//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Stubborn As Buck Season (Applebuck Season) // Story: My House Is Now A Pocket Dimension And My Front Door Is A Portal To Equestria // by TheGuyWhoDayDreams //------------------------------// Its been a week since the whole ticket incident. Twilight came to my house because she wanted to borrow my pepper spray to study it, of course I refuse since she will probably break it and it's probably the only one I have. Twilight is shocked that my house on the outside is just a door but the inside is a whole entire house. Other than Fluttershy and her animals I didn't tell anypony that my house is a pocket dimension. I didn't leave Twilight empty handed however, I drew Twilight a diagram and a list of materials to make pepper spray which she was happy to receive. Not sure what Twilight did with them after that. I stayed at home for the week. Gotta let the flames of last week died down, I am probably labeled as a menace to Ponyville or some shit. I spend the week at home playing video games, messing around with my tools, writing the book, or chatting with Fluttershy. During one of my chats with Fluttershy she told me about the annual rabbit roundup, I was instantly reminded of Applebuck Season, it was an episode that I relate to. There are boxes of vegan instant noodle packs inside my pantry, I remember a few months ago when me and all of my seven cousins who stayed over ordered boxes of them, one for each. But realized we ordered vegan instead of spicy flavored. I kept them as I don't want them to go to waste, used it a few times during my lazy days. Right now its really handy as I am running out of vegetables and meat. I can't really buy stuff from the market as I'll most likely be overcharged with ridiculous prices, and Fluttershy can only provide me so much with her budget. Knowing eating them everyday for a week isn't healthy, but hey a man's gotta eat. After the end of the week, I decided to leave as I think everything cooled down. I should really visit Button Mash. Walking down town, I look around for Button Mash. Ponies here are being the usual, they glare or barricade themselves. They rightfully keep their distance, knowing I have a weapon. They do not want to experience from that again. I kept walking around, passing by various buildings. I turn to see Button Mash sitting on the ground, as always, playing that GameColt of his. I walk over to him. “Hey kid!” I shouted, Button Mash looks up from his game and sees me, he grins. “Mr Monkey Man!” He said as he pauses his game and runs over me. Once we closed the distance between each other, I patted his hair as he looks up. “Sorry I haven't hung out with you for the pass two weeks, stuff happened.” I said with a smile. I hold up my DS. “Wanna game?” Me and Button Mash looked at each other with narrowing eyes as we smile. We sit down and pulled out our devices and... Play Tetris, I am surprised they have Tetris but I guess with how simple the game is its probably a universal game across universes. We played to see who has the highest score. “Kid! Get away from that monster!” Me and Button looked up from our game to see a stallion. The colt just looks annoyed, and I just looked at the stallion with an unamused look. “Shut up, we are just playing video games. Go back to your failure of a marriage or something.” I retorted. The stallion then ran away crying, probably because what I said is accurate even though its came from pure luck. We then resume playing our game. “I still don't understand why they keep calling you a monster.” Button said with annoyance, not taking his eyes off the game. “Ponies often fear things that they don't understand. Making stuff up isn't understanding, its an excuse to not make an effort. They imagine all those things so they can pretend that they put effort.” I said in a casual voice. Button contemplates this piece of advice. I'll admit, I lost, so many damn rounds. Kid is pretty damn good, I am surprised he hasn't gotten a cutie mark from it. Both our stomachs begin to growl, I wonder how long we were playing. I don't feel like eating anymore noodles, since I don't have any food left to cook, I'll have to buy something to eat. The market? Definitely out of the question, I'll probably be charge with a hundred bits for a carrot. The restaurant? They serve food that I can't eat without poisoning myself. There's only two options I can think off, Sweet Apple Acres, and Sugarcube Corner. Those in charge are ponies that aren't going to bullshit me with overwhelming prices. One is a friend of mine, and another is just an acquaintance. I don't feel like craving apples so its pretty obvious what I'll choose. “Wanna go to Sugarcube Corner for something to eat?” I asked, Button nodded happily. I just have to hope I don't get high blood sugar from taking a bite, gotta make sure to ask Pinkie to add less sugar. We both trotted to Sugarcube Corner, on the way some random ponies get in our way because I was with Button. Of course they backed away once I pulled out my pepper spray. Button is irritated everytime it happens. Eventually we reached Sugarcube Corner and entered, inside we see a crowd of ponies at the front of the counter, Lyra and Bon Bon are among them. “Hey Lyra.” I said, both mares jumped in surprised before they turn around to see me. Bon Bon upon seeing me give me a glare. “Jumper!” Lyra grins at me. “Its good to see you again.” Yeah I think they didn't get sprayed which is a relief. “Good to see you Lyra, our meeting last week was cut short and I was chased around Ponyville because of ponies obsession over the gala.” I chuckled. “Pretty sure I am labeled the menace of Ponyville or something because I defend myself.” Lyra ears droop. “Yeah... sorry about last week, we are with the crowd that chased you. I snapped out of it halfway but the others are difficult for me to stop them, sorry.” I patted her hair. “All water under the bridge, Me and Button just wanted something to eat.” I pulled out a pouch of bits from my pocket. “This is money Fluttershy gave me weeks ago, I haven't got to use it due to, reasons...” “Anyway why are you and many other ponies are waiting at the counter? It seems like you are eagerly waiting something.” I added. “Oh! We are waiting to try Pinkie's muffin samples!” Lyra said, my pupils shrink upon hearing this. Damn it, how can I forget this scene in Applebuck Season. My knowledge of My Little Pony is rusty, When I have time, I should rewatch it. I look to see Applejack and Pinkie coming out of the kitchen, each holding a tray of muffins in their mouths. They place them at the counter. “Free muffin sample spectacular!” Pinkie exclaimed, everypony begin to drool upon the sight of the muffins, even Button Mash is drooling at those unassuming steaming muffins. But I knew better. “Yeah! Muffin spectacles! Get 'em while they're hot!” Applejack exclaimed, ponies begin grabbing the muffins off the tray. Lyra and Bon Bon was going to grab one until I stopped them by grabbing their manes. “I wouldn't eat those if I were you.” I said to them, they were taken aback a bit from how serious my tone is. I see Applejack leaving the counter and into the kitchen, probably exiting through the backdoor. The ponies around us begin taking a bite out of their muffins. However the moment they do their face turn green as they begin falling into the floor. Lyra, Bon Bon, and Button Mash gasps as they watch them moaning in pain and clutching their stomachs, one of them even vomited on the floor. Pinkie looked at them in confusion. “Huh?” She then picks up one of the muffins. “What's wrong with the muffin spectacular?” She opens her mouth to take a bite, I looked at her in horror. “Wait Pinkie no!” I shouted as I reach out my arm at her. To late as she already taken a bite. Later me, Lyra and Bon Bon have to help transport all the sick mares to the medical tent. We helped, including Button Mash, nurse Redheart to take care of the ill, most of the sick ponies though show their displeasure at me taking care of them, however they feel to week to resist so they let me, Lyra make sure to silence them with a glare when they trashtalk about me. “What happened? We came as soon as we heard.” I hear a familiar voice, I turn to see Twilight looking at the patients. Spike was also here as well. “There was a mishap with the baked good.” Redheart answered. “No... not baked goods.” Pinkie said as she lays sickly at one of the beds. “Baked bads.” “Applejack...” Twilight announced. Spike picks up one of the bad muffins, I don't know what the hell did it ended up here. He then eats. “Want one?” Spike asked. “A definite fu-” I stop myself. “Freaking hell no! Its common sense not to eat stuff that makes you sick. Well since you are a dragon and you are not getting sick from eating it, eat them as much as you like.” I responded. “More for me!” Spike takes another bite of the muffin. Twilight then leaves the tent to confront Applejack, I follow after her. “I am coming with you Twilight.” I said. We make the walk to Sweet Apple Acres. During our trot to Sweet Apple Acres, I asked Twilight about what she did with the diagram I gave her. I've learned that she manage to recreate a bottle of pepper spray and sent it to Celestia to show her. Now pepper spray is being use by any law enforcement in Equestria due to its usefulness in subduing threats. ... Why do I feel like its gonna bite me in the ass later. We arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, we see Applejack sleep deprive face. She is in the air because the cart she was attach to flipped up right. “Applejack... we need to talk.” Twilight said. “Wha, huh? Oh, its you Twilight.” Applejack yawns. ”I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still NO. “Not to upset your applecart, but you NEED help.” “Hardy har.” Applejack groans. “No I don't.” ”Then let Twilight and her friends help you.” I offered. "Help? No thank you." She struggles with the cart. "A little more... little... there." She managed to get herself unstuck. "I'll prove that this apple can handle THESE apples.” She walks over to a tree and kicks it, but no apples fall. ”Come on apples…" She continued to kick the tree, but failed. "FALL OFF!" “Applejack you are beating a fucking dead tree.” I said with slight irritation. Applejack looks up to see she was beating a tree with all their branches bare. “Ah knew that.” She said. Yeah obviously not. “No you don't.” I said back. Applejack glares at me. Applejack walked further into the orchard, we both follow behind her. "Actually Applejack…" Twilight started. "I had something else to talk to you about. I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and-” “You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now, Twilight.” Applejack interrupted Twilight. "But if you'd just let us help-” She was cut off again "UGH!" Applejack groaned irritably. "No, NO, NO!” We stopped walking. “How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from nopony!" She walks away. "Ugh. That pony is stubborn as a mule." Twilight told me. I just stare at Applejack as she slowly shrinks in the distance, I could walk away and do nothing but... We heard a sound behind us. I didn't bother to turn around as I already knew what's behind us. Twilight looks to see a mule. “No offense.” She said. “None taken.” The mule replied. Twilight turn to see Jumper missing from where she last saw him. She looked around to see Jumper walking to the direction of Applejack. “Hey!” Twilight shouted, I heard it and turns to look at her. “What are you doing?” Twilight asked. “You may have given up, but I sure as hell haven't!” I said. I wave my arm as Twilight stood there, watching me walk away. A walk around the orchard later, I found Applejack bucking a tree, a live tree this time, its taking her a few kicks just to collect all the apples from the tree. There's one apple left on the tree that Applejack is struggling to buck off. The trees in Equestria are shorter than the ones back home, I reach and plucked the apple off no problem. Applejack notices me and scowl. “I though I told y'all, I don't need help.” She said, I give her a deadpan look at her. “Yeah you did, I just chose not to listen to you.” I said, Applejack scowl becomes deeper. “I've said it many times! I, DON'T, NEED, NO, HELP, FROM, NOPONY!” Applejack said angrily. “Yeah, nopony.” I said, Applejack is unamused. “Also, not gonna listen. Try to kick me out? Good luck with that, I doubt you have any energy left to send me flying across half of your orchard with your strong kicks.” I lean forward and put a finger into Applejack's forehead as my face turns serious. “I don't care if you don't need help, you need help. If you are going to be stubborn, then I will fight fire with fire by being equally stubborn. I don't care if you threaten me to send me to the hospital with a buck from you, you ain't shaking me.” I said firmly. The rest of the day is spent me helping Applejack despite her refusal. No matter what she did, I stayed. Eventually she gave in knowing I won't budge, doesn't mean she won't speak out any displeasures. Applejack bucks the trees while I plucked some of the apples that haven't fell down as I will probably break my legs if I try bucking it. I've also helped her haling carts of apples and other chores that needed to be done, we got alot of work done than what I think she'll do alone. It lasted until 2 in the morning as I refuse to leave her until she is done. Well, I gonna have to wake up early because tomorrow is the annual rabbit roundup. I should inform Fluttershy tomorrow as she is sleeping now, about how its not a good idea to ask help from a sleep deprived Applejack. I went back to bed and sleep. The bright white light shines in my face. I just mumble and shifted, I cover my face with my blanket to block out the light and went to sleep. I wake up with a yawn. “I wonder what time is it?” I grab my clock to take a look at the time to see its noon. Wait... Isn't Applejack supposed to help Fluttershy with the annual rabbit roundup by noon? ... Well shit. I hastily sprinted towards Ponyville after quickly finishing my morning routine. Christ it has already happened, everywhere I walked I've seen destroyed gardens cause by a horde of baby rabbits munching on the vegetables and flowers off those gardens. There are alot more rabbits than I thought. Later I encounter ponies lying on the ground, or more specifically the flower trio. And since this is Equestria, land of magic and coincidences, Twilight showed up as well. "The horror, the horror!" "It was AWFUL!" "A disaster! A horrible, HORRIBLE disaster!" The flower trio each said. Twilight looks around the area that is not ruined by the stampeding rabbits and is confused. “I... don't get it.” She said. "Our gardens, destroyed!" "Every last flower, devoured!" " By... by... THEM!" One of the ponies toward a horde of baby bunnies munching on anything they can eat. Fluttershy was trying her best to round them up and softly persuade them to stop eating everything on seen, but to no avail. “Alright! That's it!” Twilight stomps a hoof to the ground. I sighed. “That stubborn little orange blondie.” I rub my temples. “Alright, let's go.” I said as me and Twilight starts walking to Sweet Apple Acres. Oh yeah. “Also, next time build some fences around your gardens damn it!” I shouted. Both of us went through the orchard and we saw Applejack trying to buck a tree and muttering something tiredly. Jesus Christ she looks like shit in person than watching the show. We walked infront of Applejack as Twilight made a stern glare towards her. “Alright Applejack.” She said as she turns on lecture mode. “Your applebucking hasn't just caused YOU problems, it's over-propelled Pegasus', practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say, you. Need. Help.” Applejack finishes bucking the tree is was working on. “Ha! No I don't. Look, ah did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How'd ya like them apples?” She said proudly. I deadpan and Twilight sweat-dropped as we overlook the entire orchard. “Correction,” I pointed towards the other side. “You harvested HALF of the Sweet Apple Acres without our help.” I said, Applejack looks to where I am pointing and her pupils shrink as she stares in disbelief. Applejack begins mumbling. “Where'd all the apple...?” Then she passed out. We ran over to her and tried to wake her up. “Ayo, wake up.” I said as I softly slap Applejack cheek until she woke up. “Huh?” She said. “You're done?” I said, half concern. “Yes... I really can't do this on my own.” Applejack weakly said. “I... I need help, I could really use your help.” She pleaded. I nodded. “Alright, Twilight you go get your friends. I'll take Applejack to her house, she needs bedtime.” Twilight nodded and ran to get her friends, I pick Applejack off the floor and carry her to her home. “Thank ya, kindly. I am sorry Jumper.” Applejack said, I raise an eyebrow. “For what?” I said, Applejack's ears droop. “I am sorry for saying all those nasty things to you when only you are trying to help.” Applejack said. “I didn't realize until too late that I've been hurting other ponies around me from me working too hard.” “Accepted.” I just said. “I am glad to have you as a friend.” She said, I deadpan. “But we barely even interact with each other. We are just acquaintances” “Well now you are my friend now.” She smiled weakly. I continued walking until I reached the house and I went upstairs to her bedroom and tuck her into bed. “Thank you, Jumper.” She thanked him. “No problem, need anything?” I asked. “Its fine.” Applejack responded. “Can I ask ya a question?” “Shoot.” “Why do insist on helping me when I always shoved ya away?” Applejack asked, I signed. “Because I hate seeing people, or anyone like this. I've seen and experience this before, one of my colleagues at my workplace cared so much about his responsibility that he neglects his health and help from anyone. He was sent to the hospital because of it.” I explained. Applejack just stayed silent until she closes her eyes and falls asleep. I went back outside. We got some harvesting to do. The next day, Me and the rest of the main six helped Applejack harvest all the apples for applebuck season. We finished real quick utilising magic and flying. Applejack completely recovered much to their relief. After we finished harvesting every single tree in the orchard, we gathered at the farmhouse for some nice apple juice. So yeah, Applebuck Season is dealt with, what hasn't been dealt with are the after effects. Yeah remember the bunnies that wreaked most of the gardens of Ponyville? Yeah the town now has a food shortage problem. Shipments of food stuffs aren't gonna arrive until a few days, I offered my boxes of instant vegan noodles as I don't need that much. I didn't expect for ponies to like them so much. After several ponies manage to replicate it and sell it to the public, yeah now its sold pretty much everywhere. I got payed for it since I was the one that introduced them. Actually... why the fuck didn't I just do that earlier!? I could sell some human inventions and I'll be fucking rich! I'll do that later, I went and hit the haystack. Night.