Ember let out a sigh of relief as she walked down the castle hallway with Spike. “You really know how to make eggs, Spike,” she complimented. “I’m surprise that with what you can do, you haven’t gone off on your own and started your own restaurant or something.”

Spike bashfully smiled and waved a hand. “Ah, it was nothing,” he said. “I’m good at cooking, but nowhere near a top chef. I never really gave any thought of leaving Twilight or Ponyville anyway. I really don’t want to leave my friends behind.”

“You really do care about them a lot,” said Ember with a smile. “You really have a heart of gold, you know that?”

Spike blushed and tried to hide it. “I just do what I think is right,” he replied.

“Thanks again for breakfast. It was way better than yesterday.” Ember looked away and scowled. Especially without Rarity to ruin it.

“That reminds me,” said Spike. “Are you okay after yesterday?”

Ember stopped in her tracks and had a puzzled look on her. “What do you mean?” she inquired.

Spike looked a bit uncomfortable and fidgeted a little. “Yesterday, you seemed really angry about something,” he said. “It started with that pancake mess with Rarity, and then I heard you two yelling in the library. Is there something wrong?”

Ember frowned. “It was nothing, Spike,” she assured.

“I’m not sure about that,” said Spike. “You both sounded upset yesterday, and it looked like you were both angry with each other. Did something happen?”

Ember panicked a little and looked away from Spike. I can’t say anything about this whole crush thing, she said to herself. If I do, who knows how he’ll react? He may not even like me, or… She shook her head. Ugh! I got to stop thinking like that!

“Ember?”

The dragoness looked at Spike and took a deep breath. “Look, we both got a little… upset over something.”

Spike gulped a little. “What was it?”

“It’s nothing to worry about,” said Ember. “Rarity and I have put that issue aside.”

“But…”

“Just drop it please,” ordered Ember. She looked at Spike and saw he had a nervous expression. She groaned and slapped herself. Real smooth, Ember.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.

“It’s not that,” said Ember. “Aside from yesterday, it appears things back at home aren’t going well.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“I’ve already said how some dragons aren’t exactly welcoming this new alliance with open arms,” said Ember. “Master Ash himself even told me that some of his family aren’t too happy with this. He’s especially worried since one of them is hot tempered and violent, and could overreact.”

“I’m sorry to hear about that,” said Spike.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Ember. “I did get to ask him though about how you have no wings.”

Spike looked hopeful. “What did he say?”

“He said that the Council will arrange a meeting after this visit is over,” she answered. “They’re very curious about this case since they haven’t heard of anything like this before.”

“That’s great!” said an enthusiastic Spike. “I can’t wait to meet them!”

“We’ll get to that eventually,” said Ember as she rubbed Spike’s head. “Do you have anything you want to do today?”

Spike opened his mouth to answer.

“Spike! Ember!”

The two dragons turned to see Twilight and Applejack both walking towards them. Twilight looked ecstatic, but Applejack seemed a little irritated.

“Twilight, I don’t think we should do this,” argued Applejack. “I don’t mind asking my friends for help, but I can’t do that to Ember.”

“Do what to me?”

Applejack flinched and smiled awkwardly at Ember. “Howdy, Ember,” she greeted. “Don’t worry about what I said.”

“There’s no harm in asking,” said Twilight. She looked at the Dragon Lord. “Ember, I know you’re here visiting and learning more about Equestria.”

“Don’t do this, Twi,” warned Applejack.

“So I was thinking of something,” said Twilight as she ignored her friend. “How would you like to come down to Sweet Apple Acres and help Applejack with harvesting some apples?”

The farmer groaned and shook her head. “Twilight, I ain’t gonna make her do work,” she complained. “I think the last thing she wants to do is work on a farm.”

Ember’s eyes widen a little. “A… farm you say?” she inquired. “That sounds interesting.”

Applejack shook her head. “Ember, I mean no offense, but I don’t want you to work while you’re visiting Ponyville. It wouldn’t be right to ask you to do something like that.”

“I’m not just here for a simple vacation,” said Ember. “The Dragon Council wants me to learn more about Equestrian culture as well. We don’t even really have any farms. Sure, I’ll help you out.”

“Are you sure?” wondered Applejack.

“Hey, it can’t be any different than what we farm in the Dragon Lands,” said Ember. “Besides, friends are supposed to help each other out.”

“Out of curiosity, what kind of farms do you have in the Dragon Lands?” asked Twilight.

“Mostly we just mine for gems, but we do grow some fruits and vegetables,” replied Ember. “There’s really not that many since there are a lot of active volcanoes around and can make growing crops hard. ”

“That does make sense,” said Applejack. “Well, if you want come down and help buck some apples, then that’s fine with me. I’m sure the others will be happy to see you again.”

“Is Rarity going to be there?” wondered Ember.

Applejack nodded. “Yup!”

The dragoness rolled her eyes. Figures.

“I’ll go ask Matches and see if he wants to come,” said Twilight. “You all get ready to go, okay?”

Spike and Ember nodded and both turned and walked away.

Ember grimaced and sighed softly. I get the feeling this is going to be a very long day.

Ember and Matches’ mouths were agape as they looked around Sweet Apple Acres. They both looked around to see the large red barn, the small brown house nearby, and the seemingly endless fields of apple trees.

Matches let out a loud whisper. “Whoa. I’ve never seen so many trees like this before.”

“I’ll say,” agreed Ember. “I didn’t think it was possible for a farm to produce this many crops at once. Usually, the farms back home don’t produce this much. I’ve never seen so many apples before.”

Applejack laughed heartily. “The Apple family prides itself on hard work, family values, and being the greatest supplier for apples across Equestria. I wish I could introduce you to the others, but they are busy with something right now.”

“Like what?” wondered Matches.

“Applejack!” a wheezy voice shouted out.

The farmer’s smile drooped and she looked upset. She turned around and flinched. Coming from the small homestead was an elderly green mare walking towards them. The mare sneezed and coughed.

“Granny, what are you doing here!?” Applejack asked in a frustrated tone.

“Don’t think I didn’t hear about you bringing over that new dragon friend of yours,” said Granny. “I may be sick, but that doesn’t mean I’m hard of hearing.”

“You ain’t supposed to be here though!” argued Applejack. “You’ve seen Ember, so let’s get you back inside to bed.”

Applejack tried to place a hand on Granny, but she slapped it away. “I ain’t going to miss meeting one of your new friends; especially one that’s supposed to be royalty.”

Ember looked embarrassed. “I wouldn’t exactly call being Dragon Lord royalty,” she said.

“Nonsense, dear,” insisted Granny. “I heard from Spike about some of the things you’ve done, and now even want to make friends between ponies and dragons. But where are my manners? I’m Granny Smith, the owner of Sweet Apple Acres.” She held out a hand to shake.

Ember slowly raised her hand and grasped the elderly mare’s hand. “Nice to meet you,” she said.

Applejack stepped in front and broke off the handshake. She looked at Granny Smith with an irritated look. “Granny, you’re supposed to be resting! How the hay did you get past Big Mac and Cheerilee?”

“I have my ways,” answered Granny. “Especially when I make them think I’m resting, and see them making out on the couch.”

Applejack growled softly. “I’m gonna get ya for this, Big Mac.”

“Granny!”

The group turned around to see Big Mac and Cheerilee both running up with frantic looks on them. They both gasped as they looked upon Ember and Matches. Cheerilee stepped back and Big Mac put his arm around her to shield her.

“I take it you’re the dragons Applejack told us about?” wondered Cheerilee.

Ember nodded. “That is correct,” she replied. “I am Dragon Lord Ember, and this is my friend and guard, Matches. It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss…”

“Cheerilee,” she replied. “I teach at a nearby school, and this is my… um, coltfriend, Big Macintosh.”

The red pony nodded. “Howdy,” he said in a soft tone.

“We’d introduce you to Apple Bloom, but she’s at that dancing school with that Tender Taps fellow,” said Granny. She sneezed again and coughed violently.

Big Mac and Cheerilee ran up and comforted Granny.

“Granny, you can’t be out here,” said Cheerilee. “Come on back inside.”

“I ain’t done talking yet!” she argued. “I may be sick, but I ain’t letting this chance pass by!”

Applejack opened her mouth to speak, but Ember stepped forward. “Granny Smith?”

The elderly green mare looked at Ember. “Yes, dear?”

“It does look like you’re sick,” said Ember. “I know you probably have a lot of questions for me, but I really can’t talk right now. I believe Applejack wanted some help here at your farm.”

Granny said nothing for a moment, and then smiled. “That’s right,” she said. “I’m sorry for how I’ve acted. It’s not every day you get to meet the ruler of the dragons personally.”

“I’m not really the true ruler,” said Ember with a bashful look on her. “I just command them and summon them when I need them.”

“Well I appreciate the help,” said Granny. She let out another sneeze and sniffled. “Perhaps I could use some rest after all.”

“That’s a good idea,” said Cheerilee in a relieved voice.

Big Mac took Granny’s arm and smiled softly. “Come on. Let’s get you some soup.”

“One last thing, Big Mac,” called out Applejack.

“Hmm?” he muttered.

Applejack walked up to Big Mac, and suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled him down and see the furious look on his sister.

“No more ‘private lessons’ with Cheerilee. Got it?” she warned in an icy tone.

Big Mac gulped a little as he backed away. “E–eyup,” he nervously said.

As Granny was led back to the house by Big Mac and Cheerilee, the three waved goodbye until they went into the house. Applejack turned around and let out a sigh.

“Sorry you had to see that,” she said. “Granny can be a little stubborn when it comes to meeting royalty.”

“That’s alright,” said Ember. “She kind of reminds me of Master Ash actually. He can be rather stubborn as well.”

“I think maybe they would get together just fine then,” laughed Matches.

“Save the laughs for later, partner,” said Applejack. “Come on. The others are waiting for us.” She looked at Ember. “There’s also somepony here who I think you may like.”

Ember raised an eyebrow. Whoever it is can’t be any worse than Rarity.

She felt a tug and looked over to see Spike taking her hand. “Come on, Ember,” he said. “You gotta try this out.”

Ember looked a bit flustered and nodded. “R–right,” she said.

The group walked through the fields and passed by multiple trees. Ember looked around in awe as she saw the colorful leaves, the large apples hanging on the branches, and the thick trees around her. She couldn’t help but smile as she heard the birds chirping and saw the various apple trees. Soon enough, the group heard some chattering and came across a clearing in the field. Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Starlight stood around talking with each other. Around several of the trees were large wooden buckets, and a few wooden carts nearby.

“Sorry I’m late,” said Applejack. “I just thought I’d get a little more help.”

The group looked over and saw Ember and Matches standing nearby. They all greeted the two dragons and smiled at them. Rarity, on the other hand, looked irritated and scoffed softly. Ember saw the scornful unicorn and glared back at her.

Applejack looked around and frowned. “Hey, where is he?” she wondered.

“Where’s who?” asked Spike.

“I was hoping that Ember could’ve met somepony else,” said the farmer. “I asked him for help yesterday, and he should’ve been here by now.”

“Hey, Jackie!” a voice called out from above.

The group looked above and saw a pegasus descending from the sky, and landing in front of them. The pegasus was sky blue with a messy dark blue mane. He was muscular enough that his arms were stretching out the white shirt he was wearing.

Applejack smiled and ran up to the pegasus. “There you are! What took you so long, Pie Guy?”

The pegasus shrugged. “You know how it is, Jackie,” he said. “Paperwork to fill out to leave, getting approval, and making sure I’m not missing practice. Boring crap like that, but all worth it in the end.”

“I know, sugarcube,” grinned Applejack.

Ember stepped forward. “Um… excuse me, but who are you?” she inquired.

The pegasus looked at Ember, and he looked bewildered. “Whoa… Applejack, is that who I think it is?”

She laughed a little. “That she is. Why don’t you go ahead and introduce yourself?”

“Right.” The pegasus walked up to Ember and saluted her. “Um… hello, Dragon Lord Ember. I’m Lieutenant Soarin of the Wonderbolts.”

“The who now?” asked Ember.

Soarin looked a bit embarrassed and chuckled weakly. “That’s right. I don’t think you know what the Wonderbolts are. We’re only the best fliers in Equestria and love to put on air shows.”

Ember looked at Soarin with a puzzled expression. “Never heard of doing something like that before.”

“Maybe one day I’ll show you to them,” said Soarin. “Maybe Rainbow can do it considering she’s one of us.”

“You got that right,” said Rainbow. “Come by my house anytime. I got the complete history of the Wonderbolts to show you.”

“Alright, that’s enough, Rainbow,” said Applejack. She walked out to the center and had a serious look on her. “As you all know, Granny Smith isn’t feeling too good, so Big Mac and Cheerilee are taking care of her. Without them to help, I can’t harvest all the apples around the northern fields. That’s where you all come in.”

She walked over to a nearby tree and pointed to the buckets around it. “I’ve already gone ahead and placed buckets around the trees we need to buck. Once they’re full, take them to one of the carts I’ve set up nearby.” She pointed to the large wooden wagon near her. “Once it’s filled with buckets of apples, take them down to the barn, unload them, and then bring it back here to begin again.”

Ember looked around at the numerous trees and her eyes widened. We have to pick apples from all of these trees!? This makes the Gauntlet of Fire sound like a piece of cake.

“Since we have so many trees to buck, we’ll all divide into teams,” said Applejack. “You can even choose who you want to be if you want.”

Ember and Rarity looked at each other for a brief moment. Both had bitter looks on them as they stared at each other. The quickly ran over and grabbed Spike’s arm.

“We’ll go with Spike,” they both said in unison.

The group looked at Ember and Rarity with confused looks on them. Spike looked at the two in shock and looked just as lost as the others.

“I think Spike and I make a good team,” said Rarity. “We both work together so well collecting gems after all.”

“I’d like to stick around with Spike,” stated Ember. “Maybe he can show me what I need to do.”

“I’ll go with you as well,” offered Matches. “Considering what happened yesterday, I think maybe I should be around as extra protection.”

Ember nodded. “Good idea.”

“Well, I think that’s a big enough team for you all,” said Applejack. “I’ll be with Soarin and Twilight. Rainbow, you, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Starlight are a team. Hopefully we’ll get the northern fields cleared out before the day is over.”

“That’s not possible,” said Matches.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”

“No offense, Applejack, but there’s no way we can get all these apples down in time. That would take probably a week to do.”

“Not with what you have to do,” said Applejack.

She went over to a nearby tree and looked at it carefully. A moment later, she raised a foot and with a loud grunt, she kicked the tree. The tree shook violently and the apples fell from the branches holding them, and went into the buckets around it.

Applejack looked at Matches with a satisfied smile. “How do you like them apples?”

Matches and Ember looked dumbfounded.

“How did you do that?” wondered Ember.

“I’ll show you,” offered Spike. “I’ve done it enough times that I can teach you and Matches.”

Ember rubbed her chin and looked doubtful. “Well, I’m not sure if I’ll like doing something like this. It does look a bit painful.” She looked over and saw the hopeful look in Spike’s eyes, and felt the guilt wash over her. “I guess I can give it a try though.”

Spike smiled and took Ember’s hand. “You’ll like it,” he insisted. “I promise!”

“Alright! Alright! Take it easy, Spike,” said Ember. “No need to get worked up over something like this.”

Applejack laughed and said, “Well, y’all take the trees to the west.” She pointed towards the group and deeper into the forest. “You’ll find some buckets and a cart not too far from here. Just do what I said, and we’ll be done with this in no time.”

The group nodded in agreement.

“Now let’s get to work,” ordered Applejack.

Spike, Ember, Rarity, and Matches walked off. While Matches asked Spike about where to kick a tree to get all the apples down, Rarity and Ember looked at each other with hateful expressions.

“Don’t try to make yourself look stupid when you can’t buck an apple tree,” mocked Rarity. “We wouldn’t want you to look useless in front of Spike, right?”

Ember growled softly. “I’m surprised you even want to do something like this. After all, you are a ‘lady’, and I don’t think you would want to get mud or something all over you.”

Rarity scoffed. “Please. I may be a lady, but that doesn’t mean I’m not afraid to get a little dirty.”

Ember’s eyes looked down and she saw near one of the trees a small brown puddle. She smirked and moved her tail in front of Rarity.

“Just remember to not make a fool of youuuuuu!” Rarity yelled as she fell over and her face hit the mud puddle.

Spike turned and saw Rarity slowly getting up and coughing, and quickly ran over to her. “Rarity, are you okay!?” asked Spike frantically.

Rarity rubbed her eyes and saw out of the corner of her eye a blue tail moving away. She looked up and saw the smug smile Ember was giving her. She was about to lunge at her in anger, but it was put aside as she felt Spike take her hand and help her up. She looked at him and saw the concerned look on him.

“You’re not hurt, are you?” he inquired. “How did this happen?”

Rarity smiled warmly at him. “I’ll be fine, Spikey Wikey,” she said. “Though I guess you can say that I… ‘tripped’.” She looked at Ember with a glare on her.

Spike frowned and rubbed some of the mud off of Rarity’s face. “There should be a small river nearby. I’ll take you over there and help wash that mud off.”

Rarity smiled and nodded. “That sounds good, Spike. You’re always so helpful and know how to treat a lady.” She looked back at Ember again. “Unlike certain creatures.”

Ember rolled her eyes. “Not my fault you couldn’t watch where you were going.”

“Ember, don’t be rude,” scolded Spike. “I’m going to help Rarity wash her face. We’ll be right back.” Spike took Rarity’s hand and helped escort her.

“We’ll stay here and wait for you two,” said Matches.

As she was being walked away, Rarity turned around and stuck her tongue out at Ember. The dragoness growled again and sulked as Rarity snuggled against Spike. She suddenly felt a hand on her, and she turned to see Matches with a stoic look on him.

“What was that about?” he inquired. “You’ve been acting really weird lately.”

Ember sighed and shook her head. “I’m just feeling a little worked up over this whole visit.”

“I get that, but you’ve been acting really weird; especially around Rarity,” said Matches. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

Ember said nothing for a moment as she looked away. She bit her tongue to hold back everything she wanted to say, and closed her eyes.

“Ember?”

The dragoness looked back with a solemn look on her. “It’s nothing,” she said. “Let’s just move on.”

Matches stared at Ember for a moment, and then slowly nodded. “Alright,” he said in a wary tone.

Ember turned around and looked at one of the apple trees. Matches looked on and frowned to himself.

For your sake, Ember, I hope nothing is wrong.

Spike and the others soon came across a clearing similar to where they met the others. There were large wooden buckets around a couple dozen trees, and there was a large wooden cart nearby.

“Alright, this is the place,” said Spike. He looked over at Ember. “Ready for me to show you how it’s done?”

Ember nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be. This isn’t going to hurt is it?”

Spike shook his head. “Not if you know what to do, and where to hit.”

He waved a hand over urging Ember to come over. She hesitantly walked over towards Spike and went up to a nearby tree.

“All you gotta do is kick the tree’s trunk in the right spot,” said Spike. “Usually, the best place to hit the tree is right in the middle. Just be sure to not kick it so hard, or you’ll hurt yourself. Like this.”

Spike looked at the tree’s trunk for a moment. He raised his foot, and with a loud grunt, kicked it in the middle and the tree shook violently. A few seconds later, the apples fells of the branches and went into the buckets around the tree.

“Just like that,” he said. “Why don’t you try it?” He pointed to a tree nearby with buckets around it.

Ember gulped and nodded. She walked over and looked over the tall tree towering over her. She looked at the tree trunk, and took a deep breath. Slowly raising her right foot, Ember’s eyes narrowed on the tree. She let out a yell and quickly kicked the tree.

“Ahh!” screamed Ember as she hoped around. She held her foot and bit her lip in pain.

She suddenly lost her balance and fell over. Before she hit the ground, she felt two hands catch her. Ember looked over and saw Spike smiling at her. The sunlight shined upon him making him look radiant. Ember blushed and looked away to hide it.

“Take it easy, Ember,” said Spike. “It looks like you kicked it a little too hard.” He put her down and helped her stand up. “You okay?”

Ember nodded. “I’ve felt worse,” she replied. “Did any apples fall?”

Both dragons looked into the buckets, and saw that some were halfway full to some that had one or two in them.

“Not bad for your first time,” said Spike. “You got more down than me. I barely got any apples down on my first try.”

Ember smiled softly. “Thanks,” she said. “It was really nothing though.”

“You still did good,” said Spike. “You just need a little more practice. If you want, you and I can work together and take care of these trees. I’ll help you practice bucking trees as well.”

Ember fidgeted a little. “I–I don’t need some babysitter or something,” she said.

“That’s not what I mean,” said Spike. “I was just going to help you.” He held his hand out to her. “What do you say?”

Ember looked at Spike, and then at his hand. She slowly reached out to touch it. Suddenly, another figure stepped in front of the two of them. Ember looked up to see Rarity with a glare on her, and growled softly.

Rarity looked at Spike with a smile. “Spikey, I appreciate your offer, but I think maybe I should be with Ember. Matches needs to learn about bucking too you know?”

“But I watched what Spike did,” said Matches. “I think I got an idea on what to do.”

Rarity shook her head. “There’s ‘seeing it’ and then ‘doing it’, darling,” she stated. “I’ll be around to make sure Ember knows what to do.”

Spike looked discouraged. “Well…alright, I guess,” he muttered. “Just come get me if you have any problems.” He looked at Ember. “I know you can do this. Just remember what I showed you, and you’ll do fine.”

Ember nodded.

“Matches and I will take the left side. You and Rarity get the right side. We’ll check on you two later.” Spike looked at Matches and ushered him over. “Come on. I’ll show you what to do.”

Spike looked at Ember and Rarity for a brief moment, and then turned around and walked away with Matches. As they walked away, Rarity and Ember looked at each other with venomous looks on them. Rarity narrowed her eyes and Ember clenched her fists until her hand was shaking.

After nearly a minute, Ember said in a venomous tone, “Look. I don’t like you. You don’t like me. I’m not going to waste any of my time talking to the likes of you. Let’s just go to work, and not talk to each other.”

Rarity scoffed. “Fine with me. Just don’t try to hurt yourself anymore, darling.”

“As long as you don’t play in the mud anymore, lady.”

Both Ember and Rarity went their separate ways. Ember approached one of the trees and looked over it. She heard talking nearby and looked over to see Spike and Matches laughing with each other. She glared and looked back at the tree.

Stupid Rarity, she thought to herself. Always getting in the way and always thinking I’m making some move on Spike. I don’t need that wingless runt at all anyway.

Ember lifted her foot up and with a yell, kicked the tree. It’s not like I want to hang out with him anyway. With his stupid friendship and stupid nice eyes and stupid warm smile and his stupid handsomeness!

“Ember!”

The dragoness broke out of her thoughts and looked over to see Matches and Spike with confused looks on them.

“What!?” she asked in an annoyed voice.

“I think you got the apples,” said Spike.

Ember looked back at the tree and saw that all the apples on it were gone. She felt a sudden pain in her foot and looked to see she had kicked the tree hard enough to leave the impression of her shoe on its bark. The dragoness blushed in embarrassment and rubbed the back of her head. She heard snickering nearby and looked over at Rarity who was covering her mouth and suppressing a laugh.

“Take it easy,” said Spike. “You don’t have to kick the tree so much that you’re about to knock it over.”

“Don’t get too frustrated now, Ember,” stated Rarity in a mocking tone. “I don’t think you’d want to make Applejack upset by destroying one of her trees, would you?”

Ember let out a frustrated groan and walked away to another tree. She gave it a kick and the apples fell from the branches and into the buckets.

“That’s better, Ember!” called out Spike.

Rarity huffed and went over to another tree. “Watch how a lady does it with elegance, Ember,” she said. She went over to a tree, and with a kick, the tree shook and the apples slowly fell down into the buckets. “That is how it’s done.”

Ember slapped herself. How is that any different from what I was doing!? What did you kick it softly or something!?

Rarity leaned against the tree and smirked. “Try doing something like that, dar–OW!”

The unicorn yelped as several apples fell right onto her head and hit her rather hard. One even landed right on her horn and was pierced by it. Apple juices slowly ran down Rarity’s angry face and she wiped it off.

Ember couldn’t help but laugh and point at her. “That certainly was an ‘elegant’ way to buck an apple tree,” she said in between laughs.

Rarity removed the apple from her horn and felt her anger boiling over. She gripped the apple and prepared to throw at Ember.

“What are you doing, Rarity?” wondered Spike.

The unicorn looked over and saw the curious look on both Spike and Matches. She groaned angrily and her eye twitched violently.

“Nothing...Spike,” she replied through gritted teeth. “I was just going to have this apple as a snack.” She bit into the apple and chewed it slowly.

Spike raised an eyebrow and shrugged. He and Matches turned and walked away into the orchard.

Ember laughed again and walked off to another tree, leaving Rarity fuming and red in the face.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me,” ordered Rarity.

Ember stopped and turned around. “What? You want to show me how to pick up an apple like a lady?”

Rarity ignored the mocking tone and shook her head. “No. You think you can buck an apple tree better? Well I can gather more apples than you ever will. Spikey be so impressed with how many apples I can gather.”

“Not if I can help it,” said Ember. “Your so called ‘elegance’ won’t help you this time.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Ember and Rarity stared at each other for a minute. Both of them waited to see who would make the first move, and their legs were twitching. Suddenly, they both took off towards the trees. Rarity reached one of them first and with a powerful kick, managed to knock the apples down. Ember, not willing to be outdone, ran up and kicked a tree, making all the apples fall down. She then took off into the air and flew to another tree. She spun around it and quickly picked as many apples as she could and dropped them off into the buckets.

Rarity saw it and glared. “So you have to resort to flying to win this competition, huh?” Her horn glowed up. “Well two can play at this game, darling!”

Around the tree Rarity stood at, it glowed a blue aura. The apples on the branches were tug violently and plucked off the tree one by one. Rarity gathered all the apples and gently lowered them into the buckets below.

Ember saw what Rarity had done, and scoffed. “Big deal. Your magic isn’t going to be of much help anyway.”

“I’ll be the judge of that!” yelled Rarity.

They both went back to work and went to different trees. Around the field, the shaking of trees and glowing lights could be seen from above.

Ember grunted as the last of the apples on the tree she was kicking fell down. She panted and wiped her forehead. She put her foot down, and winced in pain.

“Ah!” she groaned and rubbed her leg. “Maybe I went a little too fast with the kicking.”

She looked around the field and all the trees she had bucked. Some of them had shoe impressions on them from the excessive kicking. Ember nodded and smirked.

“Not too bad for a dragon who’s never done this before.” Ember walked over to the buckets, but winced in pain and grabbed her leg. “I just wish there was a better way to do this. I think my legs are going to be sore for days.”

She picked up two of the buckets and began carrying them away. Ember heard a grunting noise and looked over to see Rarity kicking a tree and struggling to get the apples down. She laughed to herself and smiled smugly.

“Serves you right,” she said. “So much for doing it a lady’s way.”

Ember continued walking off with the buckets and soon came upon the wagon. She stopped dead in her tracks as another sight caught her eye. Near the wagon, Spike was finishing placing a few buckets in the cart, and wiped his forehead. Ember’s eyes focused on the red buttoned shirt he was wearing, and noticed it was unbuttoned a little to show off his pecs and a bit of his flat abs.

Spike looked over and waved a hand. “Hey, Ember. You got some more apples?”

The dragoness broke out of her trance and nodded. “Y–yeah,” she muttered.

Spike looked around where Ember came from, and his eyes widened. “Whoa! You and Rarity got all of those apples down? How did you do that?”

Ember chuckled weakly. “Just a lot of hard work I guess.”

“Matches and I only got half of the trees done. Whatever you two did really worked out well. Maybe you can show us what you both did.”

“Maybe later,” stated Ember. “Shouldn’t we get these apples taken away first?”

“Good idea,” said Spike. “The wagon has enough room for two more buckets. Load them up, and we’ll take it to the barn.”

“Got it,” she said. Ember placed the buckets into the cart and turned to Spike. “Everything’s ready to go.”

“Alright we’ll take this cart to the barn. I could use your help unloading it.”

Ember looked around and scratched her head. “Where’s Matches?”

“Taking a break,” replied Spike. “He was really working himself down to the bone, so I let him go get some water and sit down. He said he’ll meet us at the barn to help unload the apples.”

“Well let’s not waste any time.”

“You got that right.” Spike walked over to the end of the cart, and lifted both handles up. “Let’s go. We’ll have to go near some slopes to the barn, so make sure the cart doesn’t go near the ledges okay?”

Ember nodded.

Spike walked off with the cart and slowly made his way down the dirt path before him. Ember walked behind him. The image of Spike and his body was still fresh in her mind. She tried to think of something else, but it wouldn’t go away.

Stay focused, Ember, she told herself. So what if you saw Spike and his handsome body? It’s not like I want him or anything.

“Oof!” Ember grunted as she walked into something hard. She looked to see it was the wagon.

Spike stopped and turned around. “Watch how close you follow,” he warned. “We’re close to a few hill slopes, so watch the cart.”

Ember rubbed the back of her head. “Sorry,” she said in a small voice.

The two of them took off again with the cart in tow.

Rarity grunted as she kicked the tree and the apples fell down. She looked at the tree and nodded. “That’s the last of those apples. I think it’s time for me to load these up.”

She picked up one of the buckets and carried it to the cart. She suddenly felt a little lightheaded and the world became blurry. She shook it off and groaned. “Perhaps I went a little overboard with my magic. It’s a small price to pay to win this competition though.”

As Rarity walked, she looked around and heard only the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling. She came to a stop and raised an eyebrow.

“Hmmm. I don’t hear Ember,” said Rarity. “Maybe she hurt her foot from all that kicking that she had to stop. Oh, well. It’s not my problem.” Rarity soon came across the clearing, and gasped. She looked around in confusion. “That’s odd. Where did the cart go? I don’t hear Ember grunting, nor do I see her. In fact, there seems to be nopony around at all. Where could they have gone?”

Rarity closed her eyes for a moment, and thought to herself. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind and an image as well. In her mind, she saw Ember and Spike walking together with the cart. Slowly, they both stopped turned to look at each other with smiles on their faces. They leaned in closer together and their lips came closer to connecting together.

Rarity shook her head and her eyes narrowed. “Why that little…!” She groaned and threw down the bucket in frustration. “When I’m through with her, she’ll be lucky to even be able to chew an apple again!” The unicorn stomped off down the dirt path and gritted her teeth angrily.

“Okay, take it easy along this curve,” said Ember. “It’s a pretty steep slope.”

“Got it,” said Spike.

The cart slowly turned and Ember kept an eye on it. The wheels were close to the slope, and she held her breath. Eventually, the cart rounded the corner and continued down the path.

Ember let out a sigh of relief. “That was close.”

“I’ll say,” agreed Spike. “We’re almost there though. Just another hill to go, and we’ll be there.”

The wagon continued on the dirt path. Spike and Ember soon came upon the last hill slope, and the cart came to a stop.

Ember had to stop herself from walking into it. She looked over and raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Why did we stop?”

“You know how we’ve been avoiding the sides of the hills this whole time?” Spike asked. Ember nodded at him. “Well this time, we’re going down the hill.”

Ember walked over and looked down. The hill slope before them was a bit steep and beyond that was the path to the large red barn. “Looks a bit hard to go down there. What do we do now?”

“We’ll have to be very careful,” replied Spike. “Stay close to me and make sure the cart doesn’t roll out of control.”

“Alright.”

Spike began walking down the hill slowly, with Ember rushing up to his side to help hold the cart up.

“Thanks,” he said. “You did a really good job today.”

“It really wasn’t that hard,” replied Ember. “I just hope Applejack doesn’t notice that dent I made in the tree.”

“Don’t worry about that. Big Mac has done that by accident a few times.”

The two of them stayed silent as the wagon rolled down the hill. Ember’s eyes kept wandering over towards Spike. Despite the heavy cart he was lifting and pulling, he had a smile on his face, and his body was glistening with sweat. Ember looked up and down at his muscular arms, his chest that was partially exposed by his button opened shirt, and his toned legs.

Ember shook her head. Stop it, she told herself. I’ve seen plenty of muscular guys back at home. This is no different. She felt a tug in her chest and groaned softly. ...Right?

As they continued walking down the hill, Ember stayed close to the trees. She passed by one, and a branch brushed her shoulder. She waved it off, but he branch caught onto one of the straps of her white tank top shirt.

“We’re almost down this hill,” said Spike. “Just a bit further now, and we’ll be okay.”

Ember suddenly felt something tug at her. She grunted and forced herself to move. A soft ripping noise caught her ear, and she felt something flapping on her. She looked down, and her eyes widened.

“Ack!” she cried out.

Spike looked over with a worried expression. “What’s wrong?”

His question was immediately answered as he saw one of Ember’s shirt straps ripped and part of her top was exposed. Spike’s eyes were drawn to Ember’s chest, where he could see part of Ember’s rather generous bosom. His eyes wandered to the center and–

Spike closed his eyes and held up a hand to cover his eyes and his burning red cheeks. “Whoa! I–I didn’t mean to look at you like that!” he quickly shouted. “Can you cover it up!?”

“I can’t!” said Ember in an embarrassed voice. “I don’t know what to do! Just...just don’t look okay! I’m not trying to give you some kind of show!”

“I know! I know! But we must do something about–AH!”

Spike’s knees buckled as he felt a surging pain in his back. He tried to stand still, but the pain he was feeling became too much. He kneeled down and groaned.

What the hay is happening to me? he asked himself.

Spike felt the wagon push against him, and was threatening to run him over. He slowly got back up and tried to regain his bearings. He tried to put both arms on each of the handles, but the cart was still pushing against him and several apples fell out.

He looked over at Ember. “Help me!” he yelled. “I can’t control it!”

Ember grabbed onto the edges of the cart and groaned as she tried to slow it down. The cart jerked around as it sped up and then slowed down. Spike stomped his feet into the ground, and could feel dirt rubbing up against him as he tried to hold on.

“Hang on, Spike!” Ember tugged as hard as she could, ignoring the pain in her foot, and pulled as hard as she could.

The cart then came to a stop, and Spike and Ember stayed still for a minute. Spike slowly walked forward with the cart, with Ember in tow to hold it steady. They both carefully walked down the hill, and reached the bottom of the hill. Spike walked faster as he didn’t need to worry about the hill, and soon enough walked up to the barn.

Spike released his grip on the handles, and the cart dropped with a rather loud bang. He let out a sigh of relief and leaned against the barn door.

“That was far too close.” He looked at Ember. “Thanks for the help.”

“No problem,” said Ember. She felt a slight breeze, and looked down to see the strap of her shirt flapping in the wind. “Oh!” She covered herself and blushed. “You wouldn’t happen to have an extra shirt would you?”

Spike shook his head. “No, but I can get one for you. Let me go ask Big Mac if I can borrow one of Applejack’s shirts.” He walked off and went around the corner of the barn, leaving Ember by herself.

The dragoness let out a sigh and rested against the barn door. “This could’ve been better.” She looked down at her ripped shirt. “The only good thing I can say is that at least Rarity wasn’t around to see–”

“There you are!”

Ember closed her eyes and felt her heart sink. “Spoke too soon.” She turned around to see an infuriated Rarity stomping up to her.

“Just what do you think you’re doing!?” she demanded. “Running off from work to sneak in some time with Spike, huh!? Well you’ll have to try a little harder than that!”

“I wasn’t trying spend time with Spike!” argued Ember. “I was bringing some apples over to load up and I helped Spike take the cart back to the barn. It’s not my fault you were taking your time with how to buck an apple tree ‘like a lady’.”

“How dare you!? I should… wait, what’s that?” Rarity pointed towards Ember’s shoulder.

Ember flinched and covered it. Damn it.

“So this was your plan?” accused Rarity as she got in Ember’s face. “You ripped a shirt I made for you, and then seduce Spike with your body?”

“What!?”

“Don’t try to deny it! Your little ‘love letter’ failed you, and now I’ve foiled another one of your plans!”

Ember looked dumbstruck and frustrated. “Okay, this is beyond insane! First of all, I never wrote that stupid love letter! I don’t even know what was written on it! Second, I didn’t rip this shirt on purpose, it was caught on a branch and it was ripped that way! Third, you are being paranoid!”

“Maybe I am, but as long as I’m able to keep Spikey Wikey out of your grasp, it’s worth it!”

“Oh, that’s just great,” said Ember in a sarcastic tone. “I’m sure Spike will love a mare who’s obsessed and doesn’t trust other mares around him. I’m surprised you aren’t acting like this to your other friends.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” demanded Rarity.

“The way you’ve been acting and thinking that every moment I’m with Spike that I’m going to kiss him or something, I’m surprised you haven’t treated your friends the same way. What’s to say that they don’t like him too?”

Rarity flinched and gritted her teeth. “Well Applejack is quite smitten with Soarin, so that’s one friend who has no feelings for Spike.”

Ember laughed harshly. “Yeah one friend down, six more to go. Face it. You’re being paranoid, insane, and an overall whiny bitch.”

Rarity’s eye twitched and she gritted her teeth. “You...you...you…” Rarity pressed her face up to Ember’s. “I’ve had enough of you!”

Ember had a hateful expression on her face. “I didn’t want it to come to this, but I don’t think you leave me any choice.”

“Ember!”

Rarity and Ember looked over as they heard Spike’s voice. The dragoness struggled and pushed away Rarity.

“Get off of me!” she barked.

“Why should I!?” inquired Rarity. “Afraid I’m going to make you look bad in front of Spike?”

“No, but I’m sure you won’t like it when Spike sees you trying to hurt me. Think of what he’ll say.”

Rarity muttered under her breath and looked away. She closed her eyes and backed away. “...Fine.”

Spike came around the corner and had a green buttoned plaid shirt in his hand. He ran up to Ember and held it up to her.

“Here you go,” he said. “Big Mac says you can borrow this shirt.”

Ember took the shirt and put it on. “Thanks, Spike.”

The dragon nodded and then looked over. “Oh, Rarity! I don’t know if Ember told you this or not, but her shirt got caught on a branch and ripped. I hope you’re not too upset.”

Rarity forced a smile and shook her head. “Oh...I’m not, darling,” she said in a strained voice. “In fact, I was just talking to Ember about it.”

“I just hope you’re not too upset,” said Spike. “I know you worked hard to make it for her.”

“It’s honestly no problem, Spikey, but thank you for the concern.”

“Howdy, y’all!”

The group turned around to see Applejack, Soarin, Matches and Twilight coming up with their own wagon, and waving at them.

Applejack let out a loud whistle as she put the cart down and walked over. “Well I’ll be! You all got that many apples that quick, huh? I don’t think even Rainbow could do it that fast.”

“You could say we made our own magic,” said Rarity.

The unicorn suddenly felt dizzy again and she leaned on Spike’s shoulder.

“You okay?” wondered Spike.

Rarity nodded. “I just felt a little lightheaded.”

Applejack sighed and crossed her arms. “I see what you mean by ‘magic’,” she said in a disappointed voice. “Rarity, you know how I feel about using magic to get apples down.”

“Twilight used it before though,” argued Rarity.

“That was different,” said Applejack. “We were so behind that I didn’t mind when Twilight used her magic to get the apples down.”

Ember took a step forward, and her right knee buckled. “Ahh!” she cried out.

Matches rushed over to help her up. “Easy now, Ember,” he said. “I got you.”

“It’s...it’s nothing,” she said in a painful tone. “I just pulled something is all.”

Applejack walked over and noticed Ember’s leg shaking. She shook her head. “Looks like you went a little overboard with the apple bucking. I’d say you’re done for the day with how your leg is.”

“I can still fly and pick them off,” said Ember. “I did that earlier.”

Applejack shook her head. “No, you and Rarity better go rest up in the house. Besides, it looks like you both did your fair share of work.”

“I’ll help carry you in, Rarity,” said Spike.

Rarity gasped as she felt Spike lift her up, and blushed slightly. “Oh, thank you, Spikey Poo. You’re always such a gentledrake.”

Ember saw Rarity snuggling against Spike, and growled softly.

Matches raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”

“...I’ve been better,” Ember replied. “Let’s just go.”

Spike, Rarity, Ember, and Matches headed off to the small brown homestead nearby.

Big Mac walked in carrying two bowls of an orange soup, and handed them to Rarity and Ember, who were both sitting on a green couch.

“Here you are,” he said. “It’s some homemade vegetable soup.”

“Thanks, Big Mac,” said Ember. “We’ll be okay on our own.”

“If you say so,” he said.

The sound of violent coughing rang out in the room.

“I better go check on Granny. You two ring the bell if you need anything.” Big Mac left the room, leaving Rarity and Ember alone.

“Not bad,” said Rarity in an icy tone.

Ember looked at Rarity with a shocked look. “Yeah… you too,” she said.

“Don’t get too comfortable though,” said Rarity. “This doesn’t change anything.”

Of course it doesn’t, thought Ember as she rolled her eyes.

“If I hadn’t gotten so lightheaded from using so much magic, I would’ve won this competition, and Spikey would’ve been so impressed.”

“He was impressed with both of us,” argued Ember. “Even if you were feeling fine, I doubt Spike would confess his love for you.”

Rarity turned and huffed. “I guess you have a point. Perhaps we did go a little overboard.”

Ember sighed and went back to her soup. “I’ll say.”

The sound of a door opening nearby caught Ember and Rarity’s ears.

“We’re done!” called out Applejack.

A moment later, Applejack and the others walked in looking sweaty, exhausted, and dirty, but all had smiles on their faces.

“How are you two feeling?” inquired Applejack.

Ember wiggled her leg. “My leg doesn’t feel as bad anymore.

“I’m not feeling as light headed as before,” replied Rarity.

“That’s great,” said Spike.

Ember took another spoonful of soup and was about to eat it, but a shadow loomed over her. She looked up and saw Soarin standing there with a stern look on him.

“Lord Ember, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you something,” he said.

The dragoness looked at Applejack with a confused look who, in turn, looked just as lost and shrugged.

“Go ahead,” she said. “And it’s just Ember. No need for the formalities or anything.”

Soarin flinched and looked flustered. “Right. Um… anyway, I’ve been thinking about this since I saw you earlier, and I’ve made my decision.”

“On what?” asked Ember.

“How would you like to come to the Wonderbolts Academy?” asked Soarin. “You’d meet the other Wonderbolts and I’m sure they’d love to meet the leader of the new ally Equestria has.”

Rainbow came over with a huge grin on her. “Yeah! Maybe we can also see who is faster in the air; pegasi or dragons? I’ve been really wanting to know that for a long time! I would’ve done it with Spike, but we all know he doesn’t have–”

“RAINBOW!” barked Ember and Rarity.

“Honestly, darling, have some sense of decency!” berated Rarity.

“Yeah! Especially when Spike is around too!” scolded Ember.

Rainbow held up her hands and backed away with a shocked look on her. “Whoa! Okay, I didn’t mean to!” She looked over at Spike. “Sorry about that. I guess I got a little carried away.”

Spike rubbed the back of his head. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “I guess I’m used to it at this point.”

“Anyway, back to the question at hand,” said Soarin. “How about it, Ember? Would you like to come see the Wonderbolts Academy?”

Ember rubbed her chin and looked at Soarin and Rainbow. The former looked hopeful and a bit nervous, and the latter seemed overly eager.

“Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt,” she said. “I may as well see what’s so great about you all anyway.”

Rainbow jumped up and down. “Aw, yeah! I’m going to race a dragon! Just you wait and see how fast I am, Ember!”

“Rainbow, she’s not going there for a race,” said Twilight sternly. “She’ll probably want to learn about the Wonderbolts and who they are.”

Rainbow waved a hand. “Yeah, and I’ll even show her around, but I think this is the perfect chance to have this test.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head.

“Well I think we all deserve a reward after all this hard work,” said Applejack. “I’ll make us all a feast tonight.”

“Ooo! Can I help?” wondered Pinkie.

“Sure, Pinkie,” said Applejack. “Come on, y’all.”

The group headed out of the room and started going to the kitchen.

“Spike, wait a minute,” called out Ember.

The drake turned around with a blank look. “What is it?”

“While we were trying to fix the wagon, I noticed you were in a lot of pain. Is everything okay?”

Spike lowered his head and frowned. “I’m not sure what happened,” he said. “Maybe I hurt myself when I was apple bucking earlier.”

“Are you sure? You looked like somedragon had stabbed you in the back,” said Ember.

Spike waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. Come on, let’s get dinner.”

Ember and Spike walked off. As they did, the dragoness looked at Spike and saw the worried look on him, and frowned.

Spike, I hope that you’re right.

Garble walked through the Everfree Forest and was picking some fruit off a nearby tree. He ate it rather quickly and threw the remains away into the forest. He sighed and walked off again.

“What am I going to do?” he asked himself. “I need to find some way to break off this alliance.”

He saw a bunny nearby looking at him with a smile, and kicked it. “Even if I do see both Ember and that stupid pony finally tear each other apart, it wouldn’t change anything. I’d need proof to show it to the Dragon Council.”

Garble let out another sigh. He looked at a tree nearby and punched it. “I’ve got to find something, anything to help me.”

He started to walk off again, but a flash caught the corner of his eye. He looked over and raised an eyebrow.

“What was that?” he asked.

Garble saw another flash, and could’ve sworn he heard laughing. He slowly walked past the trees and through the shrubs around the forest. As Garble got closer her could hear the sound of a stallion talking and laughing.

He moved some branches and leaves and saw a clearing in the distance. In the middle was a rather chubby, elderly brown unicorn holding up a camera and smirking to himself.

The pony took off his explorer’s hat and fanned himself with it. “That’s another one,” he said in a Trottingham accent. “Soon, I’ll have a photo of every bird in Equestria. Then, my collection will be complete and my colleagues will be most impressed.”

He took a pair of binoculars out from his brown shirt pocket. “Let’s see what I can find next.”

Garble’s eyes were focusing on the camera hanging from the pony’s neck. He smiled sinisterly and rubbed his hands together. “I think I found what I need.”

He unfurled his wings and took off into the air. He made his way to the elderly pony, who was still looking around, and smirked.

“Now, what bird shall I find next?” asked the pony. His ears perked up as he heard flapping. “Oh! Is that another bird?”

He turned around, and was met with a red fist to his face. The pony yelled in pain and fell over. Garble went up to his head, and swiftly kicked it. The pony let out a soft groan and his body laid motionless.

Garble laughed coldly and leaned over. “I’ll be taking that now.” He ripped the rope around the camera and held it up.

“Hmmm...Not bad at all,” he said. He looked at the small, sleek black camera.

His finger slipped over the camera’s shutter button, and it flashed in his eyes. Garble flinched and rubbed his eyes. He shook his head and smirked.

“I now have what I need.” Garble held up the camera again. “You better be ready for your closeup, Ember. Whether you like it or not!” The dragon took off into the air laughing to himself.

Author's Notes:

So with the second half of season 6 here, I figured it would be the perfect time to update. I have been told that I have made Rarity go a bit overboard with how insane she is. I do plan on cutting down on it in future chapters. I sometimes think I'm playing this whole feud thing a little too hard, so I'll try to ease up on it. Hope you all enjoy it!