Pudgy Pie Productions

 

A sudden, sharp knock at your door shattered the peace and quiet of your slumber. “Hey! City slicker! Get on up, now. If y'all think you're getting free food and bed while staying here, ya better think twice!”

 

Your eyes creaked open. “Nnnffff....” You groaned out as you grabbed your watch from the bedside table. The watch glowed in the darkness, announcing the early morning hour. “Miss Applejack...must you be so loud this early in the day?”

 

“Ah didn't ask fer the time. Ah asked you ta get outta bed.” Applejack called out as she jiggled the handle to your room. “Breakfast is almost ready. Don't expect a warm shower after sleepin' in so late.” She warned.

 

Applejack's hoofsteps faded away as she walked down the hallway. You rubbed your eyes and groaned before pulling yourself out of bed. “Somepony needs to work on her manners. No wonder Mister Orange sent me out here...”

 

It took you a second to leave your bed. The last dregs of sleep threatened to pull you back in but you fought the urge to collapse. Your brain was still warming up, stuck on the miserable wake up call you just endured. Nothing felt real as you struggled to stay awake.

 

You slipped into the bathroom and stared at the rustic design. No privacy curtain, no porcelain, just a metal shower head over a bucket with a drain. “Wonderful.” You groaned before grabbing a towel and turning on the water.

 

True to her word, the water that splashed your face was as cold as snow. You instantly shuddered yourself awake as the frigid water ran down your body. “AHH!” You shouted in surprise. The chill was torture as you quickly scrubbed yourself clean in record time. The towel now served as a makeshift blanket as you struggled to recover lost warmth.

 

“These people...how do they live like this?” You griped. The Apple family home certainly had charm to it but it was a far cry from the comforts of Manehatten. “Whatever. As long as I can make an impression on Mister Orange, these Apples can live however they like.”

 

You returned to your room and got dressed. A simple button up shirt and a plain pair of slacks should be enough. It gave you enough time to properly focus in on your objectives given to you by your boss.

 

Mister Orange sent you here for one reason. His relatives in Ponyville were sinking in debt. An entire family controlling every single apple tree in and out of the town and yet they were begging for aid. You had no idea how such a monopoly could be struggling but Mister Orange asked both as your boss and as a favor to help out his distant family.

 

The product was fine by all accounts. You had managed to pluck an apple from the tress before properly wandering to the house to introduce yourself. The apple itself was big, sweet and juicy. It made you crave another but eating too much into potential profits could spell disaster. There had to be something internal going on that was causing such a discourse in the accounting side of things.

 

Prepared for the worst, you took a quick breath and wandered downstairs. No sooner had you stepped into the kitchen did every set of eyes lock onto your chest. “Good morning.” You politely said before sitting down at your seat.

 

The Apples continued to stare. Applejack was a feisty mare with an orange coat and blonde mane. A lifetime of hard work had given Applejack a tough, toned body that looked stronger than any stallion back home. Her eyes gave off the glimmer of a mare willing to brave the biggest challenges such as a well read city boy invading her way of life.

 

Big Macintosh was a massive hunk of red stallion. He sat across from you, making it easy to look into his eyes. The stallion was covered in muscles, yet his eyes were less harsh than Applejack's. No threat radiated from his face. His fingers, however, were busy bending his spoon like it was made of rubber.

 

A chill went down your spine as your eyes wandered over to Granny Smith. This was going to be your real challenge. While Applejack gave off a red hot glow, Granny Smith's face was cold and chilling. The slight frown on her face pierced your soul. Granny Smith was a mare set in her ways and twice as stubborn as any mule.

 

“So, city boy, what did you say your name was again?” Granny Smith's voice was stern and sharp, commanding your attention instantly.

 

“Anonymous, ma'am. Anon for short.” You supplied an answer.

 

“Anon, huh? Well, I know Mosely Orange sent ya here as a favor but don't you be thinking we're treating you like family!” The stern mare huffed as her fingers tapped the table. “Y'all might be earning his money but y'all better earn the bread and board we offer ya...”

 

“Yes ma'am. I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of a client.” You quickly replied.

 

Granny's frown faded bit by bit. “Good answer, sonny. We don't take kindly to freeloaders...not after those dangs Flim Flam brothers...” A curt smile spread on her face as she handed you a plate. “Well, get to eatin'. You're gonna need your strength if y'all plan to work the fields today.”

 

You screamed internally. There was no way you'd be able to actually do your job while out in the field. “Of course. Thank you.” It seemed like this was going to be a very hands on job one way or the other.

 

“Are ya really from Manehatten, Mister Anon?” A quiet voice asked you. Applebloom was the youngest of the Apples. She looked to be about twelve if you had to guess. Her eyes were the only ones welcoming enough for your liking. The curiosity of youth gleamed in your eyes, eager to learn more about the world and the wonders beyond her farm.

 

“Yes I am. Second biggest town in Equestria.” You smiled back at her as you gathered up a bit of food for yourself. “I don't know much about the town itself but are you curious about something?”

 

The little girl was prepared with a million questions. “Do ya know my cousin, Babs? Is it true there's no trees anywhere? Are the buildings as tall as my cousin says they are?”

 

You laughed. “There's apples all over the world, isn't there? I think I remember hearing your Uncle Orange talking about Babs's father once or twice...there are some trees but none as big and pretty as your trees here...The buildings are all super tall. Bigger than any building in Ponyville.”

 

“WOW!” Applebloom grinned as she squirmed in her chair. “Mister Anon, you gotta tell me more!”

 

“Ahem....” Big Macintosh cleared his throat. You looked over at him as he began clearing the table. You soon realized that you were the only one that hadn't eaten anything. Applejack and Granny Smith were tapping their fingers against the table impatiently.

 

“Maybe later, miss Applebloom. I think it's time to get the day started. Forgive me but do you have class today?”

 

“AH SHOOT!” Applebloom shouted as she jumped out of her chair. “Ah told Scootaloo and Sweetie belle to wait for me by town hall and now I'm gonna be late! Good bye Mister Anon!”

 

With Applebloom running out the door, you were free to devour your breakfast. The taste of apples permeated every dish, forcing you to lick your lips after every bite. “My apologies. We need to get started, correct? Burning daylight as the expression goes.”

 

“Big Mac, you take the north fields today. Applejack, I want you to take Anonymous to the west field and show him what an honest day's work looks like. Be back by ten so we can get started on pie makin'.”

 

Both ponies nodded as they walked out of the kitchen. You hopped out of your chair and rushed over to the sink to wash it down. “Better hurry, city boy. Applejack is probably halfway to the middle of the fields.” Granny chuckled as you finished your business in the kitchen.

 

Sure enough, Applejack was a good ways into the fields as you left the house. She was even pulling a wagon full of empty buckets through the trees with little effort on her part. You rushed over to her, panting hard as you struggled to catch up. “Hey! Slow down!”

 

Applejack didn't stop. She kept her pace through the trees even with her wagon bumping and hopping along. “Waiiit!” You shouted as you finally managed to catch up to her. Sweat was already pouring down your face and the sun wasn't even out yet.

 

“City boy, aren't you forgetting something?” Applejack smirked as she tapped her wagon. “How do y'all expect to collect any apples if you don't have a wagon. Go to the barn and get one, THEN meet me in the fields.”

 

You sighed before standing up straight. “Hey, I get it, okay. City boy with his fancy ways to break up the status quo around her is bad. Tradition good, new ideas bad.” You pushed your face against hers and scowled. “I don't HAVE to be here. I can easily tell your uncle what he already told me.”

 

Applejack pushed you away and scowled right back. “Oh yea? Just what did mah uncle tell you?”

 

“He told me that no matter how much he has tried to help you in the past, you never stick to his plans because it's too much work. You want me to work for you? I'll do all the hard labor your expect of me but if I don't get to do my ACTUAL job, you can kiss this farm goodbye and go work for the Strawberry clan instead!”

 

Applejack's scowl deepened. She grabbed her hat and hid her face under the brim. “Not gonna happen. We'll find a way to make bits. We always have and we always will, now get to pickin'!” Applejack pushed her hat onto her head and quickly kicked the nearest tree.

 

You watched as several apples fell to the ground. “Wait, you don't have a tool or anything to help you pick the apples? You just kick the trees and see what falls?”

 

A groan echoed through the fields. “Of COURSE we kick the trees. The only way to know the apples are ripe is if they fall off after a hard hit.” She spoke as if her technique was common knowledge.

 

“You and Big Mac do this all day? Kick the tress and whatever apples happen to fall, you collect by yourselves?” You asked.

 

“YES! What in tarnation is wrong with that?” Applejack shouted as she gathered up a few apples and moved to the next tree.

 

It took all your willpower not to roll your eyes. “Maybe there is. Maybe there isn't. Today is about data collection while I work so I can get a basis for all my assumptions.”

 

“Assume less, pick more apples, fellah.” Applejack commanded as she kicked another tree.

 

You shrugged and got to work. There were plenty of apples that looked delicious and ripe hanging off several branches. However, there were also a few rotten apples sitting around each tree. Already, you were starting to see the cracks in the Apple Family way of things.

 

A mighty kick to the tree yielded little fruits. You kicked a few more times before sighing in defeat and collecting was fell and what felt salvageable. At least there were plenty of bucket to separate the various qualities of fruit.

 

The sun finally rose over the horizon as you finished filling the first cart. Applejack sighed as she dumped another armful of apples into the last bucket. “Okay, now to go to dump these in the barn and get some more before Granny Smith starts making her pies. Save the best apples for sale and the decent ones go into pastries, got it?”

 

You nodded in reply as you helped Applejack push the apple filled wagon back to the barn. A decent pile of apples were already awaiting inside for inspection as you dumped a bucket of apples onto a nearby table. “Big Mac harvested all this himself? Man, that stallion is built.”

 

“He knows what he's doin'. Dunno what Ah'd do without him.” Applejack sighed as she dumped a few damaged apples aside.

 

“Hire more workers? These fields are massive and there's no way you two can handle the workload by yourselves.” You suggested.

 

“Maybe....but is there any pony we could really trust to help us? We've tried to hire a few more hands around here but the only ponies that care about hard work are the farmers that have their own wares to tend to.” She replied.

 

“Advertise outside of Ponyville for extra help. It's not a case of do you want to, it's a case of you NEED more help to keep the supply of apples flowing into the barn before they rot.”

 

“Yea yea....I bet you think it's that easy, huh?” Applejack boasted as she continued to sort apples.

 

“With my connections, yea I know I could. You have to spend money to make money and having more product to sell will help you.” You said.

 

“Grrr....never mind all that. We need to get back to work.” Applejack grunted as she put all the buckets back into her wagon. “Hurry it up. We only have a few hours before we need to help Granny make the pies for today.”

 

“See that's my point right there. You and Big Macintosh are working the fields, sorting the apples, helping your grandmother make pies and I'm sure you have to go out and sell them yourself while Big Macintosh continues this cycle by himself.” You pointed out.

 

“I'm not saying run out and hire a few ponies right this second. Just please consider my advice for half a second before throwing it away. It's all I can ask.” You pleaded with the stubborn farmer as you tossed a few rotten apples in the trash.

 

“Grr...fine. Ah aint making any promises....but y'all do make a good point about a thing or two.” Applejack sighed as she grabbed a bucket of the finest apples she could find. “Come on, let's get these to Granny real quick.”

 

You grabbed a bucket and tried to pick it up. The bucket barely left the table before your arms gave out. “Hold on...” You groaned before taking a breath and yanking the heavy bucket into your arms. How Applejack held hers so effortlessly boggled your mind.

 

“Heh, we'll build some muscles on those twigs yet, city boy.” Applejack teased as she led the way out of the barn. You rushed ahead of her, whimpering as the weight of the bucket threatened to tear off your arms.

 

You rushed into the kitchen and let the bucket slam onto the counter. “Whew...I can't feel my fingers.” You groaned.

 

The shrill cackle of an elderly mare filled your ears. “Good to see Applejack has been keeping you busy. Don't collapse before the sun sets on us, boy.”

 

“Yes ma'am.” You replied to Granny Smith instantly.

 

“Well, lets see what you brought me.” Granny Smith eased herself out of her rocker chair and leaned over the bucket of apples. “Yea, these'll do. Come back in two hours so y'all can start sellin' some pies!”

 

You stifled a groan. Another two hours in the orchards? There was no way you were going to keep up with this pace. Still, you followed Applejack back outside and continued to collect apples while running the math in your head.

 

Another flaw in the system. Not only was Granny Smith not prepared to make any pies before you had arrived, it was only her in the kitchen with a single oven. Everything seemed to fall on those three to do all the work. You shuddered to think about any accidents, sickness or any reason that would force more of an impossible workload on such a tight crew.

 

Even with Applejack's athletic body, Big Macintosh's massive muscles and Granny Smith's tenacity, their farm NEEDED more. It might not be the answer they wanted but it was the only answer they were going to get. You saved your mental strength for later when all of the Apples were together. No sense in trying to convince them one at a time.

 

Applejack frowned as she grabbed her full cart and compared it to yours. “Better hurry. Granny is gonna want out to the markets soon and Ah don't trust you out here alone...” She gave a little huff before pulling her cart past you.

 

Whatever. You grabbed your cart and followed Applejack back to the barn to drop off your apples. Big Macintosh was already waiting, sorting out more apples while he waited. “Sis.....Anon.”

 

He grabbed a few buckets of sorted apples and put them in your carts. The wagons were already heavy enough as it was and you still had pies to fetch. Applejack continued to embarrass you by pulling her wagon along with no delay. She was already leaving the house with her set of pies before you were even halfway to the modest home.

 

“Ugh, it would be faster if I pulled both by myself.” Applejack groaned before taking off down the dirt road to town. You were already soaked with sweat and the long walk to town make you weary. Still, it was the Apple family way and you had to stick to it if it meant earning enough trust to get some good advice to stick with them.

 

You were so busy constructing arguments in your head that you hadn't realized you were already at the markets. The aid of the cobblestone streets had pulled some of the strain off your back as you followed Applejack to a blank stall.

 

“Here we are! Time to get to sellin' these here apples.” Applejack smiled as she unloaded her cart. There was no presentation to anything. Her stall was barely holding together, no decoration, no advertisements or anything.

 

She had barely stepped in front of the stall before a line of ponies had gathered in front of her. “Git yer apples and apple pies, y'all!” Applejack shouted into the crowd. The sheer number of ponies that had gathered in seconds left you baffled. “Heh, time for the good part.” Applejack boasted.

 

You pitched in as best you could, handing out pies left and right as ponies crowded the stall. As soon as the last pie left your hands, the intense crowd let out a giant groan of disappointment. Slowly, the crowd dispersed all with sour looks on their faces.

 

“Hey, where are they going? There's still plenty of apples...” You looked at the buckets still untouched as the crowd faded away. “Hey....HEY!” You shouted out to a mare wandering back to her stall.

 

She turned around with a frown still painted on her face. “Yes? What is it?”

 

“Sorry to be so rude, but could you tell me why everypony left? Sure, we ran out of pies but there's lots of apples left! You could easily make your own pies with them.”

 

The mare shook her head. “We've tried. Everypony has tried to make the same sweet, delicious pies that the Apples make but it's no good. Nopony in Equestria bakes a pie like an Apple can.”

 

“One more question. Does anypony actually buy their apples or is it just the pies?” You scratched your chin in thought.

 

“Oh of course ponies buy their apples. They sell the whole bucket for ten bits and you're set for a month! Some ponies split the purchase because they can't eat all the apples before they go bad.” The mare bit her lip as a line started to form at her stall. “If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work.”

 

You were in shock. The entire bucket of apples....for ten bits?? No wonder the Apples were sinking. A great product that cheap was bound to get exploited. You turned back to the stall to see Applejack staring at you.

 

“Y'all done bothering folk? We got apples to sell! APPLES! GIT YER APPLES!” Applejack shouted into the crowds of ponies.

 

“Sure thing. I just don't have your lungs is all.” You grumbled back. “Apples! Apples ripe and fresh from the Apple family orchards! Come one, come all for these delicious fruits!”

 

Applejack screamed and shouted while you approached a few ponies in person. Not a single sale for two whole hours. “Dang it....no big sales. Sit tight. Ah'll get one of the wagons and see if Granny has any more pies for us.”

 

The earth pony scooped up the lock box with all the bits inside. “Can't be too careful.” She mused as she tossed it onto her wagon. “Hold down the fort till Ah come back.”

 

You waited patiently for the mare to return. With Applejack out of the way, it provided another opportunity to quiz the townsfolk. You reached out with a few questions in mind now that you had a clear picture as to why sales were so low.

 

“How many apples do you actually eat from a whole bucket? How many apples do you think you really need to buy at once? Would you say one to two bits is fair for an apple of this quality?” You asked and asked as many ponies as you could, slipping a few apples from the buckets into their palms as payment.

 

Half an hour later, Applejack returned. Her cart carried far fewer pies than what you had loaded up beforehand. The Apples knew their pies sold but had no way to make enough for them to really be profitable at all. “How many baskets did you sell, city boy?” She asked before sliding more pies onto her stall.

 

“None. Talked with several ponies but none seemed to want any.” You kicked at a rock sitting on the road and shrugged.

 

“Y'all call yourself a fry-natural manager? Can't even sell the best apples in Equestria...” Applejack rolled her eyes.

 

“The talent of analysis and number crunching has nothing to do with screaming at ponies about produce. Hopefully by the time I have all my thoughts gathered and ready for you, I can convince you to make some needed changes.

 

Applejack rolled her eyes right back at you. Already, a line of ponies was forming at the stall. “Y'all dunno what you're talking about. See? Ponies ready for some apples right here!”

 

You watched as the same scenario played out before you. Each pony eagerly tossed money onto the counter for a pie and left. Absolutely zero sales of apples left the table. The only purchase was the pies.

 

“Sure did sell a lot of apple PIES, Applejack. Didn't once see a sale for apples...”

 

“....It's a slow day, okay? Usually there's TONS of ponies clamoring for our apples!” Applejack puffed out her chest.

 

You frowned. “Applejack, I've talked with the ponies that wander over by the stall. They tell me you're selling entire barrels for a steal and that they only restock because the apples they can't eat spoil on them.”

 

“Nah-uh! Apple family apples don't go bad!” Applejack replied, her face red from such a blatant lie.

 

“That's why we sorted out all the rotting apples before coming to sell them, right?” You reminded Applejack.

 

“.....Shoot.” Applejack bit her bottom lip while hiding her face with her hat. “Maybe they rot a little.”

 

You sighed. “Applejack, I'm trying to help. I don't want to tear you or your family apart but this stubborn way of doing things has to end soon. Isn't there any point in your life where you recognized that being stubborn was the wrong answer to things?”

 

Applejack suddenly seemed interested in the cobblestone road. She stared at the ground and pushed her hat back onto her head. “Fine...Ah'll listen to what y'all have to say. Just...please don't make it too harsh for Granny. Ah know she's an ornery ol' gal but Ah don't want her to get into a shouting match with anypony.”

 

“I understand. Thank you, Applejack.” You smiled and gave her a thumbs up. “How late do we usually stay to sell our wares?”

 

“Eh, market has a mind of its own. Some ponies are out here from the crack of dawn till past dark.” Applejack shrugged as she reached back over to her wagon and grabbed a pie hiding at the bottom. “Want some?”

 

“Applejack, shouldn't you sell that?” You asked. “While I would love another slice of such delicious pie, I can't in good faith eat what could be easily sold.”

 

“Nah, poor thing got cold before Ah could get it to the stall. Granny says we're always welcome to eat leftovers. No waste, ya know?” Applejack licked her lips as she reached under the stall and grabbed a spotty looking fork. “Last chance...”

 

You shook your head. Applejack shrugged and dug into the pie all by herself. Her appetite was impressive as she devoured the entire pie herself in a few minutes. Applejack's usually flat tummy had a small curve to it as she scraped the last of the filling from the pie tin.

 

BUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRP

 

The stuffed farmer gave her bare midriff a pat. “Oh golly, if that doesn't hit the spot. Ah've been starved all day.”

 

You decided not to count that against Applejack. While it was true she had literally eaten profits, a hard worker like her needs the extra calories. “So, should we head back or is Granny one of those types that insists on the stall being open till the sun sets?”

 

“Probably should stay out...but if y'all think it might be best to head back and put some brain power into how we do things, we should do it before dinner.” Applejack sighed as she gathered up the full buckets of apples.

 

A few minutes later and you were both back on that bumpy dirt road. You were focused on every little plan and detail swimming around in your brain. The cost of your plan was going to cut deep. Maybe even put your personal finances in the red for a few weeks but if you succeed, they'll be more bits than you could dream of not only for the Apples, but from an impressive partnership with Mister Orange.

 

“Ah haven't seen a pony so lost in thought before. Y'all sure you can handle it?” Applejack called out. You finally realized you were standing next to the Apple's barn by yourself. Applejack and Big Macintosh walked out of the barn after stowing their carts. Bog Macintosh walked past you and Applejack gave you a weak smile.

 

You nodded. “No worries. I'm just setting up a big gamble for myself and it wont be pretty if we don't succeed.”

 

“We?” Applejack asked.

 

“I'll explain inside. All I need you to do is please keep an open mind about all this and if you believe I can help you, try and aid your family in seeing my logic.” You sighed before stepping into the Apple's home.

 

“Big Mac? What're ya doin' home so early? There's apples to be picked!” Granny Smith was already winding up for a brawl, it seemed. She frowned as you and Applejack walked into the living room. “Oh horse apples. Ah shoulda figured YOU would be the reason behind this.”

 

Granny Smith slowly sat down in her rocking chair and glared at you. “Well? Git to talkin', young'un. What sorta fancy smancy mathematics are y'all gonna throw at me?” Granny folded her arms over her chest.

 

“Don't worry. I wont be talking about your personal finances. The discussion I want to have right now is only about making more money immediately so that an increased income can relieve some of the stress you've been under.” You began your argument.

 

“So? Git to talking. Words are cheap, sonny.” Granny Smith huffed.

 

“Miss Smith, I need you to make more apple pies.” You said

 

“Wha?” She unfolded her arms and scoffed. “Y'all want an apple pie, y'all gotta wait till dinner AND after Applejack says you did a good job o' working them fields!”

 

“Of course.” You smiled for a second. “However, I don't mean for myself. Miss Smith, do you know how much of your daily income comes from your pies? Nearly ALL of it. Every single bit you earned today was because of your incredible apple pies.”

 

“Flattery gets you nowhere, sonny.” Granny Smith turned to Applejack. “Issat true, AJ?”

 

She nodded. “It's true...no apple sales today, Granny.”

 

“Shucks....tomorrow is another day!” She stomped her foot. “Plenty of apples for the town to enjoy for sure!”

 

“That's the core problem, Miss Smith. You're underselling your wares. Most ponies I talked to today said an entire bucket is way too much for them to eat. You need to offer alternatives besides an entire bucket of apples or you wont see any profit.” You explained.

 

“Eh, we raise the price and nopony will buy them!” Granny Smith groaned.

 

“Well, nopony is buying them now.” Granny Smith frowned harder. You had to back off just a little. “Don't stop offering buckets because that is a good deal but why not offer a smaller size for less? I guarantee ponies will start buying more apples once they have more options.”

 

Granny Smith still wasn't convinced. “So what does any of that have to do with pies?”

 

“You need to make more for your customers. The supply doesn't match with demand and if you had more pies to sell, you'd have the opportunity to make a LOT more money.”

 

Applejack cleared her throat. “Anonymous, that sounds like a good idea on paper but we don't have anypony else to make the pies. Granny already works herself to the bone to make what she can.”

 

You nodded. “I'll propose a deal, then.”

 

“NO! NO DEALS!” Granny Smith crossed her arms once more. “Yer not gittin' yer hands on any part of this farm over my dead body!”

 

“Granny!” Applejack frowned. “Y'all haven't even heard what Anonymous has to say. Ah know we Apples have our pride but what happens when Applebloom gets sick and we don't have the money to take care of her? What happens if we have a bad season and we have to pile on more debt?”

 

The elderly mare softened her expression. “Then we deal with it how we always have. With hard work and a bit o' luck.”

 

“Granny....” Big Macintosh finally spoke up. “Ah've never stepped away when the going gets rough but how long are we gonna let it stay rough? Ah don't like the idea of anypony messing with how we do things but we're out of options...”

 

Big Macintosh turned to you. “Anon...ya promise that your idea wont interfere with how we do things around here?” He cracked his knuckles and sighed. “There was a run-in a few years ago where some slick ponies thought they could take over our fields for themselves. Ah'll listen to what you have to say but the second Ah hear things about joint ownership of anything, you'll be out the door faster than you can blink.”

 

You nodded. “I had a feeling this was going to be the case so my plan cuts out any sort of endangerment to your property. I don't want your income, your property or anything of the sort. One hundred percent of the costs will fall to me, meaning that if you fail, I fail.”

 

“My plan is to have Applejack and Big Macintosh stay in the house and streamline the production of all the pies. I wouldn't dare ask to have a family recipe be repeated to anypony you didn't trust.” You explained.

 

“So then who works the fields, genius?” Granny Smith chuckled.

 

“I'll take this week to learn as much as I can about the orchards. What to work, how to work, where to work and quality control on everything. Then, once she is satisfied that I know as much as I can, I'll hire workers using my own bits to supply the labor needed to get the apples to your stall as well as someone to supervise it from when the market first opens to when it closes.”

 

You sighed as you finished your explanation. “If profits increase and you feel as if you can trust the ponies I hire, I'll help negotiate a longer contract so they can continue to help you provided you pay them to work the fields. I estimate I can hire enough workers to last a month's time but after that, I'll have burned through my savings and will need you to pick up the slack.”

 

“What's the catch?” Granny Smith asked again. “City folk don't make deals like this without some sorta back trick up their sleeve.

 

“Heh. The catch is I send word back to your relative in Manehatten that your farm isn't in danger and he promotes me in his company when I go back.” You sat back in your seat and took a deep breath. “Like I said, I'm here as a favor of Mister Orange. If this plan fails, I'll most likely get demoted to the mail room and I wont be able to afford my apartment back home, then lose my job.”

 

“I'm serious when I say I'm laying it all on the line for this.” You gripped the armrests tight. “If you fail, I fail and I CAN'T let this idea of mine fail.”

 

Granny Smith narrowed her eyes at you. “....You'd be willin' to throw away everythin' for us? Sonny, have you got a screw loose?”

 

“Ahem...” Big Macintosh cleared his throat. “Ah think what Granny means to say is that while that's a generous offer, we can't accept. We might be desperate for help but putting you in danger is too big of a risk.”

 

You looked over at Applejack. “When I talked with the ponies in town, they admitted they have tried everything to make their pies taste even half as good as whatever recipe your granny has hidden up her sleeve. If you even had double the pies you had today, I would guarantee you'd be coming home with twice as many bits.”

 

Applejack bit her lip. “Ah dunno...We're simple folk that don't like taking these kinds of risks. Sure, we've been hard on ya but that doesn't mean we want to see you bitless at our expense...”

 

There was no stopping the sigh that came from your chest. “Desperate times need desperate measures. I was hoping that by taking the full burden of this crazy plan, I could convince you guys into a big change but if that isn't the case, so be it.”

 

You stood up from your seat. “I'll be packing up and heading to the train station. Thank you for everything.” You gave Applejack one last smile before turning towards the stairs.

 

“Anonymous, wait!” Applejack called out. “We....We accept your deal. If y'all can start digging us out of this hole we're in, we'll gladly help get you your money back....but we need results first! Write up receipts or something. Just...please....help us.”

 

“Applejack!” Granny Smith shouted. “We wont drive this boy to poverty to keep us going.”

 

While the Apples began to feud with each other, you pulled a tiny pocket book from your back pocket. “Excuse me, may I use your phone? I need to make some calls to set up my end of the deal.”

 

Big Macintosh nodded. He turned to Granny with a little smile. “Granny, aint it about time for dinner? Applebloom should be home any second and she'll be hungry from school.”

 

“Ack! Ah forgot!” The old mare jumped to her feet in a flash. “Can't have anypony here hungry under my watch. Thanks for remindin' me, Mac.” Just like that, the discussion had ended. Now it was up to you to make sure everything went off without a hitch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your eyes shot open as Applejack banged on your door. Even after three weeks of early wake up calls, your body still refused to adjust. It was gonna be another cold shower for you just like every day in this modest house.

 

“Y'all up? Another hard day ahead of us.” Applejack called out.

 

“I'm up!” You warned the farmer before she decided to break down the door. At the very least, you had streamlined your routine to be downstairs as soon as possible. The frigid water helped to keep you from stalling in the shower for too long.

 

The kitchen was cramped as could be nowadays. Even under your dime, the Apples insisted to feed and care for your new workers. It helped that they were working as hard as they could knowing that future work was riding on their success.

 

“Okay, boys. Ready for another day?”You were first to rise from the table to gather plates for the sink. They all nodded back, helping you clean the kitchen in moments.

 

“Good luck, boys!” Granny Smith smiled. She gave each a little handshake as they left for the fields. “You too, Anon. Make us proud.”

 

“Yes ma'am.” You smiled back. “Anything I need to be aware of for today?”

 

“Nope!” Big Macintosh called out. He was already at work preheating the oven and gathering everything needed to bake pies. Applejack soon joined him, eager to start the day herself.

 

You couldn't help but notice the happy aura in the room compared to your first day so long ago. Perhaps it was finally being accepted after almost a month of nonstop hard work. Maybe it was the added help giving the Apples a bit of time for themselves instead of working to the bone.

 

Of course, profits from your changes were sure to help any struggling family. You took a moment to check your notebook while wandering to the barn. Numbers were rising every day and there didn't seem to be any tapering off. Once the whole town realized that pies were on sale all day, the stall never seemed to slow down.

 

The other big change of apple prices were slowly starting to roll in as well. Just as you had predicted, smaller batches were drawing in the crowds. Bigger amounts of smaller sales were working just as planned. Hopefully it would be time to roll out the next big idea soon enough.

 

Enough thinking and planning. It was time for apple picking. Your hired boys were already out in the fields collecting and it was up to you for quality control and offering breaks. There was already a huge pile of apples to sort through and it needed your attention.

 

As well as lightening the load off the Apples, your hires were collecting more and more every day. Less product was being wasted to rot and that meant more apples for sale and more pies to draw in customers. In half an hour, you already had a full cart for the markets and enough for a couple dozen pies.

 

You pushed the back door open with a giant bucket in your hands. “First haul of the day, guys. Ready for it?”

 

“Sure thing! Set 'em over here, Anon.” Applejack mumbled. You watched as she finished off the last bit of an apple pie and followed it with a big helping of milk.

 

“Eating so soon after breakfast again, Applejack? You're gonna bloat up like a balloon at this rate.” You warned her.

 

“Aw shucks, Anon. Can't a girl enjoy herself for once? Don't you start with all that “You're eating into the profits” nonsense neither. You and your boys are gonna get your due once we finish paying off our debts.”

 

Applejack suppressed a tiny belch before returning to her duties. While it wasn't a financial problem, there was certainly an issue with Applejack eating so much. Now that she wasn't breaking her back out in the fields every day, the calories she seemed to love were sticking to her body. The once lean farm girl now sported a noticeably chubby belly that was currently squished against the counter.

 

How Applejack didn't notice the cold counter on her bare belly was anyone's guess. What was more concerning was the fact that her hips and rear were clearly outgrowing her jean shorts. A doughy muffin top was pooling over the waistband and you could almost see the bottom of her butt cheeks hanging out of the leggings. This Apple pony was certainly becoming a heavy pear if you didn't try to speak up.

 

“Leave her be, Anon. Hard workers need to eat, ya know!” Granny Smith chuckled. “Besides, you don't trust a skinny baker now do ya?”

 

“Granny! Ah am NOT fat! It's just a bit of winter weight is all.” Applejack protested.

 

“AJ....it's July...” Big Macintosh corrected his sister.

 

“Well....whatever! Ain't causing us any trouble so Ah say it's not an issue, got it?” Applejack frowned as everyone shared a little chuckle.

 

“It's your business so do as you like, Applejack. I'm just giving a little warning is all.” You set down the buckets you had sorted around the kitchen. “Speaking of expanding, I'd like to take a moment tonight to ask about an idea to boost your sales numbers.”

 

Applejack was still blushing too hard to reply. Granny Smith set down her knife and turned to you. “Anon, is that really needed? Ah told ya, Ah didn't want a dozen new changes to things.”

 

“Granny, I wouldn't even bother asking more of you without considering how you felt. I just want to make sure you guys have the earning power you need to make a comfortable safety net for a rainy day.”

 

The old mare shrugged. “Dang nabbit, Anon....yer right. Just cause we're on the up and up isn't a reason to start slackin'.” Granny Smith wrapped you up in a big hug. “Thanks for buttin' heads with this stubborn ol' mule, sonny.”

 

You returned the hug with a smile. “No worries. It wont be anything extreme. Just an extra idea to earn more money. For now, let me get back to work and take some pies down to the markets before they open.”

 

Applejack was already tearing into another pie as you tried to load them up for the market. If she didn't get this snacking under control, you could be left with a very ripe, plump Apple that was going to stall profits. Perhaps it might be a good idea to coax Applejack out of the kitchen and back into the fields? Perhaps the market at least where it would be too busy to stay snacking? Whatever the solution would be, it could wait till later. There was still much to do today.

 

You helped pick some apples in the fields, sorted them and sent them to market. Ponies were lined up through the markets to get some delicious pies and fresh apples. The lockb ox was already overflowing with bits and the day had only just begun. A happy smile was stuck to your face as you rushed the money back to the Apples.

 

The day flew by as you kept yourself busy. Before you knew it, the sun was about to set on Ponyville. You bid your workers good night as they wandered to the inn while you sought refuge back at the Apple home.

 

“Anon! Come on in. Dinner is just about ready..if mah sister doesn't eat it all first...” Applebloom smirked as she finished setting the table.

 

“Applebloom, be nice to your sister. She's worked hard for a long time and if she wants to enjoy life to the fullest, let her be happy.” You reminded the little girl.

 

“As long as that full belly o' hers doesn't snap off any buttons.” Applebloom continued to tease.

 

“Ya know Ah'm right here, sis? Another peep and you wont be getting dessert.”

 

Granny Smith sat down with an impossibly wide smile. “Missy, if ya don't stop snacking, NONE of us are getting' any pie tonight!”

 

The whole table launched into laughs, leaving poor Applejack blushing. She gave her soft tummy a slap and rolled her eyes. “W-Whatever y'all wanna joke about, go ahead and get yer laughs out right now. At least we can afford to put on some weight now.”

 

You shrugged. “If we get more revenue streams going, it could mean the end of you guys breaking your backs every day for the rest of your life.”

 

“That's right. Ya had an idea to run by us, didn't ya?” Granny Smith asked as she began filling everypony's plate with food. “Did ya wanna wait till after dinner?”

 

“Nah, now is fine.” You waited for everypony else to have a full plate before you began. “It's nothing that I don't think you'll object to. What if we built a stall around the train station? That way, ponies coming and going could make sure to buy a pie or two and spread around the good word?”

 

Granny Smith let out a heavy sigh. “Oh goodness, Anon. Is that all? Here Ah was worryin' you'd be looking to sell out the farm or somethin' nasty...”

 

“Not at all, Miss Smith. Instead of paying me back right away, use that money to set up a new stall, hire another person to watch it and have ponies from all over Equestria ready to try out some REAL food.” You spoke through bites of your meal.

 

“Sounds like a solid plan...” Big Macintosh spoke up. “Plus if ponies outside Ponyville like our wares, maybe we could find a way to expand business even farther out.”

 

You clapped your hands together. “Excellent idea, Big Macintosh. If word gets out about the best pies in Equestria, we might even be able to expand to other train stations.”

 

Big Macintosh chuckled. “Tryin' ta sell yer idea as mine? Nice try, Anon....but that is a really good idea.”

 

“Well, one step at a time, Mac. Plus as I've said, I don't want to overstep our boundaries. Not to mention my original contract with the new workers is set to expire so we'll have to renegotiate that little problem first.”

 

“Anon, slow down and enjoy dinner.” Applejack called out. “The idea of a sales booth by the train is fine. We just need to get to a point where we can build it is all.”

 

Another smirk spread around the table as Applejack finished another apple pie by herself. Somepony was certainly enjoying dinner far more than her family was. “Okay, okay. I'll stop the chatter for now. Better to get these kinds of things done with before it's too late.”

 

Everything was falling into place. You waited until dinner was over and could get some privacy to make sure your plans were going to succeed. The little black pocketbook had a very important number that needed dialing tonight.

 

“Hello? Mister Orange? Good to hear from you too. Everything is going great out here. The documentation should be there overnight to prove I've been holding up my end of the deal. Fantastic. The boys you sent down here are working just fine. Your family should be ready to hire them on their own payroll soon and I have plans to make sure they keep making more money so your worries are gonna be over very soon...”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Ahhhh...” You let out a moan of satisfaction as warm water ran down your back. It had taken three miserable, cold months before you finally adjusted your sleep schedule. It was refreshing to wake up on your own and avoid the wrath of Applejack's iron knuckles on your door. The sensation was doubled when you started to wake up before the Apples themselves, ensuring as much hot water as you wanted for your shower.

 

“Good morning, Mac.” You grinned as you allowed him access to the shower. He gave a little nod and walked in, savoring the warmth still lingering in the air.

 

“Oh, Anon? Could ya wake Applejack? That gal is getting lazier by the day and Ah don't like it one bit.” He smirked while cracking his knuckles. “Perhaps a little payback for how noisy she likes to be during the mornings...”

 

You soon shared his wicked grin. “Sure thing.”

 

Applejack's door was right next to yours near the end of the hallway. You could hear her snoring the early morning hours away. With their fields tended to by the heartiest of stallions, there was little need to be so riled up before sunrise. It was pure habit that drove the Apples to wake up so early and some habits were being broken left and right. Still, the Apples stayed stubborn and proud of their work so that the profits could continue to roll in.

 

You readied your fist and slammed it hard into the wooden door. “Applejack! Wake up! Can't have you slacking on us now. Responsibility is calling!”

 

No response. Your smile grew wider as the slamming upon her door echoed through the house. “Applejack! Wake up wake up wake uuuupppp!”

 

Finally, her door flew open. A drowsy, bumbling mare forced her eyelids open a millimeter to stare at you in the darkness. “Anon....could ya stop with all the ruckus?”

 

“Fine. Sleep in all day. I wont be the one missing out on a warm shower and breakfast.”

 

The mere mention of food made Applejack's tummy gurgle. You couldn't help but blush as you realized just how little the flabby farmer was wearing. Applejack's low cut shirt was barely holding back her soft, plump tits. They filled out the shirt and stretched the fabric, struggling to hold back the wobbling fat.

 

Her belly soared out in front of her, drooping low over her thighs. Applejack's intense love of pies had caught up to her, turning her from the lean, fit farmer into a doughy, wobbling beach ball of lard. There was no hiding such a big, round belly from anypony's eyes at this point. No baggy clothing, no uniform, nothing could hide such a soft gut, doughy love handles and jiggly rolls clinging to her sides.

 

The most notable part of Applejack had to be the impossibly huge rear she had gained from all her snacking. If you thought her belly was huge, Applejack's ass was even bigger! Each cheek rippled as she waddled about thanks to her thick, fatty thighs that rubbed together as she walked. You were sure that if she were to keep snacking as she was, the fat mare was going to end up wider than she was tall. You knew for a fact that the local seamstress was having trouble keeping up with Applejack's appetite, forever forced to craft bigger and bigger sizes for the greedy mare.

 

“Y'all mind getting out of the way? Can't begin the day with you standing there...” Applejack huffed as she waddled forward. She stepped out into the hallway slowly, keeping her eyes closed as sleep threatened to reclaim her. You watched as she cracked open an eye to notice she wasn't actually going anywhere.

 

“Huh?” She opened her eyes fully and looked around. Her bright blush illuminated the hallway as she realized her soft hips and rear were lodged in the door frame. “Horseapples.” She muttered before trying to squeeze herself out of the tight door frame.

 

All you could do was chuckle. “We kept telling you, AJ. All those pies were going right to your hips but you just couldn't stop, could you?”

 

“Quit gabbin' and get me outta here! Ya might've saved the farm but Ah won't hesitate to flatten you for running your mouth...”

 

“Hey, I hear some guys are into that.” You smirked as you grabbed Applejack's hands. “Some stallions pay big money to have an ass like yours smother them.” A hard yank popped Applejack free from her prison.

 

“I bet you'd know all about that, pervert.” Applejack slammed her hips into you, knocking you into the wall. “Thanks for the help, now get outta here so Ah can shower in peace...” Applejack huffed as she turned herself sideways to fit into the bathroom door.

 

It didn't take long for Applejack to join you downstairs for breakfast. A could shower always sped up the day no matter how slow it began. The fat mare sighed as she sat down next to you, belly nearly touching the table. “Sorry 'bout that. Slept in a little today.”

 

“Not to mention the day before that and the day before that!” Granny Smith scolded her granddaughter. “Might be time we seriously cut down on the amount of snackin' and slackin' goin' on in this house.”

 

Even with the threat, Granny Smith still piled enough food for two ponies onto Applejack's plate. You couldn't help but glance over to see Applejack stuffing her face as fast as she could with no cares in the world. Her already exposing clothing did little to hide her expanding belly as she ate and ate.

 

“Either that or invest in some new chairs...” You teased. Applejack's rear was overflowing her chair and spreading over to rest upon yours and Applebloom's seat. A grunt of strained wood hit your ears as Applejack struggled to adjust herself.

 

“Ah don't see why we would. Everything is holding up FINE.” Applejack huffed as she finished her meal. She stood up a little too fast, forcing her breakfast to slosh about in her tummy and loosen the air trapped inside. The big mare burped hard for a second or two before flashing everypony a grin. She leaned over, letting her belly wobble and bounce before and collecting the dishes. Big Macintosh tried to help out but Applejack's wide rear was blocking the sink.

 

“I got word from the construction crew that the pie shop by the train station should be ready to go today. Make sure you make extra pies for it so we can see how profitable it can be.” You gave everypony a quick wave before rushing out to the train station.

 

Your call to Mister Orange did not disappoint. A stipend to keep profits flowing as well as your regular pay helped invest in a real fancy, flashy booth to attract customers. The stall was professionally built, painted and designed by the best. It featured an enclosed space for the vendor and the pies to keep them safe during any bad weather, heated shelves to keep pies warms, a gate to block off the sales window and a cash register instead of a rickety old lock box.

 

Everything was ready...except for one small detail you had forgotten. Who was going to run it? Everypony was going to be busy with their jobs and you hadn't hired anyone to sell pies at the booth. You walked back to the house trying to find an answer.

 

“Hey Anon. Why so glum?” Applejack called out as she was cutting apples for pies.

 

“I remembered that we don't have anyone to work the booth out by the train station. If we don't start selling as soon as possible, we might miss the right sales needed to get ponies buying...” You grumbled.

 

“Oh shoot, is that all?” Applejack laughed. “Ah can just have Applebloom take over the prep work here and Ah can go sell the pies. No problems, right?”

 

You smiled. “That could work. Do you trust Applebloom in the kitchen, tho?”

 

“Heck yea Ah do. Since we've been focused more on pies nowadays, Ah've been teachin' her how to make the perfect apple pie. Once she gets home from school, Ah'll ask her to help out for a little while.”

 

“Good thinking. I'll go back out and see how things are doing with the guys, then swing by in a few hours to check in on the stall.” You gave Applejack a quick thumbs up before running out and doing your noon checklist.

 

“Last thing...gotta see how AJ is doing.” You mumbled to yourself. Thankfully, you were already close to the train station. “Hopefully the sales are going just as I expected...”

 

You walked up to the pie booth to see a few ponies wandering off with their pies. It put a smile on your face to see things were going exactly as planned. You peeked into the booth properly and your face grew red as you noticed Applejack's top was dangerously close to slipping off and exposing her breasts. “Applejack! How has everything been going out here? Need a break?” You asked.

 

“Nah, everything is fine, sugarcube.” Applejack grinned back.

 

“AJ...mind telling me what's up with your clothing? Do I need to schedule another appointment with that tailor again?”

 

Applejack just laughed. “Aw Sugarcube, it's just a sales tactic. These ponies can't get enough of these curves.” Applejack adjusted her shirt to hide SOME of her deep cleavage. “Everything is going fine over here, sugarcube. Why not go and check on somepony else?”

 

“This is my last stop before I go and sort out paperwork for a little while. Speaking of paperwork...” You muttered as you opened the door and slid into the booth with Applejack. You didn't figure that she'd be working the booth so you got a face full of denim and booty in your face as you struggled to get to the cash register.

 

“Hey! What're ya doing? Don't be gettin' any funny ideas!” Applejack shouted as you slid beside her. The sound of something sliding around the bottom of the stall caught your attention.

 

“What the heck?” You bent down and grabbed an empty pie tin from skittering across the ground. A frown soon covered your face as you popped open the cash register and looked inside. There were a few bits but nowhere near enough for as many pies were missing from the booth. “Applejack...are you eating the pies out here instead of selling them?”

 

“Well....sure we've been getting sales but Ah'm getting hungry out here. You try sitting next to these delicious pies all day and not want a slice!” Applejack defended herself.

 

You closed your eyes and took a breath. “Fine....you want pies? I'll give you all the apple pies you want, fatty.” Applejack frowned as you grabbed your personal bag of bits hanging off your belt. “I want you....to eat ALL these pies, you whale.” You smirked before opening the cash register and poured dozens and dozens of bits into the machine.

 

Applejack's anger quickly faded. “What, are y'all seriously paying us so that Ah can stuff mah face?” She raised an eyebrow as you closed the till shut.

 

“You want to be a glutton? Fine. I can't have you ruining things for yourself and for me. I have a LOT riding on all this. Tons of investments, Mister Orange paying me directly to keep things in line and if paying MY money directly into YOUR pockets keeps my money flowing, so be it.” You bluffed. No way Applejack could eat ALL the pies in one sitting.

 

You grabbed a pie and shoved it right into her hands. “Go on, Applejack. EAT it. It's already paid for.”

 

“Whatever ya say. Thanks, Anon.” Applejack smiled as she brought the entire pie tin to her lips and began to scarf it all down. Crumbs and filling covered her lips as she ate like the greedy pig she was, filling up her belly and making her stool creak.

 

Applejack set the pie tin down only to have another pie shoved into her hands. The mare went back to it, making an even bigger mess of herself. Her stomach gurgled and glorped as it was forced to digest even more sugary bliss.

 

She grabbed another pie without slowing down. “Okay, Applejack. The joke is over. I'm not actually paying for all this. Stop eating!” She giggled before letting out a hard belch right in your face.

 

“Who's joking?” Applejack asked as she casually began eating another pie. The greedy mare returned to scarfing down on her pie, moaning as her vast tummy was slowly filled. “What, did y'all think Ah WASN'T gonna eat every pie in here? If ya think Ah wont, just watch me!”

 

The empty tins were starting to spill onto the floor and over the counter as Applejack reached over and grabbed yet another pie. No matter what the farmer claimed, she was still scarfing down pies as if she had never eaten in her life. Her tummy was gurgling loudly as it began to spill and droop over her tight shorts.

 

There was nothing for you to do but watch this incredible gluttony before you. It would be impossible to get your money from the register while Applejack ate. She was a pie eating machine, devouring every crumb as if her life depended on it. Apple chunks and gooey filling dripped from her mouth and onto her shirt as she continued to consume pie after pie.

 

A loud creak broke Applejack from her feast. Half a pie nearly slid out of the tin she was gorging out of as her stool let out another weary groan. A belch forced itself out of her mouth before Applejack looked around “Anon, ya hear that?”

 

You gave her huge, gurgling tummy a slap. “It's probably the stool you're smothering with that fat ass of yours.” Applejack shifted around and the same weary creak met your ears. “I bet your family can hear your sloshing gut and huge ass bursting the stall from here.”

 

Applejack shrugged. “Oh well. Granny always said the best mares have big appetites.” The pie was finished in seconds, only for another to meet her hands. She looked at your intense gaze and began to blush as she looked down at her massive gut. It was then that Applejack began to realize just how SMALL the stall was for her as any sort of jiggle of her body pressed her against the counter or the walls.

 

Nevertheless, the greedy farmer continued to eat. Her cares faded as soon as another pie met her lips. Applejack lost herself, eating and munching every bite in a daze of blorpy, excessive gluttony. The stool cried out with every bite as Applejack easily tackled her gargantuan task.

 

Another strain was brought to your attention as Applejack shifted down to grab a pie from the final shelf. It was your turn to blush as the waistband of her denim shorts was pulled as tight as it could be. Applejack's flabby muffin top was sagging over her shorts, threatening to burst her clothing right off!

 

You could only watch as one big swallow of sweet, fattening pie defeated Applejack's skimpy clothing. Her stomach lurched forward as the steel button was yanked out of the sturdy shorts, sending it flying over the counter. Applejack's belly thumped the counter hard, making a few pie tins clatter as her doughy stomach plapped hard into the booth. Applejack let out a content sigh as she rubbed her exposed belly as it squished and sagged free. “Ahhh....MUCH better.”

 

Slowly, Applejack devoured each and every pie. Her huge, gurgling stomach happily accepted every bite as she strained to keep eating. Every greedy bite made her gut expand, bigger and bigger until she had to push herself back into the wall behind her. Applejack's breathing grew short and shallow as her massive tank of a stomach was forced to hold over five dozen pies all at once.

 

“Oof....ooohhhh....uuurrrrrrppppp” Applejack moaned as a haggard belch left her lips. She leaned her weight back as much as she could, rubbing her bloated stomach and coaxing out more pressure from deep inside her gut. She pressed into her skin and moaned as more gas and pressure left her lips in a series of small, strained belches.

 

A crack filled the stall as Applejack shifted her weight. There was no time to react as another snap filled the stall and sent Applejack falling down. Her huge ass slammed hard into the splintered remains of her weakened stool as it finally broke from her immense weight.

 

“Ow...” Applejack whimpered as she rubbed her rear. “Anon....help a girl out, wont ya?”

 

“Too fat to get up? You need serious help, Applejack” You whined as you opened the door to the stall.

 

“Ah need more pies is what Ah need.” Applejack huffed as you grabbed her arm. You pulled her up to her feet as her body rubbed against the entire stall. She squished her belly into the door frame and sighed. “Come on, belly. Suck in a lil.”

 

You grabbed her hand and pulled hard. Applejack barely squirmed her way out of the booth with your help, popping loose after you gave a hard tug of her arm. Applejack smirked as she gave her distended, bloated, fat gut a pat. “Ah'm too much mare for that dinky little stall, Anon. Ya might wanna get it expanded for business.

 

 

“Sure, business. I can tell having you out here is gonna be a TERRIBLE idea.” You sighed. Applejack's gluttony had wasted the day as you realized the sun was about to set. You gave her arm a tug and tried to get Applejack moving along. A loud slosh filled the air as Applejack finally began to move at a snail's pace. Her body wobbled and rippled from her messy, chubby face to her impossibly wide rear bouncing left and right as she waddled home. “Now, who bought all the pies today?”

 

“You did.” Applejack smirked even wider before belching into the night air. “But Ah suppose if Granny asks, A bunch of ponies from the train station bought 'em all up.”

 

“Good.” You sighed as you looked back at the stall. “You need to actually SELL some pies tomorrow or else Applebloom takes over at the stall. If you manage to sell more than you eat AND convince Granny to put up booths at other stations, I'll consider expanding the booth for you.”

 

Applejack tried to reply but another burp echoed through the night. “Better install something better than a meek, little stool, Anon. Mah rear is a wrecking ball of flab, now!” She bumped her hips into you, nearly sending you flying to the ground.

 

“Whoops....” She giggled before giving her body a squeeze. “Guess Ah dunno just how big Ah'm getting'.” Applejack shrugged it off as her belly let out a gurgle. “Ah wonder what Granny is makin' for supper?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Come on, Applejack! We're gonna be late for the train!” You shouted. A few more bangs on her bedroom door would hopefully motivate the gal to get moving.

 

“Hold on, already! Ah told ya Ah was getting' dressed.” Applejack shouted back.

 

“Applejack, please. It was hard enough making these arrangements for you so you HAVE to hurry up.” You groaned.

 

“Y'all act like it's hard to get a private car on a train.” She hollered back.

 

You rolled your eyes. A private passenger car? Not as bad as you might think. A private SHIPPING car? Now that was a different story. “Let's go, Applejack. Whatever wont fit, we can deal with it in Manehatten.”

 

“Fine, but Ah'm warning ya. It's a doozy.” Applejack pushed open her bedroom door and let her arms flop to her sides. “See fer yourself.”

 

The poor mare was a ton of flab crammed into a suit half her size. Applejack's dress shirt was barely holding on with several of the buttons either unfastened or missing around her generous, melon sized breasts or near the bottom of her massive, swollen gut. Her coat was ripped around her arms as she struggled to slip her bingo wing biceps into the garment.

 

Her pants were completely unbuttoned and the belt couldn't fit through the last of the belt loops. Applejack's wide hips were sagging over her dress slacks as they struggled to contain her. Several tears littered the leggings of her pants as her incredibly thick, tree trunk sized thighs threatened to burst right through.

 

“That's not even the worse of it...” Applejack sighed. She slowly turned on the spot to reveal a vast, generous amount of ass cheek and rump cleavage was visible over the waistband of her pants. Her butt had taking the brunt of her snacking, growing four times as wide as Big Macintosh and each cheek was heavier than the cutie mark crusaders combined, making for an impossibly wide shelf of an ass that required an entire couch just to contain.

 

“Oh Celestia, Applejack. I TOLD you to cut back on the pies. We just had this suit tailored to fit you a week ago.”

 

“There were lots of meals between last week and today. You don't want a mare to starve to death, do ya?” Applejack shook her head as she waddled out of her bedroom. Thankfully, the Apple family had seen fit to get a few renovations with their new wealth. Primarily on the door frames and the furniture in Applejack's room.

 

“Whatever. We'll just have to see if we can get you covered up before the meeting. Not like you care about being so exposed anything. It's like you get off on it.” You groaned.

 

You didn't catch the tiny blush on Applejack's plump cheeks as she waddled after you. She certainly prided herself on how soft and squishy she had become and no amount of lectures were going to stop her at this point. The obese mare simply huffed after you, doing her best to waddle close behind to the train station.

 

“Anonymous and his...cargo....checking in.” You sighed as you gave the ticker taker your ticket. His eyes went wide at the sight of Applejack approaching the turnstile. “You um...wouldn't happen to have a better way to load up, would you?”

 

“O-Of course. Follow me.” The stallion leaned over and opened a utility door. “This will lead you to the back of the train where the cargo carriages are kept. If you need any help, let us know.”

 

You nodded before wandering down the wide hallway. It was a relief that you were able to even get Applejack on the train, let alone through the station. You only hoped your contact in Manehatten had done his part to provide transportation.

 

“Hey Anon.” Applejack huffed. “Is there any food in the train car? Breakfast was a bit light today.”

 

Predictable as always. “I had to convince the train master that we were hauling something besides your huge rear so I loaded up a few dozen pies for the trip. Try not to eat ALL of them on the way there.” You warned as you opened the doors to the train car.

 

The cargo doors were wide enough for Applejack to slip through. Her eyes went wide as she spotted the feast of apple flavored goodies littered everywhere. “Mmm, now this is a proper breakfast!” Applejack sat down with glee as she grabbed the nearest box of pies.

 

You shut the doors and sat down across from her. It amazed you that Applejack was still hungry after a meal that would have filled up ten ponies. Even with her clothing about to be reduced to shreds due to her endless gluttony, Applejack looked as peaceful as ever with half a pie crammed in her cheeks.

 

A sigh left your lips as the train began to move. Finally on your way to end this and get your massive payday as you were promised. The roar of the engine at the front of the train signaled it was the beginning of the end.

 

It had been a long, two years. Two years of breaking your back and making sure everything went smooth. Now here you were, about to head back to Manehatten and strike a business deal that would make sure the Apples would never EVER go broke. A deal that neither party could refuse.

 

Victory was close at hand. All you needed was for Applejack to waddle into that business room and agree to the term. You and the Apples were about to be very rich. “Anon, stop with all the silly faces. Take off that thinkin' cap and relax.” Applejack smiled as she slid a pie over to you.

 

“Your idea of relaxing is much different than mine, AJ.” You chuckled as you pushed the pie away. “I don't casually eat a million calories in a day.”

 

“Suit yourself. Someday, you'll let go of your worries and have some fun.” Applejack said before starting on another pie.

 

The rattle of the train filled the air for moment or two before you spoke. “Is that why you've been eating yourself to obesity? Fun?”

 

Applejack stopped her munching and gulping. “Anon...do y'all know what it's like to cut back on basic needs for as long as Ah have? We gave up so much to keep that farm profitable and didn't dare tell Applebloom of how many times we almost lost that house. Didn't need to worry her none.”

 

She licked her lips and continued. “When you came along and things finally started to turn around...Ah kinda gave in a little. It was nice to have an extra slice of pie for dessert cause Ah COULD have it. We weren't strugglin' as much and so Ah began to relax a little and enjoy mahself...”

 

You sighed. “Maybe a bit too much.”

 

“Not at all.” Applejack smiled. “Ah don't think Ah've ever been happier about anything. A lot of it is thanks to you, Anon. We can indulge in life properly now. Big Mac used his time to find a marefriend, Granny got twenty years back just from the lack of stress and we've got enough money for whatever Applebloom might need in life. Everything is swell.”

 

Swell was the perfect word as Applejack's stuffed tummy sent a button flying across the train car. You shook your head and smirked. “Don't forget the food and supplies needed to keep you fat in your own personal barn of gluttony.”

 

“Heck yea!” Applejack giggled before resuming her meal. The sarcasm lost on her, you sighed and looked out the window. Thankfully, it wasn't going to be too long before you made it to Manehatten.

 

Applejack was still gulping down pies as the train approached the station. Her face and suit were covered with crumbs and the floor was littered with dozens of empty pie tins. At least the staff at the station wont have to unload as much cargo as you thought. “Okay, Applejack. It's almost game time. You ready to sell these pies?”

 

“As long as Ah git mah fair share.” She winked before grabbing one or two more. The train slowed to a stop, ending Applejack's feast for now. “Help me up, Anon.”

 

A bit of huffing, pulling and pushing forced Applejack onto her feet. She took a deep breath that made her suit creak and whine as it struggled to hold her bloated body. “Okay. Lets go!”

 

No sooner were you off the train did you spot a sleek looking stallion holding up a sign with your name on it. His black suit, dark sunglasses and hat were the usual for high end chauffeurs for the city. “Hello, I'm Anon and this is my business partner, Applejack. You're here to take us to our meeting, correct?”

 

The stallion was lucky to have something to cover his eyes or else you reckon they would have bulged out of his head at the sight of Applejack's corpulent size. “Y-Yes sir. First class extra wide limo for Anon plus one right this way.”

 

“Hey, this is MAH business yer sellin'. Why aint it Applejack plus one?” She teased while following the driver.

 

“Because it's MY connections that got us here. You might make the best apple pies in Equestria but without the bridge between Ponyville and Manehatten, you'd still be at home making the floors creak from your huge ass.”

 

The driver said nothing as he led the way. You sighed in relief as he made his way to a behemoth of a vehicle. It almost seemed like a heavy duty military vehicle instead of a luxury ride. As long as it could hold Applejack and not instantly break, everything was going to be fine.

 

“Ooh, look at that fancy set of wheels! Ah'm excited to ride in style.” Applejack jumped into the back as the chauffeur opened the door. The rear axles creaked as her immense weight pushed the car down a few inches.

 

You could see the concern on the driver's face even with his professional sunglasses. “Just uh....no fast corners, I guess.” He nodded as you slipped inside the car and closed the door behind you.

 

Applejack was already sprawled out as much as she could. The fatty took up an entire couch inside the giant limo, forcing you to take a seat on one of the other couches. “Mah stars, this is amazing. Never had this much comfort in mah life.”

 

The engine turned over and your trip began. It managed to pick up speed after a few moments of the engine revving hard. Applejack was hard at work fiddling with every knob and switch she could find while you simply waited. Thankfully, the ride was short lived even with the giant load and the daytime traffic.

 

“Golly, the meeting is in there?” Applejack whistled as she looked up at the impressive skyscraper before her.

 

“Yup. A high class bigwig heard about your product and wanted to meet you in person. Ready?” You asked as you walked in. A receptionist looked up from her paperwork as you walked in. “Hello, I'm Anonymous and I'm here to meet your boss.”

 

“Ah, wonderful to hear. We've been expecting you. Take the elevator to your right and head to the top floor.” She took a look at Applejack and bit her lip. “Uh...sir? Perhaps she should wait and take the elevator by herself.”

 

You chuckled. “Apple glutton has to take the elevator all by herself. You better be thankful you don't have to climb twenty flights of stairs!”

 

“Ah could if Ah wanted to...” Applejack trailed off for a moment as you slipped through the elevator doors. It didn't take long for the elevator to take you to the top and take a look at the top floor. A glass door lead to the exposed room that served as a fancy balcony that overlooked the entire city. You took in the view as best you could through the smoky glass as you waited for Applejack to arrive.

 

The door let out a little chime and Applejack waddled through. “Ohh, an outside meeting on the roof? Your guy certainly knows how to make an impression. Lets get this over with already.” She pushed through the glass door to find a middle aged stallion waiting for you.

 

“Goodness....Applejack? Is that you? My....you've certainly GROWN since the last time I saw you as a little filly.” The stallion smiled and walked over, giving Applejack a big hug.

 

“Huh? Uncle Orange? What are you doing here?” Applejack quickly hugged him back.

 

“To discuss business, of course! I hear you've been growing a giant empire of apple pies and need someone to help spread the good fortune through Equestria.” He smiled as he gestured for you to follow him. He sat back down at his table and sighed. “Mister Anon has kept me up to date with all your sales and I'm so relieved that you've been able to turn things around for the farm.”

 

“Yea...we sure have.” Applejack slowly replied. “Uncle Orange, why didn't you just tell me that y'all wanted to help expand the business yourself?”

 

“It's not as simple as that. We have to draft contracts and the like. Agree on lots of little things. Such details are best discussed in person. I have to thank Anonymous in person as well since without him, I doubt you'd even consider coming to make such a deal in the first place.” Mister Orange nodded in your direction.

 

“Ah suppose so. Two years ago, Ah'd have been a stubborn mule about all the help.” Applejack sighed. “This is probably the best outcome, anyway. We're still gonna be quite stubborn about a LOT of things but family will understand, right?” Applejack replied.

 

“Of course, Applejack. I wouldn't have it any other way. As long as we make sure you'll never have any money troubles every again.” Mister Orange opened up a small folder and slid it over to Applejack. “I'll keep the technical lingo out of this and speak plainly. Once we're done, we can order some lunch and catch up on things.”

 

At the mention of food, Applejacks's stomach began to growl loudly. “Lunch sounds GREAT. We can get a few of the pies from the train, right Anon?”

 

You sighed. “Sure, Applejack. Until then, please stay focused on things, okay?” No matter how things changed, they always seemed to stay the same. Still, you helped Applejack throughout the negotiations all the same. With every signature, the future was looking brighter and brighter for all three of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It had been years since the last time you wandered down this dirt path. Years since you had visited Ponyville. The apple orchard definitely seemed much bigger since the last time you laid eyes upon it. Being the manager of the Manehatten branch of Apple Family Pies certainly took up most of your time nowadays but you wouldn't trade it for the world. Cozy position, lots to keep you busy and enough bits to keep you wealthy for a dozen lifetimes.

 

You took out the letter in your jacket pocket as you approached the Apple family home. Usually the yearly inspection would fall to somepony else but you decided it would be nice to take an unofficial vacation. It would be nice to see everypony again and check in with home base. You raised a hand to knock at the door but it opened before you could begin tapping on the wood.

 

“Anon, ya darned fool. Family doesn't need to knock. Come on in!” Granny Smith was as spy as ever, that sparkle in her eyes refusing to go out. She pulled you in for a hug and brought you into the house.

 

“Thank you, Miss Smith. It's great to be back for a little while.” You smiled at her.

 

“Anon, how many times have Ah gotta tell ya. Yer as good as family for all you've done for us so don't ya dare call me 'Miss Smith' anymore. Makes me feel like an old mare.” She smiled back and let out that weary chuckle of hers. “Mac! 'Bloom! Anon is here!

 

The clamoring of shoes against the floor filled the modest home as Applejack rushed into the kitchen. “Anon! How have ya been? How's Manehatten? Is Uncle Orange still doing swell?”

 

“Missed you too, Applebloom. Everything is going fine, sweetie.” You leaned down and gave her a big hug.

 

“Anon.” Big Mac smiled as he walked into the room. You let go of Applebloom and gave Big Macintosh a firm handshake. “How're things?”

 

“Ah, don't make me bore you guys with things. Sales are up, we've got more expansions in the works and looking to begin negotiations with Canterlot, Los Pegasus and even make connections with Appleloosa to help add to the every growing demand for apples. Things are great.”

 

Big Macintosh nodded. “Good to hear.” He looked around awkwardly for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Do ya wanna go see Applejack? She's...uh...up to the usual in her private quarters.”

 

You nodded. “Suppose I should. Perhaps this time, scolding her will teach her a lesson.” Big Macintosh smiled as he lead the way through the back door. Sitting behind the Apple house was a new building about the size of a barn. You could see a worker loading up a few boxes of pies onto a flatbed cart before disappearing into the special barn.

 

The sound of munching, slurping and moaning reached your ears as the barn door was opened. You followed the worker inside to find Applejack doing what she did best. An apple pie disappeared into her mouth along with a few chugs of milk, making her belly gurgle and slosh loudly. It shouldn't have been a surprise yet your jaw was dropping with just how huge Applejack had become over the years. Applejack was BIG. She was TITANIC. She was nothing more than a naked blob of orange blubber and only seemed to be growing bigger by the second.

 

Her breasts were as big as your head, soft and firm as they rested upon her gigantic tummy. Her stomach was immense, sagging down past her knees and forcing her thick legs apart. Her stomach pooled over the ground, filled to the brim with lard, pies and fattening milk sloshing away inside.

 

Applejack's hips had blown up, making her the biggest pear you had ever seen. You could only guess at the sheer size of her curves. You tried to extend your arms to measure but soon realized you would need another stallion or two just to properly touch both sides of her wide, flowing hips.

 

You gasped as you realized that you could see her butt cheeks from the front even with all her mass and blubber blocking your view. Each cheek had to be the size of a car and looked to be twice as heavy, Her rear jiggled and wobbled with every motion Applejack made as she continued to stuff herself silly with pies.

 

“Ahem.” You cleared your throat to get her attention. “Applejack? Piggy? Wide load?” You rambled off a few insults for good measure before Applejack finally stopped shoveling food into her mouth.

 

“Oh, Hiya Anon. How ya been?” Applejack sighed and gave her belly a quick pat, making her stomach wobble and jiggle hard. Her gut gurgled and sloshed, forcing a loud, sweet belch to fill the air for a few seconds.

 

“I've been well, Applejack. I can see that you've been taking care of yourself. Any problems here at the farm?”

 

“Heck no!” She licked her lips a little before continuing. “Ah've got all Ah need, now. Mah family can take care of themselves for generations and Ah've got all the delicious pies Ah could ever want.”

 

“Sure about that? Equestria is going to run out of apples before you stop eating, tubby.” You gave her thigh a meaty smack that made her ass ripple hard.

 

“Make all the jokes ya want, Anon. Some ponies celebrate success different is all.” She pushed another pie into her mouth and swallowed hard. “Anything Ah should know about business?”

 

“Nah. Just wanted to say hi since I was in the neighborhood. You take care, Applejack.” You waved your goodbye and left the glutton to do what she did best. She waved goodbye, making her body jiggle all over before biting into another pie.

 

“As long as she's happy, I guess.” You shrugged before making your way back to the Apple's home. “Plenty for me to do, anyway. I'll keep myself busy my own way and she can keep herself full.” Even so, it might be time to make good on your idea for a cozy little vacation right here in Ponyville.