"I see. Thanks anyways." Sunset said. She was talking with Bon Bon.

"Yeah sorry. Wish I could help Sunset. But if I do hear something from someone who comes from out of town, I'll let you know." Bon Bon said.

"I just really wish I'd find some clue or hint or something." Sunset said.

"Well a lot of people come through Ponyville. Who knows; someone could've heard something or seen your brother." Bon Bon said.

"Well thanks Bon Bon." Sunset said. Suddenly there was a bit of an earthquake.

"What the heck?" Sunset asked.

"STAMPEDE!" Rainbow Dash yelled out from in the air. Soon enough though, the stampede was calmed down by Applejack.

"That was too close." Sunset said. Twilight was soon out and about.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"A stampede almost flattened ponyville but Applejack got it to stop." Rainbow Dash Relayed.

"You really should spend some time outside every now and then Twilight." Sunset said.

"Well...I guess I could. And I'm gonna need to for a bit because I think we should thank Applejack for this." Twilight said.

"Classic Twilight...you do always like to thank those who do good things." Sunset said.

"My philosophy is always that you should thank people for the things they do good." Twilight said.

"That's a fair point." Sunset said. "But let's not go overboard with the thanking okay? Maybe just get her a gift to give to her at Sweet Apple Acres in a bit." She added.

"Classic Sunset. And yeah, let's not overhelm her." Twilight said.

A bit later, Twilight and Sunset were at Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight having a cake from Sugercube Corner made specifically for Applejack. But when they got there, Sunset noticed Applejack was bucking the trees.

"Um...Applejack...if you don't mind me asking here: What exactly are you doing?" Sunset asked.

"It's Applebucking Season." Applejack said.

"Apple what now?" Twilight asked.

"Applebucking Season. It's what the apple family calls harvesting." Applejack said.

“Where’s Big Mac?” Sunset asked.

“He broke his hip a few days ago. So I’m on my own with how old Granny’s getting.” Applejack said.

“Would you like some help?” Twilight asked.

“Help? Ah don’t need no help.” Applejack said.

“That’s a double negative.” Sunset said. “But I get what you mean. Just so long as you don’t start causing problems.” She added.

“Glad you understand Sunset.” Applejack said.

“I mean it Applejack: I don’t want to start having a pool of complaints lodged against you.” Sunset said. “We have a cake for you. And this better be the only thing I come here for.” Sunset said.

“How much a big sister need do you have?” Applejack said. Suddenly she was glared at by Sunset.

“That…was uncalled for.” Sunset said. “Strike one, Applejack. Strike one.” She said.

Later, Sunset found Twilight reading a book about farm work and balancing task tips.

“What are you reading that for?” Sunset asked.

“Something to tell Applejack a bit later.” Twilight said.

“Why’s that?” Sunset asked. Twilight pointed to Rainbow Dash on her bed getting first aid from Spike.

“Applejack caused this.” The Pegasus said.

“This was a one time thing, right?” Sunset asked. Suddenly a nurse from the hospital came in.

“Twilight, we need you at the hospital!” The nurse said.

At the hospital the two unicorns and dragon found a lot of sick ponies.

“There was something wrong with the baked goods.” The nurse said.

“Not baked goods…” Pinkie was there too. “Baked Bads!” She added.

“Applejack…” Sunset said.

Sunset found Applejack in the air because her cart tipped over.

“Applejack, I told you not to cause problems. Rainbow Dash was injured somehow, and ponies are sick at the hospital.” Sunset said.

“Thought you said you got it…” Applejack said.

“Look when one of my friends starts causing problems, I have to start getting involved. So this better be the only other time I come here.” Sunset said and turned to leave. “Strike Two Applejack.” Sunset said and left.

“So…” Sunset was talking with Octavia who was with Vinyl Scratch. The later having headphones on. “The unicorn is mute and yet she’s a great musician.” Sunset said.

“Yes. Most know her as DJ-PON3 though.” Octavia said. Suddenly the ground shook.

“What the heck? Another stampede?!” Sunset said. Outside was just a bunch of rabbits eating flowers and veggies and Fluttershy trying to rally the rabbits. Twilight helping. “Okay, enough is enough.” Sunset said.

Sunset found Applejack doing her harvesting again.

“Thought I made this clear: If you started causing problems I would intervene. Well strike three Applejack. You caused Rainbow Dash to get injured, a bunch of ponies to get sick, and caused a bunch of bunnies to ruin the town’s flowers and veggies.” Sunset said. Applejack got the apple tree bare.

“Ah did it…I harvested every apple tree here. All by myself. How do you like dem apples?” Applejack asked. Big Mac was there.

“Uh…how do YOU like THEM apples?” Big Mac said. Sunset and Applejack followed his eyes to a bunch more apple trees yet to be harvested.

“Where did all the apples…?” Applejack asked before fainting. She would wake up a bit later to Sunset over her.

“Look, I know a thing or two about pride, but you need help. Maybe just once you can set aside your pride and let your friends help you.” Sunset said.

“I…okay Sunset. You and the girls can help me…” Applejack said.

“Glad we got that out of the way.” Sunset said.

“And ah’m sorry I brought up the big sister thing.” Applejack said.

“It’s fine. I can come across like that at times. Being a big sister to Twilight has brought that out of me I guess.” Sunset said. Both of them actually laughed at this.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Applejack is always quite eager to help others out, but she can have trouble accepting help from others. It’s an important thing to let your friends help where they can. And Applejack has learnt this friendship lesson well.

Your faithful student, Sunset Shimmer.

Author's Note

Yeah I couldn't resist including Sunset in an episode that showcases how stubborn Applejack is early on. This also gave me the excuse to start including side characters into this series. After all, the first few seasons of this story are focused on Sunset's mission to find her brother. What better way to give some of the side characters more screen time?