Another beautiful morning dawned over the town of Ponyville. In this case, the early morning sun shone above Sweet Apple Acres. On this particular day, Applejack and Big Mac were surveying a large, vast orchard, where every single tree was loaded by the tree trunk with juicy, delicious apples. And yet there was one slight detail to note, specifically from the big red pony.

“Boy howdy!” Applejack said, surveying the trees. “I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o’ apples I ever laid eyes on.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said. “Too big for you to handle on your own.”

“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…”

Applejack accidently poked the white bandage, making Big Mac cringe. He turns toward his sister, giving her a death glare.

“… Oops, sorry,” Applejack apologized, sheepishly. “I’ll take a bite out of this job by day’s end.”

“Biting off more than you can chew is just what I’m afraid of,” Big Mac said calmly.

“Are you sayin’ my mouth is makin’ promises my legs can’t keep?” Applejack retorted indignantly.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, plain and simple.

“Why of all the… This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalist of friends and the most dependable of ponies?”

“But still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds o’ apple trees just doesn’t add up to…”

“Don’t you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!” Applejack interrupts, angrily. “I said I could handle the harvest and I’m gonna prove it to you. I’m gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself.”

Yet despite her determination, Applejack just gulped. She truly did have her work cut out for her.

*Deploy Theme Song here*

It wasn’t long before Big Mac let Applejack be, seeing as how there was no talking her out of this. During which time, Applejack made her way toward the apple orchards, looking around.

“Well I better get kickin’,” Applejack said to herself. “These apples aren’t gonna shake themselves outta the trees.”

It was then the ground began to rumble, an apple fell out of a tree, and bonks her square on the head.

“Hey!” Applejack shouts, realizing. “Oh no…”

<>

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was searching for the source of the rumbling. She spots the source from the distance: A herd of mooing cows… Heading straight for Ponyville!”

“STAMPEDE!!!” Rainbow shouted.

All at once, the town ponies began to panic and dashed about.

“Stampede!” A pony named Bon-Bon shouted.

Most of the ponies had already shut their windows, closed their doors, and even pulled the welcome mats inside.

Like that was going to matter…

Anyways, despite all this chaos, Pinkie Pie was bouncing along and giggling to herself.

“H-h-h-h-h-h-hey-y-y-y-y-y…! Th-th-th-this-s-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-m-makes-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-my-y-y-y-y v-v-v-v-voice s-s-s-sound s-s-s-s-silly-y-y-y-y!” Pinkie remarked, her voice vibrating.

“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?!” Twilight retorted, while dashing about. “Run!”

Amongst the crowd, Storm Shield dashed frantically before pulling to stop behind the Mayor. The poor pony tried so hard to keep the peace.

“Everypony calm down,” Mayor Mare said. “There is no need to panic.

“R-r-right,” Storm said, uneasily. “No need to panic; first thing we do is not to panic, heh-heh… We gotta do something!”

“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked worriedly.

It was then Rainbow Dash’s eyes spotted something in the distance.

“Look there!” Rainbow called out.

Amongst the cows, a familiar orange pony and her faithful dog, whose name is Winona, charged beside the stampeding herd.

“YEEHAW!” Applejack chanted.

The ponies stopped running about the moment they saw and heard the cow pony. They give out a loud cheer.

“Move aside, Winona!” Applejack called out. “Put ‘em up, girl!”

Winona barked excitedly, as she ran alongside Applejack. Rarity just moaned, as she and a few other ponies watch the cowpony in action.

“This is the best rodeo show I’ve ever seen!” Pinkie exclaimed, while eating popcorn.

“Yeah… Sure it is, Pinkie,” Storm shook his head.

Twilight Sparkle merely rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s remark. In the meantime, Applejack continued to keep pace with the runaway cows. She gives one cow a bit of a shoulder bump, trying to coarse the cow to move but to no avail.

“Come on, little doggies! Turn!” Applejack called out.

Seeing as how this wasn’t working, Applejack knew she needed a different approach. She gives a shrill whistle toward her canine companion.

“Winona, put ‘em up!”

Winona barked, while giving a light nudge from the other side of the stampede.

“Ha-hah! Gotcha!” Applejack called out.

As Applejack tried to redirect the cows, Winona gave another bark to aid her. The cows were just yards away from the bridge leading to Ponyville when Applejack and Winona 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!” Applejack said, with a grunt. “Yee Haw!”

Once the cows start to slow down, Applejack manages to get ahead of the herd.

“Whoaaa!” Applejack commanded, halting the cows. “Hooie! Now what was that all about?”

One cow, named DaisyJo, moos in response… Before she coughs to clear her throat.

“Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack,” DaisyJo apologized. “But Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes…”

The other cows made startled expressions in agreement.

“… And it just gave us all the willies, don’tcha know.”

Applejack merely smiled in sympathy.

“I completely understand,” Applejack replied gently. “Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville.”

“We certainly will, Applejack,” DaisyJo answered. “So long, Winona!”

The dog barked in reply. And as the cows made their way back towards the farm, all the ponies watching continued to cheer excitedly, chanting Applejack’s name.

“Yee Haw!” Applejack shouted, striking a pose.

“Yee Haw!” Pinkie added, hopping about like a cattle-ranching pony. “Ride ‘em, cowpony!”

Some other ponies merely watched Pinkie, while she just hopped around and tried to mimic Applejack’s pose. But otherwise, they said nothing.

“Huh… That’s actually not a bad imitation,” Storm replied.

Mayor Mare was most impressed… But with Applejack, not of Pinkie’s impression of the farm pony.

“Applejack was just… just…”

“Appletastic!” Pinkie said, from above.

Storm looked up and was visibly shock by Pinkie’s gravity defying moment… Until gravity itself reminds her she couldn’t stay in the air and he watched her fall on her back.

“Exactly,” Mayor Mare replied. “We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town.”

“I know,” Pinkie said, laying on the ground.

Storm smiled, knowing exactly what Pinkie was going to suggest.

“3… 2… 1…” Storm counted.

<>

“A party!” Pinkie called out.

Within a few minutes, all the ponies of Ponyville had town square loaded with decorations, balloons, and party streamers of all kinds. It wasn’t long before Twilight and Spike arrived, just as Rarity tied a beautiful red bow onto a nearby tree.

“We all ready?” Twilight asked.

“Just one last thing,” Rarity said.

Using her magic, she lifts a large gold-colored banner, with an apple on the center, and placed it above the stage where Applejack would come to claim her special prize: A trophy crafted just for her.

“Now we’re ready.”

“Is Applejack all set?” Twilight asked Rarity.

“Actually, I haven’t seen her all week,” Rainbow said, landing beside Rarity.

“Not since the stampede,” Pinkie added, hopping beside the three ponies.

“But she’ll be here for sure,” Rainbow assured. “Applejack is never late.”

Storm Shield suddenly felt concerned as he approached Twilight, while the other girls applied the finishing touch for today’s celebration.

“I should head on over to Sweet Apple Acres and go get her,” Storm suggested.

“Oh, would you please darling?” Rarity asked sweetly.

“No problem, Rarity. I’ll be back with Applejack faster than you can say ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’!”

The girls just turned to each other, with a great deal of confusions before facing Storm. The stallion himself merely chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

“I’m gonna get Applejack now,” He said quickly.

“Please do,” Twilight nodded.

Before long, Storm Shield trots off toward the outskirts of town to Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight Sparkle looks on.

<>

Later that day, all the townponies gathered around the stage, just as Twilight Sparkle made her way towards the podium. She carries a large stage of messily stacked note cards for the occasion. Once she arrives, she used 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.

“—rupted!” 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 gonna 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!”

The ponies cheer as the curtain opens to reveal… No pony. Soon the cheering turns into a murmur.

“Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean—”

Spike soon realized just how off timing his personal cheer was, especially with Twilight Sparkle glaring at him.

“Heh…”

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, Storm Shield quietly approached his friends without saying a word.

“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-ooo!”

Applejack began leaning back and forth at her reflection with a woozy smirk on her face. Pinkie Pie even joined her.

“Woo-ooo/Ooo-ooo!” 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.

Rarity’s answer received some funny looks from her friends.

“Well, did you see her mane?”

“So what?” Storm remarked quietly. “She’s still pretty.”

“She seemed fine to me,” Pinkie said. “Woo! Woo! Wo—”

But Storm Shield placed a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth before she went on.

“Pinkie, I like you but… Please stop?” Storm asked quietly. “Thank you.”

Twilight Sparkle turned toward him, noticing how his tone seemed rather dreary.

“Storm, what happened?” Twilight asked.

Storm turned to her with a rather sad look on his face.

“Well, I found Applejack working in the orchards,” Storm 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 gentleman and all… Then she yelled at my face.”

“What?!” Twilight retorted in surprise.

“That’s what I was thinking! She just explodes 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.”

Storm Shield released a sigh, the look of frustration saying it all. Twilight approaches her friend, placing a comforting hoof on his back.

“You okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, totally,” Storm assured. “Don’t worry about me, I’m an adult. I’m not upset… Just never seen Applejack blow up like that before.”

Twilight could only look at him sadly. She knows Storm is the type of stallion to hardly let things get to him, he said he was all right. But she also knows even Storm can get a bit hurt. As Storm looked down, he feels a pair of hooves wrap around him and he turns to see Pinkie Pie, smiling at him. Storm rolled his eyes and smiled.

“Thanks Pinkie,” Storm chuckled.

“It’s what I do,” Pinkie replied.

“So… Is there anything we can do to help her?” Storm asked Twilight.

“Hmm…” Twilight wondered.

<>

It wasn’t much longer before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield 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 Storm were not too far away when they saw her working.

“What on Earth is that pony doing?” Twilight asked herself.

“Harvesting apples?” Storm proposed, as it was rather obvious.

“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,” Storm nodded. “Come on, then.

Storm 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!” Storm called out, a tad louder.

The orange pony continued to snore.

“Applejack!” Twilight called out.

Storm 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, Storm.”

“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 Storm 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 Storm 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 simplied.

“How did he--?” Storm began to ask.

“Ya don’t wanna know,” Applejack answered bluntly.

“Fair enough.”

“What about all those relatives we’ve met when we first came to Ponyville?” Twilight wondered.

“Yeah, I must’ve counted more than a dozen of those ponies,” Storm recalled. “Where are they anyway? Wouldn’t they love to help?”

“They were just here for the Apple family reunion,” Applejack sighed. “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 Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle refused to move, as if they were still trying to process the situation.

“Ahem!” Applejack cleared her throat. “Hint, hint? Get back to work?”

Storm 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, Twilight? Storm?” 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 Storm doing the same thing.

“Do you… want some help?” Twilight asked.

“Remember how helpful my duplication spell was last time?” Storm reminded her. “We’d be more than happy to help harvest the apples—”

“Help?” Applejack retorted, cutting Storm off. “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,” Storm nodded.

“Is that a challenge?” Applejack demanded, getting in their faces.

“This is exactly what I had to put up with earlier today,” Storm warned Twilight.

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.”

Storm and Twilight just watched her walk away in a huff.

“Man, that girl is as stubborn as a yak!” Storm grumbled.

“Just don’t let anyone from Yakyakistan hear you say that Storm,” Twilight warned.

“Eh, I’m sure it won’t come back to haunt me… Or will it?”

<>

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 on her 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 moment, Storm Shield had decided to take a little stroll around town hoping to clear his head. 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, than her flank, and even on her head. And each time, Storm flinched and groaned 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. Storm was just shaking his head indignantly in the distance.

“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 da!”

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.

Storm worriedly watched as Applejack climbed back to the top of the platform, struggling to vision her target.

“Oh no, what is she up to?” Storm asked to himself.

“Heh-heh… Here I go!” Applejack said.

Storm watched as Applejack backed up, preparing to make the jump. Storm’s eyes shrunk.

“What'll I do? What’ll I do?” Storm asked himself. “What AM I going to do?!”

With no time to think, Storm dashed right up to Rainbow, grabbing her from behind.

“WE GOTTA GO NOW!!!” Storm cried out, trying to pull her off. “ABORT! ABORT! ABORT!”

Rainbow was taken by surprise, as she tried to push him off.

“Storm, what are you…?!”

Just then, Applejack took off for a belly flop and only then did Rainbow realized why Storm was there.

“Wait…!”

Too late. Applejack stuck her landing perfectly, sending both Rainbow and Storm into the air at high speed.

“APPPLEJAAAAAACK…!”

“AAAAAAAH-HOOOO-HOOOO-WHEEEEE…!”

Rainbow and Storm screamed their lungs out, as they 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, she heard a set of screams and saw Rainbow hurling toward the front railing. Storm, who was still holding onto her, lost his grip when she hit the railing. The impact sent him flying over Twilight and tumbling head over heels into the library.

“Can I help you?” Twilight asked plainly.

“I think somepony else needs your help,” Rainbow replied wearily.

“Applejack?” Twilight replied.

“Yep,” Rainbow said, lowering her head.

Twilight just felt indignant until she heard a groan from behind her. Storm had landed upside down, his eyes swirling in a dazed manner.

“And how did you get mixed up in all this?” Twilight asked. “You said you were going for a walk.”

“I’m okay…” Storm replied, in a dorky tone. “I’m fluffy.”

Twilight just blinked before rolling her eyes. She knew she needed to speak to Applejack again. But this time… She decided to do it alone.

<>

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 and Storm crashed onto my balcony after you launched them into the air!” Twilight said indignantly. “And I think Storm may have landed on his head cause he’s claiming he’s the prettiest girl at the gala and singing songs back from magic kindergarten!”

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. She could only hope Storm had stopped singing when she got back.

<>

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 sureyou’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 washearing 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 o’ 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, Storm Shield, slightly normal, was strolling through town with a hoof over his head. He was just passing through when a whiff of the muffins brushed along his muzzle.

“Hmm… That’s an interesting scent,” Storm replied.

Just then, Pinkie Pie zipped right beside him with two muffins.

“HIYA, Stormy!” Pinkie greeted cheerfully. “Gee, you feeling all right? You don’t look too good.”

“Eh, just going through a light headache,” Storm groaned. “Otherwise, I’ll live.”

“Aw, I hope so. Here, have a muffin! Always makes me feel better.”

“Oh, well if you insist…”

Storm Shield picks up a muffin and takes a big bite out of the pastry. His taste buds start doing the mumbo as he chews the bits of the muffin slowly, he starts making faces as he detects some rather interesting flavors.

“Mmm… I’m detecting a salty-caramel texture…” Storm listed, smacking his lips. “Yet tarty and… savory? Pinkie, what kind of muffin is this?”

“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.”

“Oh yeah, Applejack is really… Applejack?”

Storm’s eyes widen the moment that name came up. Slowly, he peers his eyes toward the muffin noticing something sticking out of the muffin… A half a worm wiggling. Storm then turns his eyes as Pinkie Pie was eating the very same muffin, along with all the other ponies near Sugarcube Corner. By the time Storm realized what was going on, he had already swallowed the muffin he just ate.

“Oh no…” Storm spoke grimly.

<>

It wasn’t long before Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrived at what appeared to be a temporary hospital.

“We came as soon as we heard,” Twilight said.

“Oh thank you, Twilight,” 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. But what really drew her eyes is a very sickly, Storm Shield, just emptying his lunch in a bucket. By the time he lifted his head, he was all green in the face like all the others, even Pinkie Pie.

“Nurse… A little help?” Storm asked, moaning. “I think I need a new bucket!”

“Oh no! Storm!” Twilight yelled, approaching him.

As Twilight checked on her friend, Spike took a muffin and began to sniff it out.

“What happened?” Twilight asked. “Are you okay?”

“It’s a long story, I’m hoping it’s not contagious,” Storm answered worriedly. “I don’t know any germ-shield spells, ugh…”

“No, no,” Nurse Redheart said. “It was a mishap with some baked goods.”

“No, not baked goods,” Pinkie groaned. “Baked bads.”

Pinkie groaned again, as Storm flinched uncomfortably and turned back towards Twilight.

“Storm, why would you eat a bad muffin?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know…” Storm moaned. “Why don’t you ask Applejack? She had a hoof in baking these monstrosities!”

“Applejack,” Twilight sneered.

“Want one?” Spike asked.

Spike was chomping what was apparently the bad muffins that had been made. Twilight and Storm just made a face when Storm reeled back down and puked in his bucket while Twilight flinched. She turned to the horizon glaring indignantly to find a certain farm pony once again.

<>

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 Twilight Sparkle, and a remarkably recovered Storm Shield, arrived.

“Applejack, we need to talk,” Twilight said.

“What? Huh?”

Applejack was startled when she noticed the pair, all while she was still upside down.

“Oh, it’s you Twilight… Storm…” Applejack yawned. “… I know what you two are gonna say, but the answer is still no.”

“Not to upset your apple cart,” Twilight said. “But you need help.”

“You’re upside down like an acrobat for crying out loud,” Storm added.

“Hardy har!” Applejack groaned. “And no I don’t.”

“Here, let us help,” Twilight offered.

“Help? No thanks,” Applejack rebutted.

With a groan, Applejack tried to get herself and the cart upright.

“A little more… Little… There…”

Storm and Twilight just groaned, even though Applejack did succeed in getting herself upright.

“That was sad,” Storm remarked.

“I’ll prove that this here apple can handle theseapples. 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,” Twilight 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, Twilight and Storm followed close behind.

“Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about,” Twilight spoke. “Storm 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 I’m still lying in a hospital bed and puking carrots in agony?!” Storm asked, irritated. “I haven’t even eaten carrots!”

“What are ya talkin’ about?” Applejack asked, confused. “Ya look just fine ta me.”

“Applejack, this is one of his clones you’re talking to,” Twilight corrected. “I insisted for Storm to stay in bed and he only agreed if a part of him goes.”

“… Prove it.”

“The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side,” Storm Shield recited.

“Which is completely wrong, not even the ‘real’ Storm would say that!” Twilight added. ''If you'd just 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!”

Applejack didn’t get very far when she bumped noses with… another Storm Shield. She turns back and forth, but this time her vision isn’t messing with her. There were two Storm Shields and the one in front of her was very cross.

“Storm is willing to duplicate himself a few more times, since he's your best friend!” The Duplicate Storm snapped. “Need we remind you that we helped you win that bet with Big Mac?”

“He’s right, you know?” The other Storm spoke.

“I said NO!” Applejack yelled.

“Fine!” The Duplicate yelled. “But the ‘real’ Storm asked that we send you a message and I quote, ‘A.J., do us all a favor: Focus on the apples and stop trying to help the other ponies! Your ‘help’ isn’t helping anypony at all!’… End quote.”

Applejack got right into the duplicate’s face, as if she could stare through its eyes and see the ‘real’ Storm Shield watching from a distance.

“Don’t… Tell… Me… What… To… Do!!!” Applejack said, in a low voice.

Angrily, Applejack stomped away leaving Twilight Sparkle and the duplicates in the dust. To say the second Duplicate was furious would be an understatement. He was so mad, literal steam erupts from his ears and the duplicate blew up in a puff of smoke. Twilight was visibly upset, not only because of how Applejack reacted but how the duplicate’s disappear made the other woozy.

“Sorry Twilight,” Storm spoke, through his duplicate. “Lost my concentration for a moment; sometimes your friend really rubs me the wrong way.”

“I know, Storm,” Twilight sighed. “Ugh! That pony is stubborn as a mule.”

“You said it,” Duplicate Storm agreed, angrily.

A familiar neighing was heard causing the two to turn, with an apologetic smile.

“No offense,” Twilight spoke.

“None taken,” The mule said.

How he showed up out of the blue was any pony’s guess.

<>

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.

“Oh Applejack!” 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. Near the temporary hospital tent, a slightly weak Storm Shield pushed the flaps open and looked out.

“What is going on out here?!” Storm called out.

“Stamped!” Daisy called out, before yelping.

Confused, Storm looked ahead, and his eyes went wide. For right before him, the rampaging bunnies were hopping through the town.

“THE RABBITS ARE FIGHTING BACK!!!” Storm screamed, closing the flap.

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, Twilight Sparkle was enjoying a nice little walk. After the heated confrontation with Applejack and shortly before disappearing, Storm Shield’s duplicate suggested for Twilight to take a nice relaxing walk through Ponyville to clear her mind. Twilight agreed and soon found herself in good spirits, humming a merry tune as she 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, horribledisaster.”

Twilight Sparkle had a blank look on her face, when she saw the ‘real’ Storm Shield trot pass the fallen ponies.

“I don’t get it,” Twilight told Storm.

“Honestly, me neither,” Storm said. “I barely saw anything that would be…”

“Our gardens, destroyed,” Lily Valley pointed out.

“Every last flower, devoured,” Rose added, showing her ruined garden.

“By… by… THEM!” Daisy finished.

Twilight and Storm 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, long ears that is. The moment Storm fully saw the extent of the damage he could feel his blood boil as he had a pretty good idea of what happened.

“Where was Applejack when all this happened?” He asked, through his teeth.

“She… never showed up,” Rose answered sadly.

Storm and Twilight both look at each other, before glaring fiercely.

“All right,” Twilight declared. “Enough is enough.”

“You said it,” Storm agreed. “How could Applejack let all these bunnies rampage since she obviously went to help Fluttershy? That’s irresponsible! I swear that pony’s stubborn nature is gonna bring Ponyville to the ground. Something must be done!”

“Right!” Twilight nodded, before glaring at Storm. “And put that rope away.”

Storm Shield was twirling a rope using his horn, ready to tie Applejack down to make her surrender.

“But we’ve already tried being reasonable,” Storm argued.

One glare from Twilight was the only answer he got.

“Fine!” Storm pouted, making the rope disappear.

The two begin walking to Sweet Apple Acres, before Twilight froze in place and sighed.

“And you can send Blaze home, so he won’t hoist Applejack in his talons until she listens.”

Storm and Blaze, who showed up out of nowhere, just stared at Twilight wondering how she knew. Nevertheless, Storm groaned and turned to his faithful friend.

“Sorry buddy, maybe next time.”

Blaze gave a few chitters and nuzzle Storm’s cheek before flying back to the library. Now, Twilight and Storm were on their way to confront Applejack.

<>

Just as Storm and Twilight expected, 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’.”

The two unicorns approached Applejack and this time they were determined to stand their ground.

“All right Applejack,” Twilight spoke sternly. “Your applebucking hasn’t just caused you problems, it’s over-propelled Pegasus’…

“And me!” Storm added.

“Practically poisoned plenty of ponies…”

“And me!”

“And terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies.”

“Yeah, you really are terrifying sometimes.”

“I don’t care what you say,” Twilight continued. “You… Need… Help.”

“And you need it now!” Storm added.

“Ha! No, I don’t!” Applejack grunted.

By the time Twilight and Storm 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?”

Applejack gave them a prideful look, as she showed them the entire area of empty trees. Storm and Twilight just glared, while shifting their eyes in another direction. Big Mac mysteriously appears beside her, having heard everything.

“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, Twilight Sparkle stood before her.

“Applejack,” Twilight spoke. “Applejack.”

“Huh?” Applejack mumbled.

Sure enough, Applejack found herself laying on the ground. Storm Shield wasn’t far, having collected the spilled apples and took them straight to the barn with the rest.

“Oh good, you’re okay,” Twilight sighed. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You’re always there to help anypony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you.”

As Twilight spoke, and by the time Storm Shield returned, Applejack’s eyes shifted from the two ponies to the remaining portion of the orchard. Seeing her eyes big as saucers, Storm couldn’t tell if Applejack was going to scream or cry. Instead, she just released a long sigh.

“Okay Twilight,” Applejack said, defeated. “Okay Storm.”

“We’re not taking ‘no’ for an answer—” Twilight continued, then stopped. “What?”

“Did you say… okay?” Storm asked, equally shocked.

“Yes, Twilight,” Applejack replied. “Yes, Storm… please. I could really use your help.”

The poor pony placed her front hooves together, as if practically begging or pleading. The two unicorns chuckled, releasing a sigh of relief.

“Alright A.J.,” Storm nodded. “Come on, let’s get you back on your hooves.”

Applejack allowed Storm Shield to help her sit up, but her exhaustion made her so woozy Storm had to help her keep balance. Storm used his magic to place her on his back before beginning his approach to the house.

“A nice nap will do you some good,” Storm said. “We can handle the rest of the apples… Um, Applejack?”

He turned his head to find that not only Applejack conceded but was already fast asleep on his back. Storm and Twilight just chuckled to themselves, as he took Applejack back to the house where he laid her on the couch to nap. He takes a large, quilted sheet and folds it over the cowgirl.

“Sleep well, Applejack,” Storm smiled. “You silly pony.”

Once that was settled, Storm Shield quietly exits the house and softly shut the door behind him. Once he was far from the house, he turns to the side and shouts:

“Okay, boys! Break’s over!”

Turns out, Storm Shield had managed to conjure up some extra duplicates of himself for Twilight and the others to use. This particular group were sitting under some apple trees, playing a game of cards when they turned toward Storm. They groan, muttering as they toss the cards aside and get straight to work. While Applejack took a well earned rest, Storm and the duplicates returned to help Twilight, along with the rest of their friends, and used their abilities to officially finished the harvest.

During all this time, Twilight had written a letter shortly before they started applebucking.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight 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 Storm Shield.”

Just as they collected a large amount 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, Storm,” Applejack said slowly. “I can’t thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bitstubborn…”

“A bit?” Twilight and Storm 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 six as my friends.”

“I’ll sip to that!” Storm replied.

Every pony agreed to that statement as they took a quick drink.

“Phew!” Rainbow sighed. “That applebucking sure made me hungry.”

“And I’ve got the perfect treat,” Spike replied.

The little dragon holds out a plate of… the bad muffins.

“Eeew… Spike, I threw all those away!” Pinkie exclaimed, leaning away. “Where’d you get them?”

“From the trash,” Spike answered.

“EW!” All seven ponies said in unison.

The whole group left the table in disgust. Spike, not seeing the big deal, tried to catch up with the group.

“Just a little nibble?” Spike offered. “Come on.”

“Ew! Gross!” The seven ponies remarked, before they all returned to work.