As the dawn rises over Ponyville or more to the point, in Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack and Big Mac were overlooking a massive orchard.
"Boy howdy! I got my work cut out for me. That's the biggest bump crop' o apples I ever had laid my eyes on," Applejack, seeing the trees.
"Eeypup, too big for you to handle on your own." Big Mac said to her.
"Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. I haven't met an apple orchard yet that I can't handle. I'll take a bite out of this job by day's end."
"And that's what I'm afraid of."
"Are you sayin' my mouth is making promises my legs can't keep?"
"Eeypup?"
"Why of all the apples... This is your sister Applejack, remember? The most loyalist and dependable pony of all ponies."
"But still only one pony, one pony plus a hundred o' apple trees just add up..."
"I don't need you fancy math to mud the issue! I said I could handle the harvest and I'm gonna prove it by doing all by myself."
20 minutes later...
"Well I better get to it," Applejack said. "These apples aren't gonna shake themselves outta the trees."
Then the ground began to rumble, an apple fell off and bonked her on the head.
"What the... Oh, buck..."
In Ponyville... Rainbow Dash was searching for the source of the rumbling. She spots the source from a distance: A herd of mooing cows... Heading straight for Ponyville!"
"STAMPEDE!" She shouted.
Ponies were panicking and running around town trying to get inside before the Stampede would hit. Except Pinkie, who was enjoying the rumbling and how her voice sounded.
“Hey! This makes my voice sound silly!” Pinkie said as her voice vibrated with the shaking ground.
“Pinkie, are you crazy?! Run!” Twilight exclaimed as she ran off.
“Everypony calm down. There’s no need to panic.” Mayor Mare said, trying to calm down the panic. Rarity ran over to the Mayor.
“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked.
“Look!” Sunset pointed out.
Among the cows, Applejack and her dog, Winona, charged beside the stampeding herd.
"YEEHAW!" Applejack exclaimed.
The ponies stopped running about the moment and heard the cow pony. They give out some cheers.
"Move aside, Winona!" Applejack called out. Put' em, girl!"
Winona barked excitedly, as she ran alongside Applejack. Rarity just moaned as she and a few others watched her in action.
"This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen!" Pinkie said while eating some popcorn.
"Sure, it is," Sunset said as Twilight rolled her eyes.
Applejack continued to keep pace with the runaway cows. She gives one cow a bit a shoulder bump, trying to coarse the cow to move, but it does nothing.
"Come on little doggies! Turn!" Applejack called out then whistled to Winnoa.
"Winona, put' em up!"
The dog barked while giving a light nudge from the other side of the stampede.
"Gotcha!"
As Applejack tried to redirect the cows, Winona gave another bark to aid her. The cows were only yards away from the bridge of Ponyville when both Applejack and Winnona successfully got the cows to turn to the side. The herd rushes toward the other side of the river, away from the Ponyville Town Square.
"Attagirl! Yeehaw!"
Once the cows start to slow down, Applejack manages to get ahead of the herd then she halts them to stop.
"Hooie! Now what was that all about?"
One cow, named Daisy Jo, moos in response... before she coughs to clear her throat.
"Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack. But Moo-Ariella here saw one of those nasty snakes..."
The other cows made startled expressions in agreement.
"...And it gave us all the wiles, don't cha know."
"I understand," Applejack nodded. "Just next, try and steer clear of Ponyville."
"We certainly will, Applejack," Dasiy Jo answered. "So, long, Winona!"
The dog barked in reply. And as the cows made their way back towards the farm, all the ponies watching contiuned to cheer e, chanting Applejack's name.
"Yee Haw!" the cow pony did a pose.
"Yee Haw!" Pinkie added a mimic of her. "Applejack was just.... Appletastic!"
"Exactly," Mayor Mare replied. "We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town."
"I know," Pinkie said.
"3, 2, 1...." Sunset said.
"A party!"
In only a few minutes, all the ponies of Ponyville had town squares loaded with decorations, balloons, and party streamers of all kinds. It wasn't long before Twilight, Sunset, Spike, and Spike arrived, just as Rarity tied a nice red bow onto a tree.
"We all ready?" Twilight asked.
"Just one last thing," Rarity placed a gold banner above the stage. "Now we're ready."
"Is Applejack all set?"
"I haven't seen her all weak," Rainbow said, landing near the two.
"Not since the stampede," Pinkie hopped to the others.
"But she'll be here for sure. Applejack is never late."
“Maybe, I should go get her,” Sunset said.
"Oh, would you please darling?" Rarity asked sweetly.
“I will,” Sunset trotted off.
"Please do," Twilight nodded.
Before long, Chase Young trots off toward the outskirts of town to Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight Sparkle looks on.
Later that day, all the town ponies gathered around the stage, just as Twilight Sparkle made her way toward the
podium. She carries a large stage of messily stacked note cards for the occasion. Once she arrives, she uses 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 we can always count on to help in
matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to—"
All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash flies right in front of Twilight, causing her note cards to scatter about.
“Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there?" Rainbow 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 aside. "And..."
"This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time," Pinkie jumped in, right in front of Twilight.
"What does that have to do with Applejack?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me," Pinkie answered. "Applejack makes everything great,
so free samples for everypony.
The other ponies cheered until Twilight shoved Pinkie off the stage.
"Oh-kay, that's great," Twilight remarked. "Now if I could just make a point without being inter—"
"Twilight?" A familiar yellow Pegasus said, appearing from the left side of the podium.
interrupted!" 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 the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She's going to
help gather them using her wonderful herding skills."
‘Twilight just rolled her eyes, her patience thinning. She gives Fluttershy one dirty glare before the Pegasus slowly
removes herself from the podium.
"Anypony else?" Twilight asked, irritated. "Anyone? No?"
No pony dared make 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 Twilight had to wrap the speech up. The timing pushed
Twilight's patience to the limit.
“URGH! Never mind!" Twilight barked.
Twilight Sparkle stomped away angrily, letting her 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 of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!"
Soon, there was nothing but silence 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..."
All of Ponyville turned after hearing the familiar country voice, followed by a yawn and a sigh. There was Applejack,
carrying some baskets overloaded with apples, some of them falling to the ground as she made her way through the
crowds. Her eyes were so drowsy, there were bags under them. From behind, Sunset Shimmer quietly approached his friends without saying a word as she was very 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-000!"
Applejack began leaning back and forth at her reflection with a woozy smirk on her face. Pinkie Pie even joined her.
"Woo-000/000-000!" They chanted together.
"Okay," Twilight said nervously, reaching the stage. "Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that 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 proposed.
"Messy?" Rarity added as her friends gave her funny looks.
"She seemed fine to me," Pinkie said. "Woo! Woo! Wo—
Sunset did a magic blast at Pinkie which she ducked.
“Pinkie would kill you to take a chill pill,” Sunset sternly to her making Pinkie giggle a bit.
“Uh, Sunset, is everything okay, you seem a little ticked?” Twilight asked her.
"Well, I found Applejack working in the orchards," Sunset explained. "She seemed pretty worn out, so much I had to
tell her 'Twice’ about the party to get her to stop working. So, she followed me, though I saw she was walking very
slowly. I tried to offer some help, being a good friend and all... Then she yelled at my face.”
"What?!" Twilight retorted in surprise.
"That's what I was thinking! She just exploded at me, telling me to leave her alone and insisted she'd get there herself.
“I stuck around, only for her to yell at me again, telling me to leave! So, I figured I'd just linger back and give her some
breathing room. And I thought I had anger issues.”
It wasn’t too long as both unicorns 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 more apple trees.
"Phew!" She 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 air.
"O-oah!"
Applejack stumbled before trying to recompose herself. Twilight and Chase were not too far away when they saw her
working.
"What in Equestria is that pony doing?" Twilight asked herself.
“Apple harvesting, duh,” Sunset replied.
“I meant that!" Twilight retorted.
Sure enough Applejack mumbled to herself, as she kicked an apple basket over.
"Whoops," Applejack remarked, cleaning the mess.
"Point made," Sunset nodded. "Come on, then."
Sunset and Twilight made their way towards their country-pony friend.
"Hey Applejack!" Twilight called out.
But by then, Applejack had fallen asleep while standing up... again.
"Applejack!" Sunset called out, a tad louder.
The orange pony continued to snore.
"Applejack!" Twilight called out.
Sunset taps Twilight on the shoulder and silently gestures a count. At three hoof waves, they shout together:
"APPLEJACK!"
The orange pony awoke with a start, noticing the two friends standing nearby.
"Oh, howdy, Twilight," She greeted, trying to sound normal. "Howdy, Sunset.”
“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 and Sunset used their horns to teleport towards her. By now, they could handle short distances without getting
too dizzy.
“Applewhat season?" Twilight asked.
"Neh!" Applejack answered, not bothering to correct her. "It's what the Apple family calls harvestin' time. We gather all
the apples from the trees so we can sell 'em."
Applejack ventured forward, as Sunset and Twilight teleported back in front of her once more.
"But why are you doing it all alone?" Twilight asked worriedly.
“Cause Big MacIntosh hurt himself," Applejack replied.
"How did he?" Sunset began to ask.
"Ya don't wanna know," Applejack answered bluntly.
"What about all those relatives we've met when we first came to Ponyville?" Twilight wondered.
"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 Twilight and Sunset refused to move, as if they were still trying to process the situation.
"Ahem!" Applejack cleared her throat. "Hint, hint? Get back to work?"
Sunset and Twilight just glared.
"Fine," They answered, with a snooty demeanor.
The two 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, please?" She 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 Sunset 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.
"I agree with Twilight on this one," Sunset nodded.
"Is that a challenge?" Applejack demanded, getting in their faces.
Suffice to say, Twilight Sparkle felt a little nervous.
“Uhm... no," Twilight said timidly.
“Well, I'm gonna prove to you both that I can do it!" Applejack snapped. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to
buck."
Sunset and Twilight just watched her walk away in a huff.
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 exclaimed impatiently.
"I'm a mite sorry, Rainbow," Applejack yawned. "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 this contraption?" Rainbow pointed out.
Just a few yards away, a tall platform with a teeter-totter like mechanism nearby stood before them.
"Uh... Yeah?" Applejack answered.
Rainbow began to explain the plan, mentally drawing she wanted Applejack to do.
“Well, I'm gonna stand on one end, then you're gonna jump down from that platform, launching me into the air faster
than I can take off on my own. Once I'm in the air, I'm gonna do some amazing flips and spins that are sure to impress
the Wonderbolts.”
"Isn't that a mite dangerous?" Applejack asked, not fully comprehending the plan.
"Pfft, heh, not for a pony who can fly," Rainbow said, confidently.
Rainbow zooms about the sky, while Applejack just smiled.
"Well, all right-y 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 her lack of sleep or a sudden case of vertigo, Applejack had trouble focusing onher landing point. Rainbow just sat quietly on her end of the teeter-totter.
"Oh my...
"Ready?" Rainbow 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 said slowly. "You're supposed to land on the other end."
At that same time, Sunset was taking a stroll to clear her mind It was then he noticed Rainbow 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 pony noticed his presence.
"Got it," Applejack said, trying again.
Each time, Applejack missed the platform. First landing on her stomach, then her flank, and even on her head. And
each time, Chase just looked unamused watching her miss. Poor Rainbow was losing her patience.
“Applejack, what the hay is going on?" Rainbow demanded. "I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville's best
athlete!"
Applejack shook her head, trying to recompose herself. Sunset was just shaking his head indignantly while she also
groaned in annoyance in the distance before walking away and pretended she 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 teeter-totter and sat squarely on it.
“Ta dal"
Rainbow 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's end to slap back down to the ground.
"Ugh!" Rainbow 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 only then did Rainbow realized what she was gonna do.
“Wait...!"
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; Applejack proceeds to head back to the orchard.
‘A few seconds later, while Twilight was enjoying a book from her bedroom balcony and Sunset just arrived a few
minutes ago, they heard a scream and saw Rainbow Dash hurling toward the front railing.
"Can we help you?" Twilight asked plainly.
"I think somepony else needs your help," Rainbow replied wearily.
"Applejack?" Twilight replied.
"Yep," Rainbow said, lowering her head.
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!" She exclaimed.
Applejack rubs the back of her head when Twilight just arrived.
"Applejack, can we talk?" She asked
Apparently, the impact did a number on Applejack's hearing. For she was having a difficult 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 talk 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?" Applejack said, denying her hearing problems. "What you wanna talk about?"
"Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today."
"That's quite neighborly of her."
"Yes, except that she crashed onto my balcony after you launched them into the air!" Twilight said indignantly.
Applejack just blinked 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 forehead first into that same low branch.
"Ow!" She exclaimed, looking dazed. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta help Pinkie Pie.”
"Ugh!" was all Twilight could say, as Applejack wobbled away. But seeing as she couldn't get through to her, Twilight
decided to head back to the library.
A short time later, Saffron Cake, the wife of Carrot Cake and co-proprietor of the sweetest and most delicious bakery in
Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, was double-checking things with their assistant/apprentice, 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 the pink pony's randomness often times made ponies question if she
could handle serious responsibility. Pinkie didn't seem to mind these opinions, as she was ready to prove herself.
“Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake," Pinkie 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 then made her way out of the shop once all was settled. Applejack still shook her head trying to stay away
when Pinkie grabbed for her.
"Stop with the shakin’," Pinkie 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.
"All right-y," Pinkie said. "I'll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?"
Poor Applejack was still zoning out, and still having hearing trouble as much as she tried to deny it.
“Eh, uh, whu, what was that?" Applejack asked.
"Chocolate chips," Pinkie repeated.
"Chips... got it!" Applejack replied, grabbing a bag off the shelf. "Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie. What
next?"
"Baking soda," Pinkie 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."
"A cup 0! sour? Well, lemons are sure sour. One cup o sour, comin' up. Anything else, Pinkie?"
"One last thing. Wheat germ.”
"Wheat worms?" Applejack repeated, making a face. "Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms."
Applejack went outside and dig up some earthworms to dump in the bowl with all the other ingredients. Pinkie by this
time just dumped the sugar and eggs without looking at the bowl.
"Now that’s gonna be delicious," Pinkie said excitedly.
"If you say so," Applejack said.
Either Applejack trusted Pinkie's judgment or Pinkie put too much trust in Applejack. In any case, had any pony
actually saw what's inside the bowl, they'd be noticing 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 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 didn't bother to double check the batter
was the cause, no one knows but the consequences would be disastrous. One pony obliviously walked into the scene; Sunset was strolling through town just passing through when a whiff of the muffins brushed along her muzzle.
"Hey, what's that smell?" She asked.
Then Pinkie zipped right beside her with two muffins.
“HIYA, Sunset!" Pinkie greeted cheerfully. "Here, have a muffin!"
"Oh, uh. Thanks, Pinkie. But I'm not hungry right now,” Sunset looked repulsed from the muffins creepy look.
“Aren't they delicious?" Pinkie asked, biting the other muffin. "Just baked them fresh out of the oven. Applejack was
more than nice enough to help me out, even though she's been acting funny.” She walked away.
"Oh yeah, Applejack is really... Applejack?" Sunset's eyes widened the moment that name came up. Slowly, he sees a worm sticking out of one of the muffins. “Oh, buck...”
It wasn't long before Sunset, Twilight, and Spike arrived at what appeared to be a temporary hospital.
"We came as soon as we heard," Twilight said.
"Oh, thank you, Twilight and Sunset." A white pony named Nurse Redheart said. "We need all the help we can get."
Twilight Sparkle gasped as the sight of dozens of ponies, looking very sick and moaning, caught her attention. Everypony's faces were all green, even Pinkie Pie's. Spike took a muffin and began to sniff it out.
“What happened?" Twilight asked.
"It's a long story, I'm hoping it's not contagious," Sunset answered worriedly.
"It was a mishap with some baked goods." Nurse Redheart said.
"Want one?" Spike asked as he ate one.
“Okay, I’m going to have chat with her,” Sunset said.
Speaking of which, Applejack was already back at the farm. She was so exhausted to even get all the apples into the
baskets and was using a single cart to carry them all. She continues to grunt and snore as she tried to keep herself
from falling asleep. Then she reached for a larger basket to dump her apples into it, only to end up tilting the kart too
far back and ended up stuck in the harness... Upside down... And now asleep. That was when Sunset arrived
“Applejack, we need to talk," Sunset said.
“What? Huh?"
Applejack was startled when she noticed the pair, all while she was still upside down.
“Oh, it's you Sunset hi, Ray." Applejack yawned. I know what you two are gonna say, but the answer is still no."
"Not to upset your apple cart," Sunset said. "But you need help."
"Hardy har!" Applejack groaned. "And no, I don't."
“Here, let me help," Sunset offered.
"Help? No thanks," Applejack rebutted.
With a groan, Applejack tried to get herself and the cart upright.
“A little more... Little... There..."
Sunset just groaned, even though Applejack did succeed in getting herself upright.
"I’ll prove that this here apple can handle these apples. Come on... apples... fall off!"
Applejack grunted and bucked, she used one and eventually both hind legs trying to buck the apples off the tree.
"A.J, you're beating a dead... tree," Sunset pointed out.
Applejack turned and found that not only was the tree fruitless, but only a few leaves had fallen off.
"I knew that," Applejack said plainly.
As the cowgirl walked away, Sunset followed close behind with Blaze.
"Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about," Sunset spoke. “Twilight and I just came back from
Urgent Care—"
"You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now!" Applejack said.
By now, the poor girl was losing her patience and was unwilling to admit she messed up... yet again.
"Too busy to even know that ponies are lying in bed and puking carrots in buckets?!" Sunset asked, angrily. “Let us help-"
“Urgh! No, no, NO!" Applejack retorted angrily. "How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from nopony!"
“Okay, you want to prove no pony need help! Then I prove it!” Sunset told her.
"Is that a challenge?!" Applejack demanded getting into her face.
"Yes!" Sunset said, roughly pushing her back. "This afternoon you and I, up that hill for a little mortal combat match!"
He pointed at a hill with a few apple trees with apples on them.
"Fine!" Angrily, Applejack stomped away leaving her.
“Buck! She’s stubborn than a bull charging at a red blanket!” Sunset shouted, which ironcally across from her was a bull with red scarf. “I’m so sorry.”
“None taken.”
Later, Applejack was with Fluttershy in an area just outside Ponyville. This particular spot was loaded to the brim with
bunnies of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Fluttershy said happily. "Thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit roundup.”
"Ugh!" Applejack groaned, irritated. "Why are we doin’ this?"
"Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born," Fluttershy explained. "So it's my job to get a count of all the new
families."
"Fine!" Applejack snapped. "Can we just get on with it?"
"Certainly," Fluttershy replied, oblivious to Applejack's sour mood. "But remember, these are bunnies we're dealing
with, not cows. They're a timid bunch and need to be treated gently.”
"I do NOT need any direction on corallin' critters," Applejack snapped. "Right, Winona?”
Her faithful dog barked excitedly.
"Okay, little bunnies!" Fluttershy called out. "I need you to all gather here in the middle."
All of a sudden, Applejack charged forward and began rounding them up her own way, completely ignoring Fluttershy's
advice.
"That's right! Let's go, bunnies. In the center. Hop to it."
Obviously, Applejack's way wasn't very effective. In fact, some of the bunnies ran away from her.
"Swell. Just swell. Put em up, Winona!"
Winona barked on command, as they chased the bunnies about.
"Applejack! Winona! Stop!" Fluttershy cried out. "You're scaring them!"
"We know what we're doin’," Applejack retorted. "Get along, little bunnies."
After some effort, Applejack and Winona were able to successfully gather the bunnies into the middle area that
Fluttershy wanted. Unfortunately, the poor bunnies were trembling and terrified. A worried Fluttershy knew what would
happen next.
"Oh no," Fluttershy said softly.
And it wasn't long before the bunnies were overwhelmed, as they charged between Applejack and Winona towards
Ponyville.
Once again, another earthquake-like rumble was heard and felt by the man ponies in town. Rainbow Dash took to the
air and began surveying the land. She soon saw the smoke cloud approaching.
"STAMPEDE!" She called out.
Unlike last time, while all the ponies locked their doors and shut the windows, there was no stopping the bunnies from
charging over the bridge and into the town.
All the other ponies were screaming, desperately seeking some place to hide. One pony, Lily Valley by name, saw the
bunnies hopping madly toward her. She was so frightened, the poor mare passed out on the street. And yet, all the
bunnies did was run around her and kept going.
A couple minutes later, Sunset was enjoying a nice little walk. After the heated confrontation with Applejack, to clear her mind humming a merry tune as they reached the town square. But all at once, she gasped after finding Lily Valley, Rose, and Daisy laying on the ground, looking traumatized.
"The horror, the horror," Rose said, dramatically.
"It was awful," Lily Valley added.
"A disaster," Daisy cried. "A horrible, horrible disaster."
Twilight Sparkle had a blank look on her face, as Chase examined the fallen ponies.
"I don't get it," Sunset said.
“Our gardens, destroyed,” Lily Valley pointed out.
“Every last flower, devoured," Rose added, showing her ruined garden.
"By... by... THEM!" Daisy finished.
Sunset turned to Daisy pointed hoof and sure enough discovered a large collection of bunnies literally
nibbling and chewing everything in sight.
"Oh my. Oh... Please stop, little bunnies," Fluttershy pleaded. "Oh no! Please, let's go home! Oh my goodness!"
The two unicorns can only watch as Fluttershy was having a difficult time. Her pleas falling on dear ears, Jong ears that
is. The moment Sunset fully saw the extent of the damage she could feel her blood boil as he had a pretty good idea of what happened as this had Applejack’s name all over it as her eyes glowed red again.
“At this point, her stubbornness is gonna bring Ponyville to the ground. Something must be done, but what?” She thought then had an idea. “And I just got one.”
Sunset headed back to Sweet Apples Acres, and not to her surprise Applejack returned to work. But now, she was so worn out she couldn't even buck the tree at all.
"Must... keep... buckin’..." Applejack panted heavily. "Just... a few... more. Must finish harvestin’.”
Sunset approached Applejack and this time she was determined to stand their ground.
“All right Applejack," Sunset spoke sternly. "Your applebucking hasn't just caused you problems, it's over-propelled Pegasus... Practically poisoned plenty of ponies... And terrorized bushels of brand-new bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say," Shen continued. "You... Need... Help."
“Ha! No, I don't!" Applejack grunted.
By the time Sunset finished their statement, Applejack had just finished collecting the apples from the tree
she tried to buck.
"Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d'ya like them apples? And Sunset, are you ready to do our hoof-to-hoof competition?"
“What about the other side?” She asked her.
“Wha-”
Then Big Mac showed up
"Um, how do you like them apples?" He told his sister.
Big Mac tilts his head in the other direction, Applejack turns, and her eyes went wide with a loud gasp. Apparently, she had only done half the field, possibly two-thirds, but either way she still had work to be done.
“Where'd all the apple...?"Applejack mumbled for a few seconds, as her eyes crossed before fainting. Fortunately, she
wasn't out for long and as she opened her eyes, Sunset stood before her.
“Applejack," Sunset spoke. “Applejack."
“Huh?" Applejack mumbled.
“Oh good, you’re okay,” Sunset said. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. But there’s no shame for asking help from others. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“Okay, Sunset, I could really use your help,” Applejack admitted.
“That was easy. "Come on, let's get you back on your hooves."
Applejack allowed Sunset to help her sit up, but her exhaustion made her so woozy, and Sunset had to help her keep balance. Sunset used his magic to place her on his back before beginning his approach to the house.
"A nice nap will do you some good," Sunset said. "We can handle the rest of the apples... Um, Applejack?"
She turned his head to find that not only Applejack conceded but was already fast asleep on her back. She took the farm back to the house where she laid her on the couch to nap. She takes a large, quilted sheet and folds it over the cowgirl.
"Sleep well, Applejack. You earn it,” Sunset did a smile then look at the orchard. “Well, looks like I’m gonna need help from the others too."
During all this time, Sunset had written a letter shortly before she and the others started applebucking.
"Dear Princess Celestia," Sunset recited. "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 Sunset Shimmer.”
Just as they collected a large number of apples, Applejack returned fully rejuvenated and better than ever. She pushes a metal serving cart with drinks that had straws and then placed the drinks onto a wooden table.
“How about y'all take a little break?" Applejack proposed. "I got some fine apple juice waitin’ for ya!"
The others gathered around her, to enjoy their drinks. As they all settled down, Applejack released a sigh.
"Girls," Applejack said slowly. "I can't thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bit stubborn..."
"A bit?" Twilight replied, with smirks.
“Okay," Applejack corrected. "A mite stubborn, and I'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you seven as my friends."
Every pony agreed to that statement as they took a quick drink.
"Phew!" Rainbow sighed. "That applebucking sure made me hungry."
Pinkie popped up beside her. "Well come on, girls! Let's get back to work!"
Then all headed back to work.