Applejack secretly loves Rarity but she soon loses her chance. Or does she? EG universe.
Applejack loves Rarity but hasn't had the courage to tell her until something, or someone, beats her to it. Desperate, Applejack takes a journey to another world. With only days to get Rarity back will AJ make it in time? Being human was never easy but being in love is even harder.
It was an unusually hot day in April and the sun was high leaving Applejack little relief from its rays. Even with the leaves of the apple trees Applejack was sweating up a storm and getting tanner by the minute. Fortunately Applejack wasn’t terribly interested in appearances. She had her priorities straight, well most of them. The farm was as successful as ever, what with Applebloom coming into her own and helping more on the farm. Her friends and their friendship was indeed magical, having lived through various attacks from a medley of vicious characters and having an honestly great time doing it. She had even begun talks with Cherry Jubilee about an Apple-Cherry Exchange market. At least something good had come out of her panicked and embarrassing moment after the rodeo. But one thing still lingered in her mind. It had been growing like an apple on a branch and she was ready to buck that tree and take a bite.
Rarity. Yes, one would assume that a rough but practical mare like Applejack wouldn’t be interested in an overdramatic finicky filly like Rarity but assumptions are usually wrong for a reason. Applejack and Rarity had their differences and disagreements but they were still amazing friends. Friends who knew each other’s insecurities like when Sweetie Belle cast off Rarity and chose Applejack as her sister. Applejack knew that Rarity loved Sweetie Belle but couldn’t connect so together they schemed the perfect switcharoo during the Sisterhooves Social.
Applejack had learned to view Rarity’s shrewd behavior towards dress making and fashion as a sign that Rarity wanted only the best for herself and her clients. She could relate to that feeling. Every orchard, tree, every sale had to be the best because it represented her family and name. Sure they were two different mediums, apples and dresses but they had the same goal: Perfection, quality, and trust. Rarity was a loving sister, a dedicated worker, and a wonderful friend. What wasn’t there to love?
Applejack shook her head sending a few drops into the parched earth below. What wasn’t there to love? Well for starters she does get a bit dramatic at the drop of a hat. Literally a hat. Applejack smiled at the Stetson that shielded her face. But I guess I would too, if it were this hat…but that’s not the point. She doesn’t like to get dirty or let go of her precious image. But those are her principles. She is dedicated I’ll give her that. And I couldn’t be something I’m not… Applejack reared bucking the tree behind her until the satisfying rumble of apples stopped. This feels natural to me… like being crazy must feel to her. The orange mare chuckled to herself. Crazy old Rarity. But not as crazy as Pinkie “PIE!” Applejack yelped and tumbled into her basket as Pinkie fell out of the tree. Well if you consider hanging upside down and then rotating your body 180 degrees without moving your head to be falling.
“Applejack!!! Oh my goulashes! There is something super duper big happening at the Carousel Boutique and only we are invited because it’s super looper dee-duper awesome and important and secret!” Pinkie started squealing or laughing, Applejack couldn’t tell. As long as she was breathing that’s all that mattered but Applejack wouldn’t put it past the pink pony to be able to survive without air.
“Calm yer cattle there sugarcube.” Applejack said righting herself and brushing the squished apple from her tail. Such a waste. I hope this is important. “Well what ya got fer me?” Pinkie smiled half way to Equestria.
“Rarity’s got an announcement! An announcement that could lead to a party. Isn’t it awesome?! We don’t even know what the announcement is but announcements usually have ponies at them and parties have ponies! And I am a pony who has parties with other ponies where announcements are made! But not all parties need announcements or even ponies. Remember that one time I threw a party for Gummies’ rock collection? There were soooooooooooo many rocks. It took forever to bring them to SugarCube Corner but it was worth it. You should have seen the look on Gummies’ face! It was like this!” Pinkie stopped talking long enough to transform her face into that of a green alligator. Sure she wasn’t a unicorn but she sure was not your average earth pony. Applejack took advantage of Pinkie’s momentary moment as another species to interject.
“That’s nice an’ all Pinkie but how’d you find out about this here announcement? And when is it?” Pinkie reverted back to her ‘normal’ self and started bouncing.
“Twilight told me!”
Applejack frowned. “Wait, ah thought you said only we were invited to this here shindig.”
“We are! But when I said we I meant the royal we. Did you get it cause Twilight is royal now and it also means all of us! ALL OF US! ALL OF US! ALL OF Uh…” An apple had been unceremoniously placed in Pinkie’s mouth which she proceeded to chew happily.
“So yer sayin’ the six of us?” Pinkie nodded vigorously. Applejack had been smart to cram one of the larger apple varieties the Apple family orchard grew into Pinkie’s face. It bought her time to think. What could Rarity be announcing? A new line of dresses? A new addition to her store? Sweetie Belle’s cutie mark? Naw that would crush Applebloom and it wasn’t necessarily Rarity’s place to take away from Sweetie Belle’s moment by making a grand diva announcement. Applejack hitched a cart filled with apples to her waist and started trudging towards the supply barn with a jolly Pinkie Pie in tow. No it was something else, but what? Applejacks eyes widened in terror and disbelief. She doesn’t… no how could she… I mean maybe there were some hints but… I’m not ready… what? Why would she tell everyone? That mare, the nerve! To make a scene? This is just like her. Well two can play at that game. Applejack’s trudge turned into an angry gallop leaving Pinkie Pie in the dust.
“Applejack! The boutique is this way!” Pinkie wiped the remains of the apple from her face. “Silly AJ.”
Applejack and Pinkie Pie rounded the corner of the boutique to find Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash already waiting outside.
“Howdy y’all.” Applejack greeted her best friends. They saw each other daily but it didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy their company… most of the time. Twilight and Fluttershy nodded their hellos while Rainbow Dash looked disinterested.
“Hey Applejack. What took you so long?” The cyan colored pony said crossing her arms in a smug fashion. It didn’t take much to get Rainbow Dash and Applejack started. Most of the group thought the two ponies secretly had the hots for each other but that wasn’t the case. They just were hot headed, competitive, and loved to argue.
“Ah was working. What were you doin’?” Applejack said unimpressed.
“I was…” Rainbow Dash paused for a moment... “not working.”
“Is that a comeback?” Twilight asked. “Spike take note: what is a comeback? Add to the To Do list ‘research comebacks and other plays on language and fighting words.”
“Fighting werds! Hah! Dash couldn’t fight with werds unless they started the fight ferst!”
“Oh yeah? It’s not like you can even say words the right way.” Rainbow Dash snatched Applejack’s hat and plopped it on her own head. “I’m Applejack n I like werds, dur dah dur dur apples.”
“Oh my.” Fluttershy gasped and backed into a bush. Twilight took vigorous notes and Pinkie… well Pinkie was eating a cupcake but what else is new?
“You think yer all clever like cause you got mah hat?” Applejack reached over her shoulder and undid the band around her mane. She proceeded to whip her mane back and forth until it had a ragged windslapped look to it. AhI’m Rainbow Dash and ah can’t werk a day without napping for half o’ it! Dah dur da dur dur Wonderbolts” Rainbow Dash squinted menacingly at Applejack. An insult to her was one thing, but her Wonderbolts were another story.
“Applebucker!”
“Cloudhumper!”
“Dirthugger!”
“Lazyplot!”
“LADIES!” an elegant yet loud voice boomed over the quarreling mares. Spooked, Rainbow Dash dropped the Stetson and Applejacks hair blew out to its normal self. “Behave yourselves really.” The cyan and orange pair looked sheepishly at the ground. “Especially today of all days, when such a momentous occasion is upon us.” This perked the group up. This was the reason they had gathered. Not to watch Rainbow and Applejack have another war about who was the best anything, in this case the best pony at making up crappy insults.
“I love occasions!” Pinkie squeaked. The chia pet that had become Fluttershy was mouthing ‘yay’ but nothing could be heard. Twilight stopped scribbling and looked up. Spike was drooling.
“What’s up Rarity?”
“Yes that is the question of the hour my dear Twilight. What is up? What is up may never come down for it is my head and my heart. Trapped on cloud nine like a Pegasus’s first failed attempts to walk in Cloudsdale. Like a balloon ever rising towards the unforgiving sun I am prepared to burst!”
“Cloud what now? Nine? Is that a new place in Cloudsdale?” Rainbow shook her head and shrugged at Applejack.
“Darling Applejack,” the ivory mare cooed. The orange mare felt her knees weaken. Darn mah legs! “Cloud nine is a lover’s paradise. A place of little strife brimming with passion!” Oh no… no no no… She knows and she’s going to tell everyone. I got to stop this!
Applejack raised a hoof. “Look Rare’s, I gotta stop yah there.” Rarity balked.
“But why? I was about to explain the journey to my current emotional condition. For it is an affliction. Incurable. Yet necessary to live!” Rarity reared back on her hind legs striking a dramatic pose. The right side of her mouth opened slightly. “Spike, be a dear and get my fainting couch ready.”
“On it!” The chipper green dragon ran to retrieve said couch.
“No No No!” Applejack stomped her front hooves down “Rarity there will be no fainting couches. None o’ that.”
“But Applejack.” Rarity whined.
“No but Applejack because ah already know what yer gonna say.”
“You do?”
“Ah know ah should have said somethin’ earlier but ah didn't think it was the right time. There probably is never gonna be a right time. Maybe you thought this was the only way to get me to say what ah needed to say.” That makes sense. Rarity knew I wouldn’t be courageous enough to do it on my own. Impatient imp.
“Of course Applejack! I am so glad you were aware of this. I mean it makes so much sense with you being related and all. Of course family would talk.”
“Wait… what?”
“He must have slipped some hints your way. Oh he isn’t good at keeping secrets I guess.” Rarity raised her hoof to a curtain usually used to hide unreleased pieces of Rarity’s collection. “Now Opal!” The obese cat rolled her eyes but yanked a tassel next to the curtain. The curtain dropped revealing a male pony scratching his nose.
“What? Oh… sorry Rarity. I fergot the cue.”
“It’s ok love.” Rarity turned to the mares that were in various stages of shock. “He apparently isn’t good at grand entrances either. Oh well.” Fluttershy’s wings had sprung up of their own accord and she was in the process of turning into a cherry chia pet. Rainbow’s jaw reached the ground which was impressive considering she was five feet in the air. Twilight cocked her head and took out another note pad upon which she quickly started covering in notes. Spike had just finished pushing the couch and was too winded to care.
“Braeburn!” Pinkie shrilled happy to welcome someone new yet familiar to Ponyville. Every new pony required a one of a kind Welcome to Ponyville by Pinkie Pie Party Paloosa. This one would be even more special because it was a Welcome to Ponyville and We Are Already Friends cause we helped save your valley and create an alliance with the Buffalo Whoopah! By Pinkie PieParty Paloosa Bonanza. Which means there would be bananas. Lots and lots of bananas. Applejack meanwhile hadn’t moved. Her eye was twitching but the rest of her body was frozen.
“Hi Cousin Applejack. Long time no see.” Braeburn said tipping his hat.
“Spike?”
“Yes Applejack?”
“Yah got that couch Rarity asked fer?”
“Yup its right here” Spike chirped pointing to the couch which was conveniently in front of Applejack.
“Thanks Spike.” Applejack said before passing out in a dramatic fashion that would and did make Rarity jealous.
The alabaster mare chuckled nervously. “Well, I did mention it would be momentous.”
When Applejack came to the ponies were quietly chatting with the newly announced couple. No no no… this isn’t real. My cousin? That should be me not Braeburn! Tears welled in her eyes and before anyone could notice that she had awakened she was gone. Galloping who knows where. All Applejack knew was that she had failed. She had lost to Braeburn. No this isn’t acceptable. There has to be something I can do. With that thought the determined orange mare ran into the unwelcoming branches of the Everfree Forest. Anything was better than the Carousel Boutique.
She galloped until her vision blurred and her lungs burned. The adrenaline kept her from noticing the various cuts and scratches she was accumulating through her trip. The last thing she saw before blacking out was an exotic thatched hut.
“No Rarity why? Why? Its me! Me!” Applejack whimpered miserably on a cot in Zecora’s small but beautifully decorated home.
“Applejack awake, this nightmare you must shake.” Zecora lifted a bowl with her mouth and tipped the contents onto the squirming Applejack.
“What in tarnation?!” Applejack jumped out of the cot smacking her head on the ceiling promptly sending her back to earth. “Ow.” Zecora shook her head. “What in Celestia’s name are yah doin’?”
“Saving your hide from your broken pride.” Zecora said flatly walking back to her table of bowls and powders. “Running from your problems is no great feat, but facing them head on your problems you will defeat.”
“Mah problems?! Mah problems aren’t solvable! The mare ah love and mah blood kin are in cahoots with each other!” Applejack waved her front limbs wildly stopping only when she noticed the bandages wrapped around her legs. “What? What happened to me?” “You were blinded by your hearts pain that you lacked the forethought to refrain.” Zecora brought back a cup balanced carefully on a plate. “Drink this to revive your spirit, and after that I want to hear it.”
“Thanks.” Applejack drank the tasteless liquid slowly. “Say Zecora. Why do yah always speak in rhymes?”
“A dialect is not a thing to neglect, and if I asked you the same would you be able to explain?”
“Ah guess not.” Applejack rubbed the back of her head embarrassed. “It’s just natural.”
“No need for shame in here, I am always happy to lend an ear.”
“Well in that case…” Applejack placed the plate on the ground becoming solemn. “Rarity is in love with Braeburn. Mah cousin Braeburn from Appleoosa. Ah didn’t catch the whole story and ah don’t really want to. But ah was in love with her ferst. Ah just didn’t let her know, and now… Now ah never will.”
“Though the past you cannot erase in the future there is still a chase.” Applejack frowned at the zebra.
“What are yah getting’ at?”
“If you truly yearn for this mare, nothing else will compare. The heart you had, the timing and place was what was bad. I can help you get what you have lost, but nothing comes without a cost.”
“Ah shucks Zecora… Ah don’t have any bits on me right now.”
“It is not money which I seek, but a sacrifice not for the weak.”
“A sacrifice? This is getting’ a little weird Zecora even fer you.” Applejack shook her head sadly. This was becoming complicated.
Zecora narrowed her eyes at the earth pony in her hut. “You love this mare with all you heart?”
“Ah course I do!” Applejack exclaimed pounding her hooves on the ground causing her to wince.
“Then why do you hesitate to depart?"
“Depart?”
“A journey to a world unknown, something you have never been shown. A drink, a mirror, a place forbidden, is where you’ll find what is hidden.”
“Huh?” Applejack walked over to the boiling pot in the middle of the room where Zecora was dropping ingredients.
“Twilight Sparkle took a trip, now its time to jump on that ship.”
“Twilight? A trip? Like when she went to…” Applejack racked her brain for Twilights adventures beyond ponyville. A lightbulb went off. “The mirror in the Crystal Empire! We didn’t ever find out what she saw. Ah was curious but it wasn’t mah place to ask. But wait an apple pickin’ minute! How do yah know bout the mirror portal thing? And isn’t only open every thirty somethin’ years? And isn’t it in Cadence’s castle? And.. ” A large poof from the cauldron clogged the air and Applejacks windpipes. “Oh… ugh.. Can’t… cough… breathe.” The smoke had no effect on Zecora who ignored the orange mare that was struggling almost comically. As she continued stirring the liquid with a large paddle using her front legs the smoke dissipated leaving a bright purple liquid. It smelled like laundry to Applejack. Do I gotta drink soap? She had had enough of that with Granny Smith in her foal years. She wasn’t the element of honesty for nothing.
“Do you want to fulfill your heart’s desire?”
“Well yeah.”
“Then don’t put this zebra on a pyre. Does the origin of the answer matter when what you want most relates to the latter?”
“Ah guess?” I must have really hit my head
“Then heed my instructions or you may cease to function!”
“Cease to function?!” I love Rarity and all but I think I love my well being a little bit more.
“That may have been a bit severe, but I believe you will persevere. To enter against the mirror’s 30 year will, you must take a taste of this magic swill. Of this potion, half you must take at the Sun goddess’s castle gate. Sneak in like a fox, I suggest wearing socks.” Zecora paused to pour the liquid into a small flask with a gold band around its neck. The carvings were too faded to make out but Applejack could have sworn it was comprised of small diamonds and swords. “At the mirror drink all but the last drop. You must remember to stop! Through the portal you will go, where you end up I do not know.”
“Wait. But what’s the point? Ah get to this other side and then what? How will this get Rarity to notice me?”
“I was not done, you have much to learn young one. You have three days from when you enter. When the potion turns white you must reenter. If it turns black you won’t be coming back. You may lose some things along the way but you had the choice to use your voice on an earlier day. You’ll get one more chance to romance. Prove you’re worth with a show of affection and when you come back you’ll be in the right direction.”
“So let me get this straight. Yer giving me a weird smelling potion, telling me to sneak into CELESTIA’S castle, risk LIFE AND LIMB in a place you don’t even know, and go on a wild hog chase for some AFFECTION?!”
“Pony don’t look so lost, I did warn you there was a cost.” Is she smiling?! Does she get her kicks confusing ponies? She has a better poker face than the Mare-a Lisa. Ugh.
And that was how Applejack was now standing in front of the castle gates. It wouldn’t be easy to get through the castle undetected. With no magic or wings Applejack would need to be crafty. Zecora did help. Along with the potion she had equipped Applejack with a map of the castle and the mirror’s new home, a quad of green striped socks, and a messenger bag with an apple on the front. If she didn’t know better she could have sworn that Zecora had planned the whole thing all along. How she had a map of the castle Applejack didn’t know. How she knew that the mirror had been moved, deemed no longer a threat for another twenty nine years, was also a mystery. That zebra had more than a few tricks up her bangles.
This wasn’t her first time entering the Goddesses’ haven. Her and her friends had been warmly invited on multiple occasions. Whether it be the Grand Galloping Gala, the Royal Wedding, or just to hang out with Celestia and Luna when they got bored of being royal. She still couldn’t believe a farmhand like herself had become a regular visitor. And now a regular trespasser.
Guilt crept into her mind. Celestia and Luna were technically her friends too and she was going behind their backs in their home. It’s for a good reason AJ. It’s for love. If friendship is the seed then love is the tree. Wait. Where did that come from? The orange mare rolled her eyes at herself. I've spent too much time with Rarity. Starting to sound as dramatic as her. Applejack sighed. She unwillingly opened the bag and pulled out the purple potion.
The potion itself wasn’t terrible. The soap smell had faded as a strong lilac taste took over Applejack’s mouth. Her throat had started to burn with the aftertaste eliciting some coughing. Just like drinking Granny’s prohibition moon shine cider. Does Zecora get drunk in the woods on her own potions? Applejack shrugged. It wasn’t her business. She quickly stuffed the potion back in her bag and pulled out the socks. She was careful to pull them over her bandaged limbs.
She wasn’t used to wearing much on her feet because any shoe would break after being slammed over and over again into a tree. She did admit that the green was a nice color on her orange fur. Gosh. Now I am starting to think like Rarity too. Next I’ll be matching my hat with my… hair? Rolling her eyes Applejack gingerly walked over to the main entrance of the royal library. Her story was simple. She was on a trip to Canterlot and Twilight had asked her to pick up a book from the library since she hadn’t been planning on visiting until her flight lessons were over. In theory this would work but being the Element of Honesty was bogging Applejack down. I should be the Element of feeling guilty.
Even with her nagging conscience Applejack’s hooves had kept their pace past the guards who nodded warmly at her and through the tall columns of the public part of the castle. The library’s entrance was only a door and staircase away. Maybe she could make it without running into sweet… “CELESTIA!”
“Why hello my little pony. It is a pleasant surprise to see you here, and without the company of your friends. Is everything alright?”
No. “Yes! I mean no.” Celestia’s face became concerned.
“Well whatever it is you can tell me.Surely I can help.”
“Ahm… on a trip to the royal library for…”, myself because it’s the room before the room with the mirror. “To… um, find some…learnin'” Some learning? The way I'm acting I need some 'learning'. I'm a big fat liar. But technically I haven't lied yet...I do need to learn how to get to that room. Sweat started forming on her brow.
“Learning is one of the great joys of life. The library does have many different volumes. Did Twilight recommend something to you?”
“Yeah. I got a recommendation…” from Zecora, “to find something I’ve never seen before.”
“That sounds like my student. A role model for personal exploration. Her enthusiasm for knowledge can be contagious don’t you think?” Celestia looked off into the distance. A dreamy look appeared upon her face but was quickly replaced by a more regal smile.
“Yes.” I’m going be sick. There had been some talk between ponies that Celestia and her student were more than mentor and mentee. It was hard to tell with Celestia. She had had literally thousands of years to practice her poker face. But love always has a way of breaking down even the strongest of walls and facades.
“Applejack are you alright? You seem to be heating up.” Celestia had noticed the sheen on Applejack’s forehead.
“Ah’m ok. It’s these socks.” That’s right AJ. You got this.She grabbed the top of a sock with her teeth pulling down enough to reveal the bandages.
“Oh my! What happened to your legs? Do you need medical attention?”
“No no. I went to Zecora for some help with my… ‘tree’… and on the way I wasn’t paying attention and I got hurt.” Celestia nodded following Applejack’s story. “She bandaged me up and suggested wearing socks.”
“An interesting suggestion. Did she mention why socks help your legs?”
“You know ah don’t know exactly why she suggested ah wear socks to help mah legs.” Come on… hook.. “but she mentioned ah might find out here how they can be useful. Ah remembered Twilight has had many adventures… here. Reading books.” Line… “So ah too came here... To have an adventure.” and sinker.
If Celestia thought Applejack’s behavior was odd she wasn’t showing it.
“I see. Well my little pony I hope you watch your step a little better in the future. I’m glad the library can be of use to my subjects. For so long it was limited to only the royal family but I can’t read that many books alone. Books, or adventures as you say, should be shared.” With that Celestia walked away. As soon as she was no longer in eyesight and earshot Applejack collapsed. Zecora had been right. The socks muffled her fall.
A bead of sweat hit the marble. Never again. Half truths are still whole lies in my book. Lying to Celestia of all ponies! She could just imagine her element necklace breaking in half. Snorting at the image Applejack lifted herself, legs shaking, and proceeded to walk into the library.
And then proceeded to get lost in said library for an hour. Zecora’s map wasn’t by most definitions descriptive. All it had was the main entrance, the library, and the room behind the library used to store magical artifacts. It didn’t say anything about multiple dusty bookshelves and long rows leading to nowhere. She had passed the same guard four times nervously smiling during each occasion. Eventually the guard had started smiling back. He probably thinks I’m attracted to him. Wait that could work.
“Hi. Sir. How ya doin’ today?”
“As long as the Sun shines I am content.” A Celestia groupie. Figures. “And yourself?”
“Well… Ah am a little lost.”
“I wondered why you were coming back this way so many times.” Applejack smiled sheepishly.
“Yeah. Ah don’t come too often to this library.”
“Anything in particular you need help with?”
“Isn’t there supposed to be a librarian for that?”
“There is, but today is their day off.” Just my luck.
“Well I was interested in learning more about… socks… and Zebras.” The guard smiled unfazed.
“Sure. Socks could be labeled under garments, fashion, feet, or socks.” He pointed to each row. They were in what once could have been considered alphabetical order. “And Zebras. Well that’s near the back. Or the front under animals.” They continued walking row to row, each looked identical to all the others except for one near the Quadlings, Quids, and Quips section where a door was barely visible being obscured by a large stack of books.
“And that?” Applejack pointed at the door.
“Probably a pile in need of re-shelving.” The guard shrugged his shoulders “Only one royal librarian. Poor guy needs an assistant.” Applejack nodded.
“Thank you kindly.” Applejack trotted over to the piles of books blocking the door. The only door she had seen other than the entrance. This has to be it. Slowly but surely she moved books albeit the disgusting taste dust left in her mouth. Finally the door was free, but was it locked? A quick turn of the knob proved it wasn’t. Applejack breathed a sigh of relief. Easy peasy apple squeezy.
