Guilt: An Applejack Story

Chapters

A Farm Girl's Diary (The Night Before)
The Nightmare
All Work and No Play
Breakdown
Afterwards
Family Matters
The Day After

A Farm Girl's Diary (The Night Before)

Applejack had just come home from a hard day's work. In her hands was her new journal that she purchased on the way back home. I still can't believe Rainbow Dash read my diary!, she fumed. Now I'll have to start from scratch. She made a mental note to ask Twilight to make some kind of safe that only she could access. Sighing, she opened the diary and started writing.

Howdy, diary! The entries I write in here are meant to be private, unless there's an emergency or something. I don't know. First things first. I'd like to talk about my closest friends.

First off, there's Fluttershy. Sweetest little thing you'll ever meet. Sure, she might be so shy she won't even give you the time of day at first, but once you show her an animal, she'll open up to you faster than a door being flung open! If anyone tries to take advantage of her kindness, they'll have me and the rest of the girls to answer to!

Next, there's Pinkie Pie. That gal is a hoot! She can make just about anything fun. Every day's a party when you hang out with her. Never a dull moment as long as she's around. She's a walking, talking ball of energy!

Rarity loves making clothes for all of us. I know I make a fuss about it, but I really do like everything she makes for us. She can be a little snooty sometimes, but her passion and generosity are purely genuine.

Rainbow Dash can be a real piece of work sometimes. Self-centered, obnoxious, sometimes abrasive. But on the other hand, she's the most loyal friend anybody could ask for. She'll stay on your side, by your side to the bitter end if need be. She and I are always competing against each other.

Sunset Shimmer. If Rainbow Dash could be a piece of work, then Sunset Shimmer could be a complete grade-A bitch. The worst of the worst, and I've come across some mighty mean people. Of course, that was before she chose friendship after we all changed her back to normal from that messed-up demon form of hers. Since then, she worked hard to prove to the entire student body that she's changed. I'm glad she's turned herself around, she's come a long way.

Princess Twilight Sparkle. Not this world's Twilight Sparkle, but a Twilight from an alternate world where talking ponies, dragons, and other sorts of magical folk live. This Twilight's the Princess of Friendship, and she helped us reform Sunset and defeat the sirens. With Sunset's help, that is. Heck of a gal.

Twilight Sparkle. This world's Twilight. We met at the Friendship Games a while back, and that experience was something else! If I hadn't seen all those portals she opened up as a demon, or both Twilights together, I'd still be skeptical about an alternate world.

All of us together are practically family. We've all been through so much, and I reckon there's much more to come. Whatever way come, we'll face it together and all be the stronger for it. We're unstoppable!

Now I wouldn't be me if I didn't dedicate my first entry to my family!

My big brother, Big Macintosh. He doesn't speak all that much, but when he does, he can be very wordy, but wise. He's got a heart as big as his muscles. He's not as strong as I am, though.

Granny Smith will always have words of wisdom for you if you're down or having a bad day. She knows just how to cheer me, Big Mac and Apple Bloom up. She's the salt of the earth.

Speaking of which...Apple Bloom. My little sister. I love her to pieces and then some. There's practically nothing I wouldn't do for her. I'm just as protective of her as I am with Fluttershy.

Bright Mac and Buttercup (or Pear Butter, depending on who you ask.) My parents. May they rest in peace. I don't like to talk about them all that much,

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye, then continued writing.

because even mentioning them makes me all emotional. We lost them at an early

Applejack tried to suppress a sniffle she knew was coming, then continued writing.

age. Oh, god I miss them so much

Her sniffling continued, and she could no longer hold it in. As her tears fell and stained the pages, Applejack lost her grip on her pen and herself, then broke down, sobbing into her hands.

A few minutes later, she regained control of herself. After all this time, I still get all emotional thinking about them. I wonder if I'll ever fully heal, or even if I will at all. It just doesn't seem to be getting any easier. She sighed, then closed the diary and hid it between her mattresses. For safe keeping until I can get a high-tech safe from Twilight or something.

Applejack wiped away her tears and blew her nose. Well, there's only one thing that can cheer me up now. She walked down the stairs and called her faithful pet. "Winona! Here girl!"

A few seconds later, a border collie dog eagerly made her way towards Applejack, her tail wagging and panting excitedly. Applejack smiled.

"There's a good girl!" Applejack said sweetly, petting her dog. "Petting you makes me feel all better, yes it does!" She made kissing noises, and Winona licked her in return, making Applejack laugh. "Thanks, girl. I needed that." she stroked Winona's head, scratched her ears and walked back to her bedroom.

Works every time, Applejack thought with a smile. I don't know where I'd be if I was always by my lonesome, and I never want to!

Applejack returned to her room and drew her privacy curtain. She changed into her pajamas and set her rooster alarm for early in the morning so she could get her chores done. She climber into her bed, yawned, closed her eyes, and slowly fell asleep.

The Nightmare

Applejack opened her eyes to find herself outside her home. The air was crisp and clear, and not a cloud in the sky. The natural scent of apples filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath and let it out. "Harvest time!" she said excitedly. Wait, she thought. Why am I working in my dream of all places? She smiled, rolled her eyes and shook her head. I guess I just enjoy the simpler things in life. Rolling up her sleeves, Applejack did a few stretches and cracked her knuckles.

Before she could do anything else, the sky was suddenly darkened with clouds. "What the hay?" said Applejack, looking up to the sky. Almost immediately, it started raining seeds. "Whoa!" said Applejack, and ran for cover under a tree. Slowly, but surely, her cover shrank until it could no longer shield her from the falling seeds. "Hey, what gives?" said Applejack as she ran for another tree. Each tree shrank faster than the last, until there were no more trees to find cover under.

Several of the seeds that rained on the ground sunk and took root. Before Applejack's eyes, countless giant pea pods shot out from the ground. Applejack thought she could hear mumbling in the distance, but it was too faint to make out. One of the pods burst open, revealing Rainbow Dash. Applejack looked on in shock.

"You're supposed to represent the Element of Honesty, but you never told us what you did? How can I be friends with someone I can't trust?" said Rainbow Dash, an angry look on her face.

"What are you talking about, Rainbow Dash? I've been honest with you since I first met you!" Applejack said, horrified by the words of her closest friend.

Another pod burst open. Rarity emerged, in tears.

"How could you, Applejack? After everything we've done for you. After everything I've done for you! I'm ashamed that I wasted my time on making fabulous clothes for you!"

Applejack stood dumbstruck, still trying to process both Rarity and Rainbow's harsh words.

Another pod burst open. Pinkie Pie walked out, hair limp and lifeless.

"I can't believe I ever believed any of the words that came out of your mouth. Now that I know the real truth, I'm never speaking to you again!" said Pinkie.

Applejack felt tears forming in her eyes. "But...but I've always told the truth. It's what's made me who I am today!"

Another pod burst open. Twilight exited her cocoon.

"Now I know that's a lie. You've been hiding a secret from us. You're basically lying by omission!" said Twilight.

Applejack felt a lump in her throat. "How can you say that? I've got nothing to hide, and I never will."

Another pod burst open. Fluttershy came out, in tears.

"Why did Sunset Shimmer get voted 'Biggest Meanie' in our Freshman yearbook? She was an absolute saint her first year...compared to you!" Fluttershy pointed an accusing finger at Applejack, her face filled with rage and sorrow. "I can't even look you in the face, Applejack. You disgust me!"

Applejack put her hands on her mouth, at a loss for words. Her knees started to buckle.

Another pod burst open. This time it was Sunset Shimmer. She, too, had tears in her eyes. "Wow. Unbelievable. I thought I knew you. Even when I was at my worst I didn't do anything as bad as this. I think you're beyond redemption for what you've done." she said as she slowly turned her back on Applejack.

"But...what did I do? I don't understand." Applejack choked up.

Another pod burst open. To Applejack's surprise, Twilight, the Equestrian Princess of Friendship, had emerged.

With tears in her eyes, Applejack begged. "Princess Twilight! Can't you talk to everyone? At least tell me what I did wrong!"

Princess Twilight gave Applejack a stern look, then said to her in a tone of disgust and disappointment "Applejack. I have no words for what you've done. No words except these: I hereby rescind your power as the Element of Honesty. You don't deserve it, and you do not deserve friendship."

Applejack felt all of her super strength fade, and her geode disintegrated into thin air. She began to sob openly. "But...Princess Twilight. After everything we've been through. You're like family to me!"

Another pod burst open. Apple Bloom walked out. "I don't think you deserve even that!" she said, giving her older sister a look of scorn.

Applejack's eyes shot wide open. "Oh, god, no. Not you too!"

Apple Bloom looked Applejack straight in the eyes. She said to her in a tone that dripped with fury, "You are dead to me. I don't have a sister."

Applejack could only manage a whimper.

Another pod burst open. Her older brother, Big Mac, emerged.

Barely able to hold her emotions in check, Applejack managed to choke out a couple of sentences between sobbing. "Big...Mac...what did I...do? What...did I...do...to deserve...this? Aren't you gonna...tell me?"

Big Mac stared at his sister, his expression neutral. After a few tense seconds, he said "Nope. You can go to hell for what you've done."

Something broke inside Applejack, and she started bawling, having completely lost control of her emotions.

Another pod burst open. Granny Smith came out.

Granny Smith ambled towards Applejack, her face red with anger. "I can't believe you don't remember what you did!" She yelled. "You really wanna know what happened?"

Suddenly, two pods grew and burst right behind Applejack. She turned around, only to see the decaying corpses of her mother and father. Their expressions were just as livid as Granny Smith's.

"M-m-mom? D-d-dad?" Said Applejack before falling back into whimpering.

Bright Mac and Pear Butter stared at her, making seconds seem like an eternity. Finally, Applejack's parents said at the same time, "You killed us!"

Upon hearing her parents say that, memories that she had repressed from long ago had resurfaced to the forefront of her mind.

Applejack woke up, shrieking in horror and anguish.

All Work and No Play

Big Mac was the first to enter his sister's room. "Applejack, are you okay?" he said, still half-awake.

Applejack stayed in her bed, bawling into her pillow. Not long after, Apple Bloom arrived.

"Is everything okay?" asked Apple Bloom.

"I don't know." Said Big Mac as he leaned over to tap his sister on her shoulder.

Upon feeling Big Mac tap her shoulder, Applejack launched herself at Big Mac, still crying and embracing him in a tight hug. Now fully awake, Big Mac returned the hug as Applejack cried into his chest. Apple Bloom joined her siblings in the hug as Granny Smith made her way to the room.

"What's all the commotion?" asked Granny Smith. She noticed all three of her grandchildren hugging, while hearing the muffled sobs of her eldest granddaughter. "What happened?"

Apple Bloom looked at Granny. "We don't know. We just heard Applejack's scream and we came up here. Next thing you know she's tightly hugging us while she's falling apart."

Granny walked over to Applejack, still tightly clutching Big Mac. "Applejack?" said Granny. "Are you okay?"

She heard a mumble.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear you. Could you speak up?" said Granny.

"I said I killed mom and dad!" Applejack wailed.

"Now where in tarnation did you get an idea like that?" asked Granny.

"I remember everything!" said Applejack, still beside herself. "I remember all the lies I told, especially the one that killed mom and dad!"

Granny Smith blinked, then gave Applejack a hug. "Now, Applejack, you know it ain't your fault what happened to 'em."

Slowly calming down, Applejack wiped away her tears. "Don't I? If I had been more careful, they'd still be alive! You know what? I just don't want to talk about it right now. Please leave my room, I need to get ready for my chores."

Granny leaned in to Apple Bloom and Big Mac. "It might be best to just give her some space for now. Give her time to calm down and think."

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Granny?" asked Apple Bloom.

"I don't think it'd be a good idea to press the issue right now. If work'll help ease her mind, then all we do is support her." said Granny.

Apple Bloom and Big Mac nodded.

Just gotta focus on work. Nothing else matters. Gotta keep working, get my mind off my troubles. Applejack sighed. Just gotta focus on work. Nothing else matters. Gotta keep working, get my mind off my troubles.

"Applejack?" asked Apple Bloom

Just gotta focus on work. Nothing else matters. Gotta keep working, get my mind off my troubles.

"Applejack?"

Just gotta focus on work. Nothing else matters. Gotta keep working, get my mind off my troubles.

"Applejack!"

Applejack snapped out of her mantra. "Yeah, sugarcube?"

"Aren't you gonna take a break?" asked Apple Bloom. "You've been working nonstop longer than usual. Do you even know what time it is?"

Applejack checked her phone and noticed several texts.

All right, girls. Listen up! Sunset Shimmer is super-ultra-mega sick! She told me she needs our company to help her feel better!- Sent by Pinkie Pie

Goodness! I know she had a busy day at work, but I didn't think she'd bethatworn down.- Sent by Fluttershy

Well, at least this is worth being woken up from a nap.- Sent by Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash! Honestly! Sunset is sick and she needs our help!- Sent by Rarity

Sorry. I get moody when I'm woken up all of a sudden.- Sent by Rainbow Dash

Man, I sure know how that feels. thought Applejack.

Oof. Sounds like she has it pretty rough.- Sent by Applejack

And I should know rough at this point. thought Applejack.

An image flashed through Applejack's mind. She grabbed her head and winced in pain. "Gah!" she yelped in pain and put her head in her hands.

Maybe I should take a break, thought Applejack.

After about an hour, everybody got their schedules straightened out. Applejack checked her phone. "Yikes! Look at the time!" she panicked. "Gotta get to Aunt Orange's Smoothie Stand!"

Applejack arrived at work and put on her uniform. She checked her phone before punching in. No updates. Sometimes no news is good news, she thought. Applejack then got into her work station. She cracked her knuckles and said "Here we go!" and started to take orders.

A few hours later, Applejack went on her break and checked her phone.

I'm afraid she's feeling worse, dears. She had a dizzy spell and is burning up, but she's getting the rest she needs.- Sent by Rarity

Well, that sucks.- Sent by Rainbow Dash

Oh, dear. That's terrible news!- Sent by Fluttershy

Good thing I'm here, then. thought Applejack. I can bring a smoothie or two with me once I get off work.

I'll bring a smoothie with me when I get there.- Sent by Applejack

Her break over, Applejack went back to work.

"I'm in the groove now!" Applejack said as she wiped some sweat off her brow.

"Hello, Applejack!" said a distinctly sweet voice.

Applejack looked up. "Well I'll be. Howdy, girls!"

Standing in front of the counter were Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest.

"We hear you've got some pretty sick cup flipping tricks, so we thought we'd get some smoothies and watch you do your thing!" said Indigo.

Applejack smiled. "Well, y'all heard right. What can I get you?"

The Shadowbolts made their orders and Applejack started up the blenders. While they waited, Applejack did a few of her classic cup tricks along with some new ones she had been experimenting with at home.

"Wow. That's pretty damn impressive!" said Lemon Zest. "How long did it take to master those?"

Applejack winked. "Trade secret." Suddenly, she lost her footing, slipped and fell.

"Whoa! Are you okay, Applejack?" said Sunny Flare.

"I'm fine. It was just an accid-" before Applejack could finish her sentence, she started hearing echoes.

It was just an accident, Granny! I didn't mean for it to happen!

It was just an accident!

Applejack started to hyperventilate. Anxiety slowly gripped her mind as tears formed in her eyes. "Oh god it was just an accident. It was just an accident. It was just an accident!"

Author's Note

I sincerely hope I'm not doing trauma a disservice. I want to take this as seriously as possible.

Breakdown

The Shadowbolts watched Applejack in stunned silence. Sunny Flare was the first to snap out of it. "We can't just stand here, we have to do something!" she said, snapping her schoolmates back to reality.

"But what can we do?" asked Sugarcoat. "Didn't we all fail psychology?"

"Well we can't just hop over the counter and straddle her, we'd get arrested!" said Lemon Zest.

"Maybe calling out her name will help?" said Indigo Zap. "Applejack! Snap out of it!"

"Don't cause a scene!" said Sour Sweet.

"This is already a scene, Sour." said Sugarcoat.

Indigo called Applejack's name one more time.

Applejack, still oblivious to everything happening, felt her anxiety violently clutch her stomach. She made a mad dash to the restrooms and became sick to her stomach.

The Shadowbolts ran after Applejack and into the bathroom. Sunny Flare went in first, held Applejack's hair with one hand, and gently rubbed her back with the other. She managed to keep her composure despite Applejack's moaning and retching. She looked at her fellow Shadowbolts. "Sugarcoat, Sour Sweet, go back to the Aunt Orange Smoothie stand and try to get a hold of her boss. Let whoever's in charge know what's happening."

Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet nodded and left the bathroom.

"Lemon Zest, I know you like heavy metal, but if you have any soft rock or calming music in your MyPod, queue it up and I'll put the headphones on her."

"On it!" said Lemon as she scrolled through her musical selections.

"Indigo. While Lemon's scrolling for music, try to verbally comfort Applejack. I'm worried that if I keep talking I'll end up getting sick myself!"

Indigo blinked. "I'll try, but I'm not one for motivational speeches."

"Just say encouraging things to her before I throw up all over both of you, dammit!"

"Okay, okay!" Indigo said in a bit of a panic.

A few minutes later, after Applejack dry heaved for the second time, she slowly stood up and faced Sunny.

Sunny Flare looked at Applejack with great concern. "Hey. Are you oka-" She was cut off as Applejack launched at her and hugged her tightly, almost immediately bursting into tears, crying into her chest. Sunny blinked, then returned the hug and gently stroked Applejack's hair in an effort to comfort her.

"Okay, we managed to get a hold of one of her supervisors. They know as much as we do at this point." said Sour Sweet as she and Sugarcoat returned from outside the bathroom. They both froze in place as soon as they noticed Applejack and Sunny Flare hugging and heard the former's muffled sobs.

"Well at least she's not vomiting anymore." said Sugarcoat. Sour Sweet rolled her eyes.

Finally feeling her tears subside, Applejack slowly raised her head out from Sunny's chest. "Hey." said Sunny. "Feeling better?"

Applejack wiped away her tears. "I guess. As good as I'm gonna get for now." she said as she broke the hug.

"What was that all about?" asked Lemon Zest.

Applejack grabbed a paper towel and blew her nose. "It's a long story, and I'm not all too comfortable talking about it."

"Are you sure?" ask Indigo Zap.

"Yeah. I'm sure." said Applejack.

"Sugarcoat and I spoke to one of your supervisors after you ran off." said Sour.

Applejack sighed and looked at her phone. "Well, my shift's about over anyway." she said. "Oh, and girls?"

The Shadowbolts looked at her, their expressions of concern remaining.

"Thank you." said Applejack.

"Don't mention it." Said Sunny Flare, smiling.

After speaking with her supervisor, Applejack changed from her uniform to her regular clothes. Boss told me to take a personal day off. I don't like the idea, but it might just be what I need. she thought as she checked her phone for text messages.

Just sending a lil' update-a-roonie! No changes, good or bad. She's zonked out on the couch.- Sent by Pinkie Pie

Well at least she's not feeling worse, darling!- Sent by Rarity

Sometimes no news is good news.- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

She'll need the rest, I won't hold back on her when we play!- Sent by Rainbow Dash

That sounds promising!- Sent by Fluttershy

Lord knows I could use one right about now. thought Applejack, and sent a text.

My shift's over, I'll be there in a while.- Sent by Applejack

On her way back home to pick up her toolbox and some guard rails, Applejack let her thoughts wander.

I can't believe what happened back there! I'm supposed to be the calm one! She took a deep breath and exhaled, relaxing slightly. That all came out of nowhere. I can't remember the last time I got that sick to my stomach. She could still taste the vomit on her tongue, no matter how many sips she took of her smoothie. Well, at least that's over with.

Arriving at home, Applejack searched for her toolbox. Before she could find it, she nearly ran into Apple Bloom.

"Hey, Applejack. You feeling any better?"

"Sorry, lil' sis, I need to get to Sunset's pronto. I promise I'll talk to you, Big Mac, and Granny Smith tomorrow." said Applejack. She then noticed the worried look on her younger sister's face. "I'm feeling better for now." She said as she tousled Apple Bloom's hair.

Apple Bloom looked at her sister. "I sure hope so. You had us worried near sick this morning!"

Oof. Poor choice of words, sugarcube. Applejack rolled her eyes when her sister wasn't looking. "I'll be back in a bit! See ya later!" she said as she continued her search for the toolbox. Once she found her toolbox, she then made her way to the hardware store to get guard rails for Sunset Shimmer's staircase.

Applejack found a parking spot close to Sunset's home. She took out her toolbox, a bag with two smoothies in it, and several guard rails. She stopped in front of Sunset's and did a couple of stretches, prepping herself for more hard work. She knocked on the door.

"It's unlocked!" said Sunset from within. Applejack opened the door.

Author's Note

I honestly don't know where one goes to get guard rails. ^_^;

This chapter ends directly before Good for What Ails Ya in Sunset Shimmer's Sick Day.

Afterwards

After she left Sunset's, Applejack sighed with relief. Glad I didn't lose it back there. I've had enough of that. she thought to herself as she made her way back home.

Lying by omission! The Twilight from her nightmare echoed in her head.

"Gah!" Yelped Applejack, clutching her head and dropping her toolbox. "Dammit." she said as she picked up all the tools that spilled out, put them back in their box, then went back to Big Mac's truck. Guess I spoke too soon.

She got into the truck and started the engine. She turned on the radio and put it to the local Classical music station. This ain't my speed, but Twilight once told me she feels mighty calm listening to this. Guess now's as a good a time as any to see if it works for me.

Applejack arrived at home. Huh. Guess that Classical music works after all. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Sunny Flare.

I just want to thank you again for what you did earlier today. But also, I want you to know that I don't want my friends to find out what happened. I don't think I'm ready to tell them yet. - Sent by Applejack

Are you sure? - Sent by Sunny Flare

Positive. - Sent by Applejack

Does your family know, at least? - Sent by Sunny Flare

They do. I woke up screaming bloody murder early this morning. Had a breakdown then, too. - Sent by Applejack

I know you don't want to talk about it, but the girls and I are really worried about you. - Sent by Sunny Flare

I appreciate the sentiment. - Sent by Applejack

Applejack almost called Sunny Flare "sugarcube", but stopped herself. She and the others were friends with the Shadowbolts now, but she just wasn't entirely sure she was ready to open up to them. I guess I still feel a little sore over them stealin' Rarity's video idea. She sighed.

Her phone buzzed.

Still no changes so far. She's taking a rest right now.- Sent by Fluttershy

Applejack sent a text.

Something's gotta give eventually. She was drinking a smoothie that I brought her from work.- Sent by Applejack

Putting her phone back in her pocket, she thought to herself Where do I go from here? There's still plenty of daylight left, and even I'm not sure doing more chores will help the situation. Maybe I should just bask in the sun for the time being. It's too nice a day to stay inside, after all. She walked over to a nearby apple tree and picked an apple off. "An apple a day, blah, blah, blah..." she leaned herself against the tree as she ate the apple, taking in the sounds of summer.

Applejack's phone buzzed, snapping her out of her daydreaming.

I'm leaving Sunset's place early so I don't accidentally wake her up.- Sent by Fluttershy

Applejack frowned, then sent a text.

You sure that's a good idea, sugarcube?- Sent by Applejack

Her phone buzzed again.

She should be fine, darling. We live in a decent neighborhood, after all.- Sent by Rarity

Rarity has a point. I must be thinking too much or something. thought Applejack as she finished the apple and tossed the core to the ground.

Her phone buzzed once more. Applejack looked at her phone, read the new messages and nearly dropped her phone.

You killed us! - Sent by Bright Mac

You killed us! - Sent by Pear Butter

She stared in shock at her phone, then blinked.

I'm leaving Sunset's place early so I don't accidentally wake her up.- Sent by Fluttershy

You sure that's a good idea, sugarcube?- Sent by Applejack

She should be fine, darling. We live in a decent neighborhood, after all.- Sent by Rarity

I accidentally woke her up, and she seemed fine with it.- Sent by Pinkie Pie

I think you might be missing the point, Pinkie.- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

It'll be fine, guys! I can speed my way there in a flash.- Sent by Rainbow Dash

Applejack blinked again, just to be sure.

I'm leaving Sunset's place early so I don't accidentally wake her up.- Sent by Fluttershy

You sure that's a good idea, sugarcube?- Sent by Applejack

She should be fine, darling. We live in a decent neighborhood, after all.- Sent by Rarity

I accidentally woke her up, and she seemed fine with it.- Sent by Pinkie Pie

I think you might be missing the point, Pinkie.- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

It'll be fine, guys! I can speed my way there in a flash.- Sent by Rainbow Dash

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Applejack nearly shouted. I did overwork myself. Hopefully a shower will do the trick. She took a calming breath as she made her way inside.

Inside the bathroom, Applejack took off all her clothes. She put her discarded garments on the toilet, then shuddered at the memory of her late afternoon. She turned on the faucet, then checked her phone slowly, still worried she'd see something unnerving.

I'm heading over to Sunset's! Fluttershy, did you leave the door unlocked?- Sent by Rainbow Dash

I did, you shouldn't have any trouble getting in.- Sent by Fluttershy

Good thing there isn't any magical wackiness going on right now, or we'd be in a pickle!- Sent by Pinkie Pie

For heaven's sake, Pinkie, don't tempt fate!- Sent by Rarity

Hope you have a good time!- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Satisfied, Applejack sent her own text.

Has she been drinking her smoothie?- Sent by Applejack

After sending her text, she entered the shower and tuned everything out except the bathroom fan and the running water splashing into the bathtub. She sighed, feeling the hot water soak her body slowly. For the first time all day, she genuinely felt at peace. There should be a smoothie for whatever's going on with me. She sighed. Wouldn't that be nice. You have a scarring nightmare? We've got a smoothie for that! Oh, if only...

Finished, Applejack left the shower. Blissfully unaware of what the next day would bring her...

Author's Note

This chapter takes place immediately after Good for What Ails Ya in Sunset Shimmer's Sick Day

Family Matters

"Hoo-wee! That shower was just what I needed." Said Applejack, now fully clothed. "Maybe playing a game or two will keep me occupied."

FarmGurlAJ has logged in. I hope someone's on right now...

Dashin8r is offline. "Nope, she's with Sunset right now."

SunShimPwny is offline. "No surprise there, she's sick."

Fashionista_4_life is offline. "No surprise either, she hardly plays to begin with."

Flutterbutter is offline. "Again, no surprise."

P0nk4_P0 is offline. "Huh. She must be at a party or something."

Twi_Sparky73 is offline. "Well, damn. Guess it's just me then." Applejack frowned.

Finished with her game, Applejack checked her phone.

Uh, guys? Sunset started sweating like crazy, and she tried to take off her clothes in front of me! I had to turn down the temperature to stop her!- Sent by Rainbow Dash

I didn't know Sunset swung that way!- Sent by Pinkie Pie

No, Pinkie, it means her fever's breaking! She's on the road to recovery!- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Finally, some good news!- Sent by Rarity

Applejack put her thoughts into her text.

Well it's about damn time!- Sent by Applejack

After she sent her text, she saw Granny Smith standing beside her. Applejack gave a startled yelp and nearly fell off the couch.

Granny Smith laughed. "Sorry 'bout that, Applejack. I was just checkin' in and seeing how you was doing."

Applejack sighed. "It's been a rough day. Or haven't you noticed?" she said sourly as she rolled her eyes.

Granny gave her a look.

"I'm sorry, Granny. It's been frustrating having this hang over my head like a dark cloud." Applejack said as she put her head in her hands.

Granny Smith smiled. "It's okay, I understand. I know you've been struggling, Applejack, and if you ever want to talk about it, me, Big Mac and Apple Bloom are here for you."

crack

Applejack winced, but this went unseen by her grandmother.

"Thanks, Granny. I love you." she said as she hugged Granny Smith.

"Aww, I love you too." Granny Smith returned the hug. "We'll always be here for you, hon. Always." she said as she broke the hug and left the room.

After a while, Applejack found her thoughts racing. I wish I could get this damn dream out of my head. Everything was fine and dandy until early this morning! thought Applejack, clenching her fists in frustration. She looked outside, watching the sun set over the horizon. I'm not so sure I want to fall asleep tonight. Feeling tears stream down her face, Applejack hugged herself in an effort to calm down. Where is everyone? I don't want to be alone! She heard footsteps approaching her.

Apple Bloom entered the room and hugged her sister tightly. "You're not alone. You have your family!"

Applejack came to the realization that she must not have thought it, but said it out loud. That didn't matter, however, as she was too preoccupied crying into Apple Bloom's hair. At first, they were tears of sadness. Then, they became tears of frustration. Once she finished, she sighed. "Thanks, Apple Bloom. I needed that."

"Don't mention it." her younger sister said. "Been having a tough day, huh?"

"And then some. Just don't ask me how work went."

"I can't even imagine." Apple Bloom said, still hugging her older sister. "I'm really worried about you, Applejack. Why don't you just tell me what happened?"

At this point I'll try anything, thought Applejack. She sighed and took a calming breath. "It happened when you were still just a baby, so you were too young to know what was going on."

Apple Bloom nodded in understanding.

"I was trying to play a prank on Ma and Pa." Applejack said, slowly growing visibly uncomfortable. "I...I..." Applejack could feel herself tearing up again. "I can't do this! I just can't! I want to, but it's like there's this huge obstacle keeping me from going any further." As she felt her frustration grow, she felt a small crack form inside her. She winced as if in pain.

Apple Bloom regarded her sister with concern. "I just don't wan't this to drive you any crazier that it already has."

Applejack calmed herself slightly. "I know, sugarcube, and I appreciate that. I just...have a lot on my mind. I'm scared, sad, overwhelmed, and so many other things at the moment."

"I understand." said Apple Bloom. "But if you need me, Big Mac, Granny Smith or your friends, you know where to find us!" she hugged Applejack. "Love ya, big sis!"

Applejack returned the hug. "Love you too, little sis." She went upstairs to go to bed.

As Applejack changed into her pajamas, she became increasingly afraid of what dream or dreams she might have. She was worried that her next dream might be worse than the last. Just stay calm, Applejack. she thought to herself. You have friends and family on your side. It was just a dream. It was just a dream. Applejack frowned. Then why did it bother me so much? She found herself pacing around her bedroom back and forth.

"AJ?" asked a baritone voice.

"Big Mac? Is that you?" she answered.

"Eeyup." he answered, saying one of his oft-used phrases as he entered her room.

"Got somethin' on your mind?" she asked her older brother.

"Actually, I could say the same thing to you." Big Mac responded.

Applejack sighed. "I think you know what's going on."

"Of course I do. I was there, and I was old enough to understand what happened." said Big Mac. "Applejack, it wasn't your fault!"

crack

Applejack winced. "But if it wasn't for me, Ma and Pa would still be alive!"

"They died because they were trying to protect you!" Big Mac's voice rose in volume.

"And they wouldn't have had to protect me if I hadn't told them-"

crack

Applejack winced again. Big Mac took notice. "Maybe you should lie down. Relax. No need to tax yourself any further than you already have."

Applejack calmed down. "Right."

Big Mac grabbed Applejack and hugged her. "We all love you, AJ. If there's anything, anything we can do, just say the word and we'll be there."

crack

Applejack winced, but this time Big Mac didn't see. "I love y'all too. And I appreciate your support."

They broke the hug. "I hope you get a good night's sleep."

Applejack smiled. "You and me both, Big Mac. You and me both."

Big Mac left Applejack's room as she tucked herself in and set her alarm for early morning chores. Despite worries of having the same nightmare, Applejack slowly fell asleep.

The Day After

Applejack woke up screaming. Shortly afterwards, Big Mac, Granny Smith and Apple Bloom embraced her in a tight hug as she cried out tears of guilt, sadness and frustration.

crack

Applejack was too busy weeping to wince this time around. Dammit. she thought to herself. Dammit, dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!

After she finished, Granny Smith looked her in the eyes and said "We'll get you through this. Maybe it's best you take the day off today. Just relax. Go back to sleep."

Applejack looked at Granny Smith, wiping the tears off her eyes. "But..."

"No 'if's, 'and's or 'but's." said Granny sternly. "Big Mac and Apple Bloom will cover for ya. I'll be right beside you, so sleep in."

crack

Applejack managed to hide her wince from Granny Smith, and nodded her head. Slowly, she went back to sleep.

Applejack woke up refreshed, with the sun shining out her window and Granny Smith still keeping watch over her. She hugged her grandmother. "Thanks, Granny. I really needed the rest." She said.

Granny Smith returned the hug. "Feelin' better?"

Applejack thought for a moment. "I guess so. I feel like there's something inside of me trying to break through, but it's like a giant stone wallor something."

crack

This time Granny Smith noticed Applejack's wince. "Just promise take it easy today, okay?" she said to Applejack, concern on her face and in her tone of voice.

Applejack broke the hug and smiled. "I promise." She checked her phone for messages.

Hey girls! Guess who's back to 100%?- Sent by Sunset Shimmer

Awesome!- Sent by Rainbow Dash

Yay!- Sent by Fluttershy

This calls for a party! Wait, haven't we said all these things before?- Sent by Pinkie Pie

Wonderful to hear, darling!- Sent by Rarity

Sleep really does do wonders, so long as you don't have nightmares. Applejack thought to herself as she sent a text.

Glad to hear, sugarcube!- Sent by Applejack

After she sent the text, she told Granny Smith all that happened yesterday. She left no detail out.

When she finished, Granny stared at her. "Land sakes, girl! Why didn't you tell me any of this sooner?"

"I just didn't wanna talk about it." said Applejack, looking away. "But at least my friend is feeling better!" Her phone buzzed again.

All right!- Sent by Twilight Sparkle

Something amazing happened! I have so much to tell you all, and something to show you! Meet me at the mall in a few hours.- Sent by Sunset Shimmer

Applejack's eyes lit up. "Looks I've got something to look forward to!" she said as she hopped out of bed. "Granny, can you please leave the room? I'm gonna change."

Granny Smith nodded and left the room.

After some time had passed, Applejack drove her way to the mall. She put on some country music to brighten her already improved mood. I wonder what Sunset's got in store for us? She rolled down her window, turned the radio up and sang along to the songs she knew.

She reached the mall's parking lot. There were many people coming in and out of the mall, which was standard for a Sunday. She turned off the radio and rolled her window up, just in case.

As she neared the mall, the scents from all the restaurants mingled together in the air. Applejack took a deep breath and took it all in. All the voices of the people, the sights and sounds of the mall. This must be exactly what I needed! She gave a contented sigh. All right, I've still got some time before Sunset and the girls get here. She snapped a finger, having thought of something to do.

Applejack arrived in the mall's food court. She made her way to the Aunt Orange Smoothie stand where she works. "Howdy!" she said to her supervisor.

Her supervisor was a man in his mid-40s. Light blue skin, a little heavyset, and slightly balding light blue hair. "Applejack! Feeling any better?" he asked.

"Not quite one hundred percent, but I'm getting there." Applejack said with a smile.

"Take all the time you need." said her supervisor. He looked behind Applejack. "Hey there, what can I get you?"

Applejack looked behind her. "Twilight!" She gave her a hug.

Twilight was surprised at first, but then returned the hug. She laughed. "Hey AJ."

Applejack broke the hug. "Sorry 'bout that. Had a mighty rough day yesterday, but my family carried me through it."

Twilight gave her friend a reassuring smile. "That's okay. As long as you're feeling better." Twilight ordered her smoothie and sat down at a nearby table. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.

"Not right now. I'm still kinda sorting it out myself." said Applejack.

"I understand. Take all the time you need." said Twilight.

crack

Applejack just barely managed to hide her wince from Twilight.

They spent some time just talking to each other until Twilight noticed Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all sitting at their favorite table. "Let's join them!" said Twilight. Applejack nodded and they walked towards the table.

Applejack got in her car, started the engine and let her thoughts drift, but not so far off that she couldn't focus on the road. Well...I sure wasn't expecting all that to happen. It was weird enough seein' both Princess Twilight and this world's Twilight in the same place, but to see a drawing of what we might look like in Equestria? That's a whole other league! Applejack thanked her lucky stars that her friends were too preoccupied during their emotional hug to notice her. It took near everything I had not to cry out in pain! Felt like a damn migraine! she sighed.

So Sunset's in Equestria now, doing something about a book by some pony I don't know about...when she gets back, I'll ask her to explain it to me. She reached her home and parked her car. As she got out, she took a deep breath of fresh air, unaware that her suffering was just beginning.

End of Book 5 of Not Just Any Old Day