Trading Placesby ty500600ChaptersPrologue: Strapless SaddlesDay 1 - 10:13 AMDay 1 - 10:40 AMDay 1 - 11:52 AMDay 1 - 12:15 PMPrologue: Strapless Saddles“Girls! I thought we had gotten over this? I mean, really! Every time we have our sleepovers it’s the same thing! You guys bicker and argue about everything!” Twilight yelled. She looked at her two friends that stood before her, who were at the moment glaring daggers at each other. They paused for a moment and looked at their host, almost as if they had forgotten what had been happening. Rarity was the first speak, “Twilight you know that’s not true. What about that time where we got rid of that horrid tree from your bedroom?” Applejack followed Rarity’s lead, “Or like last sleepover where we agreed that yall can be a little bi-polar at times?” Applejack said as a small smirk spread across her face. “It’s just that this time it's different. Rarity doesn’t respect the finer points of camping.” Applejack said as she focused her gaze back onto her other unicorn friend. Rarity returned the look, shooting a deadly leer at Applejack, “It’s not that I don’t respect camping. It's just that why should we have to go outside tonight to sleep when we could just stay inside on the nice, clean beds?” “Because sometimes going outside doesn’t always mean getting dirty like ya think it does,” Applejack shot. “I beg to differ, going outside to lay in the grass to sleep sounds like it will do just that!” “We can use sleeping bags? Besides, don’t ya think it could be fun looking up at the stars while ya lay in the grass?” “What if the bag comes unzipped? Then what would happen to my mane!” Rarity shrieked as she clutched her mane as if such a thing would ruin its beauty forever. “Also, Twilight has a telescope up on her patio, so I see no reason to go outside and lay on the grass.” The argument proceeded no further as Twilight’s horn started to glow. A loud zap turned the heads of Twilight’s friends towards her last location. She had teleported away without giving them any clue as to where she went. Rarity and Applejack looked at each other in puzzlement until a projected voice came from all around them, “Both of you! Work together to find me. We are going to play hide and seek, I read about it in the sleepover guide! The rules of the game are simple, I hide, you seek! Get it?” Rarity and Applejack looked at each other for a moment and began to grin. Applejack yelled to the booming voice, “Sugarcube, we know how to play hide and seek, but if you insist, we’ll play along! Come on Rarity, lets go find her. You search high, I’ll search low.” “I suppose a little game wouldn’t hurt would it? Alright Applejack, I’ll go upstairs, see if I can’t find her. You will probably want to check the basement.” “Thats what Ah’ said...” “Well, hop to it then. Someone is going to have to find her while the night is still young. Oh, wouldn’t that be silly if she went and fell asleep in her—” “HURRY UP WOULD YOU!” Boomed a voice. Rarity and Applejack’s ears flattened against their heads in embarrassment, “Sorry Twi’, ready er not, here we come!” Applejack shouted. “Good! And hurry up!” Twilight yelled back. Rarity turned away from Applejack and began to head up the stairs while Applejack headed for the back room that held the door to the basement. She pushed on the door and it swung open, exposing her to the basement. The smell of old, wet wood reached her nose, making it cringe a bit at the offending smell. The dim light from the lights behind her guided her down the staircase until she hit the bottom. The large basement was very quiet, save Applejack’s hoofprints against the wooden stairs. Soon the sound went from hooves hitting wood to hooves hitting concrete. Applejack nudged the light switch with her snout, bringing the lights to life. “Alright Twi’, are ya down here?” Applejack asked into the seemingly empty room. She walked around, looking behind old bookshelves and under desks, looking for her hidden friend. She had almost done a complete rotation of the entire room before a noise from behind her made her turn around. A book came flying across the room and hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground. “The hay was that fer?” She asked her attacker, rubbing her head with a hoof. Twilight’s voice came from the dimly light area, “Sorry Applejack, I just got so excited about this book that I couldn’t wait to show it to you.” There was a large grin stretched across her face. “Yeah, ya couldn’t wait so you hit me in the face with it, eh?” Applejack said sarcastically. Twilight’s grin turned sheepish, “Yeah... sorry. But, anyway! You and Rarity need to see this book! It could be the solution to your guys’ bickering problems!” The large grin returned to normal. “Twi, we don’t have bickering problems...” Applejack began to say, before trailing off due to Twilight’s stair. “Right, and Rainbow Dash will make it into the Wonderbolts. Come upstairs, lets show it to Rarity.” Twilight began to trot past Applejack before being interrupted. “Twilight, Ah don’t what the title of the book is!” Applejack chided. “Oh, right...” Twilight’s grin went sheepish again. “It’s called ‘The Art and Form of Mind Swapping.’” “Oh sweet Celestia... okay, Twi. We’ll have a look at it. Let me just say a few prayers first. Ahem... Dear Celestia, what did Ah do to deserve this? Is it because Ah like to try on strapless saddles when no one is looking?” Applejack muttered under her breath, holding her hat against her chest. “Applejack!” “Hehe... sorry Twi, lets go.” “Finally... hey what was that about wearing strapless saddles?” Twilight gave an inquisitive look towards her friend. Applejack felt herself blush, “Erm... nothin.” “Wanna’ talk about it?” “Nope.” “You sure?” “Eeyup.” “Okay... please?” “Twilight!” “Okay, okay sorry!” The rest of the walk to the main sitting room went on in an awkward silence. Applejack noticed a small grin on Twilight’s face and that she looked like she was daydreaming. “Twilight, are you imagining me in a strapless saddle!?” Twilight’s cheeks went flush, “No, no! I was thinking about how... um... Rarity might react towards this book!” Twilight stumbled on her words. “Uh huh... speaking of, where is she?” Applejack asked, still watching Twilight out of the corner of her eye. “Rarity, come out come out wherever you are! We got something to show you!” Twilight yelled into the loft above. A white head poked its way out over the ledge, “Is it picutres of Applejack in a strapless saddle?!” Rarity asked excitedly. “Confound it... No! Twilight found a book,” Applejack grunted in frustration. Rarity’s ears and posture drooped at that fact. “Oh... what book is it?” “The Art and Form of Mind Swapping,” Twilight said proudly, her smile slapped back on her face. “Uh huh... and what does that have to do with me?” Rarity questioned. “Well... I uh... thought that... maybe we could read it and find out what’s inside?” Twilight asked hopefully. Applejack cut in, “Okay, but Ah still don’t know what it has to do solving our bickering problem.” “Thought you two didn’t have a bickering problem?” Twilight said flatly. “We don’t... anyway, what do you want with it? Since when do you need help reading a book?” Applejack eyed Twilight suspiciously. “Oh come now Applejack. Use that down-to-earth pony logic you have. She wants us to trade places so we can see what each other’s life is like. Oh, and Twilight... NO!” Rarity yelled. “Oh, Ah get it... Yeah, absolutely not,” Applejack said. “Aw, why not? It would be a perfect chance for you guys to walk in each other’s hooves for a small while,” Twilight begged. “And what advantage would that give us? We know what each other is like hun. I’ma hard workin pony who doesn’t mind getting dirty, where Rarity is a clean, town pony who would rather make dresses than do honest labour,” Applejack said smugly. “Twilight, what I think Applejack means to say is that I’m a lady who likes the finer things in life, not rolling around in the dirt with the hogs,” Rarity retorted. “Hey! Ah only done that once, and it was fun, I might add!” The room became quiet at that statement, until Twilight spoke, “Uh huh... anyway, what I think it is, is that you two are too afraid to try each others lives out.” “I ain’t afraid of nothin! I just think that my talents could be put to use doing something more productive, say feeding the citizens of Ponyville?” Applejack scoffed. “I’m inclined to agree with Applejack on this one Twilight. I would definitely rather spend my time making my dresses and clothing for the famous ponies of Equestria than do some silly experiment,” Rarity chimed in. “Or maybe you think it will be too difficult to do each other's jobs and live each others lives...” Twilight said darkly. “Thats it! Cmon Rarity, lets do Twilight’s little experiment to prove to her that Ah can be... ech... lady-like and have finesse like you do. And so Ah can watch you fail at being me,” Applejack said flatly. "I do not think so, Applejack. Twilight is clearly baiting you into doing this so she can get her way," Rarity said smugly. "Rarity, hush. You know as well as I that you couldn't succeed," Twilight pressed. "Nice try Twilight, but that wont work on a lady like me." "Isn't true that a lady shouldn't step down from a small challenge? If that's the case, you shouldn't be called very lady like at all!" Rarity gasped in shock before focusing her glare on Twilight, "Oh it. Is. On!" “So, we are in agreement then!?” Twilight asked excitedly. A curt nod from Applejack and a small flick of the hoof from Rarity indicated they were indeed. “Yes yes yes yes! Anyway, this book says you two might feel a bit of a pinch...” Twilight's eyes scrolled through a few pages before closing it, satisfied. "Here we go!" Twilight’s horn flashed a bright white. Day 1 - 10:13 AMApplejack awoke begrudgingly, knowing it was Sunday. The light pouring in through the shut windows offered little reprieve as she tried to hide from the light. “Eh.... fine. Ah’m up! She rolled in her bed, expecting to see Rarity laying next to her. Applejack had the strangest dream and had planned on telling Twilight and Rarity about it. To her surprise, however, there was nopony there. There was just the bedside table and resting on it, her stenson. She rolled back to her side of the bed and arose slowly. She lugged her sleepy body around the bed, working her way towards her hat. She reached out through closed eyes and placed the hat on her head. She rolled her neck a bit, working out the stiffness acquired from sleeping on Twilight’s spare bed. Applejack, now feeling like a whole pony with her hat safely on her head, opened her eyes to the room. As she glanced around, she saw Twilight stirring from her rest as well. Applejack walked over and nudged her friend. “Good mornin Twi,” came a voice. At first, Applejack was confused. The voice sounded like if Rarity had all of a sudden obtained her own accent. “Rarity?” Applejack asked. To her utter shock, the voice was hers. “Oh nelly...” Twilight’s head faced Applejack, and a small smile came across the tired face. “Good morning Rarity.” Her face then twisted somewhat in confusion, “Since when do you call me ‘Twi’? Only Applejack does that—” “Twilight. It is me...” Applejack muttered, the voice still startling her. “Oh, that’s right! I almost forgot about the mind-swap spell!” Twilight rocketed up in her bed, the small smile now huge. “It wasn’t a dream?” Applejack asked, disappointed. Twilight shook her head, “Nope! Remember? You two agreed to trying this out!” “Yeah... Ah remember now. Hey, where’s Rarity, er... me, er... Rarity, er... whoever isn’t me in Rarity’s body!” The feminine voice was still shocking to hear coming out of her own mouth, Rarity’s mouth. Applejack couldn't decide whose mouth it was. “Between us three, we can refer to her as Rarity and you, Applejack. But to maintain the integrity of this test, that won't be the case around others,” Twilight said confidently. “Wait, what do you mean ‘around others?’” Applejack asked suspiciously. “Well, if others knew you were Rarity and that Rarity was you, they might react badly, or worse, try to offer you assistance in being each other. Understand?” Twilight said plainly. Applejack stared blankly for a moment before shaking her head, clearing the confusing words that were just said from her head, “So what you mean to say is that, only us three will know about this? The rest will not?” “Yes! That’s the brilliance of this test! If others realize that something is up, then that proves that who ever messed up was the one least capable of being the other!” Twilight said, clearly proud of herself with coming up with something so confident. “Ah’m not gonna like this, am Ah Twi?” Applejack asked, already knowing the answer. “No, probably not, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be beneficial!” Twilight was clearly enthused. “Alright, lets get going then... hey Twi? How long does this spell last?” Applejack fixed her new amethyst eyes staring at her violet friend. “Well, that... that’s the fun part... I don’t know exactly...” Twilight looked bashful. “Wait... what?” Applejack’s body went rigid. “You mean you don’t know how long Ah’m goin’ to be stuck like this?!” “Yeah, that’s what I mean... but from what I read in my book, it will wear out on its own after a week or so... hopefully,” Twilight said sheepishly. “Twi, tell me. What do you mean, ‘Hopefully?’” Applejack approached her friend slowly. “Well, the book said it could last longer... or shorter if you’re lucky!” Twilight tried to cover up the former statement with the latter. “Right, if Ah’m lucky... and if I’m not?” Applejack was not deterred one bit by Twilight’s little ruse. “It could... potentially last up to a few months... but that’s only in extreme cases!” There was a small pause before Applejack started, albeit slowly. “You mean to tell me Ah may or may not have to pretend to be Rarity for a few months?!” “Yes, yes that is what I am saying, but like I said, that was only in extreme cases. I think you will be fine,” Twilight said nervously. “It doesn’t sound like you think it...” “Well... I do Applejack. It will all be okay, and remember; this is a learning expirence. We want to see how hard it is to be each other. Well, how hard it is for you two to be each other. Applejack glared at Twilight, “Twi, yur lucky that I’m not a violent pony...” “Yes. Yes I am, now. Where is Rarity? I haven’t seen her yet,” Twilight said, looking around the small room. “Ah dunno’, when I woke up this morning, she was gone. Wait an apple pickin’ second. She is gone, and is gone with mah body! Twilight, we have got to find her!” Applejack lunged at her friend, pinning her to the bed. “Can’t we just stay here like this for a while?” Twilight blushed a little. Applejack slowly climbed off of her friend, “Twi’ I think you have a problem. And no, we can’t. While Ah highly doubt that Rarity hasn’t checked herself out in the mirror at least three times by now, it’s still possible that she doesn’t know yet that she is me,” “I don’t need help. And I’m inclined to agree with you Applejack. We have no idea where she could be and she might not know what’s going on!” “Erm... yeah, that’s what Ah just said,” Applejack said flatly, rolling her eyes. Twilight ignored the remark. “Where do you think she could be?” “Well, if she got up early and went home, then she might be there,” Applejack said. “Right, lets go—” A scream came from the bathroom down the stairs. “Found her,” Applejack said sarcastically. “Lets go get her before she rips your mane out...” Twilight said dully. “She better not. If she does, Ah’ll dye her mane green like Trixie did,” Applejack grumbled. “That would be mean Applejack,” Twilight shot. “Last night you said Rainbow Dash wouldn’t make it into the Wonder Bolts,” Applejack said. “Yeah, that was a joke used in a situation that called for a statement that wasn’t happening. You said that you didn’t bicker and while I truly believe that Rainbow has the potential to become a Wonderbolt, I just didn’t see it happening in the near future,” Twilight rambled. “Rationalize it anyway you want Twi’,” Applejack snickered. The friends had reached the bathroom door. Twilight gave a slight push of it with her hoof, but the door was locked. Heavy breathing and the sound of bristles moving furiously back and forth. “She’s scrubbing my mane...” Applejack said in mock horror. Twilight ignored her and knocked on the door, “Rarity, are you okay in there?” At first no sound other than that of brushing came from the bathroom, but the door cracked open and the miserable face of Applejack’s face appeared. “Rarity! I don’t cry! Quit yur cryin!” Applejack was now in real horror of what she saw. “Applejack hush! Rarity, are you okay?” Twilight asked. Rarity sniffled a little bit before starting, “I cannot believe that I agreed to this...” Hearing Applejack’s voice without the southern accent and having a feminine impression was strange at best. “I got up this morning and I went to do my morning hair care but when I got there all I saw was... was this!” She pointed towards Applejack’s blonde mane. “I screamed and started trying to clean it as best as possible, but there were just too many split ends and the hair was stuck in position even after taking out the ponytail!” “You took out my ponytail...” Applejack muttered darkly. Day 1 - 10:40 AMDay 1 - 10:40 AM The three friends sat around the table eating breakfast quietly. Time to time Applejack would shoot Rarity a nasty look for what Rarity had done. “Explain this to me again, why did you have to go and do that to my mane?” Applejack questioned. “Well, since I have told you three times now, I suppose once more wouldn’t hurt. Your mane is too long to style it like my mane so I had to improvise. I think this looks much more stylish than that old ponytail you had,” Rarity said nonchalantly. She picked up the mirror she had at the table and admired her hoof work. Her mane flowed down her neck until hit her back then it brought down either side into an elegant curl while the front portion was held to one side of her face. “You do realize that we have to try and be each other? Not you being you inside my body,” Applejack grumbled. “Applejack is right, Rarity. Ponies might ask why you are wearing your mane that way,” Twilight interjected. “What would you tell them?” “I never thought of that. I’d probably just tell them that I wanted to try something new for a change, and that it helps, ech... bucking apples.” She let the last portion of the sentence roll of of her tongue slowly. “Hey, what do you mean ‘ech?’ That’s gonna be yur job for the next week!” Applejack cut in. “And I swear, if you let my apple fields go to waste, I’ll dye yur main so pink, Pinkie Pie would look boring.” Rarity gasped in shock, “You would never!” “Oh but I would,” A dark grin slithered onto Applejack’s face. “Girls! Quit it! You’re already failing at being each other. Applejack, you should be acting ladylike or something like that, and Rarity, you need to be a hard talking pony.” Twilight shook her head. “Erm, Twi’? I don’t do ladylike...” Applejack said slowly. “And I am still a lady on the inside, and I shall act as such,” Rarity said timidly. “Fine, I guess you both lose. You can both go on your merry way and forget about this little trial. It’s just, Applejack, I always thought you wanted to prove that you're the best of the best, and Rarity, you always say a lady should never turn down a civil challenge,” Twilight chastised. Applejack grumbled a bit before opening her mouth, “Twilight, you’re really gettin’ to me. Fine, since we’re stuck this way, I guess we really can't help but do this thing.” “There is a difference between a civil challenge and just doing something I would prefer not to do,” Rarity replied between mouthfuls of breakfast. “But Applejack is right. If we are going to be forced to do this, best to make the best of it.” Rarity peered towards Applejack. “Speaking of, since today is Sunday and neither of us actually have to work, do you think it would be best to start practicing each others daily routines?” Twilight’s face lit up at the sound of the suggestion. “That’s a great idea! Since we really don’t have anything better, we should get each of you ready for the week!” Applejack glanced up from her breakfast long enough to glare at Twilight. “Why do you keep taking other pony’s ideas and rephrasing them and saying them again?” “Ah, ah, ah! That wasn’t very lady-like of you Rarity,” Twilight said gleefully. At Twilight’s scolding, Applejack stood up and slammed her hoof down onto the table, expecting a loud retort. But instead there was only a thump. “What the heck?” Applejack looked at her newly acquired hoof, confused. “That should’a darn near broke the table! Not give it a tap on the back.” Rarity was the first to break the silence. “You’re a unicorn now, Applejack. You don’t have the raw power of an Earth pony anymore. You control magic!” Rarity pointed at the horn on Applejack’s head. “I think that is going to be something that we might have to spend some time on today. Mastering each others unique abilities.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “And I say it starts now. Being a pupil of Princess Celestia, I, Twilight Sparkle, proclaim that I shall become Applejack’s instructor in the way of magic for the day. First lesson of the day, and probably the most important one: Levitation. Levitation, Applejack, is probably one of the easiest and most useful spells a unicorn could possibly know.” She paused to shoot Applejack an excited smile. Applejack was not quick to return the favor. Twilight was quick to continue anyway. “In order for a unicorn to use magic, she must first reach inside of herself and find her strength, or energy if you will. Anyway, once you feel that you have a grasp on this energy, you reach out towards the item you wish to levitate and make it so!” Twilight paused to look at her audience, who were both staring at her awkwardly. “Um Twilight whenever I would cast magic, I would usually just look at something I wanted to move and then just think move, and it would go. I never did any of what you just said,” Rarity said plainly. “Well good for you Rarity, but I’m the one who is teaching here and I really doubt that Applejack could simply learn how to—” Biff! A pillow was hurled right into Twilight’s face, knocking her over in shock. She shook her head to clear the stars from her eyes and glared at Rarity. “Rarity, I know you have new found strength, but that doesn’t mean you can be a bully!” Rarity stood grinning and chortling, raising a hoof to try and cover her amusement. “I wish I could claim that wonderful headshot, but that came from your new protege over here!” Twilight looked in awe towards Applejack who stood with two pillows hovering behind her. “Sorry Twi’, didn’t mean to whale you in the face like I did there, but, hey, like you said. I just can’t quite get the hang of it yet.” And with a dark grin, she sent the other two missiles hurtling towards Twilight. Twilight caught the two ballistic pillows and sent them flying back at her attacker who wasn’t ready for it. Applejack took the two pillows straight to the face, knocking her back on her heals. “Lesson two, Applejack, don’t mess with the best!” Twilight said, pleased. Rarity watched as Twilight turned Applejack’s attack into a complete backfire. She couldn’t help but smile. I would have been able to return that counter-attack. Applejack shook the dizziness from her head, still slightly confused as to what had just happened. When she saw the two pillows on her, she groaned. This is going to be a long day... Day 1 - 11:52 AMDay 1 - 11:52 AM Rarity sat on the couch watching Applejack sort the library under the instruction of Twilight. Books were whizzing past her face, one nearly hitting her as it flew by. She wrinkled her nose in discomfort. Out of instinct, she dug for her magic to summon a box of tissues, but the lack of horn reduced her efforts into gas. As her cheeks turned bright red, she glanced over at her two friends, hoping they didn’t hear. Thankfully, they were too preoccupied “Lesson three... wah!” Twilight ducked under a low-sailing book. “Ahem... Lesson three: Control. You may be a unicorn now, but you still have the mind of an Earth pony. Not to sound rude, but everything you’ve ever done has been with crude strength. While a unicorns magic requires strength, it’s a different type of strength. The strength of understanding and finesse. The strength of... humph!” A book rocketed into Twilight’s chest, knocking the wind out of her. “Uhhh... not the strength of strength...” She let out a sigh, falling into a pile of books behind her. Applejack didn’t even notice what she had done. She was too focused on the swarm of rampaging books that occupied the space above her head. Her tongue hung out a small ways, her eyes were furrowed as well. It was only after she heard the groaning of Twilight from amongst a pile of books did she look away. After she looked away though, she lost control. Pages of literature went soaring in all directions. Some into the loft above, some out the windows, and one right into the face of a snoring Spike. The blast knocked Spike out of his bed, sending him head over heels into the bedside table. He sat there for a minute, dazed and confused. He shook his head and grabbed the book that was now impaled onto one of his spikes. The title read “How to Make Yourself a More Productive Pony.” His confused face turned into a scowl. He jumped up and padded towards the edge of the of bacony, still scowling. “Twilight, is this your idea of comedy?” He raised the book above his head and waved it around, signalling for attention. When he peered over the edge, however, he dropped the book and his glare turned into a soft gaze. “Oh... hey there Rarity, whatcha up to?” The presence of Spike made the room dead silent. Applejack shot a look over at Rarity who was sitting on the couch, a large smile stricken across her face. “Well go on, sugarcube. Tell him what yur doin’,” Rarity said in an almost frighteningly well practiced southern accent. “Um...errr...Nothing,” Applejack whispered... before realizing she had been inadvertently hoofed an opportunity. She grinned, and flashed her best bedroom-eyes at Spike, before replying, in her best impersonation of Rarity’s accent - her practiced and trained Manehattenite accent, “...nothing at all, dahling. Why don’t you come have a seat cuddled up right beside me...” Rarity’s eyes rhythmically twitched. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t! As Spike excitedly curled up beside Applejack, obviously unaware of the switch, Applejack ran her hoof down his back, teasingly, and actually nuzzled him. Rarity was no fool, of course; in all truth, she was fully aware of Spike’s affection for her. Sweet Celestia, how far would Applejack play that trump card? She felt jealousy mounting inside of her heart. “Hey, Spike? How would ya like it Ah’ went with a walk around town with ya?” She said. Spike’s head lifted off of his arm, eying Rarity. “Uh. Thanks but no thanks Applejack,” He paused and looked at Applejack. “I’m good right where I am.” He then nuzzled his head into Applejack’s belly somewhat, only to be pulled in tightly by her. “Oh, uh... Okay then.” Rarity flicked her head in the opposite direction, offended. Twilight, who had remained oddly quiet through the ordeal, decided now was the time to intervene. Hey, Rarity, I think we should go to the boutique so we can make a new dress, don’t you think?” Applejack looked away from Spike towards Twilight. “Yeah, I suppose yur... I mean you’re right. Let us go darling.” Her mouth seem to curl funny at the word. Spike shot up out of his comfortable position. “But, wait, can’t Rarity stay a while longer?” His eyes pleaded with Twilight and Applejack. “Sorry Spike, we’ve got serious work to do.” She said excitedly. “Oh yeah? Like what,” He said angrily, his arms fell across his chest. “Applejack needs to learn how to make dresses!” Twilight blurted. Instantly her blunder reached her mind. Both Rarity and Applejack shot her a look of surprise. Spike’s expression changed from angry to confused in a heartbeat, his arms fell to his sides. “Wait, what? Why would Applejack need to learn how to make dresses?” “Well, ya see sugar—” Her hoofs shot up to her mouth, her face in shock. “Huh?” Spike looked at Applejack. Rarity quickly jumped in. “Ya see, sugarcube, Granny tore her old gown and I need to learn how to fix it, right Rarity?” Applejack could only nod, her mouth still blocked by her hooves. “Well, couldn’t you just have Rarity do it? I mean, she does make her living off of it.” He said flatly. Finally, Applejack opened her mouth again. “Well, Spike, I could do it for her, but what happens if it rips again? Teaching her how to do it saves us both time.” Spike looked at her for a moment, his eyes in thought. He then shrugged and walked away. “Makes sense I guess. Have fun AJ, I know I wouldn’t.” He stuck his finger in his mouth as he walked away. After he left the room, Twilight used her magic to shut the door behind him. “Still think this is going to be easy?” She asked smugly. Her friends glared at her. Day 1 - 12:15 PMDay 1 - 12:15 PM Applejack stood in the center of Rarity’s inspiration room, trying to draw the magical “inspiration,” as Rarity had called it, from every corner of the room. Her eyes were pressed shut and her eyebrows clenched together in concentration. A small squiggle formed on the corner of her mouth as she pursed her lips together. Beads of sweat began to form on her head as she strained to prove that she could best her opponent. However, after a long while of struggling, she realized that her opponent in this battle was not Rarity, but the room and the imagery required to start making dresses. As the struggle continued, audible grunts and moans could be heard from the concentrating pony. A smug grin creeped across Rarity’s face. “Well, Applejack? Have you thought of anything yet?” A moment of silence passed before Applejack replied. “Sure did. I already had ideas in my mind before I entered your messy room. I’ve been trying to decide what I want to actually make from those ideas.” Rarity stared for a moment. “Humph. Well, if its that easy for you, this should be a breeze shouldn’t it. I think I’ll just step outside and go for a walk.” Rarity turned her back to Applejack. She began to walk away. “Stop! I’m going to need your help making the darned things. I can sew sorta’, but I can’t do all of those things you do, especially with magic.” Applejack pleaded. A satisfied grin settled on Rarity’s mouth. “But of course you can’t. Nopony has ever taught you how to do any of it. So I expect you to respect my expertise, if you don’t mind.” She flicked her head away from Applejack snobbishly. When she returned her gaze to Applejack, she was not gifted with the humble stare she was expecting, but instead was met with annoyance and irritation. “Uh huh...” Applejack grunted. Rarity glared at her for a moment before sticking her snout back into the air. “Hmph!” Applejack stared at her friend for a moment longer before letting out a sigh of surrender. “Fine... you’re right. I need somepony to show me how to get this done, and I suppose it ought to be you, since you’re the only pony with both the patience and crazies to do this in this town.” She may have been down, but she sure wasn’t out. Rarity turned her sharp eyes back on Applejack. “You just...couldn’t...resist… could you.” “Nnnope!” She replied, trying imitate her older brother. At the sound of it though, Twilight let out a small giggle. “Twi, what are you laughing at…” Twilight snorted before she replied. “You sound like Big Mac’ if he got kicked in the… well… you know where. Applejack let a chuckle. “Heh… I reckon so. Still not used to having Rarity’s voice, that alone is going to be hard to master; nevermind this stuff.” She cast a hoof across the messy room. Rarity let out a sigh. “I agree with you Applejack. Remembering that I have to talk in this southern drawl combined with the mastering of your strong body… this will be quite the challenge.” “But you two will do the challenge right?! I mean, we have come so far already…” Twilight whined. Applejack shoved a hoof into Twilight’s mouth. “Before you start yer’ bellyaching, yes. We will do this. I mean, we have already switched bodies, what else could make this any more difficult?” Twilight's eyes lit up. “Pitoee!” She spat out Applejack’s hoof. “Well lets think… There is always the factors of family, I’m sure they might notice the change, not to mention our friends. Don’t even get me started on our friends. I almost guarantee they will pick up on the differences! And… and…hmph!” The hoof found its home again, stopping the torrent of thoughts trying to escape the floodgates of Twilight’s brain. “Twi? That was rhetorical. This is going to be impossible. I don’t think piling on the pressure is going to help Rarity and I with the situation. Understand? Twilight nodded. “Good.” The moment the hoof left Twilight’s mouth, she started again. “But I was just saying that mmph…” A white blockage seemed to be lodged in her mouth once again. “Twilight, what in the world did I just say?” Applejack berated. “Grrrmphhh…” Twilight rolled her eyes and batted the hoof away. “Fine. But I was just—” “Twilight!” Applejack and Rarity yelled in unison, forcing her ears down. “Fine! Lets just get to work!” Twilight screamed, clearly frustrated. She stepped into the corner of the room. “Applejack! Make a dress!” Applejack leaned over to Rarity. “I think we made her—” “Now!” “Erm, yes ma’am!” Applejack jolted forward. “Rarity!” Twilight shrieked. The sound jerked her forward. “Um, yes, darling, what is it?” “You are Applejack, talk like her. Speaking of Applejack, teach her how to do things with thread and needle! Cause I sure won't!” Twilight was clearly unhappy. “Twilight, I don’t think the yelling will—” “Now!” Rarity scuttled forward. “Erm, yes’m!” Her practiced accent revealed itself again. “Now. Applejack—” “Ahem!” Twilight grunted. Rarity glanced over at Twilight. “Twilight do we really have to?” Twilight’s piercing glare was the only answer she needed. “Right, now Rarity, ya’ need to focus more’n the image of what yer’ tryin’ to make and less’n the things ya’ use to make, ya’ get what I’m sayin’ sugarcube?” Applejack, who was doing her best to try and stay as far away from Twilight as possible, had only heard a portion of what Rarity said. “Um...quite. I shall see what I can do.” She closed her eyes and thought about something easy to make. Like a… curtain! She snapped her eyes open and began to wander around the room, taking note of the of locations of the fabrics, needles, dyes, laces, threads, and anything else she might need. Once she had all of these items documented in her head, she pursed her eyes shut again and reimagined the curtain. She thought of how the color should be darker so that when the sun would hit it, it keep a majority of the sun out, but at the same time light it up in a way that would not be an eye soar. She thought of how it would look hanging down to the ground, but decided that it would look better hanging just beneath the window sill. Since she had a taste for the simpler things in life, she initially had planned to leave the bottoms unhemmed and hanging freely. However, she was Rarity now and reimagined them to look more professional and chic. Twilight and Rarity watched in awe as the white horn began to emanate an aura, although slightly different to Rarity's. Right where the horn met open air, the color was orange, but as it faded out, the color changed to a brilliant hue of red. Soon, a long dark red piece of cloth began to unwind from the many racks in the room. It was snipped from the large roll by a pair of sheers, and soon was hovering in front of Applejack. Soon the shears set to work again, shortening the cloth. Then a drawer began to shake and rattle, then slid open. A needle and red thread shot out towards the cloth and began to weave themselves through the bottom. While this was happening, a hole puncher began to do its job, allowing room for the metal rings to be fitted to the curtain. As a final touch, the smaller piece that was sheared off the bottom made its way to the top, now being used as a decorative frill on the top to hide the brass rings. Once Applejack was satisfied with the image in her mind, she open her eyes again. “Alright, I think I got… Whoa!” She stumbled back from the curtain hovering in front of her. “Where in tarnation… er, where did that come from?!” Twilight and Rarity clapped their hooves together in unison. Author's Note Guess who got a new computer... =D Also, sorry about the shortness. I found this sitting in my Gdocs folder ready to go! So as a returning gift, here you are!
Prologue: Strapless Saddles“Girls! I thought we had gotten over this? I mean, really! Every time we have our sleepovers it’s the same thing! You guys bicker and argue about everything!” Twilight yelled. She looked at her two friends that stood before her, who were at the moment glaring daggers at each other. They paused for a moment and looked at their host, almost as if they had forgotten what had been happening. Rarity was the first speak, “Twilight you know that’s not true. What about that time where we got rid of that horrid tree from your bedroom?” Applejack followed Rarity’s lead, “Or like last sleepover where we agreed that yall can be a little bi-polar at times?” Applejack said as a small smirk spread across her face. “It’s just that this time it's different. Rarity doesn’t respect the finer points of camping.” Applejack said as she focused her gaze back onto her other unicorn friend. Rarity returned the look, shooting a deadly leer at Applejack, “It’s not that I don’t respect camping. It's just that why should we have to go outside tonight to sleep when we could just stay inside on the nice, clean beds?” “Because sometimes going outside doesn’t always mean getting dirty like ya think it does,” Applejack shot. “I beg to differ, going outside to lay in the grass to sleep sounds like it will do just that!” “We can use sleeping bags? Besides, don’t ya think it could be fun looking up at the stars while ya lay in the grass?” “What if the bag comes unzipped? Then what would happen to my mane!” Rarity shrieked as she clutched her mane as if such a thing would ruin its beauty forever. “Also, Twilight has a telescope up on her patio, so I see no reason to go outside and lay on the grass.” The argument proceeded no further as Twilight’s horn started to glow. A loud zap turned the heads of Twilight’s friends towards her last location. She had teleported away without giving them any clue as to where she went. Rarity and Applejack looked at each other in puzzlement until a projected voice came from all around them, “Both of you! Work together to find me. We are going to play hide and seek, I read about it in the sleepover guide! The rules of the game are simple, I hide, you seek! Get it?” Rarity and Applejack looked at each other for a moment and began to grin. Applejack yelled to the booming voice, “Sugarcube, we know how to play hide and seek, but if you insist, we’ll play along! Come on Rarity, lets go find her. You search high, I’ll search low.” “I suppose a little game wouldn’t hurt would it? Alright Applejack, I’ll go upstairs, see if I can’t find her. You will probably want to check the basement.” “Thats what Ah’ said...” “Well, hop to it then. Someone is going to have to find her while the night is still young. Oh, wouldn’t that be silly if she went and fell asleep in her—” “HURRY UP WOULD YOU!” Boomed a voice. Rarity and Applejack’s ears flattened against their heads in embarrassment, “Sorry Twi’, ready er not, here we come!” Applejack shouted. “Good! And hurry up!” Twilight yelled back. Rarity turned away from Applejack and began to head up the stairs while Applejack headed for the back room that held the door to the basement. She pushed on the door and it swung open, exposing her to the basement. The smell of old, wet wood reached her nose, making it cringe a bit at the offending smell. The dim light from the lights behind her guided her down the staircase until she hit the bottom. The large basement was very quiet, save Applejack’s hoofprints against the wooden stairs. Soon the sound went from hooves hitting wood to hooves hitting concrete. Applejack nudged the light switch with her snout, bringing the lights to life. “Alright Twi’, are ya down here?” Applejack asked into the seemingly empty room. She walked around, looking behind old bookshelves and under desks, looking for her hidden friend. She had almost done a complete rotation of the entire room before a noise from behind her made her turn around. A book came flying across the room and hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground. “The hay was that fer?” She asked her attacker, rubbing her head with a hoof. Twilight’s voice came from the dimly light area, “Sorry Applejack, I just got so excited about this book that I couldn’t wait to show it to you.” There was a large grin stretched across her face. “Yeah, ya couldn’t wait so you hit me in the face with it, eh?” Applejack said sarcastically. Twilight’s grin turned sheepish, “Yeah... sorry. But, anyway! You and Rarity need to see this book! It could be the solution to your guys’ bickering problems!” The large grin returned to normal. “Twi, we don’t have bickering problems...” Applejack began to say, before trailing off due to Twilight’s stair. “Right, and Rainbow Dash will make it into the Wonderbolts. Come upstairs, lets show it to Rarity.” Twilight began to trot past Applejack before being interrupted. “Twilight, Ah don’t what the title of the book is!” Applejack chided. “Oh, right...” Twilight’s grin went sheepish again. “It’s called ‘The Art and Form of Mind Swapping.’” “Oh sweet Celestia... okay, Twi. We’ll have a look at it. Let me just say a few prayers first. Ahem... Dear Celestia, what did Ah do to deserve this? Is it because Ah like to try on strapless saddles when no one is looking?” Applejack muttered under her breath, holding her hat against her chest. “Applejack!” “Hehe... sorry Twi, lets go.” “Finally... hey what was that about wearing strapless saddles?” Twilight gave an inquisitive look towards her friend. Applejack felt herself blush, “Erm... nothin.” “Wanna’ talk about it?” “Nope.” “You sure?” “Eeyup.” “Okay... please?” “Twilight!” “Okay, okay sorry!” The rest of the walk to the main sitting room went on in an awkward silence. Applejack noticed a small grin on Twilight’s face and that she looked like she was daydreaming. “Twilight, are you imagining me in a strapless saddle!?” Twilight’s cheeks went flush, “No, no! I was thinking about how... um... Rarity might react towards this book!” Twilight stumbled on her words. “Uh huh... speaking of, where is she?” Applejack asked, still watching Twilight out of the corner of her eye. “Rarity, come out come out wherever you are! We got something to show you!” Twilight yelled into the loft above. A white head poked its way out over the ledge, “Is it picutres of Applejack in a strapless saddle?!” Rarity asked excitedly. “Confound it... No! Twilight found a book,” Applejack grunted in frustration. Rarity’s ears and posture drooped at that fact. “Oh... what book is it?” “The Art and Form of Mind Swapping,” Twilight said proudly, her smile slapped back on her face. “Uh huh... and what does that have to do with me?” Rarity questioned. “Well... I uh... thought that... maybe we could read it and find out what’s inside?” Twilight asked hopefully. Applejack cut in, “Okay, but Ah still don’t know what it has to do solving our bickering problem.” “Thought you two didn’t have a bickering problem?” Twilight said flatly. “We don’t... anyway, what do you want with it? Since when do you need help reading a book?” Applejack eyed Twilight suspiciously. “Oh come now Applejack. Use that down-to-earth pony logic you have. She wants us to trade places so we can see what each other’s life is like. Oh, and Twilight... NO!” Rarity yelled. “Oh, Ah get it... Yeah, absolutely not,” Applejack said. “Aw, why not? It would be a perfect chance for you guys to walk in each other’s hooves for a small while,” Twilight begged. “And what advantage would that give us? We know what each other is like hun. I’ma hard workin pony who doesn’t mind getting dirty, where Rarity is a clean, town pony who would rather make dresses than do honest labour,” Applejack said smugly. “Twilight, what I think Applejack means to say is that I’m a lady who likes the finer things in life, not rolling around in the dirt with the hogs,” Rarity retorted. “Hey! Ah only done that once, and it was fun, I might add!” The room became quiet at that statement, until Twilight spoke, “Uh huh... anyway, what I think it is, is that you two are too afraid to try each others lives out.” “I ain’t afraid of nothin! I just think that my talents could be put to use doing something more productive, say feeding the citizens of Ponyville?” Applejack scoffed. “I’m inclined to agree with Applejack on this one Twilight. I would definitely rather spend my time making my dresses and clothing for the famous ponies of Equestria than do some silly experiment,” Rarity chimed in. “Or maybe you think it will be too difficult to do each other's jobs and live each others lives...” Twilight said darkly. “Thats it! Cmon Rarity, lets do Twilight’s little experiment to prove to her that Ah can be... ech... lady-like and have finesse like you do. And so Ah can watch you fail at being me,” Applejack said flatly. "I do not think so, Applejack. Twilight is clearly baiting you into doing this so she can get her way," Rarity said smugly. "Rarity, hush. You know as well as I that you couldn't succeed," Twilight pressed. "Nice try Twilight, but that wont work on a lady like me." "Isn't true that a lady shouldn't step down from a small challenge? If that's the case, you shouldn't be called very lady like at all!" Rarity gasped in shock before focusing her glare on Twilight, "Oh it. Is. On!" “So, we are in agreement then!?” Twilight asked excitedly. A curt nod from Applejack and a small flick of the hoof from Rarity indicated they were indeed. “Yes yes yes yes! Anyway, this book says you two might feel a bit of a pinch...” Twilight's eyes scrolled through a few pages before closing it, satisfied. "Here we go!" Twilight’s horn flashed a bright white.
Day 1 - 10:13 AMApplejack awoke begrudgingly, knowing it was Sunday. The light pouring in through the shut windows offered little reprieve as she tried to hide from the light. “Eh.... fine. Ah’m up! She rolled in her bed, expecting to see Rarity laying next to her. Applejack had the strangest dream and had planned on telling Twilight and Rarity about it. To her surprise, however, there was nopony there. There was just the bedside table and resting on it, her stenson. She rolled back to her side of the bed and arose slowly. She lugged her sleepy body around the bed, working her way towards her hat. She reached out through closed eyes and placed the hat on her head. She rolled her neck a bit, working out the stiffness acquired from sleeping on Twilight’s spare bed. Applejack, now feeling like a whole pony with her hat safely on her head, opened her eyes to the room. As she glanced around, she saw Twilight stirring from her rest as well. Applejack walked over and nudged her friend. “Good mornin Twi,” came a voice. At first, Applejack was confused. The voice sounded like if Rarity had all of a sudden obtained her own accent. “Rarity?” Applejack asked. To her utter shock, the voice was hers. “Oh nelly...” Twilight’s head faced Applejack, and a small smile came across the tired face. “Good morning Rarity.” Her face then twisted somewhat in confusion, “Since when do you call me ‘Twi’? Only Applejack does that—” “Twilight. It is me...” Applejack muttered, the voice still startling her. “Oh, that’s right! I almost forgot about the mind-swap spell!” Twilight rocketed up in her bed, the small smile now huge. “It wasn’t a dream?” Applejack asked, disappointed. Twilight shook her head, “Nope! Remember? You two agreed to trying this out!” “Yeah... Ah remember now. Hey, where’s Rarity, er... me, er... Rarity, er... whoever isn’t me in Rarity’s body!” The feminine voice was still shocking to hear coming out of her own mouth, Rarity’s mouth. Applejack couldn't decide whose mouth it was. “Between us three, we can refer to her as Rarity and you, Applejack. But to maintain the integrity of this test, that won't be the case around others,” Twilight said confidently. “Wait, what do you mean ‘around others?’” Applejack asked suspiciously. “Well, if others knew you were Rarity and that Rarity was you, they might react badly, or worse, try to offer you assistance in being each other. Understand?” Twilight said plainly. Applejack stared blankly for a moment before shaking her head, clearing the confusing words that were just said from her head, “So what you mean to say is that, only us three will know about this? The rest will not?” “Yes! That’s the brilliance of this test! If others realize that something is up, then that proves that who ever messed up was the one least capable of being the other!” Twilight said, clearly proud of herself with coming up with something so confident. “Ah’m not gonna like this, am Ah Twi?” Applejack asked, already knowing the answer. “No, probably not, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be beneficial!” Twilight was clearly enthused. “Alright, lets get going then... hey Twi? How long does this spell last?” Applejack fixed her new amethyst eyes staring at her violet friend. “Well, that... that’s the fun part... I don’t know exactly...” Twilight looked bashful. “Wait... what?” Applejack’s body went rigid. “You mean you don’t know how long Ah’m goin’ to be stuck like this?!” “Yeah, that’s what I mean... but from what I read in my book, it will wear out on its own after a week or so... hopefully,” Twilight said sheepishly. “Twi, tell me. What do you mean, ‘Hopefully?’” Applejack approached her friend slowly. “Well, the book said it could last longer... or shorter if you’re lucky!” Twilight tried to cover up the former statement with the latter. “Right, if Ah’m lucky... and if I’m not?” Applejack was not deterred one bit by Twilight’s little ruse. “It could... potentially last up to a few months... but that’s only in extreme cases!” There was a small pause before Applejack started, albeit slowly. “You mean to tell me Ah may or may not have to pretend to be Rarity for a few months?!” “Yes, yes that is what I am saying, but like I said, that was only in extreme cases. I think you will be fine,” Twilight said nervously. “It doesn’t sound like you think it...” “Well... I do Applejack. It will all be okay, and remember; this is a learning expirence. We want to see how hard it is to be each other. Well, how hard it is for you two to be each other. Applejack glared at Twilight, “Twi, yur lucky that I’m not a violent pony...” “Yes. Yes I am, now. Where is Rarity? I haven’t seen her yet,” Twilight said, looking around the small room. “Ah dunno’, when I woke up this morning, she was gone. Wait an apple pickin’ second. She is gone, and is gone with mah body! Twilight, we have got to find her!” Applejack lunged at her friend, pinning her to the bed. “Can’t we just stay here like this for a while?” Twilight blushed a little. Applejack slowly climbed off of her friend, “Twi’ I think you have a problem. And no, we can’t. While Ah highly doubt that Rarity hasn’t checked herself out in the mirror at least three times by now, it’s still possible that she doesn’t know yet that she is me,” “I don’t need help. And I’m inclined to agree with you Applejack. We have no idea where she could be and she might not know what’s going on!” “Erm... yeah, that’s what Ah just said,” Applejack said flatly, rolling her eyes. Twilight ignored the remark. “Where do you think she could be?” “Well, if she got up early and went home, then she might be there,” Applejack said. “Right, lets go—” A scream came from the bathroom down the stairs. “Found her,” Applejack said sarcastically. “Lets go get her before she rips your mane out...” Twilight said dully. “She better not. If she does, Ah’ll dye her mane green like Trixie did,” Applejack grumbled. “That would be mean Applejack,” Twilight shot. “Last night you said Rainbow Dash wouldn’t make it into the Wonder Bolts,” Applejack said. “Yeah, that was a joke used in a situation that called for a statement that wasn’t happening. You said that you didn’t bicker and while I truly believe that Rainbow has the potential to become a Wonderbolt, I just didn’t see it happening in the near future,” Twilight rambled. “Rationalize it anyway you want Twi’,” Applejack snickered. The friends had reached the bathroom door. Twilight gave a slight push of it with her hoof, but the door was locked. Heavy breathing and the sound of bristles moving furiously back and forth. “She’s scrubbing my mane...” Applejack said in mock horror. Twilight ignored her and knocked on the door, “Rarity, are you okay in there?” At first no sound other than that of brushing came from the bathroom, but the door cracked open and the miserable face of Applejack’s face appeared. “Rarity! I don’t cry! Quit yur cryin!” Applejack was now in real horror of what she saw. “Applejack hush! Rarity, are you okay?” Twilight asked. Rarity sniffled a little bit before starting, “I cannot believe that I agreed to this...” Hearing Applejack’s voice without the southern accent and having a feminine impression was strange at best. “I got up this morning and I went to do my morning hair care but when I got there all I saw was... was this!” She pointed towards Applejack’s blonde mane. “I screamed and started trying to clean it as best as possible, but there were just too many split ends and the hair was stuck in position even after taking out the ponytail!” “You took out my ponytail...” Applejack muttered darkly.
Day 1 - 10:40 AMDay 1 - 10:40 AM The three friends sat around the table eating breakfast quietly. Time to time Applejack would shoot Rarity a nasty look for what Rarity had done. “Explain this to me again, why did you have to go and do that to my mane?” Applejack questioned. “Well, since I have told you three times now, I suppose once more wouldn’t hurt. Your mane is too long to style it like my mane so I had to improvise. I think this looks much more stylish than that old ponytail you had,” Rarity said nonchalantly. She picked up the mirror she had at the table and admired her hoof work. Her mane flowed down her neck until hit her back then it brought down either side into an elegant curl while the front portion was held to one side of her face. “You do realize that we have to try and be each other? Not you being you inside my body,” Applejack grumbled. “Applejack is right, Rarity. Ponies might ask why you are wearing your mane that way,” Twilight interjected. “What would you tell them?” “I never thought of that. I’d probably just tell them that I wanted to try something new for a change, and that it helps, ech... bucking apples.” She let the last portion of the sentence roll of of her tongue slowly. “Hey, what do you mean ‘ech?’ That’s gonna be yur job for the next week!” Applejack cut in. “And I swear, if you let my apple fields go to waste, I’ll dye yur main so pink, Pinkie Pie would look boring.” Rarity gasped in shock, “You would never!” “Oh but I would,” A dark grin slithered onto Applejack’s face. “Girls! Quit it! You’re already failing at being each other. Applejack, you should be acting ladylike or something like that, and Rarity, you need to be a hard talking pony.” Twilight shook her head. “Erm, Twi’? I don’t do ladylike...” Applejack said slowly. “And I am still a lady on the inside, and I shall act as such,” Rarity said timidly. “Fine, I guess you both lose. You can both go on your merry way and forget about this little trial. It’s just, Applejack, I always thought you wanted to prove that you're the best of the best, and Rarity, you always say a lady should never turn down a civil challenge,” Twilight chastised. Applejack grumbled a bit before opening her mouth, “Twilight, you’re really gettin’ to me. Fine, since we’re stuck this way, I guess we really can't help but do this thing.” “There is a difference between a civil challenge and just doing something I would prefer not to do,” Rarity replied between mouthfuls of breakfast. “But Applejack is right. If we are going to be forced to do this, best to make the best of it.” Rarity peered towards Applejack. “Speaking of, since today is Sunday and neither of us actually have to work, do you think it would be best to start practicing each others daily routines?” Twilight’s face lit up at the sound of the suggestion. “That’s a great idea! Since we really don’t have anything better, we should get each of you ready for the week!” Applejack glanced up from her breakfast long enough to glare at Twilight. “Why do you keep taking other pony’s ideas and rephrasing them and saying them again?” “Ah, ah, ah! That wasn’t very lady-like of you Rarity,” Twilight said gleefully. At Twilight’s scolding, Applejack stood up and slammed her hoof down onto the table, expecting a loud retort. But instead there was only a thump. “What the heck?” Applejack looked at her newly acquired hoof, confused. “That should’a darn near broke the table! Not give it a tap on the back.” Rarity was the first to break the silence. “You’re a unicorn now, Applejack. You don’t have the raw power of an Earth pony anymore. You control magic!” Rarity pointed at the horn on Applejack’s head. “I think that is going to be something that we might have to spend some time on today. Mastering each others unique abilities.” Twilight nodded in agreement. “And I say it starts now. Being a pupil of Princess Celestia, I, Twilight Sparkle, proclaim that I shall become Applejack’s instructor in the way of magic for the day. First lesson of the day, and probably the most important one: Levitation. Levitation, Applejack, is probably one of the easiest and most useful spells a unicorn could possibly know.” She paused to shoot Applejack an excited smile. Applejack was not quick to return the favor. Twilight was quick to continue anyway. “In order for a unicorn to use magic, she must first reach inside of herself and find her strength, or energy if you will. Anyway, once you feel that you have a grasp on this energy, you reach out towards the item you wish to levitate and make it so!” Twilight paused to look at her audience, who were both staring at her awkwardly. “Um Twilight whenever I would cast magic, I would usually just look at something I wanted to move and then just think move, and it would go. I never did any of what you just said,” Rarity said plainly. “Well good for you Rarity, but I’m the one who is teaching here and I really doubt that Applejack could simply learn how to—” Biff! A pillow was hurled right into Twilight’s face, knocking her over in shock. She shook her head to clear the stars from her eyes and glared at Rarity. “Rarity, I know you have new found strength, but that doesn’t mean you can be a bully!” Rarity stood grinning and chortling, raising a hoof to try and cover her amusement. “I wish I could claim that wonderful headshot, but that came from your new protege over here!” Twilight looked in awe towards Applejack who stood with two pillows hovering behind her. “Sorry Twi’, didn’t mean to whale you in the face like I did there, but, hey, like you said. I just can’t quite get the hang of it yet.” And with a dark grin, she sent the other two missiles hurtling towards Twilight. Twilight caught the two ballistic pillows and sent them flying back at her attacker who wasn’t ready for it. Applejack took the two pillows straight to the face, knocking her back on her heals. “Lesson two, Applejack, don’t mess with the best!” Twilight said, pleased. Rarity watched as Twilight turned Applejack’s attack into a complete backfire. She couldn’t help but smile. I would have been able to return that counter-attack. Applejack shook the dizziness from her head, still slightly confused as to what had just happened. When she saw the two pillows on her, she groaned. This is going to be a long day...
Day 1 - 11:52 AMDay 1 - 11:52 AM Rarity sat on the couch watching Applejack sort the library under the instruction of Twilight. Books were whizzing past her face, one nearly hitting her as it flew by. She wrinkled her nose in discomfort. Out of instinct, she dug for her magic to summon a box of tissues, but the lack of horn reduced her efforts into gas. As her cheeks turned bright red, she glanced over at her two friends, hoping they didn’t hear. Thankfully, they were too preoccupied “Lesson three... wah!” Twilight ducked under a low-sailing book. “Ahem... Lesson three: Control. You may be a unicorn now, but you still have the mind of an Earth pony. Not to sound rude, but everything you’ve ever done has been with crude strength. While a unicorns magic requires strength, it’s a different type of strength. The strength of understanding and finesse. The strength of... humph!” A book rocketed into Twilight’s chest, knocking the wind out of her. “Uhhh... not the strength of strength...” She let out a sigh, falling into a pile of books behind her. Applejack didn’t even notice what she had done. She was too focused on the swarm of rampaging books that occupied the space above her head. Her tongue hung out a small ways, her eyes were furrowed as well. It was only after she heard the groaning of Twilight from amongst a pile of books did she look away. After she looked away though, she lost control. Pages of literature went soaring in all directions. Some into the loft above, some out the windows, and one right into the face of a snoring Spike. The blast knocked Spike out of his bed, sending him head over heels into the bedside table. He sat there for a minute, dazed and confused. He shook his head and grabbed the book that was now impaled onto one of his spikes. The title read “How to Make Yourself a More Productive Pony.” His confused face turned into a scowl. He jumped up and padded towards the edge of the of bacony, still scowling. “Twilight, is this your idea of comedy?” He raised the book above his head and waved it around, signalling for attention. When he peered over the edge, however, he dropped the book and his glare turned into a soft gaze. “Oh... hey there Rarity, whatcha up to?” The presence of Spike made the room dead silent. Applejack shot a look over at Rarity who was sitting on the couch, a large smile stricken across her face. “Well go on, sugarcube. Tell him what yur doin’,” Rarity said in an almost frighteningly well practiced southern accent. “Um...errr...Nothing,” Applejack whispered... before realizing she had been inadvertently hoofed an opportunity. She grinned, and flashed her best bedroom-eyes at Spike, before replying, in her best impersonation of Rarity’s accent - her practiced and trained Manehattenite accent, “...nothing at all, dahling. Why don’t you come have a seat cuddled up right beside me...” Rarity’s eyes rhythmically twitched. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t! As Spike excitedly curled up beside Applejack, obviously unaware of the switch, Applejack ran her hoof down his back, teasingly, and actually nuzzled him. Rarity was no fool, of course; in all truth, she was fully aware of Spike’s affection for her. Sweet Celestia, how far would Applejack play that trump card? She felt jealousy mounting inside of her heart. “Hey, Spike? How would ya like it Ah’ went with a walk around town with ya?” She said. Spike’s head lifted off of his arm, eying Rarity. “Uh. Thanks but no thanks Applejack,” He paused and looked at Applejack. “I’m good right where I am.” He then nuzzled his head into Applejack’s belly somewhat, only to be pulled in tightly by her. “Oh, uh... Okay then.” Rarity flicked her head in the opposite direction, offended. Twilight, who had remained oddly quiet through the ordeal, decided now was the time to intervene. Hey, Rarity, I think we should go to the boutique so we can make a new dress, don’t you think?” Applejack looked away from Spike towards Twilight. “Yeah, I suppose yur... I mean you’re right. Let us go darling.” Her mouth seem to curl funny at the word. Spike shot up out of his comfortable position. “But, wait, can’t Rarity stay a while longer?” His eyes pleaded with Twilight and Applejack. “Sorry Spike, we’ve got serious work to do.” She said excitedly. “Oh yeah? Like what,” He said angrily, his arms fell across his chest. “Applejack needs to learn how to make dresses!” Twilight blurted. Instantly her blunder reached her mind. Both Rarity and Applejack shot her a look of surprise. Spike’s expression changed from angry to confused in a heartbeat, his arms fell to his sides. “Wait, what? Why would Applejack need to learn how to make dresses?” “Well, ya see sugar—” Her hoofs shot up to her mouth, her face in shock. “Huh?” Spike looked at Applejack. Rarity quickly jumped in. “Ya see, sugarcube, Granny tore her old gown and I need to learn how to fix it, right Rarity?” Applejack could only nod, her mouth still blocked by her hooves. “Well, couldn’t you just have Rarity do it? I mean, she does make her living off of it.” He said flatly. Finally, Applejack opened her mouth again. “Well, Spike, I could do it for her, but what happens if it rips again? Teaching her how to do it saves us both time.” Spike looked at her for a moment, his eyes in thought. He then shrugged and walked away. “Makes sense I guess. Have fun AJ, I know I wouldn’t.” He stuck his finger in his mouth as he walked away. After he left the room, Twilight used her magic to shut the door behind him. “Still think this is going to be easy?” She asked smugly. Her friends glared at her.
Day 1 - 12:15 PMDay 1 - 12:15 PM Applejack stood in the center of Rarity’s inspiration room, trying to draw the magical “inspiration,” as Rarity had called it, from every corner of the room. Her eyes were pressed shut and her eyebrows clenched together in concentration. A small squiggle formed on the corner of her mouth as she pursed her lips together. Beads of sweat began to form on her head as she strained to prove that she could best her opponent. However, after a long while of struggling, she realized that her opponent in this battle was not Rarity, but the room and the imagery required to start making dresses. As the struggle continued, audible grunts and moans could be heard from the concentrating pony. A smug grin creeped across Rarity’s face. “Well, Applejack? Have you thought of anything yet?” A moment of silence passed before Applejack replied. “Sure did. I already had ideas in my mind before I entered your messy room. I’ve been trying to decide what I want to actually make from those ideas.” Rarity stared for a moment. “Humph. Well, if its that easy for you, this should be a breeze shouldn’t it. I think I’ll just step outside and go for a walk.” Rarity turned her back to Applejack. She began to walk away. “Stop! I’m going to need your help making the darned things. I can sew sorta’, but I can’t do all of those things you do, especially with magic.” Applejack pleaded. A satisfied grin settled on Rarity’s mouth. “But of course you can’t. Nopony has ever taught you how to do any of it. So I expect you to respect my expertise, if you don’t mind.” She flicked her head away from Applejack snobbishly. When she returned her gaze to Applejack, she was not gifted with the humble stare she was expecting, but instead was met with annoyance and irritation. “Uh huh...” Applejack grunted. Rarity glared at her for a moment before sticking her snout back into the air. “Hmph!” Applejack stared at her friend for a moment longer before letting out a sigh of surrender. “Fine... you’re right. I need somepony to show me how to get this done, and I suppose it ought to be you, since you’re the only pony with both the patience and crazies to do this in this town.” She may have been down, but she sure wasn’t out. Rarity turned her sharp eyes back on Applejack. “You just...couldn’t...resist… could you.” “Nnnope!” She replied, trying imitate her older brother. At the sound of it though, Twilight let out a small giggle. “Twi, what are you laughing at…” Twilight snorted before she replied. “You sound like Big Mac’ if he got kicked in the… well… you know where. Applejack let a chuckle. “Heh… I reckon so. Still not used to having Rarity’s voice, that alone is going to be hard to master; nevermind this stuff.” She cast a hoof across the messy room. Rarity let out a sigh. “I agree with you Applejack. Remembering that I have to talk in this southern drawl combined with the mastering of your strong body… this will be quite the challenge.” “But you two will do the challenge right?! I mean, we have come so far already…” Twilight whined. Applejack shoved a hoof into Twilight’s mouth. “Before you start yer’ bellyaching, yes. We will do this. I mean, we have already switched bodies, what else could make this any more difficult?” Twilight's eyes lit up. “Pitoee!” She spat out Applejack’s hoof. “Well lets think… There is always the factors of family, I’m sure they might notice the change, not to mention our friends. Don’t even get me started on our friends. I almost guarantee they will pick up on the differences! And… and…hmph!” The hoof found its home again, stopping the torrent of thoughts trying to escape the floodgates of Twilight’s brain. “Twi? That was rhetorical. This is going to be impossible. I don’t think piling on the pressure is going to help Rarity and I with the situation. Understand? Twilight nodded. “Good.” The moment the hoof left Twilight’s mouth, she started again. “But I was just saying that mmph…” A white blockage seemed to be lodged in her mouth once again. “Twilight, what in the world did I just say?” Applejack berated. “Grrrmphhh…” Twilight rolled her eyes and batted the hoof away. “Fine. But I was just—” “Twilight!” Applejack and Rarity yelled in unison, forcing her ears down. “Fine! Lets just get to work!” Twilight screamed, clearly frustrated. She stepped into the corner of the room. “Applejack! Make a dress!” Applejack leaned over to Rarity. “I think we made her—” “Now!” “Erm, yes ma’am!” Applejack jolted forward. “Rarity!” Twilight shrieked. The sound jerked her forward. “Um, yes, darling, what is it?” “You are Applejack, talk like her. Speaking of Applejack, teach her how to do things with thread and needle! Cause I sure won't!” Twilight was clearly unhappy. “Twilight, I don’t think the yelling will—” “Now!” Rarity scuttled forward. “Erm, yes’m!” Her practiced accent revealed itself again. “Now. Applejack—” “Ahem!” Twilight grunted. Rarity glanced over at Twilight. “Twilight do we really have to?” Twilight’s piercing glare was the only answer she needed. “Right, now Rarity, ya’ need to focus more’n the image of what yer’ tryin’ to make and less’n the things ya’ use to make, ya’ get what I’m sayin’ sugarcube?” Applejack, who was doing her best to try and stay as far away from Twilight as possible, had only heard a portion of what Rarity said. “Um...quite. I shall see what I can do.” She closed her eyes and thought about something easy to make. Like a… curtain! She snapped her eyes open and began to wander around the room, taking note of the of locations of the fabrics, needles, dyes, laces, threads, and anything else she might need. Once she had all of these items documented in her head, she pursed her eyes shut again and reimagined the curtain. She thought of how the color should be darker so that when the sun would hit it, it keep a majority of the sun out, but at the same time light it up in a way that would not be an eye soar. She thought of how it would look hanging down to the ground, but decided that it would look better hanging just beneath the window sill. Since she had a taste for the simpler things in life, she initially had planned to leave the bottoms unhemmed and hanging freely. However, she was Rarity now and reimagined them to look more professional and chic. Twilight and Rarity watched in awe as the white horn began to emanate an aura, although slightly different to Rarity's. Right where the horn met open air, the color was orange, but as it faded out, the color changed to a brilliant hue of red. Soon, a long dark red piece of cloth began to unwind from the many racks in the room. It was snipped from the large roll by a pair of sheers, and soon was hovering in front of Applejack. Soon the shears set to work again, shortening the cloth. Then a drawer began to shake and rattle, then slid open. A needle and red thread shot out towards the cloth and began to weave themselves through the bottom. While this was happening, a hole puncher began to do its job, allowing room for the metal rings to be fitted to the curtain. As a final touch, the smaller piece that was sheared off the bottom made its way to the top, now being used as a decorative frill on the top to hide the brass rings. Once Applejack was satisfied with the image in her mind, she open her eyes again. “Alright, I think I got… Whoa!” She stumbled back from the curtain hovering in front of her. “Where in tarnation… er, where did that come from?!” Twilight and Rarity clapped their hooves together in unison. Author's Note Guess who got a new computer... =D Also, sorry about the shortness. I found this sitting in my Gdocs folder ready to go! So as a returning gift, here you are!
