The Wild Temper Apple

by Shadow Master

Chapter 3: To be A Better Apple

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Applejack, Apple Bloom and Caramel made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. They hoped that Tough Apple wasn't emotionally angry and upset of what Feathermay did to him. They also hoped that he's not losing his temper again. They were now at the second level of Sweet Apple Acres house as they found Granny Smith and Big McIntosh standing in the front of Tough Apple's room.

"Granny? What in tarnation are you doing here?" Applejack asked in concern.

Granny Smith sighed, "Checking on Tough Apple. That stubborn mule wouldn't even let me in! I swear to my Great Grandmother Apple if he did something stupid again-!"

"He didn't," Apple Bloom protested. Granny Smith and Big McIntosh looked surprise and shock. She gulped nervously, "Well, not exactly too much of troubles. He just got a problem with the mare."

Caramel nodded in concern, "Yeah, after he saved Fluttershy from being chocked by a strawberry cupcake. And that's where the troubles begin."

"Yeah. She sure know how to make a stallion like Tough to be mad tomato," Applejack commented in amusement. She cleared her throat, "The point is that Tough Apple kinda embarrassed himself after he tried to apologize and accidentally said he likes her eyes and wanted to kiss her, Granny Smith."

"What?" Granny Smith asked in surprise and shock, "He's in love? That's... unusual of him. He'd never done that in his life not since his little sister..."

Big McIntosh hummed in concern, "Nnope..."

"By the way, Granny Smith, did you say Tough Apple has a sister?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Applejack nodded, "Yeah. You'd never told us about her before."

Granny Smith sighed, "Well, it's something that I'm not allow to talk about it. But-!"

"GRANNY!" The angry voice shouted in annoyance. The Apples looked up and found angry and annoyed Tough Apple emerged from his room while growling in annoyance, "You promised me! You promised me not to talk about me and my family!"

"I know, Tough. But they deserved it!"

"Oh no! I don't want to talk about it! Got it?! Coz I ain't gonna talk about one!" Tough Apple exclaimed in annoyance. He got whacked by Granny Smith's hoof, "Ouch! What did you do that for?!"

Granny Smith huffed in annoyance, "You're being rude to me again!" She sighed, "And I know it's not a good sign but they need to know about it. So, they can help you to be a better pony."

Tough Apple groaned as he looked away. Applejack sighed, "Look, Tough. I know we have a rocky start, maybe if you lend us to shed some light about your past, we could have help you."

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we are family, after all."

Big McIntosh smiled and nodded, "Eeyup."

"And you might get Feathermay respect and like ya," Caramel said in amusement.

Tough Apple thought for the moment before he sighed in defeat, "Alright, I'll tell you the truth. Come on in, Apples."

As the Apples entered his room, Tough Apple sat on his bed as he began telling the story while playing his bonjo calmly and harmonically. He then began sang in Texas Tone.

Tough Apple: I used to have a little sister
Her name was Lilly Pod.
She's the sweetest and kindest filly I ever had.

Granny Smith bring the book and shown the picture lighted green filly with blond mane in twin braided pigtail and long tail, hugging Tough Apple when they were younger. The Apple Siblings and Caramel awed in amazement and surprise. This little filly looked so much like Fluttershy.

Tough Apple: Whenever I get bullied,
Or get a bad day.
Nopony could make my life better
And that filly is my sister
She's always been there for me.

Tough Apple recalled about him having some bad days and bullied by big bullies. He also was happy that his little sister came and comforted him calmly and happily.

Tough Apple: My Little Sister - Lilly Pod
The best filly I could ever had in my life
She and I always play some games
She and I always do the chores
We'd always be there for each other
Nopony could ever replace her in my Heart

Tough Apple continued playing his bonjo happily and harmonically as he recalled what he and his sister did during his time back at his hometown.

Tough Apple: But ever since a rockslide,
She's got badly hurt
I hope my little sister is alright
Be alright....

Tough Apple sighed in shame as he recalled about the accidents that Lilly Pod has. He then shed some tears out from his eyes while finishing his last line of song. The Apples and Caramel sighed tearfully about the sad story.

"It's no wonder why Tough befriended Fluttershy only. She reminds him of Lilly Pod," Caramel said in shock and surprise.

"I'm sorry to hear about it, Tough," Applejack said while hugging Apple Bloom, "I know what it means to lose your sister. It's quite painful."

Apple Bloom nodded as she hugged her older sister back, "Hopefully that I don't get into some accidents again."

"Eeyup," Big McIntosh nodded.

Apple Bloom turned and looked at Tough Apple, "But is she-?"

"She's okay, but she can never walk like she's used to," Tough Apple said in shame and upset, "I wish I could have done something better, even though Lilly Pod forgave me. I'm ashamed black sheep to the family. I'd never be part of it or even see her again."

"No, you're not! You did what you have to! We all did what we have to for the siblings we loved," Applejack protested.

Caramel nodded, "Yeah, we make plenty mistakes. But we all learned from it, right?"

Big McIntosh smiled, "Eeyup."

"I'm pretty sure that you explain about your reason," Apple Bloom smiled, "your family will understand about it."

Tough Apple groaned, "You don't understand. My folks are hard to please. Granny Smith knows about it too."

Granny Smith sighed, "It's the truth - Rotten Stern Apple is one hard and tough apple to deal with. And believe me, I would never ever pass this farm to him while I'm still alive. He's too rough to handle the job! That's why Applejack's parents are perfect for it. And it's the reason why we didn't invite those folks for the Apple Family Reunion until they need to put their stern aside for once. That's irritating and annoying."

"Tell me about it," Tough Apple sighed in annoyance, "Since we're done, would you mind leave me alone now?"

Applejack nodded, "Sure. But you wouldn't mind letting us in and help you out about liking Feathermay?"

Tough Apple snarled, "Granny Smith, do something! Tell them get off of my property!"

"Alright, Applejack. I believe that Tough Apple has enough to tell about his tale," Granny Smith said in amusement before giggled, "Off you go now! Shoo!"

Granny Smith and the Apples left Tough Apple's room at once. They then climbed down the stairs while chatted about Tough Apple.

"I don't know about you. I think we should help Tough," Applejack said in concern, "I know he said that he'd prefer to be alone. But we all know that he likes Feathermay so much."

Apple Bloom nodded, "And not to mention, maybe he need some amending with his family. And I think he miss them so much."

"For a rough and tough pony, he sure got a heart," Caramel commented.

Big McIntosh nodded, "Eeyup."

"Dang nab it! Don't even think about it!" Granny Smith exclaimed in annoyance. The Apples and Caramel looked at her. She continued, "I know you all have good hearts and wanted to help. But Tough Apple would rather leave it alone because his folks and Feathermay except Lilly Pod are gonna give him hard time.. And it's his personal and private. It won't be easy for him to handle them. So leave it be for now. I'd better get up to my room and take some nap. I darn so tired."

As Granny Smith walked up the stairs to sleep, the Apples and Caramel looked at each other as they all smiled happily. They're still gonna do it for Tough Apple.


On the next day...

At the hayburger restaurant, Feathermay and her friends were serving the customers with the fast foods. And at the same time, they were chatting of what happened yesterday especially Feathermay, who has rough start with Tough Apple due to him being brute and rough on ponies.

"Feathermay, you owe Tough Apple apology from what happen yesterday." Firecracker said in annoyance.

Feathermay frowned, "Aw, come on! How should I know that guy was trying to save Fluttershy? And besides, that guy needs some seriously time out."

"Don't you mean 'you'? You did start the argument."

"Fine, I'll say sorry to Tough Apple when I sees him. Seriously, did he think I'm cute?"

Firecracker yelped while remained silent of what Feathermay has asked. She hummed in concern, "Maybe... What about you?"

"Me?" Feathermay asked in shock before she blushed, "No, no way, absolutely not! We just met!"

"Well, I think you should get to know more about him and tried to avoid teasing. You two might became friends."

"Yeah, probably..."

Firecracker smiled, "I'm pretty sure you and him will be made as good friends. Come on. Let's keep on working."

With Feathermay nodded in agreement, she and her friends continued working as both cashier and cooks...


At Fluttershy's cottage, Mane Five and Spike decided to check on her after what has happened from yesterday. They hoped she is alright. They were now having some tea.

"Fluttershy, are you sure you're okay?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Rarity nodded, "After what has happen from yesterday, it must be very hard on you especially how Tough Apple behaved and reacted."

"I'm okay. I'm just upset about Tough being rude and nearly want to fight," Fluttershy said in upset, "I wish I could have been more helpful."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Why bother about him, Fluttershy?"

"Indeed! This stallion is obviously rude and troublemaker. He's not worthy for you to help him," Rarity said in annoyance.

"Not to mention, he's a party popper," Pinkie Pie added.

Fluttershy sighed, "True. But all I see in him is that he's sad and pain."

"Seriously?" Everyone asked in surprise.

"It maybe hard to believe, everypony. All he wants is to have friends and be with family. I know that because I've seen the look like it was my reflection." Fluttershy explained, "And from what I know about him, I see him as big brother I never had. I'm glad he's willing to listen to me and my advice. He's just shy to admit it like how I was."

"Tough Apple? Shy? You must be joking," Spike asked in surprise.

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "At least, he's better than Fluttershy's little brother. I really hate that guy a lot."

"You have a brother?" Twilight Sparkle surprisingly asked Fluttershy.

Fluttershy blushed in embarrassment, "I don't want to talk about it. I just hop he stayed out of troubles and get into college for once." She cleared her throat, "As for shyness, there are various of them to be shy - anger and kindness to hid his true feelings. And Tough doesn't want anypony to know about his past and how he feels."

Rarity hummed, "I hate to admit it. It does make sense about his shyness."

"Geez. I wish he could be nicer," Pinkie Pie remarked in upset.

"It may take some times. But we need to be patient. That is all," Fluttershy said calmly, "And now is the time that we should check on him and Applejack. They're the ones we should be worry about."

"When you put that way, I can't argue with that," Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement.

"Just as long he doesn't try to kick me off to bell tower again. That was a big headache," Rainbow Dash remarked dryly.

"Or maybe trying to funny and embarrassed when he sees Feathermay again," Spike commented in amusement before chuckled. The ponies glared at him, making him yelp in worry and concern, "Just kidding! Really!"

Fluttershy sighed, "We should go find them now."

"Actually I need to get Nyx first," Twilight Sparkle said in concern.

Rarity nodded, "Oh! Me too! I also need to pick Sweetie Belle up."

"Scootaloo definitely need me now," Rainbow Dash added.

"And I definitely need to pick a word with my old nemesis!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in amusement. Everyone looked at her oddly and concern. She was confused, "What?"

Fluttershy sighed, "Alright then. Let's go find and pick our little fillies up first, then we checked on the Apples."

The ponies chatted in agreement before they headed off at once.


"Oh! Ponyfeathers! Dang those vermins!" Applejack exclaimed in annoyance as she and Big McIntosh were picking the apples up while chased and get rid of caterpillars and worms. She groaned, "If I had known about how bad this is, I would have asked a friend of mine to help!"

Big McIntosh groaned as he took a bite the apple up at once, "Eeyup!"

"Somepony gotta pick Apple Bloom up!" Applejack groaned in concern before sighed, "Who will? I doubt that Granny Smith will be suited for the job."

Big McIntosh pointed at Tough Apple, who was kicking some trees hard. They fell to the ground hard. The purple stallion grunted as he began picked the apples up and put them into baskets.

"No! I don't think it's a good idea!" Applejack protested in annoyance. She sighed, "I know I said that we'll help Tough out. But this isn't something I have in my mind! I think I should ask my friends to help out."

Big McIntosh shook his head, "Nnope!"

"But Big Mac, the fillies and colts will get scared by him!"

"Nnope."

"Are you seriously want to let Tough to handle this? Are you sure?"

"Eeyup."

"Fine," Applejack groaned in defeat after having some thoughts about it, "Hey, Cousin Tough Apple!"

Tough Apple sighed as he turned and glared at Applejack, "What do you want, Jackie?"

"I need you to go Ponyville Schoolhouse and pick Apple Bloom up!"

"Where?!"

"It's only one school with a bell and lots of fillies and colts. Tell Cheerilee that you're from Apple Bloom's cousin and here to pick her up. Simple as that. Can you handle it?"

Tough Apple sighed, "Whatever. I'll get it done, bob."

Applejack nodded, "And no losing temper or rough fighting, got it?!"

"Got it," Tough Apple said in annoyance.

Tough Apple headed off. Caramel was on his way to the Apple Orchard but pushed aside by the rough Apple. Caramel sighed and shrugged as he headed off to help Applejack and Big McIntosh deal with the pest problem now.


At the Ponyville Schoolhouse, Cutie Mark Crusaders were playing the swings as they were discussing and chatting about Tough Apple and his behavior.

"To be honest, Apple Bloom, your cousin Tough is scariest pony I ever met!" Scootaloo exclaimed in fear, "He hit Rainbow Dash to the bell! What's his big deal?!"

"And not to mention, he was so rude to my sister about the dress!" Sweetie Belle added.

Dinky Doo nodded, "And don't forget about what happen to Hayburger Restaurant."

Apple Bloom sighed, "I'm sorry, Crusaders. My family and Fluttershy thought we could change his attitude by showing him around and make some new friends. I guess it didn't work out well."

Nyx patted Apple Bloom gently, "Hey, it's okay, Apple Bloom. You did your best."

"Yeah. I'm sure your cousin didn't mean it," Twist agreed, "Besides, if there's a mistake, it's worth to learn about it and make it better."

Apple Bloom hummed in concern, "I suppose you're right."

"Well, well! If it isn't my favorite group of blank flanks!" The familiar rude voice called. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were annoyed and frowned by it as they turned and found Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approaching them. Diamond Tiara smirked, "So, what have you been up to? Giving up from the hunt already?"

Silver Spoon giggled, "Yeah. I guess being blank flank is what you're mean to be."

The Snotty Duo giggled in amusement, making Cutie Mark Crusaders annoyed by it.

"Oh, very nice, Diamond Tiara." Nyx asked sarcastically, "I don't suppose this comes from your daddy?"

Diamond Tiara groaned while glaring at Nyx, "I watched that tone if I were you. You should be lucky that you didn't banish to the moon or else..."

Apple Bloom groaned, "Would you give it a rest, Diamond Tiara? Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have already declared that Nyx is pardoned!"

"Besides, she did save your daddy from danger and from being Nightmare Moon Cult," Sweetie Belle said in amusement.

Scootaloo smirked, "And of course, he was lucky that he didn't thrown into a prison."

"I think this is more funnier than insulting ponies with blank flanks," Dinky Doo commented.

Twist nodded, "Yeah. It's the best joke we ever make!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders laughed and giggled in amusement, making Snotty Duo annoyed and angered by the comments.

Diamond Tiara groaned in annoyance, "Why you little-!"

"Is there a problem here, spoiled brat?" The rough and tough voice demanded, making the fillies yelped and found Tough Apple stood before them. He snorted, "So, what's the problem? Do you have the problem with my little cousin?"

"Eh nothing! We're just talking!" Diamond Tiara said uneasily.

Silver Spoon nodded fearfully, "Yeah, we're just talking! That's all! Gotta go!"

Snotty Duo quickly headed off while commented in shock about how big and strong Tough Apple is while not wanted to mess with him. Cutie Mark Crusaders were in shock and surprise by it. Tough Apple was confused by their reaction.

"What?"

"Y-You help us?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise, "And why are you here?"

Tough Apple groaned, "Your sister asked me to pick ya up because she and Big Mac are dealing with some pest control. So, we'd better get going. The Apples need a lot of help."

"Wow. This must be serious."

"Yeah. Come on. We ain't got all day!"

Tough Apple headed off at once. Apple Bloom waved and said goodbye to her friends before she left and headed off with her cousin. Twilight Sparkle and her friend arrived at the scene while picking Nyx, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo up but found Apple Bloom wasn't among them.

"Huh? Where's Apple Bloom?" Pinkie Pie asked in surprise.

"She went home with Tough Apple," Sweetie Belle answered. Everyone but Cutie Mark Crusaders looked surprise and shock as they looked at her. She nodded, "It's true! And he's not causing the troubles."

Scootaloo snickered, "Except he scared Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon off."

"Wait! Seriously?!" Rainbow Dash and Spike asked in surprise.

"He did what?! What did the barbarian do now?!" Rarity asked in annoyance.

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Let me guess. He make them like a flag and stuck them on the flag pole's top?"

"Eh. Nope." Nyx answered, "He just appeared and the girls got scared and scrammed."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were surprised and shocked by it. They couldn't believe in their eyes that Tough Apple never harm or even pick a fight with the ponies for the first time...

Fluttershy smiled, "See? I told you there'e more to him."


Tough Apple and Apple Bloom continued walking across the streets as they were on their way back home now.

"Hey, Tough. Thanks for the help," Apple Bloom thanked happily. She sighed, "Those bullies better watch out of who they're messing with."

Tough Apple sighed, "Whatever. My little sister use to have the problem before. I stood and solve the problem. No big deal."

"You know. Maybe if you have shown more of your other side, ponies may have given you the chance to befriend with you. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"I don't know. Just before I was a tempered pony, I used to be shy and kindhearted pony. I tried to befriend but they bullied me for a long time. But..."

"But you couldn't bear to see your sister to get hurt. So, you hurt them bad and never make friends. That explains everything. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Asking about this. I know I shouldn't bothered about it. But I can't help it."

"I know. But I'm glad you did." Tough Apple said, "If you hadn't, I wouldn't be bother to help my other family. Maybe I should try this out for days."

Apple Bloom smiled, "Glad to help."

"Tough Apple?" The familiar voice called. Tough Apple and Apple Bloom turned to their back as they found Feathermay and the bags of grocery stuffs. She continued, "Would you mind to have a talk with me?"

Tough Apple scoffed, "I mind, thank you very much! I don't want to hear it."

"I know. But I'm not here to tease you. I just want to apologize to you."

"Wh-What?!"

"Yeah. I want to apologize to you from yesterday. It was a terrible joke of me to do that. I shouldn't have said that because of what you did to Fluttershy."

"Oh... Uh... Thanks, I suppose," Tough Apple said in surprise while staring at Feathermay. He shook his head as he looked away, "Err, come on, Apple Bloom. Let's go home now! We've got chores to do!"

As Tough Apple headed off, Apple Bloom giggled in amusement before she followed him at once. Feathermay sighed in amusement as she can't help but have the feeling about it.

"Why do I get the feeling that he likes me?"


Tough Apple and Apple Bloom made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres; where Applejack, Big McIntosh and Caramel standing at the entrance. They just finished clearing the worms and caterpillars from Apple Orchard.

"Apple Bloom! Are you alright?" Applejack asked while hugging Apple Bloom, "Did Tough Apple get you into trouble?"

Apple Bloom giggled as she departed from hugging, "Relax, Applejack. Everything is fine. In fact, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got scared by him. And no, he didn't cause the problems to them. He stood in front of them and they all scrammed."

"Really? Tough Apple helped you? That's shocking..." Caramel said in surprise and shock.

Big McIntosh nodded, "Eeyup."

Tough Apple sighed, "That's the truth. Now if you don't mind, I need some nap."

Tough Apple headed off back to his bedroom at once, leaving the Apples and Caramel behind.

"Did I miss something?" Caramel asked in shock.

Apple Bloom giggled, "Nope. In fact, Tough got crush on Feathermay."

Applejack smirked, "Why am I not surprise by that?"

Big McIntosh chuckled, "Eeyup."


In his bedroom, Tough Apple was playing his banjo harmonically and happily. Though he's alone, he couldn't help but to think of what the Apple Bloom has said and how beautiful and adorable Feathermay is...

"Dang nab it. Why do I keep thinking about her, Joe?"


During the late afternoon,

At the Living Room, the Apples and Fluttershy were having discussion about Tough Apple. He's becoming more nicer ever since he revealed his past to them.

Fluttershy hummed in surprise, "Now I understand why he's being nice to me. I reminded him as his little sister."

"I never thought I was gonna say this," Granny Smith said in concern and surprise, "I think we did the right thing."

Applejack shrugged, "Yeah. I'd never thought that he would be nicer after the talk about his family."

"So, you'd think he can change for the better?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Caramel nodded, "Yeah. What happen if... Somepony wanna test his temper again?"

"Eeyup," Big McIntosh nodded.

Fluttershy smiled, "I have confidence that he won't cause the mess if he has some help and friends to be there for me."

"Yeah. While his parents may not want or help him much, but that doesn't mean we're doing nothing for him. He's our Apple Family," Applejack said confidently.

Granny Smith sighed, "I couldn't agree more. But what's the first plan and how we're gonna improve his behavior?"

"Music!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "Tough loved playing his bonjo a lot! This could test the reviews and ponies liking it."

"It's the start," Applejack nodded in agreement, "If that improved, then we can try more of ideas for him to work it on."

Big McIntosh smiled, "Eeyup!"

"Say, Applejack. You don't mind if I... er..." Caramel said nervously while smiling, "Join you?"

Applejack sighed and smiled, "Sure. Why not? We need all the help we can get to help Tough Apple. That's our priority."

Caramel sighed in disappointment, "I was talking about the date. Well, I guess I have to wait for next day."


On the Next Day...

"Jackie, are you sure if this is even a good idea?" Tough Apple asked in concern and worry as he sat down on the fountain while holding his banjo, "The last time I was here - I didn't get a good impression."

Applejack smiled, "It'll be fine. Trust me. You ready for this?"

Tough Apple sighed, "Ready. I'm not very sure of what I'm really supposed to do actually..."

"Just play your song. And do your best too," Apple Bloom said calmly and happily.

Big McIntosh smiled, "Eeyup!"

Without any interruption, Tough Apple began playing his bonjo harmonically and calmly. And at the same time, he even began to sing.

Tough Apple: My name is Tough Apple
This town is my territory
The neighboring town is also my territory
Everywhere is mine

The Ponyville Town ponies and even the Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders got Tough Apple's attention and singing. Tough Apple then played his bonjo fierce and hard proudly and happily.

Tough Apple: Today again I expand my territory!
Territory! Territory! Territory! I love it!
Say oh!

As Tough Apple continued singing, the ponies joined in the song as well.

Chorus Crowd: Oh!

Tough Apple: Oh!

Chorus Crowd: Oh!

Tough Apple: Oh, Oh!

Chorus Crowd: Oh, Oh!

Tough Apple: Coz I expand my territory
By my name
And the name is Tough Apple...

As the song ended, the ponies gave the round of applause while cheering and commenting to him wildly and happily. Tough Apple then yelped in concern and surprise of what he just saw.

"What the hay? What are you all doing here?" Tough Apple asked in surprise.

The ponies commented, "That was amazing! It's beautiful! It's great and perfect! Can I get your autograph? Want a hug!"

Spike whistled, "Wow. Look at them..."

Pinkie Pie cheered wildly and happily, "They loved it! They really loved it!"

"I hate to admit it. He's truly amazing in singing," Rarity commented proudly and happily.

Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, "You rock, Tough Apple!"

"Yeah! For a tough apple like Tough! He's cool," Rainbow Dash commented.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "You know. We shouldn't have judge him by the book. There is more to him than meets the eye."

Tough Apple was surprised and shocked by the ponies' comments. For the first time in his life, he actually did good while they repaid him with kindness and happiness.

"I-I don't know what to say," Tough Apple said in stunned and surprise.

Fluttershy smiled, "How about 'thank you' for them giving you a chance?"

Tough Apple smiled as he bowed in respect while thanking the ponies of Ponyville Town for giving him a good reception about him and his song. Aftermath, the crowds dispersed and left; leaving Tough Apple, his family, Caramel and Fluttershy.

"Thanks, cousins and Fluttershy. I owe you one," Tough Apple commented in relief.

Applejack smiled, "It was nothing. After all, we're the Apples to the Core."

Big McIntosh nodded, "Eeyup."

Fluttershy nodded, "See? It's not so bad to show of who you really are than having bad temper for all the time."

Apple Bloom smiled, "Yeah! This is even better, don't you think, Tough?"

"Yeah, I think I liked being this," Tough Apple smiled, "Maybe I should get use to it."

"You should, Tough." The familiar voice agreed. The ponies turned and found Feathermay standing and smiling happily, "I'm starting to like the new you. And not to mention, you should try on the talent show!"

"Really?" Tough Apple yelped and blushed in surprise, "Wow... I'm... I'm flattered. Thanks. But I don't think it's a good idea."

"Come on, Tough. You should give it a chance. After all, you did play good songs well."

"Hmm... I supposed so. Okay, maybe I'll try it on someday."

Feathermay sighed, "Good to know. So, are we friends now? Coz I really want to know more about you. So the next time I meet you, we'll be better."

Tough Apple smiled, "Yeah. Sure."

"Thanks. If you're hungry, come to hayburger restaurant! Apple Family gets VIP cards and coupons! See ya later!"

Fathermay turned and trotted off at once. Tough Apple sighed in relief as he was glad to make a good friends with her.

"Looks like the big guy got a girl of his own," Caramel remarked.

Applejack nodded in agreement, "You've said it. Come on, y'all. We've got lot of works to do now!"

"What do you mean?" Tough Apple asked in concern, "What are you planning?"

Fluttershy smiled, "We still need to improve you as good civilian pony. After all, you have a long way to go!"

"That's where we come in," Apple Bloom commented happily, "And we're gonna tell Granny Smith about this. She's gonna be proud of it."

"I suppose so..." Tough Apple said in concern.

"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!" Applejack exclaimed happily.

Applejack and her family pushed and moved Tough Apple all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres as they began to make Tough Apple as the good citizen to Ponyville Town.


A few days passed; the Apple Family, Caramel and Fluttershy helped Tough Apple improved himself to be a better pony and citizen to Ponyville Town. They even taught him to control his temper, as well as being patient to his friends and family. And he even helped ponies out a lot.

They firstly did with the chores of cleaning and taking care of their farms, chasing after the thieving animals but bring the foods back while sparing them from the troubles, and Tough Apple even entertain the ponies of pig wrestling which he actually enjoyed it a lot. He even play his bonjo and sang harmonically and happily in front of ponies, as well as playing with little ponies.

Tough Apple has been improving better and better than before now...


A two weeks later, the Apple Family, Fluttershy and even Caramel were having lunch at the Hayburger Restaurant. Feathermay helped and gave them the coupon in buying and getting the foods. They enjoyed it very much.

Apple Bloom sighed in relief, "This is the best hayburger I ever taste! And I wanna come here everyday!"

"Now, now, Apple Bloom! It's okay to enjoy their fast foods, but that doesn't mean they're always healthy. Just take the bite of them for once or twice a week. But not too much!" Granny Smith said sternly and firmly.

Big McIntosh smiled and nodded, "Eeyup."

"Fine..." Apple Bloom sighed in annoyance.

Applejack giggled, "Take it easy, Apple Bloom. They're just worry for your health, which it's not wrong. But enjoy it as long as you want but not too much."

Apple Bloom nodded, "Fine. I get it. Not a problem."

"How's my favorite customers?" The familiar voice asked. Everyone turned and found Feathermay arrived at the scene. She smiled, "I hope you're all enjoyed our food."

The ponies chatted and commented happily.

Fluttershy sighed, "At least, I don't have to eat the strawberry cupcake again. It cause a serious injury and allergic to my throat."

"It's understandable," Feathermay smiled, "And you, Tough?"

Tough Apple smiled, "It's good, Feathermay. I think you make the good and best meal I ever taste. From where I come from, we don't get a good fast food like here."

"I see. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And of course, we're on good term as being friends."

"Yeah. More than just being friends, Feathermay. And I meant it."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing!"

Feathermay sighed in amusement, "Well, if you need me, come and ask me. I'll help you. I'd better go and help my friends now. We've got customers to handle with."

Feathermay turned and headed off back to the counter. Tough Apple sighed in relief and blushed in red. He turned and found his ponies laughed and giggled in amusement. He groaned in annoyance, making them whistled and looked away innocently.

Caramel sighed in disappointment as he looked and found Applejack enjoying her lunch. Tough Apple noticed it as he leaned and whispered with the latter.

"What's the matter? You liked Applejack, don't you?" Tough Apple asked.

Caramel blushed as he snapped softly, "No! Maybe! A bit! I don't know! Stop making me embarrassed!"

"Relax. I know the feeling. Why not tell her?"

"What about you and Feathermay? You like her a lot ever since you two met."

"Good point. But you like Jackie, don't you?"

"Well, yeah. All I want is a date with her. I guess it's not that easy."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Unless we work together, we'd never get the girls."

Caramel hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe we can. We just need a plan of how we get them and give them the best one we ever had."

Tough Apple gasped in surprise, "Really?"

"Yeah! Meet me at my home by tonight!"

"Got it."

Granny Smith hummed, "Tough, Caramel, what are you up to?"

Tough Apple and Caramel chuckled in amusement, "Nothing..."

Confused and concerned, but Granny Smith chose to ignore it as she and her family continued eating their own lunch happily and passionately. Nothing can get any worse...

To be Continued...

Review and Suggest...


Author's Note

1) As much as I want to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon tortured for their bullying, but not worth it due to Season 5 - both of them are good now (I think). The original story's scene is removed because Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon insults only and manipulate ponies to get into troubles only, not cause and make big fuss and chaos of town. No offense to both JusSonic and VISION-KING.

2) I give Lilly Pod as Tough Apple's sister because it has a good reason of why he's being nice to Fluttershy and she acted a good sister figure to him.

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