"Come on, Twilight!"

The enthusiasm in Spike's voice was evident as he stood there, smiling at Twilight while pointing to a large boulder beside him. Both he and Twilight were standing on the outskirts of Ponyville, just short of the Everfree Forest, and the latter was looking upon her young assistant with a look of exasperation upon her face. He’ll never stop until I do it, she thought. So, letting out a sigh, she turned to the boulder, glaring at it with intent. If rocks could sweat, that boulder would have been shedding bucket-loads at this point under Twilight's gaze. As the young unicorn focused, her horn began to glow, and as it did so, she aimed it downwards, right at the rock. Spike, knowing what was about to happen, stood a good distance away, watching intently as his friend cast her spell. Within moments, it was struck, as a massive jolt of purple magic erupted out of Twilight's horn, striking the boulder ferociously. In an instant, the mighty stone cracked and shattered into a million pieces, all of which flew in about a hundred different directions, though thankfully nowhere near either Twilight, Spike or any nearby homes. Seeing the destruction unfold before him, Spike, who stood there with his mouth agape, had only one thing to say.

"That...was...AWESOME!!!"

He jumped up and down like a child at Hearth's Warming Eve, and it was a sight Twilight couldn't help but chuckle at. I'm glad he's enjoying the light show. Turning, she looked upon the still-smouldering spot where the boulder had once been, her eyes narrowing somewhat. I'd never even tried offensive magic before I moved here. Hard to imagine how difficult it was when I first tried it. But now...well...I think it's safe to say I've become better at it. There are probably members of the royal guard unicorn platoons that can't blast as strongly as that, not even Shining. Steeping forward, Twilight looked down at a tiny fragment of the boulder. My magic is getting stronger. No doubt about that now. Pretty soon, I’ll be adept enough to handle all of the problems I know are coming. A thought crossed her mind as she considered that, and she began looking around. Matter of act...I believe one such problem should be coming right...about...

"STAMPEDE!!!"

Twilight spun around upon hearing Rainbow Dash's voice, a smirk appearing on her face. Right on cue. Charging forward, Twilight began to head back into Ponyville, with Spike doing his best to catch up. As the young unicorn passed through the main streets, she looked on to see every mare, stallion and colt in sight fleeing into their homes, terrified of what they knew was coming. Frowning, Twilight stepped up the pace and ran even faster, eventually reaching a small bridge, one which crossed a nearby river and served as a gateway into Ponyville. Taking position on the opposite side of the river, Twilight looked on to see, sure enough, that there was indeed a stampede of rampaging cows on the move, heading straight for the town. Twilight turned, seeing Spike standing behind her, looking terrified at what was going on. A gesture form Twilight made it clear she wanted him to back up, which he did, though not without continuing to look worried for her.

Returning to look at the approaching cows, Twilight stood her ground, waiting for them to arrive, and it was here that she saw, in the corner of her eye, her friend, Applejack, standing in a nearby hill, looking down at Twilight with the same concern as Spike had done. The earth pony began to move as if she was about to intervene herself, and Twilight knew that was what she was destined to do, but this time, it was Twilight herself who took action, raising a hoof and silently gesturing for Applejack to stay put. Don't worry, AJ. I've got it this time. Although taken aback by this, the orange mare took one look at Twilight's serious face, and knew that she knew what she was doing. So, now confident that nopony would interfere, Twilight lowered her horn, concentrating her magic, before shooting off a spell. In an instant, she was now engulfed in as bright pink dome-shaped shield, one that completely blocked off the bridge. As the cows got closer and closer, Twilight heard a voice from behind. One she recognised as Rarity's.

"Twilight! You have to get out of there! A shield won't stop them!"

Although the lavender unicorn knew her friend meant well, she merely smirked at those words, speaking in a hushed tone.

"Maybe yours won't, but mine...?"

Staying perfectly still, Twilight and everypony watched as the cows finally charged right into the shield. The moment they collided, there was a bright flash, indicating the impact, and while the shield did indeed flex with the immense force of so many strong cows smashing against it, it nevertheless held true, eventually forcing them back. Like a line of dominoes, the cows at the front fell backwards, leading to those behind also falling back, and so on and so forth. Eventually, the entire herd had been stopped dead in it's tracks, and not one of them had managed to get within a hair's breadth of Ponyville. Satisfied that her shield had done it's work well, Twilight relaxed, allowing the magical dome to finally dissipate. She watched as the cows began to recover, getting themselves off the ground after having fallen. However, as Twilight turned around to make sure everypony was safe, her face erupted into a blush as she saw pretty much the whole town standing there, mouths agape, at the magical spectacle they'd just witnessed. Oh, right, I'm supposed to be embarrassed about showing off my magic at this time...oops.

"Um...everypony okay?"

But, rather than meekly nodding to let her know they were fine, which is what she expected, the whole town burst into cheers, charging forward to meet her. Taking a step backwards, Twilight was soon swamped with ponies form all over Ponyville, none more so than her friends, who looked at her as if she were the most amazing mare in Equestria.

"That was awesome! That shield didn't even budge!" Rainbow remarked.

"Indeed, darling. You were most heroic," Rarity added.

Blushing fiercely now, Twilight tired looking away from her adoring crowd, only to notice Applejack, who was currently speaking to what seemed like the leader of the cows. Taking a moment to walk away from the other ponies, Twilight met up with her earth pony friend, who turned to her with a smile.

"Well shoot, Twi. Y'all did some pretty fancy stuff back there."

Twilight smiled at that.

"Thanks, Applejack. But it's nothing you wouldn't have done in my place."

Applejack chuckled at her friend's words before turning back to the cow.

"Anyways, turns out one of them cow was spooked by a snake or something. Sent the whole herd into a frenzy."

The nearest cow nodded and looked upon both mares in an apologetic manner.

"I do apologise for this, Applejack. We'll try and be more careful next time."

Applejack gave a tip of her hat to that, at which point the cows began to make their way back along the river, ready to return to, presumably, where they came from. With that matter dealt with, both Applejack and Twilight turned, only to see that none other than Mayor Mare was approaching them, along with the rest of their friends.

"Twilight, I cannot thank you enough for saving our town. You should be praised and rewarded for your efforts. And I suggest we throw a..."

But the older mare was stopped by a raised hoof from Twilight, who looked on with a nervous smile. When AJ did this, they threw her a whole party. I know they appreciate what I did. After all, I appreciated Applejack when it was her in my place. But I don't want them praising me like this. I don't want them seeing me as some kind of heroine. I've had enough of that kind of treatment.

"Thank you, Mayor...but I don't think any reward is necessary. I was just doing my duty as a citizen here. I thank you for your kind words, but believe me, I don't need anything in return for this."

The Mayor looked at her, seeming more than a little surprised, before turning to the others. Rainbow especially looked flabbergasted at what Twilight just said. This is still early days for her. The idea of not wanting to be praised for one's actions is probably anathema to her at this point. Nevertheless, the Mayor and all the rest of them turned back to her, with the former giving a smile and a nod, indicating her acceptance of Twilight's wishes. Twilight smiled back before the other mares started walking off, leaving her alone with Applejack. Turning, she started speaking up to her friend.

"So anyway, Applejack, it's been a while. Been busy the last few days?"

I know exactly what she's been doing. Still, better make it seem like news to me. Applejack smiled at her friend before replying.

"Sure have! It's applebuck season. The time when mah family harvests our orchards. And ah've got plenty of work to do, what with mah brother out of commission."

Twilight nodded at that.

"You know...I've got a pretty clear afternoon. If you like I could help you with that."

Applejack looked at her and, for a brief moment, Twilight could have sworn she saw the kind of look that usually meant somepony had just been insulted. However, for her friend, Applejack put on a smile.

"Thank ya kindly, Twilight. But ah can do this mahself. Ah don't need no help."

Twilight raised an eyebrow at that. That stubborn pride. It's been a while since I've seen it in earnest. Applejack will be struggling with that side of herself all her life, and not even this issue's resolution with ease it off entirely. Letting out a sigh, Twilight's expression softened considerably before she raised a hoof, putting it on to her friend's shoulder.

"Applejack...your family's orchards are enormous. I know you think you can do this, but you must know that, with Big Mac unavailable, your workload is going to be at least twice as large as it usually is. There's no shame in getting help."

And it was here that Applejack finally put on as frown.

"Ah told ya, Twilight...ah don't need no help! Now, if y'all will excuse me, ah've got work to do!"

Twilight knew that she didn't mean to sound as aggressive as she did. But even so, she was somewhat taken aback by the manner in which she'd just been talked back to. Applejack, seeing this look on her face, realised what she'd just said and softened a great deal, her frown now completely disappearing. She gave another tip of her hat before turning around, galloping off back in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight just stood there, keeping her eyes locked onto her friend until she could no longer see her. Applebuck season. Oh, AJ. If only you knew how much stress this would do for you. I'm going to help you whether you like it or not. But, for now, I have to let it play out. You won’t accept my help at first...not until your mistakes start. I just hope you're willing to listen.

Much time had passed before Twilight last came to see Applejack face-to-face, but even so, she'd heard much of her friend in that time. But, she'd remained out of her business, keeping at a distance while Applejack’s actions had their destined consequences. But now, she knew the time had come, and so was now marching with great intent for Sweet Apple Acres. As she walked, she looked around at the many apple trees here. Despite all the time that her friend had put into the harvest, there remained more than two thirds of the place still untouched. Applejack, in her current state, was getting nowhere fast, and Twilight knew it. Narrowing her eyes, she walked around, searching high and low for her friend, until eventually, she finally caught sight of her. The orange mare was busying herself, bucking a tree that, unbeknownst to her, was completely devoid of apples. Shaking her head at this sorry sight, Twilight marched on over, clearing her throat as she did so. Her ears perking up, Applejack turned to see her friend, but when she saw the look on her face, it was clear to her why Twilight had come here.

"Ah told ya, Twilight. Ah don't need no help from..."

But she didn't get the chance to finish, as Twilight raised a hoof to stop her.

"Applejack...you need help."

The other mare frowned at that.

"Didn't y'all hear what ah just said?"

Twilight nodded.

"Oh, I heard you alright. And I hate to be the one to tell you this...but you're wrong. You need help, and no amount of you saying otherwise is going to change that."

Still frowning, Applejack walked over to Twilight, her face barely an inch from hers.

"Now y'all listen here, Twilight! Apples have been buckin an harvestin these orchards for generations now. Who are ya to come on in here and tell me how ta do mah job?"

Twilight stood there, taking in every word, before her expression started to soften considerably.

"I'm your friend...that's who."

Hearing the sincerity in Twilight's voice, Applejack's face too began to soften, though she still remained somewhat upset, as evidenced by her tone as she spoke.

"Ah know ya are, Twi. And ah appreciate that y'all want to help. But this is something ah gotta do mahself!"

Twilight let out a sigh at that. Well, as Fluttershy will come to learn one day...tough love.

"Applejack, you are the bearer of the Element of honesty. Are you really being honest with me or yourself right now?"

Applejack looked at her as if she'd just been slapped in the face.

"Are ya trying to tell me that ah, Applejack, am lying?!"

Twilight shook her head.

"No...but you are being stubborn. That you try to do all this yourself is admirable, but you have to understand when you can't do something without help."

Applejack let out a snort at that, clearly unimpressed by hr friend's words. Seeing this display, Twilight frowned at her.

"Do you know where Rainbow Dash is right now?"

The orange mare shook her head, looking away slightly, prompting Twilight to continue.

"She's at home resting after crashing into my home after that little stunt you pulled with her."

The steel in Twilight's voice was clear, as was the brutal honesty in it. Applejack turned, as look of concern crossing her face. No matter how proud she may be, she never wants her friends hurt, I'll say that much.

"You were so unfocused and tired, you didn't know what you were doing. Rainbow was sent flying straight into my tree. It's a good thing she's as good a flier as she is, because she was able to right herself just in time. If she'd have been just an inch off, she could have broken a leg or a wing, certainly enough to put her in a hospital."

Applejack stood there, aghast at hearing this, and immediately, she put on a look of guilt, looking away from Twilight once more.

"Twilight...ah...ah didn't want that! Ah just...ah just wanted to help!"

Upon seeing the genuinely apologetic look on her friend's face, Twilight's expression softened yet again, and she raised a hoof to place it upon Applejack's shoulder.

"I know you do. But when you're as tired as this, you can't help anypony. Not in the way you should. Do you know what might have happened if you'd have gone in this state to help Pinkie with her cooking? Who knows what terrible thing you might have come up with?"

Looking more ashamed than before, Applejack looked to her friend.

"Ah just...ah'm the one ponies come to fer help, Twi. Ah can't be going an askin fer help from others."

There it is, that pride again. She sees herself as the one who helps, the one the others can come to if they're in trouble. She's had that image of herself for so long, it's small wonder her stubbornness is as...well...stubborn as it is. Sighing, Twilight smiled at her.

"Applejack...remember when I stopped the stampede?"

Applejack nodded at that, leading to Twilight continuing to speak.

"Well...I only did that because I was confident I could do it. If I'd thought, even for one moment, that I couldn't hold them off...you are the one I'd have come to for help."

The look Applejack gave her was one of utter shock.

"What? But...why?"

Twilight missed further at that.

"Because I know that...no matter how good I thought I was...if I thought I could fail...there were far bigger stakes that keeping up my pride. The safety of the town was at risk, and I wasn't about to put that on the line just because of confidence in myself. I know there are others, like you, who could have done it, others I would have been happy to give the reins to in a crisis. I just did it myself because I was there at the time."

And there's my trump card, Twilight thought to herself. If that doesn't convince her, nothing will. Watching Applejack silently, Twilight looked on as she started slowly walking away, heading straight for another apple tree. This one actually had apples in it, and the farmer gave it a long, hard look. She was clearly thinking deeply about this matter, and as such, Twilight gave her the space she needed, never saying a word. In time, however, the earth pony turned around, giving her friend a very serious look.

"Twi...yer right. Ah wasn't bein honest with mahself about this. And y'all are mighty noble to come clean about needing help yerself just now."

Twilight chuckled at that.

"Like I told the Mayor...I'm just trying to help."

Applejack joined in on the chuckle, and as the two mares laughed together, much of the earlier tension began to fade. This is good, Twilight thought. Ponyville was in much more dire straits the first time around. In time, the laughter died down, and Applejack spoke up herself.

"Ya know, Ah'm willing to accept yer help...if y'all can show ya can harvest with the best of em."

Twilight raised an eyebrow and put on a mischievous smirk.

"Is that a challenge?"

Applejack put on a smirk of her own and nodded, giving her the answer she needed. Giggling somewhat, Twilight turned around, scouring the area for what she wanted. Eventually, her eyes laid upon a collection of nearby trees, all fully-laden with apples, with the baskets already set up below. Smiling, she began walking over to them with Applejack close behind. When they finally reached the trees, Twilight looked up at them, looking at where each apple was and how many, all while Applejack watched her friend carefully. Twilight closed her eyes, her horn starting to glow, and Applejack took a step back, already having seen a recent display of her friend's magical power this week. Within moments, Twilight's horn grew brighter, and her aura was enveloping all of the apples in the trees. With amazement, Applejack looked on as each of them began to disappear, only to appear moments later in the baskets below. When Twilight finally opened, she looked upon her good work, with her teleportation spell having filled every single basket in sight. Turning, she glanced at her friend, who stood there with her mouth agape. Eventually she shook herself out of it, coughing nervously before forcing a serious face.

"Alright...yer hired."