Seven ponies eagerly walked down the grand main boulevard of the Crystal Empire, considered to be the most beautiful street in all of Equestria. Green trees in blossom lined either side, the flowers spreading a sweet perfume over the avenue. Upscale boutiques offered only the finest in luxury goods. Here one could purchase the latest fashion in dresses or have one custom made, choose from a wide array of designer shoes, or select from premium accessories. Small cafes competed for space, and customers, by offering the best cuisine from across the world. There was a small bistro specializing in dishes of Prance, the open doors allowing the wonderful aroma to waft out and meander among the patrons relaxing at street side tables. On a corner stood a richly decorated restaurant dedicated to the exotic food of Saddle Arabia. Amongst all these shops and cafes were high-end galleries, showcasing works from old masters to the latest sensations on the art scene.
At the far end of the avenue, the magnificent Crystal Castle towered over the central plaza. Four legs rose and formed the base, creating imposing triumphal arches oriented along the cardinal directions. Tall towers clustered around and buttressed a central spire that reached high towards the heavens and terminated in a brilliant white light, symbolizing the love shared by all crystal ponies. The castle stood shimmering in all its glory like a beautifully cut diamond. Every angle offered a different view, the bright sunlight reflecting off its many facets and creating a sight more dazzling than the last.
“I can’t believe you’re giving them another cradle,” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.
“Ah told ya, it’s a tradition,” retorted Applejack. “Only family members get ones made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. Besides, you got them a mobile last time.”
“Yeah that was a Cloudsdale mobile. This one is a Wonderbolts mobile. It’s at least twenty percent cooler.”
“Well, I just hope the baby likes stuffed animals,” said Fluttershy.
“Please,” dismissed Rarity, “all foals love stuffed animals.”
“What did you get the baby?” asked Fluttershy.
“Oh, I made her the most adorable little outfits,” admitted a proud Rarity.
“And if the baby is an alicorn like Flurry Heart?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“I thought of that. I made two sets of each - one with wing slits and one without. Whichever one isn’t needed I will sell at my boutique. Ponies love snatching up the latest in royal regalia.”
“Ah remember the Princess Dress,” reminded Applejack, a smile breaking out upon her face.
Wishing to forget that particular gown that nearly drove her to close Canterlot Carousel, Rarity posed, “What did you get, Starlight?”
“I didn’t know what to get,” lamented the purple unicorn. “I’m not very good with foals. The salespony recommended a rattle. I hope she likes it.”
“Oh, course she will, darling.”
“What did you get Pinkie Pie?” queried Twilight.
“I got them this.” Pinkie pulled out a small music box from seemingly nowhere. Carved of the finest wood, it displayed an intricate inlaid pattern of light and dark hues. She gently turned a small crank and it began to play a soft, soothing melody.
“Wow,” replied a surprised Twilight. “That’s not what I expected from you at all.”
Taken aback, a slightly-incensed Pinkie Pie asked, “What do you mean?”
“Well,” explained Twilight, “I just kind of figured you would bring something, well, silly.”
“Not everything I give has to be silly,” protested Pinkie. “I can do serious.”
The seven ponies reached the very heart of the Crystal Empire. Grand homes fronted the square, the owners showcasing their wealth and influence by building as close to the palace as possible. Though the Crystal Castle towered over the plaza, the vast space underneath remained open for all to enjoy. Located directly below the regal fortress hung the Crystal Heart - the empire’s greatest treasure and source of protection against the frigid winds of the Frozen North.
As the group approached the imposing main gate, they found themselves challenged by one of the royal guards. “Halt! Who goes there?” he demanded.
“I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends. We’re here to see the new baby.”
Recognizing the royal sovereign and her guests, he stood down. “Yes, of course your highness. Follow me.” He opened the crystal gate and ushered the six into one of the massive legs that served as a solid foundation for the soaring castle above. The gate swung closed and locked behind them. The guard led the seven to a sweeping staircase that spiraled up the leg to the first floor of the palace. At the top of the stairs, he escorted them down a long crystal hall to a door which he opened and allowed the seven to enter.
“Shining Armor! Cadence!” cried a delighted Twilight. Rushing over to her former foalsitter, they began their traditional greeting with childish delight:
♪Sunshine! Sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake! ♫
Twilight embraced her sister-in-law and then her BBBFF. “It’s so good to see you Twily!” he said.
“How are you two doing?” asked Twilight.
“It’s going pretty smoothly. We’re a lot more prepared than when we had Flurry Heart,” explained Cadence.
“So, where’s my new niece?” asked an impatient Twilight.
“She’s right over here,” said Shining Armor, leading her to a pink cradle.
Twilight looked at the baby lying in a peaceful sleep. “Oh, she’s so cute,” exclaimed an excited Twilight.
The others made their way to see Equestria’s newest princess. Starlight looked down and was the first to speak. “Wow,” was all she could say.
“I know, right?” responded Twilight.
Rarity peered into the crib. For a moment, her face betrayed her emotions until she quickly forced a smile. “My....”
“Don’t you think she’s the most adorable foal you’ve ever seen?” asked Twilight.
“Well, I –,” stalled Rarity, trying to buy time for an appropriate response. “What do you think Pinkie?”
The pink pony bounced over to the cradle with a smile upon her face. Looking down at the new baby, her eyes suddenly went wide at the sight as her smile faded away. “Hmm...,” she paused to find the right words, “she’s kind of –” Pinkie felt a painful jab in the side from Rarity. Holding in a yelp of pain, she said, “She’s a baby alright!”
Fluttershy hesitantly looked upon the baby and meekly noted, “She sleeps like an angel.”
Hovering overhead, Rainbow Dash observed, “Um – at least she’ll be an awesome flyer with those wings.”
Applejack had been standing at the edge of the cradle, gazing down at the baby, silently hoping that the others would forget she was present. Ah sure hope they don’t ask fer my opinion, she thought.
“Applejack, what do you think of the new baby?” asked a gushing Twilight.
Abruptly all eyes fell upon the Element of Honesty. Oh Celestia! They’re all looking at me, expectin’ me to say somethin’ nice. Applejack suddenly felt the intense brightness of the overhead lamp, the unbearable warmth of the nursery, and the dead silence as all awaited her response. “Well, uh....”
“What do you think of our newest foal?” asked the proud father.
“Well, ya see –” What can Ah say‽ Her stomach suddenly twisted around, tying itself into a string of tight Gordian knots, while her mouth became as dry as a vast salt flat in a scorching desert.
“Don’t you think she’s adorable?” asked Princess Cadence.
Think AJ! “Uh –” Her breathing became fast and shallow, beads of sweat forming all over her body in response to the unbearable heat.
Applejack gazed around the assembled group. Her eyes locked with Rarity’s. The white unicorn stared back at her, and ever so slightly shook her head from side to side. Applejack’s gaze shifted to Pinkie Pie, whose frown belied her own opinions while her eyes possessed a hopeful appeal. Next she turned to Fluttershy, who only shrank under the plea from her friend. Looking up, Applejack saw Rainbow Dash impatiently peering down, expecting a quick affirmative answer from the farmer. Finally, Applejack turned to Starlight, whose wide eyes revealed her understanding of the slow-moving train wreck while she silently mouthed “No.”
“Well, what do you think?” repeated an expectant Twilight.
“Uh –” The eyes of the assembled group fell on Applejack like daggers, hacking into her body and cutting her very soul. Her heart pounded until she thought it would burst from her chest. Her knees went weak and she found her body to be a very heavy burden.
“Applejack?” pressed Twilight, her tone indicating a change from anticipation to concern.
Applejack broke. Like a torrent rushing from a collapsing dam, the words came. There was nothing she could do to stem the flow, for she really couldn’t keep up with own rambling thoughts. “Ah can’t lie. That’s the ugliest baby Ah’ve ever seen! Ah’ve seen pigs look prettier than that. It’s like someone went to beat her with an ugly stick and put it away to get out the really ugly stick. How could two good-looking ponies like yerselves have such an ugly foal!?”
Applejack took a deep breath before gazing around the room to gauge reaction to her honesty. Everypony stood there, speechless. An audible “Pop!” echoed in the chamber as Pinkie Pie’s mane and tail deflated. Rainbow Dash face-hoofed. Tears in Fluttershy’s eyes began trickling down her cheeks. Rarity silently stared down, unable to meet Applejack’s gaze. Starlight feverishly glanced around the room, attempting to find some way to change the subject and break the tension. Twilight stood frozen, a look of utter shock etched upon her face. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor glared back, with an anger boiling just below the surface that was about to explode like a volcano.
Finally, Applejack said, “Ah think Ah’ll show maself out.” She went to the door and, without looking back, opened it and walked alone down the long hall to the exit.
Author's Note
Hope you enjoyed the story! As I said, I published this in conjunction with the premiere of Season 7, which thankfully has arrived! Let me know what feedback you have so I can improve as a writer.
Consider checking out last week's story, The Secret Life of... Rainbow Dash. And come back next week for The Secret Life of... Big Mac.
BTW, did you notice the interrobang? Doing some research, I discovered !?, ?!, and ‽ are all acceptable. But since you don't see the latter all that often, I decided to start using it.
Keep Writing,
Dreadnought
