Applejack's "Day" Off
Pony's Log Number 610: Okay...I've seen Applejack's show irrational stubbornness plenty of times over the years, but...this?! This is just downright ridiculous...
One day at the Ponyville Spa, Rarity was enjoying a steam bath as she sat comfortably wearing her specialty bathrobe and had a towel wrapped around her eyes. For the moment, she had the steam room all to herself when Aloe opened the door and stepped inside.
"Um...Miss Rarity?' said Aloe, "Eh, how much longer are you planning to stay in here darling?"
"Oh, dear," said Rarity as she sat up with the towel still over her eyes, "Is somepony else waiting?"
"Oh, no, no," said Aloe, "I just don't want you to get all...What is word? Pruney."
"Oh. Uh, well," Rarity answered as she removed the towel from her eyes, "I'm just waiting for Applejack. It's been so long since we've had a relaxing day at the spa together. I'm quite certain she'll be along any moment." Aloe just smiled and shut the door as Rarity used her magic to put the towel over her face as the steam hissed and filled the entire room.
It was hours later and Rarity was still sitting inside the steam room. Applejack finally entered the room wearing her own bathrobe and a towel wrapped around her mane.
"Hey. there, Rarity," said Applejack as she took a seat across from the marshmallow mare, "I really tried to get here earlier. I just can't believe how much time my chores are takin' up these days. At least we'll finally get to spend some quality spa time together. Right?" It was then Aloe opened the door.
"Okay, fillies, that's it. We are closing up for the day," Aloe told Applejack and Rarity and closed the door.
"Aw, shucks, Rarity," said Applejack, clearly feeling disappointed, "I guess I missed the whole day. I sure am sorry." It was then Rarity removed the towel from her face. Due to being in the steam for so long, her face, mane, and horn were now very, very pruney.
"Me, too," Rarity replied as she looked at her personal pocket watch. Applejack cringed at the sight. She didn't need long to know that she left Rarity waiting in the steam room for far too long.
(Main Theme)
The next day, Mario was heading toward the castle train yards. He had a surprise for his little friendship student. Despite her fancy upbringing and once prissy nature, Diamond Tiara had proved to be a very hard and reliable helper with his train delivery business. Sometimes she pushed and shunted freight cars. Other days she handled some small deliveries by herself. Whatever the work, Diamond Tiara had learned the true value of a good day's work and she usually got her jobs done without much fuss. Mario noticed that the little filly was already hard at work shunting some freight cars into their proper sidings.
"Morning Di!" said Mario.
"Morning, master," said Diamond Tiara, "I was eager to start work early if you don't mind. Shunting freight cars is alot of fun!" Diamond Tiara then stopped moving and let some freight cars bump into each other.
"Oh!" they cried, "Whatever is happening?" Diamond Tiara giggled as Mario chuckled.
"Indeed it is," said Mario, "In fact, your work in the yard has been very good, Di. I have a new idea in mind if you are interested."
"What is it, master?" Diamond Tiara asked as she finished putting some more freight cars onto a small turntable.
"Would you like to have a branch line of your very own?" Mario asked. Diamond Tiara's face lit up with excitement.
"Oh yes please, master!" said Diamond Tiara as she hopped up and down excitedly. Mario chuckled at his student's enthusiasm. It was then a familiar yellow filly appeared behind him.
"Big brother!" Apple Bloom called out.
"Hey Apple Bloom," said Mario, "What brings you here?" Apple Bloom just had a concerned look on her face.
"It's about Applejack," said Apple Bloom simply. Mario didn't resist a sigh.
"Has she been ignoring you again?" Mario asked before muttering, "Will she ever learn?"
"No, not exactly," said Apple Bloom, "You see...I've been noticing that Applejack had been spending alot of time on her chores. Chores that never used to take her so long to do before. And the way she's been doing them lately just looks... really weird."
"Weird?" said Mario curiously.
"It's kind of hard to explain," said Apple Bloom, "I told Granny Smith and Big Mac about it, but when they tried to talk to Applejack, she kept avoiding the subject. I've seen Applejack be stubborn with the way she handles her share of the chores, but she's been doing these...weird routines for weeks and lately, she been busy till past sunset."
"I wonder why she never asked me for help," said Mario, "Stubborn or not, my wife, my friends and I all made sure she learned that lesson."
"All I could get out of her was that you've been too busy," said Apple Bloom, "and I have ta agree on that. You haven't been around to help at the farm for months now." Mario blinked.
"Wow, I think you're right, Sis," said Mario, "Business has been booming with my train deliveries and I was extra busy helping Rarity prepare for opening a third boutique. Pinkie's been asking for my help with her parties more recently as well. In fact, I just gave Diamond Tiara here her own branch line to help lighten the work load."
"And I'm more than happy to handle those extra deliveries, master," said Diamond Tiara, who had been listening quietly.
"Well, I'm hoping you can knock some sense into her," said Apple Bloom, "It's not just because she's being stubborn, but she is gonna run herself ragged working so long every day. And I don't how to help her." Mario hummed.
"Alright, my wife, Spike, and I needed to head to Sweet Apple Acres for some pie refills," said Mario before whispering, "They've been going super fast lately. I wonder why..." Mario mock pondered as Diamond Tiara blushed sheepishly and then snorted.
"Spike eats more than I do," the filly protested, "I have a figure I'd like to keep you know." Mario chuckled.
"Oh, with all the exercise you get pulling trains and shunting freight cars, Di," said Mario, "You'll be okay. Besides, I already knew Spike is the one who was eating all the pie as midnight snacks." Apple Bloom chuckled.
"Well, I better get going," said Apple Bloom, "I need to help Big Mac and Granny Smith take the harvest to market."
"Can I help her, master?" Diamond Tiara asked.
"That's a good idea, Di," said Mario, "in fact, your branch line does run though the Ponyville market and Sweet Apple Acres. So any apple deliveries are yours to handle now." Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom smiled. It wasn't long before Mario provided them both a harness so they could pull a long train of empty freight cars together. Diamond Tiara used her new whistle to give a TOOT-TOOT and the two fillies headed to the farm.
"See ya, Big brother," said Apple Bloom, "and good luck with Applejack." Mario waved goodbye and watched the two fillies disappear before heading back into the castle.
A couple of hours later, Mario, Twilight and Spike were heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Spike was carrying a very tall but slightly wobbly stack of pie tins. Mario had just finished telling Twilight what Apple Bloom had said. Twilight also noticed that Mario look rather worried.
"Cheer up, sweetie," said Twilight, "I'm sure we can get to the bottom of this."
"I hope so," said Mario worriedly, "I mean...why wouldn't Applejack not ask us for help if her chores were overwhelming her? We all made sure she learned her lesson about letting her pride try to manage things alone."
"We'll nopony's perfect," said Twilight, "We all have our bad habits. At least we know how to handle her when she gets like this."
"Do we?" Mario asked worried, "I still feel like I'm talking to a wall when she enters stubborn mode."
"Well, if it comes to that, we simply go over her head," said Twilight. Mario smirked.
"Works for me," said Mario as he nuzzled the side of her head, making Twilight smile contently. As they continued their trot down the path to Sweet Apple Acres, they found Rarity heading there as well.
"Hi, Rarity!" said Twilight and Mario together.
"Morning, Twilight, Mario, Spike," said Rarity and noticed the stack of tins Spike was holding, "Good heavens, that's alot of empty pie plates."
"Uh...yeah," Spike replied, rather sheepishly, "We were just heading to pick up some fresh pies. Heh. I don't know why we keep running out at the castle." Spike gave a nervous laugh as Mario and Twilight exchanged smirks and eye rolls with each other.
"What are you gonna get?" Spike asked the marshmallow mare.
"Applejack actually," said Rarity, "Although, I'm quite sure she'll be too busy once again."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Oh, nothing," said Rarity in a rather dismissive tone, "It's just that Applejack and I haven't had one of our spa days in ages."
"You two really should set aside some time," said Twilight.
"Darling, I have been trying for moons!" said Rarity, "But Applejack is so busy these days, it's next to impossible."
"Wow, I didn't realize Applejack had so much to do," said Twilight.
"Okay, if I wasn't worried before," said Mario, "I am now."
"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Apple Bloom came to talk to me this morning," Mario explained, "She said something about Applejack spending more and more time on her chores. She even said in the last few days she's still working past sunset. That never used to happen before. Either she's been increasing her workload or something else is going on. And I have to wonder if the fact I haven't helped out on the farm in months might have something to do with it."
"Oh, Mario, you can't blame yourself for any of this," said Rarity, "In fact, Twilight and I won't let you."
"That's right," said Twilight, "We'll find out what's really going on with Applejack."
"Yes, we must get the bottom of this," said Rarity as Mario and Twilight nodded in agreement as they walked through the main entrance gate.
Inside the barn Applejack was busy making the farm's famous apple pies. She was stirring some batter when the timer buzzed. Applejack went to open the oven to show the four pies she had been baking had finished cooking. She used a mitten to pick up the tray and set them on the counter behind her. After, she took one of the pies and placed it next to another that was sitting on a very thin window still to cool down.
"Hey, Applejack," said Spike from outside the window, "Another order of pies, please."
"Sure thing, Spike!" said Applejack as she took all the empty pie tins and then gave him the exact number of pies in a very tall stack.
"Aah! Dah! Whoa-oa-oa!" Spike yelped as he struggled to keep the pies from toppling over. Rarity then approached.
"I don't suppose those pies are the last chore on the schedule for today?" Rarity asked as she walked up to the orange pony.
"Gah! Land's sakes!" Applejack retorted as she face-hoofed herself, "Is it time for our spa day already? Rarity, why don't ya go on ahead and I'll meet ya there?" Rarity had an annoyed but also disappointed look on her face.
"Oh! Please, Applejack," Rarity retorted, "let's not kid ourselves!"
"Well, it ain't cause I don't wanna," Applejack told her, "But the work on the farm has just been takin' more and more time of my time."
"And why is that, AJ?" Mario asked.
"I dunno," Applejack replied so quickly that Mario thought she was lying to him. But he could tell that Applejack wasn't.
"I hate see you two not spending time together," said Twilight before Mario could answer, "Can't you get somepony else in your family to take over for a bit? My husband wouldn't have a problem helping you out?" Mario nodded in agreement as Applejack sighed.
"Wish I could," said Applejack, "But Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom all have chores of their own. And today, they're all busy takin' the harvest to market. Heard you gave little Diamond Tiara her own branch line, Big Brother. You must be just as busy as I am these days, clearly too busy for the farm." Mario gave Applejack a funny look.
"Are you upset because I haven't been coming to help out anymore?" Mario asked the orange pony curiously, "I'm very sorry if you've needed my help and I wasn't available."
"No apologies necessary," said Applejack, "After all, you're a Prince of Friendship and you've got two other businesses to manage. Plus you're still need to publish volume six of your talking train stories too. I managed the farm without ya in the past and I can do it again."
"If...you say so..." said Mario, feeling more concerned. Twilight then smiled as she got an idea.
"Well, Mario is here to help you now," said Twilight, "In fact, I know we're not farmers, but I'm sure Spike and I could handle things for a little while too. Mario and I certainly did so when you took that trip to Coltifornia that one time."
"Maybe..." Applejack pondered as she tapped her chin with a fore-hoof.
"Is there one chore we could do?" Twilight asked.
"Well...I suppose if you two got started on feedin' the pigs," said Applejack, "I could maybe leave for an hour."
"Oooh!" said Rarity excitedly as she pressed her fore-hooves to her cheeks, "An hour of spa perfection? I can work with that!"
"Wait a minute!" said Mario, "You said only two could feed the pigs. Don't you mean three of us?"
"Actually," said Applejack, "I wanted to ask, if it's okay with Rarity, if...you...would join us at the spa?"
"Mind?!" Rarity exclaimed happily, "Not at all! Mario, you have been overworking yourself lately and I think you need a spa break just as much as your sister." Mario just blinked and was left speechless for a moment.
"I...um..." Mario stuttered.
"Go on, honey," said Twilight, "You've earned it."
"Well, if you're okay with it, honey," said Mario, "Spa day for me!"
"Perfect!" said Twilight, "You three head out to the spa, and Spike and I'll take care of things here." It was then Spike's stack of pies got dangerously wobbly.
"Whoa! Dah! Whoa!" Spike yelled as he walked backwards and was about to fall over and drop all the pies. Twilight then use her magic to catch the little dragon and all the pies from hitting the ground.
"Uh, yeah," said Spike, "We totally got everything covered." Everypony smiled, except for Applejack, who had a rather nervous look on her face.
It wasn't long before they were all standing just outside of the pig pen. Applejack sighed as she held a scroll in her fore-hoof.
"Okay," said Applejack, "This list pretty much covers everything you need to know to feed the pigs." Twilight went to grab the scroll with magic when Applejack grabbed it back.
"But, uh, maybe, I should go over it with you just to..." Applejack tried to retort.
"Applejack, please," said Twilight as she grabbed the scroll, "If there's a list involved, I am one hundred percent on top of it. Just trust your sister-in-law to get it done."
"Uh, right," Applejack replied nervously.
"Isn't it strange that she now uses a list to do this?" Mario whispered to his wife, "She never gave us anything like this the last time we managed the farm."
"Nothing wrong with having instructions dear," said Twilight in the same tone, "besides, maybe you can find out why Applejack feels like you're too busy for her." Mario just hummed in agreement. '
"Is something up between you two?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Nope," said Twilight quickly, "you three go have fun at the Spa." Applejack just nodded as she, Rarity, and Mario headed on their way.
"And don't worry about things here!" Twilight called out to them, "Spike and I have totally got this! I mean, it's feeding the pigs. How hard could it be?"
"Uh, Twilight?" said Spike as he rolled out a very long list of instructions."
"Whoa," said Twilight wearily. I don't remember pig feeding needing anything this detailed!
Just a few yards away, Applejack, Rarity, and Mario walking side by side together.
"I'm glad we're doin' this, Rarity," said Applejack, "And I'm glad Mario is joining us. I've been puttin' work before our spa time for too long. I know we've only got an hour, but I can't wait to have a steam."
"A steam is just the start," said Rarity, "I know exactly what we'll do, and an hour will be perfect."
"Let me just say right now," said Mario, "I'm skipping the hooficure."
"Aw, but you look so handsome with shiny hooves," Rarity pouted as Applejack snickered.
"No deal," said Mario firmly, "Doing it once in my lifetime was enough!" Applejack and Rarity laughed.
Meanwhile, Twilight had finally recovered from her shock so they could get to work.
"Okay, Spike, ready with that list?" Twilight asked the little dragon.
"Ready," said Spike.
"Let's do this!" said Twilight with determination.
"Step one: open the gate," Spike read aloud. Twilight then used her fore-hooves to open the gate.
"Okay," said Spike, "Step two: close the gate."
"Huh?" said Twilight puzzled.
"Mm, that's what it says," said Spike as he pointed at the list with his free claw. Twilight just had a skeptical look on her face before she did close the gate.
"Step three: walk away," said Spike.
""Walk away"?" Really?" Twilight said, feeling more confused than ever.
"Mmm," Spike shrugged with a clear "I don't know" emphasis.
In town, Rarity, Mario and Applejack were making their way to the Spa. But Applejack was still worried.
"I just hope Twilight and Spike can handle things until I get back," said Applejack to Rarity and Mario.
"AJ, give your sister-in-law some credit," said Mario, "Feeding the pigs is not a difficult task for anypony to learn how to do, especially since you left her instructions. Let her and Spike help you out."
"It's not that don't want the help, Big Brother," Applejack replied, "I just have...a particular way of doing things. I'm sure you can understand that." Mario hummed.
I hate to admit it, but she's right Mario thought, I can't fault her for having her own comfort zone and personal routines. But something is still up...
"Now, Applejack," said Rarity and interrupting Mario's train of thought, "if we are really to enjoy this time together, you simply must give yourself over to the idea that you are off-duty and try to relax."
"And I know that is easier said than done," said Mario, "Since I struggle doing that too, but clearing your mind is the key to finding true relaxation."
"I know," said Applejack, "you're both right. I really am glad we're doin' this. And as long as it's only an hour, I'm sure everythin' will be just fine."
"Exactly," said Rarity as she guided the orange pony and Mario to the Spa building, "Now kindly step this way. Relaxation awaits."
Rarity, Applejack, and Mario walked inside to see the lobby was filled with various ponies looking to get their own spa treatments. They were given quite a surprise when they saw Rainbow, wearing her purple bathrobe and tortoise slippers on her hind legs, reading a book at a nearby sofa. Rarity got her attention when she gasped loudly.
"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity exclaimed, making the blue Pegasus flinch, toss her book away, and then looked around nervously, "What are you doing here?!" Mario chuckled as Rarity and Applejack giggled.
"Yeah," said Applejack as the other ponies smirked, "I didn't think spa treatments were your thing exactly."
"Especially after the Gabby Gums incident," Mario added slyly.
"What?!" Rainbow interjected as she quickly pulled off her bathroom and tossed her slippers behind her, "Oh, they're totally not. At least, not the froufrou kind."
"Ah," said Rarity, smirking.
"Huh," said Applejack, smirking.
"I see," said Mario, smirking as well. Neither of the three ponies believed Rainbow, but that didn't stop the blue Pegasus from trying to come up with a cover up story.
"Yeah, I, uh, I think I tweaked something at Wonderbolt practice the other day," Rainbow explained as she rubbed the underside of her back that was usually covered by her wings, "I just came in for a deep tissue sports message. It was then Lavender Essence, another one of the spa patrons appeared.
"Ah, Miss Dash," said Lavender Essence, "I am so sorry, but we are running just a tad behind, and we are not quite ready to start your pampered muscle massage and indulgent hooficure." Mario's smiled widened.
"And I remember a time when Rainbow was too chicken to let anypony file her hooves," Mario said quietly to Applejack and Rarity, who both snickered.
"Oh!" Rainbow chuckled nervously, "I-I'm pretty sure that wasn't what I signed up for."
"But they are your usual," said Lavender Essence as she checked her clip board.
"Her usual she says," Mario remarked in a teasing tone.
"And it seems like you're really busy today anyway! I'll just come back tomorrow!" said Rainbow before turning to Rarity, Applejack and Mario, "Uh, see you two later!" She quickly hovered over to Lavender Essence.
"But put me down for the same thing," Rainbow whispered to her. Lavender Essence then had a smirk of her own and just nodded as Rainbow zoomed away.
"Too bad Rainbow Dash just hates those "froufrou" spa treatments," Applejack chuckled, "She could have joined the girls when we have a nice steam. Hoo-wee! I can't wait."
"I don't see why Dashie makes such a big deal about liking those spa treatments," said Mario, "All the Wonderbolts on the main team enjoy them, even Soarin." Rarity laughed.
"Indeed," said Rarity, "Although, if they couldn't fit Dashie in, I wonder just how far behind things are running. Obviously, we're on a very tight schedule."
"Hmm...maybe we should find out," said Mario as they entered into a hallway and then bumped into the back of another pony. Mario and Rarity gasped dramatically when they found a very long line of ponies standing before them. Most ponies had a bath towel or headband around their manes and a number of them were wearing bathrobes.
"Oh, it's going to be one of those days," Mario groaned.
"Well, maybe not everypony is waiting for the steam room," said Rarity.
"Oh, no," said Caramel as he turned around to speak to them, "No, that's exactly what we're waiting for. Oh, I hope you're not in a hurry." Applejack and Rarity looked at each other and winced. Mario let out a long sigh.
"Yeah, it's definitely going to be one of those days," Mario muttered.
"So everypony here wants a steam bath?" Applejack called out. The other ponies mumbled and grumbled in agreement.
"Well, the solution is obvious," said Rarity, "We'll simply have to start our short time at the spa with something else."
"Works for me," said Mario, "I would've ended up having to wait and going inside alone since I'm a boy." Applejack scoffed.
"Nothin' doin'," said Applejack, "I came here to have a steam, and that's just what I'm gonna get!" Applejack then turned away to pout.
"AJ, now is not the time to be a stubborn mule right now!" Mario protested.
"I want my steam," Applejack said firmly and continued to pout.
"But, but, it'll take most of our hour just to get through this line!" said Rarity.
"And being the gentlemen I am," Mario added, "I'd mostly likely won't get a steam bath at all!" It was then Aloe appeared.
"RRRRarity!" said Aloe, "My favorite customer! Mwah! Mwah!" Aloe then gave Rarity some air side kisses. Then turned to Mario.
"Prince Mario," said Aloe, "My other favorite customer! Mwah! Mwah!" Aloe then gave the same kisses to him, "I can't thank you enough for all those deliveries you made for our spa supplies."
"Glad to be of service," said Mario, "and I hope my student has done well with the deliveries too."
"Oh, yes she is," said Aloe, "You're really helped Diamond Tiara become one of the sweetest little fillies I've ever met." She then leaned toward his ear, "Wish I could say the same for her mother." Mario then silently shushed her as they shared a quick chuckle with each other.
"And Appleyack?" said Aloe as she gave the orange pony a hug, which Applejack awkwardly returned, "Well, it certainly has been a long time since you three were here together! So lovely to have you back."
"Well, I wish I could say the same," said Rarity with a glare and showed the spa pony the long line.
"Yes, the wait time for the steam room certainly has been getting worse lately," said Aloe, "But I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate your usual treatments."
"Excellent," said Mario, "shall we get-"
"Not without my steam!" Applejack said sternly and continued pouting.
"Oh, you're gonna get something else even if I have to drag you away from here!" said Mario.
"You lay one hoof on me and I'll slug ya!" Applejack warned.
"Yeah, resort to violence!" said Mario sarcastically and angrily, "Let me know if seeing me with a black eye and in pain will make you feel better about yourself!"
"Don't you guilt trip me!" Applejack snapped angrily.
"Well, you're the pony always trying to hit me!" Mario yelled, "I've never tried to hurt you!"
"And let's keep it that way!" Applejack yelled back as the two growled at each other.
"Will the both of you act your age!" Rarity screamed as Applejack and Mario both looked at her and then discreetly glared at each other.
"Fine!" said the two siblings and they looked away from each other and pouted.
"Sorry, Aloe," said Rarity with a huff, "Apparently, Applejack won't consider starting her time at the spa without her steam, and we only have an hour."
"That is a problem," said Aloe. It was then Applejack stomped forward.
"Applejack, where are you going?" Rarity asked.
"I don't think any of these ponies are gonna let you cut in line," said Mario. Applejack didn't answer as she turned a corner and found the front of the line. The ponies in line were all scoffing and groaning.
"Um, why are y'all standin' here?" Applejack asked the ponies in line, one of which was Spoiled Rich herself. Mario, Rarity, and Aloe had also caught up with the orange pony.
"Ugh!" said a pony named Buddy, "Just waiting for the steam to build up."
"Without steam, a steam room's just a room," added Spoiled Rich, "and I've got plenty of those at home. Because I live in a mansion."
"Don't we know it," Mario muttered as everypony else rolled their eyes. Applejack then walked up to the gauge that measured the steam pressure. It was clinking and hissing and the needle was creaking slowly as it moved about.
"Hmm," said Mario as he stood beside his sister, "That doesn't sound right..."
"It has been taking longer for the steam to reach Ponyville Day Spa quality," Aloe told the two ponies, "We even had to add a warm towel service. So sorry for the delay, everypony. Please help yourselves." A male spa patron, named Birch Bucket, appeared rolling a cart filled with fresh towels. The ponies in line swarmed the towels and in seconds, the fresh towels were gone and were replaced by the cold ones. One cold towel landed in Birch Bucket's head. He used his magic to put the towel into the dirty pile and walked away.
"So if you're not gettin' enough steam, that must mean there's not enough hot water," said Applejack.
"That either means the water pressure is weak," said Mario, "or their might be a problem with the furnace's pilot light or central heating unit."
"Guess it's time we found out," said Applejack as Mario nodded in agreement.
"Ooh, Applejack, honestly," said Rarity as she walked up to the two ponies and checked her pocket watch, "can't we just start with a hooficure? We're going to run out of time! And I can't believe you're encouraging her, Mario!"
"Rarity, this is serious," said Mario, "The Ponyville Spa appears to have some sort of plumbing related problem. Plus didn't you remember that Applejack and I have skills in plumping? We are known by many ponies as the Super Apple Siblings."
"Nice title," said Applejack.
"Thank you," said Mario as Rarity just groaned and rolled her eyes. Applejack then pointed toward a large pipe from the ceiling. Mario noticed it as well before they exchanged nods and decided to follow the pipe to see where it went. Aloe and Rarity soon followed, the latter rather reluctantly.
(cue favorite version of Super Mario Underground music)
Applejack and Mario turned a corner while keeping their eyes and heads looking upward to follow the water pipe. Rarity and Aloe were right behind them, the former had a bitter look on her face while the latter had a worried look on her own face.
"Hmm," said Applejack to herself as she and Mario followed the pipe down another hallway with Rarity and Aloe still following them. As the two siblings trotted along, they past one room where one pony was getting a very relaxing message and then a second room where Bulk Biceps was giving another pony a rather...intense...message. Mario cringed at the sight of the second room before refocusing his eyes back on the pipe. Applejack then opened a door that led to a lower level of the spa. They both gasped quietly and shared looks with each other before they headed down the stairs. Aloe and Rarity peeked in before following them. Applejack and Mario then heard a loud whirring in the distance and picked up their pace until they reached a T intersection. They looked down the hallways when Mario noticed.
"Look!" said Mario as he pointed down the hallway to their right.
"Ha!" Applejack exclaimed, "Now what do we have here?"
"The laundry room, of course," said Rarity as a matter of fact, "And at this point, I'm considering soaking my hooves in one of the machines so my time here isn't a total loss!"
"Don't, Rares," said Mario, "I did that once when I was two years old. Let's just say detergent isn't kind to one's horseshoes." Mario winced painfully at the memory and Rarity cringed as well.
"I'll...take your word for it," said Rarity nervously as Mario went to catch up with Applejack as she examined the machines.
"The Ponyville Day Spa prides itself on sanitary conditions, and fresh linens are an integral part," Aloe explained in all.
"Well, sure," said Applejack, "but have you always run every single one of these new machines full bore all day, every day?"
"The answer is no," said Birch Bucket as he collected the warm towels and folded them into a stack inside of his rolling basket, "But ponies sure do love the warm towel service."
"Warm towels are fine and all," said Mario, "but if ponies are demanding a higher than usual need for them...which in term increases the usage of the washing machines..."
"Hmmm..." said Applejack to herself, "y'all might be on ta somethin' there, Big Bro. C'mon!" Mario nodded as he and Applejack followed Birch Bucket from a short distance away. Rarity just eyeballed the stallion skeptically, hummed irritably to herself as Mario and Applejack walked past her. She and Aloe then followed after them once again. Birch Bucket continued to do his work as he gave the two ponies getting their messages a towel each. He then looked back to see Applejack and Mario behind him. Applejack just smiled sheepishly and waved hello. Mario just looked away and started whistling innocently. Birch Bucket then went back to work and turned a corner and headed back to the ponies still waiting in line for the steam room. He already knew the four ponies were still following him.
"Eh, you are all wanting towel?" Birch Bucket asked timidly.
"We love one," said Mario, "but..."
"Looks to me like you don't have any left," Applejack pointed out. Birch Bucket turned and found that all the fresh towels were gone and the dirty towels were tossed into his basket and another one landed on his face.
"Well, like I said, warm towels are a big hit," said Birch Bucket as he walked away.
"Hey, Sis, look at this," said Mario as he pointed to a nearby pipe that was hissing and blowing out steam. Applejack looked at it as Mario blinked and whispered something to her. Applejack's eyes widened in realization as she looked at the pipe, then saw ponies waiting in line for towels, the towels being washed, and then the gauge showing the steam pressure was low.
"Mario and I have figured the problem," said Applejack, "As my Big Bro pointed out to me just now, you've got a small leak, and that means the steam takes just a little longer to build up. And while ponies wait, they get cold. Cold ponies start wrappin' themselves in towels, and all those dirty towels have to be cleaned because Ponyville Day Spa prides itself in cleanliness." As Applejack explained, a visual showed the slow moving steam gauge, ponies getting cold standing in line as their towels cooled down, then ponies were grabbing the hot towels at a fast rate, the dirty towels being put into the washer, one of the machines is washing the towels, and another has some hot dry towels ready to be used, and Birch Bucket returned with more fresh towels.
"Eh, what?" said Birch Bucket, looking rather clueless. Rarity and Aloe looked just as clueless.
"It's really quite simple," said Mario.
"Basically, losin' steam makes you use more towels," Applejack explained, "That means you do more laundry, which uses up the hot water you need to make more steam, so the problem just keeps gettin' worse." Mario nodded in agreement. Birch Bucket suddenly felt rather uncomfortable and slowly backed away with his cart loaded with fresh towels. The others all chattered in agreement and understanding.
"Ah! I had no idea," said Aloe in realization.
"Wonderful, " Rarity remarked, not hiding her sarcasm, "Now that we've solved the great steam mystery, we can finally get back to our..." Rarity looked at her pocket watch, "...significantly less than an hour of relaxation." Rarity the pulled the bottom of her eyelids with her fore-hooves in frustration.
"Rarity, are you kidin'?" Applejack retorted as she and Mario walked up to the steaming pipe, "I can't just leave things like this."
"Neither can I," said Mario, "Not when my sister and I have the skills we need to actually fix this problem."
"I'm gonna need my tools," said Applejack.
"Good thing your Big Brother has a set of everything we need in his saddle bags," said Mario. Applejack smiled.
"Then it's time for some..."
"Super Apple power!" Applejack and Mario said together as they shared a hoof-bump together. Rarity stared, huffed, and rolled her eyes.
"Et tu, Mario?" Rarity pouted indignantly.
As some surf rock music began to play in the background, Applejack and Mario both stood on their hind legs as they attached at tool belt around their torsos. Then they each added a wrench, some tape, and a hammer to their belt pockets. Each pony then put on some safety goggles over their eyes and posed side by side.
"Super Apple Siblings super plumbing service!" they chanted together with a green dynamic background behind them and shared another hoof-bump and quickly got to work. Applejack the tapped the steam valve and used a magnifying glass to examine it. Mario used a gravity spell so he could walk on the ceiling and check the pipe on the ceiling for any additional leaks or any other additional problems. Rarity just gave them both the stink eye and stomped off with huff. Rarity then decided to get herself a facial by herself. Applejack and Mario were busy tightening some bolts, which helped the steam pressure build up a bit. Rarity was getting a hooficure as Applejack and Mario used some duck tape to seal off any additional leaks to pipe where the steam was leaking out. This brought the steam pressure to rise its proper quality level.
"Ahh!" Rarity sighed as she got her eyelashes brushed while the two siblings were finishing their work.
"Whew! Not that that leak's fixed," said Applejack with Mario at her side and Rarity walked up to them with a bitter look on her face, "ponies won't get so cold they use up all those towels! And without all that laundry, there'll be plenty of hot water for all the steam anypony could want!"
"And I only have to be doing vash once a day!" said Birch Bucket excitedly as he went into the steam room and closed the door since the line was now gone.
"And I also ordered the replacement pipe for this one since it had so many holes an cracks," said Mario, "And don't worry about paying me for it. It's the least I could do to make sure you don't have to worry about anymore leaks. Just let me know when the part arrives and I can install it for you."
"Wow, Appleyack and Mario!" said Aloe, clearly impressed, "Have you both considered a career in the spa industry? I'm sure I can find something for you." Applejack and Mario chuckled as they removed their gear.
"I've got enough work on my plate, being the Prince of Friendship, my business partnership with Rarity's three boutiques, my partnership with Pinkie's party planning, and my own train delivery business," said Mario as he put their gear away, "but I appreciate the offer."
"No, thanks for me too," said Applejack, "I'm just relived I can finally relax in the steam. What do you say, Rarity? How about you, Big Bro? Heh...after us of course." Mario smiled.
"Works for me, little sis," said Mario, "We've earned it."
"It sounds lovely, Applejack," said Rarity as she looked at her pocket watch once again, "But...unfortunately, you and Mario spent so much time fixing the steam room, we don't have any time left to use it." Mario sighed.
"That's too bad," said Mario, "But the problem needed to be addressed sooner rather than later anyway."
"That doesn't mean you and Applejack had to be the one to deal with it!" Rarity protested irritably and then glared at Aloe, "Honestly, how in Equestria did it never occur to you to check for leaks?"
"There's just so many other things to worry about!" said Aloe in her defense, "I suppose ve get used to the way things are, and ve don't realize there vas problem."
"You obviously need an outside eye to evaluate the situation," said Rarity, "It's lucky for you Applejack is too stubborn to relax. And I still can't believe Mario encouraged her!"
"Rarity, for the last time!" said Mario indignantly, "This was an urgent problem that needed fixing! I wasn't going to just ignore something when I could take action!"
"Settle down there, Mario," said Applejack as she put a fore-hoof on Mario's shoulder. Mario just released a deep breath and gave his sister a nod to say he was calm. Applejack then turned to Rarity.
"Uh, I'm sorry, Rarity," said Applejack, "We'll just have to do this another day. Twilight and Spike should be done feedin' the pigs by now."
"Twilight is a very capable pony," said Rarity, "I'm sure she can figure out what to do next."
"Rarity is right, Sis," said Mario, "As I said before, we've managed to farm in the past."
"But things have changed since then!" Applejack protested, "and so has my normal routine. Look, I know my sister-in-law is a princess and an Alicorn, but she isn't a farmer."
"Hey, if I can do it and I'm sure my wife..."
"You, Mario Star, have farming in your blood despite being an Alicorn, but Twilight doesn't," Applejack interrupted Mario, putting a fore-hoof to his chest, "I've been doing farm work my whole life, and I'm not sure it's somethin' you can just "figure out"." Rarity and Mario were taken aback by the remark.
"I hope you not trying to make excuses not to accept our help, Sis," said Mario with a concerned tone, "You know what happens when you try to deal with things alone."
"Mario, here's the honest truth," said Applejack, "Just like you and Twilight, I like having things done a certain way and I just feel like the only pony who will get those things done my way is myself. You understand that don't you?"
"I guess I do..." said Mario, but still felt rather worried.
"Of course," said Rarity in a rather reluctant tone and then gasped, "Why don't we pop back so you could explain to Twilight what to do next, and then we'll come back here and pick up where we left off?"
"Would that make you feel better Sis?" said Mario, "I can honestly say you wouldn't want to pass up that steam bath." Applejack didn't resist a chuckle and then pondered quietly to herself.
"Well, I supposed I could try..." said Applejack reluctantly, "assumin' everythin' went well so far."
"Oh, Applejack, honestly!" said Rarity with a chuckle, "How could it not?"
"This is my wife we're talking about Sis!" Mario added, "She can handle anything!"
Back on the farm, Twilight wasn't handling the situation very well at all. She was now being dangled by a rope that was connected to a pulley and the other end of the rope being held by Spike. Twilight also had a bucket of slop in one fore-hoof and a fishing rod with a piece of corn cob attached to a string in the other fore-hoof.
"Wouldn't it be easier to just fly?" Spike asked the purple pony.
"I told you, Spike," said Twilight firmly, "We're following Applejack's list to the letter and my sister-in-law can't fly!" Twilight then strained as she tried balancing herself using a single hind leg, but she lost her balance and yelped as she fell over, dropping the items. Spike's foot then got wrapped around the other end of the rope and nearly pulled him into the pulley, but he managed to grabbed the edge of the picket fence to keep his foot from getting jammed into the pulley. At the same time, he managed to stop Twilight from belly-flopping to the ground and was stopped in the air mission impossible style. Twilight just groaned to herself wearily when she turned to see that Applejack, Rarity, and Mario had returned to the farm. She then looked at the pigs, who were still fast asleep.
"Honey?" Mario asked when he saw her current predicament, but didn't get an answer.
"I'm sorry, Rarity and Mario," said Applejack, "but I think I'm gonna have to finish these chores myself." Mario glared as Rarity grumbled bitterly under her breath before speaking to Twilight.
"Twilight, darling!" said Rarity as she, Mario, and Applejack walked up to her, "How in the world did you end up there?"
"What does hanging from a rope have to do with feeding some pigs?" Mario asked.
"Spike and I were just trying to follow Applejack's list as closely as possible," Twilight replied as she hovered out of the pig pen and freed herself and Spike of the rope.
"Mmmh...Maybe not the best plan," Spike added.
"I'm sorry, Applejack, but we never even got started feeding the pigs," said Twilight sadly. The pigs just snorted lazily in agreement.
"That's alright, Twilight," said Applejack, "I know you did your best. I guess a list can't really capture all the ways I have of doin' things."
"I kind of want to know what exactly you wanted Twilight to do feeding the pigs," said Mario, "If you don't mind show us?"
"No problem!" said Applejack as she grabbed the slop bucket and headed toward the pig pen.
"At least you three got to spend some time at the spa together," said Twilight as Spike walked over to her, Rarity, and Mario.
"Well, if watching Applejack and your husband fix plumbing counts as relaxing, then yes," said Rarity bitterly as she gave both Applejack and Mario a glare.
"What about your hour of spa perfection?" Twilight asked.
"As it turns out, the Ponyville Day Spa had a few problems with their steam room," Rarity explained and then shot a glare at Applejack and then at Mario, "but somepony refused to relax until she had fixed them. And your husband encouraged her!"
"How many times do I have to defend myself about this, Rarity," Mario spat out irritably, "I couldn't just walk away from that type of problem. I felt the need to help Aloe out with the problem and Applejack felt the same way!"
"Exactly," said Applejack as she grabbed some rope, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't just let those spa ponies go another minute puttin' up with a problems they didn't even know they had!" Rarity just rolled her eyes annoyingly. Mario was looking rather firmly at Applejack since she was doing her "routine" as she spoke.
"Somehow they just got used to a huge bottleneck of ponies standin' and waitin'," said Applejack as she opened and closed the gate quickly, "An' I took one good look at the spa jam, as well as my Big Bro, and we both knew we had to do somethin'!" She then walked away from gate. Mario hummed curiously at the fact Applejack had done that and never went inside the pen at all.
"Sometimes the simplest things can just derail a whole operation," said Applejack as she leaned over one side of the fence as she made funny faces and babbled before she walked away.
"You don't say?" Mario asked plainly as he continued to observe his little sister.
"Whether it's a leaky pipe or doin' too much laundry," Applejack continued as she stood on her hind legs, "You can't just stick to the same old way of doin' things and expect them to get better." Applejack began posing and clucking like a chicken.
"Sound advice," said Mario bluntly with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"I mean, thinkin' you can is just plumb ridiculous, right?" said Applejack with a short laugh as she bent down to pick up the rope and ran off. Spike, Rarity, and Twilight just shared looks with each other.
"It's funny when you realize the extra work they were doin' was actually makin' things worse!" said Applejack as she stood on a tall extended wooden beam above the pig pen and jumped down and dangle from the rope as she held the slop bucket and pole with the cob of corn on it. Twilight, Rarity, and Spike were shocked as Mario just had a neutral look on his face.
"The key word is realizing that extra work was unnecessary," Mario muttered to himself. The pigs than woke up to the smell of the corn and started stampeding about the pen. This made the bucket of slop sitting on the edge of the fence fall right into the feeding trough and the pig started eating.
"I mean, I guess it's possible to get stuck in a routine where you're doin' all this extra stuff and not realizing it," said Applejack as she continued to dangle from the rope, "but I can't for the life of me think of how!" It was then she found Spike, Twilight, Rarity, and Mario all giving her unamused glares.
"Why are y'all starin' at me like that?" Applejack asked as the group shared looked with each other.
"Sis, ever heard the old saying: Look at yourself first, before lookin onto to others?" Mario asked.
"Yeah? But what's the got to do with anythin'?" Applejack asked in confusion.
"What Mario means is...um..." Rarity said slowly, "Are you certain everything you just did is entirely necessary to feed the pigs?"
"What? Of course!" Applejack replied in a rather defensive tone as she tossed the stick away and untied herself, "Why would I be doin' it if it weren't?" Twilight, Rarity, and Mario all shared skeptical looks with each other.
"Possibly for the same reason the spa patrons were wasting steam washing and giving out fresh towels," said Mario, "But...I'm not gonna judge...tell us why you would feel all this is necessary."
"Fine, I will," Applejack answered as she walked up to the gate, "See, this gate here used to squeak so loud, the pigs would run to the other side of the pen and never come out! So I can open and close it to let them know it's safe."
"But it doesn't squeak anymore," Twilight pointed out.
"Of course not!" Applejack retorted, "I fixed that ages ago. Then I realized puttin' a little fright into 'em got 'em all hustling out of the pen." Applejack then rushed over to demonstrate her waving and funny faces as she explained.
"I see," said Mario simply as he noticed the pigs didn't seem to mind her faces at all.
"They don't look scared to me," Spike pointed out.
"Well, no. They got used to it," said Applejack, "Which is why I started doin' the chicken dance! To show 'em that if they didn't get to eatin' their food, the chickens would." Applejack started chicken dancing for a few seconds.
"I think even Fluttershy would say that last statement makes no sense at all," Mario whispered to Twilight and Rarity, who just nodded in agreement.
"Course bein' a chicken," Applejack continued as she stood on the wooden beam with the rope tied around herself and jumped down again, "I couldn't very well open the gate. Gettin' the food bucket to spill into the trough was just a happy accident because one time I left it there by mistake."
"Oy ye," said Mario with an eye roll, trying to find his words before speaking to Applejack, but Twilight beat him to it.
"Uh, Applejack?" Twilight said to the orange pony, "It seems like everything you're doing is to fix things that aren't really problems anymore." Rarity and Mario nodded in agreement. Applejack opened her mouth to retort, but then closed it.
"Well, I'll be..." said Applejack, realizing Twilight was right.
"Hmmm...Maybe is isn't so hard to get stuck doing extra work after all," said Rarity. Mario just nodded in agreement. Applejack just blushed and looked away, feeling very embarassed.
"I must look so dumb to you right now," said Applejack as she looked timidly at Mario.
"Don't, Sis," said Mario, "As stubborn as you are, Rarity is right. It can happen to anypony, especially when you've got a lot of responsibilities. Since I haven't been helping around here for months, I wasn't around to help point out these problems to you sooner."
"I actually did want to ask for yer help, Big Brother," said Applejack, "Long before things got this outta hoof. But...you just seemed to busy and I...I didn't think you'd have the time to help me anymore so...I talked myself out of it and tried to handle things alone. Should've known that would backfire on me."
"It's okay, AJ," said Mario, "you just need to remember that I'll always make time for my family no matter how busy I get. And I'm here now, so let me and the others help you out now okay?" Applejack nodded.
"Huh," Applejack pondered, "I wonder if I've been doin' that around here with anythin' else."
"Well, there's only one way to find out!" said Rarity.
"Let's a-go!" said Mario in agreement.
As some surf rock music began to play, Applejack took the group to the chicken coop. Applejack then dropped some feed before one chicken so it would get up to eat and Applejack could collect the eggs from its nest. She then repeated the same tactic with another chicken and then a third. Twilight, Rarity, and Mario exchanged looks with each other. Mario then smiled and got an idea. Outside the coop, Spike dumped a huge pile of chicken feed on the ground. Twilight then opened the doors so all the chickens could leave the nests and their coop to feed. Spike flinched at the oncoming hungry chickens. Rarity and Mario then showed Applejack that she could collect all the eggs now without any interference. Applejack just smiled and nodded in approval.
Next chore was watering the vegetable patch, which various pipes had been placed to represent a sprinkler system. Applejack stood before the master water valve before she walked over to one of the smaller valves, turned it, then turned the master value to water that section of the garden. Applejack then turned the master valve off, went to twist another smaller valve and turned the master valve back on to water another part of the garden. Mario couldn't resist face hoofing himself as Twilight and Rarity shared annoyed looks with each other. Twilight and Mario then used their magic to turn all the smaller valves at once. Then Rarity turned the master valve to allow Applejack to water the entire garden at once. Twilight couldn't help but flinch as the oncoming water and Spike was jumping for joy. Mario then got a little mischievous and put a fore-hoof over one of the pipe holes and made the water squirt Twilight in the face, soaking her. Twilight glared at Mario, who just smiled innocently until Twilight did the same to him. Mario then glared as Twilight just smirked and then they both laughed. Rarity just smiled as Applejack chuckled and nodded in approval...for the watering, not the couple's water fight.
The next chore involved Applejack trying to fix some holes in a chicken wire fence. Applejack cut a piece of the fence the same size at the hole and tried to jam it into place. Spike just stared as Twilight, Rarity, and Mario gave each other annoyed looks and rolled their eyes. As Applejack continued to struggle filling in the hole her way and finally do so as she wiped her brow, Rarity used her magic to removed one section of chicken wire that had holes on it. Mario used his magic to cut some section of chicken wire and Rarity put it into place. Applejack, Rarity, and Mario exchanged smiles with each other.
It was still early afternoon when Applejack surveyed the area and found that the day's work was done and now streamlined. She sighed contently.
"Thanks, y'all," said Applejack, "I guess I just got so used to doin' everythin' a certain way, I didn't realize there were any problems."
"Having a friend look at what you're doing with an outside eye can really help!" said Twilight.
"It also helped me realize that I need to fix my own schedule so I can make time to come help my sister on the farm regularly," said Mario, "That way, she'll always have an additional set of eyes to keep this from happening again."
"Mm-hmm!" said Rarity, "and I suppose if it weren't for our unsuccessful time at the spa, none of us would've realized it."
"And the irony was that Applejack was able to identify the issue without even realizing she had the same problem," said Mario. Applejack just blushed in embarrassment as the others chuckled to each other.
"Well, now that your chores are streamlined," said Twilight, "what are you gonna do with all the extra time?"
"I think I have a few ideas," said Applejack as she gave Rarity a smile. Rarity knew right away what she had in mind and smiled excitedly. She even invited Mario and Twilight to join them. While Twilight declined, she still encouraged Mario to go with them, saying he needed the spa day more than her. It wasn't long before the three ponies arrived back at the Ponyville Day Spa.
"Think you can come up with enough things for us to do now that we have more time to relax?" Applejack asked Rarity with a sigh as she rested her head on Mario's shoulder.
"Oh, please," said Rarity, "I could plan a week's worth of treatments!"
"Heh. Well, let's just start with the rest of the day for now," said Applejack, "After all the work we just did on the farm, I am ready for some serious relaxation! How about you, Big Bro?"
"You bet," said Mario, "and I think somepony wants a brother-to-sister cuddle time too?" Applejack blushed as she pulled away from Mario's shoulder. Rarity giggled.
"Well, I really did miss having you at the farm," said Applejack, "even though we see each other outside of Sweet Apple Acres. Doesn't make a lick of sense but..."
"It does, Sis," said Mario gently as he wrapped a fore-leg around her, "You miss having me around and that's normal. I missed being on the farm and helping you out too."
"Maybe we can help you streamline your work schedule," said Applejack, "wouldn't help to have an outside eye look at things."
"Hmm." Mario pondered, "The fact I can't think of any issues now worries me. So I would be more than happy to have your help." Rarity groaned and rolled her eyes.
"Tomorrow, Twinsie," Mario chuckled, "Tomorrow." Rarity then sighed with relief. It was then they saw Rainbow Dash come into the lobby wearing her bathrobe and slippers.
"Thanks for letting me know there was an opening," Rainbow told Aloe, "I don't know if I could make it without my pampered muscle message."
"Don't vorry about it," said Aloe, "Shall I put you down for another one tomorrow?"
"Oh, absolutely!" said Rainbow, "Sometimes a girl just has to pamper herself, am I right?"
"You certainly are!" said Rarity.
"Even us boys like a little pampering as well," Mario added. Rainbow turned to see the three ponies smirking at her. She gasped.
"Oh! Hey! I was just, uh, uh..." Rainbow stuttered.
"Gettin' a "sports" pamperin'?" Applejack suggested as she gave the blue Pegasus a nudge and giggled. Rainbow just smiled sheepishly.
"Don't worry, Rainbow Dash," Rarity giggled, "We were just heading in for some pampering ourselves. You could always join us."
"Uh...I suppose I could take it," said Rainbow, "You know, for you ponies. And...well...since Mario's here."
"Why Mario specifically?" Applejack asked.
"I just...feel more comfortable being girly when he's around," said Rainbow rather sheepishly, "Besides, I spent years saying these spa pampering were lame. Then Mario here pushed me to try what is now my usual treatment and liked it."
"Does it really hurt you pride that much to admit that you were wrong?" Mario asked.
"It's nothing to do with pride," said Rainbow, "Just...embarassed...over mocking it so much and I ended up liking it."
"Well, just know that you can enjoy the Spa without judgment from your friends," said Mario, "And you can join us the next time we all go to the Spa now. You've been missed during the group sessions."
"Works for me," said Rainbow as they all laughed and headed in for their own pampering session.
In the end, they all had a great time, but they still managed to make Mario get another hooficure despite his protests. The only thing that softened the humiliation for the alicorn prince was that Applejack and Rainbow both cuddled up to his sides as he got his hooves cleaned and shined. So it wasn't too painful for him to deal with. Of course Rainbow had to brag about never developing bad habits that would slow her down. Mario said he was gonna tell Spitfire about her love for the spa if she didn't stop. Rainbow quickly shut her mouth after that.
Later that night, Mario was just in the castle living room reading a book on the sofa when a rather tired filly came walking into the room. It was one of those weekends where she stayed at the castle.
"Hi, master," said Diamond Tiara, "Applejack is here to see you." Mario lifted his head curiously as the orange pony entered the room.
"Thank ya kindly," said Applejack to the little filly as smiled and headed to her room. Mario sat up so Applejack could take a seat next to him.
"I see your really doing that filly alot of good," said Applejack, "I wouldn't be surprised if she sees you like a second father."
"Wouldn't surprise me," said Mario, "Di sometimes calls Twilight Mom from time to time."
"And how's Twi taking it?" Applejack asked.
"She's acts awkward, but she also wants to fill the void Spoiled Rich put on Di's heart," said Mario, "Di deserves some motherly love after all. Just like I go to Celestia to help fill that void in mine."
"I'm sure Ma would be very proud of you," said Applejack, "You are looking out for me and the rest of the family."
"Not recently," said Mario sadly.
"Mario, don't," said Applejack firmly, "I won't let you take the fall for the fact that I'm dumb."
"Stop it, AJ!" Mario scolded, "You're not dumb. That happens to everypony at some point in their lives. I even remember one time Cadance and I had to help Mom streamline her schedule."
"But I'm sure I'm more prone to forming bad habits because I'm stubborn," said Applejack.
"Perhaps," said Mario, "but I know Twilight and I might be prone to the same issue since we're both perfectionists and have anxiety. Sometimes our desire to do things perfectly can make us overlook whether are plans are really efficient or practical."
"Ain't that the truth," said Applejack, "but still...I'm beginning to think you should be in charge of the farm from now on."
"AJ...I couldn't..." said Mario.
"Why not?" said Applejack, "All I'm doing is making the same mistakes over and over again because I'm too stubborn to listen to reason. I don't think I'm meant to be in charge of the farm anymore. You could do a far better job handling things than I could."
"Sis, just because you have a stubborn nature that never seems to back off doesn't mean you're not capable of running Sweet Apple Acres," Mario told her, "I have..."
"I know, I know," said Applejack annoyingly, "You have a bad temper that never lets off..."
"Actually," said Mario, "I was talking about my gloominess...while I am seeing myself getting better. I still have days where I feel...worthless. And while it doesn't happen as often...I sometimes just have to...cry." Mario then shed a couple of tears and wiped them away with his fore-leg. Applejack just looked at her brother sadly as she felt tears building up in her eyes.
"Maybe I should renounce my crown as the Prince of Friendship," said Mario, "since I don't know if I'll ever get over feeling like this. I don't feel good enough for my royal status anymore."
"Now hold on just a minute there, sugarcube!" Applejack said sternly, "Just because you have confidence issues doesn't mean you don't deserve to be the Prince of Friendship. You don't let your flaws define what your capable of or who you are! You have one of the biggest hearts of any pony in Equestria. You've helped more ponies understand their own issues and thier insecurities and helped them to become better ponies, including me! You can't just give up because you're dealing with a loss of confidence in yourself!"
"And the same can be said for you," Mario smirked. Applejack blinked and then huffed.
"You did that on purpose, didn't ya?" Applejack remarked annoyingly.
"Kind of," said Mario, "but I honestly do feel that way from time to time. But just like you told me, just because you feeling a loss of confidence in yourself, doesn't mean you're not capable. It just means you're not perfect AJ. You were meant to be the head of Sweet Apple Acres just like I'm meant to wear my crown as the Prince of Friendship. And when you or I do feel doubtful or overwhelmed. We can always go to our friends for strength and support." Applejack smiled as some tears streamed from her eyes and she gave him a warm hug.
"Thank you," said Applejack, "I really needed to hear that. I love you, Mario."
"I love you too AJ," said Mario as he gave his little sister a cheek kiss. Applejack chuckled.
"Well, it's been a busy day, and I better go hit the hay," said Applejack, "Thanks for hearing me out and helping me feel better about all of this."
"Anytime Sis," said Mario, "Still going to come help me streamline my work?"
"Sure thing, Big Bro," said Applejack as she hopped off the sofa, "Have a good night."
"You too, Sis," said Mario as Applejack took her leave. Mario just sighed as he went back to reading his book.
He was looking forward to tomorrow. A more efficient workload would mean more time...
...more time to spend with his friends...
...and, in his words, more time he could spend with his super cool sister.
And another chapter complete! Hope you enjoyed the alternate scene since it was meant to show two things: Mario is giving Diamond Tiara more responsibility and that Apple Bloom had given Mario a heads up about Applejack's bad chore habits. Plus I'm sure if Mario hadn't stopped helping out in the farm for months, Applejack might not have gotten into such bad habits to begin with...maybe... Either way, it doesn't heart that they have a heart to heart with each other. Like any siblings, they get on each others nerves, but they love each other dearly.
Hope you all enjoyed seeing Applejack and Mario give a tribute to the Super Mario Bros for what they did best: plumbing!
Next time: Shenran takes the spotlight as he deals with his favorite brother-in-law. (Sarcasm intended there. After all, this "brother-in-law" didn't show up for the wedding and Fluttershy is still feeling bitter about it...)
Peace Pony Fans!