Chapter 5:
Applebuck Season

It was another beautiful day in Equestria, and the apple family were gazing at their crop with pride, but there was a slight problem this day. “Boy howdy, I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bunch of crop of apples I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Apple Jack said to her brother as the two looked at all the apples.

“Eeyup. Too big for you to handle on your own.” The red pony said back to his strong willed sister.

“Come on, big brother. You gotta rest up and make yourself better. I haven’t met an apple orchard yet I can’t handle.” AJ replied back, and saw her brother sport a strange look, but knew why. “Oops. Sorry.” She stated after removing her upper left hoof from her brother’s tender ribs: that became that way when he and Tauros started a friendly fight with one another. “I’ll take a bite out of this job by day’s end.” She proposed while looking at her targets.

“Biting off more than you can chew is just what I’m afraid of.” Big brother answered back while looking at the same problem.

“Are you sayin my mouth is making promises my legs can’t keep.” Apple Jack questioned back with an edge in her tone. Being underestimated is one thing that she really couldn’t stand.

“Eeyup.” He answered back - not bothered in the slightest to tell her the truth.

“Why of all the…this is your sister - Apple Jack, remember? The loyalest of friends and the most dependable of ponies.” Element of Harmony - honesty would have added her latest title, but decided against it.

“But still only one pony. And one pony plus hundreds of apple trees just doesn’t add up.” The elder of the two pointed out, and not really showing off book smarts; just logic over the whole thing.

“Don’t use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue. I said I could handle this 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!” AJ said proudly before gulping a drop of spit out of fear.

‘Hope she would still like it if I leant a hoof.’ The wild bull Pokemon thought as he stood near the two, and had a feeling that she was a bit more stubborn than his kind was.

“Well, I better get kickin. These apples ain’t gonna shake themselves out of the trees.” Apple Jack said before a rumbling of sorts did that very thing to one of the apples. “Oh-No.” She said since the farm girl knew what was behind this, and decided to try and stop it.

‘What is all this racket.’ One winged pony thought while hoofing it to a friend’s house, but decided to do some aerial recon instead. A big bird saw this and decided to follow her.

“Stampede!” The two shouted out as loud as they could causing all the civilians to start closing their windows and doors, closing their blinds, and removing their welcome mats. There were only a few that weren’t hysterical about this news.

“Hey, this makes my voice sound silly!” Element of Harmony - Laughter said while letting the shaking earth warble her words as she shook with the dirt.

“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy! Run!” Twilight shouted as she headed for her home. She saw that Ash was heading toward the dust cloud with Poke`ball in hand.

“Donphan, come on out!” Ash called out allowing his elephant creature to come forth, and stand beside him. Behind him there was more panicking, but one tried to quell them.

“Every-pony, calm down. There is no need to panic.” The leader of the town said to her citizens who were doing the exact opposite. Another pony, somewhat calmer than the others, walked up to the leader of the town.

“But mayor, what ever shall we do.” R questioned in a dramatic fashion. The gray haired horse looked over at the monster tamer.

‘Having faith in Ash comes to mind.’ The mayor thought as she saw the tow men standing there - ready to defend them.

“Look there!” Rainbow shouted out as he saw honesty coming up in the crowd of cows with a canine and a bull with her.

“Yee-haw!” The orange/yellow pony hollered as she galloped along side the chargers. Seeing this caused the mayor and the other Elements of Harmony to cheer for what their friend and the bull was out there.

“Move aside, Wynona.” AJ said to her pet dog who parked in response and moved into position. “Round `em up, girl.” She added to cause the large group to become a lot thinner than how they were.

“This is the best Rodeo Show I’ve ever seen!” The pink one said as she held a big bag of popcorn, and started to chomp on it while watching the show. The field pony just shook her head since she still didn’t understand her friend’s state of mind.

“Come on, little doggie. Turn.” AJ said to the wild herd as she saw that they were closing in on Ponyville. “Wynona, put `em up.” She issued, and with that her dog look around to find the point cow. “Gotcha!” She exclaimed after seeing what her dog was pointing out.

‘Good thing she remembered her rope.’ The bull thought as he saw the farm girl manage to grab the rope tied around her waist into her mouth, and start using it. She then launched said item to the head cow before getting to work.

“Atta girl!” She said to her pet that tried barking to get them to turn. Ketchum, who still stood on the bridge that led into town, decided to help her out in his own way.

“Donphan, use Rock Tomb.” He called out since he knew some of his older friends have learned some of these new moves, and was proud of them for doing that.

“You got it!” The thick skinned one shouted before slamming his two front legs down which caused several rocks to come out of the ground, and block their way in. Once that was done the mayor, the other heroines, Ash, Pikachu (who was on Ash’s shoulder), and Donphan watched as the cows were led to a clearing by the town. This caused to cheer praise for her good deed.

“Whooee. Now, what was that all about?” Apple Jack questioned after spitting out the rope, and walking over to the head cow for an explanation.

“Oh my! Begging your pardon, Apple Jack, but Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes.” She said and gave time for her herd to gasp in alarm which started the canine a bit before finishing with, “And it gave us all the willies, doncha know.” The hero, the heroine, and their ally heard all this and could understand their panic.

“No problem at all, Ma`am, but next time try and steer clear of Ponyville.” The out of towner said as he stood alongside the farm girl. The other creatures of Equestria knew of these out of towners through the grapevine, so the leader knew what to call the horned one.

“We sure will, Tauros. So long Wynona.” The head cow said as they went their separate ways. The partner of Ash was surprised that once she grinded them to a halt AJ was able to pull her lasso off the leader before spitting it out.

“Now that that is over. We should probably push those boulders back.” Ash said to his current partner before doing just that. As he, Donphan, Pikachu, and later - Tauros was busy doing that the ponies were talking about the feat they just saw.

“Yee-haw! Ride `em cow-pony!” The pink one shouted after her friend galloped back to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Apple Jack was just…just…” The mayor said, but could not find the proper words to describe the feat that she had seen just now. Thankfully a follower of hers knew what to say.

“Apple-tastic!” Laughter said while hanging upside down for a few seconds before face-slamming with zero damage to her face or pride.

“Exactly. We should do something to thank Apple Jack for single hoofingly saving the town.” The leader of the little land explained while trying to think of a good solution. It was then the mare with the plan spoke.

“I know. A Party!” The Laughter factor shouted out, and with that the team spent a week getting everything ready with the help of Ash and his creatures along with the town’s folk.

‘Still can’t believe of how easy it was to move those rocks back into the Earth.’ Ash thought as he helped the beautician put a bow on a tree.

“We all ready?” The overseer of the whole thing questioned while walking over to the two by the tree.

“Just one last thing.” Rarity said before using her magic on a banner. The item fit perfectly on the third floor balcony on the outside of the town hall. “Now, we’re ready.” She added once it was hung with care.

“Is Apple Jack all set.” Twilight questioned since it would be kind of pointless to throw this if the pony of honor wasn’t around. They all heard the sound of flapping wings and saw that it was Rainbow Dash and all of Ash’s flyers coming back from some aerial recon.

“Actually we haven’t seen her all week.” Loyalty informed the others after landing. Overhearing the topic Pinkie decided to put in her two cents with the water gator on her back.

“Not since the stampede.” She commented, and it was then the human saw worry in the sixth member’s eyes, so he decided to say something.

“No need to worry. Apple Jack will be here. After all, she’s always been on time for everything else, so why start now?” Ketchum commented which made the others feel a bit better. Soon the celebration began the every-pony and Pokemon standing before the podium.

“Welcome, every-pony and Pokemon. Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on matters great and small. A pony who’s contributions to---.” Twilight, armed with a big stack of note cards read, but was interrupted by the blue speedster.

“Did you see Apple Jack’s slick moves out there? What an athlete! This week she’s going to help me with my new flying trick, and I know it’s going to be so awesome!” RD said to the group, and was feeling very excited about the event ahead.

“Exactly!” TS said after shoving the winged one out of the way. “And…” She started to go back to her speech, but was interrupted by the baker’s aid.

“This week - I get to run Sugar Cube Corner for the first time.” PP said as she stood in between Twilight and the podium.

“What does that have to do with Apple Jack?” The studious one questioned since she wasn’t seeing the connection between sweets and farm girl in the slightest.

“OH! Apple Jack, one of the best bakers - EVER! Is gonna help me. Apple Jack makes everything great! So, free samples for every-pony!” The pink themed one informed them causing all to cheer after hearing the news.

‘I wonder if that includes us non-ponies.’ The human thought as he could already hear his stomach rumble out of hunger.

“Okay, that’s great.” TS said after pushing PP out of the way. “Now, if I can just make a point without being inter---.” She said with note cards floating beside her before another voice cut her off.

“Twilight.” A timid voice said while crouching beside the podium.

“Rupted.” She finished before dropping her cards again, and gave Fluttershy the floor.

“Twilight, I’m so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Apple Jack 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.” Kindness said feeling happy about that, but quickly backed away since she could tell that TS wasn’t in a good mood at the moment.

“Anyone else? Anyone?” The student of Celestia questioned while looking a the creatures from the human, to the human sitting Indian style in the front row, to Spike, and every-pony there. When no one spoke up she decided to get back on track. “No? Well then, as I was trying to say---.” She said and stopped when seeing the mayor smiling at her. “AGH!!! Nevermind!” She called out before letting her cards fall every where as she stormed off in a huff.

‘You tried.’ Ash thought as he gave her a sympathetic pat on the back once the overseer came down to the others.

“And so, with no further ado. It is my privilege to give the Prized Pony of Ponyville award to our beloved guest of honor: a pony of the utmost trust worthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friend - Apple Jack.” The mayor said before motioning to the award and then the curtain which opened and showed no one again.

“Oh, way to go Apple Jack! That was awesome! I mean…” Spike started to speak before feeling the electrical one tapping him on the arm, and once his attention was reached Pikachu pointed over to the empty space.

‘Two times now. This isn’t a very good run for me.’ The mayor thought as she coughed to get her mind off of the silent group before her.

“Awkward.” Spike said as he rubbed his right arm with his left claw.

‘Wonder if this is the doing of another dark horse?’ The monster tamer thought with dread, but his fear was put to rest when a familiar voice was heard.

“I’m here! I’m here! Sorry I’m late. I was just--wahaaa. Did I get your tail?” The orange/blonde pony said before making in up the stairs to where the podium is. “Miss Mayor, thank you kindly for this hear…award thingy.” She said before going over to the item and added, “It’s so bright and shiny, and ha, ha, ha. I sure do look funny. Wooh, wooh.” Seeing this caused one more to join her.

“Wooh! Wooh!” The both said as they made funny faces with their reflections. TS decided to say thanks to her friend, but still felt a little awkward about how the Honest one was acting.

“Okay. Well, thank you Apple Jack for saving us from that scary stampede that was diverted by Ash and Donphan.” She said, but said the last part under a whisper because she knew that Ketchum helped because it was the right thing to do and he never wanted to be rewarded for it. “And always being there for every-pony.” She added to her first comment.

“Yeah, I like helping the pony folks, and…and stuff.” AJ said before nodding off for a moment right on stage. “Oh…yeah.” She said after waking up after a few moments, and walked off while dragging away her reward.

“Was it just me or did Apple Jack seem a little…” Twilight began to speak, but was cut off three times. This time though - she was okay with it.

“Tired?” RD offered.

“Dizzy?” FS questioned.

“Messy?” R offered before seeing the questionable looks from her fellow ponies, Spike, Ash, and all of his creatures. “What? Did you see her mane?” She asked them since she didn’t like the look they were giving her.

“She seemed fine to me. Whoo! Whoo!” PP said to them causing the blue gator to rush over and do the ‘Whoo’ as well. After the clean up was done Noctowl gave TS her note cards, and Ash retrieved all the apples that AS may have dropped on her way to and from the stand.

“Let’s get going.” The human said as they began walking off to Sweet Apple Acres. When they got there the four of them saw something very strange - even by Pokemon Trainer standards. It was Honesty doing her bucking thing, but something was off.

“WHOA!” Apple Jack as she tried to buck a tree, but only hit air.

“What on Earth is that pony doing?” Twilight questioned to the team as they watched her adjust her hoof stance, and kick over a barrel of apples.

“Whoops.” AJ said in an exhausted tone when she saw what she had done.

“Hey, Apple Jack. Apple Jack. Apple Jack,” The student of Celestia shouted, but after not getting even a nod in her direction the unicorn ported before the farm girl, and decided to try it one more time. “Apple Jack.” She shouted to the one trying to saw some logs.

‘Better pick up that mess.’ Ash thought as he and Pikachu walked over to the fallen apples, and with the electric one’s speed he managed to get them all in the container in no time at all.

“Howdy Twilight, Noctowl, Pikachu, Ash.” AJ said to them after seeing who was all around her. The four watched as she headed over to another tree.

“What is all this?” Ash questioned with concern in his voice since he could now tell that she was dead tired.

“It’s apple buck season.” She answered back in a way that it should have been obvious to the rest of them. TS ported again while the others simple ran/flew to where she was.

“Apple-what season?” The flyer questioned since he had never heard of such a thing back home.

“It’s what the Apple Family calls - harvesting time.” AJ explained to them as she moved onto another tree. Again the four tailed her since they still wanted answers. “We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell them.” She went deeper into an explanation, but something still wasn’t sitting right with them.

“But why are you doing it all alone?” The purple pony questioned with concern.

“Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself.” Honesty informed them which still didn’t make since to Magic or Trainer.

“What about all those relatives I met when I first came to Ponyville. Can’t they help?” TS stated and questioned to her friend. The farm girl knew what she meant, but decided to derail that thought train with some facts.

“They were only here for the Apple Family Reunion. They actually live all over Equestria, and are busy harvesting their own orchards.” AJ said to TS causing AK to step up.

“What about Tauros? I know that he’s been hanging here a lot lately.” Ketchum said, and knew full well that the wild bull often rested here when he could…for some reason or another.

“He isn’t part of the Apple Family, so him helping me with this wouldn’t seem right.” Apple Jack said back even though she knew this task would be a lot easier with that bull giving her a hoof. “So, I’m on my own.” She explained while walking over to another tree, but stopped when Ash and Twilight with Pikachu on her shoulder and Noctowl on TS’s back barred her path. “Which means I really should get back to work.” She said to them, and added, “Ahem. Hint, hint. Get back to work.” When they did not move.

“Fine.” TS said as she and the two others got out of the way of the strong willed one.

“Ugh. Could you guys step aside?” AJ questioned while swaying side from side. The confused the visitors since they already were.

“We just did.” The book-worm informed causing the cow-pony to turn to face them.

“Apple Jack, you don’t look so good.” Ash pointed out since he did not like seeing any of his friends in this condition.

“Don’t none of you twelve worry none I’m just fine and dandy.” Honesty said as she trotted along. The number that she used worried them even more causing her friends to try again. “Whoa.” AJ called out after missing another tree.

“Do you…want some help?” Twilight questioned with some hesitation since she already knew the answer, but she prayed she was wrong.

“Help?! No way. No how.” AJ said with a shake of the head. Ketchum still had to be the always helpful stranger that he was.

“No offense to your apple bucking skills, but there is no way that you can handle all these trees by yourself.” Ash said to her in a calm tone, but the pooped pony took it the wrong way.

“Is that a challenge?” Honesty questioned after getting up near the human’s face.

“No, not really. No.” Ash said back even though he knew that in her condition she wouldn’t be up for the challenge.

“Well, I’m gonna prove to you. That I can do it. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’ve got apples to buck.” The farm girl said as she walked away from them. The four were still worried for their friend’s well being, but they did not know what to do.

“Maybe she’ll be better tomorrow.” The bird suggested to them as a means to keep their hopes up. With nothing else to do they left Sweet Apple Acres and headed for the library. The next day there were a couple of fliers waiting for the dependable one to arrive.

‘What’s the hold up?’ The blue speedster thought as she tapped her hoof while waiting for the orange/blonde one to appear. Pidgeot was there to keep her company, and provide emotional support for this latest stunt. “There you are!” She shouted once the bucker had made it to the fence they said they’d meet at.

“I’m a might sorry, Rainbow. I was busy apple-bucking, and I guess I…I closed my eyes for a second, and when I woke up…I was late. Now, what’s this new trick a yours.” Apple Jack said to the flier before her.

“See this contraption.” RD questioned while motioning over to a teeter-totter with a tall platform beside it.

“Uh, yeah.” AJ answered back, and did not know what it was for.

“Well, I’m gonna stand on one end. Then your gonna jump from that platform, launching me into the air faster than I could take off on my own. Once I’m in the air I’m going to do some amazing flips and spins that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow explained her plan which caused her companion to roll his eyes while thinking:

‘There’s a shocker.’ The feathered one then heard the exhausted one to state something out of worry.

“Isn’t that a might dangerous?” Honesty questioned and not liking this launching idea in the slightest.

“Not for a pony who can fly.” Rainbow assured her after getting off of the post she was standing on, and headed over to her side of the teeter-totter.

“Well, alrighty then.” The assistant said before climbing up the ladder that led to the top of the high podium. “Oh, my.” She stated after looking down, and saw that everything was out of focus again.

“Ready? 1...2...3!” RD shouted, but instead of soaring into the heaves she watched as her friend face planted onto the ground. “Uh…maybe I wasn’t clear. Your supposed to land on the other end.” She clarified after getting off her part, and walked over to her fallen friend.

“Got it.” Honesty answered back before attempting it a few more times.

‘She’s probably wishing that she took my advice of using Snorlax instead of Apple Jack.’ The final stage bird thought as he watched the following three misses.

“Apple Jack, what the hay is going on? I mean I thought I was working with Ponyvilles best athlete.” The blue furred daredevil exclaimed after all the other failed attempts.

“You are. I’m okay. Really. I have an idea. Watch this.” Apple Jack said as she tried to clear her head from that last fall. The young one then put her plan into action which was pushing her side down without the extra force. “Ta-Da.” She added after doing the deed.

‘Not funny.’ Rainbow thought as she shot her friend a cold stare complete with a angered facial expression.

“Oh, maybe not. Okay, one more try. I’m sure to get it this time.” The helper said and hopped off her end of the see-saw not knowing that she accidentally made her friend dizzy with the sudden slam.

“Here I go.” AJ said before galloping off her launch pad, and getting ready to belly flop onto the see-saw.

“No! Wait!” The blue one said after clearing her head just in time to see the land pony fall downward. “Apple Jack!” She cried out while being flung into the air.

“Your welcome.” The cowgirl hollered back since she believed that she did good on her word. Back at the library Ash had given the librarian a book version of his Poke`dex since Oak swapped them when he was reuniting with his friends; Had a note that stated he had some more entries to put in, so he was okay with that.

‘Sitting outside and reading. Feels good.’ The trainer thought as he leaned against the railing of the balcony while reading a fictional book about multi-colored intergalactic police officers. The two were enjoying themselves until a big bang caused the two, and one companion to see that it was an Element of Harmony.

“Can we help you?” Twilight questioned at the daredevil before her.

“I think some-pony else needs your help.” Loyalty said back while still feeling a bit dazed over her high speed flight.

“Apple Jack?” Magic asked back even though she already knew the answer.

“Yup.” RD answered back before going to sleep. As TS headed out to meet her friend AK was greeted by his old friend who seemed worried about the Pegusus’ problem.

“Sorry, Ash. I should have slowed down her crash.” The bird stated while still being in the air. The human heard him, but gave the hoofed flier a quick once over before returning to his first bird.

“Don’t worry Pidgeot. She’s fine, but I want you to stick by her just to make sure. I’ll be at Sweet Apple Acres if you need me.” Ketchum said back before running after the young one. “Come on Pikachu. Time to roll.” He added once he was halfway out of the building.

“Good luck to you.” The electrical one said before scurrying away. The bird gently put the winged one in his talons, placed her on the balcony, and stood beside Rainbow. Back at the farm the group decided to talk some sense into her, and pray that she will listen this time.

“Apple Jack, can we talk?” Twilight asked her friend who picked up a fallen apple, but hit her head on a branch on her way up. “Apple Jack, can we talk?” She asked again in case she didn’t hear her question the first time. Due to the ringing on the bucker’s ears she misunderstood it.

“Can bees squawk? I don’t think so.” Apple Jack said back while rubbing the back of her neck in an uncertain fashion.

“No, she said - can we talk?” Ash offered to the farm-girl and used a calm tone.

“Twin stalks? Bean or celery?” AJ asked Ash, and the two realized that she still wasn’t getting what they were asking.

“No, we need to talk to you.” The electric rodent shouted and was getting irritated with this routine.

“You need to walk to the zoo? Well, who’s stopping you?” The bucker questioned back to them. Seeing that three different voices wasn’t getting through to her the group decided to say it together this time.

“We need to talk to you?” The three said as one, and this time the over achiever heard their plea loud and clear this time.

“Oh! Why didn’t you say so? What do you want to talk about?” Apple Jack asked after getting the message.

“Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today.” Twilight informed her fellow heroine of what happened a few moments ago.

“That’s quit neighborly of her.” AJ said back with a smile because she didn’t see the harm in such a thing.

“Maybe, but she crashed onto Twilight’s balcony after you catapulted her into the air.” Ash said to the helper who suddenly remembered that lapse of judgment.

“Oh, yeah. I wasn’t feeling quite myself this morning.” The soloist admitted with her head hung low as if she was about to let sleep over take her.

“Because you’re working too hard, and you need help.” Twilight informed after walking up shoulder to shoulder with her over worked friend.

“What? Kelp? I don’t need kelp. I don’t even like sea food.” The orange/blonde one said as she had another lapse of listening..

“Help! You need help.” The purple one shouted back at the farm-girl since she, like Pikachu, was getting tired of this poor listening bit.

“Nothing doing, Twilight. I’m going to prove to you, to every-pony, that I can do this on my own.” Apple Jack informed before walking into the same low branch as before. “Ow! Now if ya`ll excuse me. I gotta go help Pinkie Pie.” She informed after the run-in, and then walked off.

‘I hope she’ll gain some focus for this next friend run.’ Ash thought as he and the others were heading out. Over at Sugar Cube Corner the owners of the building were having second thought about this plan.

“Now, Pinkie, are you sure your up to making the cakes and running the store this afternoon.” A blue pony with a pink mane and tail questioned while stacking a couple of boxes on top of one another.

“Yes urre bob, Mrs. Cake. Plus I have Ponyville’s prized pony to help me. Why she’s the best baker ever! Right, Apple Jack?” The Laughter factor said to the female owner of the building before turning her attention to her friend who was still trying to get this ringing to stop.

“No? You’re not the best baker ever?” A yellow pony with a brown-ish mane questioned after seeing the farm girl shake her head ’no’. At this time she heard the comment and decided to answer him honestly.

“What? No. I mean: don’t you fret. I can make anything from Fritters to Pies in a blink of an eye.” AJ assured them which they took her word not noticing that physically she wasn’t in the best of shape right now.

“All right. See you later, girls.” The wife side of the bakery said as the two hurried out the door. Once they were gone the over achiever still tried to get the ringing to stop, but something else stopped her.

“Stop with the shakin` its time to get bakin`.” Pinkie said and the two went into the kitchen where the temp baker got the right book, went to the right page, and got ready to relay the ingredients. “Okay I’ll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get the chocolate chips?” PP questioned to the one that was catching some Z’s.

“Huh? What was that?” Apple Jack questioned and listened to the repeat, but with her ears still on the fritz she was only able to get the last word. “Chips? Got it.” She said before walking over to the open cabinet. “Tater Chips - a little salty and dry. Okay then.” She stated before putting them in the mixing bowl, and added, “What next?” The words were still slurred to her as Pinkie continued with:

“Baking Soda.” She said, but just as before only the last word was heard.

“Soda? Perfect! That will get the Tater Chips nice and wet.” AJ said as she walked over to the fridge to pick up a bottle of soda pop, and poured it into the mixing bowl. “Now what?” She asked after putting the empty bottle in the trash.

“A cup of flour.” The happy one stated, and even though her assistant heard three of the words correctly it was the four that she messed up on.

“A cup a sour? Well, lemons sure are sour. One cup of sour coming up.” AJ said as she juiced a lemon, put it in a measuring cup, and then poured it in. “Anything else, Pinkie?” The aide questioned since she wasn’t liking how this was turning out.

“One last thing. Wheat Germ.” The temp baker stated happily.

“Wheat worm? Oh! That must be fancy talk for earth worm.” The aide guessed before going outside, dug a hole, and came back with a mouth full of worms which she put with the rest of the stuff.

“Now, that’s gonna be delicious!” Pinkie said with great enthusiasm not knowing what it really looked like.

“If you say so.” The over worked one said and helped do the baking part. As they waited PP called up Ash’s place to get Totodile since she knew that his dancing was sure to round up a lot of customers.

“Free muffin sample spectacular!” Pinkie said once they had all the muffins out for all to enjoy. All seemed really excited over what they saw before them, and each took one.

“Yeah, muffin specticals. Get `em while they’re hot.” AJ said and as every-pony was enjoying them she slipped back to her solo job. After a few moments one of the neighborhood ponies went to get the help of the monster tamer and the student of Celestia.

“We came as soon as we heard.” TS said with Spike to her right along with Ash, Garchomp, and Charizard behind her.

“Thank you all. We need all the help we can get.” A nurse said after showing all the ponies that were hunched over with seriously green faces.

“What happened here?” Ash questioned since he knew that everyone in town were usually as healthy as can be, so seeing this is seriously unexpected.

“It was a mishap with some of the baked goods.” The white pony answered him. Spike saw one of the items in question, and after that the other two dragons did as well.

“No. Not baked goods. Baked bads.” PP said before vomiting into her bucket.

“Apple Jack.” Twilight said in annoyance since this was the third assignment she said she was going to do, and again it ended badly. Unknown to the duo the dragons three ate a muffin each, and enjoyed them causing one to have an idea.

“Want one?” Garchomp questioned as he held said unhealthy item before his partner.

“Thank you, Garchomp, but I don’t think even my stomach can hold them. I hope you understand.” Ash said back after seeing Totodile spew a green Water Gun into his puke pan.

“I understand.” The large winged one stated, and it was then they saw the purple pony walk off, so the human followed after her.

“Huh? What?” AJ said after bucking another tree and took a quick nap, but was woken up by an apple to the head. She then put them all in a nearby wagon, and poured them in a big basket while hanging upside down.

“Apple Jack, we need to talk.” TS said which caused the hard worker to wake up from another sleep attempt.

“Oh, it’s you two. I know what you are gonna say, and the answer is still no.” Honesty stated even though she was about to fall asleep again.

“Not to upset your apple cart, but you need help.” The sixth of the ponies said since she could tell that her body is about to quit on her.

“Hardy har, and no I don’t.” The strong willed one stated while struggling to get her cart back to how it was before.

“Here, let me help you.” Ketchum said and was about to put his hands on the posts that connected pony to cart, but was stopped by the puller.

“Help? No thanks.” AJ said back before trying to force herself back to starting position. After about five tries she had done it, and was trying another tree. “I’ll prove that this apple can handle these apples.” She informed before adding while bucking, “Come on, apples. Fall off!” The two looked at one another, and it was Ash that gestured for Magic to give her the truth.

“AJ? I think your beating a dead…tree.” The student said causing the bucker to look up and saw that she was right.

“I knew that.” She answered back, and moved onto a living tree. The two gave pursuit with Ash pulling a Poke`ball from his collection since he had a feeling he knew the right one for this job.

“Actually Apple Jack, I had something else to talk to you about. Ash, and I just came from Ponyville Urgent Care, and…” The studious one started to speak off, but was cut off by the sleep deprived one.

“Ya know, I’m a little busy to be lectured right now, Twilight.” AJ stated as she was showing off that her lack of sleep was affecting her personality.

“But if you let us help.?” TS questioned but didn’t like the answer one bit.

“Ugh! No! No! No! How many times do I gotta say it - I don’t need no help by no-pony.” AJ said while walking away from them.

“Guess we’ll do this my way, then.” Ash said as he threw his Poke`ball into the air. “Butterfree, use Sleep Powder on Apple Jack.” Ash commanded once the beast was released. Sadly he had a deja vu moment when the target took a deep breath in, and then blew the Sleep Powder back at the attacker. “Butterfree - return.” Ash shouted and recalled his sleeping friend.

“Ugh! The pony is as stubborn as a mule.” Twilight stated, and it so happened that said creature was just passing through. “No offense.” She added after the creature brayed at her.

“Non taken.” He stated before walking along. Pretty soon it was time for Apple Jack’s next assignment, and her lack of sleep was really starting to show.

“Oh, Apple Jack, thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit round-up.” Fluttershy stated as she and her fellow heroine were walking into bunny territory.

“Why are we doing this?” The helper questioned in an annoyed tone.

“Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born, so it’s my job to get a count of all the new families.” The animal whisperer stated back since she was happy to have a reliable friend helping her.

“Fine, can we just get on with it.” AJ said back since the only thing on her mind were her apples.

“Certainly, but remember these are bunnies we are counting; not cows. They’re a timid bunch and need to be treated gently.” FS informed in her polite tone even though the irritable one was not in the right mind to listen.

“I don’t need no direction for corralling critters.” Honesty answered back since she wanted this over with as soon as possible. “Right, Winona?” She questioned to her canine friend who barked twice which caught the bunnies attention.

“Okay, little bunnies, I need you all to gather here in the middle.” The animal care taker stated to them. They were about to do so until an angered voice spoke out.

“That’s right. Let’s go bunnies. In the center. Hop to it.” AJ said to them with a hoof stomp. With that and the tone she was using the rabbits did the only thing that came naturally - flee. “Swell, just swell.” She said before giving chase.

‘We must run faster.’ Some of them thought before running away from the mad pony as fast as they could.

“Put `em up, Winona.” AJ said to her dog which she did without question.

“Apple Jack, Winona - stop. Your scaring them.” Fluttershy explained while watching with fear as her fuzzy friends were running away in a terrified panic.

“We know what we’re doing? Get along little bunnies.” The farm girl said as she continued to do her thing.

“You heard her.” The canine barked, and about this time they had corralled them in a fenced clearing. To keep the frightened things at bay the loyal canine bared her fangs at them.

“Oh no.” The animal care taker said as she watched all of them bolt away from AJ and Winona and headed into town. Just like before RD, now fully awake, did her recon thing again after hearing something coming into town.

“Stampede!” Loyalty shouted causing all of them to do as they did before. There were a few that didn’t get away in time and fainted, but the bunnies simply ran around them. A few moments later TS was skipping down the road while Ash was doing something he had seen on TV - building leaping until they both saw three down ponies.

“The horror! The horror!” A pony with a rose marking called out.

“It was awful.” Another horse with three flowers as her marking shouted.

“A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster.” A third one said aloud causing both hero/heroine to look this way and that, but neither of them saw any damage done.

“I don’t get it.” TS whispered, but even that low the shouters heard her statement.

“Our gardens destroyed.” One informed before going to her side yard garden.

“Every last flower devoured.” The rose pony said as she looked at the flowers at the front of her store which now only showed the stem.

“By, by THEM!” A pink and green pony said while pointing to the culprits with her upper left hoof.

“Oh my! Oh, please stop little bunnies. Oh no. Please, let’s go home. Oh, oh my goodness.” Fluttershy said as she tried to wrangle all the bunnies, who were still eating, up, but was having zero luck.

“Alright. Enough is enough.” Twilight demanded before rushing off to Sweet Apple Acres. Ash saw this, but decided to address the rabble rousing rabbits first.

“Pikachu, time for some negotiating. I’ll help Twilight.” Ash called to the creature on his shoulder. The small creature saluted, and went to work while the human building hopped until he was out of roofs, and then ran on foot.

“Must keep buckin`. Just a few more. Must finish harvestin`.” Apple Jack said as she bucked a tree as she felt her body ready to quit on her, but she forced herself to continue.

“Your apple bucking hasn’t just caused you problems. It’s over propelled Pegasus. Practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new baby bunnies.” TS said as she got up to AJ, and that was when the human got to the point.

“Neither of us care what you say - you need help.” He said, but both were alarmed that the apples in the tree fell into her side baskets perfectly.

“Ha! No, I don’t. Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your guys’ help. How’d you like them apples.” The farm girl said since she believed that she could finally enjoy some shut-eye until a voice called out to her.

“Um, how do you like them apples?” Big Macintosh, who watched the whole thing (farm side wise), said after standing shoulder to shoulder with her. She saw where he was looking at the several trees that she did not touch in the slightest.

‘It’s a start.’ Ash thought as he watched Honesty collapse after realizing that she had barely made a dent. The two stayed by her side until the farm-girl came to.

“Apple Jack?” TS said with worry as the orange/blonde pony slowly opened her eyes. “Oh, good, your okay. Now, Apple Jack, I completely respect the Apple Family ways. You’re always there to help any pony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside, and allow your friends to help you.” TS stated, and after a look at the other trees AJ knew that she had no other option.

“Okay, Twilight.” She admitted, but after saying no for so long the purple one didn’t hear her right away.

“I am not taking no for an answer.” The studious one stated, and it was then the Trainer decided to clarify something.

“She said ‘yes’.” He informed causing the sixth one to gasp in surprise before looking down at the hard worker.

“Yes, Twilight, yes please. I could really use your help.” Apple Jack admitted with her front hooves in a praying stance. After that was established TS gathered the other elements while Ash released his team from their mobile homes.

“Butterfree, Sleep Powder on AJ one more time.” Ash called out again.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” The insect said before letting out the blue dust. Only this time she accepted it, and went fast to sleep. Ketchum picked her up - intended to carry her to the barn, but was stopped.

“I’ll take care of the delivery Ash, you have all those apples to get.” The wild bull Pokemon explained. Seeing no other choice the human put the pony on his back, and let him be on his way. Soon the girls arrived and both sets went to work while Twilight recited her letter for her brother to write.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

My friend Apple Jack 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 ourselves to friends. It’s also about accepting what our friends have to offer.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle,”

As the note was being written the apples were sent down with Iron Tail, Leaf Blade, Vine Whipe, Razor Leaf, Leaf Storm, Mach Punch, and other moves; the the added aide of classic bucking. When the note was done and sent AJ and Tauros walked out with beverages for all. “How about ya`ll take a little break. I’ve got some fine Apple Juice waitin` for ya.” Honesty called out causing all of them to stop and come over.

‘That sounds good to me.’ Ash thought as he licked his draw lips while walking over to the others.

“Guys, I can’t think you enough for this help. I was actin a bit stubborn.” Apple Jack confessed to them.

“A bit.” Twilight stated in a joking manner.

“Okay. A might stubborn, and I’m awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the prized pony award, but the real reward is having you lot as my friends.” She admitted which they all appreciated and started to drink to her word.

“That apple bucking sure made me hungry.” Loyalty admitted to the others.

“And I’ve got the perfect treat.” Spike informed and showed the dish he carried from town to the farm.

“Ew! Spike I threw those away? Where did you get them?” PP questioned the dragon knowing full well that as soon as the bug passed she did as she said, and didn’t leave so much as a crumb behind.

“From the trash.” He admitted to them causing the group to groan in disgust and walk away. “Just a little nipple. Come on.” He said to the group while bringing up the rear, but heard a ‘no’ all around so he ate them while walking. Ash got home and forgot all about the tickets, and claimed to get to them the next day.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/Nintendo and Cartoon Network.
My Little Pony, and the others, are owned by Hasbro and the Hub.