Author's Notes:

Release Notes:
ver. 1.0: Begin Harem! Edition

Prime Universe Equivalent: Applebuck Season

Applejack was looking over the beautiful fields of Sweet Apple Acres with her brother. The trees were ready to harvest.

"I sure got my work cut out for me. That's the biggest bumper crop of apples I ever laid eyes on," Applejack commented.

"Eeyup," Big Mac sort of commented.

"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," she poked where Big Mac had a bandage wrapped around his injury. Big Mac winced and gave her a glare, "Oops, sorry. I'll take a bite out of this job by day's end."

After looking out at the field and realizing how much there was to harvest, Applejack felt slight regret and gulped.

“Eenope,” Big Mac gave a disapproving glare.

Begin Theme. Twinkling Balloon holding Spike and Twilight descends.

My Little Pony
My Little Pony

Ah... Ah... Ah... Ah...

Cloud Zoom Transition. Rainbow Dash is absent. Twilight climbs out of the basket with Spike on her back and trots into Ponyville.

My Little Pony
I used to wonder how much Spike could mean
My Little Pony
Until you all chose to share him with me?

Camera pans to empty scene and Twilight gives a very confused look as to the lyrics she just sung.

Spike falls from a high height in front of a Cloudsdale-like background while screaming like a mare.
...
Rainbow Transition.

Spike opens the door to Pinkie Pie's room in Sugarcube Corner then questions why he's walking into a mare's room.
...
Confetti Transition.

Spike enters Carousel Boutique and finds it empty.
...
Flash of Light Transition.

Spike walks around Sweet Apple Acres, looking for somepony to talk to.
...
Apple Transition.

Spike sits down in front of Fluttershy's cottage, admiring nature.
...
Butterfly Transition.

Spike is outside the Golden Oak Library. Twilight teleports into the scene.
It's easy to see

That he is the best drakefriend!
Twilight gives Spike a kiss on the cheek.

You have my little ponies
They take a picture of the kiss and send it to the Princesses in Canterlot.

Princess Celestia is mildly amused and has a warm smile while Princess Luna looks at the photo with filly-like naive confusion.
Do you know that Spike is really the best?
Zoom out on picture of Twilight and Spike.

Pink Background and Slam Logo on Top as Theme Ends.

Fade to Black.

Applejack arrived to her meeting with Rainbow Dash, her mane all frazzled. Rainbow Dash was perturbed. Applejack was never this late.

"There you are!" Rainbow was not happy.

"*yawn* I'm a mite sorry, Rainbow. I was busy harvesting and I guess I closed my eyes for a second. When I woke up, I was late. So what's this new trick of yours?"

Rainbow Dash was a bit suspicious of how tired Applejack looked. Nevertheless, she decided to explain her new trick.

"Well, I'm going to stand on one end, then you are going to jump down from that platform up there, launching me into the air faster than I can take off on my own. Once, I'm in the air *fancy flying stuff* that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts."

"Isn't that a mite dangerous?"

"Not for a pony who can fly~" Rainbow showed off her wings.

"Well, alrighty then."

Applejack climbed up to the top of the platform and was a bit surprised at the height. Since she was tired, it was difficult for her to focus her eyes.

"Oh... dear..." Applejack commented.

"Ready? One... two... three!" Rainbow counted up.

Applejack missed the see-saw with a resounding loud crash.

"Maybe I wasn't clear. You're supposed to land on the other end," Rainbow matter-of-factly states.

"Got it."

Applejack failed three more times, hitting the ground comically each time. Rainbow Dash was not amused.

"Applejack, what the hay is going on? I thought I was working with Ponyville's best athlete!"

"You are. I'm okay. Really. Ah... I have an idea. Watch this," Applejack pushed down the other end of the see-saw. Rainbow Dash was not amused, version 2.0, "oh... maybe not. Okay, one more try, I'm sure to get it this time."

Applejack released the see-saw which caused Rainbow Dash to plop back down and go into a daze. Rainbow Dash was not ready for what Applejack was going to do next; Applejack did not miss.

"Heh heh... Here I go!" Applejack lined up her aim and jumped off the platform.

"Wait! Applejack!!!!!!!" Rainbow exclaimed as she was launched into the air... in the wrong direction.

"You're welcome!"

Transition to the Golden Oak Library.

Twilight and Spike were relaxing with a few books on the balcony. Spike was reading over the script for Season 1 Episode 4.

"Hmm... Twilight and Spike were relaxing with a few books on the balcony... Infinite loop of me reading what I'm speaking over and over again... Rainbow Dash crash lands on the balcony of the library... uh-oh..."

Rainbow Dash crash lands on the balcony of the library. Spike glares at the camera, seemingly perturbed at the author's use of meta-humor.

"Ugh..." Rainbow yelped.

"Can we help you?" Twilight asked.

"No... I'll be fine... Applejack just launched me in the wrong direction that's all," she slumped over the balcony, "well, I'll be going now. See ya Twilight, see ya Spike."

Rainbow Dash tried to exit as non-humiliatingly as possible.

"Well... that was awkward... and highly expected," Spike matter-of-factly stated.

The duo then decided to take a relaxing day with Rarity which meant a day at the spa.

Transition to Sugarcube Corner.

"Thank you for helping me make some baked goods Applejack! I have to keep watch over Sugarcube Corner since the Cakes are away, so here's a recipe card~ Shouldn't be too hard to follow," Pinkie thanked then instructed.

Pinkie Pie returned to her post at the counter. Unknown to Pinkie Pie, Applejack lost her sense of comprehension from overworking herself. The letters on the card were blurry and jumbled. This caused Applejack to use tater chips, soda, lemon juice, and earthworms instead of chocolate chips, baking soda, flour, and wheat germ. Applejack finished baking the goods and gave it over to Pinkie Pie who then presented the free samples to eager ponies as this was supposedly a new recipe. Even Pinkie Pie herself tried one. Applejack, being busy, had to gallop back to harvest more apples.

Transition to the Ponyville Spa.

Twilight and Spike were relaxing side by side on massage tables while the spa ponies Aloe and Lotus Blossom were pampering to their needs. Rarity was busy getting her "usual". It was then that they were rudely jolted from their relaxing session at the spa when urgent news from the Ponyville Hospital arose. Twilight was called over was since she did have some medical expertise from being a student at Princess Celestia's school. Twilight and Spike quickly thanked Rarity for the session and paid the bits. They bolted out the spa and got to the hospital within minutes.

"We came as soon as we heard," Twilight proclaimed.

"Oh thank you, Twilight. We need all the help we can get," Nurse Redheart thanked.

The sound of ponies moaning in pain could be heard throughout the place. All of them were in beds and had stomachaches and cramps.

"Oh no! What happened?" Twilight was shocked.

"It was a mishap with some of the baked goods," Nurse Redheart matter-of-factly spoke.

"No, not baked goods, baked bads," Pinkie was in pain.

Chatting with Pinkie Pie, she found out that Applejack had made those pastries that caused the food poisoning. Twilight stayed and assisted with treating all the ponies. Spike wasn't happy with the two things that Applejack had managed to do in one day, so he spoke up.

"Twilight, we can't allow Applejack to continue harm to our friends. She may have good intentions, but this is ridiculous."

The unhappiness was equally evident on Twilight's face as well.

"You know Spike, I think it's about time I pay her a visit."

After treating the last pony, she decided to continue taking care of Pinkie Pie for the day. Since Twilight felt that Pinkie Pie should rest a bit more, she grabbed a red wagon for her and helped her into it. They decided to take Pinkie Pie home first. Twilight set Spike into the red wagon with Pinkie Pie and started on their way to Sugarcube Corner. During their trip, Pinkie Pie got awfully comfortable with Spike. She rubbed her mane that smelled of pastries all over Spike while nuzzling him lovingly.

"Mmm... Spike~ It's time! The author is finally allowing me to confess my love to you! Something about spreading out the ships along the whole Season to make the story less boring. So here I go~ *ahem* You may not have known this, but--"

Twilight stopped pulling the wagon and looked back towards the two in the wagon, then gave a smirk.

"Pinkie Pie, we get it. Let us begin the Harem~ Also, what you were about to say is quite the spoiler to this story~"

"Aww!!! Being governed by the author's typing is no fun!"

"Well... without the author being here, we wouldn't be able to speak. Anyways, this is a Harem story. How exactly does one Harem?" Spike commented then asked.

"Well Spike, according to most Harem stories, including a lot that the author has read on this site, a lot of ponies build an interest in one figure, in this case you, and then they do romantic things to that one figure. So... I guess Pinkie Pie should be giving you a kiss? By the way, most Harem stories either have the ponies of the Harem competing against each other or all agreeing to share... I'm sure you know which path me and Pinkie Pie are taking given our close friendship," Twilight consulted her vast intellect on the matter.

"Huh? Mmph--" Spike's lips were silenced by Pinkie Pie's.

"And now the Harem that this story took three Episodes to build up has begun! I've been waiting to give Spike a kiss for so long!" Pinkie chirped.

The author was trying hard to not give himself a headache from the sheer amount of fourth wall breaking the fourth Episode is bringing. Nevertheless, he decided to continue typing the story.

Twilight decided that Pinkie Pie and Spike could use some time together and allowed Spike to spend the night with Pinkie Pie, trusting Spike with the care of her best friend. She arrived at Sugarcube Corner and dropped off the new pairing of the story, then turned her eyes towards Sweet Apple Acres to set things right.

Transition to Sweet Apple Acres.

It was evening when Twilight found Applejack harvesting the apples on some trees in the orchard. At least Applejack was until she zoned out for a bit, then jolted awake and ended up kicking thin air.

"Whoa!" Applejack exclaimed.

Applejack did not seem aware of what she had done in her tired delirium.

What is that pony doing?

Twilight approached the farm pony.

"Hey Applejack!"

"Huh? Oh, howdy, Twilight!"

"What is all this?"

"It's Applebuck Season."

"Apple what Season?"

"It's what the Apple Family calls harvesting time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell them."

"But why are you doing it all alone?"

"Because Big Mac hurt himself."

"What about all those relatives I met when I first came to Ponyville? Can't they help?"

"*sigh* They were just here for the Apple Family Reunion. They live all over Equestria and are busy harvesting their own orchards. So... I'm on my own. Which means, I should really get back to work. *Ahem* hint hint? Get back to work?"

Does she not remember what she told me back when we met? Also, she caused harm to Pinkie Pie, I can't allow that.

"Applejack, no. You need rest. First you shoot a Pegasus at my house and then you cause my best friend food poisoning. What I find the worst though is that you told me that I was 'part of the family' already. I quote," Twilight pulled out Season 1 Episode 1's script, "'why Twilight, I'd say you're part of the family already.' Why didn't you ask me?"

Applejack was unable to give any retort. Her head sunk down.

Twilight continued, "I know you probably feel bad right now. But please, anytime you ever need help, don't be afraid to call me over. I am an honorary Apple Family member correct? I also presume quite a few of our other friends are too. Go on, I think you deserve a break for all your hard work. I'm sure I can take care of the rest of the apples for you."

Twilight gave Applejack a friendly hug then helped the farm pony back to the Apple Family's house. Applejack sat on some hay bales that were just outside the entrance. After making sure Applejack wouldn't get into anymore harm, Twilight turned to the fields and used her magic to harvest the remaining apples in the orchard. She brought all the apple baskets back to the Apple Family house and set them by the entrance. Applejack, having snapped to her senses, spoke up.

"Twilight, I'm a lot sorry for all the trouble I have caused you ponies today. You were right, I did tell you and the rest of our friends that you all were practically honorary Apple Family members and I didn't even bother. Thank you for snapping me out of it, Twilight. I should make it up to you. Hmm... would you like to stay over for the night?"

"No problem Applejack," Twilight thought a bit, "staying over does sound like a very good idea. Spike is currently spending time with Pinkie Pie and I have nothing better to do."

Applejack nodded and smiled then led Twilight into the Apple Family's living room where Apple Bloom was trying hard to figure out her homework. Twilight was concerned. The farm filly had to balance chores and schoolwork; It really was a hard life.

Apple Bloom has helped me before, it's about time I help her.

The reader was heavily confused by Twilight's thought. The author simply tells the reader to not push the matter as it will be answered in a later Episode. Twilight trotted up to Apple Bloom, sat beside her then began tutoring. Applejack was impressed at Twilight's resolve.

While Apple Bloom was enjoying Twilight's company and assistance, Applejack went to the kitchen and prepared dinner.

The Apple Family and Twilight all had dinner while chatting amongst themselves. Applejack and Apple Bloom learned about how Twilight and Pinkie Pie began the Harem, mainly by being shown this Episode's script. Twilight made sure to stop them from reading to this part of the Episode as it would cause an endless loop of text. After dinner and washing up, Twilight decided to go stargazing. Apple Bloom, being a filly with an interest in Spike, hopped alongside Twilight in hopes that she could get to know the Alpha Mare better.

Twilight was amused at the filly's excitement, so she set Apple Bloom on her back with her magic. She found a nice hill with a lone tree that had a good view of Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres and obviously the stars. Apple Bloom learned a lot about the different constellations in Princess Luna's beautiful night sky from Twilight. There came a point where Apple Bloom was too tired to continue watching the stars and so fell asleep while nuzzling a rambling Twilight.

"...and that one there is... oh?"

Twilight smiled at the sight. She eventually fell asleep herself after studying the night sky some more, being tired from talking so much.

Applejack was wondering what was taking the two of them so long and went out searching. She eventually stumbled upon the hill with the sleeping pair and was touched by the heartwarming sight. She returned with a blanket and draped it over the two of them.

Thank you Twilight for being a good friend.

Applejack gave the sleeping Twilight a quick hug, then returned back home to get some sleep herself.

Zoom out of the sleeping Twilight and Apple Bloom.

End Theme with Credits.

Transition to Sugarcube Corner.

Spike indeed took care of Pinkie Pie as per Twilight's request. The new duo was intrigued by two new sides that they found about each other that night.

"Spike, you're cooking is amazing! I would love it if you joined me in baking one day. We will be top of the top~" Pinkie praised.

The two of them were finishing up their dinner in Pinkie Pie's room.

"*blushes* Aw shucks Pinkie Pie, considering you're a very good baker yourself, that really is something. I must say though... you seem a lot more calm now than earlier in this Episode."

"Is there something wrong with that?" Pinkie tilted her head to one side.

"No no! It's, I kind of like it. You're relaxed and just seem happy."

Pinkie Pie gave a heartfelt smile and took Spike's claw in her hoof.

"Yeah Spike. It is nice to take a break from having to be the 'party pony'. I'm a mare too and I wouldn't mind being pampered once in awhile... thank you by the way," Pinkie somehow squeezed Spike's claw.

The two sat in silence for a while, just happy to be in each other's company. They cleaned up the dishes eventually. Pinkie Pie then suggested something that made Spike blush.

"Spike~ want to take a bath together?" Pinkie winked.

"What?! Isn't that a bit too fast?"

"What does the reader know? This Episode is already too self aware and knows about how most romance stories are terribly paced. Not to mention the fact that we kissed to begin our ship's story, a big jump in the bases already~ The reader is here for Pinkie Pie x Spike cute moments right?" Pinkie gave a questioning look at the camera.

"Good point. We're a new pairing so we're going to do cute stuff together. Let's bathe together!"

So they did. Pinkie Pie was made a very happy mare as Spike ran his claws through her mane. Spike enjoyed how caring Pinkie Pie was in buffing off all of his scales. They also partook in a splash fight that the pink mare won. After bathing, Pinkie Pie was looking forward to this moment. Spike was in front of Pinkie Pie's bed where the mare was sitting with a warm smile.

"Spike~ It's time for the cuddles!"

Spike pulled out Season 1 Episode 2's script, glared at camera since the author reused the same line a second time, shrugged his shoulders then hopped into Pinkie Pie's embrace. Spike practically melted in Pinkie Pie's hooves. Her soft mane and tail, her soft body with that wonderful pastry scent, all this caused Spike to fall asleep immediately. Pinkie Pie gave Spike a peck on the lips before drifting off to sleep, one last thought in her head.

Thank you Spike... for watching over me.

Zoom out of the sleeping Pinkie Pie and Spike.

Fade to Black.