//------------------------------// // Pony Cancer // Story: Appledashery Vol. Two // by Just Essay //------------------------------// "Are you kidding me?!?" Pinkie Pie squawked. "I'm gonna be busy all week!" "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..." Applejack frowned from where she stood in the lobby of Sugarcube Corner. "With what?" "Baking lotsssssssssssssss of banana bread!" Pinkie Pie said. "Princess Luna's foalday is around the corner, and the Royal Canterlot Committee asked us specifically to help cater! It's been said that Princess Luna loves bananas!" "Well... ain't that a cryin' shame." Applejack sighed. "I just knew you'd be perfect for livenin' up festivities down on the farm." "I'm super duper mega sorry, AJ." Pinkie Pie's ears and bangs drooped. "As much as I would absolutely love to party around a bunch of adorable mares and little sisters, I'm afraid I've already made my picture perfect pinkie party plans. Besides..." She smiled crookedly. "...I learned long ago that it just isn't proper to litter an apple farm with confetti!" "Yeah..." Applejack scratched her chin. "I suppose you did." "Heehee! Ask me months in advance next year, and I'll be sure to slip the next Social into my schedule!" "But... ain't Princess Luna's foalday gonna be at the same time next year?" "Nah." Pinkie Pie waved a hoof. "Have you seen the polls? She's gonna be voted out of office at this rate." "Uhhhh... Pinkie? The Royal Sisters ain't democratically elected offici—" "But I do hope you find somepony who can help you in my place!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Maybe Rarity can help do the decorations! Ooooh! Or get Spike to light up a bonfire!" "T'ain't so easy to figure out now that yer out of the picture, Pinkie." Applejack shrugged with a bittersweet grin. "I was really really hopin' for a talented pony to keep the skies clear over Sweet Apple Acres." Pinkie Pie blinked. "'Keep the skies clear?'" "You betcha." "Hey Applejack, do me a favor." "Huh...?" Pinkie gestured. "Hold your hoof out at face level." Fidgeting, Applejack did as she was told. "Now aim it towards your muzzle!" Applejack slowly pivoted the fetlock around until it was facing her nose— WHAP! Pinkie Pie shoved the farm mare's fetlock so that it collided with her own face. "YA DUMMY!" she shrieked. "There's only one pony in all of Equestria who can keep the skies clear for you!" "Guh..." Applejack rubbed her nose, wincing. "Who? Captain of the Wonderbolts?" "Now do me a favor and face away from this broom handle and lift your tail—" "Wait—WAIT!" Applejack sat on her rump and waved her forelimbs. A few calm breaths, and her eyes narrowed. "Do ya mean—?" "OF COURSE I MEAN!" "... ... ..." Applejack blinked... then smiled. "Heh. Heh heh... alright..."