• Published 2nd Jul 2023
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My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 2 - BlueBioWolf



A continuation of version of Friendship is Magic that has nine Elements of Harmony and Spike being treated with more respect.

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Chapter 7: Family Appreciation Day (S2:E12)

My Little Pony: Nine Elements

Book 2

Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 7: Family Appreciation Day

A week and a day had passed since the Crusaders gave themselves Cutie Pox. On this particular night, Applejack was resting peacefully with a Caramel plush in her embrace. Big McIntosh was sleeping quietly, his leg slightly twitching from the hard work he had done the previous day. Caramel was sleeping with his blanket barely covering him. Apple Bloom was likewise sleeping peacefully. Their sleep was disturbed, however, by the loud metallic clanging of pots and pans.

The Apple Siblings woke with a start while Caramel fell out of his bed in his room of the Sweet Apple Acres guest cottage.

“Huh, wha-?!” Caramel stammered. “What’s all the commotion about? Burglars?” He went to his window to investigate. However, as he forgot to turn on his room’s lantern, he tripped over something he left on the floor earlier that day. “Ow!” He got back up. “Turn on the lantern, Caramel,” he said to himself. “You’re not a bat.” He then slipped again before he could turn his lantern on.

“Ya okay, Caramel?” Applejack asked. She heard the clattering in his room, which was about a stone’s throw away from her own window as the main house and the guest cottage were next door to each other. She made her way to his room and turned the lantern on to reveal him on his back.

“I forgot to turn on my lantern again,” Caramel said in embarrassment. Applejack helped him onto his hooves. “What’s with all that racket?” he asked as they made their way outside.

“We got a purty good idea o’ what’s goin’ on,” Apple Bloom said. “But, we came out ta make sure it’s really what we think it is.”

“The Timberwolves are a-howlin’!” Granny Smith called out.

Applejack gasped excitedly. “It is what we think it is!”

“Can I have a reminder?” Caramel asked.

“The Zap Apples are comin’!” the Apple siblings cheered.

That was when Caramel finally remembered what the excitement was about. “Oh, yeah~!” Caramel cheered. “Hooray!”


The next morning, Caramel and the Apple Family pitched in to help with preparations for Zap Apple season. Zap Apples were a very demanding fruit that had to be harvested just right to ensure quality. Granny Smith knew this better than the younger residents of the farm.

“Startin’ this year, Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith explained. “Yer goin’ ta be helpin’ out. Yer just ‘bout as old as ah was when ah first started ta help with the Zap Apple Harvest, so, ah feel yer ready.”

“Alright!” Apple Bloom said. “Where do we start?”

“First, ah’m goin’ ta need ya to sweep up,” Granny Smith said. “Then, we’re goin’ ta gather all the waterin’ cans n’ have them in a circle.”

Apple Bloom saluted. “Ya can count on me, Granny!” Apple Bloom went to get a broom and swept along a path Granny Smith marked.

“That’s it,” Granny Smith praised. “Left, right, left, right. Keep the loose grains out o’ sight.”


Outside with Applejack, Caramel, and Big Mac, a noticeable wind began to blow. Big Mac sniffed the wind studiously. Suddenly, electricity began to surge on the trees. From the trees sprouted dark red leaves.

“There’re the zap apple leaves,” Applejack smiled. “Right on schedule, too!”

At that moment, Diamond Tiara was seen entering Sweet Apple Acres with a grayish amber stallion with a mane and tail of dark gray with lighter highlights, light azure eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting three sacks of money while wearing a separated collar fastened by a tie. This was her father, Filthy Rich, who looked at her very sternly.

“Now, Diamond,” Filthy Rich said. “I expect you to be on your best behavior. The Apple family members are important to my storefront. If I hear that you insulted them on their home turf, I’m taking your juice box privileges for a month. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Father,” Diamond Tiara said in a typical child trying to sound polite towards adults tone of voice. They saw Granny Smith and Apple Bloom dressed like rabbits and leap-frogging over the watering cans while reciting the alphabet.

“Why, hello, Mrs. Smith,” Filthy Rich called with a smile.

“Well, howdy-do, Filthy Rich!” Granny Smith greeted. “The Missus refused ta come on account o’ seein’ us as inbred country bumpkins again?”

“Oh, no,” Filthy Rich explained. “She had business to take care of in Manehattan. Though, confidentially, I saw that she was using it as an excuse to not come here. I keep telling her that our business deal is what keeps us afloat.”

“Least ya learned yer lesson all them years ago,*” Granny Smith said. “N’ ya’ll be happy ta know that the Zap Apple Harvest is a-comin in four days.”

“Excellent to know,” Filthy Rich said. “And we get your first hundred jars as usual, right?”

“O’ course, Filthy,” Granny Smith said.

Filthy Rich cleared his throat. “Uh, I prefer Rich, if you don’t mind.”

“N’ how’s yer pappy, Exceedingly**, doin’?” Granny Smith asked.

“Oh, he’s doing well, considerably,” Filthy Rich smiled. He and Granny Smith stepped away to talk business. Diamond Tiara saw a chance to insult the Apple family and get away with it.

“Aww, you poor poor thing,” Diamond Tiara said in a condescending way. “Having to make all that Zap Apple jam with poor old Granny Smith.”

“Ah’ve been lookin’ forward ta it,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah’ve waited fer years fer a chance ta help.”

“Though,” Diamond continued. “Isn’t it sooooo embarrassing for you to be working with your granny?”

Diamond didn’t notice that Ash was listening in.

“Ain’t nothin’ wrong with workin’ with mah family,” Apple Bloom asserted. “Y’all never worked a day in yer life.”

Diamond laughed condescendingly. “I don’t need to,” she said. “Not when there’s poor ponies like your family to do it for me. Moreover, Granny has her silly ways, she forgets things, and she even makes you wear these costumes.”

“I think your father will be quite interested to hear that you insulted his important clients on their turf,” Ash said aloud.

Diamond Tiara scoffed before turning her attention to see Ash. “And what makes you so-” When she completely turned around, she saw Filthy Rich himself gazing sternly at her. “-sure?”

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Ash,” Filthy said. “Diamond Tiara, what did I tell you?”

“Not to insult your clients around you,” Diamond Tiara said.

“And what did you do while I was a few hooves away?” Filthy asked.

“Insult your clients,” Diamond Tiara said.

“No juiceboxes for a month,” Filthy said.

“Yes, father,” Diamond Tiara said gloomily. Filthy then escorted his daughter home.

“Thanks, Ash,” Apple Bloom said.

“No problem, Apple Bloom,” Ash smiled. “I won’t let anypony bother you guys.”

The little filly hugged the calf. When they finished hugging, Ash and Apple Bloom went back to work.***


Later, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith went to market.

“Shake a leg there, Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith smiled. “We got ta get a gaggle’s worth o’ goods ta help with makin’ the jam. Come along, now.” She then remembered something important. “Y’all best stay away from the bees. Yer allergic.”

“Yeah, Ah know,” Apple Bloom said. “Let me know if’n ya need mah help, though, Granny!” Bees? Apple Bloom thought to herself.

They made their way to a pots and pans stand. She then started to bite on some of the pots and pans on display. Daisy, who was running the stand, wasn’t pleased.

“Excuse me,” Daisy said sternly. “You bite it, you buy it.” Granny Smith’s dentures fell out. “That includes dentures!”

“Perfect,” Granny Smith smiled, smacking her lips. “These’re the right ones ah needed.” She reached into her saddlebag. “How much’ll that be?”

Apple Bloom saw this exchange going on. She couldn’t help but blush with embarrassment at what Granny Smith was doing. Why didn’t Applejack and Big McIntosh tell me that ah’d be seein’ such an embarrassin’ display? she thought to herself.

“Two gold bits each,” Daisy said.

Granny Smith paid for the pots and pans she bit. “Can y’all carry these here pots n’ pans, Apple Bloom?” she asked. “Yer back’s stronger n’ mine.”

“Oh, uh,” Apple Bloom called as she walked towards her, shaking off her thoughts. “Sure, Granny.” She placed the purchased pots and pans on her back.

“Attagirl,” Granny Smith smiled. They then made their way to the honey stand. Granny Smith spoke sweetly to the bees. “Why, hello, Bea, Beatrice, Beecher. Ooh, ya’ve all been busy li’l bees, haven’t ya?”

Apple Bloom was more nervous about the bees than embarrassed. Don’t fly near me, don’t fly near me, Apple Bloom thought to herself. The bees were too busy with Granny Smith to notice the filly. Soon, Granny Smith got the honey that she needed from the bees.

“That should do it,” Granny Smith said. “Thank ya, little sweeties.” The bees retreated to their hives. “Perfect fer the jam.”

At that moment, Spike and Twilight were walking through the marketplace.

“Hi, Granny Smith,” Twilight greeted politely.

“How do you do, Apple Bloom?” Spike greeted likewise.

“We’re doin’ fine, considerin',” Apple Bloom said. “Granny Smith n’ me’re gettin’ supplies ready for the Zap Apple Jam.”

“I heard about that,” Spike said. “I’ve wanted to try it for over a year.”

“I can buy a jar for all of us, Spike,” Twilight said.

“Thanks, mom,” Spike smiled. He hugged Twilight closely.

“Though,” Apple Bloom said. “Some o’ Granny Smith’s methods fer gettin’ the supplies are a little… odd.”

“Hey,” Spike said. “She’s been doing it longer than any of us have. From what ponies say about the Zap Apple Jam, it’s obvious what she’s doing works. Don’t fix what ain’t broke.”

“It’s true,” Twilight said. “Rainbow has told me of all sorts of good luck rituals that the Wonderbolt performers do before their shows. So, it goes to show that everypony has their methods for doing things, even if they seem a bit peculiar to others.”

“There’s also Pinkie’s method of dealing with the Parasprites,” Spike said.

“Yeah, ah guess that’s true,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah think ‘cause this is mah first time helpin’ with the Zap Apple Harvest, ah don’t know what ta expect.”

Two condescending voices made themselves heard.

“Sure you don’t mind helping your granny with this silly job, Apple Bloom?” The first voice asked. They all knew it belonged to Diamond Tiara.

“Looks like you’d make a pretty good camel~” The second voice added. This one belonged to Silver Spoon.

“At least she doesn’t go around picking on others,” Spike said to the stuck-up fillies. “Get a life.”

“Ah recognize Diamond Tiara, her bein’ Filthy Rich’s daugher,” Granny Smith said. “But, ain’t this another classmate o’ yers, Apple Bloom?”

“Yes,” Apple Bloom said in embarrassment.

“They’re a couple of spoiled brats who have nothing better to do than pick on Apple Bloom and her friends because they don’t have Cutie Marks,” Spike said. “They even call the Apple family inbred hicks.”

Granny Smith heard Spike’s words. She then turned to the two elite fillies sternly. “That so, huh? Well, ah can ask yer folks if they’ll allow ya ta work at the acres if ya keep that up.”

Diamond Tiara scoffed. “Like that’ll ever happen,” she said. “Your family’s poor. If anything, you’ll work for me.”

“If ya carry on pickin’ on mah granddaughter n’ her friends,” Granny Smith scolded. “Yer goin’ ta be in a world o’ trouble, missy. Now, stop it ‘fore ah tell yer daddy ‘bout yer bad attitude.”

“My word against yours, bumpkin,” Diamond Tiara said.

“Then, it’s just as well I heard everything you said,” Filthy Rich said from behind the fillies. “If you and your little friend don’t apologize to Apple Bloom right now, maybe I will consider letting you volunteer work at Sweet Apple Acres. The Apple family founded this town and they’re the reason we have a roof over our heads.”

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon heard Filthy Rich’s scolding. They then turned to Apple Bloom.

“I’m sorry,” Diamond Tiara said.

“I’m sorry, too,” Silver Spoon said.

“That’s more like it,” Filthy Rich said. “Come along now before I tell Silver Spoon’s parents about this.”

“No!” Silver Spoon said. “Not my parents! My rump’s still sore from the last spanking they gave me!”

Maybe if she didn’t pick on Apple Bloom and her as much as Diamond Tiara does, Spike thought. Her parents wouldn’t need to spank her.

“Be a good little filly and I won’t have to tell them,” Filthy said.

So, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon followed Filthy Rich and the stallion led the two fillies away.

Granny Smith rubbed the top of Spike’s head. “Thank ya fer tellin’ me, Spike,” she said.

“And without losing your temper,” Twilight said.

“I’m working on that,” Spike said.

“Well, we best head back ta Sweet Apple Acres,” Granny Smith said.

“Alright,” Twilight smiled. “Keep up the good work with the Zap Apples.”

The two duos went their separate ways. Once Apple Bloom and Granny Smith were back at Sweet Apple Acres, they put the freshly bought supplies in a safe place in the kitchen.


The next day, Diamond Tiara was reading a copy of the Foal-Free Press (the school’s newspaper) while in detention. She yawned with boredom. “This paper is so boring,” she complained. This was heard by Cheerilee.

“I’m sorry that the Foal Free Press isn’t as exciting as the tabloids your mother reads,” Cheerilee said to the elite filly. “This is a school newspaper, after all. Not one of those trashy big-city tabloids your mother loves so much. All of the effort my students put into writing the articles should be appreciated, though.” She then turned back to a mare that somewhat resembled a mix of Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails. Her coat was cinnamon brown, her mane and tail were sugary white, her eyes were azure, and her Cutie Mark depicted a bag of sugar and some sticks of cinnamon. “Now, as you were saying before you were so rudely interrupted?”****

“Thank you, Miss Cheerilee,” the mare, whose name was Sugar Spice*****, said. “I work as the main sugar and spice distributor in town. You may also know my husband, Evernice. He makes sure to help me with supplies that I need to help make sure all of Ponyville and other reaches of Equestria get the sweets and spices they need.”

“Which is why you’re always too busy for us,” Snips remarked under his breath. This earned him a forehoof knee to the side courtesy of Tails. “Ow!”

“Show some respect for our mom, Snips,” Tails said through his teeth.

“Thank you, Tails,” Sugar Spice said. “I would say that I also have two different places in Equestria where my sugar and spice are most sold. I mostly distribute sugar to Sugarcube Corner to help the Cakes and Pinkie Pie with their baking, while most of the spices go up to Canterlot, especially with important clients of mine running a restaurant called the Tasty Treat.”

“Way to go, mom,” Tails said.

“Yes, thank you very much, Sugar Spice,” Miss Cheerilee said with a smile. “We’re so glad you could give your lecture for Family Appreciation Day.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Sugar Spice said.

“Now, according to my list,” Miss Cheerilee said looking at a clipboard. “The next student to show an important member of their family is… Apple Bloom.”

“Ah can bring Granny Smith,” Apple Bloom said.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Apple Bloom,” Cheerilee smiled.

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Diamond Tiara said.

“None of that, Diamond Tiara,” Cheerilee scolded.

This’ll be mah chance ta show Diamond Tiara that mah granny is really a wonderful pony, Apple Bloom thought to herself.


When school was let out for the day, Apple Bloom informed Applejack about her plan to bring Granny Smith to Family Appreciation Day.

“That’s a mighty good idea, sugarcube,” Applejack smiled. “N’ Big Mac, Caramel, n’ me’ll handle things fer the harvest while y’all take care o’ that.”

“Even if her way o’ fixin’ the Zap Apple jam is strange,” Apple Bloom said. “It obviously works n’ she’s been doin’ it longer n’ we have.”

“They may seem strange at first,” Applejack said wisely. “But, when ya get more used ta the job n’ how it’s done, it’ll be more familiar ta ya.” At that moment, a murder of crows flew overhead. The trees sprouted dark blue flowers. “Ah, the next phase. We’re right on schedule.”


Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were on their way to Sweet Apple Acres and saw Granny Smith talking to jars.

“Ten-hut!” Granny Smith said, acting as a drill sergeant. “Now, listen here, troops! Ah don’t want any whinin’ er crackin’ under pressure! Do ah make mahself clear?!” A jar cracked as she slammed her hoof. “Court martialled!” She tosses the cracked jar into a nearby trash can.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stepped away. “Was she talking to jars?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Looked like it,” Scootaloo said. “I’m not so sure about Granny Smith showing up.”

Apple Bloom heard her two friends and she invited them into her bedroom.

“Ah heard y’all talkin’ ‘bout mah granny,” Apple Bloom said. “Yeah, ah thought her ways o’ gettin’ the Zap Apple jam ready were a little odd, too, but, it’s how she n’ the Apple Family helps ta make sure it tastes so darn good.”

“By doing all those strange things?” Scootaloo asked.

“She’s been doin’ this longer n’ we have,” Apple Bloom said. “Who’re we ta judge?”

“Apple Bloom does have a point,” Sweetie Belle said. “Besides, I’ve heard Rarity talk to herself while she sews. My mom does some singing and dancing when she bakes. So, everypony has their own ways of doing things.”

“Yesterday,” Apple Bloom said. “Spike said, ‘don’t fix what ain’t broke.’ Word fer word, if ya can believe it.”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo said. “I guess you’re right. I’m sorry, Apple Bloom.”

“Besides,” Apple Bloom said. “Granny Smith helped form Ponyville in the first place.”

“Yeah, I know,” Scootaloo said. “And it’s thanks to your family that Diamond Tiara’s family has it so well.”

“So,” Apple Bloom said. “If it works, then it’s okay bah me.”

“That’ll show that elitist,” Scootaloo said.


The next day, preparations for the Zap Apple Harvest continued on. Apple Bloom looked towards the sky. She saw the dark blue flowers become gray apples. “The fourth sign!” Apple Bloom called. Her friends gathered.

“I didn’t know they start off as gray first,” Sweetie Belle commented.

“They ain’t ripe yet,” Apple Bloom said. “They can’t be harvested ‘til they are.”

“Has anypony in your family tried to?” Scootaloo asked.

“Applejack tried buckin’ ‘em before they were ripe,” Apple Bloom said. “She got sent flyin’ back. Big Mac tried pickin’ ‘em before they were ripe n’ he got flung inta the pig pen.”

“Ouch!” Scootaloo said with a wince. “So, it sounds like you’re waiting until they’re really ready.”

“Eeyup,” Apple Bloom said, mimicking her brother.

“Guess the Zap Apple Harvest is a lot like when your family makes cider,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Sure is,” Apple Bloom confirmed. “It won’t be long ‘till they get their color n’ they’ll be ripe fer the pluckin’!”

“Good to know,” Sweetie Belle said.

“N’ then,” Apple Bloom said. “That sweet Zap Apple jam!”

“Tomorrow’s your turn for Family Appreciation day,” Scootaloo said. “I hope you have better luck than I did with my aunts.”

“I didn’t mind that actually,” Sweetie Belle commented. “But, yeah. Can’t wait to hear what your granny has to share.”

The three fillies saw Granny Smith painting the kitchen with polka dots. It was odd to them, but, knowing that it was in preparation for the Zap Apples, they shrugged it off and decided to go for a walk while the paint dried.


A little later, the Crusaders were on their walk when they saw a pale, light grayish spring bud earth colt with light sea green eyes, a light cyan and moderate opal mane and tail, and a Cutie Mark depicting three turtles. He was a bit older than them, being around 10-11 years old, and was digging in the sand of the river bank.

“Who’s that colt?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I don’t know,” Sweetie Belle said. “He must be in the older class.”

“Hey, you!” Scootaloo said to the colt.

“Huh?” the colt said, turning his attention to the three fillies. “Oh, hi. Sorry, I was focused on my digging.”

“What exactly are you digging for?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Shells,” the colt said. “I want to give them to my mom so she can make necklaces.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Sweetie Belle smiled. “Maybe we can help you so you won’t be out here too long. It’s getting pretty late. By the way, what’s your name?”

“I’m Sandbar,” the colt answered. “My family and I moved here from Gallopfornia.”

“Nice to meet you, Sandbar,” Scootaloo said. “I’m Scootaloo and these are my friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.”

“Nice meeting you, too,” Sandbar said.

Soon, Sandbar and the fillies had dug up enough shells.

“Ah think that’s enough,” Apple Bloom said. She then saw the sun was setting. “Ah better head home. See y’all later!”

“Thanks for your help,” Sandbar smiled. “See you guys again soon.” And he headed off towards his home.******


Soon, Apple Bloom made it to Granny Smith.

“Hi, Granny,” Apple Bloom said. “Ya ready for the Family Appreciation Day at school tomorrow?”

“Wouldn’t miss it fer all the tea in Canterlot,” Granny Smith said.

“Great,” Apple Bloom smiled. “Need any help ‘fore ah go ta bed?”

“Everythin’s fine fer now,” Granny Smith said.

“Okay then,” Apple Bloom said. “G’night, Granny, n’ ah love ya.”


The next morning, Applejack and Granny Smith were outside. Rain poured over the Zap Apple trees.

“Now,” Granny Smith said. “Ya remember what you and Big Mac have ta do?”

“Eeyup,” Applejack said.

“Great,” Granny Smith said. “Ah’m a-countin’ on ya ta do yer best!”

Thunder roared and lightning cracked.

“It’s happenin’!” Applejack called. The clouds parted, making a rainbow. Soon enough, all the Zap Apples turned as colorful as a rainbow and even took on a new shape. Applejack and Big McIntosh saw this and were ready to go to work.

“Time ta go,” Apple Bloom said.

“Y’all keep doin’ yer best now,” Granny Smith called as she walked with Apple Bloom towards the Ponyville Schoolhouse.

“Have a great day,” Applejack called as she worked.


Later at the school, Miss Cheerilee cleared her throat. “For today’s Family Appreciation Day, we’re very pleased to welcome Granny Smith. So, let’s all put on a happy face to welcome her.”

“I can’t wait to hear Granny Smith’s presentation,” Diamond Tiara said before whispering to Silver Spoon. “If she remembers any of it.”

“Mah memory might be rusty,” Granny Smith said. “But, mah hearin’s sharp as ever. Anymore lip out o’ y’all n’ yer pappy’ll hear ‘bout this from me.”

Diamond Tiara immediately shut up. Then, Granny Smith began her presentation.

“‘Bout fifty-two years ago,” Granny Smith began. “Things were different in Ponyville. That’s ’cause there was no Ponyville.” And this was the story Granny Smith told.


Mah family was pilgrim pony folk back when ah was a filly. Back then, ah was called Li’l Smith. When ah got ta mahself hitched, ah became Lady Smith. But, ah digress. We ventured far n’ wide, collectin’ new seeds n’ sellin the old ‘ns. Then, one day, mah family n’ I arrived at the most magnificent n’ most beautiful city in Equestria: Canterlot. We had never in our lives seen anythin’ so beautiful. Though a lot o’ ponies were stuck-up, there was one who wanted ta do everythin’ she could ta help us. It was Princess Celestia. She saw mah pa, Pokey Oaks’ seed collection n’ she was mighty impressed with what he had gathered. When she saw how tired we all were from our journey and saw we were lookin’ fer a forever home, she knew of a place where we could lay our stakes. Mah pa was powerful grateful, though ma, Sew n’ Sow, thought he was smoochin’ her up a bit too much. Hehehe. Anyway, we found the land near the Everfree Forest that Princess Celestia had told us ‘bout. We built our first home n’ we planted our first orchards. O’ course, orchards don’t grow overnight n’ we were gettin’ mighty short on food. We were cautioned ‘bout the dangers of the forests, ‘bout how it don’t work the same as Equestria’s other forests. But, ah knew that critters lived in there. If they could live n’ survive, then surely, they must have food ta keep em’ goin. So, ah ventured in ta help. I wouldn't lie, it was mighty scary, but, every inch was covered in plantlife n’ ah woulda done just ‘bout anythin’ ta help mah family. Then, ah found the most magnificent thing ah ever did see. The original Zap Apple trees. Ah began pickin’ them apples quick as a whip. But, ah soon realized ah weren’t alone. Ah found mahself before a pack o’ livin’ wolves made o’ wood from head ta toe. Never saw the like before. Ah had come ta learn that they’d be called ‘timberwolves.’ Ah beat a hasty retreat n’ saw mah family’s pots n’ pans layin’ out. Ah grabbed a pot n’ banged it against the spit-mounted cauldron. The bangin’ drove the timberwolves away. Ah later learned that this was ‘cause it sounded like the footsteps o’ the one critters timberwolves feared, metal golems. Then, when my pa planted the seeds, they sprouted up and bloomed like wildfire! They had grown faster than ya can say lickety split. Each year, ah paid special attention ta the signs o’ the Zap Apples’ special harvestin’ times, n’ how they zapped away if’n they ain’t picked in one day. N’ the fruits o’ our labor were the sweetest things ah had ever tasted. Soon enough, my family n’ ah were mixin’ up batches o’ Zap Apple jam. Just like harvestin’ the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin’ Zap Apple jam. Ah learned that ya have ta be extra friendly with bees, otherwise their honey wouldn’t taste right when ya mixed it. Who’da thought glass jars needed talkin’ ta er that Zap Apples liked pink polka dots? But, magic is as magic does, it’s just funny that way. Soon, other ponies came ta buy our jam. Some even decided ta stay, like Diamond Tiara’s great grandfather, Stinkin’ Rich. Hoo-wee, did that stallion have a stench ta him, but, he wore that name and stench proudly s’if it were fine cologne. Matter o’ fact, first thing he ever sold was mah family’s Zap Apple jam. Before we know it, we had a nice little village, bustlin’ with all kinds o’ ponies. ‘Course, it started with mostly earth ponies, but, after our first winter, we started lettin’ Pegasi stay ta help with the weather. N’ that’s how Ponyville came ta be.


When Granny Smith finished her story, the students started applauding. To most of the students’ surprise, the one to applaud first was Silver Spoon.

“So,” Scootaloo said. “If you hadn’t found the Zap Apples, Ponyville wouldn’t exist?”

“That’s right,” Granny Smith smiled. “Ah may not always seem like ah know what ah’m doin’, but, what ah’ve learned in mah life keep me a few steps ‘head.”

“Without Zap Apples,” Apple Bloom said to Diamond Tiara. “Yer family wouldn’t be as well off as ya are.”

Diamond Tiara understood the situation much clearer. She knew that if she tried to say anything bad about Granny Smith, everypony would turn on her. So, she settled back and applauded graciously.

“After school,” Granny Smith said. “Apple Bloom here’ll help me make Zap Apple jam. Y’all’re welcome ta come over n’ sample some.”

The students cheered happily. Though, Diamond Tiara stayed silent.


After school, Granny Smith and Apple Bloom made the Zap Apple jam. As promised, Filthy Rich collected the first 100 jars. Jars 101 through 107 were shared with the students and Miss Cheerilee. Scootaloo sampled the jam on a piece of bread.

“Mmm~” Scootaloo smiled, swallowing her bite-ful. “This is some of the best jam I’ve had in a long time!”

“Y’all can thank Apple Bloom here,” Granny Smith said. “Her first batch was better n’ mine was.”

“Thanks, Granny,” Apple Bloom said, blushing modestly. “Since this was mah first time helpin’ with the Zap Apple Harvest, ah had ta do mah best.”

“I have to ask though,” Sweetie Belle said. “What exactly does singing to the water do?”

“Singin’ ta the water gives it a little bit o’ magic that encourages the Zap Apples ta grow just right,” Granny Smith explained. “Don’t rightly understand how it works, but, as an earth pony, ah don’t know much ‘bout magic anyhow.”

“I guess that’s a good point,” Sweetie Belle said. “Plus, it does work anyway, so, what’s the point in trying to explain it?”

“Who wants ta help Granny Smith sing ta the water?” Applejack asked.

Various clamors of foals saying, “I do, me, I want to,” were heard. Not all of them were given full on bunny suits like Granny Smith and Apple Bloom wore, but, they did find it still worked if the foals were wearing bunny ear headbands.

“Diamond Tiara!” Filthy Rich said. He pushed a clearly reluctant Diamond Tiara along. She was wearing a pair of yellow bunny ears. “You help your classmates sing to the water, too.”

“But, daaaad~!!!” Diamond Tiara whined.

“No buts,” Filthy said. “You’re on thin ice as it is. You and your mother may not like it, but, we need the Apple family more than they need us.”

Diamond Tiara blushed with embarrassment as she joined her classmates in singing to the water. After Tails finished his turn, he walked over to Apple Bloom.

“Not fer nothin’,” Apple Bloom said. “But, why’d ya feel the need ta tell Filthy Rich ‘bout Diamond Tiara givin’ Granny Smith lip ‘bout her memory?”

“Because it’d put Diamond Tiara in a heap of trouble,” Tails said before chuckling. “And I find that extremely funny.”

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but smile. She was mostly smiling about how much she loved her family, her friends, and especially Granny Smith.

End of Chapter.

Author's Note:

Here's the next chapter.

*FORESHADOWING!!!

**Name courtesy of Blake.

***A chapter where Ash appears and nothing bad happens to him!

****This is the only reference to Ponyville Confidential I'll make. DEAL WITH IT! Also, credit to Comickook for the idea.

*****Name by Blake.

******No, I didn't just shoehorn in a scene with Sandbar because I thought about including him in this chapter only to forget about it and typed this up while posting the chapter. What gave you that idea?

In my take, I decided to have Apple Bloom pitch the idea of bringing Granny Smith and had Granny Smith show the firmness that made her the Sweet Apple Acres matriarch. Also, Sandbar's debut is earlier than canon.

If you liked this chapter, feel free to contact me via private messages if you'd like to help make future chapters.