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// A Fool Such as Applejack 
// Story: Applerock Rhythm 
// by dr-soviet 
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Applejack sauntered into Zecora's hut with short breaths and heavy eyelids as she set the cart of apples near the door. Steam rose from the sweat of Applejack's back and she lay on the floorboards under the jungle-colored masks and intricate vases. It wasn't that she didn't want to bother talking to Zecora, but when ponies are fatigued they tend to forget about formalities and respectable greetings, especially after bucking the thousandth apple tree of the day.

"Applejack. Buying those apples from you, a humble zebra regrets. Please, take long, deep breaths." Zecora said as she stopped stirring a pot full of glowing soup and came to Applejack's aid. 

"Zecora, can I rest here for a bit?" Applejack asked. 

"It is the least I can do," Zecora said, and then she searched the cupboards and browsed through shelves of potions. "Stay there for I have quite the remedy for you."

Zecora brewed the best tea she could think for a dog-tired pony. Indeed Applejack was so tired she couldn't put her hat back on. After a dash of golden currant and admittedly a little guilt, the Zebra helped Applejack up and gave the cowpony her steaming hot medicine. Zecora also gave Applejack a canteen of water in which she simultaneously chugged along with the tea. 

"Thanks Zecora."

"I must apologize..."

Applejack blinked.

"This is a mistake, I realize. I thought I could help the farm by purchasing from you, but seeing you walk the extra mile for me simply won't do."

"So you've heard."

Zecora nodded.

"Don'chu worry none, Zecora." Applejack rubbed her temples because it hurt. "The apple business has been through worse, believe me. Besides, I like workin'. I'm proud of it. And it helps the farm, truly. So don't apologize."

Zecora sighed. "Do you have more deliveries for this day? Perhaps I can give you something along the way."

"Sure, thank ya. After all the apple buckin' I'm going to Las Pegasus later with my friends for the grand openin' of this fancy hotel". Applejack forgot what it was called. "All's I know is I have to take make the best of it and start sellin' apple pie, apple juice, apple fritters, apple anythang, really."

Zecora stood up. "One advice I have to give to you, dear friend. Any kind of thing will kill you, if it never ends."

In better days Applejack would take the advice to heart but the question was lost on her. Zecora said something. An advice maybe. Applejack's brain was crawling out of her skull and the whirly headache might have turned whatever she heard in an unintelligible mess of auditory stimuli. 

"You may stay here as long as you desire. If you wish to go, take the pink potion on the table so you won't easily tire." Zecora went back to brewing potions but kept an eye on Applejack. "The effects are only temporary. Sleep and rest are still the best medicine for the weary."

Applejack got on four hooves but she swung more than a pendulum. After regaining her balance, she grabbed the potion, put it in her saddlebag and slumped to the exit, but forgot to close the bag. Tripping on an offset plank, Applejack crashed headfirst on to the shelf and rattled a bunch of potions with great force.

A red one fell and landed perfectly inside her inventory.

Zecora was about to speak but Applejack had already gotten up and said, "I got it, I'm fine. Sorry! Thanks so much Zecora."

And she was on her way.