Chapter 9: Honest Apple
It was just another day in Ponyville as Rarity was using her 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, "Just happened to be walking past."
He then chuckled nervously to himself.
It was then Rarity 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 am 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 was startled and Spike fell over off screen, dropping all the flyers on the ground.
"No." Rarity replied, chuckling at Pinkie's guesses. "It's a call for submissions. Fashion contest we're organizing. A showcase for aspiring young designers."
"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. That's why the winner of the contest will get to debut their line in the Carousel Boutique!"
"Yup!" Spike agreed with a smile. "And it's important to Rarity so she can have one of the best."
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. And…" said Rarity with a squeal. "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.
"No!" Rarity replied as she chuckled. "The third judge for the Carousel Boutique's Couture de Future Fashion Contest is none other than… Applejack!"
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 had a confident smile on her face when Applejack walked up to them, giving the two ponies a funny look.
"What?" Rarity asked 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.
"I know. But I had to say it again because that's how confused I am. You want me to judge a fashion show?" Applejack asked in shock.
"I'm sure Rarity has her reasons, and once we hear them, all of this will make sense," said Pinkie as Spike continued to pick up the discarded flyers.
"I will admit," said Rarity, "Applejack is an unorthodox choice. But that is precisely what makes her an inspired choice."
"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. 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."
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.
"I do understand your hesitation," said Rarity, "But before you say no, sleep on it?"
Rarity gave Applejack a hopeful smile.
"Sure, I...guess I can do that for ya both," said Applejack.
With that, Applejack headed off with her cart full of apples. Rarity then walked over to Spike and used their magic to restack all of the fallen flyers. Spike smiled in appreciation.
(Scene changes)
Later at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was venting out to Big Mac, Clay, 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.
"Come on, honey. This could be yer one chance to show how honest you really are to Hoity Toity and Photo Finish." Clay said to his wife encouragingly. "Ya can't just walk away from it."
"It's not that simple Clay. 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 and Clay 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. 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. 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!"
"Yeah, what're ya doin wearing a hat like that tied to a scarf?" Clay asked sternly.
"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 a lot better! Thanks, Applejack!" said Apple Bloom.
"Sure thing," said Applejack and then she realized something, "You know what? I am gonna help Rarity judge their show! I think my sensible "everypony" take on fashion is exactly what the pony community needs! Maybe I can ask Chase to help me out with this too!"
"Atta girl, honey." Clay said proudly as he nuzzled his wife's cheek, making Applejack giggle as she nuzzled back to her husband in return.
Applejack wasted no time finishing up her chores so she could go to Carousel Boutique and tell Rarity the news.
(Scene changes)
Inside the boutique, Rarity was looking at her sketchbook and admiring her creations. Applejack wasted no time entering the front door.
"Rarity, I thought about it some more, and if you still need me, I'd love to be a judge." Applejack said.
Rarity squealed and clapped her fore-hooves together.
"I just knew you'd come around!" said Rarity as she gave Applejack a hug.
"Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I brought along somepony else to help me out as well." Applejack said as Chase walked into the Boutique.
Rarity gasped in surprise and joy.
"You brought along Chase to help you?" Rarity said happily. "Why, darling, this is fantastic!"
"Now, Rarity, don't go dramatic again." Chase said with a teasing smile before he recomposed himself as he approached the two girls. "So, Applejack told me that she would want me to help you guys judge for Hoity Toity and Photo Finish, right?"
"Of course, darling." Rarity said with a smile.
It was then the three ponies heard a firm stomp behind them. They turned around to see an Earth Pony with a pale light grayish cerulean fur coat with light gray mane and tail, and dark indigo eyes. She wore black sunglasses with magenta lens, a vertical black and white striped blouse with a black skirt with dark pink jewels, white stripe, and magenta stripe, and magenta neck scarf had arrived at the scene.
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 gasped.
"Oh boy." Chase groaned as he facepalmed himself in annoyance. "Dramatic town again."
"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.
"Why, Master Chase Young! What a pleasant surprise to see you here." Hoity Toity greeted the alicorn master as he walked up and bowed in respect to Chase.
"Pleasure's all mine, Hoity Toity." Chase acknowledged with a light bow.
"Charming to meet you at last, Master Chase." said Photo Finish with a smile.
Chase just chuckled.
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 Chase as he and Hoity Toity exchanged hoofshakes with each other.
"We missed you at Miss Pommel's debut in Manehatten last week," said Hoity Toity.
Rarity was surprised.
"Miss Pommel is showing?" said Rarity, "I thought she was still making costumes."
"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 looked at the photos.
"If what you say about Miss Pommel is doing, I'd say it sounds wonderful." Chase said as he approached the group with a smile.
"It sure is great to hear Miss Pommel is doin' so well," said Applejack as she walked up to Rarity, Chase, 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."
"And I will be helping her out to just to see how this will go." Chase said calmly.
"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. Chase 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!"
The photography pony fainted, but was caught by one of her assistants before she could hit the ground. Rarity and Chase chuckled awkwardly.
"So funny...ahem," Rarity remarked nervously.
"Y-y-y-eah, good one AJ," said Chase 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.
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."
"Yeah, even if it was uncalled for." Chase said bluntly.
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 Chase, "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, Applejack?"
Applejack just looked at Chase 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."
(Scene changes)
With that, the five ponies went 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."
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 Chase.
"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," Chase 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.
Applejack just gave 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!"
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 a lot of black," said Applejack, "It's kinda...depressing."
Hoity Toity and Photo Finish were stunned. Rarity looked a bit worried.
"Ahem, can we just move on? Please?" Chase proposed with a nervous smile.
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.
"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.
"Oh no." Chase groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose with an annoyed expression.
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?" Chase 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," Chase remarked.
"Grrrrr!" Rarity growled.
"I wasn't being sarcastic," Chase remarked sternly as Rarity just snorted.
(Scene changes)
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.
"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!" Applejack retorted.
Rarity rushed up to the farm pony with a meek smile.
"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 Chase 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 Chase 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."
Chase 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. Chase rushed up to do damage control.
"Nevermind what my sister had said," said Chase gently, "Just take the skirt up an inch or two and you'll be just fine."
"Ooh! Nice call, Chase," 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 Chase was helping Lily Lace with various yellow fabrics.
"But of course, no look is complete without mane and makeup!" said Rarity.
"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 Chase sternly pressure pointed her by the neck, making her squeak in pain.
"Don't even think about it." Chase said sternly
"You know what?" said Rarity as Chase let go of Applejack, "Uh, I think we've given the designers enough guidance for today. Let's, uh, let them finish their work."
"Good idea," said Chase.
(Scene changes)
Applejack, Chase, and Rarity then left the room. The marshmallow pony had a brave smile on her face.
"Uh, can't wait to see what y'all do for the big show tomorrow!" said Applejack.
SLAP!
"OW!" Applejack yelped.
"Stop talking, Applejack." Chase said angrily as the two left the place.
"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 chuckled nervously, and closed the door.
(Scene changes)
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 and Chase, 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 walking by.
"Hey, Rarity!" said Pinkie, "Applejack says the contest is going great! Good thing she's there, huh?" Rarity flinched when she heard that.
"Yes, of course..." said Rarity in a straight tone, "Some of her and Chase's thoughts are tough to swallow, but hopefully her candor will help the designers achieve the best designs possible."
Rarity had a tense and worried look on her face.
"You seem a little stressed," said Pinkie as she offered Rarity 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.
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.
"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 she watched Rarity 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.
(Scene changes)
The next morning, Rarity, Chase, Applejack, Hoity Toity, and Photo Finish all arrived at the Carousel Boutique. Rarity still looked worried as she took a deep breath.
"We can meet our goals," said Rarity, "Today is a fresh start."
"Well, Rarity, let's see what you got." Chase proposed.
Rarity entered the door.
"Good morning, everypony!" said Rarity, "Time for a final adjustment before the show!"
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 as he turned his attention to Chase. "What do you think, Chase?"
Chase examined the dress for a bit before he smiled.
"Well, the fact you have so many buttons to convey the soul's struggle of inner turmoil, she's done fine work." Chase said 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. Chase snorted.
"AJ, most of the buttons are just for style," said Chase, "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. Chase cringed and groaned.
"Nothing's more painful than watching a brilliant work of art come apart," said Chase, feeling very angry.
"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 looked very embarrassed while Chase was feeling very agitated at the moment.
"Um...poncho?" said Hoity Toity as Applejack walked off.
"Applejack, ponchos went out style along with tye-dye outfits a long time ago and I hope they never come back," Chase 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 examined the hat closely.
"Ohhhhh. You used hoof-cross-double-stitches!" Hoity Toity remarked with a chuckle, "They're perfect!"
"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, Chase, and Lily Lace all gasped.
"AJ, what you doing?!" Chase 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!" Chase glared.
"Clay told me about that," said Chase 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.
Photo Finish 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.
"Yes!" said Photo Finish excitedly as she held one.
"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.
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.
"What? Oh, no," said Applejack, "Uh, it's just, I mean...Those belts look the same."
"Ugh, this again," Chase 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.
"Something tells me this is gonna get much worse." Chase said to himself quietly.
Rarity then walked up.
"Is everything okay?" Rarity asked.
"They're havin' a heated debate about those two belts," said Applejack.
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!" Chase snapped angrily.
"Ugh! This is so silly!" Applejack yelled, "Fashion is ridiculous!"
"GASP!" All the other ponies gasped at once.
"AJ..." Chase remarked, looking deeply angry as he slapped himself in the face.
"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.
"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 winced as they left. She then looked at Applejack as tears built up in her eyes and ran out of the room sobbing.
"What? I was just being honest!" Applejack called out cluelessly.
WHAM!
Rarity's only reply was slamming the door shut before Applejack could say anything more.
Applejack looked at Chase Young as he glared at her angrily.
"You really done it this time, AJ." Chase said sternly before he left the room and slammed the door angrily.
(Scene changes)
Outside of the Carousel Boutique, Jack Hammer and Steam Roller were busy putting the stage up for the fashion show. Rarity was still crying when she came out of the boutique.
"Stop everything!" Rarity shouted as she continued to cry, "There is no show! Take it all down!"
Rarity ran off. She didn't get far before Pinky bounced up to them.
"Rarity, what's going on?" Pinkie asked with concern. "Is everything okay?"
"No! The opposite of okay!" said Rarity angrily. "The judges have quit! The designers have dropped out! The show is cancelled. All our good intentions squashed!"
She then 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 shouted as she shot the orange pony a death glare.
"Why are you mad at me?!" Applejack retorted indignantly, "I was just sayin' what I thought! And isn't that why you wanted me and Chase to be a judge?! For my honestly?!"
"Of course," said Rarity, "But you said fashion is ridiculous!"
"But it's my opinion!" Applejack replied firmly, "and I'm not gonna lie!"
"Oh-!" Rarity scoffed as she seethed with anger. "Come with me!"
Rarity lead the orange pony over to a nearby house. Applejack just followed her with a skeptical look on her face. Rarity firmly knocked on the front door.
Applejack just stood behind her, 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!"
"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."
"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.
Rarity just watched with a blunt look on her face.
"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?"
"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 was trying to tell her.
"Ohhhhhhh...Oh boy," said Applejack dreadfully, also realizing she was in deep trouble.
"Finally seeing Rarity's point, Applejack?" Chase asked as he walked into the scene with a blunt look on his face.
"Chase?!" Applejack said in surprise. "How long were you there?"
"Long enough to know that you finally see Rarity was trying to tell you." Chase said bluntly.
"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, Chase, 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 Chase'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."
Then she walked away, leaving Chase and Applejack alone. Applejack bowed her head in shame before she blinked and had a determined smile on her face.
"Chase, can ya do me a favor and help me out?" Applejack asked with a smile.
Chase saw where this was going and smiled.
"Planning to make for what you've done?" Chase asked with a smile.
Applejack nodded in confirmation.
(Scene changes)
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 and Chase!
"What are you doing?" Photo Finish demanded.
"Canterlot is that way," Hoity Toity added.
"Easy, Hoity Toity and Photo Finish." Chase said. "Before you go, Applejack has something to say to you. Don't you, AJ?"
"Yup," Applejack answered, "But you're not goin' back to Canterlot yet."
(Scene changes)
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.
(Scene changes)
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 as Chase stood beside her, "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.
"Go on ahead, Applejack. It'll be fine." Chase said soothingly with a smile.
"Uh...Well, I, uh...I still don't understand it, and I didn't exactly try to either when Chase 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 Rarity. 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 and Chase did untie them a few seconds later, grateful they were going to participate after all.
(Scene changes)
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.
(Scene changes)
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 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 before she turned to Chase as he observed everything with a smile on his face as he sent it to Applejack and winked at her, making the orange pony smile in return.
(Scene changes)
Later that evening, Rarity was with Pinkie as they walked about the town.
"...And, then," Pinkie concluded as she bounced in front of Rarity, "Applejack and Chase found me and told me to distract you 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, Chase, and Applejack. They were all standing around what was now a completed stage and fully decorated boutique.
"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 with Chase observing everything."
"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. You couldn't expect me to just sit in defeat after what I did. I had to make this right one way or another."
"Ohhhh! Thank you, Applejack! And thank you, Chase." said Rarity, on the verge of happy tears as she gave the orange pony and alicorn master a hug.
"We start now!" said Photo Finish as she appeared in the fore-ground.
"Okay, okay! Let the show begin." Chase said with a smile and chuckle.
(Scene changes)
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.
"First up, Lily Lace," said Rarity 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.
Each model wearing Starstreak's outfits came out, posed, and got their picture taken.
"Inky Rose!" Rarity announced next.
Just like before, the three models wearing the Pegasus's designs came out, posed, and got their pictures taken.
(Scene changes)
Once the fashion show was finished, the three designers stood before Rarity, Applejack, Chase, Hoity Toity, and Photo Finish.
"And now, it's time to vote," said Rarity. "I am 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 Chase.
"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, AJ?" Chase asked, his tone showing he was being calm. 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.
(Scene changes)
Next morning at the Carousel Boutique, Applejack, Chase, 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 Chase, "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 Chase, giving Applejack 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?" Applejack asked. "It's uh… 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, Chase just watched with a huge smirk on his face.
"Oh, that?" Rarity finally replied, "No! I totally messed that one up! It's ghastly! Absolutely terrible!"
"Oh Rarity." Chase said with a playful eye roll as he smirked.
"Hah. Oh, thank goodness," said Applejack, "'Cause in my honest opinion...it's awful."
Rarity blinked.
"Pffff! Hahahahahah!" Rarity laughed as Applejack and Chase joined in.
"When you're right, you're right," Rarity laughed.
"I am relieved," Applejack laughed.
"At least we know you learned your lesson," Chase chuckled as he wrapped a fore-leg around Applejack's shoulders and side hugged her as the three ponies laughed some more.