Apple Jack was hard working, and she didn't stop for any flu. But this.. The heat makes her feel like she's in lava, but she must prevail.. Right?
Basically, Apple Jack (And other ponies) get an influx of magic. A dangerous amount. And it turns into a small amount of heat to try to slowly get out of the bodies without causing any excessive damage that would happen if it just spilled all out. However, it still isn't a good time.
AppleJack gasped as she sat up from her spot in her apple themed bed, she felt a furious heat boil her from the inside and she could hardly think because of how hot she felt. After a moment, though, she calmed and crawled out of bed. She’d been trying to sleep for ages now, however she’d always wake an hour or two later due to the sweltering heat the rest of her family didn’t seem to feel. It was exhausting, boiling alive as she tried to reach a cool slumber. But, she made due by leaving her room and making her way through the family home, eventually exiting the house she loved dearly.
She breathed in the cool night air and stumbled to the back of the house, to the apple orchard. She decided that if she couldn’t sleep, she’d spend her time doing something productive. No use in waiting for the impossible. Well, impossible for tonight.
AppleJack stood near the tree closest to her and looked up at it, seeing the bright red apples under the cool blues of the night sky. She always liked how shiny and pretty her family’s apples were, and how sweet they tasted. The cider they made was like heaven in a sellable bottle. Or maybe that’s just her talking, she’d always been sentimental with her family.
The mare shook her head and turned behind her, her hooves pointing towards the trunk of the firm tree. She then made a firm kick at the bark, grinning as she heard three apples drop onto the grass floor. She put her hooves down from the bark, and then bucked at it again, repeating the process until she’d bucked three times with no apples. She then turned and counted the apples gained from the tree, about seven. She smiled and ran to the barn, forgetting about getting a basket. She dug out two before trotting over to the tree with the fallen apples and settling them all in one basket. It seemed to have filled it nicely, so she just let the woven tool sit to the side of the tree. She’d remember to put it away with the other baskets of apples later. For now, she trotted to the next tree and did the same thing as before, bucking and bucking till nothing came out and then collecting them into her basket. However, the basket wasn’t as full. She didn’t mind, she’d just continue on her way…
She kicked at the trees for hours, filling woven basket after basket with big, red, apples. She only realized how long she’d kicked until the bright ball in the sky decided to show up and paint the once dark blue sky a bright red, orange, and yellow color. AppleJack wouldn’t mind the view, if it wasn’t for how hot her body still felt. She must have energy stuck inside her still, she must have had too boring of a day before hand to use it all. So, despite the sun calling for her to get ready for the day, she just spent the next few minutes bucking at the apple trees. Then, Granny called.
“AppleJack!” She yelled, her old but firm voice flying across the orchard, “Are you there?” AppleJack sighed, and decided it was best not to worry the old mare. She had enough on her plate, poor gal.
“Right ‘ere Granny!” She called, swiftly making her way to the older mare. Granny looked worried, looking her over.
“..AppleJack,” She started, her expression holding a tight worry, “Why are you ‘ere so early? It ain’ even nine.” She said softly, stepping closer to examine AppleJacks eyebags. AppleJack just sighed, looking at the ground.
“Sorry Gran’, I just.. I aint’ sleepin’ like I use ta’. It’s been.. So warm.” She said, feeling a growing headache sprout in her head. “You sure summer didn’ come early?” Granny looked confused, gently feeling AppleJack’s forehead.
“Oh dear..” Her old voice mumbled, a sense of worry sunk itself in AppleJack’s stomach, “It’s just Autumn, and yer foreheads’ burnin’ up enough to heat up the house!” She exclaimed, her worry peaking. “Get inside, go! Get! Don’t ch’ dare come on out feelin’ like that!”
AppleJack sighed and shook her head, “But Granny, the farm-”
Granny scoffed, “Don’t go worryin’ about the farm feelin’ like that! Go inside and stay there till’ ya get better!” AppleJack couldn’t refuse, seeing her grandmother’s wrinkled face twist into one of disturbed horror. Was she really that bad? She hoped not, but she wouldn’t deny that she didn’t feel well at all. She felt ready to drop, but she couldn’t handle the unnerving urge to buck at the trees again. She wanted, no, needed to work. She needed to head out and make a dent in the farm, to collect all the apples they could. They weren’t falling on hard times, but they could easily get darn near it. She didn’t want that to happen, especially not to her poor family. So, she devised a plan; she’d go out at night, and by day she’d act sick and frail (which she wasn’t, but the apple family was stubborn and she wouldn’t convince them easily). It’d be easy, though the fact that she has to sit in her bed all day was troubling. She could feel the urge to buck at something grow in her back hooves, along with a growing boil starting at her cutie mark.
Actually, only one of those two things made sense.. She sat up, her front hooves sat in front of her with her back hooves next to them, and turned to look at one side of her flank. There, she saw the gentle glow of her cutie mark. It wasn’t just red either, but pops of gentle green and a dash of brown could be seen, mixing with the main color. It almost reminded her of Hearth's Warming Eve.. Hearth’s Warming Eve, oh darn! That’s in winter! And she knew no apples would be able to be harvested then! She really needed to get onto that, but how much can she buck in one night? Would her siblings see her missing at night? Would they tell granny?
She shivered at the thought. She dreaded the idea of them forcing her inside, to melt in the sweltering heat of her body.. She wouldn’t be able to think, she’d probably combust! Oh dear.
Applejack frowned when Applebloom entered her room, carrying a glass of sweet apple cider in her hoof. She looked at Applejack with an expression she didn’t understand. “..Applejack?” She asked softly, settling the cold glass on Applejack’s night stand.
“Yea, Sweetpea?” Applejack asked equally as softly as she crawled out of her bed. Applebloom sighed.
“I.. Granny’s worried, sis’. She says you got the flu. Issat true?” She asked, stepping closer to examine her older sister. Applejack winced at it, and looked at the wooden floor. Said floor felt hot, her entire body felt hot. No matter what, nothing would cool her.
“..Applebloom, can ya promise me one thing, just one?” She asked, her gaze looking at the filly, whose large, orange, eyes glimmered with concern.
“Yeah, sis?” She asked quietly, almost as if this was a secret. It technically was.
“Don’t go on tellin’ no one about this, kay? But um.. You feelin’ cold?” Applebloom blinked, and tilted her head, wide eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Well, yeah! Duhh, it’s th’ middle of autumn! It’s gonna be cold!” She exclaimed, sighing, “You havta take me more seriously Applejack-” Applejack pressed a hoof to her mouth, and Applebloom flinched from the overwhelming heat radiating from it.
“Sweetpea..” Applejack started, frowning, “It feels like it’s summer. It’s darn hot for me! An’ that ain’t good. But…” She trailed off, looking at the wall to her right. “Applebloom, I can’t feel th’ cold right now. But.. I can’t let the farm down, ya hear?”
Applebloom stared at her, confused. She didn’t understand her sister, if she’s sick she can’t overwork herself because it’d cause burnout. But.. She sighed, and shook her head. “If you say so, Applejack. Just.. Be safe, kay? I can’t lose ya to some heat.” Applejack couldn’t help but nod, though she knew that she very well could break the promise.
“I’ll do my best, sis. But you.. You can’t tell anyone, alright? If Granny found out.. I’d never leave. An’ I can’t let that happen. Understand?”
Applebloom nodded, then pointed at the warming glass of cider. “Drink it before it warms up, it should still be cold. If you need, I’ll bring you some cubes for ya.”
Applejack chuckled, “I’ll be fine missy, you run along now! I know you got school!” Applebloom pouted, but left without a fuss, her red bowtie bouncing with her steps. Applejack wished she could say that it left her fully happy, that it made her entire day up. But she still felt a miserable heat swelter all over her body. She felt like lava coated her insides and it’s trying to get out.
Maybe.. Maybe she could visit someone during the day, so she wouldn’t have to be sad alone. Applejack grinned, soon galloping around the room to ready herself for a day outside. Of course, she gulped down the sweet, smooth, apple cider left out for her. After that, she kept the glass in her mouth as she ran out of her room and down to the kitchen where she stopped to put the glass in the sink. She turned to run out when-
“APPLEJACK!” Screamed Granny, standing tall at the front door despite her small and frail body. Applejack felt herself sweat at her tone, as she lowered her head down to the floor. She gulped, Granny sighed, “What are ya doing! Go to yer room! You’re in no condition to work, missy!”
Applejack pouted, “I-I’m not workin’ granny! Just gonna visit a friend. Walkin’ should be fine, right? It’s not like ponyville s’ that far away!” Granny held a thoughtful expression, before sighing and shaking her head. She had admitted a small amount of defeat, most likely writing it off as a misjudgment rather than a loss in argument. Applejack appreciated it nonetheless.
“Alright alright, I conceded. But you better be home before dawn! I don’t wanna hear a peep from that door a second later than that!” She stomped her foot on the wooden floor, glaring at Applejack, “Y’hear me? I won’t stand ya staying out for too long! Now you trot along, I got some jam to make and I won’t spend no time wasting away!” She then walked to the kitchen, Applejack only just noticed the bags on her bag, both filled to the brim with shiny, red, apples.
“Alright Gran! I’ll be home before dawn!” Applejack called out, galloping out of the doorway before she could hear Grannysmith’s reply. She sped across the road leading out of the farm and to Equestria. She felt a bit giddy, she’d been worried about her farm all week and hadn’t had time for her friends in a bit. She hoped that maybe, they’d have time for her too.
Soon enough, she reached ponyville and hummed. Who should she visit? She hadn’t really thought it through, having felt sick and trapped in her stuffy room. She just wanted to go out and try to find a coolness in the air, something she’s failed so far. She blinked, Rarity! That girl’s got money, with those gems! She must have something! Plus, Applejack doesn’t mind helping around. Last week, she’d heard a few concerned citizens talking about her poor health. With Applejack’s flu, she felt a bit of sympathy. But, she’s sure that even if both sick people work they’ll get at least a little close to twice the amount of work done.
So, mind made, Applejack trotted along to the large, shiny, and purple building. Inside was lavish, with platforms lining the wall, covered by purple curtains. Surrounding the platforms, were an assortment of mirrors, mannequins, and racks of clothes or fabric. Or, really, any other tool. Except for the sewing machine on a table settled near a group of mirrors. Applejack smiled and shook her head, it made a small and short lived breeze that soon lead her to smell the gentle floral smell. If Applejack remembered right, she’d heard Rarity call the smell Gardenia. Said it was a wonderful flower that resembles royalty and sophistication. Applejack couldn’t care less, honestly, but it was comforting as a smell. It reminded her of her dearest friends, one of them at leasts. She remembers that one day, Rarity had set them all home with three outfits each. Two dresses, one shirt. Applejack had adored her farm looking but sparkly dresses so much that she couldn’t bear to wear them. While she’d love to, ruining them would make her cry. However, sometimes she’d go into her closet, pull them out, and look at them with adoration. She’d never forget Rarity’s generosity.
She snapped out of her haze when the pale pony stepped out of her hallway and into where Applejack was. She gasped and nearly dropped the new pile of fabrics in her pale blue magic. She sighed, trotted over to the table with the sewing machine, and settled the fabric on it. She kept it neat, Applejack would always applaud her for her talent in that aspect. Rarity turned over to Applejack and blinked, her long lashes falling slowly with her eyelights. She looked tired, deep eyebags settled beneath her dark blue eyes. She stepped over to Applejack, and Applejack could see her in full. She wore a dress, it was a little tight fitting but not overly so. It was dark, reached the tip of her neck, her wrists, and was below her knees. Applejack couldn’t hide her surprise, given she’d hardly wear dresses while making them and especially not something so.. Simple. It wasn’t even jeweled, just black fabric settled on her form as if it belonged there. Applejack hummed. “You alright Rare? Looks like ya prepared for somethin’ other than sewin’?”
Rarity paused, Applejack realized she had spoken right before Rarity opened her mouth. Rarity just looked at the floor, her left hoof caressing her right as a nervous tick. She sighed, “Is it.. That obvious, Applejack?” She asked soothingly, her calm voice gentle as silk. Applejack always envied her darn near motherly voice. Applejack just smiled and stepped closer, eyeing her ruffled fur.
“You look like a bit of a mess, and your blue eyeshadow smudged a little bit. Looks like a smokey eye, but I know you don’t like it. Cus of eh.. Professionalism, yea?” Applejack said calmly, watching as Rarity’s face flushed a gentle blue at how obvious her issues were. Rarity pouted.
“Well, I can’t lie. I feel.. Under the weather. But it’s not too bad! Just…” She gulped and sad on her rear, then used her front hooves to pull their respective sleeves up. Her wrists, previously well hidden besides a little discoloration right at the sleeve ends, proudly showed a gentle red discoloration on her pale fur. Applejack stepped closer to examine it, a hoof holding the left one and another gently stroking the tender area. Rarity hissed, “Careful!”
Applejack frowned, “Sorry.. How long’s it been? Looks real bruised, and a bit thin. Not even meat wise, meat feels fine. But it’s like there’s less bone? You got surgery? Na na.. You ain’t the type to worry about ya hooves.. Is it that darn sewing? Been tellin’ ya to slow it down.” She said with a small huff, watching Rarity blush madly at the calling out.
“Applejack! It’s not too bad! I just..” She looked around and sighed, Sweetiebell was at school and her cat was sleeping in her room, “I feel so..” Applejack eyed her fur. It felt warmer than Applebloom or Granny’s fur. “I feel warm, Jack.” She said quietly. She stood, the unheld hoof falling to the ground. She winced, and Applejack could very clearly see that she was trying to hide it. Rarity raised her raised hoof and pressed it to Applejack’s shoulder, feeling it for a moment. “You’re warm too,” She began in a soothing whisper, “We’re warm, Applejack. So much so, that I think.. I think we can help each other. I see.. I see the glow of your cutiemark, and the red at your back hooves. You can’t work at the farm right now, can you? You were sent away? Well.. My wrists hurt, and it’s so warm.. It’d be nice to have help..” She smiled and Applejack giggled.
“What an odd way of sayin’ ‘Please help me Applejack, I got too frail fer my ol’ age!’” She then giggled, seeing Rarity’s face fall into an annoyed pout. Applejack shook her head and patted Rarity’s head, much to her chagrin. “I kid I kid! Yer way too young for that! But yea, I’ll help a gal out! Watcha need me t’ do?” She asked with a smile, Rarity smiled back.
“Good question! With a much better answer; carry things and try dresses on! No better mannequin than the real deal! It really helps with fur too! You couldn’t believe how much dresses can easily nab at it! Deary me, it’s almost horrific!”
Applejack let out a chortle at that, “Heh, even while sick you got that charm! Whatever will I do with ya?”
“Probably help make dresses!” She retorted with a calm proudness as she strutted to the fabrics, “Hm, now stay in that position! I think I want to make a green dress. Goodness knows I make too much purple! I really need to add more color to my portfolio! Can’t become a world star seamstress if I lack variety!” She chortled, Applejack knew she’d never let herself be world star famous, if she never accepted deals that’d lead her out of ponyville. But she agreed nonetheless, Rarity was smart. She could achieve her dreams. Even if she needed the help of a farmgirl.
Applejack couldn’t help but think, though, that maybe she should get to the farm by now. Them trees need bucking and she can feel her hooves itch despite the constant dull pain in them. Even if it hurts her, she must stay focused… After Rarity, of course. She’s sick too, and Applejack can see the glow on her flank through her dark dress.
Applejack smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror, the dress Rarity practically stitched on her was green. A gentle green colored the entire thing and it was full bodied, while Rarity usually made two parts. Applejack found that she liked it. It was flowy, with puffed sleeves in her front hooves. And, at her back hooves, was just one puffy skirt. She didn’t mind it, she still had room to move. Plus, they had apple patterns fading from the sleeves to the body of the dress. It was.. She couldn’t help but feel warmth enter her cheeks for reasons other than her flu. Rarity didn’t seem to mind it, giggling. “Well, someone likes their gift!” She exclaimed, much to Applejack’s surprise.
“Wh- Rarity! You said I’d be helpin’! Not addin’ to yer work load!” She complained loudly, slamming her hooves forward, “You better let me help with yer other dresses!”
Rarity huffed and tapped her hoof to Applejack’s nose. “Now now, deary! I can do this just fine! I just wanted to make sure you actually took it! Celestia knows you wouldn’t accept a gift if it wasn’t practically merged with you!” Applejack just huffed and shook her head in disappointment.
“Ugh, you know me too well! This is awful!” She exclaimed, before Rarity hummed. Her dress shifted as she trotted to her window, frowning.
“Oh deary me! We’ve spent much daylight! Would you care to visit tomorrow and we could continue? It’s dangerous at night.” She said calmly, as if trying to soothe Applejack in some way. She couldn’t say she minded the endearing pony and her tone.
“Well, alright. You best get rest now. Can’t work passin’ out.” She said, attempting to swiftly slip away from the dress. Eventually, she fell on her side and, in a mini panic, bucked her hooves at the table she was next. She hissed as her back hooves generated a stinging pain. She huffed and stood, refusing to meet Rarity’s concerned eyes. Rarity ran to her, “Oh Applejack! Are you alright? I’ve never heard you sound like that before! Well, not in a situation like this. Do you need help getting home?” She asked, leaning towards her face to perceive if she should take action. Applejack felt her face heat Moreso.
“Na na, I’m alright. Just uh- g-gettin’ frustrated. Ya know? Uh.. I best be goin’ now, night don’t wait for nopony.” She said casually, forcing herself into a pep-in-step fueled skip over to the door. “You uh- You best feel better soon Rare!” She called out before swiftly leaving, not hearing Rarity’s worried farewell. She shook her head, her hair moving side to side before it calmed and stayed back to her left shoulder. She looked at it, and the hair was all frazzled and fuzzy. Some strands stuck out of her head, freed from her hair tie. She’d have to brush it when she went home.
She sighed, following the path to Sweet Apple Acres. She’d worry about them trees first before anything. They were top priority.. When the family was asleep. She wouldn’t want to worry them.
When she got to the house, Granny Smith was waiting on their rickety rocking chair. She was glaring daggers at the mare, and Applejack couldn’t help but duck her head low to avoid her gaze as she went up the patio stairs. Granny cleared her throat before getting of her favorite chair. “What do you have to say for yourself missy?” She said sternly, her grayed green fur doing nothing to make her less intimidating. Her fiery orange eyes also helped to intimidate Applejack, making her swerve her head to the side looking at the road.
“S-Sorry Granny! I lost track a’ time! You know I wouldn’t get home this late on purpose!” She said pitifully, Granny just sighed and shook her head, her white bun having more stuck out stray hairs than usual. Applejack felt too embarrassed to comment, because she knew she was the cause.
Granny sighed, her wrinkled face sagging more than usual. “You, Missy, can’t go an’ do that, alright? But.. I see you haven’t really been workin’, with that darn dress you got on. I’ll let it slide just this once, but only this once!” She said with a stern glint in her eye. “Now go on! Get! You best be gettin’ sleep to fight that darn flu!” She exclaimed, pushing Applejack towards the now open door. She hadn't even realized it was open. Darn her flu..
She stumbled inside and eventually made her way to her room, flopping onto her bed as waves of heat continued to cascade her entire body. She sat up and curled into her sheets, desperately trying to fall into slumber so as to not worry her family. But none came to her. She was left writhing on her bed as the minutes ticked by. She eventually couldn’t hold her restlessness in anymore, diving out of bed once more to speed to the kitchen, only to be blocked by Big Mac. He was staring her down, though not too sternly. She sighed. “Big Mac-”
He shook his head and motioned for her to go back to her room, keeping a loose frown on his face. Applejack frowned and shook her head, “Jus’ for some cider.” She tried, lowering her head to make her pleas more convincing. Big Mac didn’t budge, staring her down like a herding dog would cattle.
“Nope.” He said calmly, his deep voice filling the unpopulated room. He then stepped closer, “Cmon.” He mumbled, making sure to keep a stern eye on Applejack. She sighed, and shook her head.
“Well, if I can’t go an’ get the cider, can you at least send me some?” She asked, receiving a sigh from her older brother. Big Mac stepped forward and used his right hoove to gently push her back. Applejack got the memo swiftly, “Fine fine! But once I’m in the room, can I get some?” She asked with a pout, grinning as Big Mac held a contemplating face.
Eventually, he spoke, “Yup.” He mumbled, before again ushering Applejack to her room. She victoriously galloped inside, despite the pain in her back hooves and the almost too tight dress that pinched at her front shoulders. She merrily sat on her red apple carpet and looked at the window, admiring the night sky. She hummed… Wait. She was supposed to go out to buck. She frowned, how can she do that without Big Mac catching her…
Soon, the door creaked open as Big Mac had a bottled glass of warm apple cider in his maw. He clopped over to her, settling the drink right in front of her. She smiled at him, and he gave a small smile back before turning around and leaving, closing the door. Applejack sat there for a minute before stitching the cork with her teeth and tearing it off, revealing the sweet smell of the cider. She drooled at it, and clasped her teeth around the rim of the glass before tilting back her head and chugging the large bottle, nearly choking. She didn’t care, it was cool down her throat for a mere second and that alone made her feel better. As well as wanting more. Because as the last drop dripped into her maw, she felt the horrid burning in the same area, but worse. She spat the bottle out and scowled, standing shakily and running to open her window, surely the cool breeze would help?
It didn’t, and she felt worried about that. How could the night, known for its chill, still feel so warm?
Maybe… Maybe she should go outside. Maybe she should buck those trees like her cutiemark tells her to. Maybe it would cool her. Maybe it’d calm her nerves. Maybe…
Applejack shook her head, no need for such.. Odd thoughts to overtake her. But… They were right, and if her cutiemark says she must, well…
She hurled up into the window, squirming a bit before she fell face first into the grass below. She grumbled, but kept her cool as she stood up and trotted to the trees. She had her head held high, proud of her hard work! She’d get these trees bucked in no time!
But, when she reached the trees, she found most of them empty. But… No no! There must be some left! She has to buck, she feels it in her bones, her soul even! She let out a frustrated huff and sped off to the area with the baskets, and got as many as she could get. She then started from the tree most near the entrance of the farm, hoping to work her way to the trees just barely entering the Everfree forest. She wouldn’t fail her family, she couldn’t! She knew, deep down inside, that not doing so would be against the very nature of life! Her cutiemark will lead her the way to her family’s wellbeing, even if she has to get bruises for it.
