Chapter IV

That night, Rarity slept soundly. Her restful sleep was in part due to the powerful narcotics flowing through her blood, but more that she wouldn’t have to face a day like the previous one again. She might be poor, but she could at least relax at work.

The next morning, Rarity awoke without a grimace. Pulling her sheets across her crate, she shook her mane and readied for the day. There was of course, the matter of the pills. She decided to compromise and take one; that would reduce the pain and still allow her to train Rainbow Dash. She wolfed down a stale muffin and walked to work. Her new co-worker was waiting outside the Lone Star.

“Ready?” Rarity asked excitedly. Dash nodded and gave her an unsure smile.

“Yeah I guess so.”

The pair entered the building. Mr. Salukas was nowhere to be seen. Applecrisp was dropping éclairs onto doilies behind the counter.

“Hey where’s Salukas?” Rarity asked the blue pony.

“Dunno.” Came Applecrisp’s flat reply. Rarity thought for a moment. She might as well tell Applecrisp. She motioned to Dash.

“Hey, so, this is Rainbow Dash. She’s going to be working with me while I recover. I’m paying her don’t worry.” She laughed nervously. “She, uh, we go far back me and her.” Applecrisp looked up and surveyed the shy Pegasus. She shrugged and continued to lay the breakfast pastries on the display.

“Y’tell the boss ya’ll were hirin’?” Applecrisp asked. Rarity clopped her hooves together anxiously.

“No, uh, that was kinda why I was looking for him.”

“He oughta be back in a minute.” Rarity was perfectly terrified. Up till this point she had forgotten that Mr. Salukas still oversaw her work activities. She turned to Rainbow Dash, who was looking around the bakery.

“Ok, so, your, er, our boss is named Sonny. Just call him Mr. Salukas. He’s not from around here. He’s nice, just don’t piss him off.” Rarity sincerely hoped Dash’s mere presence as a worker would not piss off Mr. Salukas. She brought Dash into the oven room. “So here is basically where we’ll be working.” She motioned to the counter. “Just, you know, kneading and mixing dough mostly.” Dash nodded. They walked back out to the front end. Mr. Salukas still hadn’t returned from wherever he had gone. Rarity looked around anxiously and Applecrisp kept fixing the éclairs without a word.

“Are you an Apple? Like Applejack?” Dash asked unexpectedly. Applecrisp looked up at the Pegasus.

“We share a’ name, the rest is between her an’ Gawd.” She said darkly. Dash nodded and looked away, a red blush standing out on her blue face. The room seemed to become quieter. Rarity was sweating, where the hell was Sonny? Almost as an answer, the brown stallion came striding through the back door carrying a bag of flour.

“Applecrisp, be sure to check up on-” He spotted Rarity. “Oh, you’re here, I’ve put the list of orders on the refrigerator.” He looked to Rainbow Dash. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how you got in here, but we’re closed.” Rarity swallowed in a vain attempt to refresh her throat which had just now gone dry.

“Actually, this is Rainbow Dash.” Mr. Salukas hefted the great bag onto the floor and directed his attention to Rarity. “She’s, I mean, I’m going to hire her.” Mr. Salukas interrupted here.

“I will not pay her.”

“Haha, yeah, I was going to say, I’m paying her. Out of my salary, just for a few weeks while I get back into shape.” She watched him tensely. Mr. Salukas studied the blue pony for moment. Rainbow Dash shrank back instinctively. Sonny’s jaw ground together and his usual frown seemed to grow longer.

“Rarity, may I see you in my office for a moment?” He asked, not taking his gaze off of the blushing Rainbow Dash.

“Anything you want.” Rarity followed him into his office.

The room was not designed to be an office, it was actually meant to be another storage area. It held an oaken desk, one rusted file cabinet holding the few records the Lone Star had, and a water cooler. Mr. Salukas didn’t sit, but instead closed the door and faced Rarity directly.

“You are testing me.” He began in a voice that sounded like it would rather be shouting. “I realize you want to continue working during your injury. I am entirely happy to accommodate that.” He took a deep breath. “But I cannot allow you to lower your work quality, or burn things.” He pointed out the door. “That pony, I do not know her at all. To work here, she would have to be entrusted with many things that both you and Applecrisp earned over time. Tell me, what about her deserves the immediate trust that you took several months to acquire?” Rarity was unable to respond. Sonny Salukas was the definition of formidable and she had no answer for his question. Incapable of meeting his gaze, she watched the water cooler produce a few bubbles. “Well?” He asked presently.

“I, I, I don’t know. I just, she’s a friend.” Rarity looked at him and knew instantly she was defeated. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.” She tried to step past Sonny and open the door. He blocked her exit for a moment, then stepped aside. She opened the door a little and looked out at Rainbow Dash, who was sitting on one of the café chairs by the door. Rarity sighed, another awkward explanation. Thankfully Applecrisp had gone off on another chore and wouldn’t be around to witness the stumbling apology. Rarity walked out and tapped her friend on the shoulder.

“Hey.” Dash turned and Rarity caught a full dose of innocence from Dash’s expression. Those Goddamn eyes could make anypony feel guilty.

“Yeah?” Asked the little Pegasus. Fucking hell, things just never turned out did they?

“Listen, I know I-” Rarity began.

“She will be in charge of cleaning the implements. You missed that yesterday.” Called Mr. Salukas from the doorway of his office. For a second time that day, Rarity was at a loss for words.

The first few days of Rainbow Dash’s employment at the Lone Star were under a forced smoothness. Substantial impairment from her medication would not keep Rarity from running a tight ship. Rainbow Dash was going to wow Mr. Salukas, that was the only possible outcome. Rarity made certain her cohort knew all of the tricks and rules of operation of the bakery.

“Can’t use too little vanilla.”

“Keep your batter below 40 degrees.”

“Stop, that egg is half hatched.” Rarity pulled the monstrous egg from her subordinate’s hooves and tossed it into the garbage. Rainbow Dash looked at the garbage can in horror. “Yeah, I know, stupid farmer lets the rooster get into the hens’ cage half the time and we get those.” Rarity cracked a fresh and fortunately unfertilized egg into the waffle mix. Rainbow Dash took a few seconds to compose herself.

“Should I just stir this while you get the iron ready?” Dash asked as Rarity pulled the heavy griddle from the lower shelves.

“Yeah, just keep it fresh while this heats up.” Rarity set the massive griddle on the cleared counter and plugged it in. She loathed the iron deeply. Not only was it hernia-enducingly heavy, but it generated enough heat to sweat the life out of anypony around it. The coils below the metal surface began to glow cherry red and Rarity sipped a cup of water. “Here, get some water, I’ll take that.” She said after consuming the entirety of the container. The Pegasus downed her own hydration.

“How long are we going to be at this?” She asked. Rarity laughed.

“A while, we don’t make waffles often, so Salukas makes us make a shit ton.” Soon the iron was sufficiently hot and Rarity began to ladle the sloppy batter into the grenade like grooves. The air was already warming and Dash wiped her brow.

“Is it going to get hotter?” Rarity chuckled and gave Dash a nod the implied that this was nothing. Rarity had to give it to her though; never once had Dash complained or hesitated during her employment. She wasn’t particularly coordinated; some things hadn’t been altered by the Blast. But Rainbow Dash always did as she was told and never sent any chores back to Rarity. She was definitely going to make Sonny proud.

The two formed a system of Rarity ladling batter and Dash slapping the finished and steaming hot waffles onto the large ceramic platter. They were at it for twenty or so minutes, as the platter was institutionally sized.

“Ok, should I go out and drop these off?” Dash asked as she lifted the full platter.

“Yeah, that’s good.” Rarity answered. Dash walked through the open door and into the front end. “Don’t let any of the guys tip you!” Rarity called to the little Pegasus. Most firefighting ponies had noble intentions, but every now and then one would try and slip their server something that had nothing to do with waffles.

At least the bi-annual firefighters waffle breakfast would bring in a good deal of money for the bakery. It was held in Mane Street and of course the Lone Star provided the waffles. As a former firefighter, Mr. Salukas made it a point to give the event a 23% discount. This year Sugarcube Corner was providing the syrup and Rarity made certain that Dash was the one up front, when Pinkie would no doubt pop by. In a few minutes the rainbow mare returned with the empty platter.

“Geez, those guys take like three each. They have the biggest appetites of any stallions I’ve ever seen.” She said in astonishment.

“Eyep, it’s usually a few straight hours of serving.” Rarity heaped another blanket of waffles onto the platter and sent Dash off again.

Things were looking good, Rarity would make extra today, allowing her to pay her personal employee and still make ends meet. From the hours of eleven to one, the duo managed to serve the entire waffle breakfast with no problems besides the sweltering heat. Then came the hitch. Rarity had started on her 23rd batch of waffle batter when Applecrisp poked her head in the door.

“Salukas wants ya’ll t’get some moar syrup from Sugarcube Corner.” Applecrisp held out a hoof-full of bills.

“Can’t you do it?” Rarity asked instinctively.

“Nope, gotta help him with the store.” Applecrisp dropped the money on the counter and disappeared. Rarity reluctantly picked up the money, she could do this.

She walked out of the store and into the street, which was filled with picnic tables. Pushing her way through the crowd, Rarity caught sight of Rainbow Dash. The wide-eyed pony was listening to a firefighter relate some story of his undoubtedly “heroic” deeds. Rarity hoped Dash would be careful, while some fires didn’t involve matches, but they did leave raw skin.

She passed through the thick of the crowd and walked up Mane Street. Maybe Pinkie would be at the festivities, after all, she was party pony. Rarity rounded the corner and stood in front of the confectionary. She could do this, she could easily do this. With a deep breath, Rarity shoved the doors open.

It smelled like sugar, powdered sugar, cane sugar, toasted sugar, probably pancreatic sugar if that had a smell. Rarity looked about her, the place was still…Sugarcube Corner. The walls were red and striped like candy canes and the general feel of childish joy still hung in the air. There were all the sorts of things she remembered, punch, cookies, ice cream, and of course, cupcakes.

“Just a miiiiiiiiiiiiinute! I’ll be right with you!” Came a helium laced voice from the kitchen. Rarity closed her eyes and imagined for a moment that she was simply tripping on pills. There came a springing noise and Rarity looked before her. Pinkie Pie hadn’t changed, Pinkie Pie never changed. Her mane stood like an untrimmed shrub, a shrub reeking of cotton candy, and she wore the kind of smile that threatened to permanently erase Rarity’s appetite. “What can I do for you? Oh, it’s Rarity!!!” Pinkie Pie popped out from behind the counter like some kind of pony filled zit and slammed into Rarity like a cottony semi. “I haven’t seen you in FOREVERRRRRRRRRRRR!” She said happily.

“Haha, yeeeaaaah.” Rarity felt the soft embrace of party pony and she hated it.

“Oh my gosh, you don’t even know! We stocked, I mean, we made some stocks, I mean, we stocked the kitchen, well no, well yes. And even after stocking the kitchen, we could still make some stocks!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down in excitement. “Can you believe it?”

Rarity forced a smile.

“That’s great Pinkie! Say, I need to buy some syrup-”

“Syrup? WE HAVE ALL KINDS OF SYRUP!” She shot back into the kitchen. In under a second she was back with a fourteen colors of syrup. “We have cherry, lemon, boysenberry, pancake, cold, black liquo-”

“PANCAKE!” Rarity interjected. Trying to get a word in with Pinkie was like trying to play the prize spinner at birthday party, one needed to know when to strike at the right time.

“Ok! How much do you need?” Rarity held out the forty bits.

“Oh my gosh! That’s a lot of syrup! Let me get us a hoof to help. I mean, a help to hoof, no, I was right.” Pinkie flew back into the kitchen and in less time than it took to Rarity to comprehend Pinkie’s word salad, she was back. Beside her stood Sugarcube, both were carrying containers of dark syrup.

“Hi Rarity!” The yellow pony giggled. Oh hell, there were two of them.

“OKAY! We have the syrup! Where do you want it ma’am?” Pinkie stood at mock attention.

“Uhh, just, uh, bring it with me. I mean, follow me.” Rarity started for the door.

“WAIT JUST A SECOND!” Pinkie stopped dead in her tracks. “I forgot to give you a receipt!” She flounced behind the counter and rang up the sale. Sugarcube turned to Rarity.

“Pinkie’s my cousin, well I’m the Cakes’ niece, so that makes us kinda related. Anyway, I’m spending the whooooole summer with Pinkie!” Just great, now the chances of an unpleasant run-in were doubled.

“That’s great! Are you two going to take any trips this summer? Any out of town ones?” Rarity asked eagerly.

Pinkie Pie appeared between them and slapped the receipt into Rarity’s hoof.

“NOPE! We’re spending the whole summer right here at Sugarcube Corner! Maybe we can all do something together, like swing dancing, or paintball or skydiving!”

“Oh yeah totally!” Rarity would of course slash her throat before doing any of that. She stepped toward the door in an attempt to escape the madness.

“WAIT!” It was Sugarcube’s turn to delay the trip. “Are we taking these to the firefighter’s breakfast?” she asked suspiciously.

Rarity’s eyes began to water and she bit her lip.

“Y-yes, and we need to go deliver them right away.” She held an even tone as she twisted a tooth into her lip. Sugarcube thought for a few moments, she seemed poised to throw another unrelated question at Rarity. She squinted her eyes and rubbed her chin meditatively.

“Ok!” And she pranced out the door. A drop of blood rolled down Rarity’s mouth and hung at her chin, they seriously did shit like that just to piss her off.

Outside it was humid as shit and Rarity lead the two fillies through the dense crowd of Ponyvillians. She only needed to get them to the bakery, then they could flutter out into the air and away from her. She led them towards the commotion. Rarity stopped suddenly, they weren’t behind her anymore. She whirled around.

Pinkie Pie and Sugarcube had apparently included delivery…to every table. The neon ponies were shooting around the tables like pinballs, pouring syrup on each plate. Rarity lifted a hoof to run after them, then stopped. It was perfect, they’d deliver the syrup, and she could go back inside without having to deal with their horrible antics. Slipping quietly to the door of the bakery, Rarity made her escape. The unicorn smiled to herself, even in her annoying little way, Pinkie was good for something.

Rarity closed the door and took a deep breath, that hadn’t been so bad.

“Hey, Sonny wants us to make some pancakes now.” Dash had already started the griddle and the forged iron platform was radiating heat. Rarity nodded tiredly and began another batch of batter. She knew she was wearing out her painkiller ahead of schedule.

Pancakes were painful when done correctly. When done incorrectly, they were downright tormenting. Preparing them was easy, the hard part was flipping and serving them. In a few minutes, the two had polka-dotted the griddle with batter circles. Rainbow Dash eased a spatula beneath a pancake, her hoof came near the surface of the griddle.

“OW!” The spatula fell with a clatter as Rainbow Dash recoiled from her burn. Rarity picked up the spatula and deftly flipped the pancake.

“Pancakes suck, you gotta learn how to flip ‘em fast.” She explained.

“How do you not get burned?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously.

“Heh, I do, but only lightly.” Rarity poked the finished pancake. “These things aren’t meant to be made with hooves.” Dash narrowed her eyes and made another try for a pancake. She slid the spatula under the next gooey circle. Her blue hoof kissed the griddle and she yelped again. The pancake splattered across the floor.

“Ah, sorry, that’s hard.” She apologized. Rarity shrugged and threw her a towel.

“Takes a while to learn.” She slid another pancake off the hot griddle and tossed it onto the platter. She motioned to a singed portion of her hoof. “See, that’s the only part that you need to touch the metal with. Of course, I’d use my horn, but the damn things are too tricky to use magic on.” Dash looked up from the floor where she was wiping the doughy mess.

“Pancakes suck.” Rarity laughed.

Rarity and Rainbow Dash fought through the next hour as a team. Together they managed to make enough pancakes to satisfy the remaining breakfasters. Rainbow Dash never quit, she could splatter a hundred pancakes across the floor, yet she would always wipe each one up and begin again. Rarity was glad to see that Dash hadn’t lost her drive. She seemed to have lost a lot of things in the Blast.

Rarity’s chest was stiff and stinging and Dash’s hooves were blackened and almost hairless; but at long last they were finished. Sonny came in and informed them that they could begin to clean up.

“Hey, you want to catch something to eat?” Rarity asked as she shoved the accursed griddle back into its corner.

“Sure!” Dash replied while dusting flour from her body.

The pair left the bakery with the thanks of Mr. Salukas and an extra two hundred bits each. It was around two in the afternoon and the two bakers pondered where to go.

“Any suggestions?” Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus shook her head.

“Not really, I thought you’d know all the good new places.” Rarity laughed cynically.

“Now there’s a contradiction in terms.” She thought for a moment. “I guess we can head to the Café, that place is still pretty good.”

The café was still good. Rarity ordered a baked oat soufflé and was pleasantly surprised by the dish.

“This is good.” She took another bite of the spicy casserole. “I like this, need to come back here.” Dash chuckled as she ate some greens.

“There isn’t a lot you like, is there Rarity?” Rarity snorted.

“Nope.” Dash chewed her hay.

“You like baking though.” Rarity shrugged.

“Ah, not really. It’s ok money and it’s probably the best job for me. Pretty basic stuff mostly.” Dash looked at her plate.

“You, uh, you didn’t go for a job in fashion or anything?” She asked softly. Rarity chuckled, Rainbow Dash still went places most ponies wouldn’t dare, it must be in her blood.

“Nah, kinda got put off my fashion streak after everything went into the can.”

“Oh, I see.” Replied the blue pony.

“How ‘bout you?” Rarity picked her teeth with her fork. “What’s up with the barber job?” Rainbow Dash swallowed a mouthful of hay.

“Oh, you know, didn’t want to hang around Ponyville. After, you know, stuff.” Her voice trailed off and the sounds of the Café engulfed them. “I actually enjoy being a barber, not as much work, but I make as much as I need.” She looked up at Rarity. “I’ve been trying to cultivate some new interests I would say.” Rarity laughed roughly.

“Never heard you say ‘cultivate’ before.” Dash gave her an embarrassed smile.

“You’ve said a lot of words I’ve never heard before either.” Rarity grinned.

“Hehe yeah, I get some strange looks. Ponies around here still don’t think it’s me when they see me.” The image of Snips’ disbelieving countenance floated through her mind. “But I can always convince them.” She added. Rainbow Dash finished the last bite of her food and dropped money for the meal on the table. Rarity tossed it back into her lap.

“Just because I’m foul-mouthed and bitchy mare doesn’t mean you have to pay for me.” Rarity placed her money on the table.

“Please, I can cover myself.” Dash placed a ten tentatively on the wooden table. Rarity blew it into her lap. The Pegasus persisted and laid just a five down.

“Dash, you are approaching the wrong side of Rarity, please take the exit now.” Rarity cautioned. Rainbow Dash bowed her head in submission and pocketed her money. They rose and made their way out of the forest of tables.

Rarity burped in satisfaction.

“That was the best meal I’ve had in ages. Money well spent.” She declared.

“So you don’t like the new places to eat?” Dash asked as they strolled out into the street. Rarity shrugged.

“Well, I went to this place called the Straw Purchase.” She began to chuckle. “Basically, it’s this 40s themed place, and there was this old guy.” She looked over, those innocent eyes sat waiting for the rest of the partially risque story. “Ah, he had a great accent for the time, really realistic you know.”

They toured Ponyville. Up and down the short streets they walked, Rainbow Dash pointed out places that were new to her and Rarity spoke on what she knew. The Blast had made Ponyville’s economy into a sort of Rubik’s Cube of shifting businesses and services. With the influx of new and soon closing businesses, along with her general disinterest with the town, Rarity had trouble identifying the ages of the stores.

“I’m pretty sure that was always there.” Dash said as they gazed at a black and white sign. Rarity squinted at the board. The swirling cursive letters didn’t jog any memories.

“Really? I don’t think I remember this.” Neither was certain about the age of the candle shop by the soap store, so they investigated further. The interior of the store looked unfamiliar so they decided it was new. The two mares perused the little shop for anything interesting. Rainbow Dash held up a purple cylinder of wax.

“This one says it’s magic scented.” She said, lobbing the heavy candle to Rarity. Rarity took a whiff.

“That’s patchouli, pretty sure Twilight would agree that doesn’t smell like magic.”

“But I wanted my home to smell like magic!” Dash giggled. Rarity pulled another candle off the shelf and tossed it to her companion.

“Try this, your house’ll smell like fresh linen.” Rainbow Dash took a breath of the odorless white wax.

“I guess this linen was washed without fragrance.” She said in amusement. The store owner inserted herself in between the two. She was wax white with a candelabra Cutie Mark.

“Is there anything I can help you two ladies with today?” She asked politely. Dash smiled and shook her head.

“No thank you, we’re just browsing.” Rarity had an idea.

“Actually, do you have a hyper-allergenic section?” The attendant nodded and showed them to a small rack of short candles. “Excellent.” Rarity took one from the rack and popped the lid off. “Holy crap, that has some kick.” She blinked from the rampant fumes. “Ever wanted to know what Luna’s perfume smells like?” She handed the offensive candle to Rainbow Dash, who sniffed it tentatively.

“Gak! Who would want something like this?” The Pegasus asked, clutching her nose. Rarity laughed.

“It’s called ‘Midnight Fantasy’, more like ‘Nightmare fantasy’.”

“Oo, try this one.” Dash gave her a rich red candle. With just a whiff, Rarity’s nose burned from what smelled like festive pepper spray.

“What in the hell is that?” She whispered in disbelief. The Pegasus snickered and pointed to the label. “The hell? That doesn’t smell anything like Passion.” Rarity nudged her friend. “Passion smells like cheap liquor and a pinball machine.” She said in more than a whisper. A few other shoppers looked up at this and Rainbow Dash blushed a little. The attendant again appeared between the two.

“Is there anything you’re looking for?” She asked crossly.

“Oh, no, sorry for disturbing.” Rainbow Dash apologized. The store owner eyed them with disdain, then stepped back to the counter, temporarily pacified. Rarity poked Rainbow Dash.

“You’re good at that. I need you with me more.” Dash smiled hesitantly, unsure if she had been complemented.

Rainbow Dash ended up buying the linen candle, even if it didn’t smell like anything. Rarity suspected it was a silent apology to the store owner, but said nothing. They visited a few more shops, Rarity bought a blanket, and a French press, Rainbow Dash had her candle and a few books on painting. They had had a pretty enjoyable afternoon actually, with Rarity even breaking into a few smiles.

They walked down the street, bags in tow. It was early evening, and the sun was at their backs.

“I haven’t been shopping with somepony in a long time. I still get that girly rush from buying crap.” Rarity confessed with a sheepish laugh.

“Me too, I wish I’d gone shopping more.”

“I forgot that as an underpaid mare, it’s my solemn duty to blow money on things I don’t really want.” Rarity chuckled.

“Ha, right.” Dash agreed.

As they walked down the final stretch of street before ending their loop of Ponyville, Rarity spotted the Apples’ apple stand.

“Speaking of impulse buying, you up for a caramel apple?” She asked her companion. Dash nodded.

“That sounds really good.” Approaching the wooden stand, Rarity saw that Applebloom was manning the family business.

“Well now, I see your sister passed the buck and left you to mind shop on your time off!” She said jestingly. Applebloom had gotten glasses since she left for higher education and her mane was shorter. She looked up in surprise at the two ponies before her. For a moment, she seemed to consider how the two strange ponies knew her.

“Rarity? Rainbow Dash? Is that ya’ll?” She blinked. “Wai it is yew! Comere! Gimme a hug!” She rushed around the cart and struck the two gleefully. “Ah haven’t seen yew two in forever!” She looked Rarity over. “This some kahnda funky new makeover?” Rarity had forgotten that Applebloom had left before her business had closed.

The next few minutes were spent in relating the past few months of each pony’s life. Applebloom listened intently to the older ponies explain their current positions and in turn the baker and barber learned that Applebloom was majoring in construction management. She had been hired as a part time manager in the Sunspot nightclub in Cantorlot.

“Ah can commute to work an’ school!” The student beamed. Dash hugged the filly.

“You’re still the Cutie Mark Crusader I remember!” She said affectionately.

“Well, can’t say as we Crusaders see much of each other these days. Sweetie Belle is still at the conservatory studyin’ like mad. And Scoot is off in Las Pegasus doin’ who knows whut.” Applebloom shrugged.

Rarity hadn’t seen her sister since her business had closed and had not told the filly what had happened. Like always, the sisters kept their lives to themselves. In any case, Rarity was glad that Sweetie Belle was learning; somepony from their family ought to have a good career.

“You know, we really came by for a couple of caramel apples.” Dash said, releasing smaller pony.

“Ah course, how’d ah ferget to ask ya’ll?!”

“Probably too busy studyin’.” Applejack was leaving the building directly behind the stand. “That or seein-” She caught sight of Rarity and Rainbow Dash. “Mah Lord, Rarity! Are ya’ll ok?” She galloped over to the unicorn. “Ah called to Twahlight, but that liquor musta done a number on me cause ah blacked out raght after. Ah’da come to see ya’ll sooner but Taco fell sick and there ain’t been nopony looking over the west fields.” She looked Rarity over. “He didn’t violate y’none did he?” She asked gravely.

“What?!!” Came the simultaneous question from Rainbow Dash and Applebloom. Rarity swallowed nervously.

“Uh, nope.” Applejack seemed relieved.

“Good.” She cracked a coy smile. “Heard y’kicked the shit outta him. Almost wished ah coulda seen it mahself.”

“Who’s she talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked Rarity in confusion. Rarity watched as her lie unfolded.

“Snips, bout a week ago me an’ Rarity were at Hennessy’s.” Applejack explained proudly. “Now ah take my share a’ the blame here, anyway, we were messin’ with him an’ his buddy. An’ ah left a little before Rarity, but then ah saw her stahp and say sumthin’ t’her stallion.” She motioned for Rarity to finish the violent story. Rarity swallowed again.

“Well, um, he said something kind of offensive. And he wouldn’t apologize.” She looked up. Applebloom wore an expression of pure wonder, Rainbow Dash looked confused and AJ was grinning ear to ear. “And I kicked him in the head.” Applebloom’s mouth slowly fell open. “He, well we just fought pretty hard I guess.”

“Broke a couple ribs ah heard.” Applejack said good-naturedly. Rarity nodded in shame, she knew what Rainbow Dash must be thinking.

“Rarity, ah never knew you to do any’thin’ like that.” Breathed Applebloom.

“Well I had had a few drinks at that point.” Rarity explained as logically as possible.

“Ah’m just glad yer fine. Oh hay Rainbow Dash, ain’t seen ya’ll in awhahl!” The older Apple said kindly. Applejack clopped Applebloom on the shoulder. “Need ya’ll insahd, y’gotta point out them non-essential supports.” She turned to the now estranged bakers. “Sorry, we’re thinking a’ buyin’ that there office building for expansion and ah’m getting the layout fahnalized.” She nodded to Dash. “Good seein’ ya Dash, be careful around this gal here, she might kick the shit outta ya’ll!” She said jokingly.

And with that, Applejack strolled back into the building. Rarity stood staring at the door, in a matter of minutes her relationship with Dash had gone to shit, how nice of life to make things short.

“Good seein’ y’guys!” Applebloom called from the door. Rarity waved in dismay. She turned, Rainbow Dash was looking down the street.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I honestly shouldn’t have lied to you, it’s just that the real story was pretty heavy you know?” That was a shitty explanation and Rarity knew it. Dash glanced up at her.

“Oh no, I understand, that’s something a lot of ponies shouldn’t hear.” She said consciously. “I do need to get home though, I might have left the front door unlocked. Thanks for showing me around.” She said with a tiny smile.

Rarity’s heart was already simmering in self-loathing and the Pegasus inadvertently cranked up the heat by trotting up to the white unicorn and hugging her. A despondent Rarity watched her friend stroll down the street.

Why the fuck? Just why the fuck did things have to play out like that? It wasn’t her fault that Rainbow Dash couldn’t handle the knowledge that she had beaten the shit out of a random stallion over a drunken insult. She sighed. But it was her fault for kicking the shit out of that stallion, for getting drunk and picking on a horny loser for fun. It was her fault for not giving a shit anymore.

She walked aimlessly through the town as the sun fell toward the horizon, there was nothing back home, and she had nothing to do in Ponyville. Rarity stopped dead in her tracks, she really needed to get out of this fucking town.

The next day was Sunday and Rarity spent her day off in the best way she knew, with Applejack.

“Gawd, ah’m sorry. Ah shoulda guessed ya’ll couldn’t tell Dashie, that filly ain’t been raght since the Blast.” Applejack threw Rarity a paint can. Catching it, Rarity set the aluminum container by her wall.

“No, it was my fault. I should have left with you and Snails.” She ripped the lid from the can. “But I had to stay and hear him talk shit.” Applejack ran a brush down the puce wall, leaving a frosty white trail.

“Whut’d he even say? Y’aren’t the type to get riled up over bar insults.” AJ asked curiously. Rarity shook her head.

“Just stupid shit, but then he said something about me and the Blast as I was leaving.” Applejack whistled. She chuckled to herself as she dipped her paintbrush again.

“Ah pity the fool.” She said with a touch of humorous sadism.

“Yeah.” Rarity listlessly slapped the wall with her paintbrush.

“Y’don’t blame yerself for whut happened?” AJ asked suddenly.

“What? No! I fucking wish everypony would stop thinking that!” Rarity snapped.

“Sorry sorry! Ah just can’t help but think y’might blame yerself fer what happened. You did a lotta changin’, hell, we all did. Just wanted to make sure y’weren’t stewin’ over somethin’ that ain’t true.”

“Naw.” Rarity sighed and dropped her paintbrush in the can. “I’m just pissed at myself ‘cause I lied to Dash. I didn’t want her to know what happened, she’s, you know.” AJ nodded.

“Lahk ah said. That pony is hurt insahd, she’s-”

“Soft.” They said in unison. Rarity picked up her paintbrush and began again on recoloring the walls of the room.

Sweet Apple Acres had purchased the space and was building it into a studio for Applebloom, the new (and first) head of marketing. It was a spacious studio, with a few brick support beams and those warehouse style windows that actually cost a lot more than regular ones. Strange as it was, Sweet Apple Acres was becoming an enterprise.

“Applejack.” Rarity said after a time. “How do you go on?” The orange pony took a deep breath and laid her paintbrush down on the tarp at her hooves.

“Ah knew this wasn’t a workin’ day.” She said, pulling up a paint can as a seat. “Guess we really haven’t done a lotta talkin’ about whut’s become of ourselves.” She popped her hat from her head and turned it in her hooves. “Nao Rarity ya’ll know ah’m not a philosophy gal, but ah’ll give y’my thoughts.” She thought for a second. “We ain’t who we were.” Rarity snorted, that was the most understated fact she had heard. “That Blast, losin’ somepony like Fluttershy, ain’t nuthin’ natural in that. Now y’look at this town, y’can see how we all hurt different. Mahself, ah still can’t go out to her little cottage.” Rarity nodded in agreement. “Now mah sister, she hasn’t gone to the palace or any of the memorials for the Princess out in Cantorlot. Whut ah’m sayin’ is, we’re all hurt in different places. Damned if ah know whut ah’m supposed to do to make things better.” She shrugged and set her hat atop her heat. “Guess to answer yer question, ah keep goin’ bah just gittin’ outta bed every mornin’. Wai? Cause ah gotta family depends on me, ah don’t have a better reason, but ah don’t need one.”

“But how do you get out of bed knowing about how shitty this town is and how screwed up the recession makes things, and how do you stand all the ponies in denial?” Rarity asked. AJ chuckled.

“Not sure alla those are problems fer me. Look, Rarity, nopony knows better’n ah do whut yer’ goin through. Ya’ll gotta lot of good reasons to hate this town. And getting’ a job as a baker and losin’ yer accent, and takin’ up swearin’ and drinkin’, alla that makes sense to me. Damned if it ain’t strange at tahms, but ah understand where yer’ comin’ from.”

“Applejack, I haven’t really explained why I fell from grace, if you will-” Rarity interjected.

“It’s cuz yer’ depressed.” Applejack said precisely. Rarity stopped. “Y’lost yer’ life, all those years of doin’ fashion, gone to hell. Don’t know many ponies who take well to that.” She looked up at Rarity. “Whut ah’m sayin’ is, y’need somethin’ new. Y’need somethin’ that the new Rarity wants to do. Maybe that thing is bakin’, maybe that thing is motherin’ Dash, Lord knows she needs another pony to lean on. Whutever that thing is, it’s gotta be somethin’ ya’ll want. Y’know ah don’t make it a habit a’sayin somethin’s gotta be a certain way, but yew changed, and ya’ll need t’fahnd out whut it is the new yew wants t’do. If y’don’t, yer gonna keep goin’ back to Hennessy’s and kickin’ the shit outta Snips cause y’aint got nuthin’ y’lahk t’do.” Rarity was silent.

Applejack was a farm pony, one who didn’t know the quadratic formula, or what kind of dress looked good in deep moonlight. Applejack didn’t know how to seduce, or how to calculate the time based on the position of the sun. She was neither a ladylike mare, or learned scholar. Rarity sniffed, Applejack was a fucking genius. Tears beginning to roll down her cheeks and she leaned in and clutched the uneducated genius tightly.

“Thanks.” She whispered. Applejack patted Rarity’s mane.

“Nao nao, ya’ll knew alla that ‘fore ah said it.” Rarity released her and wiped her eyes.

“Yeah, but I never realized that I needed to find something I liked as much as dressmaking. I just figured that that was it for my life, once design was gone, I’d just settle for the best life I could find.” Applejack smiled and picked up her brush.

“There’s a lot more Rarity under there than the frou-frou one who made them beautiful dresses.” She said, poking Rarity’s ribs with the wooden handle.

But what did Rarity want? Nothing seemed to appeal to her. She thought about it for a few hours as they eventually painted the entire studio. She had spent so much time not giving a shit about anything that she had lost interest everything it seemed. Rarity wondered if there was something she could love anymore.

“Here’s sumthin’ fer yer’ troubles.” Applejack tossed her some folded bills as they gathered up the tarps. Rarity remembered the matter of the bar tab, but said nothing. “So whut are y’up to nao?” Asked the paint splattered Applejack. Rarity shrugged.

“I really don’t know, I basically just waste time until I work next.” She admitted.

“Whut ya’ll need is a hobby.” Applejack surmised.

What kind of hobby could she take up?

Rarity walked out into the street, it was overcast and another storm was coming. Well, at least she could waste the remainder of the day packing up her camp in preparation for the rain.

The rain came, it drenched everything and forced Rarity into her crate for the night. She awoke compressed and cramped, her chest felt as if it would break again if she straightened her back. She slid out of the crate and into the damp grass. Her chest shouted in pain as she arched her back. Yet she was healing well, the pills were lasting longer and the tightness didn’t choke her quite so much. She popped muffin into her mouth and headed for work. Only one more week of quarter pay.

She thought about a hobby as she trekked to the bakery; what could interest her? As she mantled the stone fence separating her fields from the town, it came to her. She could take care of Rainbow Dash. She was the most likeable of any of her old friends and Rarity felt more than a bit of pity for the nervous Pegasus already. She would take care of Dash and be her friend; that idea actually sounded likeable.

She had already formulated a plan of earning back the Pegasus’ trust by the time she reached the little brick building. Rarity eased the door to the oven room open, Rainbow Dash was hunched over the hood of the oven. She acknowledged Rarity respectfully.

“Hello there.” Rarity had more than just apologizing to do, she had to pull a hermit out of her shell. But she was going to try and make it up to Dash. New Rarity wanted to be Dash’s friend.

“Hey Dash.” Apologize first. “I’m sorry about lying to you, that was pretty shitty of me. I really didn’t want to scare you by telling you I got into a fight with a random guy.” Dash smiled forgivingly.

“Oh that’s alright, I get it.” Was she serious? Rarity paused with uncertainty.

“So, um, you want to hang out after work? Maybe we could look at that model of yours?” She advanced.

“Sure!” There was submission to her response; the hermit wasn’t coming out easily. Applecrisp entered.

“Y’all gotta take a load a’ crates to the farm, we got full up.” Perfect, that would give Rarity the chance to pry out the reclusive Pegasus. They soon splintered the crates and saddled up. On the way, Rarity thought for a way to recover Dash’s graces. She tried acting like nothing had happened.

“So, Applejack bought this huge studio for Applebloom, that filly is going to be head of her marketing. I can’t get over how surreal that is.” Rarity related.

“That’s pretty weird alright.” Dash said half-heatedly. Rarity went another route. Maybe confronting the lie and getting it out there would be good.

“So yeah, this guy, it was Snips, don’t know if you remember him. Anyway, I tackled him, that’s what broke my ribs.” She tossed her head triumphantly. “Still beat the crap out of him.” She looked at Dash, who was looking down the road.

“Wow, that’s pretty intense.” She didn’t even try for enthusiasm.

“So, did you hear, I’ve been doing some side work for Twilight. Helping her read these ledgers, they were written by this old guy, the director of Pegasi-” Rarity stopped, this was a one pony interaction. “Yeah, anyway, he’s pretty funny.” She shortly concluded. Dash looked at her.

“Oh yeah? How so?” Asked the Pegasus, sensing Rarity’s frustration. Fuck you Rainbow Dash, fuck you. Rarity shrugged.

“Just gotta know him.” They walked down the road for a time, Rainbow Dash watching the trees pass by and Rarity silently fuming at her co-worker’s refusal to engage in simple conversation. Eventually they neared the gate. Rarity threw a hoof into the intercom, which cut her, again.

“Helllllllo?” It sounded like Applebloom.

“Applebloom, this is Rarity. We have some wood to drop off, let us in.” Between her Dash’s bullshit and her bleeding hoof, Rarity struggled to remain calm.

“Wai shure!” The staticy box replied. In a moment, the wrought iron gate creaked open and they walked inside. The front yard was full of those strange ponies. The shaggy animals shuffled back and forth soundlessly across the dusty yard. Most carried baskets or crates of apples and a few shuttled farm tools.

“Who are they?” Dash whispered. Oh, so fucking immigrant workers are apparently something she found interesting? Rarity wasn’t about to get all fun and chatty if Rainbow Dash only talked when she felt like it.

“Just the ponies that work at Sweet Apple Acres.” Rarity’s voice was indifferent, just like Dash’s had been. She looked for Applebloom. The filly emerged from the crowd of workers and smiled sunnily at the two.

“Wai, to whut do ah owe this visit?”

“We just have some wood to drop off, it’s part of a deal with the bakery. If you don’t believe me-” Rarity said defensively.

“Course ah believe ya.” Applebloom replied cheerily. “Where do ya’ll need t’get to?”

“The main barn, do you have the code?” Rarity asked impatiently.

“Aw, sorry, sis keeps it in her office. Why don’t ya’ll come insahd and take a load off?” Applebloom invited.

“Ok!” Dash trotted naively into the house alongside Applebloom. Rarity groaned inwardly and followed them.

Dark, dank and creepier than a farmhouse should ever be, the building set Rarity on edge. Even after countless visits to the building, Rarity still couldn’t shake the feeling of fear that accompanied the structure. As they stepped inside, Rarity caught a glimpse of Dash’s apprehensive countenance, she was definitely scared. That was a little gratifying for the vindictive unicorn.

“Ah know whut yer’ thinkin’.” Applebloom waved to the extremely dim bulbs. “But it’s the only way granny can bear the light.” She was eager to follow avoid further explanation. “Lemme show ya’ll the basement, tha’s become the new office.” The basement? Oh that’s right, better put the most successful pony for hundreds of miles in the basement and her decrepit grandmother in the upper level. Rarity had trouble understanding the Apples’ assessment of priorities. They passed through the kitchen and came to an awkwardly placed door that sat behind the dinner table. Applebloom led Rarity and the lightly spooked Rainbow Dash down a flight of ancient wooden stairs. The stairs creaked and were of course dusty and spotted with spider webs. The only light came from the doorway behind them and as they began to sink into the blackness, Rarity herself began to spook a little. Applebloom vanished into darkness completely for a moment and Rarity heard her fumble for the light switch. The lights in the basement were full power, and Rarity blinked for several seconds as she tried to adjust to the light.

Applejack’s office, Rarity scarcely believed this room was a part of the house. Rich green carpet, crisp white walls, a massive black desk, the room was the only part of the house that reflected the family income. Applebloom proudly displayed the spacious workplace with a grand sweep of her hoof.

“This is where sis makes the magic happen!” Rarity was in awe, Applejack was a professional businesspony, a living and breathing businesspony. She had known it before, but standing her office, Rarity saw just how successful her friend was.

The unicorn surveyed the desk, papers and pens were scattered amidst a sea of sticky notes, it struck her as she looked over all of the responsibilities Applejack now held: She had traded places with Applejack, now she was the blue collar workhorse, and Applejack was the bigshot expert of her field.

That took her back, back to when Applejack was the absolutely unkempt farmer girl who tracked mud into her workroom. Rarity lifted a hoof, a little blood from her cut had stained the carpet. Just six months ago she was creating sleek designs for the elite and Applejack was kicking apple trees. Six months ago she had her life. What happened?

“Wow.” Came Dash’s quiet voice.

Rarity looked back. Rainbow Dash was surveying the room in pure wonder, her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape. The blue Pegasus was the perfect image of innocent wonder. A sort of happiness crept over the white pony and disintegrated the frustration from being spurned. There was a lot more for Rarity than just making clothes. She had a friend to take care of.

“Got it!” Applebloom had pushed a few probably important papers off of the table as she lifted an orange sticky note from the leather desk. She noticed the admiration on the faces of her friends. “Yeah, nahce isn’t it?”

“I never thought Applejack would have an office like this.” Rainbow Dash breathed in awe.

“Oh yeah, reminds me.” Applebloom dug in a drawer and tossed Rarity some rubber banded bills. “AJ said this’d cover her part, she said sumthin’ bout ya’ll cheatin’ on yer third point.” Rarity chuckled.

“Tell her thanks and that I won fairly.” Applebloom nodded, unsure of either cryptic message.

The barn smelled horrible, it was, after all, packed with sweaty workhorses. Rarity saw Macintosh directing workers around the steaming still. He flicked his head in recognition and continued to order the chaos. If Applejack were around, then there’d be something to see Rarity thought in amusement as she watched Macintosh sling a 30lb bag of apples into the still. Rarity mindlessly shuffled her load of broken crates onto the floor of the barn. She had done the work countless times before and gave no thought to the wood.

“Ouch!” Cried Rainbow Dash. She picked a splinter out of her hoof with her teeth. “Why doesn’t Applecrisp ever help you with this?” She asked angrily. There it was, the thing that they could talk about. Rarity had found the first step in their relationship.

“Lemme tell you on the way back.” Rarity’s voice oozed with anticipation. An expression of curiosity and of course, interest, crossed Dash’s face.

“Well, basically it’s like this. Applecrisp and Applejack hate each other.” Rarity began once they had sufficiently distanced themselves from the gates of the farm.

“What?! Why? Applejack loves everypony in her family!” Dash said disbelievingly.

“Yeah! I know, but for some weird reason, she can’t stand Applecrisp. Back when she moved to Ponyville, I remember Applejack running into her into the street. I was just getting groceries, so couldn’t get any closer. I just remember them standing in the middle of the street like something from Appleossa.” Rarity leaned over to her friend. “I don’t know what their problem is, but they badmouth each other all the time.”

“You think something is wrong with Applecrisp?” Rainbow Dash offered. “I mean, Applejack usually has a good reason when she hates something.”

“Yeah, I got no idea. I mean, like, Applecrisp is pretty cool around the bakery. She doesn’t talk much and does good work.”

“Does she get mad at all?”

“No, honestly, she’s pretty chill. I haven’t seen her get pissed or anything.”

“That’s crazy, does anypony else see it?” Dash asked. Rarity thought for a moment.

“No, I mean, Salukas doesn’t really give a shit. And Applecrisp pretty much stays away from everypony else.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

“Where does she live?” She asked cautiously. Rarity realized that she had no idea where the mare she had worked with even lived.

“I…have no idea.” Rarity responded slowly. Silence, as the two ponies looked at one another.

It had been a long time since Rarity had had a gossipy and speculative discussion about another pony and she enjoyed it immensely. The pair postulated for the rest of the trip. Maybe Applecrisp was a distant cousin, born into a family feud and now she had come to Ponyville and Applejack and she held an unsteady truce. Maybe the feud was generations old, maybe nopony even knew what it was about. Maybe Applecrisp was from Appleoosa and maybe she still felt bitter about Applejack settling with the compromise with the buffalo. Dash suggested the perhaps Applecrisp was jealous of her cousin’s newfound wealth and she had tried to nose into Applejack’s affairs and Applejack had snubbed her, causing the fallout. Their armchair analysis continued all throughout their trip back to the Lone Star.

“And maybe, she’s planning on-” The back door of the bakery swung open and Rainbow Dash stopped short.

“And here she is! Your little prodigal!” Ana’s voice rang with triumphant sarcasm as she called back into the interior of the building. Rarity had forgotten how, “built” Mrs. Salukas was. The workmare towered over the two ponies and looked fiercely at Rarity. “Finish your errand?” She asked with unabashed hostility. The horse glanced at Rainbow Dash. “Oh, I see you brought a friend, that must have been what kept you. Go, work to recoup our lost time.” Rarity balked, then started into the bakery. Rainbow Dash began to follow, but Ana dropped an oversize hoof in her path. “Anypony who doesn’t work here has no place near the flour. The mites in this rotten building steal enough on their own.” Rainbow Dash cowered and stood mute before Ana.

“But, she.” Rarity swallowed unexpectedly. “Does work here.” Ana turned her fervor onto Rarity.

“No, she does not. I know who works here.” She frowned, past her default frown. “You made a mistake lying to me Rarity.” She said contemptuously.

“I, pay her to help me.” Rarity paused. “She’s just working here for the rest of the week.” Ana was livid.

“You brought this Pegasus into the bakery?!! Without my husband’s consent?!!” She demanded in outrage.

“No no! He was fine with it!” Rarity knew she had just thrown Mr. Salukas to the dogs, but the words tumbled out despite. Ana was breathing heavily and Rarity watched as her nostrils flared in what could best be described as unholy fury. Ana’s gaze snapped back into the bakery and without another word, she brushed by Rarity and sought out poor Sonny. Rarity looked to Rainbow Dash, who still stood frozen in a mixture of disbelief and terror.

“Hey, sorry about that.” Rarity held out a hoof. “That’s Ana, Mr. Salukas wife, she’s pretty.” Rarity laughed nervously. “Pretty overbearing.” Rainbow Dash unfroze a little and gulped down some air.

“I honestly thought that was him.” Dash related shakily. “I nearly said sorry sir.” Rarity descended into uncontrolled cachinnation, it was really good to be back with RD.