This is the 14th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Family Appreciation Day
In the early morning hours at Sweet Apple Acres, the sudden howl of timberwolves was head in the starry sky. Applejack and Apple Shine were fast asleep in their bed when they were awoken by the sound of somepony banging some pots and pans together. Apple Bloom was also woken up by all the clanging as she walked over to Applejack and Apple Shine's room, wearing a large powder blue sleeping cap on her head as she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Apple Shine looked outside of the window to see Granny Smith running around with pots and pans along her sides like a saddlebag.
"The timberwolves are a-howlin'! The timberwolves are a-howlin'!" Granny Smith called out when Big Mac, Bright Mac, and Pear Butter peeked out of the windows.
"Eeyup." Big Mac said.
Then, they heard another howl from a nearby lone timberwolf.
"The zap apples are comin'! The zap apples are comin'!" Granny Smith shouted.
Applejack, Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, Big Mac, Bright Mac, and Pear Butter just looked at each other before they gave a loud cheer.
"Yay, the zap apples are comin'!" The Apple Family shouted excitedly.
"That's what I said." Granny Smith remarked as a matter of fact, using her fore-hooves to continue banging the pots and pans.
The others just exchange smiles with each other.
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
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're my best friends?
It was a little later when they were eating breakfast after Granny Smith explain to Apple Shine about the zap apples, the signals coming of the zap apples, it left the Texan filly surprised, yet excited. They then heard a knock on the side door to their house. Buttercup opened it to find her son standing nearby.
"Morinin', Mario." Buttercup greets her son. "Here for the zap apples?"
"Yep. After hearing the timberwolves howling, thought I come by and give y'all a helping hoof for the harvest." Mario explains. "I remembered Granny Smith talking about the signals coming of the zap apples."
"Well, you came at the right time, son." Bright Mac said, approaching next to his wife.
"And the harvest won't be a problem." Buttercup adds.
"Why, if it isn't my grandson!" Granny Smith said as she rushed besides Bright Mac and Pear Butter, knocking them aside. "Are you here to help this 'ol mare with the zap apples?"
"If you don't mind, Granny Smith..."
"Fiddlesticks!" Granny Smith said, pulled her grandson inside the house. "You're always welcome here, sonny. We need another big, strong stallion to help us out."
"Morinin, Uncle Mario/Mario." Apple Shine and Apple Bloom greets him.
"Hey, girls." Mario said with a smile.
"Ya here to help out?" Applejack asks her brother.
"Eeyup, that's why I here." Mario replied to his sister.
And with that, the Apple Family invited Mario to the breakfast table.
It wasn't much longer before everypony minus Granny Smith was out in the fields getting the zap apple orchard ready for the harvest.
"Hey, silly goose!" Granny Smith shouted from the window of her bedroom at the others, shaking a fore-hoof at them. "Quit yer gawkin' and move your caboose!"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied as he pulled the cart loaded with buckets with Mario helping him, and Applejack, Pear Butter, and Bright Mac grunted when they placed each bucket next to one of the zap apple trees.
Apple Bloom and Apple Shine were just watching the other ponies hard at work from a window in the living room.
"Ready, Granny!" Apple Bloom told her excitedly as she was just sitting comfortably in her rocking chair.
"Ready for what?" Granny Smith asked with an oblivious look on her face.
"For makin' zap apple jam!" Apple Bloom replied when she and her niece approaches to her.
"Darn tootin'!" Granny Smith answered back. "It's time for some good old-fashioned zap apple jammin'!"
"How does it work?" Apple Shine questioned curiously.
"Oh, I've been doin' this ever since I was a little pony, so be warned, pickle pears." Granny Smith said as she got off her rocking chair and headed towards the kitchen. "There's a whole mess o' steps in this process and you gots to get each one of them just right, or no zap apple jam."
Granny Smith grabbed a plate from the pantry and gave Apple Bloom and Apple Shine a dramatic look when she was explaining how important the process needed to be done correctly.
"Take this." Granny Smith instructed as she gave Apple Bloom a twig like broom that had several branches attached to it.
"Uh, is this one of your gazillion secret herbal ingredients for the zap apple jam?" Apple Bloom asked excitedly.
"Somehow, I doubt it." Apple Shine said bluntly. "She's given ya a broom to sweep the floor."
"She's right. So, get sweepin', pipsqueak." Granny Smith said. "Now while you sweep, I'll get to uh...something there...umm...Oh, ponyfeathers. Bet I'd forget my mane if it wasn't attached to my head."
Apple Shine just let out a giggle while Granny Smith just walked out as Apple Bloom just swept the floor.
Back outside, Applejack, Mario, Pear Butter, and Bright Mac were busy setting up the rest of the buckets they had when they heard the sound of a strong gust of wind.
"What's that?" Mario asks curiously.
Applejack, Pear Butter, and Bright Mac didn't answer as they turned to Bright Mac, who just sniff the air twice as the sky darkened about the trees. Mario saw electricity cracking around the currently bare trees. This causes the trees to instantly produce leaves on the branches.
"There's the zap apple leaves, right on schedule." Buttercup said as she, Bright Mac, Mario, Big Mac, and Applejack exchanged smiles with each other.
Later on, Flithy Rich and Diamond Tiara had arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. As they arrived, they found Granny Smith and Apple Bloom jumping near the watering cans. Apple Shine didn't want to take part of it, which she finds it uncomfortable, and Granny Smith doesn't blame her since it's her first time for harvesting the zap apples.
"A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P..."
Granny Smith sang as she and Apple Bloom hoped over some watering cans, wearing bunny costumes. Diamond Tiara wasted no time pointing and laughing at them, causing the two ponies to stop hopping.
Filthy Rich has a grayish amber fur coat with dark gray mane and tail with lighter highlights, and light azure eyes. His cutie mark is three sacks of money. He wore a red tie that has '$' symbol, white neck collar, and navy high neck collar underneath.
"Well, howdy-doo there, Filthy Rich." Granny Smith greets when Apple Shine approaches.
"Howdy, sir." Apple Shine adds with a smile. "What brings you here?"
"Hello, ladies." Filthy Rich replied. "Did I hear right that there's a zap apple harvest coming in a few days?"
"Four days, to be exact." Granny Smith replied as her bunny ears wiggled up and down.
"Excellent news, and as usual, I get your first hundred jars?" Filthy Rich asked.
"Wait, you've been here before?" Apple Shine asks surprisingly.
"Of course, I've been at Sweet Apple Acres for having those zap apple jams, same with my father." Filthy Rich told the Texan filly.
"And same goes to his great-grandpappy, Stinkin' Rich." Granny Smith adds, approached to her granddaughter. "It's been going on for generations."
"And someday in the future, you'll get a chance to do some business with my family." Filthy Rich said with a smile, but turns to Diamond Tiara with deadpan look on his face. "If...my daughter didn't try something foolish."
Diamond Tiara can only respond by given her father an innocent smile, which Filthy Rich and Apple Shine aren't convinced.
"Anyway, for the hundred jars? 'Course, Filthy." Granny Smith told him, changing the subject.
"Uh, I prefer Rich." Filthy Rich replied.
Friend of the family, business, or not, he didn't like being addressed by his first name for obvious reasons.
"Oh, and how is your pappy doin'?" Granny Smith asked as she and Filthy Rich went to discuss some business.
This left the three fillies alone and Diamond Tiara had already been looking at the two fillies deviously.
"Oh, you poor, poor things, having to make all the zap apple jam with Granny Smith." Diamond Tiara said in a tone that's anything but sympathetic, causing Apple Shine to roll her eyes in annoyance.
Apple Bloom's bunny ears drooped down a bit as Diamond Tiara made a face.
"Actually, me and Apple Shine have been looking forward to make zap apple jams for years!" Apple Bloom said, perking right back up.
"I'm not talking about the jam, I'm talking about Granny Smith." Diamond Tiara retorted. "You must be sooo embarrassed."
She pointed toward Granny Smith, who had put on a black pot on her head.
"Soup's on!" Granny Smith muffled as Filthy Rich just smiled.
"Uh, what do you mean?" Apple Bloom asks, confused which Apple Shine is catching on.
"You know, with all her silly ways, how she forget things, and makes you wear these ridiculous costumes?" Diamond Tiara pointed out as she pulled the front of Apple Bloom's costume before snubbing her.
"Ah'm gonna stop ya right there, missy." Apple Shine said with a scowl. "Don't think I didn't know what yer plannin'! If you think Ah'm lettin' ya give Aunt Apple Bloom a hard time, you've got another thing comin'!"
"What's it to you? You can't do anything about it! Why don't you just butt out?!" Diamond Tiara spat out.
Apple Shine just leaned her face towards, making Diamond Tiara rather uneasy.
"If you hurt my kinfolk, I've got no problems given you a good whoopin'." Apple Shine warned her. "And don't think I didn't know yer lookin' at Golden Charm."
It got Diamond Tiara's face blushed in red as a tomato and steam came out of her ears, but snorted and stomped away. Apple Shine then walked up to Apple Bloom.
"Don't let Diamond Tiara get to ya." Apple Shine assures her aunt with a smile, hugging her. "Granny Smith's ways may look silly to others, but I can tell she knows what she's doin'."
Apple Bloom said nothing as Apple Shine walked away, but little did they know that Mario Star watched everything.
"That a girl, Apple Shine." Mario said with a proud smile, continue helping his family.
"'Silly ways?'" Apple Bloom asked to herself as Filthy Rich picked up a wooden spoon and banged it against the black pot on Granny Smith's head.
BONG
"Uh, thank you kindly, Filthy!" Granny Smith replied shakily as she wobbled backwards from Filthy Rich.
Apple Bloom began to feel worried. Apparently, Diamond Tiara's words had gotten to her.
Later that day, Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, and Granny Smith were heading in the market area. Apple Bloom had a blue bonnet on her head instead of a traditional pink bow while Granny Smith had tucked on a purple and orange polka-dotted hat. It hadn't taken them long to load their saddlebags with various ingredients they needed for the jam as well as the other necessities.
"Shake a leg there, slowpokes! We got gaggles worth of goods to gather before the harvest. Come on!" Granny Smith told her granddaughters as she began to sing to the tune 'Skip to my Lou' as Apple Bloom just look around nervously while Apple Shine chuckled.
Apple Bloom suddenly didn't feel as comfortable being out in public with her grandmother, especially when she began to sing and dance so loudly that other ponies were looking at three of them.
"Gonna make zap apple jam, hoop-dee-hoo!" Granny Smith sang. "Gatherin' my goodies no, hoop-dee-hee! Singin' and dancin', diddley-hoo, flippity-floo, my darlin'!"
That last note was clearly off key. Apple Bloom just lowered her head to avoid being seen, which gotten Apple Shine worried about her aunt. It was then, Granny Smith approaches a large collection of pots. Daisy, the pony selling the pots, perked up and smiled at the sight of a customer.
"They don't make 'em like they used to." Granny Smith muttered to herself as Apple Bloom and Apple Shine caught up to her. It was then...
CHOMP
Apple Bloom and Apple Shine flinched back as Granny Smith was literally biting a pot with her teeth.
"Hey! You bite it, you buy it!" Daisy retorted sternly, but Granny Smith just walked away, not hearing a word she's saying and leaving her dentures still clamping down the pot.
Daisy then glared at the two fillies, which Apple Bloom was forced to collect the dentures with her mouth.
Apple Bloom tried not to think about what was in her mouth as she and Apple Shine went searching for Granny Smith. Once they found Granny Smith, she spat out the dentures from her mouth and gasped. They saw Granny Smith with bees covering her chin. It made her seem like she had grown a long beard that was buzzing constantly.
"Whoo! Why hello, Bea, Beatrice, Beecher." Granny Smith replied to them in a muffled tone as Apple Bloom and Apple Shine looked at her with their jaws opened. "Ooh, you've all been busy little bees, haven't you?"
The bees just buzzed in reply as Granny Smith picked up a beehive and poured some honey into a jar.
"Granny, doesn't it look mite dangerous when you do that?" Apple Shine asks.
"Aw, don't you worry there, Apple Shine, I've done this in a long time." Granny Smith told her with a smile. "And it's also part of the steps for making zap apple jams."
Apple Shine is confused of the steps, but Apple Bloom felt embarrassed.
"Granny, isn't there a less...silly way to get a honey?" Apple Bloom asked.
Then the two familiar faces noticed something in the corner of her eyes and gasped. There were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the market area, the two ponies she didn't want to see. Apple Bloom wasted no time ducking behind the beehive and trembled nervously to avoid being seen.
"Oh, isn't this just precious?" Granny Smith remarked as she scooped Apple Bloom into her forearms.
It didn't help that she's talking so loudly that other ponies were looking at them again.
"Please stop!" Apple Bloom pleaded, felt more and more embarrassed.
"And it is perfect for makin' our zap apple jam!" Granny Smith continued.
"Shh! Stop it! Granny!" Apple Bloom pleads again, but it's too late.
Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had already taken notice, which Apple Shine gave them a stink eye while the former laughed to her hearts content. Silver Spoon can tell that Apple Bloom is feeling embarrassed but noticed Apple Shine glaring at her and her friend. Silver Spoon turns to Diamond Tiara.
"Diamond, maybe we should leave." Silver Spoon suggested which it got her attention and Apple Bloom is confused. "We don't wanna get on Apple Shine's bad side."
Diamond Tiara was about to argue but saw Apple Shine scowling at her. She can tell that the Texan filly is given her message, and she read it loud and clear as she reluctantly walked away. Silver Spoon then approached them.
"Is there a reason why Granny Smith is like that?" Silver Spoon asks.
"The zap apples are coming in a next few days." Apple Shine told her, softened her expression. "We're gatherin' some ingredients for makin' some zap apple jams."
It got Silver Spoon surprised of Apple Shine's explanation.
"But as for Granny Smith, her ways may look silly, but she knows what she's doin'." Apple Shine continued, but changing the subject. "But anyway, how's it goin' with Comet?"
"Oh, well, we've been hanging out when Diamond isn't around. I even hanging out with Daylight sometimes." Silver Spoon told her with a smile.
"That's good to hear." Apple Shine said with a smile.
"But...after that, I'm trying to find Diamond Tiara. Once I saw her, she's watching Golden Charm at the Carousel Boutique." Silver Spoon explains. "She even looked at her."
"I think I've got a pretty good idea why she's lookin' at him. And if I'm right, she had a crush on Golden Charm." Apple Shine said with a ponder.
"WHAT?!" Silver Spoon exclaims shockingly. "She...had a crush on Golden Charm?!"
"That's what it sounds like." Apple Shine replied when Apple Bloom tried to contain her laughter.
"Oh. My. Gosh. She had a crush on Golden!" Silver Spoon said with a gasp.
"But Silver, this is just between us. Promise you keep a secret?" Apple Shine suggested, earned a nod from her.
"My lips are sealed." Silver Spoon told her as she walked away.
After Silver Spoon left and out of sight, Apple Bloom burst out of laughter. Apple Shine turns her head to her aunt as she stops her laughing by pressing her hoof onto her mouth.
"Not a word to either Diamond Tiara or Mr. Rich. You have to keep it a secret." Apple Shine suggested sternly. "And don't think I didn't know what you're plannin'."
Apple Bloom flinched a bit when she saw her niece given her a glare, responded with a nod.
"We're done shopping here, smelly-bellies." Granny Smith told her granddaughters as she started prancing and singing. "I got my honey, gooey-goo! Got my honey, gooey-ooh! Got my honey, iddley-hoo!"
Once again, Granny Smith's antics were drawing attention and Apple Bloom just pulled her bonnet over face, following behind her grandmother...slowly.
The next day at the Ponyville Schoolhouse, it was the start of Family Appreciation Day. This mean that every student was asked to bring a member of their family to speak in class. Today was the day Diamond Tiara got to bring her father, Filthy Rich, to give a presentation to the class.
While she sat attentively with a happy smile on her face, the rest of the class, except Golden Charm and Apple Shine, were either bored or fast asleep. Even Silver Spoon was literally drooling as she snoozed at her own desk. One particular pony behind Diamond Tiara was even snacking on a cookie. Filthy Rich was apparently explaining how he got wealthy and using financial terms that nopony but Cheerilee, Zane, and Diamond Tiara understood. Golden Charm and Apple Shine were learning a little bit. He also had a graph as a visual aid as Cheerilee and Zane stood beside him.
"And, by capturing the whole sale marketing, purchasing in bulk and slashing all prices." Filthy Rich explained. "We undermine every gift market in town, and that's how Rich's Barnyard Bargains became the cornerstone of retail in Ponyville."
The instant finish, Diamond Tiara clapped happily as everypony else that's either zoned out or woke up, some of them making funny as they recompose themselves.
"Well, thank you, Mr. Filthy-"
Cheerilee then noticed him gave her a dirty look and she quickly recomposed herself.
"I mean, Mr. Rich." Cheerilee corrects herself when Filthy Rich smiled. "What a wonderful day of sharing! And thank you for being part of the Family Appreciation Day!"
Filthy Rich then took his leave.
"Now then, let's see who will be bringing a family member for next Monday's Family Appreciation Day." Zane said as he picked up a clipboard with his magic, scanned the list of the young ponies that had done their turns and found specific two fillies hadn't gone yet. "Apple Bloom and Apple Shine."
Apple Bloom gasped, making her drop the pencil she was holding in her mouth.
"But, Mr. Zane, Monday is zap apple harvest day, and Applejack, Big Macintosh, Mario, Ma, and Pa will be too busy to come and speak." Apple Bloom explains.
"But Granny Smith isn't, she's not busy at the harvest." Apple Shine points out. "She can come."
Apple Bloom began to panic since her niece is right, tried to explain when Cheerilee cuts in.
"That's a splendid idea, Apple Shine." Cheerliee said. "You and Apple Bloom shall bring Granny Smith on Monday."
Diamond Tiara smirked while Apple Bloom had a face that's filled with dread. Apple Shine however, knew that her aunt is starting to panic because Granny Smith will be coming to school next Monday. All she could do was face plant her desk until Cheerliee ushered her to leave the schoolhouse.
Once Apple Bloom had turned back to the orchard, she made her way directly towards Applejack, who's helping Big Mac, Mario, Buttercup, and Bright Mac water the zap apple trees. She tries to plead for her or her family to come instead of Granny Smith, but her pleas were futile.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom." Applejack said. "I already told you that we can't just take a break from harvest to come to your school. You know what'll happen."
"I know...After the 5th day, the zap apples disappear." Apple Bloom said sadly.
It was then, the strong winds returned to the orchard. The dark clouds also made their return as a huge flock of crows appeared. The Apple Family watched the scene with awe as Granny Smith zipped up to them.
"Look! The 3rd sign!" Granny Smith said. "Right on time! Hot diggity!"
The crows started to fly in the shape of an apple as the trees were electrified once more. Mario stood next to Applejack as the trees were then covered with apple flowers bloom. Once the trees were all covered in flowers, the sky cleared instantly.
"Wow!" Everypony said, except Granny Smith.
"Alright, ya lazy daisies, move your caboose!" Granny Smith ordered.
Big Mac, Buttercup, and Bright Mac went back to work as Applejack and Mario faced the still disappointed Apple Bloom.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but don't fret." Applejack assures her sister. "Granny Smith's got no shortage of entertainin' stories to tell."
"I know." Apple Bloom said wearily. "That's what I'm worried about."
"Is this what Diamond Tiara told you still bothering you?" Mario asked as Apple Bloom sighed.
"She and Silver Spoon were at the market and Granny Smith openly embarrassed me." Apple Bloom explains. "And Apple Shine was the one who suggested Granny Smith come on Monday."
"Hoo boy, that's parents and grandparents for you." Mario said. "But I can see Diamond Tiara and Siver Spoon are going out their way to humiliate you."
"Ya think?" Apple Bloom remarked. "Tellin' Granny and Apple Shine won't help. Last time, she didn't hear a word I said."
"Apple Bloom don't worry about it." Mario assures his sister with a gentle smile. "Just try to be more considerate and don't let her get to you."
"I can't do that!" Apple Bloom said with an exaggerated look before she blinked as a smile appeared on her face. "Wait! Maybe you can teach me to pound some sense into her!"
"Do you think violence is gonna help?" Apple Shine asks when she walked to her sternly. "Aunt Apple Bloom, beaten Diamond Tiara will only make it worse and you'll have a target painted on yer back!"
"She has a point there, Apple Bloom." Mario agrees. "You can't use martial arts to harm a pony, but I may have a suggestion for you."
"Ugh! What suggestions?!" Apple Bloom said with a frustrated look. "I'm sick of suggestions! What could you possibly suggest?! EEEEK!"
Apple Bloom squeaked in pain as her eyes widened from Mario's pressure points as she fell to the ground on her back, twitching in pain.
"I think you should just try to sit down and meditate for a while." Mario said with a smirk as Applejack, Buttercup, and Bright Mac watched from a distance before they chuckled her expense.
Apple Bloom twitched a bit more with a squeal before she recomposed herself as Mario head back to help his family. Apple Shine then approached to her aunt.
"Aunt Apple Bloom, I know it's hard, but you need to at least give Granny Smith a chance." Apple Shine suggested, then walked away.
However, not either Mario or Apple Shine's words helped her feel better.
At the CMCs treehouse, Apple Bloom was pacing back and forth across the floor as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo watched her.
"I'll be embarrassed." Apple Bloom groaned aloud. "Shamed, disgraced, mortified, humiliate-"
Her words were cut off when Sweetie Belle shoved a fore-hoof into her mouth.
"What are you, a dictionary?" Scootaloo asked in annoyance.
"Snap out of it!" Sweetie Belle added firmly as she removed her fore-hoof from Apple Bloom's mouth. "We're here to help you!"
"After all, we are Cutie Mark Crusaders." Scootaloo said. "We'll figure a way to postpone your presentation."
"Postpone what, Scootaloo?" The voice of Apple Shine said, earned their attention. "You better not thinking about try something foolish, are you?"
"N-No, why would you think of that?" Apple Bloom asks innocently.
However, Apple Shine isn't buying it since she can tell her aunt is lying. Apple Bloom tried to keep her composure with a forced smile, but she's sweating bullets, smae goes for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. She then decided to tell her.
"Alright, fine, we were plannin' to postpone our presentation." Apple Bloom admits. "But I just-"
"Just what? That you don't want to be embarrassed because of Granny Smith and what Diamond Tiara told you?" Apple Shine interrupts, sighed. "Look, Aunt Apple Bloom, I get it that Granny Smith can be silly and embarrassing to us at times, but you don't know that. My old parents embarrassed me and that happens to be all the time, but they're family and I still love them, no matter how embarrassing it is. And Aunt Apple Bloom, she's your grandmother and you love him. She may embarrass you like she did back at the market, but she still loves you."
"But how can you be so calm like this?!" Apple Bloom said. "Why weren't you being embarrassed?"
"Because I'm used to it." Apple Shine said simply, leaving the CMCs surprised. "True that I get embarrassed by my family, but I don't let it bother me. Just like you shouldn't let it bother you. It may be hard, but the least you can do is try. And I'll be there to help you when you need it."
Apple Bloom widen her eyes along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, realizing that Apple Shine wanted to help her overcome the embarrassment.
"You want to help me?" Apple Bloom asks.
"Eeyup, it won't be easy, but I'll be there to help when you need it. Even if you don't want to admit it." Apple Shine told her, earned a glare from her aunt while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo giggled.
Inside of the house, several glass jars had been set up in single file as Granny Smith peaked her head over them, wearing an army hat on her head.
"Ten-hut!" Granny Smith said like a drill sergeant. "Now listen here, troops! I don't want any whin' or cryin' or crackin' under pressure! Do I make myself clear?!"
Granny Smith then whack one of the jars. The jar responded by presenting a long crack on its side.
"Court-martialed!" Granny Smith shouted as threw the cracked jar aside.
The jar hit the back of the wall and fell straight into the trash can.
"Granny, what are you doin'?" Apple Shine asks, earned her attention.
"Well, Ah'm given those jars an order since the fourth sign will be comin' soon, but I court-martialed one of those over there." Granny Smith explains when Apple Shine turns her head to the trash can. "So, what brings you here?"
"Well, the Family Appreciation Day is next Monday and Aunt Apple Bloom and I talked it over." Apple Shine told her. "And we were wondering if you-"
"Well, why didn't ya say so? Of course, I'll be there." Granny Smith cuts in with a smile, hugs her granddaughter. "See y'all on Monday."
At the CMCs treehouse, Apple Shine arrived inside when the three fillies are waiting for the news.
"Granny Smith said she'll come at the schoolhouse." Apple Shine informed them.
"And you came just in time, the sun is almost setting." Apple Bloom said. "C'mon!"
And soon the four fillies climbed up the ladder to the second floor where a telescope had been set up. Sweetie Belle had been looking through it when she saw something interesting happening at the apple orchard. Apple Bloom noticed some shooting stars above the zap apple trees.
"That's the fourth sign!" Apple Bloom said excitedly, then turns to her niece. "Apple Shine! you've got to see this!"
Apple Shine then peeked into the telescope, seeing the shooting stars.
"Amazing!" Apple Shine said with awe as Scootaloo bumped her out of the way.
Scootaloo peeked into the telescope to see the trees become electrified once more as the flowers turn into apples, grey apples for the most part. Apple Bloom quickly jumped in front of her to look again.
"The zap apples have appeared!" Apple Bloom told them. "One more sign, and the zap apples will be ready for the harvest!"
"And everypony will have the zap apple jams!" Apple Shine adds excitedly.
"That reminds me." Apple Bloom said, turns to her niece. "Apple Shine, since it's yer first time, maybe it's fair that you'll be the first to have a taste of zap apple jams."
Apple Shine couldn't help but smile as she hugged her aunt.
The next day in the kitchen, Granny Smith was busy painting the kitchen in pink polka dots as the CMCs and Apple Shine peeked inside to watch her.
"Um, is it just me or is she painting the kitchen?" Apple Shine asks, confused.
"It's not you, and she's painting the kitchen." Scootaloo told her. "Wonder why?"
"She probably like pink?" Sweetie Belle guessed.
Apple Shine, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo looked at her, given her 'are you serious?' look.
"Well, whatever it is, it might have somethin' to do with those steps she mentioned." Apple Bloom states.
The next morning, the storm had returned once more and now there was lightning in the sky. The Apple family walked just outside the zap apple orchard to watch. The winds began to pick up and Applejack, Apple Shine, and Bright Mac had to hold onto their hats to keep them from blowing away. Fortunately, the storm came to an end as soon as the trees were electrified once more and a rainbow appeared in the sky. A single grey apple gained several stripes of each color of the rainbow. Then as if the apple were a glass prism, it began to send the rainbow beam from one apple to another, giving all the zap apples their famous rainbow coloring.
"Yee-haw!" Granny Smith said excitedly.
"The zap apple harvest has begun." Applejack said when she suddenly flinched as Granny Smith jumped high in the air and landed near her with a thud.
"And tomorrow, we'll be makin' zap apple jams." Bright Mac replied when Granny Smith stood up, unharmed.
"I had no idea you could jump that high, Granny Smith." Mario remarked, impressed.
"I could do a good ten feet back in my youngin' days." Granny Smith replied.
"Well, at least I'm good at doing martial arts and the element of Nature." Mario said with a smile.
"And we're proud of you, sugarcube." Buttercup said to her son with a smile. "That there is a well-talent to have for yourself."
"And we can see why you've taken Bolobo's mantle. And having the wisdom and courage." Bright Mac adds.
"Thank you." Mario answered with a smile.
Both Buttercup and Bright Mac then hugged their son when Applejack joins them.
His eyes watered as he hugged them back. Ever since he left Canterlot to live at Sweet Apple Acres after learning his origins and whom he's related, Mario found the answer along with the new addition to the family: Apple Shine. As Mario, Applejack, Buttercup, and Bright Mac headed into the orchard to get to work, Apple Shine, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith are heading towards the Ponyville schoolhouse.
Once Apple Bloom and Apple Shine are at the schoolhouse, they're sat at their desk to get ready for the Family Appreciation Day.
"For today's Family Appreciation Day, we are pleased to welcome Granny Smith." Cheerilee announces as Granny Smith entered.
"Howdy, y'all!" Granny Smith greets. "I'm as happy as a pig in a fresh mudpile to be here!"
"I can't wait to hear Granny's presentation." Diamond Tiara said with a devious smirk. "If she can remember any of it."
"Oh, you'll be eatin' those words, Diamond. Just you wait." Apple Shine remarked.
"Oh, Apple Shine, I don't believe you met your great, great, uncle, Apple Strudel." Granny Smith said when Apple Strudel appeared. "Uncle Apple Strudel, this is your great, great, great niece, Apple Shine."
Apple Strudel is an elder pony with moderate amber fur coat with light gray mane, tail, beard, and mustache with light ceruleanish gray streaks, and moderate cobalt blue eyes. He wore a hat and lederhosen.
"Oooooh, noogie-noogie-noogie!" Apple Strudel said, laughed madly as he ruffled up Apple Bloom and Apple Shine's mane.
Apple Strudel then offered Granny Smith a chair as she took a seat, not even noticing that the offered seat was knocked away when she sat down.
"Long ago, when I was a pony, things were very different in Ponyville." Granny Smith explained as she showed the young ponies a map. "'Cause there was no Ponyville!"
The other ponies listened with interest as Apple Bloom and Apple Shine listened with interest. As the title of Ponyville on the map suddenly disappeared, the view changed to resemble that of a silent picture film from the early 1910s and 1920s. There in view was a pony settlers pulling a stage coach.
"That's right, my little ponies. Me and my family were pilgrim pony folk, back when I was a little filly."
Inside the back end of the stage coach was a young Granny Smith, wearing her trademark handkerchief around her neck, but also wearing a bonnet with her mane and tail in braids.
"Oh, we ventured far and wide, collecting new seeds and sellin' the old. But my Pa was the finest seed collector in all of Equestria."
Young Granny Smith was seen collecting samples of seeds from a nearby plants and flowers whenever her family set up their camp for the night.
"Then one day, the Smith family found themselves in the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities. A place called...Canterlot."
Her family enters the royal city as they see an open market area and various ponies in upper class attires from the close of the 19th century.
"I bet your hooves to hindquarters I had never seen anything like it before nor since. And as if the beauty of that city wasn't enough, suddenly, she appeared."
Her younger self noticed a group of ponies gathered around Princess Celestia and then the royal chariot came to stop before her family.
"When lo and behold, she stopped to look at Pa's seed collection. Then, Princess Celestia saw that we were plumb-tuckered and hankerin' to find our forever home. And bein' a royal princess and all, she knew exactly the place for us to lay down our stakes. My Pa gave the Princess a mighty thanks."
Princess Celestia took them to the top of one of the towers and showed them the land of what would eventually become Sweet Apple Acres. The mighty thanks her father had given was a long kiss on Celestia's hoof, which made her mother very jealous.
"We quickly found that land near the Everfree Forest, and we built our home. Next, we planted our first orchards. But an orchard don't grow overnight, and we were getting mighty short on food."
One of her family members was seen planting outside as the rest of the family got ready to eat, but all she was given was three beans due to their low food supplies. Her entire family showed looks of concern since there was a chance that they might starve before their crops could grow.
"Now mind you, we were cautioned about the forest, and we knew it was not fit to enter."
The howl of a timberwolf was heard in the distance as the lights to the house was turned off. It was at that moment, Young Granny Smith left the house and headed into the forest.
"But I knew there was critters livin' there. There must be something to eat. It was dark and musty, and I won't lie, it was scary. But every inch was covered in plant life, and before I knew it, wasn't I standin' in front of the most incredible apple trees! I had never seen anything that bore this kind of colorful fruit! Oh, I started picking apples quick as a whip!"
Young Granny Smith then ventured into the forest and began to look around at the plants when she discovered zap apple trees for the first time. As she picked the first apple, and then tucked it into her saddle bag. As she put more apples into her bag, something ran by the foreground. She looked around before continuing to pick some more apples when the creature zoom by again.
"I turned, and there before me stood the timberwolves! I've never run so fast in my life. I did the only thing I could think of."
Young Granny Smith was startled when she heard something howl loudly. It was then, she saw four timberwolves growling at her. She then ran off as fast as she could. One timberwolf nearby bit her tail as she rushed out of the forest and began to bang the big black pot with a regular sized pot. The timberwolves cowered back and ducked back into the forest. Their eyes glared at her before they ran off and disappeared into the foliage. Her banging had woken up her family.
"My Pa and I planted those special apple seeds, and before our eyes they grew like wildfire. Why, we had full grown trees faster than you can say 'lickety split."
The very instant, the zap apple seeds are planted and watered, the trees sprouted up instantly with a clash of thunder and Young Granny Smith was caught in the branches. Her father just smiled and she laughed happily.
"Then each year, I paid close attention to the signs of the zap apple trees special harvesting times. How the weather affects the Everfree Forest, how the timberwolves howl when the zap apples first started growing, and how they zapped away if you didn't pick them all in one day!"
Young Granny Smith is seen walking around the zap apple orchard as the flowers appeared, then she noticed the random weather patterns, and was seen quivering in her bed by the howls of the timberwolves. The family was seen picking the zap apples when they all disappeared from the trees in a flash.
"And the fruits of our labor were the best fruit we've ever tasted. Soon enough, I was mixing up batches of zap apple jam. Just like harvestin' the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin' the zap apple jam. I learned that you gotta be extra friendly with the bees, otherwise their honey won't taste rightly as sweet to mix in with the zap apples. Who'd'a thought that glass jars needed talkin' too? Or that zap apples like polka dots? But magic is as magic does. Just funny that way."
Several zap apple treats were on a wooden table and her younger self was standing near a black pot, stirring and tasting.
Young Granny Smith is seen knocking on a beehive and giving the bees some flowers, then she was seen talking to the glass jars with a military hat on her head, and then was seen painting pink polka dots on a walls. After tasting the zap apple jam, she nodded to herself that the taste was just right. She then carried a case loaded with jars of zap apple jams in it to her parents' small zap apple jam stand.
"Then, ponies started comin' to our farm from far and wide just to get a taste of my zap apple jam. Some of them decided to stay, like Stinkin' Rich, Diamond Tiara's great grandfather. In matter of fact, the first thing he ever sold was my zap apple jam."
A line of ponies were gathered at the stand to purchase some jam, especially a particular farm like attired stallion that's none other than Stinkin' Rich, Filthy Rich's grandfather and Diamond Tiara's great grandfather. He had bought a large amount of zap apple jam jars at once. Stinkin' Rich's stand started out as a tiny tent, followed by a small shop, and then a large general store, which Granny Smith's parents paid a visit to him with each renovation. It's then the large store is seen that train tracks became visible and the sound of a train whistle blowing was heard as it arrived at what was becoming a thriving town.
"And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies..."
Young Granny Smith was seen walking around as the scene returned to the map, the title of Ponyville reappeared on it.
"...and that is how Ponyville was founded." Granny Smith finished her presentation.
All of the young ponies were left in awe for a few seconds as Granny Smith smiled at them. Then, a single pony began to applaud impressively which was Silver Spoon, leaving Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, and Apple Shine stunned. Soon, the rest of the young ponies began to applaud as well. Their smiles were shown that they'd enjoyed the presentation.
"Oh, thank you kindly, little ponies." Granny Smith said. "Oh, now-now, let's settle down."
"So, if it weren't for you and the zap apples, Ponyville wouldn't even exist?!" Scootaloo pointed out.
"Darn tootin', little filly!" Granny Smith answered.
"If it weren't for our Granny Smith, your daddy wouldn't have Barnyard Bargains." Apple Bloom said smugly, turns to Diamond Tiara before leaning away.
The others all agreed that this is true, even Silver Spoon mumured in agreement which made Diamond Tiara rather uneasy.
"But-" Diamond Tiara stuttered until she noticed Granny Smith cleaning the chalkboard by licking it with her tongue. "But she's just a...kooky old lady."
It got everypony gasp, including Cheerilee and Zane. However, Apple Shine didn't kindly to anypony who insults her family as she walk towards her with an angry glare.
"I warned you." Apple Shine said as she gives Diamond Tiara a good bucking, sent her flying and out of the schoolhouse.
Diamond Tiara groans while feeling dazed when Apple Shine looked at her.
"Next time, you better respect to yer elders and you better choose yer words carefully while yer at it." Apple Shine told her with a warning.
"Yeah, and she is not a kooky old lady!" Apple Bloom adds with a glare, approaching next to her niece. "She is the most amazing pony in all of Ponyville!"
And to empathize her point, she gives Granny Smith a loving hug and cheek nuzzle. Granny Smith pulled Apple Shine, given her a hug as well.
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, and Granny Smith began to work together creating the zap apple jam. Granny Smith even gave Apple Bloom and Apple Shine the honor to taste it before they carried a box filled with jars of zap apple jam to the traditional zap apple stand. Already, hundreds of ponies were standing in line to buy some zap apple jam. Once Scootaloo had purchased her own jar, she had spread the jam on a slice of bread and began to eat happily. Mario was also with Scootaloo, along with Sweetie Belle, Twist, the 6 young ponies, and a pony named as Truffles.
"I think this is the best zap apple jam I've tasted yet!" Scootaloo said.
"I'll say, this is amazing!" Daylight agreed.
"No kidding!" Storm Hawk adds. "It's awesome!"
"Hoo-wee!" Apple Shine said as she ate her own slice of bread with the jam spread on it. "This was mah first time havin' the zap apple jam and it's delicious!"
"Glad you like it." Mario said when he approaches to her niece. "And I'm proud that you stood up for Granny Smith, but Apple Shine, you need to watch that temper."
"I know, but she deserves for insulting Granny Smith." Apple Shine points out with a sigh.
Mario smiled with an understanding. He, Bright Mac, Big Mac, Applejack, and Buttercup learned of Apple Shine's action which it's understandable and they're proud for her standing up for her grandmother.
"Still, I wonder what Mr. Rich would say to Diamond Tiara?" Comet asks.
"Probably another scolding and getting grounded." Silver Spoon told him, approached him. "And maybe she'll learn to think twice before saying something she'll regret."
"Yeah, I doubt it." Rose Lotus said. "She just won't learn."
"And she'll probably end up repeating the mistake." Comet adds. "No telling what's got in her head."
The young ponies and Mario nodded with an agreement.
"But still, it must be 'cause you and Apple Bloom had something to do with it." Sweetie Belle said, changing the subject when Apple Bloom arrived with a humble smile.
"You betcha." Granny Smith said as she walked up to the group. "Apple Bloom and Apple Shine is two humdinger of a zap apple jammer!"
"We were?" Apple Bloom and Apple Shine said surprisingly, then hugged Granny Smith.
"So, I take it Family Appreciation Day went well?" Applejack asked as she approached her sister, her daughter, and her grandmother.
"Did it?" Apple Bloom said as the three pulled away. "Our Granny Smith is super special. I just forget that a little while."
"Aw, don't fret, I forget things all the time." Granny Smith said. "Now, I'll getcha...er...something. Aw."
While Granny Smith never did figure out what she was trying to remember, Apple Bloom and Apple Shine just gave her a warming hug. Granny Smith may have a quirky way of doing things, but they loved her all the same.
"Who wants to help Granny sing to the water?" Applejack offered.
"We do, we do!" The young ponies, except Comet, Winter Breeze, Rose Lotus, Daylight Savings, Golden Charm, Apple Shine, and Silver Spoon said excitedly before they zipped away.
It wasn't much longer before Granny Smith was back in her bunny suit and hopping around the watering cans.
"A, B, C, D, E, F, G..."
Granny Smith sang as she hopped around with the other young ponies hopping behind her wearing bunny headbands on their heads. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Mario, Comet, Apple Shine, Rose Lotus, Storm Hawk, Winter Breeze, Golden Charm, and Silver Spoon watched them have their fun.
"Diamond Tiara?" The voice of Filthy Rich said sternly as she was then pushed before them, and she was wearing bunny ears on her head.
"But dad!" Diamond Tiara protested as Filthy Rich simply walked up to her and pushed her towards the rest of the group.
Applejack noticed Apple Shine and Mario smirking while the rest of the young ponies laughed hysterically.
"Did you-"
"Surprisingly, I didn't." Mario said. "Diamond Tiara put her own hoof in her mouth by insulting Granny Smith in front of the whole class. Cheerliee and Zane made sure Filthy Rich knew about it."
"Yeah, and I've given him the reason why I gave her a whoopin'. He's not upset, but he's glad that I did." Apple Shine adds, stopped laughing.
"Hey, Tiara, nice ears!" Storm Hawks taunts, laughing.
"Better catch up to them, you silly rabbit!" Comet adds. "Or you won't get a carrot!"
Diamon Tiara just growled angrily, but Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo hopped off her head, making her faceplant the soil and coating her entire face in a wet mud.
Apple Bloom and Applejack just laughed which of course, Diamond Tiara got herself a taste of karma. Today has been a very good day, and delicious, day.
That's it for the 14th chapter.