Chapter 4- Applebuck Season

Twilight and Princess Aurora were walking thought town when the ground started to rumble. "Twilight what's going on?" Aurora asked as she looked around. "I think it's a-" Twilight said getting cut off. "STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash Screamed as all the ponies started panicking and ran inside their homes. "Hey...! This makes my voice sound silly!" Pinkie Pie said as her voice vibrated. "Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?! Run!" Twilight said picking Aurora up and putting her on her back as Twilight started to run. "Everypony calm down. There is no need to panic" Mayor Mare said standing in the middle of town. "But Mayor, whatever shall we do?" Rarity asked. "Look there!" Rainbow Dash said pointing at Applejack. "YEEHAW!" Applejack yelled as she and her dog ran through the stampede of cows. "Go Applejack" Aurora said as Twilight stood next to Mayor Mare. "Move aside, Winona. Put 'em up, girl!" Applejack said as Winona barked at the cows. "This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen" Pinkie Pie said eating popcorn. "Come on, little doggies! Turn! Winona, put 'em up! Ha hah! Gotcha" Applejack said as she and Winona started jumping on the cow's backs and roped the leading cow and turned them away from Ponyville. "Attagirl. Yee haw!" Applejack said as Winona barked at the cows.

"yay Applejack" Aurora said as the other ponies cheered. "Whoaaa. Hooie. Now what was that all about?" Applejack asked as the cows came to a stop. "Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack, but Mooriella here saw one of those nasty snakes. And it just gave us all the willies, don'tcha know" a cow with brown spots named Daisy Jo said. "I completely understand. Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville" Applejack said. "We certainly will, Applejack. So long, Winona!" Daisy Jo said as the cows walked back to the fields. "Yee haw!" Applejack said as she and Winona ran back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Yee haw! Ride 'em, cowpony!" Pinkie Pie said jumping around. "Applejack was just... just..." Mayor Mare said lost for words. "Appletastic!" Pinkie Pie said. "Exactly. We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town" Mayor Mare said to the group. "I know" Pinkie Pie said getting off the ground.

*Town Hall*

"A party!" Pinkie Pie said. "We all ready?" Twilight asked walking up to Rarity with Spike on her back and Aurora next to her. "Just one last thing. Now we're ready" Rarity said using her magic to put a banner up.

"Is Applejack all set?" Aurora asked. "Actually, I haven't seen her all week" Rainbow Dash said flying over to them. "Not since the stampede" Pinkie Pie said. "But she'll be here for sure. Applejack is never late" Rainbow Dash said. "Welcome everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to-" Twilight said getting cut off by Rainbow Dash. "Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there? What an athlete. This week she's gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it's gonna be so awesome" Rainbow Dash said flying in front of Twilight. "Exactly. And..." Twilight said pushing Rainbow Dash out of the way as she got cut off again. "This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time" Pinkie Pie said jumping in front of Twilight. "What does that have to do with Applejack?" Twilight asked coming out from behind Pinkie Pie. "Oh. Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me. Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!" Pinkie Pie said as all the ponies cheered. "Oh-kay, that's great. Now if I could just make a point without being inter-" Twilight said trying to finish her speech without getting interrupted again. "Twilight?" Fluttershy said quietly coming up next to Twilight."—rupted" Twilight said as she move. "Twilight, I'm so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She's gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills" Fluttershy said. "Anyone else? Anyone? No? Well then, as I was trying to say... Urgh! Never mind" Twilight asked looking around at the other ponies. "Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!" Mayor Mare said opening the curtains as the chord cheered. "Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean—heh" Spike said as the curtains reviled no Applejack. "Ah-ahem" Mayor Mare said looking around. "Awkward" Spike said. "I'm here. I'm here. Sorry I'm late-whoa-I was just... whoa... Did I get your tail? Miss Mayor. Thank you kindly for this here... award thingy. It's so bright and shiny and, heh, heh heh, I sure do look funny heh. Ooo-ooo" Applejack said tiredly walking up to the stage. "Woo-ooo. Ooo-ooo" Applejack and Pinkie Pie said looking at the trophy and made funny faces in their reflection. "Okay. Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony" Twilight said. "Yeah. I like helping the ponyfolks and…and stuff. Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, Thanks" Applejack said yawning as she pulled the trophy through the crowd. "Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little-" Twilight asked. "Tired?" Aurora and Rainbow Dash said. "Dizzy?" Fluttershy said. "Messy? Well, did you see her mane?" Rarity said as they looked at her. "She seemed fine to me. Woo! Woo!" Pinkie Pie said. "Hmm" Twilight said.

*Sweet Apple Acres*

Applejack was kicking the apple trees when Twilight and Aurora arrived at the farm. "What on Earth is that pony doing?" Twilight asked as Applejack accidentally kicked a basket of apples. "Whoops" Applejack said. "Hey Applejack!" Twilight said as she and Aurora walked over to a sleeping Applejack. "Applejack" Aurora said. "Applejack. AppleJACK!" Twilight yelled waking Applejack up. "Oh, howdy Twilight. Princess Aurora" Applejack said waking up. "What is all this?" Twilight asked. "It's Applebuck season. Whoa" Applejack said as kicking a tree as Twilight teleported Aurora and herself in front of Applejack. "Applewhat season?" Aurora asked. "It's what the Apple family calls harvestin' time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell 'em" Applejack said walking to another tree. "But why are you doing it all alone?" Twilight asked as she teleported again next to Applejack. "'cause Big McIntosh hurt himself" Applejack said. "What about all those relatives we met when we first came to Ponyville? Can't they help?" Aurora asked. "They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards. So, uh, I'm on my own. Which means, I should really get back to work. Ahem... hint hint? Get back to work?" Applejack said trying to get back to work. "Fine" Twilight said as she and Aurora moved out of Applejack's way. "Could you step aside, Twilight? Aurora?" Applejack asked as she swayed side to side. "We just did. Applejack, you don't look so good" Twilight said. "Eh, don't any of you six worry none, I'm just fine and dandy. Whoa" Applejack said shaking her head as she missed kicking the tree. "Do you... want some help?" Aurora asked. "Help? No way, no how" Applejack said shaking her head. "But there's no way you can do it all on your own" Twilight said. "Is that a challenge?" Applejack asked getting in Twilight's face. "Uhm... no?" Twilight said. "Well, I'm gonna prove to you that I can do it! Now if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to buck" Applejack said walking away from Twilight and Aurora.

*Later In Town With Rainbow Dash*

"There you are" Rainbow Dash said as Applejack finally showed up to help with her new trick. "I'm a might' sorry, Rainbow. I was busy applebuckin' and I guess ah, I closed my eyes for a second and, when I woke up, I was late. Now, what's this new trick a' yours?" Applejack said yawning. "See this contraption?" Rainbow Dash said pointing at what looking to be a giant seesaw and a large jumping platform. "Uh... Yeah" Applejack said looking at it. "Well, I'm gonna stand on one end, then you're gonna jump down from that platform, launching me into the air faster than I can take off on my own. Once I'm in the air, I'm gonna do some amazing flips and spins that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts" Rainbow Dash explained. "Isn't that a might' dangerous?" Applejack asked. "Pfft, Heh, not for a pony who can fly" Rainbow Dash said. "Well, alrighty then" Applajack said following Rainbow to the contraption "Oh my" She said looking down from the platform. "Ready? One... two... THREE!" Rainbow Dash said as Applejack jumped from the platform crashing into the ground, missing her target. "Umm... maybe I wasn't clear. You're supposed to land on the other end" Rainbow Dash said. "Got it" Applejack said as she walking up to the platform to try again. Applejack kept crashing each time she tried. "Applejack, what the hay is going on? I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville's best athlete!" Rainbow Dash said. "You are. I'm okay. Really. I-I have an idea. Watch this. Ta da! Oh... Maybe not. Okay, one more try. I'm sure to get it this time" Applejack said as she pulled the other end of the seesaw down. "Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groanded as Applejack jumped off the seesaw causing Rainbow Dash to hit the ground. "Heh heh... Here I go!" Applejack said as jumped off the platform. "Wait, Applejaaaaack!" Rainbow Dash said as Applejack landing on the other end of the seesaw, making Rainbow Dash go flying into the air uncontrollable. "You're welcome!" Applejack said.

*At Twilight's Library*

"-And the Princesses Pony and Prince Pony lived happily ever after. The End" Twilight said closing the book of the story she was reading to Aurora. "That was a good-" Aurora said getting cut off as Rainbow Dash crashed onto the balcony. "Can I help you?" Twilight asked. "I think somepony else needs your help" Rainbow Dash said. "Applejack?" Aurora asked. "Yep" Rainbow Dash said.

*Sweet Apple Acres*

"Ow!" Applejack said sitting her head on a tree branch. "Applejack, can we talk? Applejack, can we talk?" Twilight asked as she and Aurora walked up to Applejack. "Can bees squawk?! I don't think so" Applejack said loudly. "No. Can we talk?" Twilight said. "Twenty stalks? Bean or celery?" Applejack said loudly. "No! We need to talk to you" Twilight said getting louder. "Y'all need to walk to the zoo? Well, who's stoppin' you?" Applejack screamed. "I need to talk to you!" Twilight yelled. "Oh! Well why didn't you say so? What you wanna talk about?" Applejack said still screaming. "Rainbow Dash dropped in to see us today" Aurora screamed. "That's quite neighborly of her" Applejack said screaming. "Yes, except that she crashed onto our balcony after you launched her into the air" Twilight screamed. "Oh, yeah. I wasn't feeling quite myself this morning" Applejack said in her normal voice. "Because you're working too hard and you need help" Aurora said. "What? Kelp? I don't need kelp. I don't even like seaweed" Applejack screamed. "HELP! You need HELP!" Twilight screamed getting in Applejack's face. "Nothin' doin', Twilight, Auroa. I'm gonna prove to you, t'everypony, that I can do this on my own. Ow! Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go help Pinkie Pie" Applejack said hitting her head on the tree branch again.

*At Sugarcube Corner*

"Now Pinkie Pie, are you sure you're up for baking the muffins and running the store this afternoon?" Mrs. Cake asked. "Yes siree bob, Mrs Cake. Plus, I have Ponyville's prized pony to help me out. Why, she's the best baker ever. Right, Applejack?" Pinkie Pie said as Applejack shook her head no. "No? You're not the best baker ever?" Mr. Cake asked. "WHAT? Oh no! I mean, don't you fret. I can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye" Applejack said. "Alright. Well, see you later, girls!" Mrs. Cake signed as she and Mr. Cake walked out of the shop. "Stop with the shakin', it's time to get bakin'" Pinkie Pie said as she stopped Applejack from shaking her head. "Alrighty! I'll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?" Pinkie Pie said reading the cook book. "Eh, uh, whu, what was that?" Applejack asked having a hard time hearing. "Chocolate chips" Pinkie Pie said. "Chips... got it. Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie. What next?" Applejack said pouring potato chips into the bowl. "Baking soda" Pinkie Pie said. "Soda. Perfect. That'll get the tater chips nice and wet. Now what?" Applejack said pouring soda into the bowl. "A cup of flour" Pinkie Pie said. "A cup o' sour? Well, lemons are sure sour. One cup o' sour, comin' up. Anything else, Pinkie?" Applejack said pouring lemon juice into the bowl. "One last thing. Wheat germ" Pinkie Pie said. "Wheat worms? Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms" Applejack said walking outside to get worms. "Now that's gonna be delicious" Pinkie Pie said. "If you say so" Applejack said looking at the worms in the bowl.

"Free muffin sample spectacular!" Pinkie Pie screamed as a crowd of ponies started taking so muffins. "Mmm, muffins" Derpy Hooves said bitting into a muffin. "Yeah! Muffin spectacles! Get 'em while they're hot" Applejack said.

*Later at the Hospital tent*

"We came as soon as we heard" Twilight said as she, Aurora and Spike came to the tent. "Oh thank you, Twilight, Princess Aurora. We need all the help we can get" Nurse Redheart said as the ponies moaned in pain. "Oh no! What happened?" Aurora asked as Spike sniffed the muffins that he found on the floor. "It was a mishap with some of the baked goods" Nurse Redheart said. "No, not baked goods, baked bads" Pinkie Pie groaned out. "Applejack" Twilight said. "Want one?" Spike asked as he started eating the bad muffins.

*Sweet Apple Acres*

"Applejack, we need to talk" Twilight said as Applejack was hanging upside down with an apple cart. "Wha, huh? Oh, it's you, Twilight, Aurora. I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still no" Applejack said yawning. "Not to upset your applecart, but you need help" Aurora said. "Hardy har. And no I don't" Applejack said trying to get down. "Here, let us help" Twilight said. "Help? No thanks. A little more...Little... There. I'll prove that this apple can handle these apples. Come on apples fall off" Applejack said getting down and lightly kicked an apple tree. "AJ, think you're beating a dead... tree" Twilight said looking up at the tree. "I knew that" Applejack said walking over to another tree. "Actually Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about. We just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and-" Twilight said. "You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now, Twilight, Aurora" Applejack said. "But if you'd just let us help-" Aurora said hovering in front of Applejack. "Ugh. No, no, NO! How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from nopony!" Applejack said walking away.

*A Filed with Bunnies*

"Oh Applejack! Thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit round up" Fluttershy said. "Ugh. Why are we doin' this?" Applejack asked. "Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born, so it's my job to get a count of all the new families" Fluttershy said. "Fine. Can we just get on with it?" Applejack said walking ahead of Fluttershy. "Certainly, but remember, these are bunnies we're dealing with, not cows. They're a timid bunch and need to be treated gently" Fluttershy said. "I do NOT need any direction on corrallin' critters. Right, Winona?" Applejack said as Winona barked. "Okay, little bunnies! I need you to all gather here in the middle" Fluttershy said quietly to the bunnies. "That's right! Let's go, bunnies. In the center. Hop to it. Swell. Just swell. Put 'em up, Winona!" Applejack said loudly as Winona barked at the bunnies. "Applejack! Winona! Stop! You're scaring them" Fluttershy said as Applejack and Winona chased the bunnies around. "We know what we're doin'. Get along, little bunnies" Applejack said as Winona barks and growls at the bunnies. "Oh no" Fluttershy said as the bunnies all ran towards Ponyville.

*In Town*

"STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash screamed seeing a dust cloud coming towards Ponyville. Ponies started screaming and running around as bunnies started running through town.

"Twilight look" Aurora said pointing at the ponies laying on the ground. "The horror, the horror" Rose said. "It was awful" Lily Valley said. "A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster" Daisy said. "I don't get it" Twilight said looking around town. "Our gardens, destroyed" Lily Valley said running over to the garden. "Every last flower, devoured" Rose said. "By... by... THEM!" Daisy said pointing at the bunnies. "Oh my. Oh... Please stop, little bunnies. Oh no! Please, let's go home. Oh my goodness" Fluttershy said trying to get the bunnies to stop. "Alright. Enough is enough" Twilight said.

*Sweet Apple Acres*

"Must keep buckin'... just a few more. Must finish harvestin'" Applejack said kicking an apple tree. "Alright, Applejack. Your applebucking hasn't just caused you problems, it's over-propelled Pegasus', practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say, you. Need. Help." Twilight said as she and Aurora walking up to Applejack. "Ha! No I don't. Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d'ya like them apples?" Applejack said as she kicked the tree and apples landed in her baskets and looked at all the trees. "Um, how do you like them apples?" Big McIntosh said pointed at some more trees filled with apples. "Where'd all the apple...?" Applejack said as she fainted. "Applejack. Applejack" Aurora said as Applejack woke up. "Oh, good, you're okay. Now Applejack, we completely respect the Apple family ways. You're always there to help any pony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you" Twilight said. "Okay, Twilight, Aurora" Applejack said. "I am not taking "no" for an answer-what?" Twilight said.

"Twilight she said yes" Aurora said. "Yes, Twilight. Yes, please. I could really use your help" Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie worked together, Rainbow Dash kicked the tree as Pinkie Pie collected the fallen apples. Fluttershy and Rarity collected fallen apples as Applejack kicked the trees and Twilight and Aurora used their magic to collected apples from the top of the trees.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

Our friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help any pony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle" Twilight said.

"And Your loving daughter, Princess Aurora" Aurora said as Spike finished writing and sent the letter to Princess Celestia.

"How about y'all take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya! Girls, I can't thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bit stubborn" Applejack said bring over some apple juice. "A bit?" Twilight said as the walking over to a small table. "Okay. A mite stubborn, and I'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you five as my friends" Applejack said. "Phew! That applebucking sure made me hungry" Rainbow Dash said. "And I've got the perfect treat" Spike said holding up the bad muffins. "Eeew... Spike, I threw those all away. Where'd you get them?" Pinkie Pie asked. "From the trash" Spike said. "EW! Spike!" Aurora said moving away from Spike. "Just a little nibble? Come on" Spike said holding the muffins towards them. "Ew! Gross!" They all said as they all walked towards their homes.