Prologue
(Opening shot: fade in to a broad stretch of hills marked by tracts of apple trees heavy with fruit—part of Sweet Apple Acres, seen during the day. Pan slowly across the expanse.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Boy howdy. I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop of apples I ever laid eyes on.
(On the end of this line, stop on her and Babs Seed; she has a swath of bandages wrapped around her midsection and is chewing on a candy apple.)
Babs Seed: It sure is the largest crop I've ever seen! But, I don't think you'd be able to handle so much work on your own, cous.
Apple Bloom: Come on, cous. You need to rest up and get yourself better. (nudging the bandaged area; she winces) I haven't met an apple orchard yet that I can't handle. (Annoyed glare from her.) Oops. Sorry. I'll take a bite out of this job by day's end.
(This line establishes the family relationship between the two.)
Babs Seed: Putting too much work on yourself is just what I'm afraid of.
Apple Bloom: (irked) Are you sayin' my mouth is makin' promises my legs can't keep?
Babs Seed: Uh-huh!
Apple Bloom: Why, of all the…this is your cousin Apple Bloom, remember? (getting in his face) The loyalest of friends and the most dependable of ponies?
Babs Seed: First off, you're not the element of loyalty, Scootaloo is. Second, your still only one pony. And one pony plus hundreds of apple trees just doesn't add up to—
Apple Bloom: Don't you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue! I said I could handle this harvest, and I'm gonna prove it to you!
(Close-up of his worried expression on the end of this, then cut back to her.)
Apple Bloom: I'm gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself!
(On these last three words, zoom out to frame the considerable expanse of orchard land before the two ponies. In close-up, Apple Bloom swallows hard as her expression telegraphs the realization that this will be a big job indeed. Fade to black.)
OPENING THEME
Act One
(Opening shot: fade in to Apple Bloom as she walks through the orchard. One of the trees has several tubs filled with apples at its base. She stops near these and looks around.)
Apple Bloom: Well, I better get kickin'. These apples aren't gonna shake themselves out of the trees.
(On the end of this, zoom out slightly to frame several of them in the overhead branches. In close-up, one drops loose as a tremor shakes the camera; it bounces off her head.)
Apple Bloom: Hey! (looking backward) Oh, no!
(She gallops off. Cut to a long shot of Ponyville, which is shaking just as badly, then to Scootaloo as she rises to roof level for a look. In the distance, a huge cloud of dust begins to work its way along the road leading into town.)
Scootaloo: STAMPEDE!
(A herd of cattle, to be exact. General pandemonium in town; ponies gallop everywhere, shutters are closed, a welcome mat is yanked inside a house whose front door then slams shut. Vincent jumps up to stop his body from vibrating on the ground.)
Vincent: Fictionary, what's going on?! (Cut to Twilight Sparkle, also on the street.)
Fictionary: I'm not sure, but we have to run! (They do so. The Mayor of Ponyville holds her ground.)
Gingersnap: Everypony calm down! There is no need to panic! (Sweetie Belle comes up.)
Sweetie Belle: But, Mayor, whatever shall we do?
(Zoom out slightly; Scootaloo, hovering overhead, points off to one side.)
Scootaloo: Look there!
(As the cattle continue their mad rush, Apple Bloom charges up next to them. With her is a small tan-and-white dog.)
Apple Bloom: Yee-haa! (Words of relief from the crowd.) Other side, Hidei!
(The dog, Hidei, barks in acknowledgment and drops back. Overhead view of the herd.)
Apple Bloom: Put 'em up, girl!
(More barking from Hidei as she pulls into view on the opposite side. In town, Heartsong has come up alongside Sweetie Belle, who turns her head with a scared moan. Pan from them to Vincent, who is now entertained.)
Vincent: This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen!
(He eats a bit of popcorn that he has bought from a nearby snack stand. Zoom out slightly to frame Fictionary on his other side; the unicorn looks at the show in front of her as well. The stampede approaches one of the bridges over the stream bordering Ponyville.)
Apple Bloom: (nudging the cow next to her) Come on, little doggies! Turn!
(A whistle; cut to Hidei.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Hidei, put 'em up!
(The nimble canine leaps up with a bark and makes her way from one broad back to another; her owner is close behind and lets off a laugh. Pan to the front of the herd; Hidei is now ahead of the lead cow.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Gotcha!
(Close-up of a twirling lasso; tilt down slightly to show the rope end in Apple Bloom's teeth. She flicks it ahead and drops the loop neatly around the cow's neck; leaping to the ground, she pulls mightily. Cut to Hidei and the cow, who gets barked at.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Attagirl!
(In an overhead shot, the cow turns just short of the bridge to run parallel to the stream, with the rest of the herd following.)
Apple Bloom: Yee-haa!
(After a brief, tense silence, the onlookers cheer her success.)
Apple Bloom: (digging her hooves in) Whoa! (Winona stops, then the herd, and Apple Bloom tosses the rope away.) Hoo-eee! Now what was that all about? (The lead cow moos, clears her throat, and speaks.)
Lead cow: (Minnesota accent) Oh, my. Begging your pardon, Apple Bloom, but Mooyala here saw one of those nasty snakes.
(On the end of this, pan to an impassive cow next to her. General shudder from the herd.)
Lead cow: And it just gave us all the willies, dontcha know.
Apple Bloom: I completely understand. Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville.
Lead cow: (as herd walks away) We certainly will, Apple Bloom. So long, Hidei!
(The dog barks a farewell, and Apple Bloom silhouette emerges over a hill in full view of the locals, framed by the setting sun. Cheers erupt as she lifts one foreleg; in close-up, she rears up as Hidei joins her.)
Apple Bloom: Yee-haa! (Both race o.s.)
Vincent: (jumping out of crowd.) Yee-haa! Ride 'em, cowpony!
Gingersnap: (to Fictionary, Sweetie Belle) Apple Bloom was just…just…
Vincent: (Hovering into view from above) Incredible!
Gingersnap: Exactly! We must do something to thank Apple Bloom for single-hoofedly saving the town.
Vincent: I know!
(Wipe to a bunch of balloons and the end of a hanging banner.)
Vincent: (from o.s.) We need to have a celebration!
Fictionary: (Smiles at her brother) Indeed we do.
(Pan/zoom out on these two words to frame these items as part of a celebration being set up in the town square, including the pavilion. Fictionary, with Spines on her back, walks up to Sweetie Belle as the latter adjusts the bow on a red ribbon tied around a tree.)
Fictionary: We all ready?
Sweetie Belle: Just one last thing.
(She levitates a banner decorated with the same apple pattern as a pennant hangs it from the third-floor balcony. Zoom out from it to frame the trio on the next line.)
Sweetie Belle: Now we're ready.
Fictionary: Is Apple Bloom all set? (Scootaloo flies over.)
Scootaloo: Actually, I haven't seen her all week. (Vincent joins them.)
Vincent: Not since the stampede.
Scootaloo: But she'll be here for sure. (Pan/tilt up to the banner as she continues, putting the group o.s.) Apple Bloom is never late.
(Zoom out to ground level; now a large crowd has gathered at the pavilion, where a lectern has been set up in front of the doors. Fictionary steps up to this and levitates a stack of notes, squaring up their edges and bringing the first page up.)
Fictionary: Welcome, everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. (Next page.) A pony whose contributions to—
(Rainbow barges in, knocking the notes everywhere and forcing Twilight to step aside, much to her annoyance.)
Scootaloo: Did you see Apple Bloom'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! (Fictionary shoves her back.)
Fictionary: Exactly. (Notes up.) And— (Sweetie Belle pops up in front of her; the notes fall.)
Sweetie Belle: This week, I get to run Carousal Boutique for the first time!
Fictionary: What does that have to do with Apple Bloom?
Sweetie Belle: Oh! Apple Bloom, one of the best artists and designers ever, is gonna help me. She also did some great fashion clothes as a filly.
Fictionary: (dryly, pushing her aside) Okay, that's great. (Notes up, but scrambled.) Now if I could just make a point without being inter— (Heartsong pokes her head up on the end of this.)
Heartsong: Fictionary?
Fictionary: —rupted! (Notes fall; she moves aside and Heartsong steps up.)
Heartsong: Fictionary, I'm so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Apple Bloom 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.
(On the latter part of this, cut to a close-up of Fictionary as she rolls her eyes wearily at all these breaks in her train of thought. At the end of this line, zoom out to frame both.)
Heartsong: She's gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills. (Pause.)
Fictionary: (as Heartsong cringes and slides away) Anyone else?...Anyone?
(Cut to the crowd; no response except for a quiet cough.)
Fictionary: (from o.s.) No? (Back to her; she brings her notes up yet again.) Well, then, as I was trying to say—
(Zoom out; now Gingersnap stands next to her with an expectant grin. After a very long beat, Fictionary gives up with a groan and lets her notes go flying in all directions.)
Fictionary: (stalking away) Never mind! (Gingersnap takes her place.)
Gingersnap: (clearing throat, gesturing to her right) And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege—
(Quick pan to that side, framing the base of a large trophy decorated with a blue ribbon. As she continues, tilt slowly up along its height; it is gold and shaped like a two-handled oil lamp, supported by three pillars, and topped by a rearing filly.)
Gingersnap: —to give the "Prize Pony of Ponyville" Award to our beloved guest of honor… (Back to her as she continues.) …a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity…Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend… (gesturing to her left) …Apple Bloom!
(Pan to that side as cheers from the crowd are heard. There is a curtain here, which opens to expose absolutely nothing; the cheers give way to gasps and silence, with the exception of Spines.)
Spines: Way to go, Apple Bloom, that was awesome! I mean…
(He falls quiet upon finding himself on the wrong end of quizzical glances from Heartsong, Vincent, and Sweetie Belle and an angry one from Fictionary. Gingersnap, at a total loss, clears her throat.)
Spines: (under his breath) Awkward.
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) I'm here!
(A red mane, pinkish red bow, part of a yellow head, and pile of apples make their way through the crowd.)
Apple Bloom: I'm here!
(Yawn; apples fall loose and some ponies react with shock as she passes. Ground level; her legs are seen passing and leaving fruit in their wake.)
Apple Bloom: Sorry I'm late, whoa…I was just…
(Back to Fictionary, Heartsong, Vincent, Sweetie Belle, and Spines. Apple Bloom is heard stumbling over something.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Did I get your tail?
(At the lectern, she thrusts her face into Gingersnap's, with two full apple baskets slung on her back. The bags developing under her eyes betray the fact that her harvesting work has cut deeply into her sleep time.)
Apple Bloom: (pushing Mayor o.s.) Miss Mayor, hank you kindly for this here, uh, award thingie. (She steps over to look at it and yawns.) It's so bright and shiny, and…
(Close-up of the trophy's body, which affords a distorted reflection of her face.)
Apple Bloom: (laughing drowsily) I sure do look funny.
(Camera shifts to frame her and the trophy; she pushes her head forward and pulls it back, making high-pitched "whoo-ooo" noises. Zoom out to frame a truly confused Fictionary on the other side of the trophy.)
Fictionary: Oo-kay…well, thank you, Apple Bloom, for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony.
Apple Bloom: (yawning) Yeah, I like helpin' the pony folks and…and stuff.
(She dozes off and begins to snore; a moment later she shakes herself awake.)
Apple Bloom: Oh, uh…yeah, uh, thanks!
(Gripping one of the trophy's handles in her teeth, she drags it backward off the stage and through the crowd.)
Fictionary: Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little— (Zoom out/shift to frame each in turn.)
Scootaloo: Tired?
Heartsong: Dizzy?
Sweetie Belle: Messy? (Puzzled looks from Fictionary and Scootaloo.) Well, did you see her mane? (Vincent jumps onto the stage.)
Vincent: To be honest, it does seem very strange. What do you suppose is up with her?
(Zoom in on Fictionary.)
Fictionary: Hmmm…
(Snap to black.)
Act Two
(Opening shot: fade in to three empty tubs on the ground around a tree. Apple Bloom backs up partially into view and fetches the trunk a solid buck with her hind legs, as she did during her first appearance in "Mare in the Moon." Now, as then, so many apples fall loose that the tubs are filled in a heartbeat. She does the same to two other trees; the landscape indicating that she has already tended to several others in the same way. If anything, she is even more tired than she was at the award ceremony.)
Apple Bloom: Phew!
(Her head droops for a moment, but she shakes out of it and squints behind herself, rearing up for another go. This time, she is too far away from a tree and hits nothing but air—and the tree has already been cleaned off to boot. Zoom out to frame Fictionary watching her from a short distance.)
Fictionary: (to herself) What on earth is that pony doing?
(Apple Bloom repositions herself and tries again, but kicks over an apple tub instead of hitting the tree.)
Apple Bloom: Whoops. (Close-up of the fruit and her slowly moving hooves.)
Fictionary: (from o.s.) Hey, Apple Bloom! (Cut to Apple Bloom, who dozes off, then to Fictionary.) Apple Bloom!
(The harvester pays no mind as the camera cuts back to her.)
Fictionary: (from o.s.) Apple Bloom!
(Still nothing, so the unicorn fires up her horn and teleports over to stand right in front of Apple Bloom.)
Fictionary: APPLE BLOOM! (She wakes up with a start.)
Apple Bloom: Howdy, Fictionary. (Zoom out slightly, framing more trees.)
Fictionary: What is all this?
Apple Bloom: (walking past) It's applebuck season.
(Fictionary teleports over to her as she bucks another tree.)
Apple Bloom: (surprised) Whoa.
Fictionary: Apple-what season?
Apple Bloom: (moving again) It's what the Apple family calls harvestin' time. (Teleport.) We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell 'em.
Fictionary: But why are you doing it all alone?
Apple Bloom: 'Cause Babs Seed hurt herself. (Teleport; she stops.)
Fictionary: What about all those relatives I met when I first came to Ponyville? Can't they help?
(Referring to the family members who had gathered at Sweet Apple Acres during "Mare on the Sun.")
Apple Bloom: (sighing, moving past her o.s.) They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards. (Horn warm-up; cut to Apple Bloom.) So, uh, I'm on my own. (Teleport, blocking her path.) Which means I should really get back to work.
(Fictionary holds her ground, leaving her and Apple Bloom to stare each other down for a moment.)
Apple Bloom: (clearing throat) Hint, hint? (Cut to Fictionary; she continues o.s.) Get back to work?
Fictionary: Fine.
(She walks off. Back to Apple Bloom, who begins to sway from side to side.)
Apple Bloom: Could you step aside, Fictionary?
(As she speaks, zoom out slightly to show that Fictionary has in fact moved out of her way.)
Fictionary: I just did.
(Cut to Applejack's perspective of her; the image blurs and shifts, and her words have a distinct echo to them. This is how the bleary-eyed farmer is seeing and hearing the world at the moment.)
Fictionary: Apple Bloom, you don't look so good. (Back to the pair; Apple Bloom shakes her head and moves on.)
Apple Bloom: Don't none of you three worry none, I'm just fine and dandy. (She tries to buck another tree but misses.) Whoa! (Teleport.)
Fictionary: Do you…want some help?
Apple Bloom: Help? (shaking head emphatically) No way, no how!
Fictionary: But there's no way you can do it all on your own. (Apple Bloom gets in her face.)
Apple Bloom: Is that a challenge?
Fictionary: Um…no.
Apple Bloom: Well, I'm gonna prove to you that I can do it! (walking past) Now if you'll excuse me… (Close-up of Fictionary; she continues o.s.) …I've got apples to buck.
(The one who actually got a good night's sleep bites her lower lip nervously and looks after her. Dissolve to a fence in Ponyville, with Scootaloo balanced atop one post on all four hooves. She is looking a bit out of sorts and glances behind her as the sound of galloping steps is heard; zoom out slightly as Apple Bloom skids to a stop.)
Scootaloo: There you are!
Apple Bloom: (yawning) I'm a might' sorry, Scootaloo. I was busy applebuckin' and I guess I…I closed my eyes for a second, and when I woke up, I was late. Now what's this new trick of yours?
Scootaloo: (pointing o.s.) See this contraption?
(Quick pan in that direction. The contraption in question is a seesaw placed in front of a platform on a scaffold. The high end, marked with an X, is the one closer to the scaffold.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Uh…yeah.
Scootaloo: (from o.s.) 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.
(The following happens during this description. One, zoom in on the low end, with a blue circle being drawn around it as if a Telestrator were being used to diagram a football play. Two, pan/tilt up to the platform, which also gets a circle; a dotted line traces a path down to the high end and another one marks the launch trajectory into the sky. Three, as the camera follows the second line, it traces a jumble of loops and squiggles.)
(Back to Apple Bloom, whose sleep-deprived brain has found the right gear for a moment.)
Apple Bloom: Isn't that a might' dangerous? (Scootaloo flies over to her.)
Scootaloo: (laughing) Not for a pony who can fly, even if I was a late bloomer. (She zips o.s.)
Apple Bloom: (following) Well, all righty, then.
(Cut to the base of the scaffold and tilt up to the platform, where Apple Bloom steps into position and looks down over the edge. Her blurred perspective of the seesaw, with Scootaloo standing on the lower end.)
Apple Bloom: (uneasily) Oh, my. (Cut to Scootaloo, ground level.)
Scootaloo: Ready? (Zoom out.) One…two…three!
(Her assistant plunges into view—and completely misses the seesaw, doing a belly flop in the grass.)
Scootaloo: (crossing to her) Um…maybe I wasn't clear. You're supposed to land on the other end. (Apple Bloom peels herself up.)
Apple Bloom: (woozily) Got it.
(Three more jumps see her land rump first, then on her back, then headfirst—much to the would-be stunt flyer's annoyance.)
Scootaloo: Apple Bloom, what the hay is going on? I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville's best athlete! (Close-up of said athlete on the end of this; she shakes her head clear.)
Apple Bloom: You are! I'm okay, really. I have an idea. Watch this.
(She grabs the high end of the seesaw and pulls it down.)
Apple Bloom: Ta-da!
(Needless to say, this effort does not please Scootaloo in the slightest; close-up of her face.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) Oh…maybe not. (Back to her.) Okay, one more try. (turning to the tower) I'm sure to get it this time.
(Scootaloo's end thuds to the ground, collapsing her onto the seesaw when her knees and hocks give out. As she groans woozily, Apple Bloom resumes her spot on the platform and squints to try and bring the rig into focus, seen from her perspective. The image resolves itself and she laughs a bit; back to her.)
Apple Bloom: Here I go!
(She backs up a bit and gallops off the edge, throwing Scootaloo into a hoof-flailing panic.)
Scootaloo: WAIT!
(Too late; gravity does its thing, and the apple-farming pony comes down full force to hurl Scootaloo into the distance.)
Scootaloo: (fading out) APPLE BLOOOM!
Apple Bloom: (calling after her) YOU'RE WELCOME!
(Wipe to the exterior of the library and zoom in the lower balcony, where Fictionary is reading and Vincent is doing some art on the other side of the balcony. In close-up, she is shaken out of it by Scootaloo's approaching scream and a crash that marks one very rough landing. Zoom out slightly; the pegasus is hanging over the railing.)
Fictionary: (puzzled) Can we help you?
Scootaloo: (weakly) I think somepony else needs your help.
Fictionary: Apple Bloom?
Scootaloo: Yep. But, I think she needs a one on one interaction.
(She passes out and Fictionary mulls the situation over for a second.)
Fictionary: Right, I'll go. Can you stay with Vincent until I get back?
Scootaloo: Course. Tell us if you need us and we'll fly right over.
(The blue unicorn gallops out on the end of this before Vincent could speak.)
Vincent: Uh… about that. I don't like heights.
Scootaloo: A pegasus pony who's afraid of heights?!
(Dissolve to Apple Bloom at work in the orchard, with full apple baskets slung on her back. She bucks a tree, ducks down to grab an apple by its stem in her teeth, and bangs her head on a low branch as she straightens up. The hit sets her entire skull vibrating before Fictionary walks up.)
Fictionary: Apple Bloom, can we talk?
(Apple Bloom scratches at an ear, trying to clear it; close-up of Fictionary, zooming in on her mouth as she repeats the previous line. The words are nearly lost beneath the ringing in Apple Bloom ears.)
Apple Bloom: CAN BEES SQUAWK? I DON'T THINK SO!
Fictionary: No. Can we talk?
Apple Bloom: TWENTY STALKS? BEAN OR CELERY?
Fictionary: NO! I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!
Apple Bloom: YOU NEED TO WALK TO THE ZOO? WELL, WHO'S STOPPIN' YOU?
Fictionary: I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!
(Cut to Apple Bloom and pan from one speaker to the other in turn.)
Apple Bloom: OH! WELL, WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO? WHAT YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT?
Fictionary: SCOOTALOO DROPPED IN TO SEE ME TODAY!
Apple Bloom: THAT'S QUITE NEIGHBORLY OF HER!
Fictionary: YES, EXCEPT THAT SHE CRASHED ONTO MY BALCONY AFTER YOU LAUNCHED HER INTO THE AIR!
(Back to Apple Bloom; the pans and the shouting both stop at this point.)
Apple Bloom: Oh…yeah. (dropping her head) I wasn't feelin' quite myself this mornin'.
Fictionary: Because you're working too hard and you need help!
Apple Bloom: What? Kelp? I don't need kelp. I don't even like seaweed.
Fictionary: HELP! YOU NEED HELP!
Apple Bloom: Nothin' doin', Fictionary. I'm gonna prove to you, to everypony, that I can do this on my own!
(Walking away, she clunks her head on the same branch; this hit knocks her eyes out of focus.)
Apple Bloom: Ow! Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go help Sweetie Belle!
(She stumbles away, nearly dumping her freight of fruit and leaving Fictionary to groan wearily to herself. Dissolve to the exterior of Carousal Boutique and zoom in as an older female voice is heard.)
Voice: Now, Sweetie Belle…
(On the start of the next line, cut to the shop floor inside, where the speaker—a light blue, deep purple-eyed unicorn mare—is stacking packages at a display case. Her deep pink and deep purple mane and tail are styled in a similar way to Rarity's. Cutie mark: three diamonds. Behind her, an earth pony stallion of about the same age comes down the stairs, carrying a bag in his teeth. pure white coat; long, pale pink mane and tail; square jaw; cutie mark of a microphone. These are Sparkler and High Note, the boutique owners and Sweetie Belle's grandparents.)
Sparkler: …are you sure you're up for making the dresses and running the store this afternoon?
(On the end of this, zoom out to frame Sweetie Belle in the foreground, then shift to show Applejack next to her.)
Sweetie Belle: Of course, Nanna. (Zoom out; Apple Bloom needs a nap.) Plus, I have Ponyville's prize pony to help me out. Why, she's the best designer ever! (Hard head shake from the other.) Right, Applejack?
(Apple Bloom's perspective of the white pony—the last two words still scrambled—then back to her as she shakes her head again.)
High Note: (from o.s.) No? (Cut to him.) You're not the best designer ever?
(This shot shows his fully open eyes, which are light green.)
Apple Bloom: WHAT? OH, NO! (catching herself) I mean…don't you fret. I can make anything from dresses to vests in the blink of an eye.
Sparkler: (chuckling a bit, as the couple leaves) Oh, right. Well, see you later, girls!
(Zoom in as Apple Bloom shakes her head once more, only to have Sweetie Belle reach into view and stop her.)
Sweetie Belle: (from o.s.) Stop with the shaking… (popping into view) …it's time to get making!
(Wipe to the design room, where she is eyeing a designers' book in a stand on the table.)
Sweetie Belle: All right. I'll get the fabric and sewing machine. Can you get me a sewing needle?
(Pan to Apple Bloom on the end of this, she has dozed off with her head on the counter, but snaps awake.)
Apple Bloom: (stammering a bit) Eh…what was that?
(Her perspective as Sweetie Belle repeats the last three words—now her ears and eyes are both working at half speed—then back to her.)
Apple Bloom: A spindle. (brightening) Got it.
(At the cupboard, she eyes the sewing equipment before noticing…)
Apple Bloom: A spindle. Very useful for this task. Okey-dokey.
(She grabs it in her teeth; and places it near Sweetie Belle.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) What next?
Sweetie Belle: (half speed) Thread.
Apple Bloom: Bread…perfect! (She crosses to an open refrigerator stocked with it.) That'll get us some energy while we work hard.
(She puts in on the brench, all while Sweetie Belle is rummaging through the cupboard to find the things she's looking for.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) NOW WHAT? (Back to her.)
Sweetie Belle: (from o.s.) A bobbin.
Apple Bloom: (puzzled) A loggen? Well, loggen must be a fancy word for logs. I'll get that.
(Now a log had been brought into the boutique.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) One loggen, comin' up.
(She extends her head into frame and puts the log near everything else. Back to her.)
Apple Bloom: Anythin' else, Sweetie Belle?
Sweetie Belle: (from o.s.) One last thing— I need the drawings for the dresses.
Apple Bloom: (grimacing) Noring? Oh! That must be fancy talk for chewing. Huh, ah can't chew a log. But ah know beavers can.
(Outside, she trots from the front door to a group of beavers and gestures for them to come inside; inside, she gets the beavers to chew the log. Back to Sweetie Belle, who has taken no notice and is still looking for the fabrics.)
Sweetie Belle: Now that's gonna be fabulous! (Pan to Apple Bloom on the end of this and cut to the beavers and equipment brought in.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s., unconvinced) If you say so.
(The misguided words has left a thoroughly messy and untidy room, not to mention having furry critters roaming around. Apple Bloom walked out, just as Sweetie Belle finds the fabrics.)
Sweetie Belle: (popping out from the cupboard) What happened here?! OH! APPLE BLOOM!
(The beavers run outside and start chewing every tree in sight.)
(Clock wipe to a curtain, which is pulled aside by a somewhat frazzled-looking cream earth pony mare—Nursery Rhyme—when she steps into view. Light pink eyes, deep pink mane and tail with the former under a nurse's hat; quilt patch cutie mark. Behind the curtain, Fictionary, Vincent and Spines are framed against a stretch of Ponyville's buildings in late afternoon.)
Fictionary: We came as soon as we heard.
Nursery Rhyme: (sighing) Thank you, Fictionary. We need all the help we can get.
(On the second half of this, pan across the area: an open-air tent filled with hospital beds, every one of which is occupied by a groaning pony, with others lying on the floor. A second nurse is on duty, and some of the patients have been bandaged up.)
Vincent: Oh, no! What happened?
(Close-up of a chewed branch on the floor; Spines picks it up.)
Nursery Rhyme: (from o.s.) It was a mishap with some of the beavers running around.
(Fictionary recoils for a moment, then regains her nerve.)
Fictionary: Apple Bloom!
(Snap to black.)
Act Three
(Opening shot: fade in to Apple Bloom and a cart on opposite sides of an apple tree. She falls asleep as soon as she bucks it, but an apple bouncing off her head wakes her up.)
Apple Bloom: Wha—? Huh?
(She trudges off toward the cart. A dissolve shows her in its harness, backing the load toward a tub that rests in a depression between two hillocks. Gravity quickly asserts itself, flipping the whole rig up to vertical so that the fruit tumbles out and Apple Bloom is left on the high end, where she nods off again as her hat falls off. Fictionary approaches.)
Fictionary: Apple Bloom, we need to talk:
Apple Bloom: Wha—? Huh?...Oh. It's you, Fictionary. (Yawn.) I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is sill no.
Fictionary: Not to upset your apple cart, but you need help.
Apple Bloom: Har-de-har… (She tries to flip herself down and fails.) …and no, I don't. (Again.)
Fictionary: Here. Let me help.
Apple Bloom: Help? (Again.) No, thanks!
(Close-up of the nonplussed unicorn as the sounds of Apple Bloom efforts drift over to her.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s., grunting) A little more…little… (Fictionary claps a hoof to her face; a thud.) There.
(Cut to another tree. Apple Bloom has moved the cart into position and unhooked herself, ready to buck.)
Apple Bloom: I'll prove that this Apple can handle these apples. (bucking repeatedly) Come on, apples…fall off!
Fictionary: AB, I think you're beating a dead…
(Back to Apple Bloom, then zoom out to show that this tree's branches have no fruit whatsoever and only a very few leaves.)
Fictionary: (from o.s.) …tree. (One leaf drops loose.)
Apple Bloom: I knew that. (She walks off, Fictionary following.)
Fictionary: Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about. I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and—
Apple Bloom: You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now, Fictionary.
Fictionary: But if you'd just let me help—
Apple Bloom: Ugh! No, no, no! (Both stop.) How many times do I gotta say it? (walking off) I don't need no help from nopony!
Fictionary: (to herself) Ugh! That pony is stubborn as a mule! (Loud braying is heard o.s.; she addresses herself to it.) No offense.
(Zoom out. A buck-toothed mule is now standing next to her.)
Mule: None taken.
(Dissolve to a stretch of meadow in which several rabbits are cheerfully hopping around and pan across it.)
Heartsong: (from o.s.) Oh, Apple Bloom, thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit roundup.
(The two come into view on the end of this line, walking through the scene.)
Apple Bloom: (groaning impatiently) Why are we doin' this?
Heartsong: Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born, so it's my job to get a count of all the new families.
Apple Bloom: (passing her) Fine. Can we just get on with it?
Heartsong: Certainly. But remember, these are bunnies we're dealing with, not cows. They're a timid bunch and need to be treated gently.
Apple Bloom: I do not need any direction on corrallin' critters. (addressing herself o.s.) Right, Hidei?
(Pan slightly to show that the dog has come up alongside. She barks, setting the noses of two nearby bunnies twitching. Heartsong now directs her words to several others.)
Heartsong: Okay, little bunnies. I need you to all gather here in the middle.
(Ground level on the end of this, whereupon one of Apple Bloom hooves slams down. She is having no part of the soft-touch approach.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) That's right! (Head-on view.) Let's go, bunnies! In the center! (Ground level; she continues o.s.) Hop to it!
(Several of them, panicked, race past a surprised Heartsong.)
Apple Bloom: Swell. Just swell.
(She charges off after the bunnies, scattering some in various directions while others do their best to keep ahead.)
Apple Bloom: Put 'em up, Hidei!
(The canine herder gets into the action, flushing some out of the bushes.)
Heartsong: (from o.s.) Apple Bloom! (Cut to her.) Hidei! Stop! You're scaring them!
Apple Bloom: We know what we're doin'! Get along, little bunnies!
(Hidei barks and joins Apple Bloom in a fenced enclosure, with a large group of rabbits huddled at one end. The two make a slow advance, Hidei growling quietly; zoom in on the terrified animals.)
Heartsong: (from o.s.) Oh, no…
(Every eye in the bunch pops wide open in unison, followed by a massed charge and fade to black.)
(Fade in to the same stretch of Ponyville in which Scootaloo got a bird's-eye view of the Act One cattle ruckus. She rises to roof level again, sees the approaching dust cloud, and yells…)
Scootaloo: STAMPEDE!
(...with the same results. Ponies galloping everywhere, shutters closed, welcome mat pulled in and front door slammed—only this time, there is no Mayor to try and calm everyone down. The bunnies hop along at breakneck speed and detour around one earth pony mare who faints in the middle of the street. She is light pink, with light aquamarine eyes, a long turquoise with light turquoise streaked mane/tail, and has some ocean waves as her cutie mark—informally nicknamed Aura. Zoom out overhead and fade to black.)
(Fade in to Fictionary, trotting along the street and humming cheerfully to herself. She stops short with a gasp, seeing not one but three unconscious earth pony mares before her. One of the two extras has a two-tone purple mane/tail, a green coat, and a lime cutie mark; she will later be identified as Key Lime. The last pony is Peachy Pie. The three come to in turn; when Key Lime opens her eyes, they are seen to be deep blue.)
Key Lime: The horror! The horror!
Aura: It was awful!
Peachy Pie: A disaster! (Back to Fictionary; she continues o.c.) A horrible, horrible disaster!
(The cause of which has Fictionary mystified, since the street is empty and quiet.)
Fictionary: I don't get it.
Aura: (rushing to ruined vegetable patch) Our gardens, destroyed!
Key Lime: (racing to denuded flowerpots) Every last flower, devoured!
Peachy Pie: (still lying in street) By…by… (pointing o.s.) …them!
(A cut and pan reveals the bunnies chowing down on every bit of greenery in sight.)
Heartsong: (from o.s., panicked) Oh, my…oh, please stop, little bunnies… (Stop on her.) …oh…no, no…please, let's go home… (chasing a few) …no…oh…oh, my goodness!
Fictionary: All right. (Zoom in to extreme close-up.) Enough is enough!
(Dissolve to Apple Bloom, at the base of a tree and with baskets on her back. Zoom in slowly.)
Apple Bloom: (bucking weakly) Must…keep…buckin'...just…a few…more… (Fictionary trots up.) …must…finish…harvestin'…
Fictionary: All right, Apple Bloom. Your applebucking hasn't just caused you problems. It's over-propelled pegasus, practically paralysed plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand-new bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say, you need help!
(One more buck brings down a double basketful of apples.)
Apple Bloom: Hah! No, I don't. (Cut to Fictionary, surprised; she continues o.s.) Look, I did it!
(Slow pan across the orchard; every visible tree has been cleaned of its fruit.)
Apple Bloom: (from o.s.) I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. (Back to her.) How d'you like them apples?
(Zoom out slightly to frame Babs Seed, who has come up next to her.)
Babs Seed: (gesturing with head) Um…how do you like them apples?
(A camera shift and pan reveal that on the side he has indicated, half the orchard still has not been worked. Apple Bloom's panicked shudder is heard, back to her on the start of the next line.)
Apple Bloom: (deliriously) Where'd all the apple…
(Her speech degenerates into unintelligible mumbling as her eyes go out of focus, and she totters back and forth before finally crashing to the ground. Snap to black.)
Fictionary: (voice over, echoing) Apple Bloom!
(The black screen splits horizontally in time with this as if it were an opening eye, revealing the unicorn's fuzzy, upside-down image—Apple Bloom's perspective. Normal vision and sound restore themselves quickly.)
Fictionary: Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: (weakly) Huh? (Cut to both.)
Fictionary: Oh, good. You're okay. Now, Apple Bloom, I completely respect the Apple family ways.
(Overhead close-up of the physically and mentally exhausted pony.)
Fictionary: (from o.s.) You're always there to help anypony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you.
(On the second half of this, Applejack looks nervously off toward the trees that still need harvesting. Long pause after Twilight finishes.)
Apple Bloom: (quietly) Okay, Fictionary.
Fictionary: I am not taking no for an answer. (realizing what Apple Bloom said) What?
Apple Bloom: Yes, Fictionary. (putting front hooves together beseechingly) Yes, please. I could really use your help.
(Smiling, Fictionary chuckles to herself and lets off a relieved little sigh.)
(Dissolve to Scootaloo at a tree; she bucks it so that the fruit falls into a cart and pulls it away. Slow pan across the fields as Fictionary narrates. Heartsong lets apples from another tree drop into baskets on her back, Sweetie Belle carries two full ones away, and Fictionary levitates apples off a large stretch of trees and moves them to fall into three huge tubs.)
Fictionary: (voice over) "Dear Princess Luna: My friend Apple Bloom is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help anypony. 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, Fictionary Van Filly."
(As she finishes, Apple Bloom—now properly rested—pushes a beverage cart into view; it carries six bottles of apple juice, complete with straws.)
Apple Bloom: How about y'all take a little break? (Cut to Scootaloo, Heartsong, and Twilight in turn; she continues o.s.) I got some fine apple juice waitin' for you.
(They gather at a table where she has set up the drinks. Babs Seed is also with her.)
Apple Bloom: (sighing) Girls, I can't thank you enough for this help. I was actin' a bit stubborn.
Fictionary: A bit?
Apple Bloom: Okay, a might' stubborn. And I'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prize Pony award, but the real award… (Her perspective of the other five.) …is havin' you five as my friends. (Spines walks up as they drink.)
Scootaloo: Phew! That applebucking sure made me hungry. (Close-up of Spines.)
Spines: (Running away from some beavers) Maybe later!
(Zoom out slightly; Babs Seed watches him go, and she giggles at the sight.)
Babs Seed: Oh no! Spines, what's gotten into you! Where'd they come from?
Spines: From the pond I think!
Ponies: (Apple Bloom and Heartsong in frame, others o.s.) AHHH! (They start to leave.)
Spines: (o.s.) HELP!
(Collective sounds of galloping hooves as the view "irises out" to black.)