It was a normal night in Ponyville. The full moon shined brightly as a cool wind blew throughout the town. We find our favorite southern belle mare Applejack was on her way home. She had just come back from one of Pinkie Pie’s infamous parties. Her orange coat and blonde mane seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. As she approached the fence of the south field of her family’s orchard, she let out a sigh.
“Woowee, that party took more outta me than Ah thought,” laughed Applejack.
As she continued to walk in the moonlight, she noticed the distance to the ranch’s main gate. Not wanting to walk that far, she decided to take a shortcut through the south field. With a quick hop over the fence, she trotted through her orchard. While she was walking across the fields, she couldn’t help but notice the apples shined in the moonlight.
“Those apples sure do look lovely tonight,” she sighed.
Continuing her trek, she then heard some low growling coming from up ahead.
‘What in Equestria was that?’ she thought.
She then quietly made her way toward the sound. As Applejack peaked from behind a nearby tree, she saw that it was a wild timberwolf. It seemed to be eating a piece of rotting wood that fell from the tree.
‘What the hay is a timberwolf doing here?!’
While she observed the beast, she noticed it didn’t look like a normal timberwolf. It was somewhat larger than the average timberwolf. Its wooden hide was slightly blackened and the vines were light green in color. It then lifted is head to look around, to which Applejack hide behind the tree. Once it was certain that it wouldn’t be disturbed, it went back to eating the rotting wood.
“Ah better go get Big Mac ta help me handle this big guy…” she whispered.
When she took a step to leave, she stepped on a stray twig. The sound caused the timberwolf’s head to shoot up and turned to look at her.
‘Oh pony feathers!’ she cursed.
She then saw the behemoth run toward her, to which she fled down the trail. As she was running, she looked back to see the timberwolf was gaining on her. With a quick fake out, she was able to shake him off temporarily. She then caught her breath as she rested under a tree.
“Shoot…that thing’s a lot faster than Ah expected,” she panted.
She then heard a loud howl coming from above her. She then looked up to see the timberwolf was in the tree ready to pounce.
“Ya gotta be kidding me?!” she groaned.
As the timberwolf lunged at her, she narrowly escaped his claws. She then saw a clear path and made a break for it. As she was running, Applejack could see her house was just up ahead.
“Ah’m almost there!”
Just as she was about to reach the edge of orchard, the timberwolf leapt over her and blocked her path. Each time she tried to find a way around it, the timberwolf would block her.
‘Come girl, there’s gotta be a way outta this?’
As she surveyed the orchard, she then noticed a neighboring with and abundance of apples. That’s when she came up with an idea.
‘That’ll work’
She ran and stood under the tree, much to the timberwolf’s confusion. She then started to taunt the wooden beast.
“Hey there ya tree-sucking son of salamander, come and get me,” she mocks.
After a loud howl, the beast charged Applejack. Applejack stood her ground as she waited for it to get closer.
‘Come on…Come on…’
As it was a few feet away from her, it leapt into the air to pounce on her. While in midair, Applejack then gave the tree a powerful kick. Just then, a barrage of fresh apples pelted the beast and sent it crashing to the ground. Within seconds, the beast was buried under a pile of apples.
“Ha! That’ll show ya! Never mess with an Apple on their own turf, pardner,” Applejack boasted, with a tip of her Stetson.
She then trotted pass the pile and continued home.
‘Whew, wait’ll Ah tell the others about this. They won’t believe it,’ she chuckled.
Just as she was about to leave the orchard, she felt something chomp on her left hindleg. With a pained scream, she looked to see the same timberwolf was freed and now biting her. Purely on reflex, Applejack swung her forehoof and smashed its snout. The impact caused it to release her leg as it let out a painful howl. With her leg free, Applejack limped out of the orchard and calls for her brother.
“Big Mac! Big Mac!” she screamed.
Within seconds, the stoic red stallion burst through the front door. When he saw that his little sister limping he quickly ran to her. When he arrived he saw that her left leg is bleeding.
“AJ, what happened to you?!” he asked.
“Timberwolf…attacked me…” she winced, as she pointed toward the orchard.
Big Mac then turned to see the behemoth at the edge of the orchard. Before he could get close, the timberwolf ran away. He then helped his sister into the house to tend to her wound.
“Apple Bloom, bring me the First Aid Kit. And hurry, Applejack’s hurt!” ordered Big Mac.
He then heard the rapid hoofbeats upstairs, then they quickly running down the stairs to the family room. They saw the panicked yellow filly run in with the first aid kit on her back.
“What happen’ is she alright?” asked the worried filly.
“Ah’m fine, Apple Bloom. Just had a run-in with a timberwolf,” Applejack explained.
“You did?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“We’ll discuss that later. Right now we need to treat this wound,” Big Mac said
“Right!” Apple Bloom replied.
The two then sterilized the wound to prevent infection and then wrapped her leg. After they were done, they escorted Applejack to bed to rest.
“Y’all take it easy and we’ll see ya in the mornin’,” instructed Big Mac.
“Okay…okay…you don’t have ta treat me like a baby y’know,” Applejack pouted.
“Not fun, is it Applejack?” Apple Bloom teased.
“That’ll be enough from you, Apple Bloom,” Big Mac said.
“It’s okay Big Mac. Ah know she’s just foolin’,” said Applejack.
“Even still, now is not the time to be jokin’. Now get some rest and we’ll see ya in the mornin’,” Big Mac replied.
With a huff, Applejack concedes and laid on the bed.
“Alright then, Ah’ll see y’all in the mornin’.”
“‘Night, sis,” they say, as both left the room.
“‘Night, y’all.”
Once they had left, Applejack tried to get some sleep. As she was trying to drift off to sleep, she felt something strange happening to her body. She couldn’t quite describe it but it felt as if her very DNA was being transformed. After a few minutes, the sensation dissipated and she was finally able to get to sleep.
--------------------------------
Early the next morning, Applejack is greeted by the rays of the morning sun.
“Ugh, it’s mornin’ already?” Applejack groaned.
When she hopped out of bed, much to her surprise her leg didn’t hurt as much as it did last night.
‘Huh, Ah thought fer sure Ah wouldn’t be able to buck apples today. But if Ah take it slow, Ah should be alright,’ she thought.
She then looked out the window at the morning sky.
‘Pinkie and Rainbow should be here soon. Ah better start getting ready.’
At that moment, the playful pink party pony Pinkie Pie and super speedster prismatic maned mare Rainbow Dash were heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack had asked at the party if they’d be willing to help with her apple bucking, and the two mares were more than willing to help.
“So how much work do you think we'll get done today, Dashie?” Pinkie Pie asked, as she hopped down the road.
“I’d say that we’ll be in a snap. And then we’ll be relaxing while gulping down some nice, cooling, delicious apple cider,” Rainbow Dash said, while she imagined drinking the sweet cider. “I can already taste it now.”
“Well the faster we get there, the sooner we can get some cider,” Pinkie grinned. “Race ya!”
Pinkie then started running to Sweet Apple Acres main gate.
“Hey! Oh no you don't, Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash said, as she chased after her.
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was ready to start the day. Much to the dismay of Big Mac, Applejack was still going to do her daily chores. As she walked outside, Applejack saw Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were racing each other. Within seconds, they were at the gates. Pinkie then let out a triumphant laugh.
“I win! I win!” she said, as hopped around.
Rainbow looked at her in shock and disbelief.
“What?! No way! I want a rematch!”
Pinkie then gave her a smug grin.
“Anytime you want, Rainbow.”
They then heard the chuckle from the southern belle.
“Well ain't y’all energetic today?” she noted.
When they turned to greet Applejack, they saw the bandage on her leg. They also saw that she was walking with a slight limp.
“AJ what happened?! How come your leg is all bandaged up?” asked a worried Pinkie.
“Oh that. Ah ran into a weird timberwolf last night. He bite me but I sent him packing,” she explained.
“You look pretty hurt, AJ. Come on, me and Pinkie will take you to Ponyville Hospital to get it looked at.”
Rainbow then walked over and was about to put her hoof around her until Applejack smacked it away.
“Ah’m fine, Rainbow Dash!” she said, with a huff. “Now come on, we got apples to buck.”
She then gingerly trotted off to the south field. Pinkie and Rainbow looked at each and sighed.
“Why is she always so stubborn?” Pinkie pouted.
“Who knows? Come on, Pinkie let’s go help her out,” Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes.
The two then followed after her to the south field.
--------------------------------
Around midday, the three mares were hard at work bucking apple. As they gathered the apples, Applejack noticed that her bucking was stronger than normal. Due the here newly found strength, she was bucking apples at twice her normal pace.
‘Ah can't believe how easy buck is today. Ah thought Ah'd slower what with my limp, but this is a breeze! she thought.
As she was bucking, Rainbow and Pinkie looked on with both confusion and shock.
“Wow wee, AJ is like an apple bucking machine,” gasped Pinkie.
“I never seen her buck apples this fast before,” Rainbow said in awe.
They then noticed her pace wasn’t slowing down at all.
“Hey AJ slow down. The apples aren’t going anywhere,” Pinkie joked.
Applejack didn’t respond, but just kept apple bucking.
“Hey Applejack!” shouted Rainbow Dash.
Applejack didn’t acknowledge them, as she continued to buck apples at a fever pace. It was then Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash noticed her eyes. They almost looked like they had a strange glow.
“Umm, I don’t think she can hear us,” stated Pinkie Pie. “Hey, Applejack?
Applejack is still not responsive.
“Applejack!” Pinkie shouted.
Applejack remained in her work like trance.
“She still doesn’t here us,” Rainbow mentioned. “Hmm, I have an idea. Be back in a flash.”
Rainbow Dash takes off in a flash. Within a few seconds, she came back with dark cloud.
“This will get her attention,” Rainbow said with a mischievous grin.
She then flew over to Applejack and set the cloud above her. Then, with a swift kick, she caused the cloud douse Applejack with heavy shower. This snapped Applejack out of her trance.
“GAH!” yelped Applejack.
She looked around to see who soaked here. She then saw Rainbow Dash above her laughing hysterically.
“What the hay, Rainbow Dash?! Why’d you do that?!” Applejack yelled with annoyance.
“You didn’t hear us when we were calling you. So, I thought this would do the trick,” Rainbow explained.
“Really? Oh gosh, Ah’m sorry girls. Ah guess that Ah was so focused on apple bucking Ah didn’t hear ya.”
“You sure you’re feeling alright, AJ?” asked a worried Rainbow. “I think you need some rest. Me and Pinkie can-”
“Ah told you already Ah’m fine!” Applejack said with a huff. “Now come on we gotta a lot of apples to buck.”
“Umm, AJ.”
Pinkie Pie pointed to show that she had cleared that the whole southern field was cleared.
“Wait, did Ah do that?” Applejack said in amazement.
“Yeah, you were like a mare possessed,” spoke Rainbow.
“Ah don’t even remember doing it.”
“Yeah you were going super-duper fast. Even faster than Dashie,”
“Hey…”
“Well Ah guess that’s it for the day. Ah guess y’all can head home if ya want,” Applejack said.
Just as she was about to respond, Pinkie noticed her eye, which were normally emerald, were had a lime green glow to them.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” asked Pinkie.
“For the hundredth time Ah’m fine!” Applejack barked.
“Geez, take it easy Applejack,” said Rainbow Dash.
Applejack then turned away from them in a huff. She then let out a sigh.
“Sorry, Ah know y’all are just concerned about me. But Ah’m fine. Ah’m going ta take a quick nap. Y’all are welcome to stay if ta want. Big Mac should be here soon with some cider.”
Just the mention of cider caused Rainbow’s eyes to glimmer with excitement.
“Aw yeah! Apple cider here I come,” she said, as she flew up into the air.
Pinkie merely shook her head.
“Dashie sure does love her cider,” Pinkie chuckled.
“That she does,” Applejack grinned. “Well, Ah’ll be hittin’ the hay. Wake me up when Big Mac comes by, okay.”
“Sure thing, AJ,” Pinkie saluted.
With that, Applejack sat under a nearby tree, tipped her hat over her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
--------------------------------
In her dream, she was walking through the Everfree Forest alone.
“What the hay? How’d Ah get here?” questioned Applejack.
As she was walked through the eerie forest, she could sense something was watching her.
“W-Who there?!” she said, as she looked around.
The forest then fell dead silent. Applejack kept her guard up, as she surveyed the area.
“Ah know you’re out there! Come on out and show yerself.”
At that moment, a large figure leapt out from the shadows and landed in front of her. When she looked at the beast, she recognized it as the same timberwolf that attacked her last night.
“You! Back for another round are ya!” Applejack mocked.
The beast then let out a loud roar that shook the whole area. She then saw the beast grow three times is size. As it towered over her, she saw it lick its muzzle.
“Uh-oh…”Applejack gulped.
As it swung its claw to hit Applejack, she moved away at the last moment. She then rolled under the beast and made a break for it. While she was running, she heard the thunderous steps of the timberwolf gaining on her. With all her might, she ran through the forest with a quickened pace. With her new burst of speed, she was able to create some distance between them. This however proved to be futile, as she found herself at a dead end.
‘Horse apples!’
When she turned face see the behemoth was fastly approaching.
“No…stay back…”
It ignored her plea, and continued to charge her.
“NO! Stay away!” she screamed.
She then heard a faint voice.
“...jack...Applejack...” it spoke.
“Who is that?”
The beast they leapt into the air and was about to pounce on her. Before it did, she heard another voice.
“AJ... Hey AJ.... Wake up!” it called.
‘Why am Ah hearin’ voices?’
She soon felt the crushing paw of the timberwolf pin her to the ground. She looked in horror as the beast mouth began to open.
“Get away! GET AWAY!”
Applejack then began to thrash about to try and free herself.
“Lemme go! Lemme go!” she screamed.
She then heard the voice again.
“Whoa...I think she’s having a nightmare?”
As she saw the drooling behemoth ready to eat its prey, Applejack felt her body being shook by some strange force.
“AJ! AJ! Wake up!” Pinkie shouted.
Applejack’s eyes then shot open as she woke up.
“GAH!” she yelled.
As she caught her breath, Applejack looked to see everypony was looking at her with worried looks.
“What’re y’all staring at me for?” she asked.
“You were having a nightmare,” answered Rainbow. “You were thrashing around. You almost hit Pinkie.”
“Ah did?”
“Yeah, lucky I was able to dodge your flailing hooves,” Pinkie stated. “Just what in Equestria were you dreaming about?”
“Well, there was that weird timberwolf from last night in it. That varmit grew to the size of the house and started chasing me through the forest. Ah was running it managed to pin me to the ground. Just as it was about ta eat me Ah woke up.”
“That was one weird dream. I wonder what it means?” question Rainbow Dash.
“Ah dunno,” Applejack sighed.
Seeing her friend was a little rattled by her dream, Pinkie came up with an idea. She then whispered something to Rainbow to which she nodded in agreement.
“Well...how about we do something to take your mind off things,” Rainbow suggested.
Applejack then looked at them with an arched eyebrow.
“Whatcha have in mind?” she inquired.
Pinkie and Rainbow then gave her cheesy grins.
“Why don’t we head down to the lake and have a relaxing swim. Y’know, have some fun,” Rainbow offered.
“Um, sure Ah guess.”
Pinkie then beamed with joy.
“Yeah a little relaxin’ swim is just whatcha need to turn your frownzy upside downzy.”
“Yeah, but what about-” Applejack said, before she felt her brother hoof on her shoulder.
“You can take the resta the day off sis. You’ve earned it,” Big Mac said with his trademarked stoic gaze.
“Ya sure?” Applejack asked.
“Ah’m sure sis.”
“And you got everything else here Big Mac?”
Big Mac nodded in response.
“Eeyup…”
“If you sur- WHOA!”
Applejack then found herself being drug away by Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.
“Whee! Let's go!” Pinkie giggled.
“Yeah, what’s the worst thing that can happen?”
--------------------------------
Later at the lake, the three mares were enjoying a swim. Pinkie got in the tire swing and flew into the water with a fairly decent splash. She then reemerged from the water.
“This is funerific!” she happily shouted.
“Not bad, Pinkie. But I bet I can beat that,” Rainbow spoke, with her usual confidence.
“Prove it,” Pinkie jeered.
Rainbow then took to the skies. Once she was about 50 feet in the air, she made a beeline for the lake. As she splashed into the lake, it causes a slightly larger wave than Pinkie’s. Rainbow then looked to Applejack.
“Well, AJ. Let’s see ya beat that,” she said with a cocky grin.
“Oh yeah? Fine, Ah guess Ah can show ya how it’s done,” Applejack chuckled.
Applejack then trotted off into the distance. Once she was a good distance away, she started to run for the lake. As she got closer her hooves dug deeper into the ground and she started to pick up speed. As she was getting closer, Pinkie and Rainbow once again saw her eyes shine with a lime green glow.
“Hey, Dashie. You’re seeing this too, right” asked Pinkie.
“Yeah. What the hay is with her eyes,” Rainbow responded.
Applejack then leapt high into the air. While in midair she performed spinning cannonball. As she landed in water, she made a huge wave that completely soaked Pinkie and Dash. When she made her way back to the shore, she gave them both a smug grin.
“How was that?” Applejack asked.
She then saw that they both were looking at her with their mouths agaped. This got a chuckle from the southern belle.
“Left y’all speechless, huh?”
“That...was…AWESOMETASTIC!” Pinkie exclaimed.
“How is...that even possible?” Rainbow asked dumbfounded.
“Ah don’t rightly know. Ah just felt a newfound burst of energy and just dove in,” Applejack stated.
“Yeah, but what was going on with your eyes?” inquired Pinkie.
Applejack then raised her eyebrow.
“What do ya mean?” questioned Applejack.
“When you were running they started to glow,” said Rainbow.
“They did?”
“Yeah, it was kinda weird,” stated Pinkie.
“Well, Ah did feel a sorta weird when Ah was running,” explained Applejack.
“Really? Hmm…” said Rainbow.
“But it’s nothing to worry about,” Applejack spoke, as she merely waved it off.
“But your eyes don’t normally do that,” Rainbow pointed out.
“Yeah Ah know but-”
“Maybe we take you to have somepony check out if things are okay,” recommended Pinkie.
Applejack felt her patience was starting to fade.
“Girls, Ah know you mean well, but Ah’m fine really-”
“I dunno, AJ. Maybe we should take you to see Twil-” Pinkie was about to suggest.
She was cutoff, as she heard Applejack hoof angrily stomp the ground hard which caused the two mares to look at her. She then looked at them with a venomous glare.
“FER THE LAST TIME, AH SAID AH’M FINE!” Applejack shouted.
When Applejack came to herself, she saw that Rainbow and Pinkie had recoiled back in fear. Applejack then looked at a nearby puddle to see her contorted glare and her glowing lime green eyes.
‘What’s happening to me?’ she thought.
Rainbow then got up and frowned at Applejack.
“You know what, I think we should go,” huffed Rainbow.
“Yeah...I think you’re right,” replied Pinkie.
“Wait… girls Ah’m sorry…Ah-”
They both then rose to their hooves and turned to leave.
“Come on, Pinkie. Let’s go…” said Rainbow.
“Okay, see ya around AJ,” spoke Pinkie.
Before they could leave, Applejack ran in front of them.
“Wait…please don’t go,” she pleaded.
Rainbow just looked away from her.
“I’m outta here. Later!” grumbled Rainbow.
She then saw Rainbow take to the sky and fly away.
‘Rainbow…’
“Bye, AJ,” Pinkie said, as she hopped away.
‘Not you too, Pinkie…’
As she was left alone, her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. Her friends were just worried about her. And how did she pay them back? She yelled at them. She felt as she would put it ‘Lower than a rattler’s belly button’, and decided to head home. During the long lonely trek, she kept trying to figure out why she snapped like that. Sure she’s been annoyed by her friends before, but never to the point where she would yell at them the way she did. Still lost in thought, she eventually made her way home. Big Mac noticed she was feeling down, but when he asked about it she told it was nothing and headed to her room. As the events of the day started to churn in her mind, she gazed at the ceiling above to try and ponder the answers.
‘It must be because of that timberwolf. Ah have been actin’ a little outta place. But how can Ah fix it. Maybe Ah should listen to Rainbow and Pinkie and go see Twilight,’ she sighed. ‘Ah’ll do it tomorrow. Ah’m too tired ta go right now.’
She soon felt her eyelids become heavy as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
--------------------------------
As the sun set, Applejack was still resting in her bed. As she tossed and turned she began to have another weird dream. She found herself yet again in Everfree Forest; however, this time the forest was shrouded in a thick fog. As she walked around, she felt a dark presence was lurking in the shadows.
“Who’s there?” she called out.
The shadow then slowly crept closer and closer to her, like a manticore stalking its prey
“No! Stay away!”
The shadow rushed toward her at a fast pace. But when Applejack prepared to take a defensive stance, she was unable to move. She looked down to see that her hooves were planted into the ground.
“What the hay?!” Applejack screamed.
As she struggled to get free, the dark shadow wrapped itself around her to completely encompass her body. She soon felt it slowly try to invade her mind.
“No! STOP!” she said, as she tried to fight it off.
She then heard an eerie howl, and slowly drifted into a trance. Within moments, her world faded to darkness. At that same time, Big Mac was on his way to check on his sister when he heard a loud crash coming from her room. When he arrived, he saw his sister was gone and there was a large hole where her window use to be.
Later that night, a loving couple was headed home after a lovely date. One was an orange pegasus stallion with crimson mane and the other was a shy blue unicorn mare with a long raven black mane that draped slightly over her left eye. As they were nestled close the stallion let out a sigh.
“I had a fun time dear,” spoke Flamestomper.
“I did too. I’m glad you like it,” cooed Shy Heart.
He then draped his wing over his mare, and gave her a tender nuzzle.
“Maybe we should-”
Just then, they heard something rustle in the trees behind them.
“W-What was that?” asked Shy Heart, a little frightened.
Flamestomper then pulled her close to him.
“I don’t know. Maybe we should hurry home and-”
They then heard a distorted howl and then rapid approach wooden claws.
“Run!” screamed Shy.
With that, they both started to run. Flame looked over his shoulder and saw a shadow-like figure chasing them.
‘What is Equestria is that?’ thought Flame.
As soon as the two of them were just about the escape, the shadow leapt over them and lander in front of them. They saw the creature had the body of a pony (dark ochre coat, long bronze yellow mane and tail that billowed in the evening breeze, and piercing lime green eyes), but the wooden limbs, ears and back of a timberwolf.
“What is that think?” questioned Shy.
“I don’t know, dear. But stay behind me.”
The creature then began to circle around them, as it patiently stalked its prey.
“You stay back, you beast!” Flame shouted, as he flared his wings.
The beast let out a threatening roar, which cause them both to flinch.
“B-Be careful Flame,” spoke a worried Shy.
Just then, the beast leapt into the air to pounce on them. Flame pushed his beloved away and let the beast land on him. As he wrestled with the beast, he felt it bite down on the base of his wing.
“GAH!” Flame screamed in pain.
“Flame!” Shy cried out.
He then delivered a kick the beast’s stomach, which made it release his wing. With one swift motion, he managed to roll the beast off of him. Shaking off the hit, the beast then headed for Shy Heart.
“Shy!” he said, as he ran to intercept the beast.
“S-Stay back!” shouted Shy.
As the beast leapt in the air to pounce her, she then focused her magic and fired a magical blast at it. It was then sent crashing into the ground. After it made it to its claws, the beast then ran away. Flame then made his over to his mare.
“Shy, are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine. What about you?” she replied.
“I’m alright, dear. It’s just my wing.”
She then saw the blood that ran down his back from his wound.
“You poor thing,” she spoke.
“It’s nothing too serious. I’m just glad you’re okay,” he said with a nuzzle.
She then helped him get to the local hospital to be treated. Elsewhere in Ponyville, the beast then limped onto the Apple Family orchard. After it caught its breath, it found a nearby tree and passed out.