest, the moon was at aid, and the stars were ready. Stars in the heavens, hear my voice Acknowledge my presence and hearken my choice To present to Equestria, all of the land Our virtue of divinity from where they stand I call for you, my stars, upon this very night To share with every creature your awesome light Now it is time, in this very hour Cast forth from the sky a heavenly shower! Countless twinkles multiplied within the blanket of stars as though they were responding to Luna's call. And responded each and every single one had. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie were all riveting in awe so far, silently oohing and aahing, while Celestia kept on her serene expression. The sun princess knew what to expect next of this ethereal display; in fact, she could discern it at the very moment. Her pupil was the second to see through the optical illusion. Several of the twinkles were becoming bigger. She did remember hearing the word "shower" in Luna's incantation, so were the stars actually . . . Everypony else made a commixture of indistinct plaudits, purely the fact that this was nothing they had ever marveled at. "That's awesome!" "It's incredible." "Simply dazzling!" "It's lunartastic!" Twilight didn't make a laconic comment, but instead raised a perceptive hoof in the air, having an idea of what was precisely happening. Indeed, numerous seemed as though they were approaching ground. Everypony stood up as they had finally noticed. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went airborne with their speculative thirsts and copied their friend's action. Celestia watched her captivated ponies probing the abstract phenomenon with an amused smile. 'Three . . . two . . . one.' Fluttershy flinched. The twinkle she gazed at touched her right hoof. What she didn't expect was to slowly disappear from twinkle to tail and to leave a tiny but pleasantly warm feeling that nearly made her squeak. She realized the falling stars were harmless and tactual. An open smile brightened as she had found a wondrous facet of this experience (as did Rainbow Dash and the rest). This was unlike anything they have ever experienced! With Twilight, she was more fascinated at the magnitude of omnipotent magic this feat required. Making stars cascade from the sky proved Luna's power paralleled to Celestia's, and it definitely proved the powerful connection she retains with her night. So many wonders immersed her mind in ruminating, but the warmth of two more contacting stars detracted Twilight. Perhaps it was best to watch and enjoy the atmosphere like Rarity or jump aimlessly around like Pinkie Pie. With everypony having a delightful taste of the "heavenly shower" she had bestowed upon them, Luna returned to the group, only to be immediately tackled by the pink pony. "Wow, Luna!" Pinkie exclaimed to Luna face-to-face. "I would've never imagined you doing something like this! How exactly did you do it?" "Yes, Luna," Fluttershy coincided, wanting to know as well. "The stars feel so lovely. This is nothing like I have seen in my entire life." "Same here, Fluttershy," Applejack nodded, "an' I bet ponies far n' wide are enjoyin' this as much as we are." After being helped up, the memory of watching her subjects' skylarking in this exact scenario centuries ago elicited a content sigh. "It's true. All of Equestria does frolic in this rare night, a night where I display the righteous power of an alicorn." "And it pleases me how you have adeptly shown it," Celestia added, her smile as fulgent as the many stars in the landscape. "It looks as though your slumber party has turned out great after all." Luna happily adhered to that truth. "It certainly has, Celly. I've enjoyed this night even though most things didn't go so accordingly. Which means," she brought out the guide book and the red quill from Twilight’s saddlebag, "I declare this slumber party a success! Have fun, check!" Luna's declaration was met with cheers of approval, both inducing more vivacity for all to indulge in. The infinite, spiritlike entities of the midnight sky continued to bathe Equestria with their sheen and warm tidings to what seemed like forever. More of the incorporeal objects did so with the six mares and the two alicorns, and everypony savored them as they vanished at their fur. This endeavor was worth it, Luna thought while watching the liveliness she yielded among her ponies. Through the whole cucumber, chocolate, and pillow gaffe, it was the most fun experience I've had since my return. No more am I skeptical of making friends thanks to this. New confidence I have definitely awoken. Fluttershy and Rarity catching as many falling stars as they could together; Rainbow Dash flying through them all in a laid-back fashion; Applejack reclining on the grass, taking the scenery at the best view; and Pinkie Pie jumping on her hind legs, undoubtedly loving the feeling of the tangible warmth (excluding her pajamas). Luna took amusement in all. But, of course, there are two things I must attend. One, to repay Twilight for the cherished words with new constellations for her project. The indigo alicorn smiled at the violet unicorn, knowing which astral figures to conjure for tomorrow's time. And two . . . Luna directed a devious smirk to a preoccupied Celestia. She knew half of the mishaps during the slumber party were her sister's doing. Underneath the regality and sheer beauty of the white alicorn was a mischievously playful little ego Luna figured out. To get Celly back.