Author: Annonymouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
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Special thanks to maskedferret for helping me with spelling and grammar.
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PLEASE NO COMMENTS ON SPELLING OR GRAMMAR! See my profile for details
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Into the Blender
06
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Rarity's Carousel Boutique.
Applejack squinted as she tried using magic to thread a needle for the umpteenth time.
“Ah got the hang ah usin yer magic, but Ah just can't get the hang ah th' finer points.”
Meanwhile, Rarity was impressed with how 'articulate' Rainbow Dash's hooves were as she actually managed to thread the needle on her third try. “Hmm, Dash's body is actually full of surprises. Agile, great co-ordination. I could never thread a needle using just my own hooves, no matter how I tried.”
“Ya actually did it? Ah tried fer an hour with mah hooves. Dashie really is sumpthin.”
“Well, I guess she is... something.” She tried fluffing her short, now strait, mane. Still white, as she STILL had not figured out how to fly, and yes, she had tried on quite a few occasions, resulting every time in her crashing into the pond near where she was practising.
“Y'all gonna try again?”
“Try what?”
“Tryin to fly.”
“I do not know if I really should... I just keep failing. If Dashie were to see my try and fail, I would never hear the end of it.”
“Hear the end of what if you fail?” Scootaloo's voice sounded.
“What? Oh... Nothing Darling.” Rarity blushed a little.
“Oh, your attempts at flying? I know all about that. Keep it up. You'll figure something out.” Dash turned to leave, her head hanging. “At least you have the potential.
Rarity felt bad. “Dashie?”
“What?”
“That book is on making kites, isn't it?” Her eyes glinted.
“Yea, so?”
“Would you like to fly?”
“How?” She fluttered her tiny wings. “They just can't get any lift.”
Rarity came over and took the book. “How to make kites.” She smiled, then looked around her shop. “I think I can help make you some wonderful kites.”
Dash's eyes lit up. “Really? But, don't you have your shop to run?”
“Oh-hohoho... No...” The 'no' came as deadpan as a pan could be dead. “You see, I can't create without my magic... And even though Applejack has managed to figure out how to lift and move things... she can't thread a needle to save her life.”
“Got it... Ponyfeathers. Ah don't got it.”
Rarity glanced back at her poor body. “Don't worry Applejack. I figured out how to thread needles with Rainbow Dash's hooves.” She smiled at her friend in the small body. “She certainly is talented.”
“Ah heck Rarity.” Applejack plunged the needle back into the pin cushion. “If'n y'all are gonna feel that way, y'all can take care ah things yerself.” She got up and left the shop.
“Applejack...” She half cried, but stopped. “Ooh. I've gone and done it again... Chased her off, with her taking my magnificent self with her... What am I going to do?”
“You're going to let her cool down. Trust me. Applejack may be hot headed, but she'll come back after she blows off some steam, and you have been keeping her away from the farm... Rarity?”
The moment Dash had said farm, Rarity panicked and rushed out. She had to find Applejack to make sure she didn't go to he farm and try bucking apples. That would be very unpleasant. Working up a sweat could stain her mane and coat. Bucking apple trees could chip a hoof and ruin her pedicure, or worse, sprain an ankle, or worse still, break a leg.
Rarity was panicking so badly she took a wrong turn, up towards Fluttershy's rather than up towards Sweet Apple Acres.
...
Fluttershy had been in town, wandering around and almost panicking. She had to tell the others that she had slipped up and told somepony about their secret. Still, she was scared what they would think of her, so when she spotted a pink pony, she wanted to hide.
But keeping the truth from them could cause them trouble. Not at all a kind thing to do. She started toward a mildly nervous looking Twilight.
“Twi... um... Pinkie Pie.” She called out.
“Huh? What?” She spotted Applejack and came over. “Hi Fluttershy. How are things at the farm?”
“Oh, I keep messing things up...”
“I heard about the mishap with the seeds. Big Mac is concerned about you, I mean, Applejack, well, you. Ugh... This is all just too confusing sometimes... Especially when I lose it like I did this morning.”
“What happened?”
“I ate some rice and...”
“Oh dear. Were there any casualties this time?”
“Casualties?” Twilight was taken aback. “Wait, what do you mean by casualties?”
Fluttershy was looking all over he place. “Ponyville isn't all pink. Are you sure you ate rice?”
“Just 1 spoonful. I'm apparently too blame for any... cutie mark scribbling you'll see.” She blushed and hung her head in apology as Rain Dancer and Carrot Top walked past.
Fluttershy saw the 'alterations' on their flanks. “Is that permanent marker?”
Twilight pulled the marker from her mane. “No, it's water soluble.”
“Oh good.” The shy Earth Pony smiled. “It would have been a shame if it had been permanent. It would have taken days for everypony to wash it off.”
“Yea... I guess it's not as bad as it had been...” Twilight sighed. “So, how's farm life? Not counting the mistakes you've made.”
“Oh... that...” She then told Twilight about how she had told Nurse Redheart.
Twilight's mane fell flat. “You what? We'll be ruined if this gets out. We have to talk to Nurse Redheart right now.”
...
Ponyville Hospital.
Nurse Redheart twitched when she saw Pinkie Pie enter, or was it really Twilight? Wait, Pinkie Pie wasn't bouncing like she always did, and her mane was down. She reached for one of Nurse Needle's needles and filled it with a sedative.
...
“Hello Nurse Needle.” Twilight tried to smile without looking nervous. “Is Nurse Redheart here?”
“Um...” She glanced down at her feet for just a moment. “She's taking a nap at the moment.”
Fluttershy lowered her head a little. “Oh. We really need to talk to her about something really important.”
“Why don't you come back later when she's back from her nap.” (Why did she use my BIG needle? I thought she hated that thing.)
“Oh, ok.” Twilight nodded and left along with Fluttershy.
Once outside, Twilight turned to her friend. “I hope nopony find out...”
“I hope so too. I better go check on Pinkie Pie. I hope she's not having a hard time taking care of my animals.”
“You do that... I'm going to go lay down for a while myself...” She headed back toward Sugarcube Corner while Fluttershy went to pay a visit to her animal friends.
...
Rarity was confused. When did Sweet Apple Acres get traded with Fluttershy's cottage, and why was there music coming from inside? She approached and knocked.
Pinkie Pie opened the door, revealing some pleasant music playing, and the sight of small animals sitting around and relaxing.
“Oh hi Rarity. I was feeling a little down so I decided to throw a little party for the animals. They seem to be having fun.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” She peeked in. This party, while it did look nice, completely lacked Pinkie's usual flair for parties. It just looked like a simple, relaxing get together of animals relaxing to music, nibbling on some snacks and drinking juice. “Sorry to bother you... I really need to find Applejack before she hurts herself, or worse, ruins my pedicure.”
“Oh, well good luck with that.”
“Yes, I think I will be needing luck.”
...
Big Mac just stared at Rarity as she picked apple after apple from the trees with her magic. Nowhere near as fast as Applejack could, but she looked like she was... enjoying herself?
He walked over and stared, not sure what to say.
Rarity spotted Big Mac and nodded to some nearby trees that needed bucking. They already had baskets layed about them.
“Eeyup.” He stated plainly and got to work. They did need to be picked after all.
Applejack may not have been bucking, but she was actually starting to feel relaxed as she plucked 3 or 4 apples at a time and placed them into the baskets.
She didn't even notice as Fluttershy walked up.
“Hello.” She spoke.
“Oh, hey there Sugercube.” She spoke in a low voice, nodding her head in the direction of the large red pony.
“Um... Applejack? I... I'm sorry. I told Nurse Redheart about our... condition. I don't think she took it too well.”
“Ah dun think anypony would. Sounds crazy as a chicken that thinks it can fly.”
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(Achoo) Sniffle. (I can sneeze?)
...
The pair of mares sat talking, watching Big Mac buck apples and looking in their direction from time to time, looking slightly annoyed.
“Maybe we should tell him.” Fluttershy blushed a little.
“Don't you go blushin when ya look at mah brother, specially seein as you're in mah body.”
“I'm sorry. I can't help it. He's so nice and quiet and... and I've had a crush on him for the longest time.”
Applejack cringed. “Ah dun wanna hear talk like that come from mah mouth Fluttershy. Just taint right.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Maybe after we get this all right, I can put in a good word for ya.”
Fluttershy nodded meekly, blushing a little more.
“An' stop that blushin. Yer makin me look bad.”
“Sorry.”
“Ah... Maybe we should tell 'im. Not Granny Smith though, might be too much for her heart.” She then spotted a blue Pegasus running up the road, taking long strides, her wings helping her to move faster as she ran. “Hmm, here comes Rarity. Ah guess she's gonna wanna make sure Ah ain't done nuthin to her precious hooves.” She looked at them and they looked just as perfect as always.
“Oh there you are Darling. I was looking all over for you. I want to apologize for how inconsiderate I was.”
“Ah, don't worry yer pretty head none. Ah ain't done no bucking. Ah just used yer fancy magic to pick some apples. Not as fast as bucking, but I bet if Ah can get the hang of it, I can clear a tree just as fast as usual.”
Rarity blinked, then nodded. “I... I guess I did overreact. Please forgive me?”
“Ain't nuthin to forgive. It's all water under the bridge.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“OH, I'm so glad.” She eyed her hooves, and they looked just fine, besides some minor dust.
“One thing though.”
“Yes?”
“Maybe you really ought ask Rainbow Dash for some flying lessons. Ah can see the pained look in her eyes every time she looks at her mane.”
She fluttered her borrowed wings a little. “Well, yes, I have actually been practising in secret, but Dashie seems to already know about that. She seems downright depressed at the moment.”
“Well, what say y'all go get her to help ya learn. Get yer mane done up all right an' such. Dash will really appreciate that fer sure. Then ya can fly her up to her place and she can get her bits to get new shoes fer Scootaloo.”
“Yes, I should. Oh yes, Fluttershy? How is my darling Sweetie Belle doing?”
“Um, she's doing well. Granny Smith chased her out of the kitchen this morning when she tried to make breakfast.”
“I cannot blame her for that. Sweetie Belle is as bad a cook as our mother.”
“Oh dear.”
“She really that bad?”
“She burned the juice.”
“How the hay do ya burn juice?”
“Lil sis?”
“What 'y'all want Big Bro?” Applejack asked, turning to see Big Mac standing behind them. “Ah ponyfeathers...” He did not look amused.
...
No, Big Mac was not amused. Not one tiny bit of amusement was seen not heard from the large pony.
He was breaking up into hysterics, laughing his tail off.
The mares all looked at each other.
“So...” Rarity looked like she wanted to say something as she glanced at Applejack, who at this very moment was most definitely NOT amused.
“Big Mac! Y'all quit yer guffawin. This ain't no laughin matter.”
Big Mac gasped for breath as he tried to get the laughing under control.
Still, Applejack had never seen her big brother just cut loose and laugh before. She softened her features and chuckled lightly. “Well, Ah guess it is kinda funny.”
“You think this is funny?” Rarity glared at Applejack. “I fail to see how our predicament is funny in any way. Dashie is simply devastated that she can't fly (and that I did wash out her rainbow). Pinkie Pie... she can't throw her wonderful parties as she is. She's just too tired all time. Poor Twilight can't focus on any one thing at a time and she's already lost control a few times. It must be driving her crazy... And you, poor, poor Fluttershy. You can't take care of your animals like this. You must feel useless.”
“Oh not really. I still can care for the animals on the farm. I just have to ask them and they go right into their pens or the barn when I ask.”
“Eeyup. Thought it was mighty strange when Ah saw mah lil' sis do that.” Big Mac said, standing and looking as solemn as he usually did, though there was a twinkle in his eye.
“What 'bout yerself Rarity? Y'all can't sew without yer magic.”
“Oh, I can sew, it will just take more time.” She sighed and poked her belly a little. “And I do hate to say this, but I do think I'm making Dashie's body a little soft with all the pampering I've been giving it.”
“What are we going to do then?”
“Well, all we can do is just do what we can. Ah mean, do what we like, and also really take care ah each others bodies. Such as you Fluttershy. Y'all wanna care for animals, an I understand that's yer callin, but yer also not keepin me in top shape. Ah gotta care fer the farm an all. So, Ah have a plan. We just need ta get everypony together first, ok? I dun wanna explain this more than once.”
...
Seven of those who had been 'exchanged' were present, though Scootaloo was still missing, which really was weighing heavily on Rainbow Dash.
“So what's your plan? I bet it's going to be a great plan because we all know you're so smart and I think I'll just sit down and shut up now.” Twilight planted her flank on the library floor.
“Alright.” Applejack stomped her hoof, which made Rarity wince slightly. “We all mostly been worryin 'bout ahselves, frettin hardly bout each other. This ain't how friends are supposed to act. So I propose this. We all help each other with ah calls and needs. Ah mean, Ah can't buck no apples, but Ah've gotten th' hang ah pickem em quite quick with Rarity's magic. Ah can help Fluttershy with the farm chores as best ah can without mussin up Rarity's hooves an' mane too much. Ah ain't no use with sewin, but Ah sure as hay can find gems for her.”
“Indeed. We should go back to that geode and see just how rich it is.” Rarity smiled. Now, I most certainly can keep sewing. My creativity is not lacking in the slightest, but it will have to be done without magic.” She looked at Rainbow Dash. “And Dashie, I have been trying to get the hang of flying, but the nuances just escape me, and I could use a teacher. I don't want this athletic body to become soft after all.”
“I... I can do that, I guess.” Dash looked up from her book, kind of surprised that Rarity had actually asked to flying lessons. “But that's all I think I'd be good for.”
“Don't sell yourself short.” Pinkie Pie hugged the tiny Pegasus. “You may be in Scootaloo's body, but I bet you'll still be a great teacher.”
“We'll see.” She smiled, actually for once feeling a little better... Now only of she could find a way to get Scootaloo back...
“I'm not good with throwing parties.” Twilight frowned.
“But you're great at organizing and planning.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. “You just need to let the energy and creativity carry you and I bet you can throw some really fun parties.”
“Well, I can organize and plan... but I think I'd need you to be there with me... to make sure I don't go overboard with the planning and all that.”
“I would like that.” Pinkie Pie smiled.
Then they all looked at Terra.
“What?”
“Isn't there anything you can do to help somepony?” Dash glanced at Twilight.
“If you mean helping her study, she's been doing fine on her own.”
“No I haven't. I keep losing track of things, going from one subject to another and not even realizing it. I can't even get any real studying or projects done, especially without my magic.” She sighed.
“Then why do you not try to focus on your innate Earth Pony magic?” Terra suggested.
“What?” They all asked at once.
“Earth Ponies are the ponies that I created. I have given them all special innate magic that is connected with the planet. Be it plants, metals, gems. All Earth ponies have a special magic closely related to their special talent.” She looked at Applejack. “You are an Earth Pony, and I've heard your orchards grow some of the finest apples in all of Equestria, am I right?”
A nod.
“How is it that you can grow more apples per tree, year after year on the same land, while Pegasus and Unicorns have to rotate their crops and the land they use every so often? Also, look at the size and age of your trees. They are no older than some of the local unicorn apple orchards, but your trees are twice as large, and almost never get sick while other farms have to spend more money or use unicorn magic to keep their trees healthy.”
“Ah dun really thought 'bout that. Ah guess yer right.”
“Of course I am. Your family has, for generations, grown apples, and you have a special magic for apples.”
Twilight raised a hoof.
“Yes Twilight Sparkle?”
“What about me, I mean Pinkie Pie?”
“I have read up on her as well.” She smiled at the yellow Pegasus. “You specialize at throwing parties, right?”
“Of course.”
“But do you make it your life's work?”
“Of course not. I spend a lot of my money on throwing my parties. I work at the Sugarcube Corner to earn my money.”
“And how much do you have after your parties?”
“I'm usually pretty broke.”
“I see. Tell me about your family.”
“Oh, um... I come from a long lone of rock farmers.”
“What are these rocks used for?”
“All sorts of things. Sculpting, building roads, homes, bridges, even used as ballast in ships.”
“How is it, while you farm the same land, generation after generation, the land never runs out of stone?”
“Oh... um... I don't know.”
“That is your Earth Pony magic, stone magic where Applejack has apple magic.
Twilight blinked. “Wait, do you mean if I were to concentrate enough, I could pull up stones out of the ground?”
“If you can learn to understand the magic involved, yes you can.”
Everypony stared at Terra, amazed.
“Now, my next lesson will be tomorrow morning. I suggest all of you go out and do what you love, and help your friends to do what they love as well.” (Hmm, The Element of Friendship... A most powerful of Elements. I guess even I can help others to become better ponies.)
...
Scootaloo stared out into the darkness. She imagined herself, free, as herself, with strong wings so she could fly alongside Rainbow Dash...
Was Rainbow Dash even looking for her?
No, she refused to give up.
She started humming to herself, a happy song she had learned from Pinkie Pie.
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To Be Continued...