//------------------------------// // The Convincing // Story: The Sleepover // by Inkwell Prose //------------------------------// Applejack had just finished loading up the last box full of apples into the wagon. Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom were heading off to Manehattan for a business opportunity they couldn't turn down, and Applejack was going to stay behind and keep watch over the farm. It would've been Apple Bloom if it wasn't for her constant whining about wanting to see the big city, and Granny Smith was tired of hearing it, so she gave in. They have been preparing for the trip for weeks, and now the time has arrived for them to head. Big Mac saddled up, ready to go, and Granny and Apple Bloom sat on top of the wagon. The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight, but it should hold up. "Now y'all be careful, an' have some fun," Applejack said. "And you keep a good eye on the farm," Granny Smith said with a wink. "Eeyup," added Big Mac. "Ah can't believe Ah'm goin' to Manehattan!" exclaimed Apple Bloom. Applejack laughs. "Ah'm sure you're gonna have a fun time lil' sis. Now roll on out Big Mac!" Applejack clacked the side of the wagon with her hoof, signaling Big Mac to reel up with a whinny and move out. Applejack watched as the rest of her family rode out over the path and out of existence. She sighed and made her way back into the farmhouse. When Applejack enters, she heads straight to the living room and flops onto the couch, getting some relaxation time. "Boy, it's sure gonna be easy takin' care of this place. Gonna have so much downtime though. Ah'm sure Ah'll think of something." She laid there for a bit, eventually falling asleep. She was tired as it was still early in the morning when they left. She woke up again near mid-afternoon, stretching and yawning as she got up went to the kitchen for something to drink. She still had the morning taste in her mouth. Applejack grabbed a cup from the cupboard and turned on the tap, filling the glass. She drank it down quickly and put it in the sink. She sat down at the table and picked up the latest issue of "Ponyville News" and began to read some of the articles. Bug Bear Attack! While facing almost certain doom, the heroes of our town, and the rest of Equestria, has defeated yet another villain! The dreaded Bug Bear! The six were able to take it down, but not before it caused massive damage to Ponyville. Re-construction plans have been set in place and should be in effect by the end of the week. Page 4 for more details. Applejack laughed and smiled as she saw the picture of her and her friends fighting the Bug Bear. Tough battle it was, but they prevailed. She continued to read another article on the front page. Delegates Arriving Soon? According to our sources, delegates from a land beyond Equestria is supposed to make a visit here in Ponyville. At the time, we are not sure where exactly they are coming from, but Princess Twilight Sparkle is supposed to establish friendship with these delegates so Equestria has connections outside its borders. There is still no word if Princess Celestia is supposed to visit these delegates as well. A New Sleeping Agent? Scientist Drevil Dewey may have just discovered a new sleeping tonic that can help ponies with their nighttime struggles in a flash! It's currently undergoing testing to make sure it is safe for consumption. If this hits shelves, ponies should no longer have trouble sleeping at night. Page 6 for more details. The last one particularly caught her eye. It brought back memories to when she was a filly, always staying up late and not getting the amount of sleep she needed. It's not like she couldn't sleep, just chose not to. Especially when she had sleepovers with her friends. Sleepovers... Applejack jumped up; she had just thought of a great idea! Since she had nothing else to do, why not relive old memories and have a sleepover tonight. She just hoped her friends would be up for it. *~*~*~*~* As Applejack made her way into town, she thought of who to ask first. She decided whoever was closest, and that was Pinkie Pie, who had just exited Sugarcube Corner, humming and trotting happily. "Hey Pinkie!" Applejack shouted to her, getting her attention. "Oh hey AJ!" She trotted over to her, "How are you doing?" "Pretty good. Was planning on having a sleepover tonight with the family outta town. Would ya like to join?" "I would love to! But, I can't," said Pinkie, frowning, "I'm busy today with work. A lot of work. The Cakes' are having a special and when it goes live, ponies will be lining up for miles to get some of these new cupcakes which I helped create the recipe for and they taste amazing! Right now it's my break and when I get back, I'm sure there will already be a line of ponies ready to buy some of our cupcakes, but who would blame them at the price were putting on them!" "Aw, shucks, Pinkie. Do ya know if the others would?" asked Applejack. "Weeeeeelllll, Twilight is in Canterlot, Rarity is busy with dresses for her client, Fluttershy is taking care of Angel who is ill, and Rainbow is... sleeping." "Hm. Ah guess Ah could try Rainbow, since she's just sleepin'. Thanks Pinkie." "Anytime AJ!" *~*~*~*~* "Where the hay is this filly?" Applejack thought aloud. She has been searching for a good hour now for Rainbow Dash, trying to find where she's sleeping. With her, you never know where she's laying her head. Applejack has searched every tree she found, and looked up at every cloud for any sign of her, and nothing. Applejack was upset, not being able to find her friend. She decided just to head home and watch the farm and have a sleepover, alone. She made her way back to the farm, passing along her orchards of apple trees and the one with rainbow leaves even. Wait, rainbow leaves? Applejack did a double take, and sure enough, a tuft of rainbow was sticking out of one of her apple trees like a sore thumb. She walked over to it and pulled on it, sending the tree bustling and whining. "Ow! What the hay?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, poking her head out of the tree, only to see her friend. "Oh, hey AJ." "Uh, howdy. Ah've been looking for you. I wanted to ask ya something." "Sure, whatchya got?" "Mind hanging with me tonight for a little sleepover?" she asked. Rainbow stared, then laughed hysterically. "Wait wait, a sleepover? Rainbow falls out of the tree, laughing hard, to hard to even feel pain as she falls. "C'mon Rainbow. It'll be fun! And no other pony will. Gonna eat good food, watch some movies. Just hang out as friends." "You know I'm not the one for sappy stuff and childish things." "Sappy? You mean like those Rom/Com movies you like so much?" Rainbow blushes. "T-That's totally different!" "Ah think Granny has some of her own on the stand. Sure ya don' wanna join?" Applejack smirked, knowing this would convince her. "I... Fine! Can't believe I'm doing this. A sleepover, I think you've lost your mind." Rainbow muttered. "Just bring ya jammies and meet me here at eight tonight." "Yeah yeah, I'll be there I guess."