//------------------------------// // Pinkie's Idea // Story: Life, Death, and Ponies // by thunderclap //------------------------------// You woke up with a confused look on your face. Not only did you not dream about your parents, but there was something familiar about the girl you saw in your dream. ‘Wait a minute. According to Einstein there are an infinite number of parallel universes that differ in at least one aspect. So if this world is parallel to my old one then that means everyone here is a pony version of someone from my old world. That would explain why Annabeth seems so familiar. She could be the human version of Applejack. Well, that’s one mystery… Wait,” You thought, scratching your chin with a hoof. ‘If this world is a parallel universe, could that mean that the pony version of me died as well and I just took his body? Or did I just take over his body without him dying? Either way, that would explain why I already had a cutie mark when I woke up in the castle. Does that mean the pony me is in my body now? Or is he just dead? Maybe I shouldn’t think about this too much. After all, I’m here now and that’s all that matters, right?’ Your subconscious didn’t answer you, which was frustrating, but you just shook it off and got ready for the day. You walked out of the shower and gave yourself a quick sniff. ‘I know they’re the Apple family and all, but do they have to use apple shampoo?’ You walked down to the dining room and the Apple family was already there again. You took your place at the table and started to eat. “Good mornin’, Blackstar.” Applejack said. “Mornin’,” You replied with a yawn. “What’s got ya so tired? It’s already six in the mornin’.” “That’s another way of saying: it’s six in the morning and I’m awake.” “Ah think ya picked the wrong house not ta be a mornin’ pony.” “Eeyup,” “Then maybe I should move out. You said it yourself that I could get just about any job I wanted.” “Very funny,” Applejack replied with a roll of the eyes. “Hey, I thought it was funny.” “Well, you got an odd sense a humor anyway.” “Maybe,” you said with a shrug. ‘Applejack and Annabeth sound exactly the same. I guess that means the alternate universe theory is pretty likely. Or it could just be a coincidence.’ “Blackstar, are you okay?” Apple Bloom asked. “Sorry, I was just thinking about something.” “What were ya thinkin’ about?” “It’s nothing important. Just something I remembered all of a sudden.” “Alright, if ya say so,” Applejack said. “So, what’s the plan for today?” “Well, yer gonna work with Granny, and Ahm gonna go into town and sell our products.” “Fine by me.” An hour later Applejack loaded up the cart and walked into Ponyville. After a while business slowed down a little, leaving Applejack alone with her thoughts. ‘At least things seem t’be normal between me an’ Blackstar. Fer a minute there Ah thought he was gonna bring up what happened last night. Why can’t Ah stop thinkin’ about that? Oh, Ah know it’s because Ah made a complete fool of mahself in front of ‘im.’ Applejack pulled herself away from her thoughts when she saw Twilight walking towards her stand. “Hey Twilight, how are ya today?” “I’m fine, how are you today?” “Ahm alright Ah guess, but Ah think Ah did somethin’ stupid when Ah talked to Blackstar last night.” “What do you mean?” Twilight asked, tilting her head. “Well, ya know how Ah ran away to Manehattan when Ah was a filly?” “Yeah, and you followed the rainbow that Rainbow Dash made with her Sonic Rainboom and earned your cutie mark, what about it?” “Ah told Blackstar about that too, and he asked me if Ah could still talk like Ah did when Ah was with mah aunt and uncle, Orange. Ah told ‘im Ah wouldn’t do it but eventually Ah slipped and Ah did. Is there somethin wrong with me, Twilight?” Applejack groaned. “There’s nothing wrong with you. We all do stupid things when we have a crush on somepony. Last night, I was up until almost four in the morning rearranging bookshelves because I was worried about him not liking me.” “Why are ya worried about him not likin’ ya? Yer so smart and organized, Ah don’t think Ah can compete with that.” “Thanks Applejack, I hope the others aren’t freaking out about this whole thing like we are.” “Me too, but Ah don’t think it works that way, especially when almost all yer friends like the same stallion.” “I guess I see your point.” “Well, I may not be a personal student to Celestia, but Ah do know a few things.” Applejack said with a slight grin, causing Twilight to chuckle for a bit. “I should get going. I need to buy more parchment and quills. I always seem to run out at the worst times.” “Ah’ll see ya later, Twilight. We’re all meetin’ up at Sugarcube Corner later t’hear more about Pinkie’s idea, right?” “I know. I have it set on my schedule so I don’t forget.” Twilight said with a bright smile. You finished working with Granny Smith and walked into Ponyville early in the afternoon. You remembered that Rarity said your jacket would be done by today. You decided that would be your first order of business and headed off to the boutique. The small bell in the door chimed and Rarity’s voice followed suit a few moments later. “I’ll be right with you, Darling.” “It’s me, Blackstar. I’m here to pick up my jacket.” “Alright, stay right there and close your eyes, I want it to be a surprise.” “Fine,” You said, quickly following Rarity’s instructions. A minute later you heard Rarity enter the room. “Okay, Darling. For your jacket I wanted to make something that seemed to fit you. So, I made it fabulous of course, but in a subtle way.” “Sounds great, can I open my eyes yet?” “Yes. Now, don’t be afraid to tell me your thoughts, I want your honest opinion whether it be positive or negative.” You opened your eyes and saw what looked like a black trench coat with dark blue trim. You walked up to it and took in every detail of the garment. Then you used your magic to put it on. It was one of the most comfortable things you had ever worn. It was warm but not suffocating and the fabric had a light sheen to it which was stunning, but was only visible if you were looking right at the coat. “What do you think?” Rarity asked hesitantly. “This jacket is absolutely amazing.” You said. “You’re too kind, Darling.” Rarity beamed, regaining her composure. “I mean it,” You said with a grin. “How did you get the coat to gleam like this only when I look right at it, some kind of enchantment?” “No,” Rarity chuckled. “I sewed some black gemstones into it, and arranged it so that it would do that.” “You’re really talented, Rarity.” “Oh come now, it was just a simple sewing trick.” Rarity dismissed with a wave of the hoof. “A simple sewing trick that I don’t think that I could replicate even if I used my magic,” you stated. “Well, you certainly know how to flatter somepony.” Rarity replied with a slight grin. “I don’t flatter. I merely give credit where credit is due.” “Thank you very much, Blackstar.” “For what,” You asked with a feigned confused look. “You did all of the work. And I believe all we have left is the matter of the payment.” “Oh yes, what will you play for me?” “Ah, ah, ah,” You started. “It’s lady’s choice.” “Well, could you perhaps, play what you played for me before?” “I’ll try, but I just made that up at the time so it may not sound exactly the same.” You explained while pulling out your violin. “It’s okay, Darling. I know I’ll enjoy whatever you play.” You fell into your new routine for playing the violin and took a deep breath. Unlike the last time you played the song you didn’t falter over the notes. Everything came out the way you wanted to. Each note flowing into the next almost seamlessly. You could tell that you had made a few changes from last time, but that didn’t bother you and you kept playing until the end. As soon as you were finished you looked up at Rarity who had a warm look on her face. “What did you think?” “That was even better than the last time you played.” Rarity stated in a somewhat mystified voice. “Thanks,” You replied rubbing the back of your head with a hoof. “It looks like I’m finally shaking the rust off, but I’m still nowhere near as good as my mom. She makes what I just did sound like a cat wailing in comparison.” “She sounds truly spectacular.” Rarity said. “Blackstar, may I ask you something?” “Sure, what is it Rarity?” “Why did you stop playing the violin? You seem to enjoy playing a great deal.” “Uh, I don’t really know.” You lied. “It kind of just happened.” “That’s not a real explanation.” Rarity huffed. “Be that as it may, it’s my explanation.” “Fine, be that way.” Rarity pouted, turning her head away from you. “I will,” You said with a short laugh. “I gotta go, but I hope to see you again soon, Rarity.” With that you turned and walked out the door. Rarity started to shake her head as the door closed behind Blackstar. “That boy is such a mystery.” She said to herself. “One minute he’s kind and charming, and the next he acts like a foal. Then again, I might have asked an uncomfortable question.” Rarity let out a little sigh and looked over at the clock on her wall. “Oh dear, look at the time!” She exclaimed in a melodramatic tone. “I need to get to Sugarcube Corner to meet the others.” She then hurried out of the boutique and into town. You walked down the street and didn’t feel quite as uncomfortable as you had yesterday. This was mostly due to your lack of exposure. You took another glance at your new coat and smiled a bit as you saw the subtle shine from the gems hidden deep within the fabric. ‘I can’t believe Rarity made me something like this. Just like everyone else she’s gone way past generous with this. Maybe I should’ve given her something more than some song?’ You thought, furrowing your brow as you did. ‘Then again she did seem to like it. Hmm, what should I do now? I can’t live at Applejack’s forever. That would be too weird. So, I should look into finding a house for myself. Celestia said she gave me enough to do that much.’ You were pulled away from your thoughts when you heard a voice around you say, “Why, hello there ladies. I was just walking by and I couldn’t help but notice how breathtaking you all look.” You turned around and saw who the voice belonged to. Rarity was the last one to walk into Sugarcube Corner. The others were all huddled around one of the tables in the center of the shop. As soon as she was through the door Pinkie Pie got up and turned the sign in the window to closed. “Hello girls, how are you doing today?” Rarity asked. “We’re all fine,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Let’s just get to the part where we talk about Pinkie’s idea.” “Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie Pie chimed, bouncing back to the others. “We all remember my idea, right?” She asked with a wide grin on her face. “Yes, we all go on individual dates with Blackstar, without calling them dates so he doesn't know and hope that helps him make his choice.” Twilight stated. “But, how are we going to decide what order we go in without starting an argument?” “Easy, we pick at random.” Pinkie beamed. “I’ll put five slips of paper in a hat with numbers on them and the number on your paper is your place in the order.” “Ah guess that makes sense.” Applejack said. “I agree. This way it’s completely fair as to who goes when.” Rarity continued. “Great!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Applejack, could I use your hat? I’ve got the papers all set right here.” Applejack complied with Pinkie’s request and she dropped the slips of paper into it. She then gave it a quick shake to mix them up. The group slowly approached the hat and took one of the slips. Rainbow Dash was the first to open her slip of paper. “Aww yeah!” she exclaimed. “Number one, that’s what I’m talking about!” “Looks like I’m number two.” Fluttershy said sheepishly. “I’m third,” Twilight said. It was down to Applejack and Rarity. Neither of them wanted to know what was written on their slip. Finally, Applejack broke the tension and opened her piece of paper. Her heart sank as the number seemed to stare back at her, mocking her. “Ahm, the fifth and last one to go,” She said, downtrodden.