[Director's Cut] Magical Mystery Cure

A dazzling gem balanced precariously on the edge of her white hoof. It was one of the few things in life worth getting dirty over. After all, the procurement of gems was a crucial part of dress logistics. And what could be more beautiful than a shining array of those bedazzling breath-takers? Rarity let out a squeal. The earthly scents of the tunnel assaulted her, legs clenching as she bit her lip in anticipation. Exciting. The suffocating dirt aroma, as if she were being smothered. In fact it was very similar to another musky smell…

Rarity shot out of bed. The familiar smell of smoke hung in the air. Luxurious silk sheets cascaded off of her as she galloped downstairs.

“Sweetie Bell,” The pale pony panicked, imagining the boutique was burning down, “What are you doing?”

“I- uh, don’t know what you mean sugarcube,” a southern drawl came from the kitchen, “When I got in here it was like this.” Applejack hoofed toward the dark cloud out in the foyer. A sizzling patch lie burned into the rug. The source of the smoke.

“Oh Ahhh-pple-jack,” Rarity chided, even though the southern bell had done nothing wrong, “I’m sooooo sorry, I don’t know how that happened. Give me just a minute.” Rarity illuminated magic around the cloud and moved it to an open window.

“Hey, why didn’t you get out early and fix up some weather Rare’?” Applejack asked disapprovingly.

Rarity didn’t answer. She couldn’t remember why she hadn’t been excelling at her job recently. Maybe it had something to do with her dreams. They had been so vivid she though. It was as if she had been living a second life as a dressmaker, like Applejack, only she continued to wake up disappointed, each time finding that she was still Ponyville's weather pony.

Perhaps that was why her and Applejack were such a good friends. Both of them worked seven days a week to the benefit of others. Both of them were generous and well intentioned, that obviously demonstrated by Applejack who had been letting Rarity stay at her boutique. And since Rarity wasn't a pegasus, it was rather inconvenient for her to find appropriate accommodations. Rarity decided she should show a little gratitude.

"Rare'?" Applejack prodded, trying to bring the unicorn back from thought.

Rarity snapped out of it. "I don't know but-," and she said this trying to be as playfully seductive as possible, "I'll try to make it up to you later, mmmkay?"

"Weather ain't just for me you know..." sighed Applejack. At the remark Rarity felt a little hurt. It was so uncouth to point out the purple mares selfishness in accidentally sleeping in.

Ah, Applejack. Rarity returned to her musings. It had been so nice having a friend to come home and complain to. Somepony who was always so supportive. Always trying to bring out the best in others. Rarity wondered what she could possibly do for her friend. Such troubles constantly the burden of an altruistic equine like herself.

Maybe we could be more than friends? the idea popped out of Rarity's subconscious. A fleeting look at Applejack’s toned thighs and brutish tail, the kind of build perfect for a good buck after a stressful day. Applejack was decidedly the second thing worth getting dirty over.

Stop it Rarity, you’re a lady… the opal equine brushed the thoughts from her mind once more. Perhaps some fresh flowers or a treat from Sugarcube Corner would do. The lightning bolt cutie mark shown off her backside as she turned to the door, not wanting to think too much about the task ahead.

“Well then, I guess I’ll get started now,” Rarity said not expecting a response from Applejack, pincushion in mouth, already starting work on her latest design, “I’ll see you later dear.”

Rarity trotted out into the afternoon sun. Considering the forecast had called for rain, she was sure that there were already many disappointed ponies. Pinkie would be furious if her apples didn’t get watered. And Rarity was sure that other ponies would be too. Shooting a blue aura into the skies, Rarity began to prepare a storm.

“Rainbow Dash, that’s not funny!”

Rarity heard a voice protest over the start of her deluge. A rouge cloud seemed to have gotten a certain purple unicorn thoroughly soaked.

“Oh terribly sorry darling,” she called back to her friend Twilight, “I’m afraid I’m- I’m not very good with the thundery ones.”

The surprised look on Twilight’s face alerted Rarity that something beside the weather had gone wrong. Very wrong.