Chapter 14: The Last Roundup
Somewhere in Sweet Apple Acres, a familiar orange pony was running as fast as her four legs could take her. It wasn't long before a hurdle appeared in her path and she made a clean leap over it. Next came a hairpin turn, which she navigated quickly without losing any of her momentum.
After she quickly cleared another hurdle, she approached what appeared to be a double hurdle that was twice the height and surrounded by a pit of mud. Applejack narrowed her eyes as she maintained her speed and made the huge jump.
While one of her hind legs hit the top of the hurdle bar, it stayed intact as she made a clean landing and continued on her way. Apple Bloom was near an old fence, cheering her on. She gave Applejack a wave as she raced by.
"Whoo-Whoa!" said Apple Bloom, trying to cheer for her sister but she leaned back a little too far and almost lost her balance.
Fortunately she managed to regain it and caused the stenson hat on her head to topple onto her face. Actually, that was Applejack's hat. The orange mare was letting her little sister borrow it as she completed her run.
Applejack gave Apple Bloom a wink as she grabbed a rope that was tied to a nearby hay stack. She tossed the hay stack high into the air and over a predetermined line. Apple Bloom cheered. The former knocked Applejack's hat off her head again as it softly landed in the dirt.
"Applejack, you're sure to knock everypony's hats off at the Equestria Rodeo competition!" said Apple Bloom excitedly as Applejack grabbed her hat and placed it back on her head.
"Aw shucks, Apple Bloom," said Applejack modestly, "I sure hope so..."
"Hope so?" said Apple Bloom with a hoof pump, "I know so! After all, you're the ten time rodeo champeen of Ponyville! Why, you've got more blue ribbons then anypony in Ponyville ever! And I can't wait for my big sis to win every blue ribbon in Equestria and bring home the title of Equestria Rodeo champeen!"
Apple Bloom pointed out a framed wall loaded with various medals on it. Applejack just blushed and looked away with a sheepish smile on her face.
*Main theme*
Today was the day Applejack would be getting on the train to Canterlot for the rodeo competition. Several ponies had gathered around a small stage in order to wish Applejack the best of luck. Rainbow was busy setting up a banner that had a crayon styled drawing of Applejack on it. Just as she finished putting the banner up a small charge of lightning buzzed past her.
"Huh?" said Rainbow and looked up to see a teal-grey colored filly with a light blonde mane and tail. It should also be noted her hazel colored eyes were cross-eyed. She was just casually bouncing on a small black cloud.
"Now, careful, Muffins," said Rainbow as she flew up the other Pegasus, "Don't want to do any more damage than you've already done!"
Rainbow then pointed toward the roof of town hall, which appeared to have been clearly blown off.
"I just don't know what went wrong," said Muffins innocently as she kept bouncing and making lightning shoot off from it.
Then Muffins was given a shook when the lightning zapped her and left her dazed and slightly cooked.
"Yeah, it's a mystery," said Rainbow annoyingly and also sarcastically.
"Nice work, Rainbow Dash," said Muffins as she hovered down to examine the banner.
But as she did so, she bumped into a nearby pillar, causing it to fall over. Rainbow tried her best to grab hold of it, but the pillar was too heavy for her to carry. Rainbow yelped as she and the pillar are sent crashing through the wooden balcony below.
"You okay, Rainbow Dash?" Muffins asked as she flew down and peeked her head into the hole looking at Rainbow from above, "Anything I can do to help?"
"No! Nothing!" Rainbow pleaded as she quickly flew out of the hole and into the other Pegasus's face, "In the name of Celestia, just sit there and do nothing!"
Muffins just planted her flank onto the balcony. This suddenly caused the wood to splinter around her. Just as the wood under her gave way, she grabbed into Rainbow to save herself from falling. In the end, they both tumbled down the newly made hole together with a THUD.
"Oops, my bad," said Muffins apologetically as Rainbow mumbled annoyingly to herself.
(Scene changes)
Meanwhile just a short distance away was a podium that Mayor Mare was standing behind before a crowd of ponies.
"Applejack! Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!" the ponies cheered excitedly.
"Everypony, can I get your attention?" Mayor Mare called out, "Attention please!" It didn't take long before the other ponies settled down.
"Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year's Equestria Rodeo competition in Canterlot," said Mayor Mare as she presented the orange pony before the crowd. Everypony cheered and applauded. Then Applejack raised a fore-hoof in the air to quiet them down.
"And I want to thank Applejack in advance for generously offering up their prize money to fix town hall." Mayor Mare continued, wanting to get things back on course.
"Yeah, Applejack! Whoo-Hoo!" Muffins shouted as she leaned backward and fell back into the hole she had made. Rainbow just looked at the Pegasus and rolled her eyes. The other ponies cheered.
"Speech! Speech!" Pinkie shouted.
"Oh shucks," said Applejack sheepishly, "I'm not much for speeches."
"Alright then, no speech!" said Pinkie as she zipped away.
"Buuut!" said Applejack, making the pink pony return with a smile on her face, "This here is the nicest send off anypony could ask for. Y'all have been cheering for me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony. So it seems only fittin' to use my winnings to fix up town hall. I promise to make Ponyville proud."
While Mayor Mare's eyes sparkled at such a touching moment, she smiled at her.
The other ponies laughed and cheered once more. Applejack then tipped her hat to the crowd.
(Scene changes)
It was a few minutes later when Mayor Mare, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and the rest of Applejack's friends were there at the station. The train rang its bell as it waited at the station for Applejack to get on board. She had a pair of her saddle bags for the trip.
"I want you to show all them highfalutin rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony's like!" said Granny Smith to her granddaughter.
"You betcha, Granny Smith," said Applejack.
"And bring back all that money!" Mayor Mare added in a sing sang tune as she shoved Granny Smith out of the way.
"You betcha, Mayor," said Applejack.
"And have fun," said Pinkie as she appeared in front of Applejack. "And don't be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would! And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy and taffy gives you lots of nervous energy!"
Pinkie then presented a sack loaded with taffy candy and munched it before them, causing some ponies behind her to roll their eyes at her.
"Just do your best, Applejack," said Twilight.
"And be sure to come home safe too." Chase added.
"I'll do better than my best!" said Applejack.
"The train to Canterlot is about to leave!" said the conductor, "All aboard who's coming aboard."
"Guess that means me." said Applejack.
"Seeya two in a week!" said Rainbow as she quickly hovered over to Applejack.
"With lots of new blue ribbons!" said Apple Bloom.
"And lots of money!" Mayor Mare added.
"Darn tootin'!" said Applejack as she hopped into the train and peeked out of the window, "See y'all in a week, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!"
She waved at them as the train pulled out of the station. her friends ran alongside the train until they reached the end of the platform, all shouting "Bye" until the train left the station and disappeared into the distance.
"And drink sarsaparilla!" Pinkie called out and making the others look at her, "What? It gives you extra sass."
SLAP!
"OW!" Pinkie yelped as she rubbed her head in pain and looked to see Chase giving her an annoyed look on his face as she stepped back a bit in fear from him before zipping away in fear.
"I really need to give Pinkie a talk about her habit of eating." Chase said with an irritated look when he felt something wrap his foreleg.
He looked to see Twilight wrapping her foreleg around his as she gave him a cute smile.
"Maybe you could do that before we get back to our training?" Twilight asked in a sweet tone.
Chase looked a little stunned before he gave her a smile and a nod in reply. Twilight giggled before she kissed his cheek, making him blush as they walked off to his place.
(Scene changes)
Exactly one week later, the six friends were helping to decorate the barn. Today was the day Applejack was supposed to return home from the rodeo. Applejack's family had even invited a few other relatives to come and celebrate her return.
"Oh, I hope Applejack is surprised by the surprise party," said Fluttershy as she and Rainbow set up a banner inside the barn.
"Well, that is the point," said Rainbow as a matter of fact as the rest of the ponies were busy finishing the decorations.
"I know, but I hope she isn't so surprised she's startled," Fluttershy explained, "because while being surprised can be nice, being startled can be...very startling."
"Surprise!" said Pinkie as she blew a party whistle, sending the yellow Pegasus into her back.
"Oh, Pinkie," Fluttershy gasped, "you startled me."
"Sorry!" said Pinkie as she helped Fluttershy back to her hooves, "I was just practicing my "surprise!" for when we surprise Applejack with this super cool party for becoming rodeo champeen of Equestria."
BONK!
"OW!" Pinkie yelped as Sunray gave her a glare for doing that.
"You guys know you don't have to keep doing that!" Pinkie said with a glare of her own, but Sunray didn't back down.
"Some pony has to keep you out of trouble for doing that." Sunray said as he went to help Chase and Jade.
"Quiet, Pinkie," said Twilight, "I think Applejack is coming!"
"Don't worry, Twilight," said Pinkie, "Got my lips all limbered up!"
Pinkie then began making various noises with her lips as well as several faces, which annoyed Apple Bloom to no end. Fluttershy and Rainbow hid behind some tall stacks of hay near the ceiling while everyone else ducked behind the tables. It wasn't long before the doors to the barn opened.
"Surprise!" the ponies all shouted except for Big Mac and Pinkie. Big Mac just blew a kazoo.
"Surprise! Shoot!" said Pinkie right after she realized that her timing was off. However, instead of seeing Applejack, there stood before them a mail pony by the name of Parcel Post.
"Wow, this is the best surprise ever!" Parcel Post replied, "How did you know it was my birthday?"
His only answer was Twilight taking the letter he was delivering and rudely slamming the barn doors shut, leaving him disappointed. Until Pinkie popped out with both a slice of cake and a smile to cheer him up and then shut the doors once more.
"Who's it from, Twilight? What's it say?" Apple Bloom asked anxiously. Using her magic, Twilight opened the envelope to read the note inside.
"It's from Applejack," said Twilight, "Family and friends, not coming back to Ponyville..." The ponies in the barn all gasped.
"...Don't worry, will send money soon," Twilight finished as she put the letter down.
"Applejack's...not coming back," said Apple Bloom feeling very sad.
"It's not like her to do that on her own." Chase said with a worried look along with his siblings.
"What do you mean Applejack's not coming back? She loves Ponyville!" said Rainbow in shock.
"And she loves Sweet Apple Acres!" Granny Smith added sadly.
"And she loves her family!" said Apple Bloom.
Rarity then gasped dramatically.
"Something just dreadful must have happened to Applejack to make her not return!" said Rarity.
"Maybe she's hurt, or sad, or scared," said Fluttershy worried.
"So, what are we waiting for?" said Rainbow, "Let's go find her!" Rainbow was the first to fly out of the barn as Twilight and the others followed.
"Don't worry," said Twilight to the rest of the Apple Family, "We'll search all of Equestria if we have to. We'll bring her back."
"Y'all are the best," said Apple Bloom.
"Be careful out there, girls." Chase said.
"Thank you, girls!" said Granny Smith as the girls rushed off into the distance.
As they disappeared, Granny Smith turned to Big Mac. Despite keeping to himself most of the time, he found it hard to keep his composure as he sniffled and his eyes watered. He was worried about his little sister.
(Scene changes)
Unknown to any of them, watching from the orb in the Well of Shade, Zhao observed everything as Kai was watching the scene with his master.
"Well, if they want to find that Earth Pony, then they will have a surprise waiting for them at Dodge Junction." Zhao said with an evil smirk before turning to Kai. "Kai. Gather your best men. You have a mission to trap those ponies to make Chase come to us."
"Yes, master." Kai said before walking off screen somewhere else.
Zhao chuckled lowly as he smiled evilly.
(Scene changes)
It wasn't long before the five ponies had gotten on the train heading directly toward Canterlot. Both Twilight and Rainbow looked out of the window as the royal city came into view in the distance.
Just as the train come to a stop at Canterlot station, the five ponies headed toward the stadium where the Equestria Rodeo had taken place. By now, most of the ponies there were cleaning up and packing things away. Regardless, the five ponies split up and began to ask around to see if anypony had seen Applejack.
Rarity approached a young stallion as he was trying to impress a mare in the stands when she showed them a picture of Applejack. The two ponies just shook their heads in reply.
Then a clown pony rolled by on a giant beach ball. Pinkie followed the pony while balancing herself on her own beach ball as she showed the clown pony the picture, but the clown just shook his head, which left Pinkie sad and her beach ball deflated as well.
Twilight then approached two mares sweeping in the bleachers and showed them the picture with her magic, but both mares just gave her "I don't know" looks in reply. Another colt was the moving barrels when Rainbow stopped him and showed him the picture.
He just shook his head and went back to work. Fluttershy tried to approach a sleeping clown pony to ask him about Applejack, but was waved off before she could even try to speak up or ask her question.
It was few hours later and the five ponies were looking exhausted. Rarity was just brushing the dust off her coat while Twilight had her face planted into a set up table. It was then a mare appeared, donning a traditional cowboy hat, and walked up to them. She took one look at the photo and smiled, which brightened up the day of the five friends.
The mare pointed toward some craggy mountains in the distance as the sound of a hawk cry was heard. While the five friends felt a little uneasy and intimidated, they were determined to find Applejack at all costs.
(Scene changes)
They wasted no time hopping into the next train so they could head to their next destination, which turned out to be a small town called Dodge Junction. Rainbow just looked at the landscape from the window as Rarity sat next to her on one seat. Twilight and Fluttershy shared the seat across from them. Pinkie was sitting alone in the back making soft grunts and panicking sounds with her hind legs crossed.
"I hope this lead doesn't turn out to be a dead end," said Rainbow with concern, "I don't wanna go back empty-hooved after promising we'd find her."
"I don't know how we'll break it to the Apple Family," said Fluttershy worried.
"I don't know how we'll break it to Ponyville!" Twilight added in the same tone.
"I don't know how I'll make to the next stop!" Pinkie said in a panicky tone, emphasizing the fact that somepony had forgot to use the bathroom before getting on the train. Fortunately for Pinkie, Twilight noticed their stop was approaching.
"This is Dodge Junction, girls," said Twilight as the train pulled into the station, "Applejack is supposed to have come here after the rodeo ended. Let's fan out and try to find her."
Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy walked across the platform. Pinkie made a direct beeline to the closest single pony outhouse.
"Oh pickles!" said Pinkie as she was knocking loudly on the door, "Hurryhurryhurryhurryhurry! Hurry it up in there!" With the sound of a toilet flush, the door opened right into Pinkie's face and who walked out other than...Applejack herself.
"Huh, some ponies. Sheesh," Applejack grumbled as she walked away. Pinkie ran inside and shut the door...for about two seconds.
"Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed as she headed over to her friends as Twilight was showing the pictures to some ponies, "I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!"
Pinkie bounced about as she lead the ponies toward an open part of Dodge Junction where Applejack was just walking slowly with her head low. Twilight and Rarity were the first to approach her with Fluttershy and Rainbow right behind them.
"Oh, Applejack, thank heavens!" said Rarity.
"We're go glad you're safe!" said Fluttershy.
"I found her, I found her, I found her, I found her!" Pinkie jumped for joy until she remembered something and crossed her hind legs as she was in the air, "Be right back." Pinkie then ran back into the outhouse. Despite all the smiles, Applejack didn't make eye contact with any of them.
"Uh, hey, everypony," said Applejack slowly, "what's up?" Rainbow was taken aback by Applejack's casual tone.
"Why didn't you come back to Ponyville?!" Rainbow asked as she pointed a fore-hoof at the orange pony.
"Yes, why are you here?" Rarity asked next as the sound of a toilet flushing emphasized Pinkie had taken care of business.
"Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"Do you have any snacks?" Pinkie asked as she reappeared with the group.
"Tell us what happened?" said Twilight.
Applejack just looked at the ground, unsure of what to say to any of her friends' questions when a mare appeared behind her.
"Applejack," said the mare, "Are these some of your Ponyville friends you told me about?"
The mare was a tan colored pony with a cherry colored mane, which she wore a gold cherry patterned headband in, same colored tail, and a pink scarf around her neck. She also had a country accent that had a bit of a southern flare to it. The five other ponies were surprised.
"Yes, ma'am," said Twilight as she walked up to her.
"And you are?" Rarity asked as she followed behind the purple pony.
"Why, I'm Cherry Jubilee," said the mare, "boss of Cherry Hill Ranch. Hasn't Applejack told ya? I saw her compete in the Equestria Rodeo. Never saw anypony win so many ribbons in all my life."
"Aw shucks, Miss Jubilee," said Applejack, "You don't have to go into all that."
"Oh, she's so modest," said Cherry Jubilee, "Anyway, I can always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back. So, when I heard Applejack was looking for a change of scenery, I snapped her up as quick as I could and brought her back to Dodge Junction."
The five friends exchanged curious looks with each other.
Applejack looked very uneasy as sweat dripped down her brow.
""Change of scenery"?"Rainbow asked as she got into Applejack's face, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"S'no big deal, guys," said Applejack bluntly, "I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples, so I took the job and came here. That's it. End of story."
"That's it?" said Pinkie in shock, "Well, that's a terrible story!"
"Sorry, but that's all there is to tell," said Applejack bluntly, "Thanks for checkin' on me, but y'all can go home now. Tell my family hi, and that I'm doing a-okay."
"Excuse me, AJ." " said Rainbow sternly, "But we didn't travel all over Equestria in search for you to come home without you!"
"Well, I didn't ask you to come lookin' for me for that matter!" Applejack retorted angrily, "There is nothin' to tell and I am not going back to Ponyville!"
Applejack stomped away, which left the group even more suspicious.
"I don't care what she says," said Twilight as she glared at Applejack. "Applejack is not telling us something."
"Twilight's right." said Rainbow. "We gotta get her to spill the beans."
"What?! She had beans?" Pinkie exclaimed as she got into Rainbow's face, "Ugh, I told her I was snacky!" Rainbow just rolled her eyes at Pinkie's randomness.
As they talked on how to get Applejack, Kai was watching from up on a rocky edge as he smiled evilly.
"Perfect." Kai said with an evil smirk.
(Scene changes)
It was the next day when Applejack entered the working barn wearing a white apron and a hair net on her head. Her apron also had two saddle bags on it.
"You ready to put your back into it, Applejack?" Cherry Jubilee asked.
"Sure am, Miss Jubilee," said Applejack.
"Terr-ific," said Cherry Jubilee as she headed towards the front of the barn, "Come on in, girls!"
Applejack gasped in shock before looking away with an irritated look on her face. Her five friends all walked inside wearing the same attire and ready to work.
"What are you all doing here?" Applejack asked interrogatively.
"We're your cherry sorters," Twilight answered as she and the rest of the girls got started, "Shall we get started?"
"Fine," Applejack said bluntly.
Haha," Cherry Jubilee chuckled sympathetically before facing the other girls, "red cherries go in one bin and yellow cherries go in the other. Simple as cherry pie. Uh, just one teensy thing to remember - have fun!" That got everypony, minus Applejack, smiling as Cherry Jubilee took her leave.
"What are you five up to?" said Applejack.
"Well, uh, you made working on a cherry orchard sound...so delightful," Rarity answered.
"Uh-huh," said Applejack, "Well, just remember. No talking about Ponyville."
"Fine!" Rainbow snapped and faced Applejack, "Why don't you quit talking and get walking?"
Applejack just glared as she began to slowly walk the wheel, which made the gears turn the conveyor belt as the cherries began to make their way out of a chute. The five ponies did their best to push the right colors into the two bins. Despite the slow speed, the five friends still felt rather overwhelmed at making sure they didn't miss any cherries. Rainbow then glanced over to Applejack who was just keeping to herself as she walked the wheel. She gave Twilight a wink to initiate their "Master Plan".
"So, AJ, how was Canterlot?" Twilight asked, making Applejack's eyes pop out for a second as she glared at her.
"Not talking about Ponyville," said Twilight, "talking about Canterlot. Totally different town."
"Canterlot was fine," said Applejack once she recomposed herself.
"Was the rodeo fun?" Twilight asked.
"Yes," said Applejack bluntly.
"Did you meet some nice ponies there?" Twilight asked, now standing next to Applejack as she continued to walk the wheel.
"Some," said Applejack.
"Really? Did you see Wild Bull Hickok? What about Calamity Mane?" Rainbow asked as she hovered nearby.
"Yes, we saw 'em both," said Applejack. Rainbow just smiled excitedly, wanting to hear more, but all she received from the orange pony was a long pouty face. Rainbow then glared and crossed her forelegs indignantly.
"And how did you meet Miss Jubilee?" Rarity asked as she stood behind Twilight, leaving just Fluttershy and Pinkie to handle the conveyor belt.
"Um, well, Miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the rodeo," Applejack answered with an eye roll, "Real good treats."
"Um, excuse me?" said Fluttershy softly. As Applejack was talking, she had subconsciously picked up her pace, making the conveyor belt go faster and making it harder to sort the cherries.
"Cherry winks, cherry cheesecake, cherry tarts," Applejack continued with her nose in the air, "we struck on a conversation, me and her being orchard folk and all."
"So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?" Twilight asked next.
"Yes," Applejack answered.
"Did you tell her why you weren't coming back?" asked Rainbow sternly.
"No, 'cuz it was none of her business!" said Applejack angrily.
at the moment was trying to pick up the slack since Applejack had increased the speed of the conveyor belt again and Fluttershy and Pinkie were really having a hard time keeping pace.
"Ooh...Can you please slow down?" Fluttershy pleaded, but wasn't heard by anypony
"Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?" Rainbow asked curiously.
"No!" Applejack snapped and started running even faster.
"Help!" Fluttershy called out, now panicking since she could no longer sort the cherries.
Even Pinkie started scooping up large amounts of cherries into her saddle bags and pockets and even on top of her hair net. She even dumped a bunch of cherries on top of Fluttershy's hair net.
"Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards?" Twilight asked worried.
"NO!" Applejack shouted as she started sprinting on the wheel. Now Fluttershy and Pinkie were getting buried under cherries.
Pinkie even tried to stuff as many cherries as she could into her mouth.
"Is it because you were insulted when I insulted your hair?" Rarity asked.
"No, no, NO!" Applejack yelled angrily, "I'm not telling you why, so just-"
"STOP!" Fluttershy shouted. As Applejack finally put on the brakes, she realized her mistake. Because she stopped so fast, the cherries went flying off the conveyor belt...and right at Applejack.
SPLAT!
Applejack opened her eyes and found that she was covered from head to hoof in cherry goop. The barn area was also covered in cherry goop. Everypony gasped, except for Pinkie since her mouth was still loaded with cherries.
Applejack just glared before jumping off the wheel and making her exit.
(Scene changes)
With some brooms and cloths at hoof, the five ponies got to work cleaning up splattered cherry goop.
"Well, girls, we seem to be striking out," Twilight said to everypony else.
"That's 'cause we're playing too nice," said Rainbow.
"Yes. Desperate times do call for desperate measures," Rarity added as she used a cloth to wipe the conveyor belt.
"It's time to call in the big guns." Rainbow Dash turned to look at Pinkie, who was simply using her tongue to clean the conveyor belt. The fact there was a triple zoom on her face just emphasized the fact that Applejack was in BIG trouble.
(Scene changes)
Later that afternoon, Applejack was just bucking the cherry trees in the orchard. It was once Applejack was alone that Rainbow executed her...weapon of mass destruction (shutters inwardly). Applejack then heard a strangle sound nearby.
"Hey, Applejack," said Pinkie as she appeared out of the blue, "Need some help?"
"You promise not to ask me any questions?" Applejack requested upfront.
"I promise," said Pinkie with a smile. They began to collect cherries together. Applejack just eyeballed the pink pony suspiciously when she bucked a tree.
"Have you ever had a cherrychanga?" Pinkie asked but then retracted a bit, "Ooh! Sorry, that was a question."
"That kind of question is fine, Pinkie," said Applejack, "No, I-I never had a cherrychanga."
"Well, no wonder," Pinkie answered as she pushed her nose into Applejack's face, "because I made it up myself. A cherrychanga is mashed up cherries in a tortilla that is deep fried. Cherrychanga. Great name, huh? Oh, maybe I should call it chimicherry. Ooh, that's good too. Which do you think sounds better? Cherrychanga or chimicherry? Or what if I combined them? Chimicherrychanga. What sounds the funniest? I like funny words! One of my favorite words is "kumquat"! I didn't make that one up. I would work in a kumquat orchard just so I could say "kumquat" all day! Kumquat, kumquat, kumquat! And "pickle barrel"! Isn't that just the funnest thing to say? Pickle barrel, pickle barrel, pickle barrel! Say it with me! Pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, pickle barrel, kumquat, chimicherrychanga!"
As Pinkie continued to talk non-stop, Applejack tried her best to ignore her and continue her work. Applejack could feel her patience starting to slip as Pinkie seemed to keep on talking without end and was also bouncing around her constantly. It didn't take long before Applejack's irritation turned into discomfort as one thing began to cross her mind:
Why. Won't. She. Stop. TALKING?!
Pinkie then got right in front of her, still talking away as if she never needed to breathe. Applejack just looked from side to side. As strong as she was, Pinkie's endless talking was just too much.
"NOOOOOO!" Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs with her fore-legs in the air and standing on just her hind legs before crouching to the ground with her fore-legs on her hat, raising one fore-hoof in the air as she pleaded desperately, "Make it stop, make it stop!" It was then Rainbow arrived and used a fore-hoof to cover Pinkie's mouth. Pinkie was still talking despite having her mouth being covered and Rainbow had earplugs on.
"The only way to make it stop is for you to spill the beans," said Rainbow.
"Never!" Applejack replied. Despite the ear plugs, Rainbow heard Applejack's reply and removed her fore-hoof from Pinkie's mouth.
"Speaking of beans," Pinkie continued at a fast pace, "did you ever realize how many words rhyme with "beans"? Lean, mean, splean, unclean, bean..." Applejack began to panic as she found herself back against a tree.
"Alright, alright!" Applejack retorted as she found herself surround by her five friends, "I'll tell everypony what's goin' on! Just please stop talkin'! But...can't it wait 'til tomorrow at breakfast?" Applejack asked as she rubbed the back of her head, "I'm plum tuckered out."
"Tomorrow, huh?" said Rainbow as she looked at the orange pony suspiciously, "I don't know."
"Do you Pinkie promise?" said Pinkie. Applejack just sighed.
"I will tell you the whole truth at breakfast," said Applejack, "Pinkie promise." The five girls smiled to each other before leaving to let Applejack have her space.
(Scene changes)
The sun was just minutes away from rising into the air as Applejack slowly sat up on her bed as she yawned before getting out of bed and went to pack her things.
"I know I pinkie promised that I would tell them everything at breakfast, but I just can't tell 'em." Applejack said with a worried look.
"Well, that would be a mistake for you, Applejack." A sinister voice said from behind her, startling Applejack in the process.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Applejack demanded as she got on the offense.
She looked around for the moment not noticing a shadowy figure behind her. Applejack continued to to look around when…
BAM!
"GUH!" Applejack grunted before she fell to the ground unconscious.
Standing over her was Kai as he held his one of his kyoketsu-shoge as he smirked evilly.
"Too bad it won't be enough to help you when I have Chase in my grasp." Kai said as he took the unconscious Applejack in his hands before leaving the room as he barged out from the windows as debris fell down.
(Scene changes)
The sun had barely began to rise as the five girls were heading toward Applejack's room to meet her.
"I'm glad we're finally gonna get some answers from Applejack," said Twilight happily as the rest of the girls smiled, except for Rainbow.
"Yeah, maybe," Rainbow answered skeptically.
"Don't worry, Rainbow," said Pinkie, "She's gotta fess up after making a Pinkie promise." Twilight then knocked on the door, but then grew worried when there was no answer.
"Good morning, Applejack," said Pinkie as she peaked into the room, "You ready for br-GASP!"
Pinkie was then shocked to see that the room was empty and Applejack was gone. But not only that, the room was trashed.
"Applejack did this?" Fluttershy asked with a worried look.
"No, not even if she was mad at us." Rainbow Dash said with a confused look.
As they looked around, Twilight noticed a note on the wall with a familiar kyoketsu-shoge blade on it.
"Girls, there's a note." Twilight said as she grabbed the note from the blade and began to read it with the girls watching from behind her. "'No more forcing her. If you want Applejack back, meet us at the Dodge Junction Mine.'"
"Good heavens! Who took her?" Rarity asked as she was confused and worried with the others.
"Wait." Twilight said as she studied the blade with a shocked look. "That's one of Kai's blades!"
"KAI?!" The other's shouted in alarm.
"He kidnapped Applejack?!" Rainbow Dash asked with a worried look, forgetting about being angry with the farm pony.
"Well, don't worry, girls. We're gonna get her back! Let's head to the Mine and get Applejack back!" Twilight said as she ran out the door followed by the others.
(Scene changes)
Applejack groaned as she struggled to open her eyes as her vision was blurry. She was about to get up, but she found herself tied up to a chair and in a big Mine room in the Dodge Junction Mine.
"What the hay?!" Applejack asked in shock as she struggled to break free but to no avail.
"Comfortable, Applejack?" Kai asked deviously as he stepped into the light with an evil smirk and stood in front of her.
"KAI!?" Applejack asked in shock.
"In the flesh." Kai replied with a smug grin. "You know, I would definitely consider letting you go if you would be honored to join us in the Quinkan along with my master. You could make a fine slave in our army."
"No way!" Applejack said angrily. "I would never do that for my friends!"
Kai glared at her as she struggled to break free. Then he smirked at her evilly.
"Well, struggle all you want." Kai said as he turned his back to her. "But you don't have to worry about a thing. All I want is Chase."
"Chase?" Applejack asked with a shocked look.
"It wouldn't be a matter to you and the girls. Because I want to bring him to master Zhao and let that unicorn stallion face the consequences." Kai said as he turned his head to her while smiling evilly. "And he will be history along with you six pathetic ponies. Gag her up!"
Kai walked away to prepare the trap as the Protoquin cornered Applejack as she yelped once they got closer to her.
(Scene changes)
Meanwhile the five girls were making their way to the Mine before they came to a stop and saw the entrance leading to the inside of the Mine.
"Well, here it is." Rainbow Dash said with a determined look.
"Let's check inside and try not to be seen by the Quinkan." Twilight instructed as she led the way in, with the others following her.
They carefully trotted inside without being seen and stuck to the shadows. They peeked around a corner to find the big room and saw Applejack tied up and gagged up with a white bandana around her mouth.
"Applejack. Applejack." Twilight whispered to the farm pony, getting her attention. "Don't worry, we're getting you out of here."
"MMMMPH! MMMMMPH! MMMMMPH!" Applejack mumbled to them with horrified look as she shook her head.
The girls weren't paying any attention to the warning as they crept up to her as she mumbled to them to stop.
"Um, Applejack, what are you saying?" Fluttershy asked with a concern look.
"We can't understand what your saying." Rainbow Dash added as she untied the bandana off Applejack's mouth.
"IT'S A TRAP!" Applejack finally said as they heard growling and snarling around them as the Quinkan appeared. Then the spotlight brightened up the Mining room as Kai stood on top of a rocky pillar with an evil smirk on his face, staring down at the six ponies.
"Let me guess, Kai is right behind us. Isn't he?" Twilight asked with a worried look on her face as Applejack nodded in reply.
They turned to the yak as he continued to smirk evilly.
"You got two options, Kai!" Rainbow Dash threatened as she untied Applejack as the farm pony stood back on her hooves as the six girls glared at him. "Let us go or walk away from this inside a sandwich bag!"
"Sorry, Rainbow Dash. But I can't let you all go." Kai said mischievously. "It's not really that personal with the rest of you girls, I just need you for bait."
"He wants Chase. To bring him to Zhao." Applejack explained to her friends.
"Your coltfriend will eventually track you and your friends here, Twilight. And when he shows up, Chase will know what it's like to truly suffer." Kai said as he clenched his fist with a knuckle crack.
"We're not letting you harm him and-" Twilight was then cut off when she heard Kai calling Chase her coltfriend. "Wait a minute! He's not my coltfriend!"
"Well, you sure act like he's your coltfriend." Pinkie said with a squeaky smile as the girls glared at her in annoyance while Twilight blushed deep red.
"It won't matter now. Soon, I will destroy… EVERYTHING HE HAS LOVED!" Kai shouted as he unleashed his kyoketsu-shoge blades.
The six girls widened their eyes in fear as the Quinkan began to circle them around while growling at them.
"Remind me why we agreed to come here again?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight with a worried look, regretting the decision on finding Applejack.
One of the Quinkan monsters charged at the girls, but Twilight decided now was a good time to fight. She lit her horn as aruric hands appeared on her front hooves and she stood on her hind legs before going into battle.
Twilight high kicked the approaching Protoquin to the ground, punched another aside, and upper cut the other to the chin, sending it flying into the air.
"Come on, we gotta help her!" Rainbow Dash said as she aided Twilight into battling the Quinkan along with the others.
Twilight fired a magic blast at the Quinkan, Rainbow Dash punched one, Applejack bucked the other to the chest, Rarity punched one, and Fluttershy made one trip over her.
Then with a powerful blast of her magic, Twilight sent the Quinkan back away.
Kai growled in frustration before he jumped onto the ground. He stood tall as the girls tried to stand their ground, which was easier said than done.
"No more playing around!" Kai said with a snort as advanced on them.
"He keeps getting taller!" Fluttershy said with a worried look.
"Then I'll cut him down the sides with one of his blades!" Rainbow Dash said, charging at Kai at full speed.
But unfortunately for her, Kai proved to be quick for her before he landed a solid kick to her chest, sending her back to the others on the ground as she grunted in pain. She then got back up and straightened her back a bit.
"Uh, why don't we stick together this time." Rainbow Dash said with a weary look.
They scattered before Applejack tried to buck Kai, only to get her back hooves caught by Kai as he tossed her aside, swatted Rainbow Dash to the ground, high kicked Pinkie Pie into the air, palm striked Rarity away, and back fisted Fluttershy away as they yelped. Twilight used her jiu jitsu skills on Kai and tried to fight him, but Kai blocked her attacks before he spun and kicked her to the ground.
"Your skills are weak, Twilight. I've had years of kung fu training." Kai taunted the purple unicorn mare with a smirk, only to get uppercut by Twilight forcing him back a bit as he grunted in pain.
"You talk too much." Twilight said with a smirk before she used her magic to bring out her katana and tessen as she held them in a fighting stance.
Kai gritted his teeth as he snorted before he charged at Twilight with his blades ready and they clashed blades with each other before Kai gained the upperhoof as he pushed Twilight back.
Soon the six girls joined up together as Kai slowly advanced on them.
"This is hopeless!" Applejack said with a dread look.
"Come on! What are we retreating for?" Rainbow Dash asked as she charged at the anthropomorphic yak, only to get swatted away from Kai as she landed on her back with the others.
"Ugh, that's a pretty good reason." Rainbow Dash admitted while rubbing her head in pain.
"Play time is now officially over for you, girls." Kai said as he swung his swords a bit before he continued to advance on the girls when…
"Wow." A familiar voice came from behind the Kai, making the yak turn to around to see none other than Chase Young standing on a high rocky ledge of the scene.
"I didn't think this fight could get any uglier." Chase commented with a smirk.
"Chase!" The girls cheered in joy.
Chase jumped high in the air as he lit his horn with his aruric hands glowing in his front hooves before he landed on the ground in a fighting stance and glared at Kai for threatening his friends.
"Well, look who decided to join the party. It's Chase Young." Kai said with a devious smirk.
"Hey, if it isn't the stupid ugly yak who's about to get his tail kicked." Chase said as he took out his katana swords in a fighting stance.
Kai charged at Chase, but the unicorn stallion jumped high in the air and landed behind the yak.
"You guys keep the Quinkan busy, I'll handle Kai!" Chase said as he charged at Kai.
"You got it!" Pinkie called back as the Quinkan tried to attack the six girls, but they knocked them aside at ease.
Chase and Kai clashed blades with each other.
"Your skills are still no match for me, Chase! You're still just a fool!" Kai said as he tossed one of Chase's swords away before breaking the other in the process.
But just as Kai was about to strike Chase, he grabbed a hidden blade at the end of his handle's and kicked Kai back.
The yak got up as he glared at Chase, who twirled his blade a bit before going into a fighting stance.
"Maybe, but never outclassed." Chase countered with a smirk.
Kai tried to attack him, but Twilight came in and high kicked the yak away as she landed next to Chase.
"You're getting good at those moves you got right there, Twilight." Chase said with an impressive look.
"Practice makes perfect." Twilight replied back with a giggle.
Kai got up and glared at the two ponies as they held their ground. With a battle cry, Kai charged at Twilight and Chase, but they dodged every one of his attacks. Twilight palm striked Kai to the face while Chase uppercut him to the chin.
Kai flew backwards as he landed on his back and grunted in pain. He got up as the seven ponies glared at him as he glared back at them.
"It's over, Kai." Chase said as he pointed his blade at the yak.
"For now." Kai said as he tossed a smoke bomb to the ground as smoke flew through the air and he disappeared along with the Quinkan.
Chase then turned to the girls.
"Are you guys okay?" Chase asked with a concerned look.
The girls nodded and made reassuring okay's, saying they were alright.
Chase smiled before he turned to Applejack and approached her.
"Hey, Applejack." Chase said with a smile. "I think you might have left this behind."
He presented Applejack with her saddlebags as she widened her eyes.
"Uh, Chase-" Applejack tried to talk to him, only to get her saddle bags pushed into her face by Chase as the contents from Applejack's saddle bags. Applejack just looked at the scattered ribbons before she finally decided to surrender.
"Fine," Applejack conceded as she covered her eyes, "Now you know."
"Know what?" Twilight asked as she and the others gathered around Chase and Applejack.
"Well, just look!" Applejack remarked, pointing to the various collection of ribbons.
"I am," said Twilight with a smile, "you won an amazing number of ribbons, just like Miss Jubilee said."
"Don't you get it?" Applejack retorted before sitting down, "There's every color of ribbon down there. Every color...but...blue. I came in fourth, third, and even second, but I didn't win one first prize, and I certainly didn't win any prize money!"
"But, the telegram said you were gonna send money." Rainbow Dash said with a confused look.
"That's why I came here," said Applejack as she walked away a bit, "I wanted to earn some money. After that big send off Ponyville gave me, I didn't have the nerve to come home empty-hooved. I wouldn't have to come home a failure."
"Applejack, you're not a failure," said Twilight with a smile.
"And we're your friends," Rainbow added, "We don't care if you came in fiftieth place! You're still number one in our books."
"So...you're not upset or disappointed?" Applejack asked worried.
"Nn-nn," said Chase, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, Rarity, and Twilight as they shook their heads and smiled.
"But what about the mayor?" Applejack asked worried as she got into Twilight's face, "I don't think I can face her and tell I didn't get that money to raise the roof."
"Applejack," said Fluttershy sweetly, "we can always find a way to fix that hole in the roof. But if you don't come back, we'll never be able to fix the hole in our hearts."
Fluttershy and Twilight each gave her a friendly cheek to cheek nuzzle with Applejack from the side as the three smiled as Chase smiled proudly while Pinkie and Rarity exchanged tears at the sight. Hovering above, Rainbow had been rather touched and was even sniffling as a couple of tears left her eyes. She soon realized what she was doing and recomposed herself.
"Darn it! Now you got me acting all sappy!" Rainbow yelled as she crossed her fore-hooves indignantly.
Applejack just looked at the blue Pegasus and then back at Chase, Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, her smile never leaving her face.
But…
"But I just have to know something." Chase said with a stern look. "Did you girls try to force Applejack to tell you all when you came to Dodge Junction to find her?"
Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash widened their eyes before they looked at each other worriedly, knowing what was gonna happen to them as they smiled at Chase nervously.
"No!" Twilight tried to deny.
"Not at all darling!" Rarity added with a fake smile.
"Never happened!" Rainbow Dash said nervously.
"Didn't give her one of my random talks!" Pinkie said with a nervous chuckle.
"Not really." Fluttershy said with meek smile.
Chase wasn't buying any of it as he glared at them sternly.
"So you will not object to a little… Randori!" Chase said, pulling out a wooden sword in his magic.
They gulped in fear as they were now in for it.
SMACK! POW! BAM!
The five girls were on the ground groaning in pain as Chase glared at them sternly.
"I hope you girls have learned that force isn't the only thing that hurts just as much as truth." Chase said.
"No duh." Rainbow Dash replied back with a groan.
After that, the Mane Seven went outside to catch up to get the next train. Of course, Chase was a little disappointed in Applejack for not telling the truth of why she didn't come back home to Ponyville, but he understood why. He was also quite frankly furious with the other five girls for trying to force her to tell her what happened. So he gave them a punishment for what they tried to do; For Twilight, no books and library's for two months. For Fluttershy, no fun time with animals for two weeks. For Pinkie Pie, no treats for three months and get over pinkie promises. Rarity, no gems and fashion for four weeks. Finally for Rainbow Dash, no wonderbolt stuff for five months.
The five girls groaned in sadness and disappointment, but they knew they had to be taught a lesson for trying to force Applejack to tell them what to do.
(Scene changes)
"Dear Princess Celestia," Applejack recited as she, Chase, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight took the train home to Ponyville, "It's a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there's no reason to hide when you don't do as well as you hoped. You can't run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family."
As Applejack continued reciting her letter, she stuck her head outside the window and waved as she saw her family, Mayor Mare, and several other ponies there to give her a warm welcome home. Winona was the first to tackle Applejack to the ground, giving her slobbery kisses in the process. Chase, Fluttershy, and Twilight just smiled while Pinkie and Rarity shed tears as Big Mac shed some tears of his own and the others smile. Then Big Mac dog piled Applejack and Winona, with Granny Smith and Apple Bloom following pursuit.
(Scene changes)
A little while later, Applejack was walking home with Chase as they others went home on their own. Chase then noticed the guilty look on her face.
"You doing okay, AJ?" Chase asked with a concern look.
"Okay? How can I be okay?" Applejack croaked with tears spilling down her face. "I Didn't tell our friends the truth. Chase, how can I try to be honest when I can't be true to myself?"
Chase looked at her before he wiped the tears from her eyes as he smiled.
"Applejack, I know it's hard for you to be honest with others, but you gotta learn to be able to trust yourself that you can do better than that." Chase said as he guided Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres. "My dad always told me that you have to learn that you can trust your friends to let them help you with that. The same thing with my grandpa as he helped my mother with that too."
Applejack smiled.
"Well, I guess this is where you get your skills from your grandfather. Twilight is glad to have somepony like you to date with that you stay true to yourself too." Applejack said to him before she became sad. "I just wish I had a special somepony of ma own to help me with that."
Chase blinked before he smiled.
"You know, I think I know some pony who can help you do that. Here." Chase said as he handed Applejack a picture.
The picture showed a strong handsome Earth Pony stallion with a farm hat on his head, handkerchief around his neck, his eyes were brown, and he wore a buttoned up shirt.
"Who is this fella?" Applejack asked with a curious look.
"His name is Clay." Chase said with a smile. "He's a friend of mine and he lives in Canterlot with his own apple trees to buck. And he is a pretty good pony with a skill of judo too. I think he might be a perfect match for you if you'd give him a chance."
Applejack looked at the photo for a moment before she smiled in reply.
"Thanks, sugarcube. I'll keep that in mind." Applejack said with a smile as Chase went off home while Applejack went inside her farm house.
(Scene changes)
Inside her room, Applejack was laying on her bed with her stenson hat on a hat hanger. She then thought about what Chase said as she took the picture of Clay in her hooves as she looked at it.
Applejack looked at the picture of Clay before she smiled.
"Huh, now that Chase mentions it, Clay is cute." Applejack said with a smile as a heart floats in the air above her as she now has a crush on Clay.
Author's note: Hey guys, this chapter is all done. I didn't want to do the whole chase thing after Applejack 'broke' her pinkie promise to the group, so I decided to do a little turn of events for this chapter. Sorry for not doing it, but I wanted to do a little turn of events on this.
Now I'm gonna do the 'Notes From The Underground' part 3 chapters where Chase and the others investigate what happened in the past, regarding about Zhao's past crimes of turning members of the Order of The White Lotus into one of his 'experiments. Along with that, they will soon face off one of Zhao's Ghostly followers with a special guest in the series.
I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, because I'll be getting ready for the the next part 3 chapters.
