//------------------------------// // Swaped // Story: The Mechanic // by Clintr //------------------------------// (After so many months of procrastination I finally posted this chapter) As the days passed since my arrival, I found my curiosity wandering toward that key I have. When Twilight went out to run errands and Spike was sawing logs, I rummaged through the books of the library and even through some of the textbooks we got from the ancient castle. In the end I couldn't find anything and I was back to square one! I guess I'll have to dig more to find out anything. -Town hall 9:00 A.M.- Every resident in Ponyville crowded to the town hall. Twilight and the others informed me that it was the election for the "Ponyville Day's pony of ceremonies." I decided to tag along, (though, they would've begged me to come if I didn't) but whatever. We soon reached the Town hall and with a sound equivalent to a F/A-18 with afterburners, Rainbow flew overhead exclaiming, "Wow! I can't believe how many ponies showed up!" "I can! I mean, finding out who the Ponyville Day's pony of ceremonies is, is a pretty big deal!" Pinkie smiled. Twilight's gaze met the selection committee and locked on to Granny Smith. "I didn't know Granny Smith was on the selection committee." She said, shocked. "Of course she is." Applejack grinned. "Ponyville Day's celebrates the founding of Ponyville, and she was right there." "I'm glad the committee didn't automatically pick me, so everypony gets a chance to see how great being me actually is! Even though the festival's basically a party and the pony of ceremonies gets to organize the whole thing! So it'd totally make sense if they did pick me." Pinkie started, speaking as fast as possible before being shushed by everypony around her. We soon heard microphone feedback and saw Mayor Mare on the stage. "Citizens of Ponyville, this year's applicants were all exceptional, but there can only be one Ponyville Days pony of ceremonies. And that pony is..." The Mayor paused for a dramatic effect. Everyone began to talk amongst themselves in the pause. Granny smith soon handed a paper to the Mayor, and Mayor Mare continued with, "Rarity!" The town cheered as one of the helpers gave Rarity a bouquet of flowers. Twilight walked up to Rarity to congratulate. "Congratulations, Rarity! Do you know what you're going to do first?" We all heard Spike's grunting and straining as he pushed a table that had a miniature of Ponyville with various decorations on it. "Oh, I might have a few ideas." Rarity answered with a smug smile. -Carousel Boutique 9:30 A.M.- Twilight and the others were placed on the other side of a fashion runway awaiting for what Rarity has plan for the festival. Pinkie stood on her tip-toes and blurted, "I'm so excited for the festival, I can hardly stand up straight!" She then toppled over. "Me too." Twilight agreed "I'm glad Rarity was picked. I know she'll add a touch of elegance to the whole thing!" "Probably more than a touch!" Applejack added, snidely. The main lights dimmed and the spotlights shot to life with a quiet buzzing. Spike and I emerged from the curtains in Three Piece Suits. I cranked the gramophone for music and the floodlight beams found their way to us. Spike then cleared his throat and began reading his flashcards. "This year's Ponyville Days festival, designed by Rarity, will feature various high-class events such as..." I flipped a canvas to reveal the first event. "A silent cider auction and tasting." Spike continued. "Ooooh!" Exclaimed the others in awe as I flipped next event. "A Ponyville gala in town square." Spike read and I flipped to the final event. "And, of course, a Ponyville fashion show." "Ooooh!" Everyone exclaimed in tandem. Spike then concluded with, "This year's Ponyville Day's festival pony of ceremonies creates shimmering couture of her own design." Rarity soon emerged from the curtains in flowing, elegant dress. "And the theme is... "Small Town Chic!" "Wow, Rarity." Twilight said "You really have put a lot of effort into this." "I'll say." Applejack agreed. "Oh, I think it's going to be magical." Fluttershy complimented. "Do you really think so?" Rarity gasped. "Are you kidding? I can't wait!" Pinkie said with excitement. "Oh, that's such a relief. But of course, I couldn't possibly do it all on my own. The festival is in three days!" Rarity grinned, "Pinkie Pie and I can hang lights and decorations in the town square!" Rainbow Dash deducted. "And ah can get Sweet Apple Acres all ready for the cider tastin." Applejack added. "And I can help with the construction and mechanical work." I nodded. "Oh, that's just perfect!" Rarity squealed with glee. "And now, Twilight, if you and Fluttershy wouldn't mind helping with the fashion show..." "Of course!" Twilight agreed. "I'd be honored." Fluttershy followed. "I can focus on the thing I'm worried about most of all." Rarity said. "What?" We all asked in tandem. "Creating a Ponyville Days festival fantastic enough to impress... Trenderhoof!" Silence filled the room to a point that you can hear a pin drop. Applejack broke the silence. "Uh, who's Trenderhoof?" Rarity then turned back towards us and gasped in shock "What?! How can you not know who Trenderhoof is?" She tugged on a rope, revealing a shrine. "Trenderhoof is only the most amazing, handsomest travel writer to have ever traveled or written! Before Las Pegasus became an Equestria travel destination, he wrote about it! Before the culinary revolution in Trottingham, he discovered it! He knows what's going to be hot even before it's tepid!" "Sounds like somepony has a little bit of a crush." Twilight teased. "Oh, Twilight," Rarity said then fell into her arms "A 'Crush' doesn't even begin to describe it. He's practically divine. I can't believe he's coming!" She swooned, prodding Trenderhoof's poster with her hoof. - Ponyville Train Station 10:15 A.M.- "Do you think Rarity will be alright?" I asked Twilight. "Of course she will." We both looked towards Rarity who was nervously shaking and holding a folding fan as the train slowed up. "Okay, maybe not." Twilight concluded, turning back to me. "As much as I'd love to stay here with you, I'll need to build the stage for the fashion show." I said. "I'll be done momentarily, you go on." Twilight said, nodding. "See ya." -Fashion Runway location 12:00 P.M.- "Okay that should be durable enough to support the stage" I said shutting off my torch. As I placed my tools back in my toolbox I saw Ambrosia along with other workers unloading seemingly heavy crates from a wagon. As the worker unloaded the crates in teams of two, Ambrosia was the only on left with one large crate. I walked over to her. "Hey Ambrosia." "Oh hey Torrent, say can you give me a hoof with this last crate?" she asked. "Sure." "Great! Give me a boost." With that, I cupped my hands together, she then stepped into it then heaved her on to the cart. She'd then began to push the crate to the edge of the cart "Okay Torrent, on my three." "Check." I replied. "One... Two... Three!" With one push, Ambrosia shoved the crate off the wagon. I managed to catch the falling crate, Ambrosia the hopped off the wagon then took hold of the other end. "Say what's in these crates anyway?" I asked Ambrosia. "Various decorations for the runway." "I see." After a few minute walk we set down the crate next to the stage, "Whew, this spot seems good enough." Ambrosia sighed. "Anything else that I can do around here?" "Nah, I think we can take care of the rest. Why don't you check around Ponyville?" -Ponyville 12:30pm- As I walk through the streets I saw Applejack at an intersection with a blond mane, brown-coated male unicorn in sorta a mixture of business and tourist attire following her who I suspected to be Trenderhoof. I then began to follow them and listen in on his conversation. "You know, I have such respect for the work ethic of Earth ponies." "Uh, gee, thanks." Applejack said uneasily "Granny Smith always said, "Pick an apple a day and keep trouble away."." "How many varieties of apples do you think there are?" "Uh, on the farm or in all of Equestria? 'Cause—" Trenderhoof then cut Applejack off as he levitated an apple from Aj's basket. "I once had an apple so rare, they thought it was extinct. I ate four of them." He then took a bite from the apple but the juices splattered on Applejack. "Is that a fact?" she questioned. "That's my thing. I take the mundane, the simple, the unappreciated, and I make it relatable." "Well, I hope you can relate to Ponyville." Applejack said as she walked away. However Trenderhoof appeared in front of her "Me too. But enough about me. I wanna know about you! What do apples mean to Applejack?" "Look, I'm glad you're interested in Ponyville 'n' all, but I'm kinda busy with my chores. And if I can't get 'em done, there won't be a Ponyville Days festival for you to write about." "Well, that will never do!" Rarity's voice called out. Applejack along with myself were surprised to see what Rarity was wearing. She wore an over-sized western hat that covered her horn, the hat itself hat gems embedded into it. She had a pink and white checkered buttoned shirt along with a pink vest, tattered jeans, pink cowboy boots and had a basket around her arm "Rarity, what are you wearin'?" Applejack asked surprisingly. "I would like to know why myself too." I said in a barely audible tone. "What, this old thing?" "Aren't you too busy plannin' the festival to keep makin' new outfits for it?" Applejack question while Trenderhoof stared lovingly at her. "I am. But the thought of hauling apples inspired me, and I just couldn't stop myself!" "Really?" Applejack said in a suspicious tone. "If there's one thing I love, it's hauling apples!" "I'm growing fond of it myself." Trenderhoof said dreamily. "Maybe you two should try it sometime." Applejack said under her breath. Trenderhoof then began to recite a poem. "I'm feeling a tad inspired. Without farm life, there'd be such disparity These thoughts I think with great clarity Apples high to the sky She's the one of my eye That fruit-hauling pony named... Applejack!" I could've sworn that I heard a mule bray as Rarity dawned the look of a broken heart. 'Is this guy really that big of an idiot?!' I mentally shout. -Sweet Apple Acres some time later- Me, Spike and Rarity were out in the field standing next to a plow. "Rarity, why do you want to plow a field?" Spike asked. Rarity then expected the plow "Is it me, or could this use a splash of color? And maybe a wash!" "Don't we need to check on the gala decorations?" I said as Spike nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, of course, but Trend obviously has a thing for farm life. If I can't convince him that I'm just as much of a farm hoof as Applejack, I'll never get him interested in the festival." "The festival. Right." said Spike. 'Your not fooling anyone Rarity.' "And I do appreciate your help ever so much. I couldn't do a thing without you, Spikey-poo." Rarity said as she snuggled Spike. "Well, that's what friends are for!" Spike said with a blush. "Right, so." Rarity then whipped the reins "Come on!" she said with grunts "Farm... thing!" As Rarity tried to figure out how to work a farm plow,Spike then looked at me witch I had my arms crossed. "Twitterpated." was all I can say to him. "What does that mean?" "Oh, nothing." Rarity then sighs and wipes the sweat from her forehead "Oh, how does Applejack do it?" "Well, it would help if the harness was on right!" she answered "What are you doin'?" "I am simply lending a hoof with the chores, which I love doing ever so much." Applejack had the look of uneasiness "Well if you're still interested after the festival I can teach you all about it. But right now, I need to get the plowin' done," she'd then strapped the harness on to herself "if you don't mind." Rarity was then catapulted off the plow but was caught by Trenderhoof "Not at all." but he soon dropped her "Ugh! Oh!" Trenderhoof then walked towards Spike "She makes it look so easy." Spike said. Trenderhoof then spoke dreamily again "I know. Isn't she fantastic?" I then helped Rarity to her feet. - -More minutes later- Applejack soon grunted as she kicked the apple tree causing to apples to fall into the last wooden bucket, Trenderhoof then clapped in astonishment. "I really don't see what the fuss is all about." Rarity said then tapped a nearby tree. "Now, Rarity, you be careful." Applejack warned "If you don't get the buckin' just right, you could sprain a hoof." "I am perfectly familiar with the apple-bucking process, thank you very much. But while you seem to rely on raw power, I believe a certain amount of style is required. It's really more of a dance, if you ask me". Rarity then preformed a little dance while making happy 'hm'ing noises. She then gave the tree a good kick causing an apple to fall in her basket "Et voilà!" "Well, your way is definitely long on style." Applejack commented uneasily. "I'll say." I said. "Thank you." "Now, if you'll all excuse me, I have some more chores to do. Inside!" Applejack said clearly trying to get away from Trenderhoof, then went into the chicken coop. "Rarity?" Trenderhoof asked. "Can I ask you something?" "Oh, why, Trend, you can ask me anything." ""I've been meaning to ask for a while, and frankly I'm sort of embarrassed. Rarity... do you think... Applejack would be my date for the festival?" "Why don't you go ask her yourself?!" she screamed causing Trenderhoof to cringed "Hmph!" 'What a dumbass.' - In the Barn. Applejack rushed in and slammed the door shut in avoiding Trenderhoof "Whew! Well, that was close." "If you've come to apologize, there's really no need." Rarity said with her back turned. "What are you talkin' about?" "Let's dispense with the charade, shall we?" "Listen, I know you really want Trend to like you—" "And he does! Despite somepony's best efforts!" "I swear I don't know why he's payin' so much attention to me. And I don't know anypony who's that interested in farmin'. Not even me!" "Well, maybe it's time Trend met a real country pony." "Shouldn't you be workin' on the festival instead of comin' up with new ways to impress Trend?" "I agree with Applejack Rarity." I said "Oh, I'm sure you'd love that. Well, I have a new vision for the festival," she then started to speak in a country accent "and it's gonna be more country than the whole Apple family put together!" I then followed Rarity. I the walked backwards facing her. "Now Rarity can you please pause for at least ten seconds and think on how irrational and may I say stupid this plan is." "Now what y'all talkin' 'bout?" she questioned while still in that country accent "I simply want to show Trendy-hoof that Ponyville can be as country if not more." 'Okay now I'm agitated!' "I hate to rain on hay plastered parade you heart-smitten dressmaker but none of this won't win any of Trenderhoof's satisfaction! " I said in a raised voice. "What y'all sayin'?" "What I'm sayin' is that not only completely changing the theme of the festival which I may add will be in a few days tops and also changing your overall lifestyle into something that you're clearly in opposite is not only foolish but it'd be a complete waste of time." I was soon levitated and tossed into the cart. "Don't worry I'm sure this new theme will be a hootenanny! And I'd also picked the right outfit for you." 'Why is it that I have a feeling that I will not enjoy these.' - -Carousel Boutique 2 day timeskip 10:00 A.M.- "Um, isn't it a little late to be changing the theme?" Fluttershy questioned. Applejack soon walked in. "Applejack, what's going on?" Twilight asked. "I'm too scared to guess." The lights went out then the stage lights beamed up. Rarity then spoke in her country accent "Firstly, I just want to thank you all for comin', and second, I know y'all will all adore my new festival theme!" Spike then walked out of the curtains in a straw har playing the banjo and myself wearing overalls and a straw hat blowing in a jug. The curtains then unfurled revealing Rarity in a pair tattered overalls with a grey shirt covering her chest her hair is now messy tangled, she too wore a straw hat "'Simple Ways'!" The rest look confused, but Applejack responded by laughing. "Well? What's so funny?" "Rarity, that is the silliest getup I have ever seen!" "It is a little funny." Fluttershy agreed. "It is rather humorous." I said to myself. "Fun-nay?" Twilight then chuckled as well "Rarity, you aren't serious, are you?" Rarity then spoke in her normal voice "Well of course I'm serious–" but she'd cleared throat then went back to her country accent "Why wouldn't I be?" "Because you would never dress like that. You like fashion and high society and fancy things." Applejack answered. "And I can like plowin' fields and haulin' apples just as much." "But you don't!" she retorted. "How do you know what I like?" "Because I know you." "Wail, maybe you don't know me as well as you thank." "And I suppose it's just a coincidence that Trenderhoof seemed so interested in country life, too?" Applejack asked. "I don't know what you're gittin' at!" Rarity said playing dumb. "Well then, I guess I'll just have to show you!" "Be my guest! Now, if you all will excuse me, I have a hootenanny of a festival to put on." Rarity then left the Boutique making Applejack growl. -Sweet Apple Acres 12:00 P.M- Behind the stage. "Jeez I don't know how people can stand wearing just overalls man this is itchy." I said while scratching myself. "Psst! Torrent!" I faintly heard Applejack. I looked to see her sticking out of the the doorway, gesturing me to come inside. But when I came inside I was surprise on what she was wearing but yet knew why she was. "Is this what I think it is?" I asked her. "You think right you wouldn't mind helping would you?" "If it can stop this nonsense and getting me out of these itchy overalls, then count me in." Applejack then giggled "Perfect!" - "Now, y'all go off and make yourselves look just like that." Rarity turned to Spike "Who's our next model for the fashion show?" "Um... Apple... Jewel?" "Who the hay is that?" The lights then turned off, tango music began playing. The curtains opened to revealed Applejack and myself; Applejack wore an elegant dress with her hair and tail perfectly combed and styled, myself, was wearing a classic tuxedo. We both walked across the stage, arms hooked together, Applejack then struck a pose. Rarity then looked a little distraught "Is this some kind of joke?" Applejack then spoke in an upper-class accent "Why, Rarity, whatever would make you think I was joking?" Rarity then spoke in her normal voice "Because you would never wear an ensemble like that. You like plowing fields and hauling apples—" "And I can like fashion just as much." "Applejewel" interrupted her. She then switched back to her country accent "But you don't!" "Well, maybe you do not know me as well as you think." Applejewel retorted. "Fine. But I got a whole festival to plan, so if you're goin' to start modelin', just get on with it!" "Life is a festival, and you should celebrate it by looking just like me! Because I'm a trend-setting fashionista!" I then grabbed a camera and snapped several pictures of her. Rarity then switched to her normal voice "You're a trend-setting fashionista?! Why, that is the most ridiculous thing I've ever– I mean..." then switched back to her country accent "Good for you. I, on the other hoof, couldn't care less how I look, long as I get the chores done." she said as she put her hoof to her muzzle. "Oh, is that so?" "Yes, indeedy-doodle!" Applejewel then gasped "Not me! My mane needs to be perfectly coiffed at all times." "Well, my mane is full of dust and split ends." "My hooves are so polished, you can see your reflection in them." "My hooves are cracked and dry from working in the fields!" "I'm so fashion-forward." "I wear droopy drawers!" "I smell like rosebuds." "I love being covered in mud!" Rarity then faced planted in a mud puddle, but never took into account the splash radius. In which a clog of mud landed on Applejack's dress. Rarity then panicked then spoke in her normal voice "Goodness! Your couture! Ooh, it's bad." she said while trying to wipe the mud off, only to smear more onto it "Will somepony bring me a towel to wipe this repulsive filth from my hooves?!" Applejack the spoke in her normal voice "There's the Rarity I know!" "Oh, Applejack, I'm sorry I said all those things. You're a true friend who probably knows me better than I know myself. I don't know what I was thinking wearing this ridiculous outfit." "I kinda know how you feel." "Oh, but you and Torrent were just trying to help me see how silly I was being. And you both were right." "It's alright Rarity." I said. Rarity then sighed "And besides, that gown looks just gorgeous on you. I wish I hadn't ruined it." "Thanks!" Applejack replied "It's nice, ain't it?" "It's magnificent! Wherever did you get it?" "Oh, it's, uh, one of yours." At that point, Rarity's pupils then shrank. She then grabbed Spike's shoulders. "I'll need three gallons of boiling water and one ounce of detergent, stat!" As Spike ran out of the barn, Trenderhoof then appeared in overalls and a straw hat. "Oh lord." I said in a sotto tone. He'd then cleared his throat "I'm moving to Ponyville! Being the most interesting pony in Equestria is exhausting. I want to leave my exotic, exciting life behind and live on a farm!" "What?!" me, Applejack and Rarity exclaimed simultaneously. "Well, that's real nice, but I sure hope you weren't thinkin' of Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said. "Oh." Trenderhoof replied rather disappointed. "Uh, look, you're a fine pony, but, uh, well, I'm, uh..." Rarity then interrupted Applejack "I think what Applejack is trying to say is that there's something unappealing about a pony who'd change themselves so much just to impress somepony else. If somepony doesn't like you for who you are, it's their loss." "Well, this is awkward." "Not at all. In fact, I think I know just how you feel." "What do you think, Rarity?" Applejack asked "Is it too late to go back to "Small Town Chic"?" "Not if I can help it! Care to lend me a hoof Torrent?" "I'd be happy to do that." I answered. - Despite the rough patches that happen these last two days, "Small Town Chic" came back better than ever. -Rarity voice over- Organizing the Ponyville Day celebration was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I learned an important lesson. Real friends will like you for who you are, and changing yourself to impress them is no way to make new ones. And when you're as fabulous as I am, it's practically a crime!