Simple Ways
Pony's Log Number 413: I can empathize alot with ponies who have a crush on somepony, and that includes the crazy things they do to get their crushes to noticed them, but there is a problem when you start losing your true self to impress your crush...
In the heart of Ponyville, ponies were eagerly gathering around town hall. Rainbow quickly made her way over to the rest of the Main seven and Shenran.
"Wow! I can't believe how many ponies showed up!" said Rainbow as she saw all the ponies gathered around town hall.
"I can!" said Pinkie, "I mean, finding out who the Ponyville Days pony of ceremonies is a pretty big deal!"
"Alot of ponies must have signed up," Shenran remarked as he stood beside Fluttershy before whispering, "Did you sign up my Princess?" Fluttershy blushed.
"Oh no," Fluttershy answered, "I don't think I could handle being pony of ceremonies. That's such a big responsibility."
"Maybe someday," Shenran replied as they shared a nose nuzzle. Shenran then remembered something when he saw Mario with a foreleg wrapped around his wife.
"By the way, Mario," said Shenran, "How did things go with that visit to Princess Celestia?" Mario blinked.
"That was weeks ago!" said Mario but then remembered, "Actually...nopony asked how that went."
"That was because poor Twilight was having a breakdown thanks to Discord and then Pinkie had you super busy with Rainbow's Birth-iversary party," Applejack answered, "I'm kind of curious myself about how the Princess took the news."
"Well, to keep it short," said Mario, "Mom did kind of go into shock, ignored me for a about a day, assumed she was going to be replaced, but then swallowed her words once I told her that our birth mom was...gone..." Mario took a deep breath since he could feel the urge to cry rising in his throat, "She was understanding once I explained that and apologized for getting jealous. Then we spent the next three days having fun together."
"Like what?" Rainbow asked, "Egghead stuff? Stuffy royalty stuff?" Mario smirked.
"How about Mom transforming herself into a normal unicorn and we spent an all night pranking the upper class ponies?" said Mario in a whispering voice. Twilight's jaw dropped while the others uttered words of amazement.
"Are you serious?" Rainbow remarked, trying hard not to be too loud "That is awesome!"
"I can't believe the Princess let you do that," said Twilight disapprovingly, "that is so wrong, Mario! So wrong!"
"Yeah, Mario," Shenran added, "You are a naughty, naughty pony."
"Oh give me a break," said Mario with an eye roll before smirking, "It was actually her idea. In fact, she came up with most of the pranks. My favorite was when we saw Jet Set and Upper Crust and started using our magic to throw water balloons at them as they walked by."
"Oooh, scandalous," said Rarity as the others nodded in agreement. Twilight was speechless. It was then Mayor Mare stood before a pulpit with Granny Smith and two other experienced ponies sitting behind a table.
"I didn't know Granny Smith was on the selection committee," said Twilight.
"Of course she is," said Applejack, "Ponyville Days celebrates the founding of Ponyville, and she was right there." It was then a small filly carrying a balloon went up to the experienced pony. Granny Smith smiled and rubbed her mane.
"It is such an honor to be have such an amazing mare for my Granny," Mario with a teary smile as Twilight hugged him in agreement.
"I'm glad the committee didn't automatically pick me so everypony gets a chance to see how great being me actually is!" said Pinkie in her hyperactive fashion, "Even though the festival's basically a party and the pony of ceremonies gets to organize the whole thing! So it'd totally makes sense if they did pick me..."
"SHHH!" several ponies shushed, including her friends. Pinkie just smiled sheepishly.
"Citizens of Ponyville," said Mayor Mare, "this year's applicants were all exceptional, but there can only be one Ponyville Days pony of ceremonies. And that pony is..." As Mayor Mare spoke, Muffins, a olden knight pony, a clown pony, and a pony wearing a planetarium on his head, with a pony wearing a Wonderbolt cadet uniform glaring at him, were seen. The three ponies of the selection committee began to confer with each other. Pinkie then did a large inhale, causing her head to blow up like a huge balloon and floated up into the air, with Applejack and Rarity watching her float away.
"Ooo!" Mario and Shenran said excitedly as they each grabbed a slingshot and prepared to fire at Pinkie's balloon head.
"Ahem," said Twilight and Fluttershy, who gave their respective special somepony a death glare.
"Aw, I never get to use this thing!" Mario complained and pouted.
"Just let it go, buddy," said Shenran, "and put 'em away." Mario snorted as he used his magic to make their slingshots disappear. Twilight and Fluttershy just rolled their eyes. It was then Granny Smith presented Mayor Mare with a sheet of paper, who blinked at what was written on it.
"Rarity!" said Mayor Mare. The marshmallow mare just looked stunned before smiling excitedly.
"Whoo-ee! All right, Rarity!" said Applejack as the marshmallow mare shook hooves with Golden Harvest.
"Yeah! Whoo-oo-oo!" Rainbow cheered and laughed as Amethyst Star presented Rarity with a bouquet of flowers.
"Congratulations, Rarity!" said Twilight as she and Mario walked up to her, "Do you know what you're gonna do?" It was then Spike appeared, sweating heavily as he pushed forward a hoof-made miniature replica of Ponyville that was fully decorated.
"Oh, I might have a few ideas," said Rarity as she looked at the model. Twilight just smiled in reply.
(Main Theme)
Later at the Carousel Boutique, a makeshift stage had been created with a runway inside of the main area. Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight, and Fluttershy waited excitedly for the big reveal of Rarity's plans for the Ponyville Days festival. Apparently, Mario and Shenran were helping her out with the presentation.
"I'm so excited for the festival," said Pinkie, "I can hardly stand up straight!" Pinkie then stood tall using her fore-legs only to tip forward and land on her face. Rainbow just looked away indignantly.
"Me too," said Twilight to Applejack and Twilight, "I'm glad Rarity was picked. I know she'll add a touch of elegance to the whole thing!"
"Probably more than a touch!" Applejack added.
"Not to mention a little touch of Mario's love," said Fluttershy.
"Indeed," said Twilight with a chuckle, "He and Rarity work very well together. My husband is such a helpful pony." Twilight sighed contently as the room went dark and the light around the stage buzzed on. Spike, wearing a nice jacket with a red polka-dot bow tie then appeared. He then cranked the music player before clearing his throat and holding up some note cards.
"This year's Ponyville Days festival," said Spike as he stood by an easel, "designed by Rarity, with help from Mario, will feature high class events such as..." Spike then revealed a nicely sketched drawing of some ponies drinking cider from fancy glasses. Most of the ponies could tell Mario had probably sketched the drawings himself. Or that he and Rarity did them together.
"...a silent cider auction and tasting," said Spike.
"Ooooh!" said the five ponies.
"A Ponyville gala in town square," Spike continued as he showed a drawing of some fancy looking ponies dancing.
"Ahhhh!" said the group.
"And, of course, a Ponyville fashion show," Spike said as he showed a drawing of ponies wearing stylish outfits while walking down the runway.
"Oooooh!" the group replied.
"This year's Ponyville Days festival pony of ceremonies creates shimmering couture of her own design," Spike continued as he read his note cards. The curtains then opened to show Rarity herself along with Mario and Shenran.
"Handsome!" Twilight and Fluttershy said with stars in their eyes and wide smiles as they looked at their respective special someponies, "Aaaaaaaaaaaah!" Both stallions were donning fancy dinner suits with bow ties and a trilby hats. They both stood at the left and right of Rarity, who was wearing a lilac and baby blue dress that had an alternating colored layered skirt covered with gems and lacy patterns on each layer. The top half was baby blue with lacy accents at the end of the sleeves with a stylish purple scarf around her neck. She was also wearing a silver necklace with gems, gem dangle earrings, and a silver ring that had a purple gem in it on her horn.
"And the theme is..." said Rarity as she, Mario, and Shenran posed, ""Small Town Chic"!"
"Wow, Rarity," said Twilight, "You really have put a lot of effort into this."
"I'll say," Applejack added.
"Oh, I think it's going to be magical," said Fluttershy.
"Do you really think so?" Rarity gasped with some uncertainty.
"Are you kidding?" said Pinkie excitedly as she bounced up to Rarity's face, "I can't wait!" Pinkie then bounced away.
"Oh, that's such a relief," said Rarity as Spike rolled over a mini staircase so the marshmallow pony could walk off the stage. Mario and Shenran went to step down as well when Spike pulled the mini staircase away and they fell flat on their faces.
"But of course," said Rarity, "I couldn't possibly do it all on my own. The festival is in three days!"
"Pinkie Pie, Shenran, and I can hang lights and decorations in the town square," said Rainbow. Shenran recovered and nodded in agreement.
"And I can get Sweet Apple Acres all ready for the cider tastin'" said Applejack, "And Mario can help me out since the extra horsepower really makes things easier on the farm."
"Sure thing, Sis," said Mario as the orange pony smiled in return.
"Oh, that's just perfect!" said Rarity, "And now, Twilight, if you and Fluttershy wouldn't mind helping with the fashion show."
"Of course!" said Twilight.
"I'd be honored," said Fluttershy.
"I'm gonna need my camera to take pictures for the fashion show," said Mario as he made one appear with his magic and took a picture of Twilight. The purple pony flinched at the flash and gave her husband a glare.
"Sorry, heh," Mario said with a sheepishly smile. Shenran just looked a little glum.
"I don't have a camera to take pictures of my Fluttershy," he said sadly until Mario clipped a camera to his neck.
"You do now," Mario replied. Shenran smiled as he walked up and began taking some pictures of Fluttershy, who just smiled and posed bashfully for the camera.
"I can focus on the thing I'm worried about most of all," said Rarity after she watched Shenran take a few more pictures of his marefriend.
"What?" everypony else asked curiously.
"Creating a Ponyville Days festival fantastic enough to impress...Trenderhoof!" said Rarity with a giddy smile on her face. Mario and Spike just smirked as the rest of the group just shared looks with each other.
"Uh," said Applejack, "who's Trenderhoof?" Rarity blinked.
"What?!" Rarity exclaimed, "How can you not know who Trenderhoof is?" Rarity opened a curtain revealing posters and a small table of various objects relating to the stallion. It was clearly her little love shrine to him.
"Trenderhoof is only the most amazing, handsome travel writer to have ever traveled or written!" Rarity explained, "Before Las Pegasus became an Equestria travel destination, he wrote about it! Before the culinary revolution in Trottingham, he discovered it! He knows what's going to be hot even before its tepid!" Rarity then giggled excitedly to herself.
"Sounds like somepony has a little bit of a crush," said Twilight as she walked up to her. Rarity then pulled down on of the posters with Trenderhoof's face on it.
"Oh, Twilight, said Rarity as she did a mock faint and Twilight caught her with a single foreleg. She then grabbed Twilight by the cheeks before twirling twice on her hind legs, ""crush" doesn't even begin to describe it. He's practically divine. I can't believe he's coming!" Rarity then went back to looking at her poster and giggled excitedly to herself. The others just shared awkward looks with each other, except for Mario, who was smiling and chuckling to himself.
"Oh, the joys of your own love shrine," Mario said to himself.
"Wait," said Twilight, "are you saying that you had a love shrine of me?" Mario eye's bugged out as his cheeks turned crimson red. He had forgotten that he had never told Twilight about it and he was regretting it since everypony else was around to hear her ask him about it.
"I...uhh...I..." Mario stuttered.
"Are you kidding?" said Rainbow as she hovered to Twilight, "Mario's love shrine of you is twice as big!"
"Dashie!" Mario retorted.
"I once found him talking a nap with a plush toy version of you that he kept on a table that was surrounded by handmade paper red roses," Applejack added.
"Sis!" Mario pleaded.
"Did you know Mario has over 512 pictures of you?" Pinkie added, "I once caught him holding a blown up picture of your face and was kissing it!"
"Pinkie!" Mario begged, feeling very embarassed.
"And you know that book that he claims is his private journal?" Fluttershy added, "It's actually filled with nothing but entries of him talking about how beautiful you are!"
"Girls! STOP!" Mario pleaded, feeling rather humiliated as he grabbed a pillow to hide his face and whimpered. Twilight just pulled the pillow off his face. She could see that her husband looked very embarassed.
"You really fell in love with me didn't you?" Twilight said in a tone that was understanding and sympathetic.
"At first sight," Mario replied as he lowered the pillow. Twilight just held him lovingly. Mario held her back and felt better...until he noticed Shenran snickering.
"I wouldn't laugh, Shenny boy," Mario retorted, "I hear you keep a life-size plushie of Fluttershy in your bedroom."
"No," said Shenran bluntly.
"You have dreams of kissing her and wake up with your lips puckered up," Mario said next.
"No," Shenran in the same tone.
"Recite poetry about her when nopony is around!"
"No!"
"Well...I'm sure you do something embarassing!" Mario said quickly and pouted as Shenran smirked. There was no way he was going to let anypony know about his secret wall collage he had of Fluttershy inside his closet...or that he really did keep a life-size Fluttershy plush toy that he snuggled with when he was alone.
Later the next day as everypony else was getting to work, Twilight, Rarity, and Mario were awaiting at the train station. The next train was supposed to have Trenderhoof on it. Rarity was feeling very nervous as she used her magic to cool herself down with a paper fan.
"Thank you ever so much for joining me, Twilight and Mario," said Rarity, "I don't think I could have met Trenderhoof on my own!"
"It's no problem, but your should be nervous about meeting him," said Twilight.
"But there's no shame if you are," said Mario, "Meeting that special somepony you've fallen in love with for the first time can be a bit...nerve-wracking."
"You weren't nervous when you met me for the first time," said Twilight.
"Uh, let's me reenact the moment," said Mario as he then pretended to knock on an invisible door, "Uhh...I...I...h-h-hi, m-m-m-my n-name is Star Mario, I...uh...I mean...Mario...Mario Star. My name is Mario Star...and...I...wanted to...umm...well..." Mario then shifted to the other side of the invisible door. Even putting on a wig that looked just like Twilight's on his head.
"Uh...could you please get out of my way!" said Mario, trying to sound like a young Twilight, "I'm gonna be late for my first class on my first day and I have no clue where to go. What if I'm tardy? I can't be tardy on my first day. Princess Celestia will think I'm not being serious. She won't let me be her personal student anymore. I'll let my parents down and I..." Mario then pretended to hug her invisible younger self. Twilight blinked as Rarity chuckled to herself.
"Why'd you do that?" Mario asked in his young Twily voice.
"Because a hug always helps me feel better when I'm having a panic attack," Mario replied, "Come on. I know where everything is and we have the same classes together!" Twilight was just stunned.
"I still don't get how Mario can even remember everything that we said," Twilight replied.
"He's got a good long term memory," said Rarity, "and he really loved you back then."
"How?" Twilight asked.
"Real love overlooks the fact you were rude to him when he was just trying to introduce himself," Rarity pointed out.
"Oh...yeah...right," Twilight replied wearily as her cheeks turned light pink. It was then the train pulled into the station Rarity began to look around as lots of ponies exited the train.
"Is that him? Is he here? Twilight, Mario, is he there?" Rarity asked frantically.
"Uhh...I'm not sure," Twilight replied.
"I haven't caught sight of him, Rares," Mario added as he looked around the station platform.
"You don't suppose he's decided not to come?" said Rarity in a panic as she squatted down with her fore-hoofs on her head, "Twilight, Mario, I don't see him! What if he doesn't arrive? This whole festival will be a disaster! Twilight, Mario, where is he?" As Rarity threw her fore-legs into the air, she noticed that a bunch of ponies on the station platform were looking at her. Rarity then cleared her throat.
"Sorry," Rarity apologized timidly as the ponies went back to their business.
"Rarity, you have to get a hold of yourself," said Twilight, "I mean, you haven't even met him yet."
"I was a nervous wreck before meeting you for the first time," Mario told her.
"What about me was so nerve wrecking?" Twilight snapped annoyingly.
"You were so beautiful, cute, and attractive as a filly," Mario suggested, "plus you thought I was a weirdo. I kind had a hole to dig out of if you get my meaning." Twilight just rolled her eyes. It was then a tall light mocha colored stallion with blonde mane and tail appeared, wearing a olive green shirt and white glasses. That stallion was Trenderhoof. Twilight just blinked as Rarity looked at Trenderhoof, her pupils shrinking in size and hearts floating around her head and around Tenderhoof''s face as he smiled at her. Mario awed.
"Love at first sight," said Mario with a sigh, "Just like what I saw Twilight for the first time." Twilight rolled her eyes again.
"Are you seriously into romantic things or are you just really empathetic to Rarity's situation?" Twilight asked. She could understand the latter, but the former just seemed rather strange to her. She had never seen Mario as being a guy who was into romance.
"A little of both," said Mario, "besides, isn't it a good thing that I remember all of this? I thought girls liked that their special somepony's remembered events like this. I bet you'd blast my mane off if I had forgotten about it." Twilight just sighed. Mario was indeed correct, but she wasn't going to give him any satisfaction. Rarity then gasped and then hid behind Twilight.
"What's wrong?" Twilight asked worried.
"Shh!" Rarity hushed quickly as she grabbed Twilight's beautiful tail and put is over her head, "It's him, it's him, is it him? Is it him? It's him, he's here, he's here!"
"Well, go up and talk to him!" said Twilight as a matter of fact.
"Twilight, be a little more considerate," Mario scolded before leaning beside Rarity, "Rares, it's going to be okay. I know you're nervous because you falling for him, but remember he's still just a pony like you and me. You can do it." Rarity mumbled with a high pitched voice.
"I can't!" Rarity squeaked. Twilight sighed.
"Any ideas honey?" Twilight asked, not hiding her annoyance, "I can assume you acted the same way meeting me."
"I did," Mario answered, "Basically, Mom teleported me against my will to your front door and I landed on my stomach. She called it a gentle nudge in the right direction."
"Gentle nudge huh?" said Twilight with a smile as she used her magic to get Rarity to her feet and scooted her in front of Trenderhoof.
"Uh, hi-" said Rarity as she gave a nervous laugh and cleared her throat, "Hello, Mr. Trenderhoof. I am Rarity and I have been chosen as pony of ceremonies for the Ponyville Days festival." Rarity laughed nervously again. Mario gave her a sympathetic smile even though the marshmallow pony never noticed it.
"Please," Trenderhoof said formally, "call me "Trend"." Rarity's eye twitched before she smiled and passed out. Twilight just face-hoofed herself.
"Aw," said Mario and chuckled to himself. Twilight's jaw dropped.
"You...you...you gotta be kidding me!" said Twilight in shock as Mario introduced himself to Trenderhoof and gave Rarity a green and white mushroom, "You never passed out when we were first meeting each other! That much I remember!"
"You're right, I didn't," said Mario, still smiling, as Rarity sat up and recovered, "But I did pass out...when I first heard you call me cute." Twilight looked baffled until...something clicked.
"You heard me talking to Shining Armor that weekend I invited you over," said Twilight in a defensive tone, "that was supposed to be a secret!"
"I was looking for you that morning when I heard Shining Armor ask what you thought of me," Mario explained in complete honesty, "as I walked in, you said and I quote: I think he's cute. I quickly backed out of the room, gave a squee, and fainted right there in the hallway with a big smile on my face. When you found me, you played dumb, muttered "boys", and walked off." Twilight as agape as she blinked twice before Rarity walked up to her.
"If you two are done talking about your romantic past, darling," said Rarity, "Trenderhoof and I have some work to do. Come along Mario." Mario gave a nod, kissed his wife on the cheek and followed Trenderhoof and Rarity as they walked off the station. Twilight was left alone, still completely speechless.
"You can boss around the Prince?" Trenderhoof asked in surprise.
"He was my best friend and right-hoof assistant first," said Rarity proudly, "His Princely title came later."
"Very impressive," said Trenderhoof, "I like a girl who can take charge in any situation."
"She is available," Mario added when Rarity firmly nudged him from the side.
"Mario, I know you empathize with my situation and are just being helpful," said Rarity firmly in a hushed tone, "but I'll handle getting Trenderhoof to like me."
"Sorry," said Mario in the same tone, "but if you ever need a lifeline, I'm here." Rarity smiled gratefully. It wasn't much longer before Rarity was guiding Trenderhoof through Ponyville. Mario just stayed quiet since Rarity was handling herself nicely.
"And over here will be the climax of the festival," Rarity explained, "the Ponyville Days gala! Music, Dancing!" Rarity laughed nervously, "And of course a locally sourced menu of delicious treats."
"Reminds me of the "Spring Fling meets Manehattan Wedding" I wrote about in Gallop & Ponies," said Trenderhoof.
"Exactly," said Rarity as she looked at the journal stallion, "I, I can't even describe how much your work has influenced me!" Rarity then guided Trenderhoof out of the town area with Mario following alongside the two ponies.
"And finally, Sweet Apple Acres," Rarity announced as the farm came into view, "Ponyville's core, heh-heh, so to speak, where our quaint little hamlet begin."
"And the home of my relatives," Mario said proudly.
"You're related to the Apple Family?" Trenderhoof said surprised.
"Indeed," said Rarity, "Apparently there's a little unicorn in the earth pony family line. So you could say this place is not only the founding place of Ponyville, but also the where Equestria's first Alicorn Prince was born." Mario looked a little uncomfortable.
"Rares, I wasn't born here!" Mario whispered to her.
"I mean your birth as an Alicorn," Rarity pointed.
"Oh...right..." said Mario, feeling a little better that Rarity was being truthful after all.
"Oh, breathtaking," said Trenderhoof as he looked about the area, "I've heard about it of course, but to see in verite, to stand on its soil of a working farm...You can really feel the authenticity." Rarity just watched as Trenderhoof shifted his hooves against the soil, enjoying the dirt against them.
"Oh, yes, uh, they, they really do grow apples here," said Rarity timidly, not wanting to have to get her own hooves dirty is she could help it.
"Rares, there's more to Sweet Apple Acres than that!" Mario protested, wanting to say more.
"I'm the tour guide, thank you!" said Rarity sternly, leaving Mario indignant. He was trying to remember ever being like this when he tried to impress Twilight. He train of thought was interrupted when Trenderhoof put a hoof on Rarity's shoulder.
"Thank you, Rarity," said Trenderhoof, putting a fore-hoof around Rarity's shoulder, "Thank you for bringing me here. This farm is truly something special."
"It certainly is," said Mario to himself.
"Oh, I had planned to transform it into an elegant country inn for the festival," Rarity admitted, "but now I see just how special it is au naturel." Rarity didn't resist gazing into Trenderhoof's eyes as she said that.
"Au naturel indeed," said Trenderhoof. Rarity just gave him a lovesick smile, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink, as some hearts floated and popped around Rarity. Trend looked back at her with a smile, but then his attention was diverted when he noticed a familiar orange pony, her coat covered a little in dirt and grime, as she looked at a nearby apple tree.
"Who...is...that?" said Trenderhoof. Rarity, and Mario, then looked as Applejack just bucked an apple tree as she exhaled and wiped her sweaty brow. Suddenly, Trenderhoof started getting hearts floating about his face. Mario's eyes shrunk.
"Uh oh..." said Mario. He knew a lovesick face when he saw it.
"Who? Applejack?" said Rarity, slightly puzzled as she stood in his view of the orange pony.
"My little sister, Applejack?" Mario asked, not hiding the fact he was starting to feel a little protective over the orange pony. Trenderhoof didn't answer and pushed Rarity aside to look at Applejack in a lovesick manner. It was then Applejack flicked her head in slow motion from side to side, making her mane that was tied up in a long ponytail, sway about. Trenderhoof looked more lovesick than ever.
"Momma mia," said Mario as he slapped a fore-hoof to his head.
"Ahem!" said Rarity, "Why are you starting at her like that?"
"I've seen alot in my travels," said Trenderhoof as he stepped forward, "but I've never seen such beauty." He then watched as Applejack took a bite out of an apple, getting the juices all over her lips.
"Applejack...the pony of my dreams," Trenderhoof said happily. Mario winced as he saw Rarity make a face of a mare who had been slapped across the face, leaving her hurt, heartbroken, and rejected. Mario then placed a gentle fore-leg around her.
"You are a clueless airhead, Trenderhoof," said Mario darkly in a quiet tone, "No disrespect to my little sister, but he couldn't see a real beauty if it slapped him senseless. Right, Rares? Rares...?" Mario then noticed that Rarity was gone. Mario sighed to himself.
"I hate seeing Rarity cry," said Mario to himself as he went to go find her, "Why am I the only one who takes her crying seriously, even if it's over something as silly as a broken thread?" Mario didn't need long to find his answer as he smirked.
"Cause you're a totally awesome and lovable," Mario told himself in a cocky tone, before wincing as if Twilight had thrown a book at his head, "I feel so conceited saying that out loud..." Mario just shook his head and headed for the Carousel Boutique. He knew Rarity needed a friend and he could worry about his self-confidence issues later.
It wasn't long before Mario had arrived back at the boutique. Coincidentally, Spike had also arrived carrying a cup in his claw.
"Rarity? Rarity! Hello?" Spike called out.
"Rares, are you here?" Mario said next. They both heard the sound of crying inside as well as a large trail of water leading to the source. Mario sighed.
"Note to self: mop up to floor once Rarity calms down," Mario told himself as Spike casually walked up to Rarity, ignoring her crying and the wet floor. He opened the curtain to see Rarity sobbing before her love shrine.
"I brought my cider-tasting cup," said Spike, "Are you ready to go try the samples?"
"What's the point?" Rarity sobbed as she smacked Spike's cup out of his claw and waved her fore-legs in the air before buried her face into them and continued to cry.
"Rarity, what's wrong?" Spike asked, now worried as Mario just rubbed a fore-hoof against Rarity's back for support.
"Nothing!" Rarity hiccupped.
"Is it something I said?" Spike asked.
"He doesn't like me!" Rarity mumbled so high squeaky tone as she lifted her head, tears streaming down her face.
"What?" Spike asked puzzled.
"He doesn't like me!" Rarity repeated as she got up in a inaudible tone once again.
"Rarity, I can't hear what you're-" Spike replied.
"He doesn't like me because he has a crush on Applejack," Rarity shouted, cutting Spike off and sending him flying backwards a few feet, "even though I've had a crush on him ever since the beginning of time, and it's not fair!"
"Trenderhoof doesn't like you?" said Spike in shock and slightly angry, "That's ridiculous!"
"I agree on that," said Mario.
"Oh, Spike, how could you even know what it's like to be totally obsessed with a pony only to find out they're obsessed with somepony else?" Rarity cried out. There was a long pause as Spike and Mario both gave her death glares.
"Uh...hello?" Mario retorted, "Did you forget Spike...mmmph?"
"Just let it go," said Spike firmly with his claw over Mario's mouth, "Even I know Rarity's not thinking straight." Mario removed Spike's claw off his mouth, giving him a glare before walking up to Rarity as she kept crying.
"Rares, I know this really hurts right now," said Mario gently, "It stinks getting your heartbroken. I should know..."
"How would you know?!" Rarity snapped angrily, "You're a married stallion for Celestia's sake!" Mario glared.
"Did you forget what happened when I told Twilight I loved her for the first time?" Mario asked her gently but firmly. Rarity glared, but then sniffed as her expression softened.
"Right...you were crying just as much as I am now," said Rarity quietly, "You might not have had to deal with her liking somepony else, but you must understand what's running through my head right now?"
"I probably do," said Mario, "but it would help me if you spoke your mind."
"Well, I just feel so frustrated," said Rarity, "I mean, what could Applejack possibly have that I don't?!"
"I 'unno," said Spike with a shoulder shrug.
"Absolutely nothing," said Mario, "If Trenderhoof can't accept you for who you are, then it's his loss." Rarity then glared.
"You told me the same thing when Twilight rejected me," said Mario. Rarity just sighed.
"Hmm..." Rarity pondered to herself. Mario saw the look on her face.
"You're not gonna give up on him...oh what am I saying? Even I didn't give up on Twilight despite what happened," said Mario and sighed, "Well...staying hopeful did pay off for me. Maybe it can for you, Rares. What can I do to help?" Rarity just smiled as she began to come up with a plan.
Back at the farm, Applejack was just smiling contently with her saddle baskets loaded with delicious apples. Trenderhoof then finally decided to approach her.
"You know, I have such a respect for the work ethic of Earth ponies," said Trenderhoof. Though by his tone, it was hard to tell if he was being sincere or just trying to impress Applejack.
"Uh, gee, thanks," said Applejack in a sheepish tone, "Granny Smith always said, "Pick an apple a day, keep trouble away"."
"How many varieties of apples do you think there are?" Trenderhoof asked as he started following her. Applejack looked a little puzzled by the question.
"Uh, on the farm or in all of Equestria?" Applejack replied, "'Cause-"
"I once had an apple so rare, they thought it was extinct," said Trenderhoof as he used his magic to grab one of the apples from Applejack's basket, "I ate four of them." He then took a large bite out of the apple, causing some of it to splash all over Applejack's face. The orange pony glared as she wiped the apple goop off with a fore-leg.
"Is that a fact?" she asked, glaring at him.
"That's my thing," said Trenderhoof, "I take the mundane, the simple, the unappreciated, and I make it relatable." Trenderhoof then pointed at an elderly pony walking on a stretcher, then at a small filly Pegasus that was with Bon-Bon, and then at Muffins, who had been chatting with a stallion that had a palm tree cutie mark.
"Well, I hope you can relate to Ponyville," said Applejack before trying to walk away, but then Trenderhoof got in front of her.
"Me too," he said, "But enough about me. I wanna know about you! What do apples mean to Applejack?" Applejack just glared indignantly.
"Look, I'm glad you're interested in Ponyville 'n' all," said Applejack, "but I'm kinda busy with my chores. And if I can't get 'em done, there won't be a Ponyville Days festival for you to write about."
"Well, that will never do!" said a voice. The two ponies looked to see Rarity wearing stylish jewel studded cowpony boots with a lacy and jewel studded straw hat. She also had a small basket hanging around her neck. Mario was just standing next to her, glaring at Trenderhoof, wearing his brown stenson hat on his head. Applejack didn't seem bothered seeing Mario wearing his hat, but Rarity's outfit caught her by surprise.
"Rarity, what are you wearin'?" Applejack asked curiously.
"What, this old thing?" Rarity replied casually.
"Aren't you too busy plannin' the festival to keep makin' new outfits for it?" Applejack asked, "I could use my big brother's help on the farm." Trenderhoof just kept staring at Applejack with lovesick hearts floating around his head. Mario glared at him, resisting the urge to buck him straight to Canterlot.
"I am," said Rarity as she and Mario walked up to the two ponies, "But the thought of hauling apples inspired me, and I just couldn't stop myself!" Applejack just looked at her in disbelief. Mario did the same.
"Really?" said Applejack and Mario together.
"If there's one thing I love," said Rarity as she looked at Trenderhoof and gave her mane a little flick, "it's hauling apples!"
"Wuh?" said Mario in surprise.
"I'm growing fond of it myself," said Trenderhoof in a rather dreamy tone as leaned a little closer to Applejack. A little too close from Mario's pointed of view. He tried to walk up to him, but Rarity held up to fore leg to make him stand down.
"Maybe you two should try it sometime," Applejack muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes at the two. She then glared at Mario.
"What did you do to her?" Applejack accused.
"I told Rarity to try embracing her country side to impress Trenderhoof," said Mario, "I didn't expect her to outright lie about herself."
"I'm feeling a tad inspired," said Trenderhoof. Trenderhoof began to recite a little poetry as Rarity listened with a lovesick look on her face.
"Without a farm life, there'd be such disparity
These thoughts I think with great clarity
Apples high to the sky
She's the one of my eye
That fruit-hauling pony named...Applejack!"
As Trenderhoof was reciting his poetry, he then leaned into Rarity's face and held her chin. Rarity lovingly gazed into his eyes when Trenderhoof suddenly turned and around and held Applejack's chin instead as he gave her a smile. Applejack didn't smile back, but rather looked at him irritably. Poor Rarity gave a mule bray as the hearts floating around her head broke in half. She gave Applejack a jealous glare that had been left unseen. Mario's eyes shifted from Trenderhoof and Applejack to the now jealous Rarity.
"You do see that Applejack isn't enjoying Trenderhoof's company right?" Mario asked.
"You think you're so amazing, little miss farmer pony!" Rarity snapped through her teeth, "We will see about that!"
"Rarity!" said Mario as he got in front of her, "I don't think Applejack likes Trenderhoof. In fact, all he's doing is annoying her."
"Oh and when you used to see colts talking to Twilight you didn't get jealous!" Rarity retorted angrily. Mario narrowed his eyes at her.
"I did," Mario replied honestly, "but unlike you...I walked up to Twilight and asked her about the colts who tried to show interest in her. Wanna know what her response was?"
"Please enlighten me," Rarity said hastily with an eye roll.
""What colt? I didn't even know anypony was even talking to me!" was Twilight's reply every time," said Mario, "And you know that when Twilight gets into a book, she tunes out everything around her."
"Interesting," said Rarity, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some farming to do." Mario was left stunned as Rarity snootily walked away. Soon, she was back on the farm, standing in the middle of a field looking at a dirty plow. She had also brought Spike along with her and Mario was just standing next to him.
"Rarity, why do you want to plow a field?" Spike asked her.
"Uh, the same reason you wanna be her butler," Mario replied with a hint of sarcasm. Spike just glared at him.
"Is it me, or could this use a splash of color?" said Rarity as she examined the plow, "and maybe a wash!"
"Don't we need to check on the gala decorations?" Spike asked Rarity.
"We should get a progress reports about how everypony else is doing," said Mario.
"Yes, yes, of course," said Rarity, waving them off, "But Trend obviously has a thing for farm life. If I can't convince him that I'm just as much a farm hoof as Applejack, I'll never get him interested in the festival."
"The festival," said Spike dismissively as Mario rolled his eyes, "right."
"And I do appreciate your help ever so much," said Rarity as she wrapped her fore-leg around the dragon's shoulder and hugged him, "I couldn't do a thing without you, Spikey-poo." Spike blushed.
"Well, that's what friends are for!" said Spike, but then his and Mario's eyes bugged out when they saw Rarity on top of the plow and holding the rope like they were reins.
"Right, so," said Rarity as she whipped the reins and grunted, "Come on! Farm...thing!" Rarity just sighed since she couldn't make it move. Mario face-hoofed himself.
"Oh, how does Applejack do it?" Rarity sighed.
"Well, it would help if the harness was on right!" said Applejack as she and Trenderhoof arrived, "What are you doin'?"
"I am simply lending a hoof with the chores," said Rarity, "which I love doing ever so much!" Applejack and Trenderhoof just gave Rarity a blank and puzzled look. Mario just face-hoofed himself again and shook his head.
"Well if you're still interested after the festival I can teach you all about it," said Applejack as she hooked up the harness of the plow, "But right now, I need to get the plowin' done, if you don't mind."
"Not at all," said Rarity when Applejack took off so quickly that Rarity tumbled off the plow.
"Ugh! Oh!" Rarity groaned as Trenderhoof caught her with one of his fore-legs. Rarity looked at him gratefully before he rudely dropped her and walked up to see Applejack plow the field with Spike standing beside him.
"She makes it look so easy," said Spike.
"I know," said Trenderhoof in a dreamy tone, "Isn't she fantastic?" Rarity just looked worried as well as hurt while Mario helped her back onto her hooves.
"Such a gentlecolt," said Mario sarcastically before Rarity gave him a death glare.
"Twilight treated you far worse but you didn't let that keep you from pursuing her," Rarity said sternly. Mario glared before sighing in defeat.
"Touche," Mario replied, "Well, since we're going to be here for a while. I might as well help my sister out." Mario then hooked himself up to another plow and then took off at high speed, but nopony noticed.
Later on, Mario had asked Spike to check on the decoration progress while he went to work helping Applejack with the apple bucking. Mario summoned his freight cars before using his homing attack to buck a good dozen nearby trees in seconds. Once the apples were inside the baskets, Mario used his magic to load them up into his freight cars. Trenderhoof looked indignant.
"No pony likes a show-off," said Trenderhoof indignantly.
"I heartily agree," said Rarity in the same tone.
"Thanks alot!" Mario said, clearly offended as he back up hard into his freight cars loaded with apples and pulled the train to the barn without another word. Applejack then went to buck a tree, getting all the apples to fall off and most of them landed inside of the baskets on the ground. Trenderhoof applauded for her.
"I really don't see what the fuss is all about," said Rarity as Trenderhoof looked at her. Rarity then walked up to a tree and gently tapped it with a fore-hoof.
"Now, Rarity, you be careful," said Applejack as she stood beside Trenderhoof, "If you don't get the buckin' just right, you could sprain a hoof."
"I am perfectly familiar with the apple-bucking process, thank you very much," said Rarity as a matter of fact, "but while you seem to reply on raw power, I believe a certain amount of style is required. It's really more of a dance, if you ask me." Rarity gave Trenderhoof a charming look, but the stallion just gave her an awkward look. Rarity then hummed happily to herself as she did a little twinkle-hoofed dance before bucking a single hind leg to a nearby tree. A single apple was shaken loose and landed inside the basket attached in front of her.
"Et voila!" said Rarity, feeling proud of herself.
"Well, your way is definitely long on style," said Applejack with a roll of her eyes.
"Thank you," said Rarity, ignoring the sarcasm in the orange pony's tone.
"Now if you'll all excuse me," said Applejack sternly as she walked away, "I have some more chores to do!" Trenderhoof tried to follow her until the orange pony got into his face.
"Inside!" she snapped, making the stallion lean away as Applejack headed into a nearby henhouse and shut the door. Rarity just looked a little disappointed.
"Rarity, can I ask you something?" Trenderhoof asked, making Rarity smile excitedly.
"Oh, why, Trend, you can ask me anything," Rarity replied as she gets a little too close to him, making him feel a little uncomfortable again.
"I've been meaning to ask for a while," Trenderhoof explained, "and frankly I'm sort of embarassed. Rarity...do you think..." The marshmallow mare smiled hopefully.
"...Applejack would be my date for the festival?" Trenderhoof asked.
(Cue "Lose a life" fanfare for Rarity's hope and heart)
If Rarity's heart wasn't already broken, Trenderhoof certainly salted the wound. Rarity was furious.
"Why don't you go ask her for yourself?!" Rarity yelled angrily, "Hmph!" Rarity stomped off with a huff. Leaving Trenderhoof puzzled and clueless.
Meanwhile, inside the chicken coop, Applejack was just catching her breath when she felt somepony tap her from behind.
"AAAH!" Applejack yelped and turned around frightfully until she saw who it was, "Oh, it's you. Don't scare me like that!"
"Sorry, Sis," said Mario in a quiet voice, "I saw you sneak in here and wanted to make sure you were okay. Is Trenderhoof still not taking the hint to leave you alone?"
"He seems to have taken a hint for now," said Applejack, "at least until I come back out."
"Ho, boy," said Mario, "Thank you Cadance for teach me long ago that hovering over a mare won't make you like her. I knew from the start that doing that with Twilight would do me no good."
"Glad somepony has some common sense," said Applejack.
"I'm also here to rescue you," said Mario, "You'll be fine once we get you to the barn. Now come on!" Applejack nodded as Mario opened the door to the henhouse. They cautiously looked around before sneaking out of the building and hiding amongst the trees in the foreground, both of them standing on their hind legs. They noticed Trenderhoof looking at one of the apple trees, tapping it with his fore-hoof and making an apple land on his head.
"I'm gonna try and distract him so you can head to the barn!" Mario whispered to her before approaching the stallion. Applejack wasted no time crawling low behind some bushes to get to the barn.
"Hey, Trenderhoof," said Mario, "Listen, we need to talk."
"Yes?" said Trenderhoof replied.
"I can see that you like my sister and all," said Mario, "But you're going about getting her to like you the wrong way."
"Like you would know how to woo a mare?" Trenderhoof asked irritably. Mario glared.
"I'm married to Princess Twilight," Mario pointed out as a matter of fact, "I obviously did something right!"
"Good point," Trenderhoof conceded hastily, "So what would you suggest I do to get her to like me?"
"For starters," Mario suggested, deciding to give him an honest answer, "You can't just keep following her and getting in her face all the time. Not all girls like to be praised and showered with complements. My wife certainly found it annoying and so does my sister. You also need to keep in mind that you can't force Applejack to like you back."
"Hmm...I see," Trenderhoof pondered, making it clear he had stopped listening to Mario. His face then lit up with excitement before he took off and left Sweet Apple Acres without another word.
"Good talk," Mario muttered indignantly before teleporting away. He had just arrived inside the barn when Applejack was running as fast as she could inside and slammed the door.
"Phew!" said Applejack as she stood on her hind legs and leaned against the barn door, "Well, that was close."
"If you've come to apologize, there's really no need," said Rarity snootily and turned away as Big Mac was busy in the background, wondering what was going on.
"What are you talkin' about?" Applejack asked.
"Let's dispense with the charade, shall we?" Rarity remarked with a fore-leg in the air. That was when Applejack figured out why Rarity was acting this way.
"Listen," said Applejack, "I know you want Trend to like you-"
"And he does!" Rarity interrupted before getting into Applejack's face, "Despite somepony's best efforts!" Mario groaned as Rarity stomped away.
"I swear I don't know why he's payin' so much attention to me," said Applejack, making Mario's eyes bug out, "And I don't know anypony who's that interested in farmin'. Not even me!"
"Well, maybe it's time Trend met a real country pony," said Rarity.
"I'm hoping that you mean your amazing fashionista self," said Mario.
"Shouldn't you be workin' hard on the festival instead of comin' up with new ways to impress Trend?" Applejack asked.
"Oh, I'm sure you'd love that!" Rarity shot back with a glare as she hooked herself up to a wagon.
"Rarity, My sister is NOT trying to steal Trenderhoof away from you!" said Mario, "Even I can see that! Why can't you? We have an important job to do and you're getting too distracted over him!"
"That isn't your concern anymore, Mario," Rarity said sternly, "because I'm handling the rest of the festival alone."
"Wuh?!" Mario said in shock.
"I have a new vision for the festival," said Rarity before continuing with her own country accent, "and it's gonna be more country than the whole Apple family put together!" Rarity then took her leave with a huff as Big Mac and Applejack shared worried looks with each other. Mario just sighed as he wiped his face with a fore-hoof.
"It's gonna be okay, Mario," said Applejack, "Just let Rarity have her space and when she needs you, she'll come around."
"I know," said Mario sadly before looking at Applejack, "But now I would like to answer your question."
"What question?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Why Trenderhoof is paying so much attention to you," Mario replied as Applejack just looked rather confused.
"I'm listening," Applejack said in a serious but curious tone.
"Well, Sis," Mario began, "Do you consider yourself a beautiful and attractive pony?" Applejack's eyes enlarged as her cheeks turned light pink.
"Wait, are you saying Trend..." Applejack then put two and two together, "but, but, but...that doesn't make a lick of sense! He should be setting his sights on Rarity! Why would Trend be interested in me and not her?!"
"Maybe because your beautiful and attractive in your own way," Mario answered plainly.
"Eeyup," Big Mac answered in agreement. Applejack just shook her head.
"But that makes no sense," said Applejack, "I didn't do anything to get Trend's attention."
"Sometimes you don't have to," said Mario, "All Twilight did was stand there when I fell in love with her." Applejack just felt herself blush a dark pink.
"Oh boy..." said Applejack, feeling rather insecure, "never thought this would happen."
"You don't think ponies would find you beautiful?" Mario asked. Applejack glared, but then saw that Mario was giving her a concerned look and her expression softened.
"It's...not something I really think about," said Applejack, "I have more important things to worry about around the farm to think about being beautiful!"
"It doesn't need to be a priority like it is for Rarity," said Mario, "you are very confident in yourself, Sis. Far more confident than I'll ever be. I guess I just wanted to know if that means you think your beautiful too." Applejack just sighed.
"I...never really thought about it," said Applejack quietly, "It...surprised me to hear the Trend would fall in love with me. That he finds me beautiful." Applejack then snorted, "Still don't think he's my type. I'd rather he'd gush over Rarity instead of me."
"As much as I want Rarity to get back to focusing on the festival," said Mario, "We're not gonna get any progress until she gets her mind off of impressing Trenderhoof."
"And how is that gonna happen?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know," said Mario with a worried tone as he sat down. Applejack just sat beside him before leaning into his shoulder. She was just as worried.
The next day, Fluttershy, Shenran, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Twilight were standing inside of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity had made her announcement about changing the festival theme and everypony was curious about her decision.
"Um, isn't it a little late to be changing the theme?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'll say it is," said Shenran, flexing his left wing, "I nearly sprained my wing when I got tangled in some streamers."
"Aw, let me kiss it and it better," said Fluttershy as she peppered his wing with some soft kisses, making Shenran chuckled since the kisses tickled. It was then Mario and Applejack entered inside. Twilight gasped when she saw her husband.
"Where were you?" Twilight asked, "I was worried sick when you didn't come home yesterday!"
"Sorry, honey," said Mario sadly, "I was helping Applejack at the farm and I worked myself so hard that I fell asleep in the middle of the orchard. By the time I woke up, the sun was already up."
"Why would you overwork yourself like that?" Twilight demanded before turning to the orange pony beside him, "Applejack, what's going on?"
"I'm too scared to guess," said Applejack as the lights buzzed and darkened. The group then watched the stage.
"Firstly, I just wanted to thank you all for comin'," Rarity said from behind the curtain with a country accent, "and second, I know y'all will all adore my new festival theme!" Spike then walked out with a large and rugged straw hat on his head and a banjo in his claw. He then began to play the banjo. It was then the curtains opened to reveal Rarity wearing some baggy overalls with torn pant legs bottoms and straw hat on her head. Her mane and tail were also straight and un-brushed. She also had some hay stacks behind her as well as couple of chickens and pigs that she "borrowed" from the farm.
""Simple Ways"," Rarity announced in her country accent. Everypony look at her in shock as Rarity and Spike went up to the front of the runway. Applejack and Mario made funny faces and began to laughter. The former putting a fore-leg around Fluttershy while the latter wrapped a fore-leg around his wife.
"Well?" Rarity demanded, feeling offended, "What's so funny?"
"Rarity, that is the silliest getup I have ever seen," Applejack chortled.
"It is a little funny," Fluttershy added as Shenran snickered.
"Fun-nay?" Rarity asked irritably. Now Twilight was laughing as well.
"Rarity, you aren't serious, are you?" Twilight asked.
"Well, of course I'm serious-" Rarity said sternly in her normal voice before clearing her throat and resuming her country voice, "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because you would never dress like that," said Applejack, "You like fashion and high society and fancy things."
"And I can like plowin' fields and haulin' apples just as much," Rarity shot back in a proud tone.
"But you don't!" Applejack asked.
"How do you know what I like?" Rarity asked as she got into Applejack's face.
"Because I know you," said Applejack, making Rarity lean back.
"Well, maybe you don't know me as well as you thank," Rarity retorted as she pushed Applejack out of the way and snootily walked off.
"And I suppose it's just a coincidence that Trenderhoof seemed so interested in country life too?" Applejack retorted. Rarity blinked for a moment before recomposing herself.
"I don't know what you're gittin' at!" Rarity replied, choosing to play dumb. The rest of the group shared concerned looks.
"Rarity, this is going too far," said Mario sternly, "I understand how it feels to excited to meet the pony you love and that you'll do just about anything to impress them and making them love you back! But you're going about this the wrong way! Besides, you fashion style is claiming that country folk are nothing but airheaded, fashion backward hillbillies! That's just stereotyping girl!"
"Oh, and you were doing everything perfectly when you tried to get Twilight to like you," said Rarity irritably, ignoring his remark about not being fashionably correct.
"No, I made plenty of mistakes," said Mario, "But I always stayed true to myself, even when I did something over the top or just flat out humiliated myself. It's one thing to want to take interests in the things your crush likes, but it's another when you go so far as start lying to them as well as yourself! Being lovesick can make it hard to think straight about your actions, but you can't even take responsibility for your own actions anymore!"
"I repeat, I don't know what you're gittin' at!" Rarity said indignantly, "beside, I believe I told you to git lost and let me handle thangs alone." The others gasped as Mario growled. Rarity had just proved his point.
"Well then, I guess Mario and I will just have to show you!" Applejack said firmly.
"Be my guest!" Rarity answered, accepting the challenge, "Now, if you all excuse me, I have a hootenanny of a festival to put on." Rarity then left the boutique with a hard slam of the door. The others just looked worried as Applejack growled angrily.
"This is getting out of hand," said Mario, "Ugh, I forgot how complicated love can be."
"It only gets complicated when you're not honest with each other," said Twilight, "or in Rarity's case, not being honest with herself." Mario just sighed to himself.
"Why did Trenderhoof have to be so stupid?" Mario asked out of the blue, "It's his fault Rarity's acting like this."
"Now don't go pointing fore-hooves, big brother," said Applejack, "Rarity was the one who is making some poor decisions on handling her feelings for him. Besides, I don't think you'd like it if somepony called Twilight stupid for not noticing your feelings back in the day."
"I wouldn't mind if a pony did," said Twilight sadly, "I was stupid."
"Honey, don't," said Mario gently, "I already told you that I forgave you for hurting me. You've more than made up for it too. After all, you married me and put up with me every day." Twilight giggled.
"You're not that unbearable, Mario Star," said Twilight honestly, "And beside, I'm no angel either. Our marriage may have had a rocky start, but we managed to get through any bumps in the road without too much fuss. With every test we face, I love you even more because of it."
"I love you more too," said Mario, "And I'm sorry if my memories of being nervous meeting you and my...love shrine annoyed you. I thought you deserved to know about that. One of our vows was no more secrets." Twilight smiled.
"I'm sorry too," said Twilight, "I thought the memories and love shrine were cute. I was just jealous because...I wasn't ready to tell you about my own experiences. As I told you before, that weekend you were with my family was when I started liking you. I just...hid how I dealt with my crush over alot better than you did. You never knew I had a crush on you."
"Care to share how you acted with us, Twilight?" Rainbow as Applejack rolled her eyes impatiently and the others chuckled. Twilight just blushed bright pink.
"Maybe..."
"No...I've held out on you for too long!" said Twilight, cutting Mario off, "I have to do this."
"Actually, I was gonna say we can wait until after we knock some sense into Rarity," said Mario, "I just realized we only have about a day to stop her from turning Ponyville into a hillbilly hootenanny and insulting country fashion. I've seen plenty of country couture and it is certainly stylish. I would even called it: western chic."
"Darn right about that," said Applejack, "plus Rarity needs a taste of her own medicine."
"And I have just the thing," said Mario as he whispered something to Applejack. She blinked before shaking her head.
"No way! No how!" Applejack protested when Mario put a fore-hoof to her lips.
"Applejack," said Mario gently, "think of it as you showing that you are can be beautiful too and do it your way." Applejack looked a little uneasy but then sighed to concede to the idea.
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Rarity and Spike had set up a makeshift stage inside the barn as Rarity spoke to six little fillies. Three of them being the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The six fillies all had worried or blank looks on their faces, especially regarding Rarity's accent and her attire, but stayed quiet about it.
"Now, to be a model in the Simple Ways fashion show," Rarity explained in her country accent, "you might think "simple" means "less is more". Well, that just ain't so." Rarity got into Apple Bloom face, "If you want to be real simple, more is more." Rarity then used her magic to dress up Apple Bloom. The other fillies watched with looks of horror, shock, and disturbed faces as Apple Bloom was wearing a straw boater hat with an uprooted plant on top of it, green work boots, and a tattered set of overalls. The hat was so big and heavy that Apple Bloom had a hard time keeping her head up and seeing where she was going.
"Now, y'all go off and make yourselves look just like that," said Rarity as the fillies walked off, leaving Apple Bloom toiling far behind. Rarity then turned to Spike.
"Who's our next model for the fashion show?" Rarity asked, really over-emphasizing her country accent.
"Um...Apple...Jewel?" Spike replied as he looked at his clipboard, slightly puzzled.
"Who the hay is that?" Rarity asked, rather stunned herself as she looked at the clipboard herself. It was then the lights inside the barn darkened. A spotlight appeared in the stage as the curtain opened up and some tango music began to play. There before Rarity and Spike was Applejack. She had put on a turquoise and pink dress with her mane done in an updo with curls and a double gem hairpin. (Her tail was hidden underneath the skirt.) Rarity and Spike blinked as Applejack elegantly made her way down the runway, posed, and then swayed her hips as she walked back and then posed again with her lips puckered up, making her face sparkle. Spike and Rarity looked a little disturbed when she heard somepony applauding loudly.
"Marvelous, Apple Jewel," said Mario, "Absolutely Sensational!"
"Is this some kind of joke?" Rarity asked.
"Why, Rarity," said Applejack in an upper-class accent, "whatever would make you think I was joking?"
"Because you would never wear an ensemble like that," said Rarity sternly in her normal voice, "You like plowing fields and hauling apples-"
"And I can like fashion just as much," said Applejack snootily as she tipped Rarity's hat forward.
"But you don't!" said Rarity, now back to her country accent.
"Well, maybe you do not know me as well as you think," Applejack replied.
"Fine," said Rarity, "But I got a whole festival to plan, so if you're goin' to start modelin', just get on with it!" Rarity had tipped her nose in the air, but then noticed Mario sitting nearby.
"Do you have somethin' to do with this?" Rarity demanded in her country accent.
"Indeed," Mario replied, "Since you've...dismissed me from working for you. Apple Jewel offered me a position as her right-hoof assistant. With my help, I've taken a modest country girl and turned her into the definition of a pony who is confident in her own beauty!" Applejack couldn't help but blush. They may be putting on an act for Rarity's sake, but she knew Mario was telling the truth about her trying to be confident in her own beauty. Rarity growled, but soon recomposed herself.
"Please just tell your model to do her thang," Rarity retorted snootily. Mario and Applejack glared at her before they shared smirks with each other.
"Life is a festival," Applejack said in her upper-class voice, "and you should celebrate it by looking just like me! Because I'm a trend-setting fashionista!" Mario then used his camera to take three pictures of Applejack as she posed for the camera.
You know for a pony who says she's not a fashionista, you are really good at modeling Sis. Mario thought to himself. He was proud of his little sister.
"You're a trend-setting fashionista?!" Rarity spluttered in her normal voice, "Why, that is the most ridiculous thing I've ever-I mean..." Rarity then recomposed herself and went back to her country persona. Mario then noticed that some flies were buzzing around Rarity, which either meant Rarity hadn't bathed in over a day or she really had let herself get sweaty and smelly.
"Good for you," said Rarity with quirky looking eye as she pulled on one of her overall straps, scratched her mane with her hind legs, "I, on the other hoof, couldn't care less how I look, as long as I get the chores done." Rarity then put a fore-hoof to her nose and did a mule bray. Mario glared at her. Applejack looked a little offended as well but kept it hidden.
"Oh, is that so?" said Applejack with a smirk as she walked off the runway and behind Rarity.
"Yes, indeedy-doodle!" Rarity replied.
"Not me!" Applejack said with a gasp as she held a mirror with her fore-leg and used her other fore-leg to touch up her blonde mane, "My mane needs to be perfectly coiffed at all times."
"Well, my mane is full of dust and split ends," Rarity retorted as she removed her hat to show her mane was not only neglected but covered in dust and cobwebs.
"My hooves are so polished," said Applejack as she stood behind a purple and pony background, "you can see your reflection in them." Her fore-hooves shinned as Applejack looked at herself.
"My hooves are cracked and dry from working in the fields!" Rarity said as she showed that one of her fore-hooves was cracked and chipped.
"I'm so fashion-forward," said Applejack with a sparkly white background.
"I wear droopy drawers!" Rarity snapped with a light brown background as she showed off her baggy and wrinkled overalls.
"I smell like rosebuds," said Applejack as she held a bouquet of roses behind a sparkly rose and heart background.
"I love being covered in mud!" Rarity screamed with her face showing a she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Then to prove her point, she ran to a nearby puddle of mud and threw herself into it. She splashed into the mud so hard that is a good chunk of mud went flying...right into the front of Applejack's dress.
"Goodness! Your couture!" Rarity exclaimed a see rushed to over to do damage control, "Ooh, it's bad." Rarity then tried to wipe it off, but only made the mud stain worse when she realized her fore-hoofs were still covered in mud.
"Will somepony bring me a towel to wipe this repulsive filth from my hooves?!" Rarity snapped.
"Now there's the Rarity I know!" said Applejack in her normal voice.
"Welcome back, twinsie!" Mario added as they both wrapped a fore-hoof around her despite her muddy condition.
"Oh, Applejack, Mario, I'm sorry I said all those things," said Rarity, "You two are true friends who probably know me better than I know myself. I don't know what I was thinking wearing this ridiculous outfit."
"You were lovesick, Rarity," said Mario, "sometimes it can make you do crazy things." Rarity smiled as a small tear left her eyes.
"Look at you, defending me once again when I was so horrid to you," said Rarity, her voice cracking, "You really are a sweetheart for being so sympathetic after the way I treated you, especially when I was throwing your behavior over Twilight in your face."
"Well, Rarity, I've learned that I'm close to six very independent mares," said Mario, "Mares who would rather learn things their own way. I might not be able to prevent you from setting yourself up for a big fall, but I can definitely be there to help pick up the pieces."
"And thank Celestia that you do," said Applejack, her tone filled with gratitude.
"Still can't believe I got so lost in my feelings for Trend that I would wear something like this," said Rarity as she rolled her eyes at herself.
"I kinda know how you feel," said Applejack.
"Oh, but you and Mario were just trying to help me see how silly I was being," said Rarity, "and you were right." Rarity just sighed to herself, "Besides, that gown look just gorgeous on you. I wish I hadn't ruined it."
"Thanks!" said Applejack as she admired herself, "It's nice, ain't it?"
"It's magnificent!" said Rarity, "Wherever did you get it?" Mario and Applejack suddenly felt very nervous.
"Oh, it's, uh, one of yours," Applejack confessed sheepishly as Mario gave a nervous smile. Rarity's eyes shrunk in both shock and horror.
"I'll need three gallons of boiling water and one ounce of detergent, stat!" Rarity told Spike frantically, startling the little dragon that he bolted out of the barn as fast as his legs could take him. Mario began to examine the dress.
"Don't worry, Rares," said Mario, "We'll save the dress. I promise." Rarity just smiled as Mario looked at her.
"There is one more thing I think you should know about all of this," said Mario.
"Mario, please, I already feel embarassed as it is," said Rarity.
"Applejack had no idea that Trenderhoof had fallen in love with her," Mario continued, "She didn't see how he would be interested in her when you were by his side." Rarity blinked in surprise.
"Mario, please!" said Applejack, feeling her embarrassment surface, "You don't need to..."
"No Sis," said Mario, "It bothers me that you don't believe Trenderhoof has a reason to fall in love with you at first sight."
"Applejack, do you...not think your beautiful?" Rarity asked with concern. Applejack just sighed.
"It's just...not something I really think about all the time," said Applejack, "I know Mario said that feeling beautiful has to do with confidence in yourself..."
"He's right you know," said Rarity, "I might be more glamorous and fashion-forward (usually), but even I know that true beauty comes from the heart. I never meant to make you think you weren't beautiful. You know that don't you?"
"I do now," said Applejack, "Thanks y'all. I'm just not used to being told that."
"Well, then I guess we'll gonna have to keep telling you until it sinks in," said Rarity as Mario nodded in agreement. Applejack just chuckled and sighed to herself.
"If it helps Sis," said Mario, "You do have great tastes. After all, you picked your couture all on your own with no advice from me."
"That is impressive," said Rarity, "I still remember when you despised wearing any dresses at all because they were, in your words, too girly and frou-frou."
"Just goes to show you that we country ponies have a sense of style after all," Mario said proudly. The two mare chuckled. It was then Trenderhoof appeared, wearing a very same outfit as Rarity as he cleared his throat to get his attention.
"I moving to Ponyville!" he announced, "Being the most interesting pony in Equestria is exhausting, I want to leave my exotic, exciting life behind and live on a farm!"
"What?!" said Applejack, Rarity, and Mario at once.
"Well, that's real nice," said Applejack gently but also wearily, "but I sure hope you weren't thinkin' of Sweet Apple Acres." Trenderhoof suddenly looked very uneasy.
"Oh," was all Trenderhoof could say as Mario face-hoofed himself. He was really getting tired of this stallion's clueless nature.
"Uh, look, you're a fine pony," said Applejack slowly, "but, uh, well, I'm, uh..."
"I think what Applejack is trying to say is that there's something unappealing about a pony who'd change themselves so much just to impress somepony else," Rarity explained as she walked up to him, "if somepony doesn't like you for who you are, it's their loss."
"Thank you, Rares," said Mario with a loud sigh of relief.
"Well, this is awkward," said Trenderhoof as he looked away.
"Not at all," said Rarity, "In fact, I think I know just how you feel."
"What do you think, Rarity?" said Applejack as she and Mario walked up to Rarity and Trenderhoof, "Is it too late to go back to "Small Town Chic"?"
"Not if I can help it!" said Rarity as she smiled with determination before relaxing her expression, "if my twinsie and right-hoof assistant would care help me of course." Mario chuckled to himself.
"Of course, m' lady," Mario said in a gentlepony's tone. Rarity, despite her muddy attire, hugged him back happily.
Soon the Ponyville Day celebration had arrived and hundreds of ponies had come to enjoy some rather elegant festivities. Rarity then began to recite her journal entry into the friendship journal.
"Organizing the Ponyville Day celebration was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I learned an important lesson. Real friends will like you for who you are, and changing yourself to impress them is no way to make new ones. And when you're as fabulous as I am, it's practically a crime!"
While the journal entry was recited, the sketches Mario had drawn were shown once again. As the page turned, real ponies were seen enjoying the events. The first activity was the cider auction. Next was the sketch of the ponies dancing, which turned into actual ponies dancing and asking each other to dance. Applejack, wearing the outfit she had used to be a fashion model, was with Granny Smith. Trenderhoof then appeared and asked Granny Smith to dance, surprising the orange pony until she smiled. Mario then appeared and offered her a brother-sister dance, which she accepted. Finally a sketch of the fashion show was seen before the page turned and showed the Cutie Mark Crusaders walking down the runway as fashion models. Then Rarity, wearing her outfit from when she first presented the theme, appeared on the stage and then posed as she reached the front of the runway. Trenderhoof then offered Rarity a rose, who she took and held it on her mouth as she smiled and her eyes twinkled.
"Any words of wisdom, Mario?" Rarity's voice asked as she continued to pose and ponies took pictures of her.
"Hmm," Mario pondered, "Love can make ponies do crazy things, but a good friend is always there to keep you grounded and help you stay true to yourself. And like your friends, your special somepony will love you for who you are, and not for what they would like you to be." As he recited his letter, Twilight appeared wearing a pastel yellow and ice blue dress with a matching headland that has a floral hairpin on it. She then gave him a kiss before snuggling into his side as he held her lovingly. Fluttershy, wearing her own special pastel green dress with a special butterfly tiara, did the same with Shenran. Rarity smiled, but deep down she couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the two couples. She hoped that someday she would find her special stallion that would make her his princess.
For now, she had her friends. And she was perfectly content with it.
NOTE TO READERS: Equestria Girls is non-canon to the main series. This means Mario never had to deal with any jealousy over Flash Century. And can reviewers please stop asking me when I'm gonna do the movies please? I wanna focus on the main series for now. Thank you.
I always wondered why nopony has ever asked Applejack is she feels beautiful. As said in the chapter, it doesn't need to be a priority, but it is important to have self-confidence about your physical appearance. Like with Rainbow Dash, she may be more athletic, but that doesn't mean she's not a beautiful pony.
While it appears that Mario seems to relate alot with Rarity's situations, this isn't just because of their similar personalities and character flaws. I actually had to deal with both these situations in real life. I had friends who took advantage of me and then laughed in my face over it. I also had a crush on a girl that lasted years and she still ended up dating someone else, breaking my heart. I always envied Rarity because she had good friends to help her deal with these situations. I didn't have any friends to help me get through those tough times...
We are also at the half-way point of season 4! The Tirek Arc isn't too far away, but there's still plenty of adventures and Power Hearts to collect.
Next time, we finally get a Fluttershy focused situation. And as you all requested, Shenran will be there for the ride!
Peace Pony Fans!