Apple Family Adventures: A big surprise

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 2

Chapter 1

It was early in the morning; the sun was rising when Applejack was awoken from her slumber by the sound of the rooster crowing. She sat up in the bed with the sheet under her fore hooves, her mane slightly messy from her night’s sleep. She pushed the sheet aside and slid her hind hooves off the edge of the bed, placing them on the wooden floor, sliding off fully onto her fore hooves next, and standing on all fours. She made her way over to the vanity against the wall with her cowboy hat sitting on it, taking a look into the mirror at her ruffled mane and turning her head left and right looking at her hair that was out of place, she raised her right hoof up in front of her muzzle spitting onto it before using it to fix her mane back in place. Grabbing her hat with her teeth off the vanity, she flips it onto her head, landing perfectly in place and smiles looking in the mirror. Applejack then made her way out of her room heading downstairs to the kitchen, seeing Granny Smith and Big Mac already awake and cooking breakfast.

There were eggs, toast and buttermilk apple pancakes in pans and on plates, ready to be eaten. Applejack smiled and said "Good morning, what's got you two in a cooking mood?" She looked at both of them

Big Mac turning around in an apron with a pan handle held in his mouth, setting it down and saying "Don't you know?"

Applejack looked confused, turning to Granny Smith who was smiling as she turned her head some to look back at Applejack while she stirred a bowl with a wooden spoon and saying "Come on now Applejack, surely you remembered what day it is?" She chuckled some.

Applejack looked baffled now, rubbing her head with a hoof before she heard Apple Bloom coming down the stairs and shouting "Applejack! Good morning!" She smiled running over to Applejack and hugging her big sister with her fore hooves.

Applejack smiled and hugged her little sister back "Well good morning Apple Bloom, what day am I forgetting exactly?"

Apple Bloom looked surprised at her big sister and said "Applejack don't you know what today is?"

Applejack looked confused at her and replied "Uh, Monday?"

Apple Bloom giggled and smiled, shaking her head and said "No silly it’s your birthday!" she happily announced, raising her fore hooves in the air.

Applejack softly smacked her own head with her hoof and replied "Well shoot sugarcube I have been working so much lately I forgot my own birthday for Celestias' sake!" She sighed, shaking her head.

Granny Smith, having been watching them, smiled "And that's why you're not raising a hoof to do a lick of work today missy, I’ve even got the best party pony in Ponyville to come help you have the best birthday ever!"

Applejack thought a moment before she responded "You don't mean you got..."

But she got cut off by Pinkie Pie bursting through the door with her party cannon in front of her and a party hat on her head smiling brightly before she shouted "Happy birthday AJ!!"

Pinkie Pie reached her hoof down to the rope of her cannon, pulling on it and firing it in the house, sending balloons and streamers all over the place, complete with a tablecloth and plates landing onto the table. Pinkie bounced her way over to Applejack, putting a party hat on her head in exchange for her cowboy hat and placed a birthday cake onto the table.

Applejack shook her head before saying "Pinkie Pie you can't eat cake for breakfast."

Pinkie Pie looked confused before replying with a smile "Of course you can silly filly, it is your birthday after all!"

Applejack smiled at Pinkie and said "Well that's awful nice of you Pinkie, but Granny Smith and Big Mac are already cooking breakfast." She motioned her hoof over in their direction in the kitchen,

Pinkie smiled and replied "Well you can have cake for dessert, after breakfast!" She squeed and bounced around Applejack before she spoke again "Oh! Oh! I want you to have a super special day today so I'm going to take you to Manehattan for a few days of super spectacular fun fun fun!"

Applejack looked at Pinkie in surprise “A weekend away from the farm!? No way, no how! I can’t leave the farm for a few days Pinkie Pie there’s far too much work to be done!”

Pinkie pouted and looked sadly at Applejack "But I bought our train tickets already..." picking the tickets up off the table in her mouth showing them to Applejack.

Granny Smith turned toward the two of them "Oh you'll be going missy, I wanted Pinkie Pie here to show you a hoof shaking good time in Manehattan. Why I remember when I was young when I went to Manehattan with yet aunt and Uncle Orange and had the best time! They enjoyed the city so much they decided to stay there. And it’s time for you Applejack to go out off the farm for a few days, when's the last time you saw your aunt and Uncle Orange any who?"

Applejack thought for a bit "Well shoot Granny I haven't seen them since I went there when I was a filly trying to earn my cutie mark. I reckon it wouldn't hurt to visit them for a few days. Manehattan was a mighty impressive city. Besides I think it about time Apple Bloom here had herself some more responsibility around the farm."

She smiled looking at Apple Bloom, who looked excited and was bouncing up and down on her hooves before she spoke "You really think I can be responsible enough to help Granny Smith and Big Mac around the farm Applejack?!"

Applejack nodded while smiling still at her "I sure do Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom smiled wide at her big sister "Maybe I’ll earn my cutie mark! I should get Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo so we can all be responsible! I wonder what a cutie mark for responsibility will look like?!" After she finished talking Apple Bloom grabbed a piece of toast in her mouth and ran off in a hurry out the front door,

Applejack giggled watching her run out the door "That little filly sure is impatient in finding her special talent. Just make sure the three of them don't make a big mess of the farm will you Big Mac?"

She said, looking over to Big Mac who smiled and nodded "Eeyup."

Applejack sighed before looking back at Pinkie Pie still holding the two train tickets in her mouth "Alright Pinkie, I would be happy to go with you to Manehattan for a few days."

Pinkie smiled happily and dashed over to Applejack hugging her tight with her fore hooves "That's the spirit! We're going to have some much fun! There will be games and parties and the carnival and the movies and mimes and the circus! There's so many stores and food and clothes and toys and desserts! Oh and everypony will have to sing you happy birthday!!"

Applejack giggled at Pinkie "That sure does sound like a whole lot to do in a few days Pinkie, I reckon I’ll be following your lead though since you know so much about Manehattan."

Pinkie smiled raising a hoof pointing it at herself "You can count on me!"

Granny Smith announced "Breakfast is ready! Are you going to join us, Pinkie?" she smiled.

Pinkie beamed and plopped herself down in a chair at the table "I would love to! It smelled so super good in here it made me hungry!" Granny Smith and Big Mac were already on their way over to the table with the plates of food, setting them down. Pinkie Pie helped herself to a stack of buttermilk apple pancakes with syrup on them. Applejack, Granny Smith and Big Mac all picked out a little of each to put on their plates.

The four of them happily chowed down on their food, Pinkie Pie munching on the stack of pancakes and getting her muzzle messy with syrup and licking it off afterwards. She lifts up a cup of milk with her mouth and took a drink to wash down the pancakes "That was great Granny Smith! Thanks for feeding me breakfast, and AJ, be sure you be ready to leave by the afternoon for our super fun trip to Manehattan!" said Pinkie Pie.

Applejack smiled at Pinkie and replied "You bet sugarcube, I figure I won’t need to bring much but my hat and some bits."

Pinkie smiled sliding out of the chair "Okie dokie! I need to pack my party supplies just in case of an emergency party!" said Pinkie Pie, trotting over to the door and waving to the three of them at the table letting herself out.

Applejack giggled some finishing the rest of her breakfast "It sure is going to be an interesting trip with Pinkie." said Applejack looking at Granny Smith and Big Mac who had finished eating and were putting the plates and glasses in the sink to be washed

"Well don't you worry Applejack, I’m sure Pinkie will make sure you have a hootin' good time at Manehattan," said Granny Smith.

Applejack smiled and nodded before replying "I’m sure she will Granny Smith, I best make sure Apple Bloom and her friends know what they are doing so they don't make the farm a big mess while I’m away," trotting to the door and heading outside, making her way across the farm and the apple orchard towards the tree house Apple Bloom and her friends always used as their crusader club.

Applejack made her way up the steps and knocked on the door with her hoof "Apple Bloom I need to have a word with you about being responsible on the farm." said Applejack, hearing some conversation going on inside the clubhouse.

Apple Bloom shouted in response "Come on in AJ!" Applejack opened up the door to the clubhouse seeing Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo in their crusader uniforms.

"Well since the three of you fillies are all here together I figure I can teach the lot of you about responsibility." said

Applejack looking at the three of them, all three of them smiling and running over to Applejack to sit down simultaneously saying "Teach us, teach us!"

Applejack smiled at their anxiousness and said "Calm down there you three, having responsibility isn’t all fun and games. It's a lot hard work and making sure it all gets done so that the farm has apples to sell."

Scootaloo looked unsure at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell and replied "I don't think I like responsibility."

Sweetie Bell shook her head and responded "Me either!"

Before Apple Bloom spoke up looking at her friends "Hey now y’all haven't we done plenty of hard work just trying to earn our cutie marks? Besides AJ is leaving for a few days and we need to help Big Mac around the farm, with all of that hard work we could get our cutie marks in no time!" Applejack nodded in agreement smiling at Apple Bloom.

Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo speaking up after Apple Bloom "Alright!" said Sweetie Bell

"Let’s do it!" said Scootaloo.

Applejack turned to leave the club house before saying, "Now you three listen to Big Mac and Granny Smith; they'll tell you what needs to be done."

Apple Bloom smiles at Applejack "Don't you worry AJ, the cutie mark crusaders are on the job!" said Apple Bloom.

Applejack smiled back at her little sister before heading out of the club house making her way back to the farm. A few hours seemed to pass by quickly, Applejack seeing it was time to leave for the train station grabbed her saddle bag with her things packed and ready for the trip, making her way downstairs and waving a hoof to Granny Smith and Big Mac as she made her way out the door "Well y’all I’m going to Manehattan, don't get in too much trouble now you hear!" she giggled and smiled,

Granny Smith and Big Mac each waving goodbye to Applejack "You have a good time Applejack." said Granny Smith

"Eeyup." replied Big Mac.

Applejack left the house with her things and trotted down the road, making her way to the train station. When she made her way there she spotted Pinkie Pie with her saddle bag and the tickets waiting for Applejack who smiled and rushed over to her handing Applejack a ticket

"Hey AJ the train is ready to leave so let’s go!" said Pinkie Pie turning to trot towards the train.

Applejack nodded and followed after Pinkie Pie each making their way onto the train set to head to Manehattan, Applejack and Pinkie Pie entered the train car and found themselves an empty seat to sit in putting their tickets on the table between their seats to be taken by the conductor. The train began to leave the station, starting on its way to Manehattan.

Chapter 3

Applejack and Pinkie Pie made their way back to the hotel, taking the elevator to the floor the room they were sharing was on. The two of them went into their room and laid in the separate beds, Applejack yawned tiredly and looked at Pinkie Pie.

"Thanks for making my birthday so much fun, Pinkie Pie," said Applejack smiling.

Pinkie Pie smiled back to Applejack and yawned herself "You're welcome, AJ! I always do my best to make sure my best friends have the most super fun birthdays!" said Pinkie Pie.

Applejack nodded in agreement “You sure do a good job of It Pinkie.” Applejack turning to look out the window after hearing some thunder "Looks like we're in for a loud and stormy night Pinkie, you’re not afraid of thunder are you?" asked Applejack.

Pinkie Pie waved a hoof dismissively "Don't be silly, I haven't been scared of thunder since I was a filly!" said Pinkie Pie smiling slightly nervously. A lightning bolt struck suddenly near the outside of the hotel turning out the lights in the entire building, Pinkie Pie shrieking in response and darting under her bed sheets, the sheets and bed shaking as she shook.

"Relax Pinkie it's just a little thunder," said Applejack squinting to see Pinkie hiding under the sheets in the dark. Another lightning bolt struck nearby lighting up their room in a flash of light, to their surprise another pony was in the room now standing in front of the door.

"You should both be afraid, very afraid in fact," said King Sombra. Lighting up the room now with his magic.

"King Sombra! I thought we dealt with you at the Crystal Empire!?" said Applejack now with a scared look herself.

Pinkie Pie poking out her head now from the sheets she was under "Hey it’s that meanie head Sombra again!" said Pinkie Pie shaking scared still.

"HI! My unicorn horn survived, and was sent flying into the darkness of this city where it thrived and I was able to rise again! Now you don't have the Crystal Heart or your friends to stop me!" said King Sombra laughing maniacally. His horn glowing with his dark magic and pointing it at Pinkie Pie, zapping her with it. Causing Pinkies body to start being enveloped in crystal.

"Applejack run!" cried out Pinkie Pie before her whole body was encased in crystal.

"Pinkie!" shouted Applejack darting out of her bed and making a run to the window, having no choice being her only escape now.

"Oh this ought to be good, going to jump out the window and save me the trouble? How thoughtful of you," said King Sombra grinning, deciding to watch as Applejack jumped out the window.

"Help!" shouted Applejack as she fell, nothing to save her from hitting the pavement. Applejack was falling fast covering her eyes with her fore hooves as the pavement was getting closer, until, she was saved by a familiar sounding pony.

"Hey silly, you're not a pegasus! You shouldn't be jumping out of windows like that!" said the pegasus holding onto Applejack before gently setting her down on the pavement.

Applejack turned to the pegasus looking stupefied she saw the white mare with a yellow mane and tail looking like the spitting image of Pinkie Pie as a pegasus. "Uh, Pinkie Pie?" asked Applejack.

The pegasus looked confused and shook her head "Who me? I’m Surprise silly! Who are you?" said Surprise smiling at Applejack.

"I'm Applejack, you sure look a whole lot like my friend Pinkie," said Applejack snapping back to the current situation "Oh no Pinkie! She got turned into a crystal by King Sombra!" Applejack turning her head to look back up to the window she had jumped out of.

"Oh! Oh! Can we be friends too!? Can we pleeease!? Also I don’t know who this King Sombrero guy is but he sure sounds like a big ole meanie head! I wonder if he wears a big ole meanie hat and a big ole meanie mustache," said Surprise giggling.

Applejack giggled slightly before getting back to being serious "Uh sure thing sugarcube we can be friends, listen though I need your help, my friend Pinkie Pie got turned into a crystal and I bet that King Sombra is planning on making all of Manehattan into his slaves!" said Applejack.

Surprise gasped in shock "Not Manehattan! It’s my most favorite of places to go on vacation! But what can we can do to stop him?" asked Surprise.

Applejack thought for a while before getting an idea "I've got it! We need the Elements of Harmony to defeat him, but there's no way we can make them work now, even if we did go back to ponyville and get the others Pinkie Pie is stuck as a crystal!" said Applejack sighing with dismay.

Surprise looked curious at the mention of the elements “Hey I know what those are! Pinkie Pie is the element of laughter right?” she asked.

Applejack nodded her head and said “That’s right, I’m honesty, Rainbow Dash is loyalty, Fluttershy is kindness, Rarity is generosity and Twilight is magic. You seem like you could represent the element of laughter yourself, but I don’t know anypony else around here that could take the others places let alone Twilights,” She sighed and looked solemnly at the ground.

Surprise had to think hard about this, she plopped her rear on the ground and propped her chin up with a hoof “Elements…elements…” and then it hit her “Hey! I know some ponies that might be able to help, but would we even be able to summon the elements?” she asked looking concerned at Applejack.

Applejack shrugged she was unsure “I honestly don’t know sugarcube, but we don’t have much time to figure that out either. Fact is I know for a fact Sombra ain’t going to let nopony leave especially not me. If you think you might know some other ponies around here that can represent an element of harmony than we best find them before Sombra does,” said Applejack.

Surprise nodding in agreement and looked around in the sky for a moment then smiled “You betcha! I know where one is already, I was flying with Spitfire when I saw you jump out of your window. I thought you were trying to fly too but then I saw you didn't have wings so I knew something wasn't right!” said Surprise

Applejack smiled and said “Well I sure do appreciate you rescuing me like that sugarcube, but you know I can’t fly so you’re going to need to fly up there and find your friend,” Applejack raising a hoof up to point to the sky briefly.

Surprise giggled and smiled “Oh right! Silly me, I’ll have to go catch up with her. We should meet up somewhere safe later, there’s a secret place we can meet at southern end of the city. You’ll see a sun and moon banner on the wall there, just knock with your hoof twice and say applesauce!” said Surprise.

Applejack nodded confidently “I’ll be there for sure, but who are these other ponies that you mentioned earlier that might be able to help? We’ll have to find them and get to them to your safe place,” said Applejack.

Surprise looked thoughtful for a moment before responding “Well there’s me, Spitfire, Lyra, Cheerilee, you and Trixie,” said Surprise.

Applejack looked at Surprise with a mix of confusion and some anger “Did you say Trixie?! That egotistical unicorn ain’t got nothing on her mind besides how “great and powerful” she is. There’s no way Trixie would be of any help to us sugarcube,” said Applejack calming down some after her brief rant.

Surprise smiled softly and said “That may be true AJ but she’s the only unicorn I know here that shows her magic abilities. Besides she’s been doing a lot of magic shows here in Manehattan and I think deep down she might really want to have some friends for a change,” Surprise putting a hoof on Applejacks shoulder “It’s the only choice we have, and if it’s one thing Trixie will hate is the fact that some other powerful unicorn is trying to steal her fans,” Surprise giggled some.

Applejack giggled as well and smiled at Surprise “Well I guess we don’t have much of a choice either way sugarcube, you should go find Spitfire and Trixie. I’m sure I can manage to find Lyra and Cheerilee around here somewhere and we can all meet up at your safe spot in a few hours. Just try to keep Trixie from leaving on her own to fight Sombra, knowing her she’ll try to take him on by herself,” Applejack rolled her eyes and grunted softly.

Surprise waved her hoof dismissively and said “Don’t worry AJ I’ll make sure she doesn’t leave before you arrive with Lyra and Cheerilee so we can all face that big meanie head Sasquatch!”

Applejack laughed at Surprise “That’s Sombra, Surprise, but we best get going. Don’t have time to be standing here and chatting while he’s on the loose. I’ll see you later sugarcube,” said Applejack who smiled and waved before turning to start trotting quickly down the alley towards the street.

Surprise flew up and shouted “Whatever, don’t worry I won’t let Samba get any of my friends!” she waved in Applejacks direction while watching her run off, Surprise turning around to fly off in the other direction to find Spitfire.

As Applejack ran down the alley towards the street she heard the sound of a trashcan hitting the ground. She turned around quickly and shouted “Who’s there!” she stood firmly in place looking cautiously where the trashcan had fallen. A black cat popped its head out from the can and meowed at Applejack. Applejack sighed with relief at that hoping that she hadn't run into Sombra already “You shouldn't scare a pony like that little critter,” she shook her head. Applejack turning around to trot off quickly again down the alley.

Once Applejack had gotten a good distance away from where the trashcan had fallen over the black cat disappeared into the shadows of the alley. The glowing evil eyes of Sombra appearing in the shadows “So that’s their little plan is it? Think they can destroy me?! Ha! Not this time, I’ll make sure those little ponies don’t get in my way ever again!” he announced turning his horn to the trashcan and blasting it into ashes then laughing maniacally.

Author's Note

Third Chapter revised 8/6/14

Chapter 4

Applejack ran on until she finally got out onto the streets of Manehattan, the streets weren’t as welcoming this night as the streetlights that usually lit up the pavement were out. Applejack looked around having a hard time seeing with it being so dark out. Applejack thought she saw something move, but once she turned her head to look everything was still. It was quiet, far too quiet especially for a city like this. She squinted her eyes and trotted along steadily and carefully now using each front hoof in turn to feel around before placing it down.

“Applesauce, why does it always have to be darkness, why can’t it ever be the king of apples or trees or something,” Applejack muttered to herself. What seemed like hours of walking nowhere Applejack saw a dim light in the distance. “Finally!” she exclaimed in excitement and began to trot quickly towards the source of the light. “Hey!” she called out, the light seeming to move oddly as if it was alive. Applejack ran down another alley to trot towards the glowing light.

“Who’s there! Show yourself to the Great and Powerful Trixie!” the familiar voice shouted back at Applejack.

Applejack came to a sudden halt and nearly fell over herself as she saw Trixie, who was lighting up the alley. Her horn was sparkling at the tip like a firework. “Oh, pony feathers why did I have to find you first?” Applejack said with disgust and rolled her eyes.

“Oh, it's you, the dirty work horse. What was your name again? Potato Steve?” said Trixie with a distinct sneer looking at Applejack.

“It’s Applejack you talking mule in a dunce hat!” retorted Applejack stomping a hoof on the ground and snorting at Trixie.

“I am not a mule, and nopony makes fun of my magic hat!” Trixie responded angrily. Her horn was now glowing with magic and pointing it at Applejack.

Applejack heard a faint whisper in her ear “Good, good feel the hate!” Sombras voice echoed, trying to encourage her.

She shook her head and changes expressions quickly remembering what she had to do. “Trixie wait! I’m sorry honest I am sugarcube; I don't know what came over me, but I bet it was that King Sombra. He’s loose in Manehattan, and I need your help.” said Applejack with pleading eyes.

Trixie snapped out of it herself after hearing Applejacks words but not really understanding she was being affected by magic. “Are really saying you need my help? Why would I help you or anypony for that matter?” said Trixie waving a hoof dismissively in the air.

“Because if you don't then King Sombra is going to destroy Manehattan and maybe all of Equestria!” said Applejack with dismay.

“What?! Somepony thinks they are more powerful than Trixie? Also, nopony messes with my nightly magic shows! But don't get used to it, Trixie still doesn't trust you either.” said Trixie with her usual smug tone.

“He ain't some plain unicorn you know Trixie, and it’s going to take you, me and the other ponies as well together to defeat him for good,” said Applejack was looking somewhat relieved now that Trixie might actually co-operate.

“Yeah, yeah, just show Trixie where he is, and she’ll take care of him by herself,” said Trixie starting to trot off not caring if Applejack followed her or not.

“I'm telling you the truth Trixie; you've got to listen to me! If you face him by yourself, he’s going to destroy you.” said Applejack, who paused briefly and then thought of an idea to convince Trixie. “Besides, you wouldn't want Twilight to be the one to get rid of him once he turns you to crystal do you?” said Applejack smirking slightly.

Trixie paused in place it was clear that had hit her ego “As if! I’m not going to let Twilight Sparkle take all the credit for Trixie! So fine, Trixie will listen only if she is the one that gets to vanquish Sombra.” said Trixie with a look of determination.

“Like I said Trixie we’ll have to work together to defeat him. But yes, you can say you destroyed him.” Applejack rolled her eyes again trotting in front of Trixie “You would happen to know where Lyra or Cheerilee are would you? We have to find them as well.” said Applejack.

“Well, I do know a location spell but I need to know their cutie marks.” stated Trixie, looking over at Applejack while they trotted along, eventually getting back to the street.

Applejack thought for a moment about it before responding “Well, ones a lyre and the other is three happy flowers,” said Applejack.

Trixie blinked confused at Applejack “You told me the name already, and Trixie needs to know the cutie mark,” she restated.

“I told you its a lyre, and it belongs to Lyra, Cheerilee’s is the three happy flowers,” said Applejack with some amusement at Trixie’s confusion.

“Oh,” said Trixie “You should have said so in the first place,” she snorted. Trixie lit up her horn and firing off a sparkling blue light into the air. The light fell down to hover over the pavement briefly before it began to move down the street. “Now we follow the light, don't slow Trixie down,” said Trixie giving a glare at Applejack before following after the light.

“You don't have to worry about me keeping up with you Trixie,” said Applejack with a snicker catching up to Trixie.

“And just what is that supposed to mean?” asked Trixie with an annoyed tone as they trotted along.

“Oh, nothing sugarcube, let's just find the others so we can go back to our normal lives,” said Applejack trotting along next to Trixie.

Trixie rolled her eyes in response “So how exactly are we all meeting up without getting picked off by Sombra?” asked Trixie.

“Well, Surprise said she knows a secret place for us to gather. So hopefully she’ll have found the others already and lead them there,” said Applejack

“How we will know when we’ve found this secret place then if its a secret?” asked Trixie inquisitively.

“She told me what to look for, and I don't want to repeat it in case he’s listening to us,” replied Applejack turning her head quickly again after seeing a shadow move in the corner of her eye again. “I feel like I keep seeing shadows move too, so the quicker we find the others and group up the better,” said Applejack.

“You’re probably just seeing things; the night always plays tricks on your eyes,” said Trixie, trying to look confident about her statement. Though she had an uneasy feeling in her belly the same as Applejack did. The blue sparkling ball of light stopped in front of a blank wall, the remnants of what looked like wall scrolls were hanging there.

“This should be the place, but I didn't think it would be so tore up,” said Applejack, moving to look closer at the wall decorations. The scrolls looked like they were torn up, and the wall between them had scratch marks.

Trixie tapped a hoof quickly at Applejacks shoulder “Applejack..!” said Trixie urgently who had noticed sets of glowing red eyes starting to appear down the street where they had been earlier.

Applejack turned around to look in the direction Trixie was facing “What is Trix..” said Applejack before she nearly froze seeing the eyes glaring at them and slowly getting closer. Applejack banged her hoof against the wall urgently “Applesauce! Applesauce! Applesauce!” she said panicking.

“That's too many knocks!” replied the familiar voice of Surprise from behind the wall.

“Oh for Celestia’s sake!” Applejack knocked twice with her hoof and shouted “Applesauce!” The wall rose up quickly with Surprise behind it “Surprise!” said Applejack smiling now.

“Hey! That's my line!” replied Surprised whom quickly grabbed both Applejack and Trixie before tugging them inside and shutting the door behind them. Scratches were heard again at the wall sound like a hoof scraping a chalkboard.

Trixie was still partially frozen until she shook it off and brushed her cape with a hoof “They’re lucky you pulled Trixie away before she could deal with them,” said Trixie smugly as ever.

Applejack rolled her eyes “Whatever you say Trixie,” said Applejack with a hint of annoyance.

“Come on you two, the rest of the ponies are waiting for us,” said Surprise smiling, turning to lead them into the main room of the hideout. Both Applejack and Trixie nodded respectively and followed after Surprise into the main room. It was a fairly nice looking room: there was a dining table with chairs, three sofas sat around a rug in front of the fire which was lighting the room; finally, a portrait of the two princesses was hanging over the fireplace. There sat Lyra next to Cheerilee on one sofa and Spitfire on another who was laying down with a bandaged wing.

“Howdy y’all,” said Applejack, smiling as she saw the others, and noting Spitfire injured wing. “Are you alright there sugarcube?” she asked with a worried look.

Spitfire rubbed her injured wing tentatively with a hoof “Yeah; I’ll be fine. I’ll just have to walk for awhile,” said Spitfire smiling somewhat.

Applejack trotted over towards the three of them sitting on the sofas “So what exactly happened? I saw those glowing eyes and the torn up scrolls outside,” said Applejack.

"Sombra happened," said Spitfire "He made shadow ponies out of the darkness and sent them out to hunt us down." Spitfire winced after touching a sore spot of her injured wing.

Applejack frowned at that "So that's what those things were. We better figure out how to use the elements of harmony together so we can put an end to this," said Applejack.

"But how exactly are we supposed to do that?" asked Lyra with a worried look.

Applejack was about to answer until Surprise did first "We have to work together! We have to have faith and trust in each other," said Surprise smiling.

"Well, I know most of you already fairly well, but who's the blue unicorn?" asked Cheerilee looking at Trixie.

"I am the great and powerful Trixie of course! I alone have the powerful magic to destroy King Sombra," said Trixie boasting.

"I'm a unicorn too you know," responded Lyra, who turned her attention to Trixie.

"Are you the one with nightly magic shows? I didn't think so; Trixie is the big shot here. You all should be showing me where Sombra is already so that all ponies will know how great and powerful I am," said Trixie.

“This is why I'm not sure we’ll be able to use the elements of harmony. How in the hay are we supposed to help Trixie of all ponies learn the magic of friendship?” said Applejack giving a sigh.
The screeching sound at the wall of their hideout was getting louder now.

“I don't know but we don't have time to figure it out either. We need to get out of here and find Sombra and hope for the best,” said Cheerilee.

Applejack nodded in agreement then looked to Surprise “Surprise, I reckon there's another way in and out of here ain't there?” asked Applejack.

“Well, of course, there is silly, how do you think we got in here?” said Surprise with a smile.

Applejack chuckled “Well, after knowing someone like Pinkie Pie I’m never sure what her answer will be,” said Applejack.

Surprise smiled “So she tends to surprise you?” Surprise giggled at her joke while trotting over to the fireplace. Everypony else laughed except for Trixie, who only rolled her eyes in response.

“Hurry up already, Trixie has no time for jokes,” said Trixie with an annoyed tone.

Surprise reached a hoof up and poked a brick in the side of the fireplace causing it to turn sideways leading to another room. “This is part of my house, I found it while I was poking around,” said Surprise. A loud banging was coming from the stone wall now as it began to crumble.

“Come on we got to get out of here!” said Applejack urgently, helping Spitfire get up off the couch. She made sure the ponies went through except for Trixie, who was standing in wait for whatever was bashing down the door. “Trixie come on already!” shouted Applejack.

“No! I told you before Trixie will be the one who gets all the fame and glory!” replied Trixie who’s horn was glowing ready to blast whatever came through the wall. The wall burst open sending a large chunk of brick at Trixie. Applejack quickly tackled Trixie out of the way before it went flying over them and smashed into the wall behind them.

“Would you quit being a stubborn mule and go!” shouted Applejack, who quickly got up and pushed Trixie towards the fireplace exit. Trixie scrambled up and ran for her life towards the fireplace. Once the two of them were inside Surprise closed the wall behind them quickly.

“We won't have long until Sombra finds us,” said Spitfire worriedly.

“You idiot Trixie had them right where she wanted them!” shouted Trixie getting up after being pushed by Applejack into the room. The room looking like a basement used mostly for storage; wooden barrels were scattered around, and there were wood stairs leading upwards.

“You almost get yourself killed Trixie! I don't know how many times I’m going to have to say we have to work together!” said Applejack firmly.

“Trixie doesn't need anyone's help! She will do it on her own!” said Trixie, who poked the brick of the wall where she saw Surprise touch it. Opening up the group of them to King Sombra, who was tearing apart the secret room looking for them until the fireplace opened up.

“Well, well. Looks like you’ve finally come out of hiding,” said Sombra grinning menacingly, his horn starting to glow with magic. Applejack and Trixie both backing up carefully to join Lyra, Spitfire and Cheerilee.

Suddenly Surprise jumped out in front of them wearing a sombrero, a fake mustache and sporting maracas in her hooves. “Sí es que ¡Sorpresa! Prepárate para ser derrotado rey de la salsa!” said Surprise. Everypony, including Sombra paused in surprise of Surprise, but that was no surprise to Surprise.

King Sombra soon came back to his senses “Fools! You can not destroy me! I am hate, and I am darkness!” shouted Sombra, who shot a blast of magic at Surprise, who jumped out of the way. The group of ponies was all blown back from the blast, crashing into the barrels in the room.

Applejack got back up noticing Trixie was already back up and standing pointing her glowing horn at Sombra. “Finally, now Trixie will be declared the most-powerful unicorn!” said Trixie.

King Sombra laughed at her “You? What a laugh, I’ll show you real power!” said Sombra firing a blast of magic at Trixie.

Applejack got up fast and ran as fast as her hooves could carry her “Trixie watch out!” shouted Applejack. She charged Trixie shoving her out of the way as the blast hit Applejack. The explosion blasting her against the wall of the room, and there she laid limp and motionless.

“Applejack!” shouted Trixie in dismay seeing what happened to her.

“One down, five to go!” said Sombra still smiling evilly. Sombra blasted all the barrels into pieces sending wood flying and the other ponies with them. Surprise, Lyra, Cheerilee and Spitfire were all in front of Trixie protecting her from flying debris. Trixie felt like she was frozen in place as she watched, feeling something that she had never felt before then. With the group of them together, Sombra charged up his horn yet again for one final blast. “Time to end this foolishness!” said Sombra.

As Sombra’s blast came hurtling towards them, the other closed their eyes, It was then that Trixie snapped. “Nopony hurts my friends!” shouted Trixie who’s horn lit up brighter than ever and shielded the group from the blast. Tears were welling in Trixie’s eyes as she thought of how Applejack saved her twice and these ponies she didn't even know were willing to defend her anyway. Trixie finally knew what it was like to have friends, friends that she wanted to protect. The elements of harmony began to appear on the others, Applejack was magically pulled to the group as she came to, and saw her element around her neck.

Lyra wore the element of generosity, Cheerilee the element of kindness, Spitfire the element of loyalty, Surprise the element of laughter and finally Trixie wore the element of magic. With the elements combined Trixie’s magic erupted with the swirling rainbow pushing back Sombras blast.

“NO! It can’t be!” shouted Sombra angrily who tried to push back the magic overtaking his own. The blast from the elements engulfing him a bright light. Once the light cleared Sombra was finally finished, there was nothing left of him. The group rejoiced with happy cheers; it was finally over, Sombra was gone for good.

“We did it!” shouted Surprise we turned to hug her friends tightly.

“We did, and Trixie is..no. I’m sorry for doubting you all. I never had friends before.” said Trixie in a tone that was much different and more gentle than her usual voice.

“I told you so,” said Applejack smiling and she hugged Trixie and the rest of her friends.

Trixie reached up to take the element of magic off her head and looked at it before it disappeared along with the rest of the elements. “You did Applejack, the fact that I even had the element of magic on my head proves it. I am happy to call you my friends,” said Trixie with tears rolling down her cheeks.

The newly formed group of friends went together back outside into the streets, the sunrise finally giving life back to the streets of Manehattan. Ponies peered out cautiously from the houses and windows and smiled as they saw the light, they knew Sombra was gone and cheered happily. Pinkie Pie was finally released from her crystal prison and cheered knowing her friends had won. Applejack went with Lyra, Cheerilee and Pinkie Pie back to the train heading to Ponyville with the others following to wave goodbye. Trixie, Surprise and Spitfire all waved a hoof as the train left the station. When Trixie returned to her home, she decided to write a letter.

“Dear Princess Twilight,

Today I learned what it's like to have friends. I realized that friends will try to protect you no matter what. Even someone like me, who thought she could never have friends found one in one particularly honest earth pony. I know we’ve had our differences, but maybe even we could be friends.

Yours truly,
Trixie”

The end

Chapter 2

Applejack and Pinkie Pie sat across from each other on the train with their saddlebags under the table between them.

Applejack turned her head to look out the window, watching the scenery go by with a thoughtful expression on her face before she spoke, "I wonder what Manehattan looks like. I haven't seen it so long. I remember leaving the farm when I was a filly and making my way to Manehattan. It was a long walk, you know. I left in the morning in Ponyville and didn't get to Manehattan until it was night!" She turned back to where Pinkie Pie had been sitting previously. Noticing she was gone, Applejack looked down one end of the train car. "Pinkie Pie? Where did you go?" said Applejack

Shortly after asking the question she heard Pinkie Pie behind her. She turned around to look towards the other end of the train car. She spotted Pinkie Pie wearing the conductor’s hat and blowing bubbles out of the pipe clenched between her teeth. Pinkie Pie shuffled her hooves across the train floor and made her way from one side of the car to the other, saying "Chugga chugga chugga chugga choo choo, choo choo!"

Applejack giggled loudly at the sight of the train conductor chasing after Pinkie Pie saying, "Miss Pie! Please give me my hat back. That is not to be played with!" Pinkie Pie finally gave the hat back to the conductor before returning to sit across from Applejack. She said, "I was listening to your story, you know! But I left because it seemed like you needed to smile!" Pinkie Pie smiled at Applejack who, in return, smiled back.

"Thanks, sugarcube. It's difficult sometimes being a hard working pony. I never really thought of takin' time off and having fun or visiting places. My pa used to go on all sorts of adventures; Granny Smith used to tell me about them when I was a filly," said Applejack.

Pinkie Pie looked curiously at Applejack. "Well, how come you don't go on your own adventures, AJ?" said Pinkie Pie.

Applejack shook her head before replying, "I just can't sugarcube. I can't leave my responsibilities to Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom is still a filly after all, but I reckon when she gets older maybe I can try it."

Pinkie Pie nodded and smiled, then replied, "You should! There are a lot of neat places around, but you can't see them if you’re working on a farm all the time, silly filly!"

Applejack nodded in agreement to Pinkie Pie while smiling at her. "I reckon you’re right about that Pinkie, I think it would be nice to get out and explore Equestria when I can," said Applejack.

"That's the spirit, AJ! You can have all of your own super fun and dangerous adventures like Daring Do!" said Pinkie Pie, beaming.

Applejack giggled slightly and shook her head, replying, "I don't know about all that, sugarcube, but I hope to see some mighty interesting places anyway."

Pinkie Pie smiled at Applejack before the two of them turned their attention to the approaching pony with a cart of food and beverages. Looking at the two of them, he smiled and said, "Pardon me, madams. Would either of you care for something to eat or drink?"

Applejack smiled and said "I’ll just have some water and an apple, sugarcube."

"Oh! Oh! Can I have a cupcake? And some milk?!" said Pinkie Pie, having spotted a pink cupcake while looking at all the different foods on the little cart.

The waiter nodded, smiling in response to the two of them and placing glasses in front of each of them. He filled the glass in front of Applejack with water, and the one in front of Pinkie Pie with milk. Then he grabbed the apple and the cupcake, each set on a small plate so he didn't touch the food with his mouth. He set the plates down on the table. "Enjoy, madams. I will return later when the train stops at Manehattan so please leave your dishes on the table." The waiter pushed at the cart to continue down the train.

"Mm, cupcake!" said Pinkie Pie, excitedly digging into the small dessert. She got pink frosting on her muzzle, then licked it off with her tongue. Pinkie picked up the glass of milk she had been given and gulped it down. "Ah, delicious!" said Pinkie Pie with a satisfied look.

Applejack, still having her water and apple in front of her, giggled at Pinkie Pie before saying, "You know, you really should enjoy your food rather than gobbling it down in one bite, sugarcube." She leaned down to take a bite out of the apple on her plate. She chewed it up before she swallowed it and took a drink from her glass of water.

"But I did enjoy it! Cupcakes aren't any good when they're dry and moldy! You have to gobble them up as soon as you can!" said Pinkie Pie, still smiling at Applejack, who was taking another bite from her apple.

"Well I reckon you know more about that stuff than I do, Pinkie. Same goes for apples really, but I still take my time and enjoy them," said Applejack, finishing her apple and water then looking out the window as the train slowed down in its approach to Manehattan.

The conductor shouted out, "Manehattan station! All those getting off please exit the train car in an orderly fashion!"

"We're here!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly, grabbing her saddlebag and putting it on quickly.

Applejack smiled and grabbed her own saddlebag. "Well alright, sugarcube, let’s go!" The two of them trotted off of the train car into the train station. They both headed out past the exit into the city. Applejack stopped to look at the impressive city of Manehattan, with its tall buildings, fancy looking signs, and well-dressed ponies talking and drinking coffee. Some ponies were even riding in a wagon pulled by another pony. "Wow, this place is even fancier than I remember!" said Applejack.

"Of course it is silly! Now come on, there's something I want to show you!" said Pinkie Pie, rushing off down the street.

"Wait up there, Pinkie!" said Applejack, chasing after her. Pinkie Pie rushed into a big building with a sign reading "Manehattan Hotel" on it. Applejack opened up the door into darkness and looked around. "Pinkie?"

Suddenly the lights switched on and a crowd of ponies, including Pinkie Pie, were there wearing birthday hats with noisemakers in their mouths. They shouted out "Surprise! Happy birthday Applejack!" Ponies blew their noisemakers and cheered as Applejack smiled.

Pinkie Pie smiled and looked to the side where DJ pon-3 was stationed at her custom booth and said, "Hit it!" DJ pon-3 smiled and placed a disk on the turntable that started to play upbeat music. Pinkie Pie bobbed her head back and forth before she started to sing, "Hey there AJ I'm here to say, that we're going to wish you a happy birthday! It’s your big day, and everypony is here to say!"

Pinkie pauses briefly as the crowd of ponies shout, "Happy birthday, AJ!"

Then Pinkie returned to singing, "It’s your big day AJ! Come on and have some fun and play all day! Just don't forget that it’s your big day!"

The crowd of ponies shouted, "It’s your big day, AJ!"

Pinkie Pie returned to singing, "We're all here to say happy birthday! Yes, we'll show you how to oogie woogie boogie on your big day!"

Pinkie Pie and the crowd of ponies all broke out in a dance briefly before all coming together and shouting, "Happy birthday, AJ!" The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves on the floor in applause as streamers and balloons rained down over the lobby of the hotel.

Applejack was smiling so much that she looked a bit misty eyed as she trotted up to hug Pinkie Pie. "Thank you so much, sugarcube. You really are the best friend a pony could ask for."

Pinkie Pie smiled at Applejack and hugged her back. "That's what friends are for, you know! Now come on, let’s go put our stuff away and have some fun!" said Pinkie Pie. The two ponies headed to the front desk of the hotel to get their room keys then went to the elevator to find their room.

After putting their saddlebags in their room, the two of them went back down the elevator and exited the hotel. "So where are we going Pinkie?" asked Applejack curiously.

Pinkie Pie pointed down the street towards a carnival going on. "The carnival is right over there, let’s go ride some roller coasters!" said Pinkie Pie, who was already rushing down the sidewalk towards it.

Applejack followed after her, "Wait up, Pinkie! I haven't been on a roller coaster before!"

Pinkie Pie came to a sudden stop and looked at Applejack and gasped. "You've never been on a roller coaster before?! Then you have to go! You simply must! Its super fun! You get on the ride and it holds you in while the ride goes whoosh! Zoom! Loop-de-loop and wheeee!" said Pinkie, making gestures with her hooves for emphasis as she smiled widely.

Applejack giggled at Pinkie. "Well alright, sugarcube, let’s go then!" said Applejack. Pinkie Pie smiled and lead the two of them to the ticket booth.

"Two tickets, please!" said Pinkie Pie, looking at the pony in the ticket booth.

"Ten bits please," the pony responded, holding out a hoof from the small window of the booth. Pinkie Pie handed over a small bag of bits to him and received two tickets in exchange. She turned to Applejack and gave one of the tickets to her.

"Here, AJ, now we can ride all the rides and play the games and do everything in the carnival!" said Pinkie Pie.

"Thank you, Pinkie, let’s go ride some of them roller coasters you were talking about," said Applejack. Pinkie Pie smiled and motioned for Applejack to follow her.

"Let’s go!" said Pinkie Pie, leading Applejack through the carnival. They passed all sorts of booths for games, food, and different roller coasters until they got to the other end of the carnival where the biggest roller coaster was located, it had the name "The Manehattan Plummet”.

Applejack could see why it was called that. The roller coaster track went up high in the air with a sudden drop, it then lead to assorted loops and turns afterwards. Applejack looked rather nervous. "Uh, are you sure about that one, Pinkie? This is my first time on one, you know, and it looks mighty big," said Applejack.

"Trust me, AJ that one is the most fun! Once you get on top it’s a quick ride down and the excitement rushes through you like whoosh!" said Pinkie Pie, using her hoof to try to show how fast the roller coaster plummeted down from the top.

Applejack smiled nervously. "Well alright Pinkie, I reckon I can give it a go," said Applejack. Pinkie Pie lead the way to the roller coaster with Applejack in tow and waited in line until finally it was their turn to go on the roller coaster. The two got into a cart and were locked in place by a bar to keep them seated in the cart.

Pinkie Pie raised her hooves in the air, waving them excitedly. "Come on come on, push the button push the button!" she exclaimed, waiting for the pony controlling the roller coaster to start the ride. The pony smirked and pushed the button. The ride jerked forward as it started down the track, making its way slowly but steadily up the incline to the peak of the track.

Applejack watched nervously as they drew closer and closer to the top. She turned her head to look to the side, and saw how high they were. The ponies down below at the carnival seemed like ants, making her clutch the bar as tightly as she could, shaking slightly. The ride reached the top and stopped briefly above the drop, making Pinkie Pie even more excited than before.

"Here we go!" she cried happily. The ride started again; this time gravity was in control as the ride plummeted down, Applejack screaming in terror and Pinkie Pie screaming in excitement with her hooves in the air. The ride whooshed down to the bottom then darted up and around the loops, distorting their combined screaming. The ride rocketed the two of them along the track, making sharp turns and twists after the loops before making a final big loop and coming back to the station where they had started.

Pinkie Pie was smiling and cheering, "Again! Again!" She clapped her hooves together and squeed then turned to look at Applejack, whose face seemed to be stuck in place with her hooves glued to the bar. "AJ? Are you ok?" said Pinkie Pie.

Applejack snapped out of her frozen terror, looking around "Huh, what? Is it over?" Pinkie Pie nodded, looking at her. Applejack smiled and sighed, "Phew that sure was something Pinkie. That would turn a black cat white! Yeehaw!" shouted Applejack, waving a hoof in the air.

Pinkie Pie giggled some and smiled. "That's great, AJ! For a second there I thought you didn't like it!" Applejack smiled back at Pinkie Pie as the two of them exited the cart.

"It sure was scary at first, but after that it was a lot of fun! Think we can ride some more roller coasters?" said Applejack.

Pinkie Pie smiled. "Of course! We can probably ride a few more coasters before the carnival closes for the day," said Pinkie Pie. The two of them left the ride and made their way through the carnival, stopping to get funnel cake and cotton candy to enjoy before trying out some of the smaller rides and carnival games.

Pinkie Pie and Applejack took turns throwing a ball at a stack of cans using their mouths. Pinkie Pie skillfully knocked over the cans and won a large, stuffed Ursa Minor that she gave to Applejack. As the sun set, the carnival came to a close; the two friends left and made their way back to the hotel.

"Thanks for the prize, Pinkie. You didn't have to give it to me, you know. You did win it after all," said Applejack, looking at Pinkie Pie.

"Of course I did, AJ! It is your birthday after all. Besides, I'm super good at games and have all sorts of stuffed toys already!" said Pinkie Pie. Applejack smiled in response, trotting alongside Pinkie Pie, her ear twitching slightly as she heard a faint voice. She turned her head and looked down a dark alley. Pinkie Pie stopped and looked back. "What’s the matter, AJ?" asked Pinkie.

"Nothing, sugarcube. Thought I heard something," said Applejack, shaking her head as they made their way past the alley. Little did Applejack know that she did hear something. Glowing red and green eyes appeared in the alley. A purple aura coming from the corners of them, a glowing black and red horn above them.

"Slaves..." said a deep evil voice.