Author's Note

It's the 4th of July. So, here's a special chapter as Apple Bloom learns about games from the original Jackbox Party Pack.

July 4-Seeing Where it All Began

It's the Fourth of July. Everybody in Jackbox Village is getting ready for the great holiday. Patriotic banners are being put up, barbecue grills are being cleaned up, and everyone preparing fireworks. Meanwhile, dressed in a red plaid short sleeve shirt and blue bib overalls, Apple Bloom lays down in a hammock in the backyard.

"It sure is quiet today." Apple Bloom sighed. "Just the way I like it. Sunny skies, puffy clouds, and a gentle breeze. This reminds me of how I relax in Sweet Apple Acres. Now, that Applejack and I buried the hatchet. I can actually enjoy my summer here."

As Apple Bloom closed her eyes and drift off to sleep, her guardian, Amy walks into the backyard, and sees this sight. She sneaked up to the farm girl, and took a picture on her smartphone. Then, she gently tickled Apple Bloom's feet. The girl started to giggle from the tickling. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see Amy.

"When did y'all show up?" Apple Bloom asked.

"About a minute ago." Amy answered. "When I saw you laying down on that hammock, I figured to take the advantage."

"I'm guessing this ain't the only reason you showed up."

"To quote your brother, 'Eeyup'. Me and Kevin are taking a ride to an old section of Jackbox Village. We would like you to tag along. It'll educate you on how the Jackbox phenomenon started."

This sounds like a good way to spend the fourth. "That there's an offer I can't refuse. Just let me slip on my sneakers."

Apple Bloom ran back in the house to grab her footwear. Later, the Felmanders and Apple Bloom went to a section of the village that looks nostalgic. When they arrived, an old man with gray hair and mustache greeted the folks. "Hello, Felmanders. You are our favorite visitors."

"Hi, Oliver." Kevin greeted. "We decided to bring our friend here to learn the history of this village."

"I'll be glad to be your guide. Come with me."

The man lead the group as he started to tell a story. "The Original 'You Don't Know Jack' was introduced in 1995. And, it developed many sequels, all appreciated. Then, in 2014, the Jackbox Party Pack was introduced. This pack featured 'You Don't Know Jack 2015'." He then shows them to a classic looking building. "The YDKJ games are often held in this place. But, that's not the only game in this pack."

Oliver shows then a smaller shop. "This used to be a shady casino. The perfect place for the original 'Fibbage XL'."

This makes Apple Bloom remember what Applejack told her during lunch yesterday.

Flashback

"I know you're not too fond on these Fibbage games." Applejack said with a warm smile. "But, deception can be a good thing sometimes. Like how we deceived those shifty Flim Flam brothers."

End of Flashback

"Maybe Applejack is right." Apple Bloom said to herself. "Fibbage may not be so bad after all."

After passing an old fashioned ice cream parlor, they stopped by an art studio.

"This is where the original 'Drawful' takes place." Oliver explained. "A great game for artistic folks."

"Drawful." Apple Bloom said. "That sounds like fun."

The party went to a outdoor sitting area. This looks very peaceful.

"This small mom and pop store next door to this place," Oliver explained, "is where they have occasional games of Word Spud. I'll tell you about that another day." He then points to a greenhouse. "And, that greenhouse is where they have games of Lie Swatter."

"Lie Swatter?" Apple Bloom wondered. "What game is that?"

"It's a unique game where you have to determine if statements are true or false. If it's false, swat the false bugs with a swatter!"

This got Apple Bloom interested. Inside the ice cream parlor, the group enjoyed the frozen treats. Apple Bloom is having a sundae with chocolate syrup and red, white, and blue sprinkles. Kevin and Amy share a banana split.

"Glad we took you here?" Amy asked.

"You bet." Apple Bloom replied. She took a bite of her sundae. "I'm impressed that this place has patriotic sprinkles."

"This place has special stuff depending on the holiday."

"She's right." Kevin added. "On Valentine's Day, they have a special sundae with vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and heart sprinkles."

"That makes sense." Apple Bloom said. "Red, pink, and white are proper for Valentine's Day."

At that moment, Miss Harshwhinny came in with a sour expression. She spots Apple Bloom and heads for their table.

"Drop that spoon!" Harshwhinny demanded.

"Miss Harshwhinny?" Apple Bloom gasped. "What are ya doing here?"

"I thought you were told by Applejack that you're grounded for the summer! Return to the house you're sent to. The guardians will properly punish you!" Her face turned red with anger. "GET OUT AND STAY OUT!"

"Just a minute!" Kevin called out! "Me and my wife are Apple Bloom's guardians for the summer. And, it's our idea to take her here."

This shocked Harshwhinny. Suddenly, a worker with a curly mustache came by. "Causing trouble again. Huh, Harshwhinny? I'll have to call the bouncer of the day. Hey, Creep!"

Out comes the Two Face Creep from 'Monster Seeking Monster'. "I'm here, sir. How can I help you?"

Seconds later, Harshwhinny was thrown out of the parlor. As she recovers she realized that Apple Bloom is not helpless.

"I think I better leave before that Two Faced Creep calls on his monster friends." Harshwhinny said. Soon, she ran off.

Later that night, Apple Bloom and her guardians are back in their backyard, enjoying a barbecue provided by Applejack and Big Mac. Soon, everybody hear popping sounds. And, they saw fireworks in the sky.

"What's the Fourth of July without fireworks?" Applejack said.

"These fireworks I can enjoy." Apple Bloom added. "It's the fireworks Harshwhinny tried to start I can do without."

"I hear that, Apple Bloom."

Big Mac agrees. "Eeyup!"

The two sisters hugged each other. Apple Bloom feels the warmth from her sister now that Harshwhinny's influence is gone.