It was a hot summer day in Ponyville, the hottest day of the springtime so far. Everypony was looking to cool off and for Applejack that meant easy money. Setting up a large stall at the central markets she sat enjoying the crip feeling of the refrigerated storage all around her, the smell of apples mixing into fresh frozen treats and of course the clink of bits from satisfied customers rolling in. What little there was anyway. Despite the idea being so good and the delicious treats being made with the latest of technology there were few customers coming around. It did not bother Applejack. She just counted it as being a side effect of the new technology, it does take time for ponies to get used to something new and strange after all.
Stretching her legs she looked around the town square and then to the clock ticking away in her stall. It was almost time for her to go check on the newly build factories over at the Orchard, as well as train schedules and so many other new things that came with industry. The issue was that she did not have anyone to cover as Applebloom had to run off suddenly for some meeting with her friends.
“Hello.” Rarity asked as she poked her head up to look into the cart.
“Oh hey, you want something? We got apple crushies, apple ice cream, crisp apple treats of all kinds.” Applejack said as she nodded to the board of options behind her.
“Do you have something called… Double caramel apple crisp ripple?” Rarity asked as she read off a small bit of paper.
“Yes we do, treating yourself eh?” Applejack asked as she got to work.
“It is for Spike. He was helping me out and I wanted to get him something he liked.” Rarity explained.
“That’s nice, I wish I had someone to help me out. Got a meeting soon but nobody has offered to help me cover the stall.” Applejack spoke casually. “Sure do wish someone could help.”
“I guess I could help once I am done with spike.” Rarity offered.
“Oh would you? That would be great thanks.” Applejack replied as she handed her friend the ice cream. Leaning on the counter she watched as Rarity took it with her magic and trotted down to the shadow of the town hall where she gave it to Spike. The cold stone mask of emotion that she wore at all times cracked slightly and a genuine smile leaked through but Spike did not notice. He was thankful though and after bidding her farewell he headed inside to get on with his day. Rarity however lingered by the door a moment more before slowly turning around and heading back to Applejack.
“What do I do?” She asked flatly.
“Simple as can be. Just ask what they want, one scoop or two, and then give it to them… Make sure you get the money though, right?” Applejack explained. Rarity nodded. “Great, I will be back in an hour or two.”
Tossing her the apron and small hat she was wearing Rarity put them on and headed through the side door into the stall. It was cool inside and had plenty of shade so as far as a sudden job went it could have been much worse. There were not many ponies around either which was nice.
Applejack had no doubts that Rarity could take care of an ice cream stall that had barely any customers and so took her time heading back to the Orchard for the meeting. It was short and more of a technicality which gave her some time to take a look over the new factories built behind the farmhouse. They were three large buildings, shiny, with lots of glass and metal to contrast the normal wood or stone buildings that Ponyville commonly used. Most of the machines were not in use yet as Appleloosa had lots of room to grow and they still needed to set up shops in other towns or cities to guarantee a profit. Until then she would take small steps, like setting up an ice cream stall during a spring heatwave that used these new machines to prove the quality of them.
With the meetings done and the factories visited Applejack made her way back leisurely to the town square. For a moment she debated visiting Twilight or just taking it easy for a bit but no, she had already spent long enough away and did not want to give Rarity too much to do. That girl was always a bit shy in social areas. Reaching the town square however she was met with something unexpected, a large crowd all around the stall. Quickly trotting around the group she slipped into the back door to find Rarity smiling, and the bits chest to be nearly full already.
“You look like you are having fun.” Applejack said with a smug smile. “What is going on?”
“I did what you said. They really like the single scoop apple twist.” Rarity replied.
“Really, because in the past three days I have sold only a pinch of anything. What are you doing differently?” Applejack asked.
“I don’t know. I just did what you said.” Rarity said again.
“Show me.” Applejack commanded as she stood close to watch her every move. Rarity nodded.
“Next!” Rarity called out to the crowd. A young dark furred stallion with a streak of gold in his mane stepped forward. “What do you want?” She asked.
“Same as last time.” He said smoothly with a flick of his eyes.
“Give me the bits.” Rarity replied and he tossed over a clattering of coins, more so than any single scoop should be worth. She put them into the chest and them using her magic took a single scoop of apple twist and shoved the ball into his mouth. He smiled, tail wagging, and then trotted away. Applejack was stunned. “Like you said. Ask what they want, get the bits and give it to them.” Rarity said casually.
“C-can I get a crushie?” A mare asked next while putting the bits onto the counter. Rarity nodded and filled up a cup full of the nearly frozen apple juice like drink, so cold that it was more like liquid ice. The mare was blushing and when Rarity offered to her she opened her mouth wantingly. Rarity blinked and then started to pour it right in. It was messy, so cold that the mare was shuddering and that only got it all over her face as well. Once it was empty the mare licked her lips and gave a meek, “thank you,” before leaving.
“It is really fun, they are very nice as well.” Rarity said back to Applejack who was standing in complete awe. “Am I doing it wrong?”
“No, nope, not at all. You got a special kind of… Cold touch that seems to fit the warm weather is all. Keep it up, I am going to go get some more stuff.” Applejack said quickly before emptying the bin of bits into a sack and running off to replace any supplies.
The rest of the day moved exactly like that. One after another Rarity would deal with the crowd while Applejack made quick trips to drop off money and restock supplies. Between them they had served dozens upon dozens of ponies every hour and eventually the crowd faded away to nothing. Once there was nobody left Rarity waited for Applejack to return from the last trip before hanging up her apron and hat.
“That was fun.” Rarity admitted.
“Very fun. Would you be up to helping me out tomorrow as well?” Applejack asked.
“Ok. I don’t have anything else I need to do.” She replied.
“Great! Say, let me treat you to something to pay you back for helping so much. Feeling hungry?” Applejack then asked with a sly smile.
“I am.” She replied flatly.
“Where do you want to go, it can be anywhere you want. Anything you like.”
“Pinkie’s place has the best roast vegetable platter. I don’t like staying inside though.” Rarity replied.
“How about I order up some food and get it delivered somewhere, maybe Fluttershy’s little warren? I hear it has a great view of Ponyville.” Applejack asked with glances looking over Rarity.
“That sounds nice.” Rarity said in turn as they stopped just nearby Ponyville’s west park.
“Excellent. I will get two platters, with all the extras as well, sent up her way. So go get yourself tidied up and have fun.” Applejack said happily. Rarity nodded and quickly trotted down to her home to no doubt do just that. Applejack meanwhile turned towards the Cherry Pie to get things sorted on her side.
Once everything had been ordered and sorted Applejack made quick pace to return home. She had plans and ideas of how to exploit this new found popularity but not a lot of time left to do it. Thankfully she found both Applebloom and Big Mac had returned home from whatever they were up to, with the three of them putting effort into things she would have plenty of time to get it all done. A heat wave, or a pretty face, won’t last forever after all.
Come the next morning Rarity woke up feeling great. The long picnic last night with Fluttershy and her rabbits was delightful and getting to enjoy her favorite food in all of Ponyville without the anxiety that came with sitting in the Cherry Pie only made it better. She did not need a single reminder this morning to get a shower or brush her hair as well. By the time Lily came downstairs she was stunned to find Rarity even making herself breakfast.
“You are in a good mood today.” Mythril Lily spoke as she went to get herself something as well. “Made a new friend, or a new… ‘Friend’?” She asked but Rarity shook her head.
“Yesterday I helped Applejack with her ice cart and there was so many ponies who really liked me. Everypony was so happy and because I did such a good job Applejack got me my favorite thing and…” She explained but found herself running out of breath.
“Well well, a part time job and a lot of happy customers I hear. Very good Rarity.” Lily complimented as she sat down. Using her magic she cleaned the crumbs of her face before letting her continue.
“I am going to go help again today.” Rarity stated looking happy and even excited.
“I won’t keep you. Just remember to eat and keep plenty of water on you, these days have been terribly warm.” Lily instructed causing Rarity to nod.
Rarity left her home and went down to the town square to find that the stall had been changed noticeably over night. A second cart had been pulled up and a large tent like covering hung over them to give the appearance of a single massive stall instead. The entire thing was painted in whites and purples to match Rarity’s colors and there was even the soft notes of music playing too. Despite the fancy changes it was clearly rushed in a few places, something Rarity chalked up to it being done in one night. Going behind the stall Rarity found Applejack doing a stock check on everything.
“Morning Rarity, up for another fun day?” Applejack asked happily.
“Yes.” She replied.
“Excellent, now I will say we have a much bigger menu to sort and some new rules. Nothing you can not handle, I am sure, it is just not everypony is going to appreciate your charms. So when someone mentions ‘cone’ or ‘cup’ in their order you just give it to them normally, with a smile too.” Applejack explained. Rarity nodded.
Going up to the now much bigger stall she looked over the menu to find a dozen new options, as well as combos and other food items on top. It all looked a bit confusing but no, she welcomed that. A bit of a change, a bit of a challenge, what could be the harm. The first one to come was a black stallion with a streak of yellow that seemed quite interested in the new menu, in fact he stood looking it over until several others had come. They did not take as much time to choose what they want and thanks to the bigger area Rarity could handle them in threes or fours.
The crowd of yesterday did not have time to form and for a while it became quite boring but then suddenly the lunch rush happened. Everypony had a different order to give and nobody was wanting to wait around for it either. Having to keep track of multiple orders, changing from smiles to cold and back again so much, it became confusing and deeply tiring. When the time for her own break came Rarity did not feel like doing anything anymore. Weakly leaving the back of the stall she found Applejack going over some boxes.
“You alright darling?” Applejack asked.
“Tired.” Rarity replied as she let out a yawn. In a snap AJ stopped what she was doing and grabbed a small pouch to fill with a pinch of the bits that had yet to be moved to the Orchard. “Go to the spa, take it easy. I won’t be able to do much on my own, we don’t all have magic after all but it will be fine for a bit.” She said.
Rarity took the pouch without a word, left her uniform on a box, and headed out. Going around the back of town hall she went towards the west side of town but did not stop at the spa, instead she popped into the candy store for a moment to a bag of simple milk candies. After that she continued onwards to her home where she slipped inside and headed straight up to her bedroom. Throwing herself under the heavy blankets she curled up and yet out a soft yawn. Hidden in the heavy warmth of the fabric she lay just between the comfort of rest and hardships of waking in debate with herself. She could not decide if restful sleep was worth abandoning Applejack to a day of hardships without her, that temptation lingered for a moment but eventually she pulled her head out of the covers and popped a milk candy into her mouth. Watching the clock tick by she made her choice and stretched for a moment before sliding out of bed.
Applejack needed her help and it would not be fair for her to give up with the job only half done so at the very least she wanted to get the rest of the day done before quitting. Enjoying the smooth taste of the milk candies as they melted inside her mouth Rarity shook the need for sleep from her eyes and headed back downstairs to get some water.
Leaving her house she marched on across town with heavy hooves and slow steps. Climbing the mountain near Ponyville was easier than this, facing fears at least proved intense enough to keep interest, but the monotony of work was truly difficult. Returning to the stall she found Applejack missing so she took the chair that had been left near the supplies and took it inside to sit on. The cool air from all the ice filled machines felt nice on her fur, better than sitting in the sun by far. Rarity waited until others started to come and then she would deal with them, just one at a time at her own pace, until the day was done. When she went to leave though she found AJ waiting.
“I am going home, I am tired.” Rarity stated flatly as she tried to move past.
“Sure you don’t want to stick around, I am having a little get together with some of the others tonight?” AJ asked but Rarity shook her head. “Alright hon, I will see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Rarity asked.
“Mhm, and the day after that. You were helping me during the first week of the new business right?” AJ explained.
“Oh, right.” Rarity replied.
Rarity did little more than trot home and collapse into her head that night and come morning she was already feeling the weight of the next day ahead of her. At least it was only two days, she would tell herself. At least she was being a good friend and helping AJ, she would repeat. A quick trip to the shower and some breakfast later and Rarity was heading back down to the town square with nothing but her leftover milk candies to keep her company.
Rarity was surprised however when she found the grand stall to be missing, and a new cart that was even smaller than the first one to be standing in its place. The design was fancy, the paintwork and decorations a lot less rushed but it was tiny. Getting closer she saw AJ wave to her from the inside of it.
“Morning sugarcube, how do you like the new stall?” AJ asked.
“It’s small.” Rarity stated as a matter of fact.
“That’s because its advertising, and I have a nice surprise for you too.” AJ said as the shutter suddenly closed and she excited out the back. She led Rarity away from the town square and up to the northern shopping districts where a familiar looking shop front all dressed in white and purple stood. The doors opened automatically as they approached and a waft of refreshingly cold air washed over them. The shop was huge, all fancy and white with tiled floors and metal shelves. “Been in the works for a while and this week was the finishing touches. It is like a dedicated market for all things apples, a supermarket even!”
“Its big.” Rarity replied and it was true. The building was at least twice as big as any other food shop and had a very wide selection of food items including many that were not based on apples.
“It really is and I got another surprise too.” AJ continued as she happily trotted across the cool tiles to the checkout desk where something under a white sheet stood. Taking hold of a corner of it with her teeth she whipped it away to reveal, a mare. One with purple hair and white fur.
“Well howdy to ye.” She greeted all smiles and bounce. “Name’s Vanilla Dreams but my friends call me Villa. Sure as sugar in a plum casserole to make your acquaintance.”
“Same.” Rarity replied causing her to laugh loudly.
“Oh you are a treat, so serious, so cold. Exactly what I expected!” Villa laughed.
“Great to see you two getting on so well. Vanilla here will be handling the main register which you, Rarity, will be handling the ice cream desk down that way.” AJ explained while pointing to the other desk a bit further down the store.
Getting dressed in the uniforms they took their places and waited for the store’s official opening. As soon as those doors opened there was a rush of ponies, more so than even yesterday but thankfully Vanilla was the one to take the brunt of the shoppers. It was still tiring to Rarity as the fun or challenge of the past few days had worn away to nothing and now only a slow irritation was left. She longed for her mines, her caves, where she could dig and sleep as much as she wanted to but no, Applejack came first and she only had a few days of helping out left.
The customers and shoppers came and went and eventually the two mares was left with nobody but each other for company. Rarity sat with her head on the cold countertop listening to the minutes tick by while Vanilla was still standing ready and waiting. Rarity glanced her way and for a moment felt a bit bad. Once she had helped out for the week she would have to take care of both stations all on her own.
“I am sorry I will only be here until the end of the week, you must have so much to do.” She said.
“Aw think nothing of it and sorry to hear you are getting fired so soon.” Vanilla replied.
“I don’t work here, I was just helping.” Rarity said causing Vanilla to turn her head.
“Because it is the first week right and she is so very busy so it is the nice thing to do?” She asked.
“Yes, exactly.” Rarity said causing Vanilla to squint, the gears in her head turning.
“Hey you, how long you been working here?” Vanilla called out to a repair pony that was doing a last minute touch up across the store. He turned and stepped down from the short ladder.
“Oh I don’t work here, I was just owned a favor or two.” He replied.
“Oh that dog gone feather ruffling…” Vanilla began to loudly mutter as her face snapped to anger. Throwing her hat down onto the ground she marched off towards the exit while Rarity began to follow. She went all around. From the delivery ponies, to the painters, to the repairmen, everypony was just helping out or doing AJ a favor. Some had even done more than a week’s worth of work as well, and have seen only a lunch or small gift given in return. “I can not believe her, I have half a mind to go right stormin up to that milk eyed snake of a lass and-” Vanilla ranted before being cut off by Rarity.
“AJ is the best talker I know, I am sure she asked me to help because she knew exactly how popular I would become as an example so getting into an argument with her won’t work.” Rarity explained.
“You… You are right, I don’t even remember why I was helping her.” Vanilla admitted with a sigh.
“I have an idea.” Rarity said with a crooked smirk.
Over at the Orchard Applejack sat in her office counting over the piles of riches she had made in the past week. With a sigh, she got up and headed over to the window to look out at the factories humming away across the way. Smiling she decided to go see how her new market was doing and so after locking the door behind her she left the farmhouse with a spring to her step. The days were warm, the profits putting her mind at ease but still she could not help but shake her worries. A new business and one founded on such new ideas was volatile and no matter how much she told herself to not dwell on it she could not help but keep checking things over and over.
When she got to the town square her smile dropped as she found nobody in the smaller advertising stall. The shutter down and the doors locked up at least but it left her wondering where the stallion she had left in charge had gone to. Becoming worried she quickly ran to the supermarket in check the others, only to find nobody around other than some annoyed shoppers. Snatching up the hat of a uniform that been tossed onto the counter she put it on and headed behind the counter to sort out the small group of muttering customers who had seemingly been waiting some time. The rabble were impatient and chaotic to sort out but AJ did her best all the same.
With a headache forming and hair out of place AJ got the last of the shoppers sorted. She sighed and threw the hat down with a huff.
“What is going on around here.” She said. Fixing her hair she took a breath and trotted down the store to the back rooms where she found several of the workers, including Vanilla and Rarity, sitting around a big box playing a card game.
“Hello Applejack. Do you want to join us?” Rarity asked.
“I want to know what you are all doing! There are still customers to sort out and construction to do.” AJ said.
“Oh we know but I was only doing some charity work you know, bit of friendly hoof grease for a friend and well Rarity had to go for an emergency, the boys over there had actual jobs to do and I could not just hang around here all day when I got… Stuff to do.” Vanilla said casually while putting her cards down. “So when we returned we decided to wait for the employees to come and switch over for us.” Vanilla then said causing AJ to shrink back.
“Ah well, they are busy today. It is why I asked you all to help out this week.” AJ said calmly.
“Your employees are busy the whole week? Sure does not sound like good workers to me.” One of the stallions sitting across the table said.
“Well… Um… You, you know don’t you?” AJ finally asked.
“We ain’t as dumb as you would like.” Vanilla replied. “And while I do have some halves of a mind to go calling the police on this little racket of yours I figure it's pretty to hear your yarn first.” Vanilla replied as she leaned onto the table. AJ looked away ashamed.
“I didn't mean to take advantage, really. It is just that Appleloosa was ahead of schedule thanks to the buffalo and the new factories were so tempting to use that I started things before I hired anyone. The stands I had all over Ponyville then became way too popular way too fast that I did not have the time, or money, to keep it all going.” AJ explained.
”I believe ye but that is still no excuse to lead on everypony, why not just ask for… Oh.” Vanilla said as she came to a realization.
“Everypony is so quick to help, I just got carried away.” AJ replied with a shrug.
“Alright I see things from your field alright but you still gotta make right, pay everybody for their time and find real workers as soon as a salt is licked you hear?” Vanilla asked.
“That is a lot of bits… “ AJ replied before rolling her head and sighing. “But it is the right thing to do.”
After sitting in for a round of cards they all talked about what to do and how to do it. Some like Rarity prefered to leave as soon as they could while others like Vanilla were more than ready to keep going. Vanilla in fact was so excited to work at the supermarket that Applejack had no choice but to hire her on full time and while the rush caused by Rarity’s fans quickly faded the market only grew more popular with every day. It was barely a week later that it had become to go to location for much of Ponyville.
