The Misadventures of Ponified Friends

Chapter 7: Exhausted by Pride (Applebuck Season)


These past few days, I had been doing a lot of research about Equine races here in this world, because there's still this mystery that kept lingering in my mind.

Why did I become a Unicorn? Why did Lemuel become a Pegasus and Hassan an average pony? Or rather, why did we become ponies in the first place?

Ugh, so many questions left unanswered. Is it wrong to be humans here? There are freaking monsters, creatures and even two god-like ponies hanging all over the place so why not?

So at one point in this world's history, all three races: the Earth ponies, Unicorns and Pegasi were separated until they formed an alliance, hence the foundation of Equestria.

Based on what I read, the Earth Ponies are physically stronger than the Pegasi and Unicorns. They possess a wide range of capabilities like featuring their strength while showing little to no fatigue at all and longer stamina.

Huh, I guess that explains why Hassan's an Earth Pony. That man can play a game of basketball for 40 straight minutes, and of course, he is stronger, bigger and taller than Lemuel and I.

And ironically, he was sick and drenched in cold sweat, shivering under his bed covers right now. He rarely gets ill and I wondered what caused him to be so.

"Dude, I got to get to work…" said by a very ill Silver. He tried to get up for the tenth time this day, and his stubbornness was getting on my nerves.

"For the last time, you need to rest!" with my magic, I pushed him back down gently and covered him in the blanket. "You are, most definitely, not going to work in that condition. You need at least a week to recover."

Silver groaned, "That long?"

"Yes. Just to make sure that you're healthy enough to get back out there again."

"But, who's gonna help Applejack in harvesting the apples?"

"I'm sure she and Big Macintosh can handle it, so don't worry. You Earth Ponies are tough!"

Heaving a defeated sigh, Silver lay down gently on the bed and closed his eyes to rest. I reminded myself to make him some soup and buy him medicine later this afternoon.

Now, where was I?

Oh yeah. I'm done with the Earth Pony history, and right next is all about Unicorns. Finally, gonna need to learn about my Equine transformation. I'm surprised Twilight hasn't taught me this yet. So, when Unicorns cast magic, a colored aura forms around the horns and the objects affect-HUH?!

"Wh-why i-is everyth-thi-thing sh-sha-shak-king?!"

"STAMPEDE! EVERY PONY SAVE YOURSELVES!" I heard Lemuel cry outside.

"S-stam-pe-pede?!"

When I was about to look out the window, a certain yellow Pegasus crashed into it, his whole being flat in a cartoonish way like a pancake. Speedy's body slid down the window.

"What the hell's going on out there?" Silver asked, and boy he did not look good. His face turned green, and he looked like he was about to vomit. He just got sick ten times worse with all this shaking.

Acting quickly, I focused on the trash can near the doorway and levitated it next to Silver. Silver promptly grabbed hold of the can and filled it up with his…barf. I heard the window slide open and then came inside a dishevelled looking Speedy.

"If you're planning to go outside, then don't even think about it!" Speedy told me as he crawled towards me dramatically.

"Just get up! You just crashed face-first to a window! I'm glad that it didn't shatter!" I helped him up, "What the hell's going on out there?!"

"A stampede, man! If it gets here, they will totally destroy the whole town!"

"A stampede of what? Bulls? Rhinos? MONSTERS?!" Silver exclaimed, setting down the trash can.

Speedy turned to him, "Neither of those things! And you're not gonna believe it!"

"Then freaking tell us already!"

Speedy took a deep breath. "It's a stampede of COWS!"

I did a double-take, "What did you say?"

"A STAMPEDE of COWS!" He repeated.

"Don't play jokes on us, Lem." Silver said as he glared at the yellow Pegasus in annoyance before coughing. "If only I'm not sick today, you're gonna receive a rabbit punch from me I swear on my mum."

"I'm serious! I couldn't believe it either!"

"How can those cows create an earthquake this strong?" I asked in disbelief. "It's completely unrealistic."

"I'm telling the truth, dude!" Speedy then dragged me by pulling my head to the window that made me yelp in pain and surprise. "Look over the fields towards the direction of Sweet Apples!"

I squinted my eyes, focusing my vision to the direction he was pointing. I haven't seen the stampede of cows yet, but every pony in Ponyville was in panic mode as they ran around all over the place while some locked themselves inside their homes.

The shaking began to grow stronger, and that's when I finally caught sight of the cows, and boy, those are the LARGEST cows I've seen! They might be even bigger than us ponies!

"Damn, you're right."

"I told you!"

I started to trot my way towards the door, "Someone needs their help."

"Wait, are you gonna go out there?!" Speedy asked me in incredulity. "Are you trying to make a death wish!?"

"Then what do you suggest I do?" I shot back.

"We wait for someone to herd them off! Like a cowboy or something!" Speedy looked out the window again.

"Is there even a cowboy here?" I questioned.

"Well, actually…" I heard Silver moaning, clenching the trash can as his face turned into a shade of green. Blegh, the smell was radiating. What did he eat? "We do know a pony who is a cowgirl."

"Applejack?" I wondered.

"Applejack!" Speedy cried happily, "She's already taking care of the stampede!"

"Really?" I rushed right next to him and looked out again. True, the orange mare alongside her dog (I recall that its name is Weenona) were cornering the cows in a straight line, trying to lure the stampede. We saw her lassoing the cow in front and pulled it to the other direction, avoiding the town.

"She did it! Applejack saved Ponyville!" Speedy exclaimed happily as he flew around the room.

"Ugh, great. The shaking finally stopped." Silver said gladly as he brought down the barf-reeking trash can. "Now be a good boy and let me sleep in peace, Lem."

"Don't worry, dude. I'm gonna leave anyway." Speedy informed.

"I'll come along with you. I need to check if everybody's alright." I told him.

"Sure thing. So do you want me to fly you down or are we gonna climb down the stairs together?"

"…I'll take the stairs."

"Are you sure? Flying you down will be much faster, you know."

"Does it really matter?" I sighed, "Fine. But I don't want you to pull off any tricks."

"What is with you guys always thinking that I'm gonna pull off a prank or stir up trouble?" Speedy wondered.

"Bruh, I've known you for five years, and I still have trust issues with you." Silver admitted under his blanket.

"Wow. That hurts right in the kokoro, you know?" Speedy deadpanned.

I rolled my eyes impatiently. "Okay, enough with that and let's get this over with Lem."

"You got it, boss!" He flew up and hovered above me before hooking his hooves around my body. "Now hold on tight!"

So we quickly flew out in a jiffy, and I instructed Speedy to bring me down near Twilight, Rarity and Mayor Mare, who looked like they were having a conversation while Pinkie was yelling Ride 'em cow pony!, galloping around.

As we landed, we quickly trotted towards the group.

"Oh Applejack was just...just…" I heard Mayor Mare tried to come up with praise.

"Apple-tastic!" Pinkie Pie finished, then falling down from her upside-down position in the air. How did she do that? I have no idea. Probably some kind of effect that you could see on the TV screen.

"Exactly!" The Mayor agreed with a smile. "We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town."

"I know!" Pinkie began excitedly.

"A PARTY!" Speedy declared at the same time as Pinkie Pie. "Jinx!"

"Oh, good morning Star Blast," Twilight and the others greeted me. "Did the stampede wake you up?"

"Actually I was awake long before the shaking," I answered. "How's every pony?"

"The citizens of Ponyville are all alright, thank Celestia." The Mayor announced.

"Well, not every pony…" Speedy butted in.

Twilight gave him a questioning look, "What are you saying Speedy?"

"Silver's been puking non-stop up there in the library," He informed, earning some worried and disgusted looks. "Our room's under quarantine, by the way."

I glared at him before facing the others, "He's just having a bad case of the flu." I think…

"That sounds dreadful! Poor Silver." Rarity exclaimed.

"Puking non-stop? A bad case of the flu? We need to bring him to the hospital!" Twilight suggested.

"I think he's just like that because of the commotion earlier. Give him medicine and a few days of rest, he'll be right as rain." I reassured. "That reminds me, do you have any pharmacies around here? He needs medicine, stat."

"Well…I have some herbal teas back at my home. I wouldn't mind bringing them over the library for Silver." Fluttershy offered. "Will those work?"

I smiled at the butter-colored Pegasus, "That'll work perfectly. Thank you, Fluttershy."

She smiled back, "Anything for a friend."

And the day passed by in a flash just like that, and soon, a week. It actually took Pinkie a week to come up with a plan of how the celebration should look like, with the help of Twilight and Rarity. About Hassan's condition, it did take him a week to recover. His sickness was worse than I thought. Twilight was right. We should have brought him to the hospital, but thank God he's okay now thanks to the medicines I bought and some of Fluttershy's medicinal tea.

The day began where every pony was busy decorating the whole place, most especially Town Square. Twilight asked me if I could check the finishing touches while she readied for her speech. So that's why she has those index cards.

"Okay, is everything all set? We all ready?" I rose as I walked.

"Just one last thing!" Rarity picked up the huge banner full of apple designs then tying it up top the Town Hall. "Now we're ready!"

"Okay…" I checked it off in Twilight's checklist. "To make this celebration complete, is Applejack all set?"

"Actually, I haven't seen her all week." Rainbow Dash notified as she landed next to Rarity and me.

"Not since the stampede!" Pinkie added when she joined in.

"Really? That's weird…" I wondered.

"But she'll be here for sure. Applejack is NEVER late!" Rainbow proclaimed. Why do I have a feeling that something's off?

"I hope so."

Every pony in town gathered in front of the podium in Town Hall. Twilight took her place on the stage, arranging her index cards neatly before clearing her throat.

"Welcome every pony! Today, we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small," Twilight flipped to the next index card. "A pony whose contributions to-"

"Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there?!" Rainbow took Twilight's place in the stage. "WHAT an ATHLETE! This week, she's gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know that it's gonna be so AWESOME!"

"EXACTLY!" Twilight regained control as she pushed Rainbow Dash off the stage.

"HAH! FANGIRL ALERT!" I heard Speedy Glee somewhere around the area.

"That man does not waste an opportunity, does he?" Silver said next to me in annoyance. I just bobbed my head and focused back to Twilight's speech. Well, she was about to continue, but someone cut in again. This time though it was Pinkie Pie.

"This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time!" Pinkie announced.

I shook my head in confusion, "What does that have to do with Applejack?"

Pinkie blinked for a moment, "OH! Applejack, one of the best bakers EVER, is gonna help me! Applejack makes everything great so free samples for everypony!" This earned her a huge round of cheers.

"YEAH! FREE DIABETES!" Every pony stopped and glared at Speedy. "…SORRY!"

"Okay…" Twilight trailed. "Now, if I could just make a point without being inter-"

"Twilight?" I saw Fluttershy sprout up in the stage.

"-rupted." She finished in annoyance before letting Fluttershy continue.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack's also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count all the baby bunnies that were born this season. She's gonna help gather them with her wonderful herding skills."

"AWW~!"

"SHUT UP!" Every pony yelled.

"I'M SORRY EVERYPONY! ROCK AND ROLL TO THE WORLD!"

I couldn't help but feel second-hand embarrassment at his immaturity. Then again, he's always like that. Now back to the stage, Twilight gave Fluttershy a look that made her back away slightly. "Anyone?" Twilight looked over the crowd, expecting someone to interrupt again. "No?"

"It's okay now, Twilight. Carry on." I told her.

"Well then, as I was trying to say-" She looked over Mayor Mare, clear anticipation can be seen in her expression. And Twilight finally gave in. "ARGH! Never mind!"

I watched as Twilight stomped her way down the stage heading to my direction, then taking a seat next to Silver and me. Usually, I would just laugh this kind of situation off, but after seeing her disappointed look, I couldn't help but feel sorry. Judging by how thick those index cards were, it was obvious that she really worked hard on those.

Mayor Mare cleared her throat before speaking, "And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the Prize Pony of Ponyville Award," She pointed to the big trophy beside her, "To our beloved guest of honor. A pony with the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend, Applejack!"

We all cheered as the curtains opened. But Applejack was nowhere in sight. The cheers were then replaced by startled gasps.

"Yeah, way to go Applejack! That was aweso-" Spike realized the situation as he stopped and blushed.

Mayor Mare cleared her throat, followed by a moment of silence.

"AWKWARD!~"

Yeah, we know Lem.

"I'm here! I'm here!" We turned our heads to see Applejack finally arriving with two buckets full of apples. The fruits fell down one by one as she bumped into every pony she was passing by. "Sorry, I'm late-whoa. I was just-did I get your tail?"

Now that we could see her up close, she looks…tired for some reason. Those bags under her eyes were a dead giveaway. Even so, she took her place in the stage. "Miss Mare, thank ya kindly for this here, uh, award thingy…" She looked at the trophy as she yawned. "It's so bright and shiny and…heh heh, I sure do look funny…"

Applejack proceeded to play with her reflection sluggishly, with Pinkie joining her. Twilight once again walked up the stage.

"Okay, well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede! And always being there for everypony! " Twilight said happily.

"Yeah…I like helpin' the pony folks and-" Applejack yawned again, "and stuff…"

She closed her eyes for a moment, and we began to hear her snoring. Okay, I think she just fell asleep out of exhaustion. Now, this made me curious.

Applejack suddenly shook herself awake, "Wha?! Oh yeah, uh, thanks!" She grabbed the trophy with her teeth and dragged it down the stage, out of the crowd, until she was out of our sight. Well, that just happened.

"Was it just me, or did Applejack seems a little…?" Twilight began.

"Tired?" said Rainbow Dash.

"Dizzy?" Fluttershy offered.

"Messy?" We all looked at Rarity. "Well, did you see her MANE?"

"She seems fine to me! Woo-woo!" Pinkie concluded.

Twilight was not convinced, and neither was I. I wondered what did Applejack do to be tired like this.

"I've had that look before, and I believe that she's sleep-deprived for some odd reason," I stated my opinion in the matter.

"Then we need to find out what is that reason," Twilight walked over to me. "Any ideas?"

"No clue," I said as I shook my head. I noticed Silver looking troubled from a thought. "Hey, what's your problem?"

"I don't know man, but I feel like I've forgotten something really important from last week…" he responded. "I can't put my finger on it…"

"It'll come eventually. Now let's go and check what Applejack's been doing."


Twilight, Silver and me arrived at the farm to see Applejack's situation. We looked for her inside, and we finally saw her bucking apple trees groggily.

"What on earth is that pony doing?" Twilight asked worriedly. Applejack tried to buck an apple tree, but she hit the bucket full of apples instead, then falling back to sleep momentarily.

"She's definitely tired," I observed. "How long has she been doing this?"

"Oh, shoot! I remember now!" Silver suddenly cried out. "It's the Applebuck Season!"

Twilight and I looked at him, "Apple-what season?"

"Applebuck Season! It's what the Apple's call their harvesting time!"

I suddenly got a gist, "Say, do you guys think she's been doing this all by herself since last week?"

"There's only one way to find out." Twilight walked towards Applejack, who once again, began sleeping. "Hey, Applejack!"

No response.

"Applejack?!"

No movements. Twilight got impatient that she teleported her way next to the sleeping pony.

"Applejack… APPLEJACK!"

"Huh?" Applejack shook her head. "Oh, howdy Twilight."

"What is all this?" Twilight demanded.

"It's Applebuck season," AJ answered as she walked towards to the next apple tree.

"I see…but why are you doing it alone?"

"Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself and Silver Spur didn't show up at all this week."

Oh, she didn't know that he was sick? I guess that's a mistake on my part. Informing her never crossed my mind. And her brother's also injured? Why didn't she tell us?

"What about all those relatives I met when I first came to Ponyville?" Twilight asked as she followed Applejack around. I just realized. Where are those ponies?

"They were just here for the Apple family reunion." Oh yeah, that. "They actually live all over Equestria and busy harvesting their own orchards. So…I'm on my own."

Twilight stood her ground after teleporting in front of Applejack.

"Which means I should REALLY get back to work. Ahem…Hint hint? Get back to work?"

Twilight glared at her for a moment before moving aside, "Fine…"

"Uh…Could you step aside Twilight?"

"I just did. Applejack, you don't look so good."

"Eh? Don't any of you three worry none. I'm just fine and dandy."

Wow, I've never seen anyone this tired before. This is WAY too unhealthy if she keeps this up. Applejack continued her bucking when Twilight finally left her alone.

"Applejack sure is something." She said.

"She really needs some help." I began.

"I'll go and talk to her." Silver began walking towards Applejack. "Hey, AJ."

"What?" She tried to find the source of the voice. "Oh howdy, Silver…Haven't seen you in a while…"

"I'm sorry. I was actually sick this whole week, so I never got the time to come back here."

"Oh, that's mighty awful…" Applejack yawned.

"Good news, I'm well and healthy now! So I'm going to help you harvest the apples from this point on okay?"

"HELP?" Applejack turned to him. "No WAY, no HOW!"

Wait. What?

Silver wore a bewildered look the same as I did. "What are you saying? I work here, remember?"

"Well, you can go home and rest, being sick and all so let me handle the bucking…" Applejack walked away, leaving a stunned stallion. So Applejack likes to help ponies, but she doesn't want ponies to help her? What kind of pride is she carrying?

"But…I just told you that I'm alright. And there's no way that you can buck all the apple trees in an orchard this big!" Silver followed and tried to talk some sense to Applejack. Okay, they're getting too far for our hearing so I guess we should follow them.

"Is THAT a CHALLENGE?!" Applejack glared at Silver face to face.

"I'm not challenging! I'm just saying that you need some help! Look at you! You're all groggy and messy! When was the last time you got a good night's sleep?"

"Is that so? Well, I'm gonna PROVE to you that I can do it!" Applejack declared stubbornly. "Now, if you'll EXCUSE me, I got apples to buck!"

We all watched Applejack walking away; she did not even turn back. Things just got a whole lot worse.

"This will not end well for her…" I heard Twilight mutter. I agreed.

I walked towards my friend who kept staring at Applejack's retreating form. "You all right?"

He sighed. "I think it will take a miracle to change her mind at this stage."

"Let's leave her be and respect her decision at the moment. If worse come to worse, then it's our time to intervene."

"I'm afraid you might say that."


A large crash in the room stirred me awake. I shook off the sleepiness in me before witnessing Silver creeping towards the door.

"Hassan? Why are you up this early?" I asked him, my voice cracking in the early morning.

"I'm sorry, Rob. I just can't stand her doing all the work by herself."

Even at this hour, my mind already knew what he was trying to do, "Wait, are you going to-"

"I'm going to harvest the apples secretly. Wish me good luck that she does not find out about it!" He whispered, trying not to wake Speedy up.

"Alright then, good luck."

"Thanks!" he said one last time before exiting the door.

I looked at the clock that said 4.

…four more hours of sleep then I'm good to start the day.

.

.

.

.

.

Great. Now I can't sleep. Thanks a lot, Hassan.


I never thought that reading in this library's balcony can be so relaxing. I got the books I needed for my lessons and also the History of Equestria book that I've been reading for a while now. I need a break from all the Daring Dos.

I heard someone heading towards the balcony. The door opened, and Twilight stepped out.

"Hey, Star Blast. What are you reading?" She asked.

"Oh, some books I need for research," I answered as I moved over so that she can sit.

"A research for what? A teleportation spell so that you can go back to your world?"

I shook my head. "Nah. Already seen one of those, and I believe that it's WAY past any pony's knowledge and capabilities. Also, the prophecy said that we'll be protectors here in Equestria. I figured that once we finished our destiny, I guess only then that we can go back home."

"True…You must miss your families, huh?"

"We think about them a lot. Hassan and I are actually the only children in our families. My Mom and Dad went out of town for a vacation weeks ago, and I'm guessing they're home by now while Hassan's parents are left back in his home country and he was taken care of by his Aunt. Lemuel, by the way, lives in a jolly household. They're probably devastated at his disappearance, especially his sister, Ezra."

"Ezra? That's a pretty unique name."

"Oh if only you can meet her. She's like the gender-bent version of Speedy." I sighed. "I just wish that we can get our jobs done here sooner. So, what are you asking again?"

"I asked, what are you reading?"

"Oh! Equestrian History, specifically the races of ponies. I'm trying to find out why I turned into a Unicorn other than another type of pony."

"Hmm…That's interesting. By the way, your kind is called 'humans', right? I'm still amazed that you were able to evolve your world without the use of magic. It's hard for me to imagine that you were once primates."

I nodded. "It's either evolution or a certain God created us. And all we needed was intelligence, creativity, hard work and determination to modernize our technology. So anyway, I think the reaso-" wait, I hear a distinct scream, and it's nearing…

I was cut off mid-sentence when I heard a loud crash behind me. I turned around and saw Rainbow Dash hanging limply in the railing.

"Uh…Can we help you?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow lifted her head, "I think somepony else needs your help…"

"Applejack?"

"Yup," Rainbow said lastly before closing her eyes. I think she's knocked out. I took her off the railing with my magic as I placed her gently next to us.

"What the heck did Applejack do to make Rainbow Dash disoriented?" I wondered.

"Back at the celebration yesterday, Rainbow Dash mentioned that Applejack's helping her out in her stunts," Twilight answered before she stood up. "I'm guessing that Applejack had made a mistake and this was the result."

"Sheesh. Then someone really needs to stop her."

"Let's pay her another visit in Sweet Apple Acres…"

And so, we walked out.

As we tried to find Applejack, we noticed Silver Spur hiding behind a tree, observing something. I whistled to grab his attention, but when he turned, he shushed us down.

"Don't be so loud! She might hear you!" He whispered harshly.

"Who?" Twilight asked.

Silver beckoned us to join him. We did, and the one he was observing was none other than Applejack. She bucked an apple tree, and when she picked up an apple with her teeth, she accidentally hit herself in the back of her head by a branch that got her stunned.

"Okay, she has gone far enough." Twilight stomped her way towards Applejack. "Applejack, can we talk?"

Applejack flipped her ear repeatedly and squinted. "CAN BEES SQUAWK? I DON'T THINK SO!"

Great, now she can't even hear properly. And the way her head had hit the branch just added her suffering.

"No, can we TALK?" Twilight repeated.

"TWENTY STALKS? BEAN OR CELERY?"

"NO! I NEED to TALK to YOU!"

"YOU NEED TO WALK TO THE ZOO? WELL WHO'S STOPPING YOU?"

"Oh, this is getting ridiculous!" Silver gave in as he unveiled himself. "SHE SAID SHE NEEDS TO TALK TO YOU!"

I winced at how loud his voice was. Man, my eardrums are ringing.

"OH! THEN WHY DIDN'T SHE SAY SO?" she faced Twilight. "WHAT YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT?"

"Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today!" Twilight informed loudly.

"THAT'S QUITE NEIGHBORLY OF HER!"

"Yes! Except that she crashed onto my balcony after you launched her into the air!"

"Wait, Applejack launched her into the air?" Silver asked me.

I just shrugged, "They were doing some stunts, and Applejack helped out in that condition."

"Oh…Is Rainbow Dash alright?"

"She's unconscious, but she will be."

"Oh yeah…" I heard Applejack before facing down, her tone finally soft. "I wasn't feeling quite myself this morning."

"Because you're working too hard, and you NEED HELP!"

"WHAT? KELP? I don't eat kelp! I don't even like seaweed!"

"HELP! YOU NEED HELP!" Twilight stressed.

"Nothin' doin' Twilight! I'm gonna prove to you, to EVERYPONY, that I can do this on my own!" she was hit by the tree branch again, making her a complete daze. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go help Pinkie Pie!"

Twilight groaned in frustration as she watched Applejack trot away. Silver and I walked to her.

"Well, you did your best Twilight," I told her. "We should go home and try again sometime."

"But…I can't rest until I know she stops working."

"I can try and talk it out with her the next time we see her, so don't worry. For now, let's just leave her be."

Twilight hesitated for a moment before sighing, "Fine…"

Twilight and I walked back to the library while Silver continued to buck apple trees, taking advantage of Applejack's disappearance.

As we passed by Sugarcube Corner, I suddenly smelled something spoiled.

Oh-Oh my god, what is this STENCH?! I quickly blocked my nose and I urged to go far away from here as possible.

"What is Pinkie Pie baking in Sugarcube?" Twilight asked in disgust.

I already knew that Applejack had done something again, but before I could tell Twilight my gist, Spike came running in full panic.

"TWILIGHT! BLAST!"

"What! What is it?!" Twilight looked flustered.

"Come quick! A bunch of ponies suddenly got sick and were rushed in the clinic!"

We quickly raced down towards a tent where we saw a nurse pony waiting.

"We came as soon as we heard!" Twilight said to the nurse. I could already hear a bunch of ponies moaning in pain from inside.

"Thank you, Twilight. We need all the help we can get." The nurse opened the curtains, revealing the patients groaning, moaning and vomiting in buckets with green faces.

"What happened?" I asked the nurse.

"It was a mishap on some of the baked goods." The nurse pony answered.

"Not baked goods…baked BADS." Pinkie's voice suddenly cut in. I looked at her, and she suddenly started vomiting.

Twilight grimaced, afterward her face became stern. "Applejack!"

"May I see a sample?" I requested while wincing.

"Oh, uh…It's around here somewhere…" The nurse tried looking for it.

I heard munching noises beside me, and Spike was eating a very suspicious-looking muffin.

"Uh…Spike?" I called for him.

He turned to me. "Yeah?"

"Can I have that muffin for a moment?"

"Sure!" He handed me another muffin. "You want one?"

I smiled awkwardly as I shook my head. "No thank you."

I observed the thing intently, and I found out that it had no proper ingredients for a muffin. It smells so sour, and the inside was so mushy and green. A worm suddenly popped out.

This isn't a muffin.

This is…death.

"Twilight, tend to these ponies for a while. I'm gonna go back to Applejack's and end this madness." I informed her as I got ready.

She nodded. "Good luck."

But before I could depart, I heard someone calling my name. This voice…Lemuel?!

"Dude…" I looked for him inside, and I saw him reaching out his hoof towards me. I walked up to him.

"You ate one of the muffins?" I asked him.

He nodded. "I was just having a break…what did I do to deserve this…?"

"You'll be fine. Try vomiting so that the muffin will be out of your system…"

He shook his head, vigorously. "I don't wanna! I never puked in my whole life!"

"Come on, man. Don't be ridiculous!"

"But I don't wanna!"

I hummed. "Hey Speedy…"

He raised a brow, and in a flash, I hoofed him in his solar plexus. His eyes almost popped out of its sockets, and he blocked his mouth with a hoof.

"I'm sorry if I have to do that, but I need to leave like, right now." I apologized to him before rushing out. Next stop: Sweet Apple Acres.


I shook my head when I saw Applejack sleeping while she was upside down and attached to a cart. It looked like she was loading up the huge bucket.

"Applejack, we need to talk." I declared that it made her awake.

"WHA-HUH? Oh, it's you Blast." She yawned. "I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still NO."

"Not to upset your applecart, no pun intended, but YOU need help!"

"Hardy har," she struggled to get back on track. "and NO I DON'T!"

I groaned, "Just look at the situation you're in! You clearly need help!"

"Help? No, THANKS!"

Okay, her stubbornness is starting to tick me off. I heaved a sigh as I watched Applejack struggle her way out of the applecart, and she managed to do so.

"I'll prove…that THIS Apple…can handle THESE apples!"

I face hoofed.

"Come on, apples! Fall off!"

"AJ, that tree is DEAD."

She looked up and noticed. "I-I knew that." She began to walk away.

"How long do you think you can keep this up? Your body will give in eventually!" I quickly followed her. "AJ, I have something else to talk to you about. I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care, and the ponies that ate the muffins you baked were-"

"You know what, Star Blast? I'm a little busy to get lectured right now…"

"But if you just let us, your friends, help-"

"Ugh! No, no, NO! How many times do I got to say it?! I don't need no help from NOPONY!"

"That girl's as stubborn as a freaking mule…" I muttered.

I heard, the sound of a donkey behind me.

"Oh, uh I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"

"Don't worry. No offense taken."


As I walked through town, I kept trying to remember what the other ponies had said in the celebration yesterday. Rainbow Dash's stunts, didn't work out. Helping Pinkie Pie in baking almost caused an epidemic. What did Fluttershy say? Something about a bunny census…

The ground began to shake violently. What the heck's going on now?

"STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash cried.

Every pony ran around the town as they looked for shelter. I looked towards the same field that the cows came upon. What is it this time?

Wait, RABBITS?!

When the stampede settled, I saw three mares lying on the ground. I noticed Twilight trotting towards their direction.

"The horror! The horror!" one of the ponies cried out dramatically.

"It was AWFUL!"

"A disaster, a horrible, horrible disaster!"

"I don't get it…" Twilight said in confusion.

"Our gardens, DESTROYED!"

"Every last flower devoured!"

"By…by…THEM!"

She pointed to the cute rabbits happily devouring a garden.

"Oh my! Please stop little bunnies! Oh no! Please, let's go home! Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy tried to persuade the little critters, but the bunnies continued to eat.

"Alright, enough is enough!" Twilight finally placed her hoof down.

I decided to walk towards her, and she noticed me. "Let me guess: She didn't listen again?"

I nodded, "Yup."


I sure hope that this IS the last time. Applejack's on top of a hill, bucking a tree while she was gasping for air. Even though she was fatigued, she could still manage to kick the tree with enough force so that the apples would fall.

"Must…keep…bucking…just…a few…more…must finish…harvesting…"

"Alright, Applejack. Your apple-bucking hasn't just caused you problems; it's over-propelled a Pegasus, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of bouncing baby bunnies! We don't care what you say. You. Need. Help."

AJ continued to buck the apple tree. Alright, I was gonna help her out, but when she gave one last kick, all the apples in the tree fell in her basket.

She chuckled triumphantly, "No, I don't! Look, I did it! I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help! How d'ya like them apples?!"

I don't even know if I'm going to be impressed or angered. She did all of this all by herself? Impressive. While she also worked all by herself and multi-tasked to help others? It depends, but mostly, angered because you know…multiple injuries…and destruction of property…

I looked over her to get a better view of her accomplishment, and what I saw made my eyes wide. Shall I say it?

"Uh…how do you like THEM apples?" I pointed to the other half of the orchard, where apple trees are waiting to be harvested.

"Huh? Where'd all the apple…" She mumbled, and she passed out.

Twilight and I trotted towards her. "Applejack. Applejack." Twilight tried waking her up.

"Huh?" Applejack replied.

"Oh, good, you're okay," Twilight said in relief.

Now, before this stubborn pony can say anything and continue her bucking, I'm gonna give her some talking. I'm too concerned for her to continue this. "Applejack? Look, we completely respect your ways of helping any pony in need. But how about you let your friends return the favor and hide your stubborn pride for a while? Your body can't take any more form of distress." Twilight nodded in agreement.

AJ looked away for a moment before closing her eyes, "Okay, Blast…"

Oh my god, finally she gave up. "Hm? Come again?" I pretended not to hear.

"I said yes. Yes, please? I could really use some help…" Applejack begged.

Twilight laughed before sighing in relief, "I'm gonna go and get the others."

I nodded, and she began galloping away. I lifted Applejack up gently and walked her towards her home.

"Thank you plenty, Star Blast…I'm sorry I acted so stubbornly…"

"Nah, it's alright. We're just glad you're okay."

She smiled weakly, "Looks like I won't be bucking any apple trees any time soon."

"True. I guess you can rely on us now to take care of the rest?"

She nodded, "I will. I'll leave the rest to ya."

We finally arrived at her home, and I walked her in silently so that Granny wouldn't be disturbed from her sleep. I helped her sit down gently on her couch.

"Okay, before I go, is there anything you'd like? A glass of water perhaps?" I offered.

"I'm okay, thanks for asking though."

I started to hear noises outside. "Wow, they're already here. See you later, AJ. Take care."

She waved back as I bid farewell. I headed towards Twilight and the other mares.

"Where's Applejack, Star Blast?" Twilight asked.

"I already took her inside. She's resting for now." I changed the tone of my face to a determined mood. "Okay, how about we wrap this all up by day's end?"

And so we worked throughout the afternoon. We harvested the apples in our own way, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie doing the classic bucking, Fluttershy and Rarity picking the apples more delicately, and Twilight used her magic to pick out the apples in dozens of trees. Well, I should mimic what she's doing then. I reminded myself not to overdo my magical capability.

I heard galloping heading towards my direction. I turned around and saw Silver with a panicked look for some reason.

"Rob! What are you doing?! Applejack's gonna kill you if she finds out that you're helping her out!"

I smirked, and I tried not to laugh, "You didn't know? Applejack already gave us her blessing to help out."

"Really?" He stopped and calmed down. "Oh yes, I can finally come out of hiding now."

"Let's go and help others now then."

We all continued to work together until the sun began setting down. We already took care of the quarter left in the acres. We gathered the apple bunch in a certain area of the farm.

"Hey! How about ya'll take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waiting for ya!" We heard Applejack announce, pushing along a cart full of bottled juice. We now grouped near her to quench our thirst.

"I can't thank you all enough for this help. I was acting…a bit stubborn." She said meekly.

"A BIT?"

"Okay, a MIGHTY stubborn. And I'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony Award, but the real award is having you all as my friends."

"Oh stop it you, you're making us blush." The girls laughed at what I just rambled out while Silver just looked at me funny. "Hey, Lemuel's not here, so someone's got to take over."

Wait…If Pinkie's already recovered, where the heck is he?

"Phew! That apple-bucking sure made me hungry!" Rainbow Dash announced after she took a sip of apple juice.

Spike walked over, bringing a bunch of those nasty muffins. "And I've got the perfect treat!"

"Eww! Spike, I threw all those away!" Pinkie scooted away. "Where did you get them?"

"From the trash!"

We all groaned in disgust. "EW~!"

"Just a little nibble? Come ON~!" Spike tried to persuade, but we all walked as far away from him as possible.

"No thanks, Spike. How about we all eat some REAL treats back at home?" We all cried happily at AJ's invitation.

Once our hunger was settled, we all parted ways when it was finally night time. When we arrived back at the library, Twilight ordered Spike to bring out his writing utensils so that she can send a letter to Princess Celestia.

"Dear Princess Celestia, my friend, Applejack, is the best friend a pony could ever have. She's always there to help any pony, but the trouble is when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it. So while friendship is all about giving out ourselves to friends, it's also accepting what our friends have to offer. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

Spike sent the letter with his flame and walked up at their room.

"Looks like another friendship lesson is done?" I said to Twilight.

"Yup! And I can't wait for the next one."

I yawned, "I think I'm gonna hit the bed early. This day took all the energy from me."

She chuckled before yawning herself, "I guess I should rest too. Good night, Blast."

"G'night, Twilight."

Before I could walk in the stairs, a random scream startled both I and Twilight. We looked at each other before running towards the source. It was from our room.

We checked what was happening inside, and saw Silver laughing madly on the ground. I noticed that Speedy was violently shaking, hiding under his bed. He was in the library all afternoon?

"What the heck happened here?" I demanded.

Silver tried to stand up with a struggle, still giggling madly. "I just offered him some muffins that Applejack baked! And he's scared for some reason! Oh my god, dude~! His face was PRICELESS!"

"SHUT THE HELL UP! AND I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER MUFFIN EVER AGAIN!" Speedy cried.

I'm too tired to express my reaction to this situation. I just sighed.


Author's Note!

Wow, I never thought that I would be gone for what, 2 weeks?

Okay, I'm saying in advance that the next update might take a while. I need to handle all school works within the next week. I like to work in the last minute because the pressure just pumps me up XD

Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter!

As always, Fav it! Follow it! Review and tell me what you think! (Don't hesitate! I won't bite!) – Super Bright Brat


DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING EXCEPT THE THREE OC'S!