Honest Apple
Pony Log Number 709: Guess my sister needs a reminder that when it comes to being honest, you gotta consider how your words might make others feel...
It was just another day in Ponyville as Rarity and Mario were using their magic to post some flyers on the doors of nearby homes. Behind them was Spike, carrying all the flyers in one very tall stack.
"Oh, thank you so much for helping me with these flyers, Spike," said Rarity, "I'm so lucky you just happened to be walking past the boutique." Rarity chuckled to herself as Spike nearly lost his balance carrying all the flyers but managed to recover.
"Uh, yeah, right," said Spike with a blush on his face, "Just happened to be walking past." He then chuckled nervously to himself.
"Yeah, considering you were stalking the window all morning," Mario muttered to himself so nopony could hear him. It was then Rarity and Mario approached the backyard area of Sugarcube Corner. Rarity had barley put the flyer on the window when Pinkie tried to see what it was from inside the building.
"What'cha got here?" Pinkie asked excitedly, "Lost Dog? Balloons for sale? Guitar lessons? 'Cause I found one, I need some, and yes, I'm interested!" Pinkie then came out from the bottom half of the door and did an imitation guitar riff from the acoustic guitar she was holding. Rarity and Mario were startled and Spike fell over off screen, dropping all the flyers on the ground.
"To answer your questions, Pinks," said Mario, "No, Rares has a cat and it's not lost. Don't have any balloons. And if you want some guitar lessons I'll see if I can fit you into my schedule at a later time."
"Like Mario said, no," Rarity replied, chuckling at Pinkie's guesses as well as Mario's considerate offer to teach Pinkie, "It's a call for submissions. Fashion contest we're organizing. A showcase for aspiring young designers." Mario nodded in agreement.
"Oh wow!" said Pinkie, "what an awesome idea!"
"Thank you," Rarity answered, "I remember how difficult it was to break into the fashion industry when I was starting out."
"Tell me about it," said Mario, "My fashion talents would've stayed in the dark if Rarity hadn't come along and encouraged me to present my ideas to the fashion world. I'm still very grateful to her for helping my expand on my talents and sharing my designs with the world. But not all starting fashion designers are so fortunate to have a friend with the kindness and generosity to help them come out of their shell enter the fashion industry."
"Exactly, twinsie," said Rarity, "That's why the winner of the contest will get to debut their line in the Carousel Boutique!" Spike just smiled at Rarity in awe.
"So selfless...So generous..." Spike said dreamily.
"You do know it was our idea?" Mario remarked annoyingly, "Not just Rarity's?"
"Eh...whatever," Spike said dismissively and Mario just rolled his eyes at the little dragon. Pinkie just had an excited smile on her face.
"I've also managed to get esteemed fashion critic Hoity Toity and iconic fashion photographer Photo Finish to come to Ponyville and judge the show," said Rarity.
"Hoity Toity is very fond of my fashion ideas and is a huge supporter of the beret I wear on a daily basis," said Mario, pointing at his brown beret, as Spike was picking up the discarded flyers in the background, "but are you sure Photo Finish is gonna be alright seeing me again, Rares?"
"Oh, Mario, it's not your fault Shenran was bossing her around during their wedding photos," said Rarity.
"But she certainly told me how she felt about Shenran doing that," said Mario, still wincing since Photo Finish still had a habit of being very outspoken with her feelings, opinions, and...pretty much everything else.
"And..." said Rarity with a squeal, "Mario and I came up with this idea together. Wait until you hear who else will be a judge."
"Countess Coloratura?" Spike asked.
"Sassy Saddles?" Pinkie guessed.
"Spike?!" Spike suggested with a flyer in his mouth.
"Did you just suggest yourself?" Mario asked with a skeptical look. Spike just smiled sheepishly and went back to work.
"No!" Rarity replied as she and Mario chuckled, "The third judge for the Carousel Boutique's Couture de Future Fashion Contest is none other than..."
"Applejack!" said Rarity and Mario together. Ironically, the orange pony was walking into view from the background pulling a cart load of apples. She was just in time to hear the big announcement.
"What?!" said Applejack in shock.
"What?!" said Pinkie in shock.
"What?!" Spike said in the same tone, spitting out the flyer from his mouth. Rarity and Mario just had confident smiles on their faces when Applejack walked up to them, giving the two ponies a funny look.
"...what?" Rarity and Mario asked together innocently.
Despite still glaring, Applejack was still too stunned to answer.
(Main Theme)
"What?!" Applejack repeated once she managed to speak again.
"You already said that, darling," said Rarity.
"Suffering from déjà vu, Sis?" Mario asked.
"I know and no, I'm not Mario," Applejack retorted, "But I had to say it again because that's how confused I am. You two want me to judge a fashion show?"
"I'm sure Rarity and Mario have their reasons, and once we hear them, all of this will make sense," said Pinkie as Spike continued to pick up the discarded flyers.
"We will admit," said Rarity, "Applejack is an unorthodox choice. But that is precisely what makes her an inspired choice."
"Eeyup," said Mario as he nodded in agreement.
"See? Now it all...still doesn't make any sense," Pinkie replied, looking more puzzled than ever.
"Hoity Toity has expertise in fabric and stitchwork," said Rarity, "Photo Finish has an artistic eye for shapes and colors. Mario, while he isn't going to be a judge but still offer guidance, is good at understanding the designer's point of view. But sometimes, we designers forget about practicality. That's where you come in."
"Uh, I think I might be a little too practical," Applejack admitted, "My closet's nothin' but twenty versions of this hat."
"What?!" Mario exclaimed, "What happened to all those "western chic" outfits I made for you? You told me you loved them!"
"I did," said Applejack, "But I'm not the kind of pony to just slap an outfit on if I don't have a good reason to wear it. So I just put them in boxes for storage." Mario looked disappointed, but Rarity quickly went to lighten the mood.
"Which tells me you're a pony who knows what she likes," Rarity continued as she tipped Applejack's hat forward a bit. Applejack pushed her hat back up again as Rarity kept speaking, "Besides, a judge must be honest, and you're the most honest pony there is. Ask any pony - they'll tell you."
"Ooh! Ooh! Lemme try!" said Pinkie as she appeared from the side and rushed over to Cherry Fizzy, "Excuse me. Have you ever heard of Applejack?"
"The most honest pony there is?" Cherry Fizzy replied, "Sure have!"Pinkie looked back at the three ponies and smiled.
"Well, if I'm bein' honest," said Applejack, "I don't think I'm the right pony for the job. Fashion just ain't my bag of oats."
"Aw, booooo!" Pinkie shouted in disappointment.
"Don't sell yourself short, Sis," said Mario, "You're more in tune with fashion than you realize. Plus you won't be judging blindly either. I'll be nearby to help you understand anything the confuses you. I'll make sure you don't look like a deer staring at a headlight."
"Which is gonna be pretty much everything," said Applejack sadly, "and that's exactly how I'm gonna feel."
"I do understand your hesitation," said Rarity, "But before you say no, sleep on it?" Rarity and Mario both gave her hopeful smiles.
"Sure, I...guess I can do that for ya both," said Applejack. Mario walked over and gave his younger sister a hug.
"We wouldn't be asking this if we didn't think you could do it," said Mario, "But the decision is up to you."
"Right, Big Bro," said Applejack, "I'll see ya later...I guess." With that, Applejack headed off with her cart full of apples. Rarity and Mario then walked over to Spike and used their magic to restack all of the fallen flyers. Spike just blushed in amazement as he gazed at Rarity with a lovesick smile. Mario just grunted loudly.
"Something wrong, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Spike does know this is a team effort right?" said Mario, "I get that he's got a crush on you, but I'm getting tired of him acting like I don't deserve any credit whatsoever for anything we do." Rarity chuckled.
"Just ignore it, Mario," said Rarity, "It's just the lovesickness after all."
"I know," said Mario, "I'm just wondering how long it's gonna be before you finally put your hoof down with him."
"What do you mean?" Rarity asked. Mario leaned in closer.
"Do you see yourself with Spike in the future?" Mario asked, "Could you love him the way he wants to love you? Because if you don't, I think you need to let him know that sooner than later." Rarity stayed quiet for a moment.
"I hope you don't think I'm leading him on," Rarity said in a quiet for firm tone.
"It does seem that way from time to time," said Mario, trying to be honest but gentle with his words, "you don't need much effort to dazzle him into helping you. No offense." Rarity snorted but could see that Mario was just being upfront with her.
"Well, what if I say that I'm feeling rather conflicted," said Rarity, "he is a young drake after all, but I know that won't always be the case. And he does treat me well, he loves and cares about me the way you do for Twilight, and he certainly does have a special place in my heart."
"So you're keeping the door open but waiting until he's a little older," said Mario, "Okay, I've just been wondering where you stood on the matter. After all, if you're only gonna keep him in the friend zone, he should know."
"Of course," said Rarity and quickly changed the subject, "Now let's get these flyers posted and so we can get the workroom ready for whoever is going to be participating."
"Right away," said Mario as he grabbed some flyers from the stack and started posting them up the doors of nearby houses. Rarity then did the same so the two finished setting up the flyers in no time at all.
Later at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was venting out to Big Mac and Apple Bloom over what had happened.
"Yeah, I know Big Mac," Applejack told her oldest brother, "I-I was just as surprised as you are." Applejack then gave a grunt as she bucked an apple tree and the apples just fell onto the ground.
"I mean, heh, can you imagine?" Applejack continued, "Me, judgin' a fashion show?" Applejack then went to buck another tree and the apples simply fell to ground. Apple Bloom was supposed to be catching them with the bucket on her head, but she was wearing what looked like a large floppy hat with a scarf to keep it from falling off her head. Apple Bloom had tried to collect the second set of falling apples and ended up tripping and falling down. Applejack just surveyed the mess as Big Mac gave both girls a skeptical look.
"I'd do it!" said Apple Bloom, "It sounds like fun gettin' to see all those pretty outfits!"
"Well, you're the exception in our family, sugarcube," said Applejack as she walked off to another tree, "You know about that kind o' stuff. In fact, Mario knows quite a bit about it as well. You two really do have alot in common with each other don't ya?"
"Makes sense why I get along better with Mario than you," said Apple Bloom smugly, "You hardly ever see us fightin'."
"Very funny," said Applejack, slightly annoyed, "The point is that I'd be as useful as a burned knot on a zapplin' tree." Applejack then grunted again as she bucked another tree. Apple Bloom rushed to get under the falling apples, but was too late to catch them.
"Although..." Applejack pondered aloud as she paced about, "Rarity did say I just had to focus on practicality. She already has experts for the...uh, fashion-y stuff. Mario did say he'd help me out of I got confused about anything. Eh, but I still wouldn't know what to say." Apple Bloom then bucked another tree. Apple Bloom tripped on her scarf and fell down again, dropping her bucket and missing all the apples again.
"Come on, Apple Bloom!" Applejack said firmly, "You're doublin' our workload here!"
"Sorry, I wanted to wear a signature hat likes yours," Apple Bloom explained, but was struggling to keep the brim of hat out of her face, "but it's makin' it hard to see."
"That's because it's not like mine," said Applejack as she pulled the scarf off and then tiled the hat upward, "You don't need a fancy scarf to keep your hat. Now you can see." Applejack then rushed up to a tree and bucked it. Apple Bloom rushed up and caught all the falling apples with ease.
"Wow! That is alot better! Thanks, Applejack!" said Apple Bloom.
"Sure thing," said Applejack and then she realized something, "You know what? I am gonna help Rarity and Mario judge their show! I think my sensible "everypony" take on fashion is exactly what the pony community needs!" Applejack wasted no time finishing up her chores she could go to Carousel Boutique and tell Rarity and Mario the news. To her luck, Diamond Tiara had arrived with her train so Applejack was able to get a ride to her destination.
Inside the boutique, Mario, wearing his work glasses, was busy working on a design while Rarity was looking at Mario's sketchbook and admiring his creations. Applejack wasted no time entering the front door.
"Rarity, Mario," said Applejack, "I thought about it some more, and if you still need me, I'd love to be a judge." Mario smiled excitedly as Rarity squealed and clapped her fore-hooves together.
"I just knew you'd come around!" said Rarity as she gave Applejack a hug.
"I'm really glad you're gonna do this with us, AJ," said Mario as he hugged his younger sister as well, "And don't worry. I'll be here to guide you in case you don't understand something."
"You do know that might be everything right?" Applejack remarked, showing some worry in her face.
"Pretty much," said Mario, "But like I said, I'm prepared. Just remember to be considerate of the designer's point of view and the rest will be easy." Applejack smiled and felt better. It was then the three ponies heard a firm stomp behind them. They turned around to see a familiar sky blue pony wearing her purple shades and black and purple dress. Plus she was surrounded by her assistants while she stood on a palanquin.
"I, Photo Finish, have arrived!" the photography pony replied.
"As has Hoity Toity," said the fashion stallion as he made his presence known right behind Photo Finish. Rarity and Mario gasped.
"It's wonderful to see you!" said Rarity as she gave the Photo Finish some air side kisses, "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!"
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Photo Finish said at the same time as Rarity. Mario then walked up.
"Halt!" Photo Finish said sternly as she raised a fore-hoof before Mario, "Is that over controlling soldier stallion with you?"
"Uh...no?" Mario answered uneasily.
"Good! We greet now!" said Photo Finish as she walked up to him for the air kiss exchange, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
"Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!" said Mario at the same time, "It is a pleasure to see you again!"
"Charming as always, Prince Mario," said Photo Finish with a smile, "At least you let Photo Finish capture zee magics. Unlike that bossy soldier boy who wouldn't let Photo Finish do what Photo Finish does best..." Mario just chuckled and groaned inwardly. He was wondering if Photo Finish would ever stop complaining about Shenran. Rarity and Hoity Toity chuckled as the latter walked up to Hoity Toity.
"Thank you both so much for doing this," said Rarity as she gave the stallion some air kisses, "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!"
"We are both honored to have you here," said Mario as he and Hoity Toity exchanged hoofshakes with each other.
"We missed the both of you at Miss Pommel's debut in Manehatten last week," said Hoity Toity. Rarity and Mario were surprised.
"Miss Pommel is showing?" said Rarity, "I thought she was still making costumes."
"Same here," Mario added, "I keep in touch with her and she never said a thing to us. Must have been a last minute decision."
"Neither of you haven't heard?" Photo Finish replied, "Everypony who's anypony is talking about it." Photo Finish then clapped her hooves together to command one of her assistants. The assistant brought over some pictures which Rarity held with her magic.
"Oh, my, they're absolutely stunning!" said Rarity as she and Mario looked at the photos together.
"You can say that again," said Mario, "absolutely exquisite indeed!"
"It sure is great to hear Miss Pommel is doin' so well," said Applejack as she walked up to Rarity, Mario, and the others.
"Who is this?! Who speaks?!" Photo Finish demanded as Hoity Toity lifted his glasses and looked at the orange pony skeptically. Applejack just gave the others a nervous smile.
"Oh, uh, this is Applejack," said Rarity, "Another one of the judges."
"She's also my younger sister," Mario added as he put a fore-leg around the orange pony.
"So, judge, what do you think?" Hoity Toity asked as he walked up to Applejack and showed her the pictures. Applejack blinked and cringed when she saw the pictures.
"Oh, Wow," Applejack stuttered, "Uh, this is just...wow. These are clothes?" Hoity Toity was taken aback for a moment, but then Photo Finish lifted her shades to examine the photo.
"Ze photo is upside-down!" Photo Finish retorted. Hoity Toity fixed the photo so Applejack could see the picture of a pony wearing what looked like a mirror ball with some fancy gold shoes and a very pointy mane updo.
"This is..." Applejack scoffed, "She looks like a disco ball! Hah! D-did they have to roll her down the runway?!" Applejack began to laugh. Mario cringed and Rarity just uncomfortably rubbed one fore-leg with the other.
"I can't believe anypony would actually wear this!" Applejack continued, laughing and tearing up as she kept talking, "Am I right?"
"Oh, my!" Hoity Toity said aghast.
"I faint!" said Photo Finish, "Ugh!"
(lose a life fanfare)
The photography pony did just that, but was caught by one of her assistants before she could hit the ground. Rarity and Mario chuckled awkwardly.
"So funny...ahem," Rarity remarked nervously.
"Y-y-y-eah, good one Sis," said Mario in the same tone, "heh-heh-ehhhh..." The only reply was just an awkward silence.
A few seconds later, Hoity Toity was standing next to the still unconscious Photo Finish. Mario was searching his saddle bags for a spare green-and-white mushroom. Rarity and Applejack just watched the scene from the foreground.
"Oh, gosh," said Applejack worriedly, "I didn't mean to make her faint."
"Oh, don't worry about it, darling," said Rarity, "Uh, it happens all the time."
"You can say that again," said Mario, "And I know I packed some of those mushroom...oh, here they are!" Mario pulled out one, opened Photo Finish's mouth so she could eat it.
(Cue "extra life" fanfare)
"Like Rarity said," said Mario, "Just routine as usual." The assistant nodded in agreement, but as she was nodding, Photo Finish woke up and have the pony a glare. The assistant smiled sheepishly and side-stepped away.
"Besides, that dress did look like a disco ball," said Rarity, "Although, Miss Pommel is making the point that, no matter what we wear, it is a costume of some kind or another."
"I have no idea what you're talkin' about," said Applejack.
"Well, from a practical perspective," said Mario, "You wouldn't see a pony wearing this outfit walking down the street. But the point of the outfit is to provide inspiration to other fashion designers for their outfits. In this case, one designer might be inspired to use reflecting fabric while another might consider a dress that is rather flashy or bold. Something that makes a pony shine in the middle of a crowd. You understand, Sis?" Applejack just looked at Mario blankly.
"Uhh...I guess so?" said Applejack wearily.
"And...that's okay," said Rarity, "Let's go meet designers and help them get ready for the show."
"Follow me please," said Mario in a mannered tone as he escorted the four ponies to the room where the designers were busy working. There were three designers who had entered the fashion show. The first designer was a cream colored unicorn with pale lavender mane and tail wearing a lavender dress with pale pink shoes. The second designer was a burnt orange Earth pony stallion with a two tone pink with blue highlight mane and very short tail. He was wearing some triangular specs and a white shirt with a blue long sleeve undershirt. The third designer was a pale blue-grey Pegasus with dull purplish-grey mane that was in braided pig tails with bat hair ties and the same colored tail wearing a spider web blouse.
"Designers, welcome!" said Rarity, "Today you will work on your designs, and we judges will offer our guidance and advice as you prepare for tomorrow's big show."
"We all want you to do your very best," said Mario, "So don't be nervous to seek our help or ask questions. This is your chance to premiere your creative works to Equestria and we don't want any of you to feel any less than one hundred percent confident." The three designers murmured excitedly as they quickly got to work. It was then the five ponies walked up to the unicorn.
"Lily Lace, tell us about your inspiration," said Rarity.
"You guys, this morning," said Lily Lace with a valley girl accent as she stood beside a yellow dress, "I heard a bird singing literally the most beautiful song I'd ever heard! And I wanted to capture not so much the bird's song exactly but like how the wind carried the bird's song!"
"A visual representation of a musical tune dancing in the wind," said Mario.
"Powerful yet at the same time fragile and delicate," said Hoity Toity as Rarity nodded in agreement. Applejack just looked very puzzled.
"Uh...Huh?" said Applejack.
"She wants her dress to represent music in the wind," Mario explained, "if one could actually see it like you would a leaf or another object that floats with the wind."
"O...kay..." said Applejack, still feeling rather puzzled. The group then headed over to the Earth Pony.
"Next up, meet Starstreak," said Rarity.
"I'm not interested in what's already been done," Starstreak panted, "Only what will exist...in the future!" He then showed a rough sketch of one of his designs.
"Mmmm..." Hoity Toity pondered impressively, "Tomorrow's fashion belongs to those who hear it coming." Rarity and Photo Finish nodded in agreement.
"We look forward to seeing what else you come up with," said Mario with a chuckle. Applejack just gave her brother and the rest of the group a funny look. Nopony noticed as they made their way to the Goth looking Pegasus.
"I am Inky Rose," said the Pegasus. There was a long pause.
"You have a very focused vision!" said Photo Finish, "A strong sense of what you want! It's gut!"
"More than good, darling," said Mario, "it's brilliant. Her expression hides the fact that she is a fierce competitor, ready to strike!" Hoity Toity nodded in agreement. Applejack just still looked puzzled.
"Applejack, you've been rather quiet," said Rarity, "What do you think?" Applejack than looked at Inky Rose's outfit in progress, which looked like a long sleeved outfit with a large hoodie.
"Well...it's lot of black," said Applejack, "It's kinda...depressing." Hoity Toity and Photo Finish were stunned. Rarity looked a bit worried.
"Well, that is the initial impression ponies get when they see Goth style fashion for the first time," said Mario, "but behind that black is more than the idea of feeling depressed. There also in inner struggle, turmoil, and yet a desire to break out and express yourself!" Applejack just glared at the outfit some more.
"Just reminds me of those days when you felt worthless," Applejack remarked. Mario felt awkward since Rarity, Photo Finish, and Hoity Toity looked at Mario.
"Ahem...I never look back, darling," said Mario quickly, using a rather snooty tone. Inky Rose then put a dark grey fabric over the back of the outfit.
"How's this?" said Inky Rose. All but Applejack smiled.
"Makes a world of difference!" said Hoity Toity.
"I agree," said Mario, "While some outfits can pull off singular color schemes, going two or three tones of fabrics can really make the finer details shine."
"Maybe to fashion experts like you," said Applejack as she stepped forward, "but to ponies like me, it's still black." Hoity Toity and Photo Finish gasped. Rarity cringed. Mario looked indignant.
"Sis, you're seriously not that color-blind," said Mario, "I think you'd know the difference between black and dark grey."
"It's still all black to me!" Applejack snapped, "And I'm not sure how you wear singin' birds or the future." Starstreak and Lily Lace looked stunned and dejected as they continued to work. Inky Rose removed the dark grey fabric, looking a little disappointed as well. Hoity Toity and Photo Finish shared looks with each other and then stomped off.
"I don't think they liked what I had to say," said Applejack to Rarity.
"What was your first clue?" Mario remarked sarcastically as Rarity shot him a glare to be quiet.
"Ah, well, that's why you're here," said Rarity, "Fashion needs a healthy dose of practically now and then." Rarity gave Applejack a wink, which made the orange pony smile.
"And I guess sometimes you have to make it feel like a ton of bricks," Mario remarked.
"Grrrrr!" Rarity growled.
"I wasn't being sarcastic," Mario remarked sternly as Rarity just snorted.
Later on, Starstreak was measuring a female model for one of his designs. Inky Rose then nailed two pieces of fabric onto a wooden board. Then tugged it to tear some holes into the fabric. Applejack walked up with a skeptical look on her face.
"Are you puttin' holes in clothes?!" Applejack asked, "On purpose?!"
"It's to create a distressed look," Inky Rose replied.
"Or whatever kind of look you want to make," said Mario, "ponies have been putting holes in clothes in recent years. Of course I'm not much of a fan of it myself, but to each their own when it comes to making a stylish fashion statement."
"Stylish?!" Applejack exclaimed, "More like old and tattered look! When a pony's old clothes get holes in 'em, they don't wanna go to the store to buy new clothes with holes in 'em!"
"You'd be surprised, Sis," Mario muttered as Rarity rushed up to the two siblings.
"Okay, yes, not a very practical choice," said Rarity, trying to do damage control, "Fashionable but not practical." Applejack smiled as Rarity returned the gesture. But Mario seemed to be the only pony who could tell that Rarity's smile was rather sheepish and slightly forced. Meanwhile, Lily Lace was busy putting multiple layers of light blue fabric onto the back skirt of her dress.
"Simply shtunning!" said Photo Finish.
"Nothing like a multilayered skirt to add a bit of elegance to any design," said Mario as Lily Lace smiled. Then Applejack and Rarity approached.
"Sure, it looks pretty," said Applejack skeptically as she held up the bottom of the skirt, "but that's a lot of fabric. With the way it drags behind, it'll be covered in dirt in no time. Thank goodness I'm here. Otherwise, we'd have had holes in clothes and dirty dresses." Mario face-hooved himself, Rarity looked rather embarrassed. Hoity Toity and Photo Finish shared looks with each other. Poor Lily Lace whimpered and looked ready to cry. Mario rushed up to do damage control.
"Nevermind what my sister had said," said Mario gently, "Just take the skirt up an inch or two and you'll be just fine."
"Ooh! Nice call, Mario," said Hoity Toity as Photo Finish nodded as well. Lily Lace smiled and felt better. Meanwhile, Applejack was groaning and glaring as she watched Starstreak working on a mare's mane. Rarity saw the orange pony and cringed. She saw that Mario was helping Lily Lace with various yellow fabrics.
"Need you my twinsie!" Rarity said in a harsh whisper as she pulled him away.
"Whoa!" Mario yelped and then saw Applejack as the two ponies rushed over to her.
"But of course, no look is complete without mane and makeup!" said Rarity.
"While the trick to good makeup is not to overdo it," Mario added, "Sometimes adding extra can help make or break the outfit!"
"So,uh..." Applejack said slowly, "when are you gonna do her mane?" The mare and Starstreak were both offended.
"Ugh! It's already been done!" Starstreak retorted indignantly. Applejack went to retort when Mario shoved his fore-hoof into her mouth.
"You know what?" said Rarity, "Uh, I think we've given the designers enough guidance for today. Let's, uh, let them finish their work."
"Good idea," said Mario, "YEOW!" Mario yelped when Applejack pressed her teeth on his fore-hoof to make him remove it from her mouth. Mario glared at the orange pony while shaking the sting from his fore-hoof. Applejack, Mario, and Rarity then left the room. The latter two both had brave smiles on their faces.
"Uh, can't wait to see what y'all do for the big show tomorrow!" said Applejack.
Sis, please stop talking Mario pleaded inwardly as he kept smiling.
"I literally don't know why..." Lily Lace complained.
"I am so offended," added Starstreak.
"That was so insensitive..." Inky Rose added. The designers just grumbled as Rarity and Mario looked at each other, chuckled nervously, and closed the door.
Later in town, Pinkie was just sitting on the front porch of Sugarcube Corner, strumming her guitar. Pinkie then saw Applejack walking by.
"Hey Applejack," said Pinkie, "On your way home? How'd the first day of the contest go?"
"Heh! Great!" Applejack replied, "At first, I didn't think I'd be much help. But thank goodness I signed on! Without me, they'd be doin' all kinds of crazy fashion-y things!" Applejack then walked away, feeling very pleased with herself. Pinkie just went back to strumming her guitar when she saw Rarity and Mario walking by.
"Hey, Rarity! Hey, Mario!" said Pinkie, "Applejack says the contest is going great! Good thing she's there, huh?" Rarity and Mario both flinched when they heard that.
"Yes, of course..." said Rarity in a straight tone, "Some of her thoughts are tough to swallow, but hopefully her candor will help the designers achieve the best designs possible."
"Yes, hopefully her advice can prove useful," Mario added in the same tone, "It's not like our decision to make Applejack a judge was misplaced. It's not gonna come back to us our flanks, right?" Mario and Rarity both shared tense and worried looks with each other.
"You two seem a little stressed," said Pinkie as she offered them her guitar, "Wanna try? Music is very relaxing." Pinkie strummed the guitar to make her point.
"Sure...hmm," said Rarity as she took the guitar with her magic.
"Did you want me to play?" said Mario, "I think I know a few soothing melodies. I know you loved that Bossa tune I played at the trade show."
"No, I have something in mind," said Rarity as she stood on her hind legs and used her fore-hoof to play...
...a hard rock solo with an acoustic!
Rarity was so passionate with her guitar playing that her body was literally blazing as she played.
"AHH-AHH! HOO! HOO! WHOO-HOO-HOO!" Mario yelped as he launched high into the air with his flank smoking and body singed. He had been standing too close to Rarity and had gotten burnt. Rarity had finished her rock guitar solo by the time Mario landed back on the ground, still bouncing about to fan off his still smoking flank.
"Much better," Rarity said with a sigh as she handed Pinkie, who's mane and tail were literally blow back, her guitar. The guitar was also smoking a bit from the intense playing as Rarity walked away. Pinkie blew out the smoke as Mario walked by, still looking weary and slightly singed.
"Did you still want a turn, Mario?" Pinkie asked. This time rather nervously.
"No thanks," said Mario wearily, "I think I've had enough blazin' tunes for one day. See ya later, Pinks." Pinkie just watched Mario walk away. Then skeptically examined her guitar. For a pony who could do the impossible, it still baffled her mind that Rarity could do hard rock on an acoustic guitar.
The next morning, Rarity, Mario, Applejack, Hoity Toity, and Photo Finish all arrived at the Carousel Boutique. Rarity and Mario still looked worried as they both took a deep breath together.
"We can meet our goals," said Rarity, "Today is a fresh start."
"Today is a new day," said Mario, trying to stay positive and did a mini-hoof pump, "Oh yeah! Mario time!" Deep down he was still worried as Rarity entered the door.
" Good morning, everypony!" said Rarity, "Time for a final adjustments before the show!"
"This is your last chance to seek any extra insight and advice from us," said Mario, "So don't miss out on this opportunity!" Hoity Toity then lifted his shades to examine the outfit Inky Rose was designing.
"If buttons could convey sadness, you've done it," said Hoity Toity.
"And the fact you have so many buttons to convey the soul's struggle of inner turmoil," Mario added as Hoity Toity smiled in agreement, "Well done." Inky Rose gave a subtle smile.
"To me, they convey wakin' up an hour early just to button 'em all!" Applejack said sternly, "and that's if you can reach most of 'em!" Rarity looked uneasy as Hoity Toity gasped silently. Mario snorted.
"AJ, most of the buttons are just for style," said Mario, "They don't all need to be buttoned up. And even if they did, most ponies who like this style like to take the time and effort to button them all. It's not tedious to them because they usually don't wake up early to begin with or are in a hurry to be out in public either, especially when the sun is out." Inky Rose felt her eyes water.
"You get me," said Inky Rose as she wiped her eyes.
"Either way, having so many buttons isn't practical," Applejack protested. Inky Rose then began to remove the buttons one by one. Mario cringed and groaned.
"Nothing's more painful than watching a brilliant work of art come apart," said Mario, feeling very emotional.
"Veep strong!" said Photo Finish, "Zee pain and agony vill soon be oover!" It was several minutes later, Inky Rose had finished removing all the buttons.
"Is this better?" Inky Rose asked.
"Heh. There you go!" Applejack replied in approval, "Now when it's cold, you just slide it on ya, and you're set. Like a poncho." Rarity and Mario looked very embarassed.
"Um...poncho?" said Hoity Toity as Applejack walked off.
"Sis, ponchos went out style along with tye-dye outfits a long time ago and I hope they never come back," Mario remarked in a low, but very annoyed tone.
"Agreed!" Photo Finish said firmly. Meanwhile, Lily Lace was nervously attaching feathers one by one onto a hat.
"I attached each feather individually!" Lily Lace said with a laugh as she set the hat onto a mannequin head, "It took me for-literally-ever!" Lilly Lace then laughed again as Hoity Toity and Mario examined the hat closely.
"Ohhhhh. You used hoof-cross-double-stitches!" Hoity Toity remarked with a chuckle, "They're perfect!"
"The fact you did these feathers one by one proves that alot of love went into this hat," Mario added, "and that's gonna make ponies want their very own! Well done!"
"Who cares if its stitched perfectly?" Applejack snapped, "You don't need feathers on your head!" Applejack then grabbed the hat and shook all the feathers off. Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, Rarity, Mario, and Lily Lace all gasped.
"Sis, what you doing?!" Mario retorted in a harsh whisper as Rarity was left speechless. But it was no use, Applejack didn't stop shaking the hat until all the feathers were off.
"My little sister tried to add some flair to her hat, and guess what it got her?' Applejack continued, "an extra hour of work pickin' apples off the ground!" Mario glared.
"Apple Bloom told me about that," said Mario in a low tone that emphasized he was holding down his temper, "and Lily Lace's flair wasn't obstructing any pony's view! Even Apple Bloom could do her chores wearing the hat with the feathers." Applejack just flung the hat back onto the mannequin.
"If you think I'd let my sister wear something like that, yer plum crazy!" Applejack retorted as she walked off with a huff. The rest of the ponies, including Lily Lace, all cringed. Next, Starstreak was ready to present his work-in-progress.
"A good start," said Photo Finish, "but it needs more. Mario! Search vith me!"
"Yes, ma'am," said Mario as they began looking at various belts. '
"No. No. No," said Photo Finish, tossing belts away as one belt onto a hanging light, another smacked Hoity Toity in the face. Mario then found a belt.
"Oooh, this might work," said Mario as he showed the photographer pony the belt.
"Yes!" said Photo Finish excitedly.
"I'd go with this one," said Hoity Toity, as he held one of the discarded belts. This one, at least from the surface, looked just like the other belt.
"No, this one!" said Photo Finish.
"I'm with Photo Finish on this one," said Mario, "This is the belt that will benefit the outfit the most." The disagreement was quickly interrupted when the three ponies all heard a pony chuckling. They all turned to see Applejack was laughing at them.
"Something is funny?" Photo Finish demanded.
"I'm gonna regret saying this, but I must!" Mario added with much dread in his tone, "Care to share with us what your laughing at, Sis?"
"What? Oh, no," said Applejack, "Uh, it's just, I mean...Those belts look the same."
"Ugh, this again," Mario remarked with an eye roll.
"Well, that one completely changes the look," said Hoity Toity, "This one complements it."
"You're kiddin', right?" Applejack remarked.
"Sis, this is no different than all those gems you claim are exactly the same," Mario explained irritably, "The same can be said about the belts. It's all in the finer details. If you wish I simplify things for you, think of it like your apples. To most ponies, all your red apples looks the same, but you could probably identify each one individually because of the finer details!" Applejack scoffed.
"You can't compare apples to belts!" Applejack snapped angrily. Rarity then walked up.
"Is everything okay?" Rarity asked.
"They're havin' a heated debate about those two belts," said Applejack, "And my brother is trying to compare it to my red apples! He's nuts!" Mario growled, clearly offended, but then recomposed himself.
"Rares, which of these belts do you think would work with this outfit?" Mario asked, "Photo Finish and I are leaning toward this one while Hoity Toity believes that other belt would be better." Rarity walked up and examined both belts.
"Ooh! Both good choices," Rarity remarked.
"No! There is no choice!" Applejack snapped, stamping her fore-hoof on the floor, "They're the exact same belt!"
"No. They're not!" Mario snapped angrily.
"Ugh! This is so silly!" Applejack yelled, "Fashion is ridiculous!"
"GASP!" All the other ponies gasped at once.
"Sis..." Mario remarked, looking deeply wounded.
"You don't mean that!" said Rarity, looking rather devastated herself.
"I do!" Applejack said firmly, "I'm sorry, but that's my honest opinion!" Hoity Toity and Photo Finish were most offended.
"Well!" Hoity Toity huffed, "I never would've come if I knew we were going to be insulted!" Hoity Toity then stomped off importantly.
"We go!" Photo Finish said straight to the point. Her assistants quickly got her palanquin ready and she was immediately carried out of the room.
"No! Please! Come back!" Rarity pleaded.
"You can't back out on us just because of her!" Mario added in desperation but it was no good.
"If they're out, I'm out too," said Starstreak, "I didn't get into fashion to design boring utilitarian clothes." He then walked off.
"I want to create elegance and drama!" Lily Lace said huffily, "And this is literally the opposite of-!" She scoffed, "I mean-" She scoffed again, "I can't even!" She gave a third scoff since she couldn't find her choice of words and then stomped off as well.
"Yeah...no," Inky Rose added sternly before she walked off as well. Rarity and Mario winced as they left. Then the two ponies looked at Applejack as tears built up in each of their eyes.
"You-" was all Mario could say before he and Rarity ran out of the room sobbing.
"What? I was just being honest!" Applejack called out cluelessly.
WHAM!
Rarity and Mario's only reply was slamming the door shut before Applejack could say anything more.
Outside of the Carousel Boutique, Jack Hammer and Steam Roller were busy putting the stage up for the fashion show. Rarity and Mario were still crying when they came out of the boutique.
"Stop everything!" Rarity shouted as she and Mario continued to cry, "There is no show! Take it all down!" Mario didn't bother to say anything more as they both ran off together. The two ponies didn't get far before Pinky bounced up to them.
"Rarity, what's going on?" Pinkie asked with concern, "And why are you crying Mario? Is everything okay?"
"No! The opposite of okay!" said Rarity as Mario's composure began to break again, "The judges have quit! The designers have dropped out! The show is cancelled. All our good intentions squashed!" She and Mario held each other as they broke down in tears. It was then Applejack exited the boutique, looking a combination of clueless and stubborn.
"And it's all Applejack's fault!" Rarity and Mario shouted as they both shot a death glare at the orange pony.
"Why are you two mad at me?!" Applejack retorted indignantly, "I was just sayin' what I thought! And isn't that why you two wanted me to be a judge?! For my honestly?!"
"Of course," said Rarity, "But you said fashion is ridiculous!"
"Are you really that dense to how offensive that is to us?" Mario snapped.
"But it's my opinion!" Applejack replied firmly, "and I'm not gonna lie!"
"Oh-!" Rarity scoffed as she and Mario both seethed with anger. Then they exchanged a look with each other and firm nod.
"Come with us!" Rarity snapped angrily as she and Mario lead the orange pony over to a nearby house. Applejack just followed them with a skeptical look on her face. Rarity firmly knocked on the front door with Mario standing beside her. Applejack just stood behind them, wondering what they were up to. It was then the door opened to reveal a butter colored mare with a strawberry mane and tail. She was also eating the said fruit as she opened the door.
"Mmmm!" the mare hummed as she swallowed and chuckled, "Rarity! Oh, what a nice surprise! And Prince Mario! I've got those strawberries you wanted! Fresh from my personal patch! I'm sure you and your little sister will love 'em!"
"Oh thank you very much," said Mario as he took the basket with his magic and then ate one, humming happily and then stuck his tongue out at Applejack. Applejack just snarled quietly. She thought Mario was just bluffing when he told her that he and Apple Bloom liked strawberries more than apples.
"Hello, Strawberry Sunrise," said Rarity as she introduced the orange pony, "This is Applejack. I was wondering if you could tell her how you feel about apples."
"Please do," Mario added as Applejack gave the two ponies a curious look.
"Don't like 'em," said Strawberry Sunrise.
"What?!" Applejack said in shock, "Why? They're crunchy, they're sweet, they're delicious." Strawberry Sunrise chuckled.
"They're not strawberries," Strawberry Sunrise as she ate a strawberry, "Mmmm! Then she swallowed and gave Applejack a smug look.
"You're right! Apples are better than strawberries!" said Applejack defensively as she stomped up to the butter Pegasus. Mario and Rarity just watched the scene unfold with blunt looking faces.
"Only if, by "better", you mean "better at being disgusting"," Strawberry Sunrise remarked. Applejack was taken aback and stammered.
"You'd better apologize!" Applejack demanded.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." said Strawberry Sunrise in a very insincere tone, "that you actually bite into those tasteless, mealyworn filled things. Ohhh..." Strawberry Sunrise gave Applejack a fake sad face before glaring at the orange pony and slamming her front door shut.
"WHAT?!" Applejack exclaimed as she growled, red in the face and looking furious. She was mostly like going to break down the door and give the butter Pegasus a piece of her mind when Rarity held up a fore-leg to stop her.
"Applejack, why are you so angry?" Rarity asked in a casual tone, "It's just Strawberry's honest opinion. What's wrong with that?"
"Yeah, Sis," said Mario in the same tone, "She was only telling the truth."
"Well, that's fine if she doesn't like 'em!" said Applejack angrily, "But if she knew how hard we worked to make our apples perfect, maybe she wouldn't be so mean about-!" It was at that very moment. Applejack finally realized what Rarity and Mario were trying to tell her.
"Ohhhhhhh...Oh boy," said Applejack dreadfully, also realizing she was in deep trouble.
"Finally seeing our point, Sis?" Mario asked.
"Mmm-hmm," Rarity answered for the orange pony, "Doesn't feel so good, does it?"
"Nope. No, it does not at all," said Applejack with a sigh, "I am so sorry. Rarity, Mario, I got so carried away with bein' honest. I guess I didn't think about how I was makin' others feel." Applejack sighed again and now it was her turn to cry.
"I'm a real rotten apple," Applejack said sadly. Rarity and Mario's blunt expressions softened into some smiles.
"I appreciate that, Applejack," said Rarity, "That means a lot. I just wish you'd realized it before you ruined the fashion show."
"No! There has to be a way I can-" Applejack sobbed.
"You're too late Sis," said Mario in a soft but stern tone, "Everypony's left and we already told the construction ponies to disassemble the stage. Maybe next time you decide to be a stubborn mule, you'll remember that you can't always undo the damage you cause." Mario then walked off, leaving Applejack alone to cry. Applejack sniffled a few times before she got a look of determination to her face.
You've always gotten me out of jams when I get like this Applejack thought, And darn tootin' am I gonna try my hardest to fix my mistake one way...or another.
As the sun was setting in the sky, Hoity Toity and Photo Finish were now sharing the latter's palanquin. Hoity Toity was enjoying the ride.
"I need to get some of these," said Hoity Toity.
"It's the only way to travel," said Photo Finish. Suddenly there was some rumbling and the two ponies realized that their ride had been hijacked...by Applejack!
"What are you doing?" Photo Finish demanded.
"Canterlot is that way," Hoity Toity added.
"Yup," Applejack answered, "But you're not goin' back to Canterlot yet." Once Applejack had gotten Hoity Toity and Photo Finish back to the boutique, she went in search for the three designers. She didn't need long to find them just walking about in town. Applejack ran over to them. Lily Lace was the first to spot the orange pony.
"What is she-?!" Lily Lace asked with a definitive scoff.
"I don't know," said Starstreak.
"Run," said Inky Rose as the three ponies ran for their lives.
"I can't even!" Lily Lace remarked as the three designers panted and kept running. Applejack immediately realized that they were not going to stop and she pulled out a rope to lasso them.
It was only a few minutes later before she had brought the three designers and two judges back to Carousel Boutique. Outside, the construction ponies were still busy taking the stage down.
"Whew...Listen, y'all," said Applejack to the five ponies, "I thought I was just bein' honest when I said all those things. But somepony helped me realize I was actually bein' hurtful. So for that, I apologize."
"Zo! You don't think fashion is ridiculous?!" Photo Finish asked with a tone that demanded an answer. Applejack was a little nervous as she found her words.
"Uh...Well, I, uh...I still don't understand it, and I didn't exactly try to either when my brother was trying to help," said Applejack, "But I appreciate how much it means to y'all and how much hard work you put into it. I also know that this contest is important to both Rarity and Mario. So what do you say?" Starstreak and Lily Lace smiled as Inky Rose and Hoity Toity remained skeptical. Hoity Toity looked over to Photo Finish, who smiled and gave a him a nod.
"Well, I'd hate to have to come all this way here and not see what you can do," Hoity Toity said and paused impressively.
"If they're judging, we're in," said Starstreak.
"Under one condition. Literally," said Lily Lace.
"Anything," said Applejack.
"Untie us," said Inky Rose as the view showed that Applejack had been forced to literally drag the designers back to the Boutique. Applejack did untie them a few seconds later, grateful they were going to participate after all.
Outside the Carousel Boutique, the four construction ponies, Hard Hat, Rivet, Jack Hammer, and Steam Roller had just finished removing the last part of the stage. Applejack then came outside to speak to them.
"Show's back on, fellers!" Applejack told them. All four construction ponies groaned loudly. Applejack then quickly pulled the lowered spotlight back up with ease and tied the rope into place.
"Ahh..." Applejack sighed contently as she headed back inside of the Boutique.
Back inside, Starstreak was trying to sew something when the cloth got jammed in the sew machine. Applejack then tugged the cloth firmly to get it unstuck. Starstreak smiled gratefully.
"Aah!" Applejack yelped as she got pulled toward the machine and got herself wrapped up in the fabric and left rather dizzy. Starstreak and Applejack just exchanged looks with each other and then they both laughed. Once Applejack had gotten herself out of the fabric, she went to go help Inky Rose by offering the Pegasus a bracelet. Applejack first offered Inky Rose a pink bracelet.
"Uh-uh," said Inky Rose and Applejack put the bracelet back. Applejack almost went to grab the green bracelet but then remembered Mario's advice about considering the designer's point of view. She then went for the black bracelet and showed it to the Pegasus.
"Uh-huh," said Inky Rose with a smile. Applejack smiled back. Once she was done with Inky Rose, Applejack swallowed her pride, tied up her hair into a up-style ponytail as she modeled Lily Lace's outfit. Despite feeling rather uncomfortable, she saw how happy Lily Lace looked while working on the dress she was modeling. Applejack smiled back.
Later that evening, Rarity and Mario were with Pinkie as they walked about the town. Rarity could tell that Mario was looking extra glum. And Rarity was having enough of it.
"Mario, you really need to stop blaming yourself for what your sister did," said Rarity sternly, "Applejack should've known better that there's a fine line between being honest and being hurtful after all!"
"It was my idea to make her a third judge," Mario replied, "Despite how AJ was acting, she's not that clueless to fashion. I thought I could help her understand a few things so we could enjoy the experience together. I was hoping it wasn't going to blow up in my face, but it did...and how all our hard work is down the drain. And I can't help being hard on myself. I'm a perfectionist. I wanted things to work out and they didn't. I hate it when all that hard work goes to waste! I hate it!" Mario panted heavily for a bit before calming down.
"Darn it, AJ, did you have to ruin everything with your stubborn pride," Mario remarked sadly as he sat down, looking even more upset, "And for a pony who had a hard time opening up about his fashion talent, her comment really hurt." Mario felt like he wanted to cry when Rarity hugged him.
"Believe me when I say I do understand," said Rarity, "You're not the only pony upset and heartbroken over what happened. Maybe now Applejack will think twice before she lets her pride get the better of her. Like you told her earlier today, she can't undo the damage."
"Hey, mind if I tell you both how my day was today?" said Pinkie, quickly changing the subject.
"Huh?" said Mario and Rarity together as they looked at the pink pony. Pinkie began a very long dialogue as she led them the long way back to Carousel Boutique. The sun was nearly completely set when they finally arrived.
"...And, then," Pinkie continued as she bounced in front of Rarity and Mario, "Applejack found me and told me to distract you both for an hour. But the hour's up! Ta-da!" Pinkie then moved out of view. There before them was Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, the three designers, and Applejack. They were all standing around what was now a completed stage and fully decorated boutique.
"W-W-W-Wuh?!" Mario said in shock.
"B-B-But how?!" Rarity stuttered as she backed up a bit, "They were all leaving. This was all coming down." The five ponies smiled.
"You can thank Applejack," Lily Lace replied, "She literally did it all by herself."
"I don't think that word means what you think it means," said Applejack, "But I did bust my tail because I know how much this means to you. Both of you. You couldn't expect me to just sit in defeat after what I did. I had to make this right one way or another." Mario kept a blunt look on his face as he walked up to Applejack, who just kept smiling. Then he smirked.
"You are such a stubborn mule," Mario replied before pulling his little sister in for hug, "Thank you, AJ. I love you."
"Love ya too," said Applejack as she returned the hug.
"Ohhhh! Thank you, Applejack," said Rarity, on the verge of happy tears as she gave the orange pony a hug as well.
"We start now!" said Photo Finish as she appeared in the fore-ground.
Soon it was nightfall and some techno music was being played in the background as the fashion show got into full swing. Lots of ponies had come to watch the show.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts," said Mario in an announcer voice, "Welcome to Rarity and Mario's Rising Star Fashion Show!" The ponies all cheered excitedly.
"First up, Lily Lace," said Rarity.
"Featuring the sounds of music flapping in the wind!" Mario added as three models appeared wearing each of Lily Lace's outfits. And a separate pony was taking pictures of each model as they posed.
"Starstreak!" Rarity said next.
"Featuring a vision of trends yet to come!" Mario added. Each model wearing Starstreak's outfits came out, posed, and got their picture taken.
"Inky Rose!" Rarity announced next.
"Featuring our inner struggles and turmoil...on the outside!" Mario said rather dramatically. Just like before, the three models wearing the Pegasus's designs came out, posed, and got their pictures taken. Once the fashion show was finished, the three designers stood before Rarity, Applejack, Mario, Hoity Toity, and Photo Finish.
"And now, it's time to vote," said Rarity, "My business partner Mario might not be a judge, but I do value his input and we agree on this. We are drawn to the beauty and drama of fashion, and nopony does drama better than Lily Lace, so we vote for her."
"It means sooooo much to me," said Lily Lace, "I literally can't even!" She gave a definitive scoff, but it was a positive one.
"Simplicity is the keyhole of true elegance," said Hoity Toity, "That is why I vote for Inky Rose."
"You've...made me so...happy?" Inky Rose replied with an awkward smile due to feeling rather overwhelmed.
"Fashion is the art!" said Photo Finish, "I, Photo Finish, vote for Starstreak!"
"Wonderful to hear, darling," said Starstreak.
"It appears we have a three way tie!" said Mario.
"Well, it all comes down to you, Applejack," said Rarity.
"Can you believe it?" said Pinkie excitedly to Apple Bloom, "After everything that's happened, Applejack is the deciding vote!" Pinkie screamed and wiggled her fore-hooves together, "This is so exciting! Eeeeee!" Pinkie smiled widely and Apple Bloom smiled as well.
"Well, Applejack?" Rarity asked nervously since Applejack wasn't saying anything.
"Who is the winner, Sis?" Mario asked, his tone showing he was feeling rather anxious as well. Applejack sucked some air through her teeth.
"Uh...Heh," Applejack stuttered nervously, "U-Uh...Uh..."
Fortunately, it wasn't too long before Applejack made her choice.
Next morning at the Carousel Boutique, Applejack, Mario, and Rarity were busy setting up some rolling racks in the shop.
"Lily Lace's clothes go here," said Rarity, "Inky Rose's will go there, and Starstreak's there."
"Sorry, but I couldn't pick just one," said Applejack to Rarity and Mario, "They all did great, and in my opinion, they all deserve to win."
"And we agree," said Rarity, "I told you your perspective would be beneficial."
"And it's good to know that our decision to make you a judge wasn't a bad one," said Mario, giving his sister a wink. Applejack just blushed sheepishly in reply and then noticed on a nearby mannequin that had a top hat, green dress, and grass colored boots.
"Is, uh this one of your new designs, Rarity and Mario?" Applejack asked.
"Yes, it is," said Mario, "What'cha think, Sis?"
"It's uh..." Applejack stuttered, "Uh, the form is...reminiscent of, uh...I mean, it conjures up images of...uh...well, uh...I-I mean..." The whole time Applejack was tripping over her words, Mario just watched with a huge smirk on his face.
"Oh, that?" Rarity finally replied, "No! We totally messed that one up! It's ghastly! Absolutely terrible!"
"True," Mario added, "It's a complete mess. It looked so much better on my sketch book."
"Hah. Oh, thank goodness," said Applejack, "'Cause in my honest opinion...it's awful." Rarity and Mario blinked.
"Pffff! Hahahahahah!" Rarity and Mario laughed as Applejack joined in.
"When you're right, you're right," Rarity laughed.
"I am relieved," Applejack laughed.
"At least we know you learned your lesson," Mario chuckled as he wrapped a fore-leg around his sister's shoulders and side hugged her as the three ponies laughed some more. As they calmed down, Applejack surprised Mario by kissing his cheek.
"What was that for?" Mario asked curiously.
"Just glad you're my big brother," said Applejack, "and that you're so forgiving of my stubborn nature." Mario chuckled.
"Well, nopony's perfect," said Mario, "And that stubborn pride did save the day for both me and Rarity."
"I hope you know I don't honestly think fashion is ridiculous," said Applejack, "I just don't get it all that much. Maybe I'm just too dumb to get it."
"I wouldn't say that, Sis," said Mario, "I mean, you obviously understood fashion enough to help the designers get ready. They all told me that, despite your lack of fashion knowledge, you did take the effort to understand what the designers wanted to do and help them achieve their goals. That's all I wanted to show you. Take the time to understand their point of view."
"It certainly came in handy," said Applejack, "So what's next for you two fashion ponies?" Mario then smiled.
"I want you to come with me to the next room," said Mario, "I have a thank you present for your help." Applejack raised an eyebrow curiously as Rarity pushed the orange pony to follow the alicorn prince. Mario lead Applejack into another room. A few minutes later, Mario came out smiling happily as Applejack came out of the room. She was wearing an apple red work shirt that had the sleeves rolled up with a dark brown vest and a short frilly demin skirt. While she still had her stenson hat, Mario had added a darker apple red bow to the back of it. Rarity was most impressed.
"Now that is some country chic I can get behind, darling," said Rarity, "Mario, any chance you can make an outfit like that for me?"
"Sure," said Mario, "What do you think of the outfit, Sis?" Mario and Rarity watched as Applejack walked over to a mirror and took a good look at herself. Then Mario and Rarity were surprised when they saw Applejack began to cry.
"Don't like the outfit, Sis?" Mario asked with concern. Applejack continued to cry, but was smiling.
"I love it!" said Applejack, "It's not only me, but I...I..." Applejack's voice was lost to her tears but she quickly found it again, "I...feel beautiful. And that's a big deal..." Mario and Rarity held Applejack close until she had run out of tears, then looked at them both with red eyes and a happy smile.
"I feel beautiful..." Applejack repeated again. Mario and Rarity smiled.
"We're glad you feel beautiful darling," said Rarity, "You do look very beautiful in your new outfit."
"And it's not just for showing how beautiful you are, AJ," said Mario, "This outfit is practical as well as fashionable. You can do your work in this outfit if you want. The material is super durable so it can handle anything you put it through." Applejack smiled as she gave another sniffle.
"I'm also crying because you still gave this to me after I messed up," said Applejack, "I don't know how to thank you."
"Just remember to be considerate of others when you're being honest," said Mario, "Other than that, I've already forgiven you. And I like just doing nice things for the ponies I love." Applejack was touched and couldn't wait to finish her chores in her new outfit. Though Applejack was a little worried if other ponies might tease her for wearing an outfit while doing her work.
Surprisingly, nopony teased her about her outfit. For the truth was...
They wished they had one like it!
To this day, I'll never understand why the show never had Rarity come to terms with how she felt about Spike. The Episode "Dragon Dropped" left fans with alot of hints that Rarity might see Spike as more than just a friend, but it never really closed the issue. The focus was more that Spike was growing up and might be possibly moving on from his crush. Even the epilogue didn't say if Spike and Rarity ever got together or at least tried dating.
The alternate ending was just something I wished Rarity had done with Applejack. We've seen her make Apple related outfits for fancy occasions and such, but I always wanted to see Rarity just make her a Western-chic outfit that the orange pony that she could wear even while doing her farm chores. So that's why Mario made her one because he loves his sister. Besides, who wasn't touched seeing Applejack cry because she felt beautiful. We all knew that was true, but it would have been nice to hear her say it in the show.
Next Time: One of the most anticipated episodes you fans have been waiting for! Mario and Starlight head to Canterlot Castle for a friendship mission involving Celestia and Luna. Ready to see Mario be the adult between the two alicorns?
Peace Pony Fans!