//------------------------------//
// S6 E23: The Apple's White Lie (Where The Apple Lies) (What If?) - Redo 
// Story: My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 14 
// by SuperPinkBrony12 
//------------------------------//

Filthy Rich had stopped by Sweet Apple Acres not unlike he often tended to do. After all, without the Apple family as business partners he knew his own family wouldn't have been able to establish themselves in Ponyville. And the Apple family's products were still some of the best selling products at Barnyard Bargains.

But the business stallion hadn't come just to talk. He could do that whenever he wanted. Right now, he had brought a wagon over since he intended to collect a specific product. It was that time of year again. "Just here for the zap apple jam," He told Granny Smith as he gave a small salute. "It's always a big seller. And as usual, we're splittin' the profits."

Granny Smith nodded and shook his hoof, then directed him to the barn. "We'll get ya all fixed up in no time," She told him. "And say hello to your pappy for me."

"Will do, Granny Smith, will do," Filthy declared as he wheeled his wagon to the barn. He chuckled a little bit to himself. "Oh Spoiled, I don't know why you don't like comin' over to visit the Apples. They're good ponies." Then he waited patiently for the barrels of zap apple jam to be loaded into his wagon so he could take them to the store.

Big Macintosh was responsible for loading the wagon with the heavy barrels, seeing as he was the only one strong enough to do so. That left Applejack and Apple Bloom to tend to the barrels themselves and make sure they were sorted out properly.

"How come you can't get any of your friends to help with this?" Apple Bloom questioned her big sister. "Sure seems like we could use their help right about now."

"First of all, Starlight's still in the Crystal Empire. And second of all, a little hard work never hurt anypony." Applejack insisted as she almost effortlessly wheeled her barrels towards Big Mac, watching as he loaded them one by one into the wagon.

Apple Bloom groaned. "That's easy for you to say. You know I ain't as strong as you are yet. No wonder you still won't let me try applebuckin'."

Applejack just smiled. "If you keep talkin' like this you're definitely never gonna get the job done. Besides, strength isn't just a physical thing. There's more than one way to be strong."

"Whatever do you mean?" Apple Bloom questioned as she stopped briefly in her pushing.

Applejack adjusted her trusty stetson as she looked around the barn, sensing an opportunity to explain her point. "Well, Apple Bloom. Why don't I ask you a question for a change? And I want ya to be honest with me," She cleared her throat. "Did you double check all the barrels to make sure that only the ones with zap apple jam are bein' loaded up? It's really important we don't get 'em mixed up with the cider barrels."

The farm filly froze and seemed to struggle not to gulp. "Uh... well..." Her eyes darted all about for a bit before she nervously declared. "Yes, I think so."

"Oh really?" Applejack pondered with a skeptical look as she came trotting out of the barn to talk to Filthy Rich. "Fi... I mean Mr. Rich!" She corrected herself, remembering that Filthy didn't like to be called by his first name. "You might wanna double check those barrels ya got there! I think they might be the wrong ones."

Filthy immediately did as he had been told to do. And when he took the lids off the barrels, he was surprised to find that one of them was filled not with zap apple jam but with cider! "Oh my goodness! Can't believe I almost took off with that!" He exclaimed and gave a whistle to Big Mac. "Get this back into the barn. And make sure Granny Smith knows this was an accident."

"Eeyup." Big Macintosh promised as he wheeled the incorrect barrel away and returned with one that did contain zap apple jam.

"Thanks for catchin' that for me," Filthy said to Applejack. "I know there's a reason why you Apples don't let anypony else sell your cider."

Applejack nodded. "Yup. Spoils as soon as it comes out the press, so you either serve it fresh or it goes to waste," Then she waved a hoof as she saw the business stallion depart. "Tell Diamond Tiara Apple Bloom says hello."

"I was just about to say the same about her to Apple Bloom." Filthy replied and waved back until he was out of sight.

The farm mare then returned to the barn to more or less "confront" Apple Bloom. "Now sugarcube," She lightly scolded. "Why'd you have to go and lie to me like that? You know I don't like lies."

The bow wearing earth pony filly could only pout and fold her hooves across her chest as she complained. "So what? It was caught before it could do any harm. What's the big deal?"

"Apple Bloom, do you even hear yourself right now?" Applejack questioned. "You oughta know by now what lies can get a pony into."

"Well not everypony's like you!" Apple Bloom accused. "I bet you never told a lie in your entire life! That's why they call you Honest Applejack."

However, in response to that "accusation" Applejack threw back her head and laughed heartily. "Oh, Apple Bloom. I guess Granny Smith never told you."

"Told me what?" The farm filly questioned with a quirked brow.

"Well, you got time to listen to a story?" The stetson wearing earth pony inquired of her little sister.

Apple Bloom reluctantly replied. "I guess so. I don't really have anythin' else to do today."

"Good," Applejack smiled. "So listen good. What I'm about to tell ya is gonna shock you to your very core," Then she began. "When I was about your age, I wasn't always as honest as I was now. In fact, I used to lie quite often. But there's a reason why I stopped doin' that, there's a reason why I came to learn how important it is to be honest. My habit of lyin' almost cost me a friendship, a really important friendship at that!" And with that she started to recall that very experience that had been so life changing for her as a filly. An experience Applejack hoped would inspire Apple Bloom the same way it had inspired her.



"Well now, I reckon it was a few months to about a year after I made it back from Manehattan," Applejack recalled as the memory started to form in her mind once again. "Big Mac and I, we'd been gettin' along about as well as we could. But... well... let's just say he was a lot more vocal back then if he thought I was doin' somethin' wrong."

The two earth ponies happened to be right in the middle of another feud, both certain that their vision was right.

"I'm tellin' ya, Big Mac," A younger Applejack declared. She didn't have her trusty stetson yet and her legs were considerably longer than her body. "Manehattan opened up my eyes! I know Granny Smith says we're too young to even think about runnin' the farm, but Ma and Pa are gonna take over any day now. So why can't we start makin' some changes to how we run the farm?"

Big Macintosh was a touch younger in appearance but still had the harness he wore so proudly. "Applejack, we've been over this. You know how I feel about 'Big Ideas'," He mockingly replied. "Ya can't plow a field with 'em. If you loved Manehattan so much, why'd you up and come back here?"

"Because, this here's my home," The filly willingly admitted. "It's where my family's been for generations and it's where I've made friends. But just 'cause I didn't like bein' a city pony doesn't mean I don't see the appeal of 'em. If the Riches can take Barnyard Bargains from a simple stand to a full fledged shop in just a generation, I don't see why we can't do somethin' similar? If Ma, Pa and Granny Smith would just let me, I know I could make some deals with Filthy Rich to really turn things around. We'd finally be able to replace that saggy old plow for starters."

The teenaged colt groaned. "It ain't saggy, you just don't pull it right like I do. That's why Pa gave me the harness. And don't forget, I'm the older siblin'. So if anypony's gonna be runnin' things when Ma and Pa are in charge, it'll be me," Then he grinned. "Or maybe I'll be like cousin Braeburn. Now there's a pony who knows how to put in a good day's work and make it fun. I hear he's even gone and invented a new sport that he's gonna show off at our next family reunion."

Just then, a considerably younger Granny Smith came trotting in with a pronounced frown on her face (which sported no wrinkles. She hardly looked like a pony who'd been around since Ponyville's founding, she still looked like she was a young mare even though she was now old enough to be a grandmother). "Oh for corn's sake, can't you two youngin''s ever stop fightin' about who's gonna run the farm or how it oughta be run? You're both still young, you oughta be enjoyin' your lives and the freedoms you got now. Eventually, you're both gonna be up to your necks in farm work," She then sighed. "No wonder your folks went on vacation and stuck me with foalsittin' duty again."

"Sorry, Granny." The two young earth ponies apologized as sincerely as they could.

The green coated mare smiled. "That's better. Now how's about you both get washed up and come help me in the kitchen while I make lunch? Don't forget, it's almost cider season and you know what that means: We're gonna have customers linin' up for miles," She then added. "I wonder if that's when Filthy Rich is gonna introduce me to his new fiancée. All I got's a name, Spoiled Milk. Apparently, the gal comes from a line of farmers just like we do."

"Well fancy that!" Applejack exclaimed! "Mr. Rich is gettin' hitched!" She then looked to Big Macintosh. "When you gonna bring home a special somepony? You know all the fillies love ya."

Big Macintosh blushed so red you could see it through his red coat. But he said nothing, he was too embarrassed.





After lunch, Applejack left Sweet Apple Acres and headed out into town. She needed to get away from her older brother for a while. "He talks too much." She thought to herself.

Fortunately, the farm filly knew someplace where her "ideas" would be listened to and appreciated. There was one pony who had become quite fascinated by the fact that Applejack had briefly lived in Manehattan (and more importantly still talked about her time there): Rarity, Applejack's oldest and dearest friend.

It was pretty funny to think about it, Rarity had aspirations far above her social standing. Her family wasn't poor, but they certainly weren't rich. What little Applejack had seen of her parents conveyed a sense of embarrassment, particularly with the father always seeming to wear a straw hat that covered up his unicorn horn.

Applejack knocked on the front door of Rarity's house (which was not far from the windmill and near a small pond that Rarity's father frequented for fishing). The door was answered by a fairly plump looking unicorn mare with a pale light purple coat. Her mane and tail stood tall with their grayish indigo and grayish persian blue locks. Her light cornflower blue eyes sparkled with friendliness, and despite the red dress she was wearing it was still possible to make out her cutie mark of three cookies.

"Hi Mrs. Cookie Crumbles," Applejack smiled. "Is Rarity here?"

Cookie Crumbles smiled back in a warm and friendly tone. "Sure she is. She's just up in her bedroom, probably playin' with my make-up again. She sure does love to make herself all pretty," She then turned and called out. "Rarity, you have a visitor. Applejack's here, and I think she wants to play with you."

"In a minute, Mother," Rarity called in that almost perfected posh tone of hers. "I'm busy putting on my eyelashes." A moment later, a unicorn filly similar in size to Applejack and with a majestic white coat came to the front door. She had a curly dark blue mane and tail, sapphire blue eyes that sparkled and shone like diamonds and (fittingly) a cutie mark depicting three diamonds.

"Hi Rarity," Applejack greeted as she embraced her fellow filly in a hug. "Ready for another day of fun? I've got somethin' I wanna show ya!"

"Oh, a surprise? How wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed! "As a matter of fact, I have a surprise for you, Applejack. But it can wait," She then trotted out the door as she said to the farm filly. "Lead the way, Applejack. I'm most curious as to what you have in store for me."

Cookie Crumbles watched the two fillies set off, making sure to call out to them. "Remember to be home by sunset, it's dangerous to be out at night."

The unicorn filly whined! "Mother!" And that prompted a brief bit of laughter from her fellow filly before the two were out of sight.





Applejack led Rarity to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres and to a tree that rested away from all the others in the orchard.

To Rarity's surprise, she saw that there was now a clubhouse resting among the tree's branches. The boards had been painted white and it was faintly possible to view the interior through a window. A series of wooden steps appeared to have been carved out of its trunk and nailed to it. "When did you get around to building this?" She questioned.

The farm filly grinned. "Ma and Pa had it built for me after I wouldn't stop beggin' 'em about it. I figured it'd be the perfect place for us to just hang out," Then she added. "But I also made a small map of Ponyville. Just a few places of interest, you know like Sugarcube Corner or that library in the old oak tree that's been vacant for years." And she led the unicorn up the steps and into the clubhouse interior.

The interior of the clubhouse consisted of yellow colored boards for the wall, while the floor boards remained unpainted. The window was quite small, but if one glanced out of it they could just make out a path to Ponyville proper through the trees in the orchard.

The map appeared to have been rather crudely drawn in crayon and was not even close to scale. Buildings were either spaced too close to each other or too far apart from how they were in reality. Rarity grimaced a bit, but she didn't let it bother her too much. Not everypony could be as talented an artist as her (with the help of a horn to hold things more precisely of course).

Applejack immediately flashed a toothy smile at her fellow filly as she either didn't notice or didn't care about the expression upon Rarity's face. "So, whaddya think of it all? Is it the coolest thing you've ever seen or what?"

Rarity paused and tried to think of a way to put what she wanted to say in a polite way. "It's..." She struggled for a bit and then settled on a word that seemed suitable. "Charmingly rustic, I suppose."

"Yeah, it is!" The earth pony filly smiled and kicked her back legs! "I just knew you'd like it, Rarity! But don't worry, it's just a placeholder. With your help, I bet we can make an even better map someday."

"Ah yes, that would be most preferable. That way we won't have to worry about getting lost. No reason to give Mother and Father another thing to worry about." Rarity declared while making a note to bring some colored pencils and crayons the next time Applejack invited her to hang out.

The farm filly then locked eyes with Rarity as she questioned her fellow filly. "So, what about you? What's your big surprise you wanna show me?"

At that, the unicorn filly broke out in a rather big smile while declaring! "Oh, it's simple the greatest news I've ever received!" And with a star struck expression she explained. "You know about Carousel Boutique?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, it's just about the only place besides Barnyard Bargains that sells clothes. What about it?" But then she had a realization! "Wait, don't tell me, you got your folks to buy it for you!"

Rarity's happy mood briefly faded as she confessed. "Not quite, darling. That boutique is very expensive and they don't let just anypony bid for it," But then she perked right back up while declaring, "However, Mother and Father happen to know the pony who currently owns it. They've agreed to look at some of the wears I make, and if they're good enough they'll be shown off in the boutique. In fact, I might even impress the owner enough to get hired on as a summer intern."

"Okay," Applejack reluctantly commented, unsure of what else to say. "Why did you wanna tell me?" She thought it would've been obvious by now that her own knowledge of fashion was slim to none.

The fashion loving unicorn smiled and winked. "I know you spent some time with your cousins in Manehattan not too long ago. And Manehattan is practically the fashion capital of Equestria, maybe even the world!" She put her hooves to her face and squealed! "Oh, what I would give to go there myself one day?!" She quickly composed herself as she tried not to blush. "Anyway, that means you have to have learned a thing or two about fashion."

The farm filly bit her lip and started to squirm. "Uh... actually..."

But Rarity was too excited to listen. "So be honest! You're the only pony I trust to tell me if the dresses I'm making are gonna cut it," She proceeded to float one over with her horn. "This one I'm particularly proud of. I spent days working on it in my free time."

Applejack eyed the dress, uncertain of what to make of it. It had a very rich brown color to it and seemed like it was meant to be long and flowing. It had a three button collar and poofy sleeves with the buttons looking particularly worn. Even to her sap green eyes, the dress didn't look like it was appealing or attractive. "This is the best you could make?" She asked, hoping beyond hope that was all just a joke on Rarity's part.

Rarity's reaction shot down any possibility of the whole thing being a "joke". "Yes. No other dress in the collection had as much time, love and couture put into it. Every collection must have a signature gown, the jewel in the crown so to speak."

The earth pony filly with a coat of orange didn't know what to say in response. If this really was the best her friend could do, then what did that say about the rest of the collection? If her untrained eyes could see how unattractive this garment was, what would a pony who actually knew about fashion think, even knowing that they were dealing with a filly?

The fashion loving unicorn smiled as the seconds ticked by without a reply. "Ah, I see how it is."

"Y-you do?" Applejack nervously asked as she tried not to shake like a leaf.

Rarity nodded and gave what appeared to be a knowing wink. "It's so good it leaves you speechless," Though she then adopted a more serious tone of voice as she inquired. "I mean, what else could it possibly mean?"

Applejack remained silent for a little bit longer, before saying as sincerely as she could possibly sound. "Nothin'. I really am speechless, Rarity. This is definitely a one of a kind dress, you're sure to impress everypony with it." She hoped her friend didn't notice the bead of sweat that trickled down her face.

The unicorn with a majestic white coat thankfully didn't as she took back the dress and happily proclaimed! "Oh, Applejack, thank you so much! I just knew I could count on you for an honest opinion. What do Mother and Father know when they say my dresses are nothing to write home about? They wouldn't know good fashion if came up and hit them over the head!"

The farm filly became desperate to change the subject. "Well, now that we've shared each others secrets, how's about we go around town and see what's new?"

"Ooh, perfect!" Rarity fondly exclaimed! "We can stop by Carousel Boutique and I can deliver my dresses right away!"

"NO!" Applejack shouted a bit too loudly, then hastily tried to backtrack. "Er, I mean, we can do that if we find the time. But there's plenty of other things I wanna see first." And without saying another word she rushed out of the clubhouse! She had to chew up as much time as possible so that her lie wouldn't be exposed. She knew that once that dress was turned in and rejected, Rarity would find out that Applejack had been lying. And that was a scenario the farm filly wanted to avoid at all costs.





Fortunately, Applejack was a much faster runner than Rarity was. And so she was able to keep ahead of the unicorn (who thankfully couldn't teleport like some unicorns were supposedly capable of doing) for the rest of the day. Not a moment too soon, sunset came and that meant it was time for both fillies to go their separate ways and go back home.

Applejack felt a great sense of relief when she came back to Sweet Apple Acres that evening. She didn't even care about what Big Macintosh had to say about her and her "big ideas". At this point she would happily put up with his chatterbox ways if it meant she didn't have to worry about Rarity. With any luck, the frantic chase around town had made the aspiring fashion lover reconsider her idea. And if not... well... Applejack silently vowed to head over to Rarity's place the next day to try to persuade her against turning in those ugly dresses.

The next morning, Granny Smith sent Big Macintosh and Applejack into town to do some shopping while she stayed behind to get the barn and orchard ready for cider season.

By now, Big Mac had learned about what had transpired yesterday, and he was really giving his sister an earful about her lie. "I can't believe you'd do a thing like that, Applejack! If that dress was as gaudy as you say it is, you should've spoken up to save Rarity the embarrassment."

"Don't you go gettin' on my case!" Applejack impatiently grumbled as the two went about shopping through the isles of Barnyard Bargains (seeing as it was the cheapest place to shop in all of Ponyville). The whole place really did look almost like wandering through a giant barn, even down to the homely earth tones on the walls and the floor tiles made to look like the color of straw. "As soon as this whole shoppin' thing is done, I'm headin' straight over to Rarity's house to get this whole thing sorted out. I swear."

The teenaged colt wasn't convinced. "You always say things like that. You should've done that yesterday when ya had the chance! Or better yet, you could've had me talk to her! I would've told her in no uncertain terms how bad that dress of hers was."

"And you'd crush her feelin''s into dust! You're too blunt!" The farm filly grumbled and growled in reply. "Sometimes ya gotta let 'em down gently, like how Ma and Pa told us there really isn't a Santa Hooves or a Tooth Breezie," Then she swished her tail. "So quit your yappin' and help me get the rest of the groceries Granny Smith wanted. The sooner we do that, the sooner I can talk to Rarity and put everythin' behind us."

"Okay, but don't be surprised if I come along with ya to make sure you don't chicken out." The young colt with a deep red coat declared with a smug expression on his face.

Despite that little "argument" the shopping itself proceeded relatively smoothly. Soon it came time for the Apple siblings to check out. As they approached the counter, they could easily spot Filthy Rich due to his brown coat, smoothly styled black mane and tail, blue eyes and a cutie mark depicting three money bags. But the mare beside him was somepony they had never seen before. She had a pale, light grayish-pink coat, a curly mane and tail two shades of moderate magenta and dark purple in color, and strong opal eyes. The back of her mane was styled into a pigtail held by a yellow braid in her hair. And her cutie mark was a diamond ring.

The mare seemed to be judging the two siblings if the harsh gaze and stern glare reflected in her eyes was any indication. It seemed almost as if she looked down upon them for some reason, even though they'd never met her until now.

Filthy Rich just smiled, waving a hoof as he invited the two little ponies over. "Well if it ain't the Apple siblin''s," He greeted with a grin. "Always nice to see you two," Then he gestured a hoof to the mare standing beside him. "I'd like you both to meet my fiancée, Spoiled Milk."

"Er.. how do ya do Miss. Milk?" Big Macintosh nervously greeted while Applejack was so intimidated she couldn't speak at all.

Spoiled didn't say a word.

Filthy quickly took the initiative to break the ice. "Honey, this is Applejack and Big Macintosh. I was just tellin' ya about them. They're two of the hardest workin' ponies I've ever had the pleasure of knowin', and I've known them since they were foals."

Spoiled finally spoke up, her tone of voice sounding almost condescending in its coldness. "So you two work on a farm? How... " She paused and seemed to be trying to think of a good word to say next. It didn't seem like she found the one she wanted though even as she settled on. "Quaint. Guess it's a small world after all. I grew up on a farm and worked there too. But it was far too poor for my tastes."

Filthy chuckled as he looked across to his fiancée. "Oh, now, dear, be nice. You promised me you'd be on your best behavior. Can't have you scarin' away customers," He then apologized. "I'm sorry, Spoiled's still takin' a while to get used to bein' with me. I assure you, she's actually quite sweet. Or at least, she was when I met her."

"Ee... right." Big Mac declared, unsure of what else to say. In the back of his mind he thought to himself. "That didn't sound right. There's gotta be a better way to reply if I can't think of anything to say."

And Applejack finally spoke up. "It's alright. Ain't nothin' wrong with workin' on a farm. In fact, we don't just work there, we live there!"

"So I've heard," Spoiled remarked as her tone of voice didn't change. "At the least I hope you have indoor plumbing. I know my family's farm didn't, and I'll never go back to that!" Then she boasted. "Seriously, though, my amazing husband-to-be is so rich he can afford only the finest of luxuries. He's so amazing, he's practically running the family business now. Did you know that? Well, now you do."

Filthy only chuckled again while adjusting a black tie around his neck. "Oh, hon, you don't have to flatter me. I know you're proud of me," Then he composed himself while saying. "But she's right. I'm in charge of the store now. My pappy made it official just a few days ago."

"What about you, Mrs. Rich-to-be?" The farm filly questioned Spoiled. "What do you do for a livin' since you don't work on your family's farm anymore?"

That prompted the light grayish-pink coated mare to smile for the first time since she'd encountered the Apple siblings. "I'm glad you asked... Applejack, was it it?" She briefly pointed to her cutie mark. "My cutie mark means I'm capable of spotting only the finest things in life. It's why I knew I made the right call leaving my family farm and getting engaged to Filthy. And now I'm going to be one of the judges for a fashion show that's going to be put on at Carousel Boutique."

Both Applejack and Big Mac jumped back in shock and surprise upon hearing that last sentence! "What?!" They exchanged mutual glances of disbelief.

"Oh I know, I could hardly believe it when I heard it myself," Spoiled all but boasted. "But they needed a third judge because Hoity Toity's too busy training his new apprentice in Canterlot. Photo Finish and Prim Headline are going to be there, though. After all, when the owner of Ponyville's only boutique mentions he's found a filly with a one of a kind fashion sense, you really can't say no. I make it a habit to know all the finest ponies in the land and even some up and coming ones," She then snorted. "I just hope the show doesn't turn out to be a waste of my time."

Applejack reluctantly found the courage to ask the question. "When's it... goin' to happen?"

Spoiled sincerely smiled. "In just a few hours from now, actually. I haven't even seen the dresses yet or who will be presenting. I was asked to judge and I did so without hesitation. I don't even care that I'm not going to be paid for my services, getting to know an up and coming fashion pony is pay enough. Besides, I could always 'convince' the boutique's owner to reimburse me for my time after the fact. Trust me when I say I can be very convincing when I want to be."

At that, a look of horror flashed in Applejack's sap green eyes! She knew at once who Spoiled Milk was talking about, and thinking about said pony made a knot form in her stomach. She immediately rushed out of Barnyard Bargains while shouting! "I have to go!"

Spoiled blinked her strong opal eyes in confusion as she now had only Big Macintosh to engage in conversation. "Was it something I said?" She asked with what sounded like sincere concern.





The earth pony filly ran faster than she had ever run before! She didn't care that her legs and lungs screamed at her to stop and catch her breath! She couldn't slow down! Not now!

Now Applejack was wishing she'd found the courage to tell Rarity the truth about those dresses yesterday. All she'd managed to do was make the situation ten times worse by her efforts to get out of having to do so. But there was still hope. If she could just confront Rarity before she headed over to Carousel Boutique for that fashion show, all would be well.

At last, the frantic farm filly felt a sense of relief as she saw Rarity's house come into view. Yet it wasn't until she was at the front door and knocking on it with an orange hoof that she allowed herself a moment to rest. She didn't know what time it was or how much time had passed, but she was hopeful that her fashion friend hadn't left yet.

After what seemed like forever, the impatient filly was rewarded for her waiting as the front door opened. This time, instead of Cookie Crumbles, a unicorn stallion with a grayish-white coat answered the door. He had a straw hat and a blue shirt with white flowers stitched all over it, a dark grayish-brown mane and tail (along with a little mustache), brilliant light blue eyes and a cutie mark depicting three hoof balls. It was Rarity's father: Hondo Flanks. "Oh, Applejack. What a nice surprise," He greeted. "Wasn't expecting you to come by again today, Rarity's very busy."

"Yeah, I've heard!" Applejack panted in response. "Heard all about her big fashion show at Carousel Boutique! I need to talk to her to right away about it. There's somethin' she needs to know."

But Hondo innocently replied. "I'm afraid you're a bit late for that. She already headed over to Carousel Boutique with her mom to get all set up."

"What?!" The farm filly gasped anew! "That can't be!"

Hondo just smiled. "Oh, I could hardly believe it myself," He wiped a lone tear from his eyes. "My little Rarity is growing up so fast. She's gonna have her first job soon. Then, before her mother or I know it, she's gonna be moving out of the house," After composing himself he added. "Rarity's lucky to have such a good friend like you, a friend she can trust to be honest with her about her dreams."

The young earth pony stepped back a bit. "W-why me?" She stuttered as she became racked with guilt.

Hondo Flanks simply stated. "She's never truly been able to share her passion for fashion around any other pony. Celestia knows her mother and I have no idea where she got her fashion sense from or why she's so determined to portray herself with that crafted accent of hers. But after she heard you went to Manehattan for a while, she was practically overjoyed at the possibility of having somepony else to talk fashion with. It's really helped her get out of the house and open up more."

The guilt only increased for the filly with every word she heard. "I... didn't know."

"Well now you do," Hondo smiled and winked, then he declared. "I'll be there for the fashion show. Wouldn't miss my daughter's big debut for all the hoofball trophies in Equestria. I may not know much about ponies like Photo Finish or Prim Headline, but I do know that those aren't ponies you see everyday. If they're coming all the way here, it has to be important!"

Then Applejack got an idea. Maybe there was still a way to get around having to tell Rarity the truth. "Do you know when they're comin' by, Mr. Hondo Flanks?" She hopefully inquired.

At that the unicorn stallion adopted a somewhat puzzled expression, putting a hoof to his chin. "I'm not sure, I don't believe Rarity mentioned a time. But I'd be willing to bet they'll be arriving soon."

Applejack eagerly kicked her back legs as the gears in her mind started to turn! "Great! Thanks for the help! See ya later, Mr. Hondo Flanks!" And then she ran off again, leaving a bewildered Hondo to wonder just what it was he had said that was so helpful to one of his daughter's friends (and her best one at that).





The filly with a coat the same color of orange as the sky at sunset raced across town again! But she wasn't heading to Carousel Boutique despite knowing that's where Rarity would be. No, she instead headed for the train station, hoping that she could make it there ahead of those big named fashion ponies that were arriving for the fashion show. If she could just persuade them not to show up, she was certain the show would be cancelled and Rarity would be spared the humiliation. All without Applejack ever having to admit that she lied.

As luck would have it, the station platform was mostly empty and there was no train currently in sight! The farm filly felt confident she'd made it in time to greet those Canterlot celebrities and convince them to leave. How exactly she would do that, she didn't know yet. But she'd think of something when the time came.

Mere moments after arriving at the station, a sharp whistle reached Applejack's trained ears as she could see a puff of smoke in the distance. The familiar pink colored locomotive chuffed into view and pulled into the station, its brakes coming on with a screech and another puff of smoke as it let off steam. Then the train cars opened one by one as ponies onboard departed.

The earth pony looked all around. She didn't know what exactly the likes of Photo Finish and Prim Headline looked like, but she was hoping to spot them before they could leave the station.

Suddenly, the filly's sap green eyes spotted two finely dressed earth ponies by themselves as they seemed to be deep in a conversation. One had eyes hidden behind black glasses with pink colored lenses, but you could still see her coat color of a very light blue. She also had a white mane and tail that looked almost like a mop with the way they were styled, and a cutie mark depicting black and pink swirls in the shape of a camera lens. That mare was wearing a black dress with white stripes and lines, as well as pink lines and diamonds, and a pink scarf around her neck.

The other earth pony mare was of slightly smaller build than Photo Finish but looked a good deal bulkier. She had a gray coat, pale purple eyes, a light pink mane and tail with bangs loosely hanging out, and a cutie mark depicting yellow scissors and a spool of thread the same color as her mane and tail. This mare proudly wore a white dress with gold trim on the sleeves, silver buttons and purple earrings below both of her ears.

Were these two the "Photo Finish" and "Prim Headline" that Spoiled Milk had mentioned earlier? Well, there was only one way to find out for sure. Reluctantly, Applejack plucked up courage and trotted over to the earth ponies as they chatted and traded remarks with one another. "Uh, excuse me?" She asked, catching both mares' attention.

The two finely dressed mares turned around, quickly finding themselves face to face with the freckled filly. The ones whose eyes were hidden behind those weird colored glasses spoke first. "Vat is it? Vat do you want, child?"

"Uh... are you... Photo Finish or Prim Headline?" Applejack questioned as she pointed a hoof.

The finely dressed mare with a funny way of talking (at least to Applejack) lifted up her glasses, revealing a set of very dark purple eyes. "I am Photo Finish," Then she pointed a hoof to the mare beside her. "And zis is Prim Headline. Vat is it you want with us? We are to be at Carousel Boutique shortly to witness 'Da Magics'!"

"Yes indeed, Photo Finish," Prim Headline nodded in agreement. "I am told we can expect a truly fascinating show from an up and coming fashion maker right here in Ponyville, and a young one at that."

The freckled farm filly gulped and swallowed hard. She had to look as sure of herself as possible now if she was going to have any hope of persuading these fashion big shots. "W-well... that's what I wanted to talk to you two about. Because I happen to... Er, actually, I am that fashion maker! Y-yeah, that's right! It's me, Applejack!"

Prim Headline eyed the filly with a skeptical look. "Hmm, that's most odd. We weren't told who this young talent would be. The owner of Carousel Boutique wouldn't elaborate."

Applejack tried to smile. "That's because if you knew who I was, you'd think this was all just a joke or a waste of time! Which... it is... so you don't have to bother showin' up for the fashion show," She began to nervously laugh. "I just wanted to seem important, so I lied and said I was a big fashion talent. I didn't think anypony would actually believe me."

Photo Finish gasped! "Zo, zis was just a big joke? We came all zis way out here for notzing?! Zere is no 'Da Magics' to witness? Zat cannot be!"

The earth pony filly tried not to look guilty as she shamefully told the two mares. "I'm really sorry about all of this. I didn't mean to make you two come here and waste your time."

Prim Headline snorted. "Well you did, young filly! So I hope this experience has taught you a thing or two about what kind of jokes are acceptable. Jokes like these are most certainly not funny. Important ponies like Photo Finish and myself don't like having our time wasted."

"Believe me, this won't again. I promise." Applejack declared.

Prim and Photo exchanged glances of skepticism and disapproval, and then all they could do was shake their heads as they then prepared to trot off. There was still time to board the train and return to Canterlot.

Yet before either mare could do, who should come upon the scene but an out of breath Hondo Flanks? "Oh, there you are," He said to the farm filly as he trotted up to her. "You shouldn't run off like that, Applejack. You could get hurt."

"Wait, you know this filly?" Prim Headline questioned the stallion.

Hondo nodded and smiled. "You bet I do. She's my daughter's best friend. In fact, if it weren't for Applejack here, my little Rarity would've never become inspired to put on that fashion show she's hosting."

Photo Finish nearly gasped in surprise! "Vat?!"

Hondo chuckled a bit as he eyed the finely dressed mares. "Yes, I know, it's quite a surprise. I can hardly believe it myself, but she's already at Carousel Boutique getting all set up. She's very much looking forward to meeting you both. I assume you two are the Photo Finish and Prim Headline she won't stop talking about?"

Prim exchanged a glance with Photo before reply. "Yes we are. And apparently," She glared at Applejack. "This filly here has been trying to chase us away by pretending to be somepony she's not."

"Ach, yes," Photo agreed as she said to Hondo. "Thank you zo much for sorting zis out for us," And she then clapped her hooves while declaring to Prim. "We go!" And the two fashion ponies trotted off the platform without another word, though they took their time to shoot Applejack a pair of mutually harsh glares.

The freckled filly could hardly believe her eyes as she watched Prim and Photo depart! How was this happening?! Why was everything suddenly conspiring against her?! She wished more than anything that Hondo hadn't shown up when he did.

But all Hondo could think about was what Applejack had been trying to do in the first place. "Is there a reason why you were trying to make those ponies go away?" He questioned her. "I thought you and Rarity were friends. Don't you want her to be successful?"

"I do," Applejack reluctantly agreed. "But..." She bit her lip again. She knew she should probably be honest, but would this stallion believe her after he'd already caught her lying once? More importantly, could he really do anything to stop the fashion show even if he knew the truth? The freckled farm filly wasn't willing to take that chance. So instead, she just looked up at the sky and gestured a hoof! "Say, what's that up there?!"

Hondo Flanks looked up only to spot nothing. But when he looked back to the ground he saw that the earth pony filly had already taken off again! "Hey, get your flank back here!" He shouted and gave chance again! "You know I can't teleport!"

The blonde maned filly didn't reply, she just ran as fast as she could again! No more beating around the bush, she had to find Rarity before it was too late! And she knew where she had to look, too.





At last, after yet again running all the way across town and with her legs aching, Applejack reached Carousel Boutique. She could already see a small wooden stage with a curtain in the back that had been erected out in front of the building (which really bore its namesake, all that was missing was for the painted horses to start moving up and down while traveling in a circle). And she could also see the rather impatient looks on all three judges: Photo Finish, Prim Headline and of course Spoiled Milk.

But they didn't matter. The only one that did matter was the one the frantic freckled farm filly had to find. She rushed onto the stage and than ran back behind the curtain! She could only hope Rarity was there and not somewhere else, her whole body hurt too much for her to run anywhere again.

Fortunately, luck was on the young earth pony's side as she quickly spotted Rarity with that same horrid brown colored dress from yesterday. And the aspiring fashion loving unicorn was currently using her horn to try to make some last minute adjustments, while the dress was being worn by her mother.

The dress obviously didn't fit Cookie Crumbles, and not just because of her larger frame. The dress had clearly been intended for ponies of Rarity and Applejack's size. But Cookie didn't show any outward signs of discomfort or distress as she instead simply smiled at her daughter. "Almost finished, Rarity? The judges are already here. I think they'd like to be on their way before sunset."

"Just a minute, Mother," Rarity declared while fiddling with a tape. "Oh, I think I can see why Father sometimes needs glasses when he reads. It's so hard to see the little details. But everything has to be just right for these judges, Miss. Milk especially will be expecting nothing but the best."

"Couldn't you have asked Applejack to be your model instead?" Cookie questioned as she wiggled about. "I don't think I make a good model."

"You're the best I could do on short notice," Rarity replied with a frown. "Now please try to hold still! I intend to lead off with a strong impression."

Reluctantly, Applejack realized the time had come to confess. No more lies, no more diversions, distractions or deflections. So she cleared her throat, making sure she could be heard. "Uh, Rarity? Can we talk?"

Rarity spun around, surprised to see Applejack. "Whatever for, darling?" She questioned. "I'm just making a few touch-ups on the dress, correcting small problems and the like. This dress needs to look its best if my fashion show is to be successful," Her eyes started to twinkle like stars in the night sky. "Oh, having two of the biggest names in fashion coming here to see me! If I am dreaming, please don't wake me! This is simply too good to be true!"

Those words reached the farm filly as though she'd been stabbed with a knife. They hurt so much. And they were only going to hurt even more because of what she was about to say. She sighed and briefly looked back, a part of her hoping for some kind of miracle that would make it so she wouldn't have to confess. She'd even settle for having her brother show up and do it.

Alas, no such miracle occurred. Applejack realized in her heart that it was now or never! If she didn't tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, there was a very real chance that more than Rarity's hopes and dreams would be destroyed. Summoning up a courage she had never known before, the little earth pony told her fellow filly. "You're right, it is too good to be true. And that's because..." She had to will herself to keep going even though she wanted more than anything to run away and avoid this uncomfortable confession. The sweat trickled down her face like a waterfall, that's how nervous she was. "That dress of yours, it ain't any good. And if that's your best, your best ain't gonna cut it."

"Whatever do you mean, Applejack?" Rarity questioned in disbelief. "You already told me yesterday that it was so good you were speechless. I asked you for your honest opinion."

The farm filly slowly nodded. "You did. But I just couldn't bring myself to say the truth. That dress is hideous! And if even I think so, you know that the judges are gonna think even harsher of it."

Rarity gasped as her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates! "But... but... how that can be?! You went to Manehattan! You should know everything about fashion! Prim Headline's going to move to Manehattan, that's how important it is to the fashion scene. How can anypony live in that big city and not know about fashion?!"

The freckled earth pony simply answered. "I guess there's a first for everythin', cause I don't know the first thing about fashion. When I lived in Manehattan with my Aunt Orange and Uncle Orange, I quickly realized I could never hope to make it in a big city. I'm no city pony, I'm a country pony at heart and always will be," She then admitted. "I know I should've been honest with ya from the start. Really, I did. But I didn't think any of this would happen. I just thought it'd be like the dozen or so other dresses you've made."

The unicorn reluctantly commented. "But, why tell me this now? Everypony's already here, they've been promised a show."

"I tried everythin' I could to stop it from happenin'," Applejack explained. "Probably should've just come here as soon as I heard about it and told you the truth. Could've saved ya all this trouble," She let out a deep sigh. "All I can say is, I'm sorry I let things get this bad. But I couldn't let you go out there and let you make a fool of yourself. I couldn't call myself an Apple or a good friend if I did that."

Rarity let the tape she'd been holding fall to the floor of the small backstage area she was in, and let the glow of her horn fade as she rushed up and hugged her fellow filly as tightly as she could. "Oh, Applejack! I'm glad you told me this! I'm glad you finally decided to be honest with me! You truly are my best friend."

The young earth pony blinked in surprise. "You mean, you ain't mad at me for any of this?"

"Maybe a little bit," The fashion loving unicorn admitted. "But I'd have been even more mad if you'd let me go out there and show off an absolutely horrible dress to the judges. Any chance of having a career in fashion after such a misstep would be impossible! You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I promise, I'll never ask you for any fashion advice ever again. I'll get a real expert's opinion before I do something like this again."

Cookie Crumbles smiled. "Does that mean I can take off this dress now? Even I didn't think it looked good."

Rarity giggled a bit. "Yes, Mother, you may," But as she watched her mom light up her horn and remove the ugly dress, the little unicorn had a sudden realization! "But what am I gonna do about those judges? How am I ever gonna explain that this was all a big misunderstanding? A lie that got out of control?"

"I don't know," Applejack glumly commented, before suddenly she got an idea! "But I think there might be somethin' we can try. It's the least I can do after I let things get out of control like this."





A short time later, the curtains on the small wooden stage parted as Rarity came trotting out onto the walkway. She faced Photo Finish, Prim Headline and Spoiled Milk and with a sincere smile she announced. "Thank you all so much for your patience. I recently came to a realization about my fashion skills. Let's just say I now know that I still have a lot to learn before I can even hope to make a splash in the fashion world."

Spoiled Milk frowned. "That's... very lovely, really," She declared in as sympathetic a tone she could muster up. "But we didn't come all this way just to have you back out, young mare. We came here expecting a fashion show. So you'd better have some fashion to show us!"

The little unicorn nodded and smiled. "Oh, don't worry, there is still one dress I'd like to show off. It's my demonstration of why we should avoid working with earthly colors like brown. Everypony knows that they're meant more for accents, as my model will now gladly demonstrate." She turned back towards the curtain and gave a whistle.

The curtains parted once again as Applejack sheepishly trotted along the walkway and joined Rarity on the stage in front of the judges. The whole time she displayed the ugly brown dress in all its unholy glory.

Photo, Prim and even Spoiled briefly seemed to grimace and react with disgust at what greeted their eyes. But then they couldn't help but laugh (just a little) at how badly designed it really was.

"Yes, I know, it really is embarrassing," Rarity declared to the trio of judges. "And this was meant to be my signature dress, my absolute best work. So I think you can all agree that it's best if I show you no more."

"Ach, yes," Photo Finish happily agreed. "Zat dress is a travezty! Zere is no 'Da Magics' in it!"

"I couldn't agree more, Photo," Prim Headline declared with a sincere smile. "I've seen more than my fair share of horribly designed dresses in my day. But a dress like that certainly 'takes the cake' as it were."

And Spoiled Milk, after biting her hoof, managed to force out. "That is... certainly not what I would've expected coming into this. But I'm glad you won't be subjecting our eyes to any further fashion disasters, Miss. Rarity. I do hope that if someday you have fashion to show off, it will be much better designed and thought out than... that."

Both fillies breathed sighs of relief after hearing the relatively sympathetic and understanding, yet still rightfully critical and condemning statements the trio of judges had given. And they were even more relieved when they all went away shortly thereafter without saying anything more.

The stage was disassembled just as Hondo Flanks came upon the scene. "Oh no, is it over already?!" He lamented and kicked the ground with a hoof. "I'm sorry, Rarity. I would've been here sooner if Applejack hadn't made me chase her all over town for some reason."

"It's alright, Father," Rarity declared to the stallion. "You didn't miss much, really. And you and Mother won't have to worry about me trying another crazy scheme like this anytime soon. There is still a lot about fashion that I've yet to learn, as Applejack helped me to realize."





"So you do understand now, Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked in the present day as her flashback ended and she concluded her story. "Do you see what happens when we start lyin', even just a little?"

Apple Bloom slowly nodded. "I do now. Can't believe I never heard of that story before."

Applejack's cheeks flushed pink as she had to resist the urge to pull her stetson over her face. "Well, I ain't proud of tellin' that story. I'd rather hoped I'd never have to," She quickly recovered. "But when you were willin' to lie over somethin' that didn't need to be lied about, I knew I had to correct that behavior anyway I could."

The bow wearing filly still protested. "But I wasn't lyin' the way you did. And unlike you, my lie got caught before any harm was done."

The freckle faced mare could only shake her head. "That's not the point, sugarcube. The point of my story is, when we start lyin', it becomes easy to make it a habit," And she explained. "Sure, maybe we start out with little lies that don't mean much. Sometimes we maybe don't tell others the truth or the whole truth when asked. And maybe every once and a while if we try to be honest otherwise, that's okay. But if we start to lie all the time, even just about small things, it quickly snowballs out of control. We start bein' willin' to lie about everythin' and anythin'. And that's what leads to trouble."

"Like what happened between you and Rarity!" Apple Bloom realized! "Boy, wait 'til I tell Sweetie Belle about this! She'll be surprised to learn Rarity wasn't born with her sense of fashion."

Applejack grinned and giggled. "I have a feelin' she already knows. After all, I wasn't born perfect and neither was Rarity. We don't start out the way we always are, but that's just what makes life what it is: It's a learnin' experience. And every day brings us somethin' new to learn."

The farm filly just commented. "Huh, never thought about it like that before."

"Eeyup," Applejack declared with a smile. "So don't you ever think about lyin' again, Apple Bloom. Not even if you tell yourself it's just a little lie or it'll only be for one time. When you start makin' excuses to lie, you're already makin' a habit out of it," She then adjusted her brown stetson and said. "Now come on, it's almost dinner time. And don't forget, you're helpin' Granny Smith make the zap apple jam tomorrow."

Apple Bloom giggled. "And that means I've got all those funny rituals that I have to do to make it just right, includin' that bunny hop around the waterin' cans." But at least she could take solace in the fact that she wouldn't be the only pony doing it when was all said and done.