This is the 8th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Applebuck Season
The group had come back from Canterlot the previous day. Comet was happy that he was officially welcomed by Twilight and her family. He was also spending as much cuddle time as possible.
After that, Comet had stopped having nightmares after making closure with his old parents and his old friends. He started sleeping more in peace when he slept with Twilight. Twilight wanted to do something special for Comet, so she, her family, and her friends took him to the ice cream shop in Canterlot. Comet was so happy that he was getting some ice cream. Comet also got a souvenir from his new grandparents: a dreamcatcher and an arrowhead necklace.
After spending a couple of days in Canterlot, the Mane 6, Spike, Comet, and Mario made it back to Ponyville. They all went back to their homes. Twilight was happy to have given Comet what he really needed: a proper family once more. She was happy to give a colt what he needed.
Twilight came downstairs, after learning that Comet was doing some martial arts training with Mario Star and Wild Heart. They arrived back at the Golden Oak Library late the previous night, letting Comet and Spike sleep as they were heading back to their homes. As soon as she got downstairs, something hit the door. Twilight opened the door to see Ditzy Doo, or Derpy Hooves, carrying a brown messenger bad full of mail for other ponies.
Derpy Hooves has light sapphire bluish gray fur coat with pale light grayish apple green mane and tail, and gradient from pale light grayish apple green to moderate gamboge eyes. Her cutie mark was two large bubbles surrounded by five small bubbles.
Derpy Hooves flew away, but she crashed into a sign on the side of a building.
"Ooh, that's gotta hurt." Twilight said, winced.
Then she looked down and saw a newspaper at her hooves. She used her magic to lift it up and took it inside. Twilight headed into the kitchen and started reading it. Twilight was surprised that she and Comet were on the front page. It read:
Princess Celestia's Prized Student Gives Birth To Unicorn Colt With Innocent Human Child's Soul
Twilight Sparkle, the current prized student of Princess Celestia, has given birth to the colt that has been brought to life with the soul of a 6 year old human boy who had a rough hard life, but from a Maternity Flower that made her pregnant in a matter of minutes and confirms a soul with a dying wish. Princess Celestia has strictly declared that the pony is now offering an honorary citizen of Equestria and is to be treated fairly by other ponies.
Twilight sighed as she read the article. Hopefully, she won't have to worry about Comet feeling hurt or threatened again. Twilight continued reading the paper, but heard a knocking at the door as she head towards it. She opened to door to see Comet Stardust, Mario Star, and Wild Heart.
Wild Heart is a unicorn stallion with olive tan fur coat with onyx mane and tail, and onyx eyes. His cutie mark was a warclub decorated with feathers and a gunstock warclub. He wore white feathers on his mane and a porcupine quilled necklace around his neck.
"Oh, hello Mario, Wild Heart." Twilight greets. "Is everything okay?"
"Your son have finished his morning training, and he made some progress in martial arts." Wild Heart explains. "Overall, Comet is doing well."
Twilight responds with a nod, looked towards Comet with a smile. Mario walked towards her.
"Comet already had a bath this morning before coming here." Mario told her.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Twilight thanked them as Mario and Wild Heart nods and then leaves. She then turns to Comet. "After breakfast, I think it's time we can get you to the doctor's for a physical."
"The doctor's?" Comet repeats nervously. "You mean...like needles?"
"It'll be alright." Twilight assures her with a giggle. "How about this? You go to the doctor's, and after that, we'll go get some ice cream. Does that sound good?"
Comet was still nervous about going to the doctor's office, but he thought about the ice cream.
"I guess I can go for some ice cream." Comet said with a smile.
"That's the spirit." Twilight said, rubbing Comet's head. "I'll make sure you are well taken care of. Now, c'mon. We got to get some breakfast in your stomach."
Twilight and Comet then head to the kitchen, getting something for breakfast.
At Sweet Apple Acre, Mario Star arrived and next to Applejack and Big Macintosh, surveying a large, vast orchard, where every single tree was loaded by the tree trunk with juicy, apples. And yet there was one slight detail to note, specifically from Bic Mac.
"Boy howdy!" Applejack said, surveying the trees. "Ah got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o' apples I ever laid eyes on."
"I'll say." Mario agrees.
"Eeyup." Big Mac replied. "Too big for you and Mario to handle on your own."
"Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. Ah haven't met an apple orchard yet that I can't handle..."
Applejack accidentally poked the white bandage, making Big Mac cringe. He turns toward his sister, giving her a scowl.
"Oops, sorry." Applejack apologized, sheepishly. "I'll take a bite out of this job by day's end."
"Biting off more than you can chew is just what Ah'm afraid of." Bic Mac said calmly.
"Are you sayin' my mouth is makin' promises my legs can't keep?" Applejack retorted indignantly.
"Eeyup." Big Mac replied, plain and simple.
"Why of all the...This is your sister Applejack, remember?" Applejack snapped. "The loyalist of friends and the most dependable of ponies?"
"But Applejack, you can't be doing on your own." Mario points out. "Also, it'll take more than just two ponies to get those apples."
"He's right, and still only one pony." Big Mac adds, agreeing to his brother. "And one pony plus hundreds o' apple trees just doesn't add up to..."
"Don't you two use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!" Applejack interrupts angrily. "Ah said Ah could handle the harvest and Ah'm gonna prove it to you. Ah'm gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself."
Yet despite her determination, Applejack gulped. She truly did have her work cut out for her.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
My Little Pony
Do you know all you're all my best friends?
It wasn't long before Big Mac and Mario Star let Applejack be, seeing as how there was no talking her out of this. During which time, Applejack made her way toward the apple orchards, looking around.
"Well, I better get kickin'." Applejack said to herself. "These apples aren't gonna shake themselves outta the trees."
It was then the ground began to rumble, an apple fell out of a tree, and bonks her square in the head.
"Hey!" Applejack shouts, realizes. "Oh no!"
Few minutes ago, Twilight, Spike, and Comet were walking down the streets of Ponyville, passing ponies that were going about their day after Mario Star joins them since they got nothing else to do. But when they saw Comet, they got a strange expression. Twilight and Mario looked at all of the ponies and sighed.
"Look, everypony." Twilight said to the ponies. "I know you think Comet's a lot like me, but he had a rough life in another world before he came here. I'm just trying to give him a good life and a good home. I mean, at least look at him. Do you really think a colt as cute and sweet as him would hurt a fly?"
They saw him on Twilight's back, hugging her with a nervously cute face.
"We know. A flower that transports a creature after a dying wish and transform into any species? That's so sad." One of the ponies said.
"We're so sorry of how he suffered. Hopefully, you'll be okay." The other pony said.
Twilight and Mario were shocked by that, but recovered.
"Well, he has been coping well." Twilight said. "As long as you convince other ponies that still don't believe the truth that it's all good."
"We promise, Twilight." The mare said.
"Congratulations, by the way." The other mare adds, congratulating her.
"Thank you. You're very kind." Twilight thanked them with a reply, but then the ground started shaking.
"Mom? Mario?" Comet asked, getting scared. "Something's coming this way."
Rainbow Dash flew upwards, searching for the source of the rumbling. She spots the source from the distance: A herd of mooing cows...heading straight for Ponyville!
"STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
All at once, the town ponies began to panic and dashed about.
"STAMPEDE!" Bon-Bon shouted.
Most of the ponies had already shut their windows, closed their doors, and even pulled the welcome mats inside. Despite all the chaos, Pinkie Pie was bouncing along and giggling herself.
"H-h-h-h-h-h-h-hey-y-y-y-y-y...! Th-th-th-this-s-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-m-makes-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-my-y-y-y-y v-v-v-v-voice s-s-s-sound s-s-s-s-silly-y-y-y-y!" Pinkie Pie remarked with her voice vibrating.
"Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?!" Twilight retorted while dashing along with Mario. "Run!"
She and Mario suddenly saw her son Comet out there, trying to get to them, but he was too afraid, until Wild Heart grabbed him and rushed him over to Twilight and Mario. She then nuzzled him and then got to safety.
"Everypony, calm down." Mayor Mare said. "There is no need to panic."
"But Mayor, whatever shall we do?" Rarity asked worriedly.
It was then Rainbow Dash's eyes spotted something in the distance.
"Look there!" Rainbow Dash called out.
Amongst the cows, Applejack and her dog, whose name is Winona, charged beside the stampeding herd.
"YEEHAW!" Applejack chanted.
The ponies stopped running about the moment they saw and heard Applejack as they give out a loud cheer.
"Move aside, Winona!" Applejack called out. "Put 'em up, girl!"
Winona barked excitedly as she ran alongside Applejack. Rarity just moaned as she and few other ponies watch Applejack in action.
"This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, while eating popcorn.
Twilight Sparkle merely just rolled her eyes while Mario Star shook his head with annoyance at Pinkie Pie's remark. Applejack continued to keep pace with the runaway cows.
"Come on, little doggies! Turn!" Applejack called out as she gives one cow a bit of a shoulder bump, trying to coarse the cow to move but no avail. Seeing as how that's not working, Applejack knew she needed a different method. She gives a shrill whistle toward Winona. "Winona, put 'em up!"
Winona barked, while giving a light nudge from the other side of the stampede.
"Ha-hah! Gotcha!" Applejack called out.
As Applejack tried to redirect the cows, Winona gave another bark to aid her. The cows were just a few yards away from the bridge leading to Ponyville when Applejack and Winona successfully got the cows to turn to the side. The herd rushes toward the other side of the river, away from Ponyville town square.
"Attagirl." Applejack said with a grunt, keeping the cows in line. "Yeehaw!"
Once the cows start to slow down, Applejack manages to get ahead of the herd.
"Whoaaa!" Applejack commanded, halting the cows. "Hooie! Now what was that all about?"
One of the cows named Daisy Jo, moos in response...Before she coughs to clear her throat.
"Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack." Daisy Jo apologized. "But Moo-reilla here saw one of those nasty snakes..."
The other cows were startled expressions in agreement.
"...And it just gave us all the willies, don't you know."
Applejack merely smiled in sympathy.
"Ah completely understand." Applejack replied gently. "Just next time, try steer and clear of Ponyville."
"We certainly will, Applejack." Daisy Jo answered. "So long, Winona."
Winona barked in reply. And when the cows made their way back towards the farm, all the ponies were watching and continued to cheer excitedly, chanting Applejack's name.
"Yeehaw!" Applejack shouted, strikes a pose and then heads home.
"Yeehaw!" Pinkie Pie added, hopping about like a cattle-ranching pony. "Ride 'em, cowpony!"
Some other ponies merely watch Pinkie Pie while she just hopped around and tried to mimic Applejack's pose. But otherwise, they said nothing.
"That's not a bad imitation, Pinkie." Mario replied.
"Wow! That's amazing!" Comet said.
"It sure was, Comet" Twilight agrees. "Now, it's time for your physical. Better find the doctor's office."
Pinkie Pie zoomed in and pointed towards one road.
"Oh, the hospital isn't that far from the library, it's just southwest of Sparkling Lake." Pinkie Pie told her.
Twilight groaned and facehoofed. Then she grabbed Comet with her magic and teleports out of here.
Mayor Mare was mostly impressed, but with Applejack, not of Pinkie Pie's impression of the farm pony.
"Applejack was just...just..."
"Appletastic!" Pinkie Pie said from above.
Until gravity itself reminds her she couldn't stay in the air and watched her fell on her back.
"Exactly!" Mayor Mare replied. "We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly save the town."
"I know." Pinkie Pie said, laying on the ground.
Mario Star rolled his eyes with a smile, knowing exactly what Pinkie Pie was going to suggest.
"A party!" Pinkie Pie called out.
At the hospital, Twilight sat beside Comet to make him more comfortable while sitting on the examination table. Until Dr. Horse came in, and then checked Comet's blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, looked into his ear canals as they were clean, and measured his body weight.
"Yep, he's perfectly healthy." Dr. Horse said.
"Thank you, doctor." Twilight thanked him, placing her hoof on Comet's as he held hers as well, making them both smile.
Suddenly, Nurse Redheart came in.
She has light gray fur coat with light amaranthish gray man and tail, and brilliant sapphire blue eyes. Her cutie mark was a red cross with pink heart in each corner.
"Here are his medical records, Twilight." Nurse Redheart said.
"Thank you, Nurse Redheart, and you too, Dr. Horse." Twilight thanked them.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Sparkle. Now you and your son carry on with your day." Dr. Horse said, letting them both leave.
Twilight and Comet then went to Sugarcube Corner and got some ice cream for themselves, but Comet just got cookies n' cream cone.
However, he noticed all of the ponies of Ponyville had the town square loaded with decorations, balloons, and party streamers of all kinds. It wasn't long before Mario, Spike, and Wild Heart arrived just as Rarity tied a beautiful red bow onto a nearby tree.
"Mom, why is everypony at City Hall?" Comet asked.
"Mayor Mare, along with my friends have been working on a special occasion for Applejack." Twilight explains, turns to Rarity. "We all ready?"
"Just one last thing." Rarity said.
Using her magic, she lifts a large gold-colored banner with an apple on the center, and placed it above the stage where Applejack would come to claim her special prize.
"Now we're ready." Rarity said.
"Is Applejack all set?" Twilight asked.
"Actually, I haven't seen her all week." Rainbow Dash said, landing beside Rarity.
"Not since the stampede." Pinkie Pie added, hopping beside the three ponies.
"But she'll be here for sure." Rainbow Dash assured. "Applejack is never late."
Mario Star suddenly felt concerned as he approached Twilight while the other girls applied the finishing touch for today's celebration.
"I should go over to Sweet Apple Acres and go get her." Mario suggested.
"Please do." Twilight nods. "I hope Applejack is okay."
Mario nods as he trots off toward the outskirts of town to Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight Sparkle and Comet Stardust looks on.
Later that day, all of the townponies gathered around the stage, just as Twilight Sparkle made her way towards the podium. She carries a large stage of messily stacked flash cards for the occasion. Once she arrives, she used her magic to straighten her cards, holding the first one up to recite her speech.
"Welcome, everypony!" Twilight began. "Today we are here to honor a pony who can always count on to help the matters great and small. A pony who contributes to-"
All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash flies right in front of Twilight, causing her note cards to scatter.
"Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there?" Rainbow Dash interjected. "What an athlete! This week she's gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it's gonna be so awesome!"
"Exactly!" Twilight said, shoving Rainbow Dash aside. "And..."
"This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time." Pinkie Pie jumped in, right in front of Twilight.
"What does that have to do with Applejack?" Twilight asks curiously.
"Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me." Pinkie Pie answered. "Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony."
The other ponies cheered until Twilight shoved Pinkie Pie off the stage.
"Oh-kay, that's great." Twilight remarked. "Now if I could just make a point without being inter-"
"Twilight?" The voice of Fluttershy said, appeared from the left side of the podium.
"-rupted!" Twilight remarked, glaring at Fluttershy.
"Twilight, I'm so sorry." Fluttershy replied. "But I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all new baby bunnies that were born this season. She's gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills."
Twilight just rolled her eyes and her patience are thin. She gives Fluttershy one dirty glare, before she slowly removes herself from the podium.
"Anyone else?" Twilight asked, irritated. "Anyone? No?"
No pony dared make an eye contact with her, until she finally settled down.
"Well then, as I was trying to say-"
Then, Mayor Mare appears with a toothy grin, a clear sign that Twilight had to wrap the speech up. The timing pushed Twilight's patience to the limit.
"URGH! Nevermind!" Twilight barked.
Twilight Sparkle stomped away angrily, letting her flash cards scatter all over the podium. Mayor Mare just smiled as she approached the podium.
"Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado." Mayor Mare continued. "It is my pleasure to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony with utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!"
The ponies all cheered as the curtain opens to reveal...no pony. Soon the cheer turning into murmur.
"Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean-"
Spike soon realized just how off timing his personal cheer was, especially with Twilight Sparkle and Comet Stardust glaring at him.
"Heh..." Spike said afterward, blushed with embarrassment.
Soon, there was nothing but silent apart from Mayor Mare clearing her throat. She stood there, hoping for something to happen or at least some pony to speak up. But...nothing.
"Awkward..." Spike whispered, as the rest of their friends agreed.
"I'm here. I'm here." The voice of Applejack said with a yawn and a sigh.
All of the ponies turned after hearing her voice. There was Applejack, carrying come baskets overloaded with apples, some of them fall to the ground as she made her through the crowds. Her eyes were so drowsy, there were bags of them. From behind, Mario Star quietly approached his friends and his godson without saying a word and seemed angry.
"Sorry I'm late." Applejack apologized tiredly. "Whoa-I was just-whoa. Did I get your tail? Miss Mayor. Thank you kindly for this here...award thingy..."
Yawning again, Applejack peers at her face in the reflection against the trophy.
"...It's so bright and shiny and, heh, heh-heh, I sure do look funny, heh. Ooo-ooo!"
Applejack began leaning back and forth at her reflection with a woozy smile on her face. Pinkie Pie even joined her.
"Woo-ooo/Ooo-oo!" Applejack and Pinkie Pie chanted together.
"Okay." Twilight said nervously, reaching the stage. "Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from the scary stampede, and always being there for everypony."
"Yeah, I like helping the ponyfolks and...*yawn*...and stuff..."
Applejack suddenly dozed off while standing...For two seconds before shooting up with a snort and shook her head.
"...Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, thanks!"
Applejack grabbed the handle of the trophy by the mouth, dragging it offstage, going down the exact path she came from but walking backwards. The other ponies stayed quiet, as Applejack took her leave.
"Was it just me?" Twilight asked out of the blue. "Or did Applejack seem a little-"
"Tired?" Rainbow Dash proposed.
"Dizzy?" Fluttershy adds.
"Messy?" Rarity adds, but her answer received some funny looks her friends and her godson. "Well, did you see her mane?"
"So what?" Mario remarked angrily. "She's still pretty."
"She seemed fine to me." Pinkie Pie said. "Woo! Woo! Wo-OW!"
Mario Star bonked her head which it got her yelped.
"Pinkie Pie, stop being so childish." Mario said sternly, making Pinkie Pie giggle nervously.
Twilight Sparkle and Comet Stardust turned toward him, noticing how his tone seemed rather mad.
"Mario, what happened?" Twilight asked.
Mario turned to her with a rather sad, but angry look on his face.
"Well, I found Applejack working on the orchards." Mario explains. "She seemed pretty worn out, so I told her 'twice' about the party to get her to stop working. So she followed me, though she's walking very slowly. I tried to offer some help, but...she yelled at me."
"What?!" Twilight retorted surprisingly.
"Don't be too surprised, it ain't the first time. But this is new to me, she just burst at me, telling me to leave her alone and insisted she'd get there herself." Mario told her. "I stick around, only for her to yell at me again which I was at my limit and about to knock some senses into her! So, I figure I'd just linger back and give her some breather instead."
Mario Star released a sigh, and the look of frustration says it all. Twilight approaches her friend, placing a comfort hoof on his back.
"You okay?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Mario assured, still angry. "Don't worry about me, I'm an adult. I'm not upset...Just mad at my sister blows her stack at me, that's all."
Twilight could only look at him sadly. She knows Mario is the type of stallion to get mad easily, he said he was all right. But she also knows even Mario can get hurt. As Mario looks down, he feels his chest fur being nuzzled and turns to see Comet Stardust. Mario smiled and hugged the little colt.
"Thanks, Comet." Mario thanked him with a chuckle.
"I just don't want to see you sad. Thought I give you comfort." Comet replied.
"And I appreciate it." Mario told his godson. "So...is there anything we can do to help her?"
"Hmm..." Twilight wondered.
It wasn't much longer before Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and Comet Stardust headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was busily working hard trying to collect as many apples as she could. As tired and exhausted as she was, she breathed rather heavily while bucking a couple of more apple trees.
"Phew!" Applejack muttered.
At times, Applejack nearly fell asleep but caught herself and got back to work. She tried bucking another tree, but it was so far away her rear legs hit the air.
"O-oah!"
Applejack stumbled before trying to recompose herself. Twilight, Mario, and Comet were not too far away when they saw her working.
"What on Earth is that pony doing?" Twilight asked herself.
"Uh, harvesting apples?" Comet proposed, as it was rather obvious.
"I meant that, sweetie." Twilight told her son.
Sure enough Applejack mumbled to herself, as she kicked an apple basket over.
"Whoops." Applejack remarked, cleaning up the mess.
"Come on." Mario said as he, Twilight, and Comet made their way towards Applejack.
"Hey Applejack!" Twilight called her.
But by then, Applejack had fallen asleep while standing up...again.
"Applejack!" Mario called her, a tad louder.
Applejack continued to snore.
"Applejack!" Comet called out.
Mario, Twilight, and Comet then decided to shout together.
"APPLEJACK!"
Applejack woke with a startle, noticing the two friends and her godson standing nearby.
"Oh, howdy, Twilight." Applejack greeted, trying to sound normal. "Howdy, Mario. Howdy, Comet."
"What is all this?" Twilight asked curiously.
As they talk, Applejack continues her way and went to buck another tree.
"It's Applebuck season." Applejack replied, nearly losing her balance. "Whoa!"
Twilight, Mario, and Comet used their horns to teleport towards her. By now, they could handle short distances without getting too dizzy.
"Applewhat season?" Twilight asked.
"Applebuck season." Mario corrects her. "Basically, it's what the Apple family called harvesting time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell them."
"But why aren't you helping her?" Comet asks.
"I've tried, but apparently, Applejack just wants to do it on her own and I don't think I can try to talk her way out of it because of her stubborn pride." Mario explains.
"I heard that." Applejack shouts.
"But why are you doing it all alone?" Twilight asked worriedly.
"'Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself." Applejack replied.
"How did he-?" Comet began to ask.
"Ya/You don't want to know." Applejack and Mario answered bluntly.
"Fair enough." Comet said.
"What about all those relatives we've met when we first came to Ponyville?" Twilight wondered.
"She and Mario has relatives?" Comet inquires, earned a nod from his mother and his godfather. "But, can't they help?"
"They were just here for the Apple family reunion." Applejack sighed. "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."
But Mario Star, Comet Stardust, and Twilight Sparkle refused to move, as if they were still trying to process the situation.
"Ahem!" Applejack cleared her throat. "Hint, hint? Get back to work?"
Of course, Mario, Twilight, and Comet just glared.
"Fine." They answered, with a snooty demeanor.
The three unicorns move out of the way to let her pass. But Applejack just stood still, wobbling a bit from side to side.
"Could you step aside, Twilight? Mario? Comet?" Applejack asked woozily.
"We just did." Twilight answered.
Applejack looked at Twilight, though her vision looked rather fuzzy as Twilight continued to speak.
"Applejack, you don't look so good."
Applejack just shook her head again to refocus.
"Eh, don't any of you six worry none." Applejack retorted. "I'm just fine and dandy. Whoa!"
Applejack nearly lost her balance again, when Twilight stepped in front of her with Mario and Comet doing the same thing.
"Do you...want some help?" Twilight asked.
"Help?" Applejack retorted. "No way! No how!"
"But there's no way you can do it all on your own." Twilight protested.
"That's what I keep telling her, but she never listens." Mario told her, agrees. "And I have to agree with Twilight on this, you need help."
"They're right, Applejack, we're getting worried about you." Comet adds.
"Is that a challenge?" Applejack demanded, getting in their faces.
Twilight Sparkle felt a little nervous while Comet Stardust tried to put a brave face, but he's also nervous. Mario just glared at his sister.
"Um...no?" Twilight said timidly.
"Well, I'm gonna prove to you three that I can do it!" Applejack snapped. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to buck."
Mario, Twilight, and Comet just watched her walk away in a huff.
"Like I said, stubborn pride!" Mario grumbled.
"More like grumpy, sleepy, and cranky." Comet adds before he, Mario, and Twilight shared a chuckle.
The next day, Rainbow Dash stood upon a support post of a nearby fence, waiting for Applejack to arrive. She tapped one of her front hooves impatiently when her friend finally arrived.
"There you are!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed impatiently.
"I'm a mite sorry, Rainbow." Applejack apologizes with a yawn. "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?"
"See that contraption?" Rainbow Dash point out.
Just a few yards away, a tall platform with a seesaw nearby stood before them.
"Uh...Yeah?" Applejack answered.
Rainbow Dash began to explain the plan, mentally drawing she want Applejack to do.
"Well, I'm gonna stand on one end, then you're gonna jump 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."
"Isn't that a mite dangerous?" Applejack asked, not fully comprehending the plan.
"Pfft, heh, not for a pony who can fly." Rainbow Dash said, confidently.
Rainbow Dash zooms about the sky, while Applejack just nodded.
"Well, alrighty then." Applejack nodded.
A while later, Applejack makes her way to the top of the platform. As she gazed down from the platform, she started feeling a bit nervous. Whether it was a lack of sleep or a sudden case of vertigo, Applejack had trouble focusing on her landing point. Rainbow Dash just sat quietly on her end of the seesaw.
"Oh my..."
"Ready?" Rainbow Dash called out. "One...Two...THREE!"
Applejack made her jump, but landed beside the landing point with a 'PLOP!'.
"Umm...maybe I wasn't clear." Rainbow Dash said slowly. "You're supposed to land on the other end."
At that moment, Mario Star had decided to take a little stroll around town, hoping to clear his mind after doing some morning practice with Comet Stardust. It was then he noticed Rainbow Dash and Applejack in the distance. Rather than draw attention to himself, he decided to watch how things turned out from a few yards away. Luckily, neither of the ponies noticed him.
"Got it." Applejack said, trying again.
Each time, Applejack missed the platform. First, she landed on her flank, then her back, and even her head. And each time, Mario just looked unamused watching her miss. And Rainbow Dash was losing her patience.
"Applejack, what the hay is going on?" Rainbow Dash demanded. "I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville's athlete!"
Applejack shook her head, trying to recompose herself. Mario was just shaking his head indignantly while he also rolled his eyes with annoyance in the distance before walking away and pretended he didn't see anything.
"You are." Applejack replied. "I'm okay. Really. I-I have an idea. Watch this."
Applejack groaned as she pulled the other side of the seesaw and sat squarely on it.
"Ta-da!"
Rainbow Dash just glared, clearly unamused.
"Oh...Maybe not." Applejack said sheepishly. "Okay, one more try. I'm sure to get it this time."
Applejack crawled off, causing Rainbow Dash's end to slap back to the ground.
"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned, slightly dazed.
Applejack climbed back to the top of the platform, struggling to vision her target. Just then, Applejack took off for a belly flop and then did Rainbow Dash realized what she was going to do.
"Wait..!"
But it's too late, Applejack stuck her landing perfectly, sending Rainbow Dash into the air at high speed.
"APPPLEJAAAAAACK...!"
Rainbow Dash screamed from the top of her lungs as she went airborne and out of sight.
"You're welcome!" Applejack said, feeling she did her job as she proceeds to head back to the orchard.
A few seconds later, Twilight and Comet were enjoying some books from the balcony. Twilight was reading some normal books while Comet was reading some children's book he started to enjoy. Mario arrived a few minutes, about to do some teachings for the little colt when they heard a scream and saw Rainbow Dash hurling toward the front railing.
"Can I help you?" Twilight asked plainly.
"What happened?" Comet asked, worried for Rainbow Dash.
"Let's just say, I was trying out a new trick that didn't go well." Rainbow Dash explains. "Not on my part, mostly because I wasn't ready. But right now, I think somepony else really needs your help."
"Applejack?" Twilight and Mario replied.
"Yep." Rainbow Dash said.
Twilight and Mario just felt indignant while Comet is worried about his godmother.
"Alright, I'll handle this." Twilight said. "Before I go, could you and Mario watch over him since you're not doing anything?"
"Sure, we'll take him over and make sure he's in good hooves." Rainbow Dash replied as she grabbed Comet and cradled him in her hooves when she and Mario head out of the Golden Oak Library.
By now, Applejack was back on the farm, resuming her work. The fatigue continued to take its toll on her. She bent down to pick up some apples, only to hit a low branch underneath her head.
"Ow!" Applejack exclaimed.
Applejack rubs the back of her head when Twilight just arrived.
"Applejack, can we talk?" Twilight asked.
Apparently, that impact did a number on Applejack's hearing. For she was having a hard time comprehending what Twilight was saying.
"Applejack, can we talk?" Twilight repeated.
But all Applejack could see was Twilight moving her lips and barely hearing what was being said.
"Can bees squawk?" Applejack said loudly. "I don't think so."
"No. Can we talk?" Twilight said firmly.
"Twenty stalks?" Applejack replied in the same tone. "Bean or celery?"
"No! I need to talk to you!" Twilight snapped, raising her voice.
"You need to go to the zoo?" Applejack said loudly, more confused than ever. "Well, who's stoppin' you?"
"I need to talk to you!" Twilight yelled.
"Oh! Well why didn't you say so?" Applejack said, denying her hearing problems. "What you wanna talk about?"
"Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today." Twilight told her.
"That's quite neighborly of her." Applejack states.
"Yes, except that she crashed onto my balcony after you launched her into the air!" Twilight said indignantly. "And Mario is given her a little talk about not facing a sleeping pony!"
Applejack just blink before turning her head in shame.
"Oh, yeah." Applejack said in her normal voice. "I wasn't feeling quite like myself this morning."
"Because you're working too hard and you need help!" Twilight snapped, approaching her.
But Applejack had been dozing off until her ears shot up.
"What? Kelp? I don't need kelp." Applejack retorted. "I don't even like seaweed!"
"HELP!" Twilight shouted. "You need HELP!"
"Nothin' doin', Twilight." Applejack shot back. "I'm gonna prove to you, t'everypony, that I can do this on my own!"
Applejack turned to leave, only to collide her forehead first into that same low branch.
"Ow!" Applejack exclaimed, looking dazed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta help Pinkie Pie."
Twilight couldn't help but groan, watching Applejack wobbled away. But seeing as she couldn't get through to her, Twilight decided to head back to the Golden Oak Library.
A short time later, Mr. and Mrs. Cake are double-checking things with Pinkie Pie.
"Now, Pinkie Pie." Mrs. Cake spoke. "Are you sure you're up for baking the muffins and running the store this afternoon?"
It wasn't that they didn't trust Pinkie Pie, but her randomness often made ponies question if she could handle serious responsibility. Pinkie Pie didn't seem to mind these opinions, as she was ready to prove herself.
"Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake." Pinkie Pie answered. "Plus, I have Ponyville's prized pony to help me out. Why she's the best baker ever. Right, Applejack?"
Applejack just gave a rough shake of her head since she was trying not to doze off. Plus, instead of not hearing ponies, everything Applejack was hearing felt as if she were underwater or moving in slow motion.
"No?" Mr. Cake asked, puzzled. "You're not the best baker ever?"
"WHAT?" Applejack exclaimed, waking up. "Oh no! I mean, don't you fret. I can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye."
Mrs. Cake still didn't feel sure about this, but she and Mr. Cake really needed to leave for an errand outside the shop and these two ponies were the only help they got.
"All right." Mrs. Cake sighed. "Well, see you later, girls!"
Mrs. Cake and Mr. Cake then made their way out of the shop once all was settled. Applejack still shook her head trying to stay awake when Pinkie Pie grabbed her.
"Stop with the shakin'." Pinkie Pie said. "It's time to get bakin'!"
Soon, Pinkie Pie had the recipe book open, and Applejack stood across the table with the mixing bowl before her.
"Alrighty." Pinkie Pie said. "I'll get the sugar and eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?"
Poor Applejack was still zoning out, and still having trouble as much as she tried to deny it.
"Eh, uh, whu, what was that?" Applejack asked.
"Chocolate chips." Pinkie Pie repeated.
"Chips...got it!" Applejack replied, grabbing the bag of chips off the shelf. "Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie. What next?"
"Baking soda." Pinkie Pie said next.
"Soda." Applejack repeated, grabbing a bottle from the fridge. "Perfect. That'll get the tater chips nice and wet. Now what?"
"A cup of flour." Pinkie Pie said.
"A cup o' sour?" Applejack said, realized what kind of sour. "Well, lemons are sure sour. One cup o' sour, comin' up. Anything else, Pinkie?"
"One last thing, wheat germ." Pinkie told her.
"Wheat worms?" Applejack repeated, making a disgust face. "Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms."
Applejack went outside and dig up some earthworms to dump in the mixing bowl with all the other ingredients. Pinkie Pie by the time just dumped some sugar and eggs without looking at the mixing bowl.
"Now that's gonna be delicious." Pinkie Pie said excitedly.
"If you say so." Applejack said.
Either Applejack trust Pinkie Pie's judgement or Pinkie Pie put too much trust in Applejack. In any case, had any pony actually saw what's inside of the mixing bowl, it'll be a different story. Regardless of the mixture, once the muffins were cooked, they were placed on a tray before a group of ponies waiting excitedly to try a free sample.
"Free muffin sample spectacular!" Pinkie Pie shouted excitedly.
"Mmm, muffins!" The ponies said excitedly.
One by one, pony after pony grabbed a muffin to eat.
"Yeah! Muffin Spectacles!" Applejack added. "Get 'em while their hot."
Whether Applejack's lack of sleep and hearing was to blame, or the fact Pinkie Pie didn't bother to double check the batter was the cause, no one knows but the consequences would be disastrous.
It wasn't long before Mario, Twilight, Wild Heart, Comet, Rainbow Dash, and Spike arrived at what happened at what appeared to be a temporary hospital.
"We came as soon as we heard." Twilight said.
"How can we help?" Mario asked.
"Oh, thank you all." Nurse Redheart said. "We need all the help we can get."
Twilight Sparkle gasped at the sight of dozen sick ponies, caught their attention. Everypony's faces were all green, even Pinkie Pie. Spike took the muffin and sniff it out.
"What happened?" Twilight questioned.
"Only one pony cause all of this." Wild Heart said, knew who caused the sickness.
"It was a mishap with some baked goods." Nurse Redheart said.
"No, not baked goods." Pinkie Pie groaned. "Baked bads."
It got Pinkie Pie about to blow chunks, causing Twilight, Mario, Rainbow Dash, and Comet cringed uncomfortably.
"Applejack." Twilight, Mario, Wild Heart, and Rainbow Dash sneered, knew who caused the mishap.
"Why can't Applejack get some rest?" Comet questions. "She looks even worse than she already is."
"Now that you mention it, she does seem a little bit off." Rainbow Dash adds with a ponder.
"Since Big Mac has injured himself, Applejack is determined to do the harvest all on her own." Mario explains. "I've tried to talk her out it, but she's just too hard-headed and hasn't been wanting anypony's help, even though it's clear that she needs it. After that, she won't listen to any reason."
Then the five of the ponies started thinking when Comet come up with an idea.
"What if...we help with the harvesting without Applejack knowing?" Comet suggests. "You know, making it more easier for her."
"Hmm...Actually Comet, that's not a bad idea." Twilight said, liking the idea.
"You're on to something, Comet, and I like your thinking." Mario adds. "Rainbow Dash, get Rarity since Fluttershy is going to be busy with Applejack tomorrow."
"But we don't know where to put the apple." Rainbow Dash points out.
"Uh, Rainbow, you're looking at somepony who lives in Sweet Apple Acres." Mario told her.
"And I know somepony who does." Comet adds.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight, Mario, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Comet, and Apple Bloom were bucking the apple trees while Wild Heart stayed behind, working on making some medicine for the sick ponies, including Pinkie Pie. They continued doing it before Applejack could come or wake her up.
Even Pinkie Pie is still sick and won't be able to join them because of the baked mishap. So, they had to do the job as quick as possible. Mario teaches Comet how to buck the apple trees which the little colt was able to knock the apples down with a kick. Twilight was proud of her son when she watched him buck some apples and able to keep it up, but the colt used his magic to sort them neatly, like Rarity was doing. Now, they left only five apple trees unbucked, having Applejack ready to do those ones herself.
"That was close." Twilight said as the six of them were headed for the exit. "Thanks for letting us know where to take the apples."
"No prob', Twi." Apple Bloom said. "Ah'll try to explain why we had ta help Applejack with 'er chores."
"A big job like that can't be done by one pony." Rarity states.
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash agrees. "Not even the Wonderbolts are a one pony show. There are some tricks that have to be done in groups."
"I doubt even Princess Celestia can handle that much pressure of ruling Equestria be herself." Twilight adds. "Now, how about we go get some breakfast?"
"Should we check on Pinkie Pie first and see how she's holding up?" Mario suggests.
"Good idea." Twilight agrees. "We might as well see how she's doing?"
"Do you think she knows how to make pancakes?" Comet asked. Twilight then smiled warmly at him for the idea about pancakes.
Later on, Fluttershy joined the others at Sugarcube Corner for having pancakes for breakfast after Twilight and Mario gave her an explanation. Pinkie Pie had gotten better overnight thanks to Wild Heart's medicine, but she just had to wait out the bad muffins that she consumed the previous day. Spike came in, eating the same muffins.
"Eww...Spike, I threw those away. Where'd you get them?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"From the trash." Spike answered.
"EW!" The ponies replied.
When Pinkie Pie saw them being eaten by Spike, her face turned green and she had the urge to throw up. She then rushed towards the bathroom so she can blow chunks. Just then, Applejack slammed the doors open, and walked towards her friends with an angry look.
"Y'all mind tellin' me why ya bucked mah family's trees when Ah said that Ah don't need help?!" Applejack demands with a shout.
"Applejack." Twilight said, a bit angry. "You actually do need help. You couldn't possibly bucking all of those trees by yourself. And it was proven when you were trying to do other activities with the others."
"You launched me into the sky when I wasn't even ready for my trick yet." Rainbow Dash said, gave her an example.
"You poisoned ponies with those awful muffins." Rarity adds. "Including Pinkie Pie."
They suddenly heard her throw up again.
"I'M OKAY!" Pinkie Pie hollered.
"And it's clear Applejack, you needed help." Mario told his sister. "You were just too proud and stubborn to admit it."
"We just wanted you to take it easy." Comet said. "We care about you."
Applejack looked at her friends, showing how much they were concerned for her. She then lowered her head.
"Ah...Ah guess y'all were right." Applejack admits. "Ah was wantin' ta prove that Ah could handle all o' these chores bah mahself, and be with mah friends, that Ah can't focus. Ah'm sorry."
"It's okay, Applejack." Twilight said. "Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, come and find us and ask for help. We'd be happy to help you."
"You got it, Twi." Applejack replied, and then hugged her godson. "And thanks for your concern."
Comet nodded and nuzzled with her chest fur.
"And I believe that would be a good friendship lesson." Twilight states. "Spike, take a letter."
Spike then grabbed his quill and paper, began writing.
"Dear Princess Celestia,
My 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 accepting what our friends have to offer.
Your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Mario Star."
Spike than sent if, before started grabbing another bad tasting muffin. Just when he was about to eat it, the sapphire aura grabs it along with the bag containing the rest of the muffins, taken out of his claws. Comet took the muffins, put them into the ground and used his magic to incinerate the muffins, reducing them to black ash and sent threw them back into the trash.
"You do realize it was these muffins that made those ponies sick, right?" Comet asks with his raised eyebrow.
"Really?" Spike asked. "Then how come I wasn't..."
Just then, his stomach growled which it's hurting him.
"Oh...boy. I need to go to the bathroom!" Spike said, rushed towards the bathroom, but it was locked. He then banged the door. "Pinkie! Open up! Those muffins are making a run up!"
The group of ponies looked at each other, and they started laughing. Guess not even a dragon can handle those bad muffins. It just takes a certain amount of time for them to affect him.
Throughout the day, Comet decided to help Fluttershy with those baby bunnies along with Wild Heart since it'll be a good lesson for the little colt to be kind to those animals and becoming one with animal spirts. Also, Applejack learned her lesson and from now on, if she's overwhelmed, Applejack would ask either her friends or her family for help anytime.
That's for the 8th chapter.