Pinkie Apple Pie
Pony's Log Number 409: Today was just full of surprises...
One day at the Library, Twilight was just reading on the floor while surrounded by various stacks of books. She then finished the book she had been reading and put it back in a nearby stack. She then walked over to a nearby shelf to grab another book. Twilight didn't expect that by pulling out the book that Pinkie would be behind the book inside of the book shelf.
"Whatcha doin'?"
"AAAGH!" Twilight screamed.
"AAAGH yourself!" Pinkie replied, "But that doesn't answer my question, silly." Mario then zipped up in a hurry.
"What's wrong honey?" Mario asked and then noticed Pinkie in her random position, "Pinkie, why in the name of book ends are you in there?"
"Because I wanna know what Twilight was doing," said Pinkie as Twilight and Mario glared at her, "Now as I said before, "aaagh" doesn't answer my question." Pinkie just giggled to herself.
"Just some genealogical research," said Twilight.
"Ooh," said Pinkie with an exaggerated expression when she tumbled out of the shelf. Pinkie had just recovered when Spike walked by carrying some scrolls in his claws.
"I don't know what that is," Pinkie whispered to Spike.
"Genealogy is the study of family history," Spike explained as he added the scrolls in his claws to the pile, "Y'know, where ponies come from and who they're related to."
"Ooh, fascinating," said Pinkie.
"Not really," said Mario with a bored look on his face, "it's been nothing but disappointments and dead-ends for me. Whoever my family is, they've made it pretty clear. They don't wanna be found and they don't want me!" Pinkie looked at him sympathetically before blowing a raspberry.
"Well, their loss is our gain, big brother," said Pinkie, "We're your family and that's all you need!" Mario smiled as Pinkie went to read a scroll...from the lower bottom of the stack!
"Maybe you should pick one from the...top?" Twilight said wearily as Mario and Spike cringed. The stack of scrolls wobbled a bit but managed to stay intact. Twilight looked at Spike and Mario stunned, the former having the same expression on his face while the latter made a gesture to say his mind was blown.
"Uh-huh...Interesting...I see..." Pinkie said to herself as she started reading the opened scroll and walked backwards, "Hmm, that makes sense...Not much surprise there..." Twilight, Mario, and Spike just listened quietly when they suddenly...
"WHAT?!" Pinkie shrieked when Twilight opened a window to see that Pinkie had rolled out the scroll so she was standing and reading just outside the main town area.
"This is the most amazing thing ever!" said Pinkie as she bounced upward with a goofy smile on her face, "Why didn't you tell me how amazing this is?! Genealogy is better than cotton candy on top of a fountain of chocolate!" Pinkie then landed with a thud before she held the bottom end of the paper, "You'll never believe who it says I'm related to!"
It was only a few minutes later before Pinkie knocked on the door...to Applejack's home. Applejack answered the door.
"Hey, cousin!" said Pinkie before giving the orange pony a hug. While Applejack returned it, she was looking very confused.
(Main Theme)
Later that day inside the Apple family living room, Pinkie was just sitting on the sofa with the rest of the Apple Family gathered around her. Pinkie had told them what she had learned.
"This is just so excitin'," said Applejack, "I can hardly believe it!"
"I know," Pinkie replied, "Isn't it the best?"
"I have another sister! I have another sister!" Apple Bloom said as she bounced onto the sofa beside Pinkie.
"Well, you actually have a fourth cousin twice removed by a fifth cousin," Pinkie clarified, "but that's like exactly like a sister!"
"I'd try to tone it down a little around non-family members," said Applejack as she smiled and leaned towards Big Mac, who was smiling along with Granny Smith, "because I don't want to make them jealous, but..."
"This is the best family ever!" said Apple Bloom excitedly as she bounced some more on the sofa cushion before a spring exposed itself and sent the yellow filly flying into the air.
"It really is," said Applejack as she walked over to Pinkie, "You are gonna love bein' an Apple. I mean, you've got the playful one..." It was then Apple Bloom landed on the floor with a thud, looked dazed for a moment, before she recovered. Pinkie clapped and placed a pillow over the spring.
"The strong one..." Applejack continued as she pointed to Big Mac.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied as he held an entire tall cabinet with a single fore-leg. The counter part of the cabinet also had an apple pie on it, which slid off and went splat into his face. Applejack just winced at the sight before she recovered.
"And of course, there's Granny Smith," said Applejack, "who knows everythin' about everythin'!" The experienced pony sat in her rocking chair.
"A Ponyville snail can hibernate for up to forty-eight moons!" Granny Smith told Pinkie.
"Who knew?" said Pinkie, clearly impressed.
"And then there's me," said Applejack proudly as she headed toward the door where only the bottom half was closed. She took a slow sniff and exhaled before turning to Pinkie, "Do you smell that sweet apple air, Pinkie Pie?" Pinkie went to take a sniff when Applejack covered her nose.
"That was rhetorical," said Applejack, "Of course you smell it. You're an apple now!" Applejack couldn't resist standing on her hind legs with her fore-legs in the air.
"And Applejack is the one responsible for it," said Apple Bloom proudly as she made her way out of the barn.
"Aw, Apple Bloom, that is sweet, but-" Applejack tried to protest.
"It's true!" said Apple Bloom, "I mean she keeps us all organized and on schedule and does her own part of it on top of it all."
"Mm-hmm," Big Mac and Granny Smith nodded in agreement as they peeked out from the door way.
"I was already super happy as a Pie!" said Pinkie as she bounced around, "And now I get to be a part of this amazing family too?"
"It's even more amazin' now that you're in it!" said Apple Bloom before she chanted in rhythm, "We're family, we're family, you an' me are family!" Pinkie and Apple Bloom shifted their heads from side to side in opposition before Apple Bloom walked around her and made Pinkie twirl about.
"Best family twirl everrrrrrr!" Pinkie said happily as she twirled past the rest of the Apple family and crashed somewhere off in the distance.
"Huh, I just can't believe we've never heard anythin' about this before!" said Applejack, "Hmm..." Applejack hummed to herself as she looked at the long list of family relatives.
"What's wrong, sis?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I'm not seein' where exactly it says we're family," said Applejack while looking at the list. Pinkie then let the list roll down on the ground.
"It's riiiiiiiiii-" said Pinkie as she walked backwards from the front door to the barn and came out of the back door as she reached the end of the list and inhaled, "-iiiiiiiiiight here!" Pinkie then pointed to the bottom of the list.
"It...is?" said Applejack as she looked at the part of the paper Pinkie was pointing at.
"Uh-huh," said Pinkie Pie, "Applesauce of the Apple Family lineage is a fourth cousin twice removed of the Pie Family!"
"I see the part about our great, great auntie Applesauce and fourth cousin twice removed part," said Applejack, "but that last bit's awful smudged. Are you sure it says "Pie"?"
"I guess it is a little smudged," Pinkie admitted, "but I see most of it there, and when I read it, I knew in my heart it was true!" Pinkie gave them big eyes to show how happy she was.
"Well, ain't that just the sweetest thing!" said Granny Smith with a smile as P got in the middle of the experienced pony, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom as they shared a loving nuzzle together.
"It is, it is," said Applejack as she stood a few feet away, "I'd just hate for us to get all excited before we found out for sure."
"So how are we supposed to find out for sure?" Apple Bloom asked. The group began to ponder for a moment.
"Ehhhh...Oh!" said Granny Smith as she got an idea, "Cousin Goldie Delicious! Her cabin's practically an Apple family history museum! If anypony has the records to back up Pinkie's theory, it's her!"
"Huh, I supposed we could always...I mean, Goldie Delicious doesn't live that far away," said Applejack as everypony else smiled widely for her, including a rather puzzled Pinkie, who then smiles as well, "and we haven't been on one as a family in a real long time...Are y'all thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"
"Family road trip!" The apple family members shouted excitedly as they gathered around Pinkie.
"In fact," said Applejack, "If we're going to speak to Goldie Delicious, I need one more pony to come with us."
"Who?" Apple Bloom asked as Big Mac and Granny looked at Applejack curiously. Applejack just smiled. Once she told them who it was she was inviting, she raced to the Great Oak Library as quickly as she could. She entered the Library to see Twilight just putting some books away with Spike.
"Hey, Twilight is that husband of yours home?" said Applejack.
"Right here, AJ," said Mario as he headed down the stairs after doing some housecleaning from the above floor, "What's up?"
"I wanted to know if you could come with my family to visit my cousin Goldie Delicious," said Applejack, "She's the family historian and we're going to see if Pinkie Pie is part of the Apple family."
"Okay," said Mario, "and why would I be needed? Unless Granny Smith made a request..."
"It's actually mine, sugarcube," Applejack replied, "I want to help you find who your family is." Mario blinked.
"Come again?" Mario asked, looking puzzled.
"Remember back at the family reunion that Auntie Applesauce and Granny Smith said you looked familiar?" Applejack asked and Mario nodded, "Well I reckon if we talk to my cousin Goldie, we can find who in my family might know about your family." Mario blinked.
"Do...do you really think one of your relatives might know my family?" Mario asked.
"I know Granny spews alot of nonsense and such," said Applejack, "same with Auntie Applesauce, but Apple Rose also said you reminded her of somepony, but they don't know who. I bet Goldie might. I don't see why we couldn't at least ask her about it." Mario just stared for a moment before looking away. Applejack could see how hesitant he looked and gave him a hug from the side. Mario just pondered quietly for a moment.
"I think you should go," said Twilight as she walked up her husband, "this is the first lead you've had searching for your family in years. Might as well give it a try."
"And what if it's another dead end?" Mario asked, "I've pretty much grown tired of fruitless pursuits."
"Well, that's just stinkin' thinking," said Applejack, "besides, worst case, you still have us. So I'm not seeing much to lose if you just try." Mario took a long deep breath.
"Alright, I'll give it a shot," Mario replied.
"Yee-haw!" said Applejack, "Good choice there, Mario. Now go pack your saddle bag and meet us at the barn in an hour!" Mario smiled, but deep down he was feeling rather uneasy.
Once he had packed his saddle bag and kissed his wife goodbye, Mario headed over to Sweet Apple Acres. When he arrived, he saw Big Mac and Apple Bloom packing up a large wagon with lots of luggage. Apple Bloom had just put a bag into the wagon when Big Mac accidentally put Apple Bloom into the wagon.
"Uh, Big Mac," said Mario with a chuckle, "Apple Bloom isn't luggage." Big Mac then realized his mistake as he and Apple Bloom chuckled to each other.
"Mind if I just put my saddle bag in?" Mario asked.
"Nnope," said Big Mac as he grabbed Mario's saddle bag and tossed it into the pile.
"Has anypony seen my travelin' bonnet?" Granny Smith asked wearing a bonnet on her head. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Mario just looked at each other.
"Isn't that it on your head?" Apple Bloom asked. Granny Smith just looked up and snorted.
"No!" Granny Smith answered firmly. The three ponies just looked at each other again.
"It looks an awful lot like-" Apple Bloom protested.
"Well it ain't, and that final!" said Granny Smith as she walked away indignantly. Mario just discreetly rolled his eyes.
Now I see why Applejack is so stubborn Mario thought to himself. It was then Applejack arrived.
"Hey, everypony?" said Applejack to the group, "Since Pinkie Pie's back home gettin' her stuff for the trip, can y'all gather around. I just wanted to say somethin' real quick." All but Mario walked up to the orange pony.
"I've had somethin' in my teeth this whole time, haven't I?" said Granny Smith, "Gadsnickety, what a way to welcome a family member!"
"Er, no, Granny, your teeth are fine," said Applejack in a slightly annoyed tone, "This includes you as well."
"Oh...okay," said Mario uneasily as he walked up to group.
"I just wanted to be sure that we're all on the same page about showin' Pinkie Pie how awesome a family we really are," said Applejack, "We want her to get to know the family she's been born into, but, like, the best version of it, y'know?"
"Seriously?" Mario asked, "I don't recall you going to this much trouble trying to make me feel a part of the family."
"Mario, this is different," Applejack replied, "Pinkie Pie may be a genuine family member, not an honorary one."
"I see..." Mario replied, not hiding the fact he was feeling rather jealous.
"Oh...pffffffffffffffffft," said Granny Smith as she stood beside Applejack and blew a raspberry, "Don't you worry, honey. We're a great family, and she can't help but see it."
"I'll bet my future cutie mark's gonna be a picture of me bein' the best behaved pony ever!" said Apple Bloom, "That's how good I'm gonna be! Big Mac?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac as he placed a bucket of apples into the wagon.
"Lots of luck on that," Mario muttered under his breath.
"Can I count on you to go with the plan?" Applejack asked Mario with a stern look on her face. Mario wanted to retort, but he had learned his lesson when it came to Applejack's stubborn nature.
"Sure," said Mario, "Just know if you feel overwhelmed, I've got your back." Applejack smiled.
"Glad to see yer seeing things my way, sugarcube," Applejack remarked smugly, "It shows that yer learning." Mario rolled his eyes.
"Are y'all ready to go?" Pinkie asked excitedly wearing a blue saddle bag that was literally leaking confetti out of it, "Because I'm ready to go-go-go! Oh! Hey, Mario! Glad to see you could join us!" Mario smiled as the two exchanged a hug. Applejack then headed toward the wagon.
"Er, Big Mac?" Applejack asked, "Are you sure we really need all that stuff?"
"Eeyup," said Big Mac as Apple Bloom poked out of the pile of luggage.
"Are you sure you're strong enough to really pull all that stuff?" Applejack asked next as Mario stood next to her.
"I can pull the wagon with him," said Mario, "Double the horsepower."
"Eeyup, and Nnnope," Big Mac answered firmly. Applejack then noticed that the wagon was wobbling a bit.
"Are you sure the wagon's strong enough to hold it all?" Applejack asked slowly. Big Mac gave an irritated groan.
"Eeyup," Big Mac answered annoyingly. Applejack then noticed Pinkie was just smiling at her and the orange pony quickly smiled back.
"Then let's get this show on the road!" said Applejack excitedly as Mario put on his dark brown stenson hat. It wasn't long before the group was on their way. Big Mac pulled the wagon, or jalopy as the family described it later, with everypony else enjoying the ride with Pinkie sitting on top of the luggage with a trumpet in her mouth. As they moved along, the wheels gave a rhythm like squeak, the pans tied on the back rhythmically clanged, the rocks the wheels rolled over made the wagon rhythmically thump,
"C'mon, Apples, y'all know this one!" said Applejack excitedly.
"Hot-diggity!" said Granny Smith.
"Yee-haw!" Applejack shouted.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
[Applejack - As Big Mac pulled the jalopy along, Pinkie, Mario, and Apple Bloom sat near the back while Granny Smith and Applejack leaned out from the front sides clapping their hooves and then leaning into to clap with each other. As Applejack began to sing, the jalopy bopped along to the music. Then an apple core fell onto the ground and sprouted into a tree. Then an apple fell from the tree and Pinkie caught it and ate it in one bite. Applejack .leaned in and sang with Pinkie as she waved a fore-leg over the passing landscape. Then she showed Pinkie the map of where they need to go.]
We're traveled the road of generations
Joined by a common bond
We sing our song 'cross the pony nation
From Equestria and beyond
[Applejack and Apple Bloom - Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Applejack walked side by side and danced to the left and then to the right, then knelt down to the left and then the right before the girls leaned toward Big Mac. Granny Smith and Mario just leaned over to the front of the wagon watching them dance. Pinkie just bounced about the top of the pile of luggage. Then Apple Bloom and Applejack appeared in the foreground. Two rain clouds then appeared as Apple Bloom and Applejack grabbed two large red umbrellas to keep themselves and Pinkie dry. Apple Bloom then held her umbrella upside down so the two umbrella's resembled an apple core.]
We're Apples forever, Apples together
We're family, but so much more
No matter what comes, we will face the weather
We're Apples to the core
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
[Apple Bloom - As she sang, Pinkie was on her right and Applejack on her left playing a banjo. Mario played his own acoustic guitar beside Applejack. Apple Bloom then jumped onto Big Mac's back as the red stallion took off. Granny Smith held into the back of the wagon for dear life. Apple Bloom then sat inside of a chest while Granny Smith played a wash grater and Applejack and Mario kept playing their instruments. Pinkie used the strings of her balloons to play with the music. Apple Bloom then extended her fore-legs into the air as she sang her high note.]
There's no place that I'd rather be
Than travelin' with my family
Friends all around come to join and see
As we sing out across the land
[Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom - The three siblings do the same dance routine with Granny Smith and Mario leaning against the front of the jalopy. Then the wind picked up as Big Mac sternly pushed forward. Granny Smith and Mario lean down, Applejack held the front side of the jalopy with one fore-leg and held her hat with the other. Pinkie tried to hold on, but lost her grip. Somepony off screen lassoed her back to the jalopy. It was then the clouds cleared and the sun shinned. Applejack and Apple Bloom appeared in the foreground.]
We're Apples forever, Apples together
We're family, but so much more
No matter what comes, we will face the weather
We're Apples to the core
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
[Granny Smith - As she sang, she popped out a tarp, followed by Apple Bloom, Applejack, Mario, and then Pinkie. Then they are seen dressed up like pirates. Apple Bloom held a wooden spoon in her mouth, Applejack held a jolly roger flag with her fore-leg, Mario used his magic to hold a saucepan. Pinkie, however, was wearing a stripped shirt with a burglar mask and hat. Pinkie and Granny Smith were seen side by side as they looked at their reflection as they past a stream. As Granny Smith sang to Pinkie, the pink pony smiled excitedly.]
We're peas on a pod, we're thick as thieves
Any cliche you can throw at me
We're here for each other, through thick and thin
You're always welcome with your Apple kin
Wheeeeee!
[Pinkie Pie - As she sang, she hugged Apple Bloom and Applejack before tossing a paint can filled with pink paint. She then did the moonwalk in the air with some balloon tied to her torso. Pinkie then randomly appeared below the jalopy holding a pitcher of water with an apple submerged inside of it. She then hugged the three mares and then floated back to the top of the luggage, tossing out a kitchen sink, and then reappeared from the back of the jalopy as she threw some confetti. Apple Bloom, Applejack, Granny Smith appeared beside her.]
You're more fun than the color pink
Or balloons flying over your favorite drink
The love I feel here is swim, not sink,
As we party across this land
"All right!" said everypony else minus Mario.
[Everypony, including Mario - the five other ponies repeat positions for the chorus, but as they do the routine, Pinkie danced on her hind legs over to Applejack and finished the dance the siblings were doing together. Then another cloud appeared to bring some strong winds, then another cloud appeared from the opposite direction to bring snow. Then Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Applejack, Granny Smith, and Mario were seen at the back of the jalopy.]
We're Apples forever, Apples together
We're family, but so much more
No matter what comes, we will face the weather
We're Apples to the core!
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac when...
CRASH!
Then the jalopy fell apart.
Apple Bloom just sat on the white chest looking at the mess. Granny Smith, Applejack, and Mario were surveying the mess as well. Pinkie just sat on the ground cluelessly as Big Mac surveyed the mess as well.
"Big Mac!" Applejack snapped, "I thought you said-" Applejack then cooled her temper when she saw Pinkie close by, "-Uh, I thought-I mean, not that I'm blamin' you, because we don't blame you in this family, but I thought you said all this stuff wasn't gonna be too heavy." Applejack just looked at Big Mac nervously, especially with the red stallion began to stare her down.
"It wasn't the weight, Applejack," said Mario as he walked up to her, "Well...the weight played a role in the jalopy breaking, but there was another problem."
"What other problem?" Applejack demanded.
"The axels were rotten," said Mario, "probably from years of use. Even if I put the jalopy back together, it would probably break again."
"How're we supposed to get to Goldie Delicious now?" Apple Bloom asked as she slumped forward, even her bow went limp.
"I don't know," said Granny Smith, "but I don't see how we can go back now either. We're closer to cousin Goldie's than we are to home."
"I could summon some of my freight cars," said Mario. Before they could consider it, Pinkie gasped loudly.
"I have the best...idea...ever!" Pinkie exclaimed with glee, "Family river trip!" All but Granny Smith looked at Pinkie wearily.
"Heh. Just one problem," said Applejack, "We haven't got a raft." Then added under her breath sternly, "'bout the only thing that didn't get packed." Big Mac gave Applejack a death glare.
"Well, back in the old days," said Granny Smith as she walked up to a nearby tree that had some sort of goop on it and a squirrel stuck mercilessly to the goop, "we used to use the sap from a sugar pine tree to glue things together."
"That is, uh, fascinatin'..." Applejack replied with an eye roll, "Don't know that it's helpful, but its fascinatin'." Granny Smith was already using her head to lift up one of the wheels.
"Pfft! "Not helpful", my patootie!" Granny Smith retorted, "We're gonna build ourselves a raft out of these here jalopy parts and keep it held together with sugar pine sap!"
"Hm, worth a shot!" said Applejack.
"I'm down with it," said Mario, holding a piece of blue paper in his magic, "I just finished the blueprint."
"Well, let's have a look at that drawin' of yers," said Granny Smith. She only needed a few seconds before she smiled, "Yee-hoo! Now that's exactly what I had in mind!" Mario smiled.
"Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered as she fell into her back as the other siblings smiled. Soon the raft had been assembled as Applejack finished securing the vines holding two large logs to the side of the raft.
"Could be worse, I guess," said Applejack.
"I did the best I could to make sure the raft is durable," Mario told the orange pony.
"I know, sugarcube," said Applejack as looked at the others, "Now remember, this time we're only packin' the necessities." Apple Bloom just wearily looked at the raft opposite from Applejack as the rest of the luggage was packed into the back of the raft. All the ponies were also wearing life-jackets that Mario had packed, except for Big Mac, who had chosen to wear a ducky inflatable tube around his neck.
"Wait a second," said Pinkie when there was a flash from a camera. The photo showed the five ponies with frazzled faces and red eyes, except for Granny Smith, who had covered her eyes just in time.
"This one is for the scrapbook!" said Pinkie, now wearing a camera around her neck as she pulled out a book of various pictures from when they were singing the song.
"Pinkie Pie, when did you have time to make this?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Applejack, when you're family," said Pinkie simply before getting into the orange pony's face, "You make the time." Big Mac and Mario then pushed the raft forward so it would catch the current and they were on their way.
"Woo-hoo! We did it!" said Applejack as she took control of the steering.
"Say "soaked"," said Pinkie as the group turned and smiled for the camera. It was then a large wave crashed down on them. When Pinkie snapped the picture, the five ponies looked drenched and annoyed. Fortunately, it didn't take long for them to dry off as the raft just cruised down the river with Applejack just steering with Mario chatting beside her.
"Do you really think Goldie will know anything about my family?" Mario asked.
"No harm in asking," Applejack replied.
"I guess my question is why," said Mario, "besides our friendship as a reason." Applejack just smiled.
"You've been there for me more times than I can count," Applejack replied, "certainly more than I really deserve. I just wanna return the favor and do something for you." Mario just smiled in understanding.
"Guess you never know when your generosity will be returned," said Mario, remembering what he had learned from Rarity. The two ponies chuckled as they continued to chat. Granny Smith and Apple Bloom were busy playing checkers with each other. Pinkie and Big Mac were chatting with each other.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac.
"Whoa!" Pinkie exclaimed, "This is deep!" Though it is debatable if that was all Big Mac had told her.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac. Then Applejack and Mario gasped at what they saw ahead, which was a fork in the stream that broke up into three paths.
"Uh-oh..." said Applejack as she turned to face the group, "All right, y'all. Please tell me that the map didn't get wet. 'Cuz it looks like we're gonna need it right about now." All but Mario began to search for the map when Apple Bloom checked the top of the pile of luggage.
"Found it!" said Apple Bloom and then began to speak in rhythm as she tossed the map from her fore-leg to her hind leg and back,
Who's got the map?
I got the map
M to the A to the yeah, that's right, P
Ain't no other pony found a map like me
"Apple Bloom, quit grandstanding, and give us the map, please," Mario asked rather impatiently.
I'm Applel-Uh-oh," said Apple Bloom as she realized she had dropped the map. Applejack and Mario gasped as the map as the former rushed to grab it. Apple Bloom tried to grab the map as well. Mario then went for a dive, but was just a inch too far away as a fish caught the map and then an eagle grabbed the fish and flew off.
"Really?!" Mario exclaimed in annoyance as Pinkie took a picture of the flying eagle. Apple Bloom just laughed nervously, blushing from embarrassment.
"All you had to do was bring it to me," said Applejack through her teeth, "No singin', no dancin', no games. Just walk it over!"
"Eeyup," Big Mac added through his own teeth.
"Say "best siblings ever"!" Pinkie called out as the three siblings smile and squeeze Apple Bloom between their cheeks as the pink pony took the picture.
"Ooh, that's another keeper!" said Pinkie. The second she turned around, Applejack and Big Mac dropped Apple Bloom to continue glaring at her. Apple Bloom just glare back irritably.
"It's okay, y'all!" said Granny Smith as Applejack walked back to the wheel, "I traveled down this river as a filly and I know it like the back of my hoof!"
"Are you sure you know which way to go?" Applejack asked worriedly.
"Does a June bug like to hide in a tree?" Granny Smith replied.
"Uh...I don't know," Applejack answered.
"Well I do know!" said Granny Smith as she pushed Applejack aside to take control, "And I also know we wanna head southeast! So step aside, young'un!" Granny Smith then steered the boat so it went down the right path.
"Um, Granny?" Applejack asked, still feeling worried.
"Myuh-huh?" Granny Smith replied.
"Are we supposed to go through a cave?" Applejack asked.
"Ah, don't worry, child!" said Granny Smith, "The scariest cave in Equestria was down the other way."
"The scariest cave in Equestria?" Apple Bloom spluttered as she clung into Big Mac.
"Oh, it's a fright all right!" said Granny Smith, "Filled with creatures that'll eat ya soon as they look at ya!"
"Ooh, sounds scary," said Pinkie as she got into the experienced pony's face, "Tell us more!"
"Please don't," Mario squeaked in protest, "I never liked scary stories..." However, Mario's plea wasn't heard.
"Ponies go in...but they never come out!" Granny Smith continued as they got closer to the cave entrance.
"And you're sure it's not that cave?" Applejack asked, clearly spooked as the others minus Pinkie looked just as uneasy. Pinkie was actually excited, "The one we're heading straight for?"
"Now, Applejack, I taught you better than to question your elder ponies!" Granny Smith protested as she and Applejack glared. Applejack then saw Pinkie, who gave a happy squee.
"Heh...you sure did," said Applejack as she and Granny Smith shared sheepish smiles.
"Alrighty then," said Granny Smith, "Now everypony just sit on back an' leave the steerin' to your old Granny Smith." The raft then slowly entered the cave as Applejack nervously gulped and Apple Bloom hung onto Big Mac.
"D-d-d-don't w-w-w-worry, every-p-p-p-pony," Mario said shakily as he stood in front of Big Mac, "I'll p-p-protect you." Applejack wasted no time rushing beside Mario as she held one of Mario's fore-legs. After a few seconds, all was still calm inside the cave.
"See now?" said Granny Smith, "Told ya th-"
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAR!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
All but Pinkie screamed because the pink pony had taken a picture.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAR!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Pinkie then took another picture.
"Got it!" said Pinkie excitedly, "Best scary unidentifiable creature ever! Say "terrified"!"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAR!
Pinkie then took another picture as they came out of the cave. Pinkie was just humming to herself. Granny Smith's eyes were enlarged and her jaw was hanging out. Mario looked like he had gone into shock while Apple Bloom and Applejack were holding Big Mac, all three of them looking like they had just had a nightmare.
"Guess that was the scariest cave in Equestria," said Granny Smith as she recovered, getting four death glares behind her. She then headed to the steering wheel, "Uh, of course I meant to take us through it! Unexpected adventure is good for the soul!"
"And about a year in therapy," Mario remarked, knowing he was gonna have nightmares for weeks.
"Best granny wisdom ever!" Pinkie chanted with a smile.
"Uh-huh," said Applejack as she sternly took the wheel away from the experienced pony, "why don't you just scooch on over there, Granny Smith. Think I'll take it from here on out."
"Huh! Is that how I taught you to treat your elder ponies?" Granny Smith retorted, clearly offended.
"Ooh! Ooh! Is it?" Pinkie asked eagerly.
"I'm kinda curious about that myself," Mario added with a smug look on his face. He wanted to see if Applejack's stubborn nature would actually cross the line.
"You taught me to trust me common sense," Applejack retorted as she grabbed the wheel back from Granny Smith, "And my common sense says we should get to Goldie Delicious's cabin in one piece."
"She really is a hypocrite," Mario remarked but Applejack heard him. She quickly jumped on the alicorn stallion, tied up his four legs together, and tied a cloth around his mouth to keep him quiet. She then tossed him by the pile of luggage on his back before going over to the wheel and grabbing it away from Granny Smith.
"And that is exactly what I'm gonna do!" Granny Smith protested as she grabbed the wheel.
"This is mighty generous of you," said Applejack before grabbing the wheel back again, "but I think you've done enough for one day."
"And how exactly are you gonna know which way to go?" Granny Smith asked.
"Hmmmmmmm?" Pinkie added curiously.
"It would be easier if the map hadn't gone overboard!" Applejack protested as she glared at Apple Bloom.
"Hey! There wouldn't have been an overboard if Big Mac hadn't overpacked the jalopy!" Apple Bloom protested, stomping twice.
"Eeyu-hey!" Big Mac retorted.
"Exactly!" said Applejack, "So I think we can all agree that from here on out, I should be in charge of everythin'!" Applejack's only reply was dirty looks from her two siblings and Granny Smith before they began fighting for the wheel. Then Applejack grabbed the wheel so hard that it tore off and went flying into water. A duck then grabbed it with its neck as it swam along and then the eagle, probably the same one, swooped down and grabbed both the wheel and the duck. Applejack sat up and noticed the others gathered around her and glared angrily. The orange pony chuckled nervously.
"I just wanna say..." said Pinkie, interrupting the tense moment, "that I think you're all super duper, and I can't wait to put a page in my scrapbook about the amazing waterfall we went down!" The apple family blinked and looked ahead to see that the stream was heading toward a large vertical waterfall, where a duck quacked as it flew past the half-way point. The rest of the group began to panic as Mario finally got the cloth around his mouth off. Applejack was apparently very proficient with knots. He still had to undo the rope around his four legs.
"Did Pinkie just say we're about to go over a huge waterfall?" Mario asked.
"Eeyup," said Applejack fearfully.
"Sharp rocks at the bottom?"
"Most likely," Apple Bloom answered in the same tone. Mario's face remained neutral.
"Bring it on!" Mario said quietly. It was then the raft went over the edge.
"AAA-BOOOOO-YAAAAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAAAAAAA!" Mario screamed.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" screamed the rest of the Apple Family.
"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Pinkie screamed as she took a picture with a screaming Apple Bloom, then one with a screaming Granny Smith, another with a screaming Big Mac while giving him a noogie, then one with Mario as Pinkie stretched his face to make him smile despite the terrified look on his face, and the last one was with Applejack covering her face while Pinkie made ducky lips.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" the apple family continued to scream as they reached the bottom of the falls.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAA-HAAA-HAAAAAAAAAAA!" Mario screamed as the raft disappeared into a mist at the bottom of the waterfall. To their luck, the raft resurfaced above the water still intact with everypony soaked but alive. Except for Granny Smith, who had somehow used a red umbrella to keep dry.
"I saw my whole life flash before my eyes!" said Mario, now free of his bindings, before adding, "I saw me and Twilight with three foals in the future and two of them have blonde hair?! What's up with that?"
"That is...weird," said Applejack wearily.
"Huh!" Granny Smith boasted as she saw their raft was intact, "Told you that sugar pine sap would hold this thing together!" It was then Pinkie floated down with some balloons tied to her torso. She had barely sat on top of the luggage when the raft broke. Everypony yelped as it sank everypony into the water. Then the balloons holding up Pinkie popped. She yelped as she was sent tumbling into the water as well.
Later on, Big Mac was just dragging the remains of their items on what was left of the raft on the ground with Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, Applejack, and Mario walking along side him. They were all groaning as they moved along. Pinkie was just bouncing about in her casually upbeat manner. It was then they reached a lone cabin out in the woods that was in a rather run down condition.
"We're here! We're here!" Pinkie exclaimed, "We made it to Goldie Delicious's's's's! You guys!" Pinkie then rushed over to the front door and saw a sheet of paper attached to it.
"There's a note!" Pinkie pointed out as she grabbed it with her fore-hoof and giggled as she looked at it. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Mario waited to hear what the note said but Pinkie said nothing.
"Uh, Pinkie Pie?" Applejack said slowly, "Maybe you could read that one out loud?"
"Oh, right, sorry!" said Pinkie, "I haven't even read it yet. I was just looking at how pretty the paper is. Okay, it says that she ran off to run some errands but will be home soon! Oh, that's perfect!"
"Why is that perfect?" Apple Bloom asked.
"We've just came all this way and Goldie Delicious isn't even home!" Mario added, "How is that perfect?"
"Because it'll give me enough time to get more scrapbook paper!" said Pinkie before bouncing away, "See ya!" Mario was about to ask where but decided against it. He knew by now Pinkie would find what she needed and he would never know how. The rest of the family just looked glum.
"Worst family road trip. Ever," said Apple Bloom sadly.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac sadly.
"I can't believe she witness our family fallin' apart like this," said Applejack in the same dejected tone and sighed, "I can't believe that I was arguin' with you so much that I tore the wheel right off the raft. It's like I wasn't myself at all." Mario couldn't help but look at Applejack sympathetically.
"Aw, that wasn't your fault," said Granny Smith, "My stubborn streak got a hold of me somethin' fierce. Should've let you take the wheel long a'fore that."
"I should have tried to intervene when things started getting out of hand instead of just mouthing off a sarcastic comment," said Mario, "I probably could have saved the raft if I hadn't given Applejack a reason to tie me up."
"I had no right to do that," said Applejack, "I just lost my temper. I was being a hypocrite, claiming I follow my common sense when I clearly wasn't."
"It was my fault the map got all wet," said Apple Bloom.
"I was the pony who-" Big Mac tried to admit but Granny Smith put a fore-hoof over his mouth.
"Now, now Big Mac," said Granny Smith, "you gotta know we forgive you for packin' the jalopy so much that it collapsed. You were just as eager to please Pinkie Pie like the rest of us."
"Everypony, I think we have to let Pinkie Pie know that even if she does discover that she's an Apple," Applejack told the group, "she does not have to feel obligated to consider herself one."
"Sure as Applesauce," said Granny Smith in agreement.
"Are you kidding me?!" said a voice as they all turned to see Pinkie with a bag filled with art supplies and her scrapbook, "You guys are the best family ever!"
"How can you say that?" Applejack asked puzzled, " We started out as one big unit, and now look at us!"
"Yeah!" Pinkie replied, "Now look at you! You're all here still in one big unit, loving each other and owning up to what went wrong! You never gave up, even when things got tough!"
"She does make a pretty good point," Apple Bloom remarked as she looked as Applejack.
"I agree," Mario said with a nod.
"You aren't just family, you're best friends!" said Pinkie as she bounced about and then tackled Applejack to the ground like a famous bouncy "tiger" would do, "And I want to be an Apple more than ever!"
"And we want you to be one too!" said Apple Bloom as she walked up to the two ponies.
"Yippee!" Pinkie giggled.
"Now that's how you run an errand," said a voice as the group turned to see a dark tan colored pony with white mane and tail wearing a pink neck scarf with a white and blue broach. She also had on a saddle bag loaded with cats.
"Hello!" said Pinkie.
"Hello yourself, "said the dark tan pony.
"You must be Goldie Delicious," said Applejack, "So nice to meet you."
"Uh-huh," said Goldie, "And who exactly are you?"
"We're Apples!" said Pinkie, as she pulled all three siblings together.
"Well, we think we're all Apples," said Applejack as Pinkie just sat beside her and smiled, "but we need your help finding out if Pinkie Pie here is our fourth cousin twice removed." Mario noticed that Applejack forgot to mention his situation but didn't have the courage to speak up about it.
"Well, why didn't you say so?" said Goldie, "If anypony can help solve this genealogy mystery, it's me!" Big Mac, Mario, and Granny Smith exchanged looks as Applejack and Pinkie exchanged smiles with each other. Goldie then tried to open her door and get inside but something was blocking the door as she struggled to get inside, even the cats in her saddle bags were yowling from the tight squeeze.
"Oh, I'm sorry about this," said Goldie, "I wasn't exactly expecting company. Lemme try and squeeze in here..." The rest of the group just exchanged curious looks with each other as Goldie finally made her way inside.
"Gotta...get some oil...for the hinges..." Goldie remarked and began tossing various items out of the house and several cats came flying out as well, "Alright then, just have to move a few things out of the way of the door. Ooh! Ah! Get off of that, Mr. Fluffy...Come on, Pooples...Come here, sweetheart..." The rest of the Apple family and Mario cringed and flinched from all the commotion. Pinkie just waited patiently and smiled. Goldie then appeared at the front door again.
"Come on in!" said Goldie, "Sorry about the mess!" Pinkie, Applejack, and Mario were the first to peek inside. They found the place loaded with books, various other objects, leftover scraps of food, and cats. Lots and lots of cats. Even a jaguar! Most of the cats just stared at the group, one even coughing up a hairball in response.
"Momma mia..." was all Mario could say about the place as the group headed inside.
"Whoa!" Applejack exclaimed when she nearly tripped on a pair of gold colored horseshoes.
"Oh, careful now," said Goldie, "Those belonged to your great-great-great-great uncle Apple Tart!" Mario was impressed.
She certainly knows her family history Mario thought, Maybe she might know an Apple who knew my family. Mario's train of thought was derailed as he, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac noticed a partially eaten Gingerbread house.
"Well, whose was this?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well, that was my lunch," Goldie answered, "A couple of weeks ago..." The three ponies just stared at it as Goldie headed over to three cats that were purring against a tall stack of books. When Goldie approached, two of the cats got out of her way, the third one disappeared after Goldie blew at it, revealing it was just a dust kitty. Goldie then grabbed a book from the bottom of the stack of books, which wobbled a bit but managed to stay upright.
"This here is a complete record of, of our family tree," said Goldie as she struggled to bring the book over and then sat in the middle of the group and searched the pages of the book. Pinkie had been admiring herself in a mirror that had drawings on it. She also had a pencil in her mouth before she heard Goldie and headed excitedly over to her.
"It's not here, or here, or, or here," Goldie muttered to herself, "or it certainly isn't here, is it...? Oh, here it is!...Oh, dear."
""Oh, dear,"?" said Granny Smith worried, "What is it?"
"Am I not an Apple after all?" Pinkie asked as she leaned into the book, .
"Well, that's just it, I don't know," said Goldie, "The page is all smudged. I sure am sorry, but I don't think I can help you out after all." Pinkie just looked away with a sad look on her face.
"Don't be sorry, it's okay," said Pinkie sadly, "I'm just a little disappointed that I'll never know if I am a part of this family." Mario then walked over to Pinkie and hugged her. Goldie blinked in surprise.
"Now wait just a second here, y'all!" Goldie interjected, "Anypony care to tell me why Equestria's new found Prince is with ya?"
"Goldie, this is Mario Star," said Pinkie, "He's mine and Applejack's best friend and is like our big brother."
"That reminds me," said Applejack, "Goldie, during our last family reunion, Granny Smith,Apple Rose, and Auntie Applesauce said that Mario reminded them of somepony. Maybe you can help us figure out who that might be." Goldie blinked as she marched up to Mario and looked into his eyes. Mario felt rather uncomfortable since Goldie seemed to be staring. Goldie then gasped in shock as she finally pulled away.
"It...it can't be..." Goldie whispered aloud before addressing the others, "w-w-what did you s-say his name was again?"
"Mario Star," Apple Bloom replied, "Why...does he remind you of somepony too?" Goldie then looked at the Apple Family, who all had curious looks on their faces. She then looked at a rather puzzled Granny Smith and glared.
"Granny Smith git yer flank over here!" Goldie ordered sternly before the two...experienced...ponies huddled up.
"Have you finally let that good ol' memory of yours rust or somethin'?" Goldie whispered sternly.
"What's that supposed ta mean?" Granny Smith retorted defensively whisper.
"That colt's name is Mario Star," Goldie replied, "I can see the truth as plain as day. Unless you're in denial..."
"Denial of what?!" Granny snapped in a whispered. Goldie snorted.
"Take a real good look into his eyes, Granny Smith," Goldie instructed firmly in a low voice, "That should jog your memory of who he really is." Granny Smith gave Goldie a funny look before she trotted up to the alicorn prince.
"Mario, look me in the eye right now!" Granny Smith ordered. Mario blinked.
"O-ok," Mario replied as he made direct eye contract with Granny Smith. She stared into his eyes for a long time, before she suddenly her eyes widened and backed away nervously.
"Impossible! Impossible!" Granny Smith stuttered and her body trembled a bit, "It's him! He's...he's alive!" Mario and the others looked worried.
"What are you talking about Granny?!" Applejack asked with curiosity and rather puzzled.
"B-B-Big Mac," Granny Smith pleaded as she pointed at Mario with a shakey hoof, "Look into Mario's eyes! Do it now!" Big Mac just nodded as he narrowed his brow and glared into Mario's eyes. Mario whimpered nervously as he allowed Big Mac to make direct eye contact with him. It was only seconds before Big Mac gasped, gave a loud whinny, and backed away.
"What is it, Big Mac?" Applejack asked worried.
"What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked as the red stallion was looking rather sweaty.
"How did I not see it before?" Big Mac replied, which shocked both Apple sisters to hear him speak, "He shouldn't be alive! He shouldn't! And yet...there he is! You're not supposed to be alive!"
"Big Mac, that's an awful thing to say!" Applejack scolded, "I mean sure, Mario was found buried under a building as a foal..."
"Buried as a foal?!" Granny Smith and Goldie exclaimed in shock.
"Mario, child," said Goldie, "I need you answer this question one hundred percent truthfully. Where were you born exactly?" Mario just blinked. All this shock the family was giving him was making Mario feel rather uncomfortable.
"Sire's Hallow," Mario replied, "The building I was in had caught on fire and collapsed with me inside of it. Princess Celestia said some sort of magic surge protected me and she raised me at the Castle in Canterlot." Granny Smith's eyes shrunk as she looked at Mario again, cupping his chin with her fore-hoof as she began to cry.
"You are him!" Granny Smith croaked before adding, "The prodigal son has returned!" Mario just stood frozen in shock and confusion.
"Wha-choo talkin' about, Granny Smith?" Mario asked, narrowing his eyes at her. The rest of the Apple family, Pinkie now included, just looked as puzzled then ever.
"He truly is a spitting image of Buttercup," Goldie added as she held Granny Smith close. Now it was Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac's turn to have their eyes shrink in pure shock.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, now hold on a second here y'all!" Applejack exclaimed a second later after she recovered, "Are you saying that...Mario is related to us?"
"Wow, what a shocker," said Pinkie, "We came here to see if I was related to the Apple family and it turns out Mario is related to you instead!" Mario and Applejack just looked at each other with their jaws hanging out.
"He's more than just related to you, Applejack," said Goldie, "He's your older brother, or little brother in Big Mac's case." Mario's jaw dropped as Pinkie exclaimed with glee.
"Ohmygosh! You and Applejack are siblings!" Pinkie said happily, "This calls for a party!"
"No! It's doesn't!" Applejack retorted, still trying to wrap her mind around what they had learned, "Mario can't be our brother! Ma and Pa only had three children..."
"Four..."
Applejack was left stunned as Goldie turned the pages to show the branch of the family tree showing that Mario's name was recorded between Big Mac's and herself.
"What?" said Applejack quietly but was still in denial, "N-n-n-no, Ma and Pa only had three children. Big Mac, myself, and Apple Bloom."
"That was because, until now, we all thought the fourth child had been lost," Goldie replied sadly, "You see..."
"I'll tell 'em," said Granny Smith, "After Big Mac was born, your Ma and Pa decided to strike out on their own for...uhh...personal reasons...ya see. So they moved to Sire's Hallow so they could start a brand new farm over there. It was also in that small town that Mario Star was born. Then one night, the apartment building they were staying in caught fire. In all the hustle and bustle, they had gotten Big Mac with them, but Mario was left behind. Your Ma tried to go back and rescue him when the building collapsed and it was too late..." Mario felt his eyes water. He had pretty much accepted the idea that the questions about his parents would remain a mystery. Yet his questions were now being answered and it was overwhelming him. Even Applejack looked just as frazzled.
"Then...why didn't you tell us?" Applejack asked in a voice that felt hurt and confused as she looked at her big brother, "Big Mac...how you could hide something like this from us?" Granny Smith sighed.
"Your Ma was beyond devastated because she thought Little Mario was lost," Granny Smith replied, "After they had returned home, she refused to talk to anypony for weeks. Then on the day he would be a year old, she made a little birthday cake in his honor, even sang "Happy Birthday" before she broke down weeping on the floor."
"Pa made me promise not to mention Mario's name ever again," Big Mac added in a sad tone, "It seemed every time Mario's name was brought up, Ma would have a major meltdown and cry for hours on end." Applejack seemed most upset as a bitter and hurt look appeared on her face.
"Indeed," said Granny Smith, "We had all hoped that Buttercup would tell you about your lost big brother when she was good n ready."
"But...things didn't quite work out that way," said Goldie, "Thought I doubt not even your Ma would have thought that Mario might have still been alive."
"So it's true," Mario replied, finally speaking at last, "She did give up on me! My parents did abandoned me!"
"Now you see here, Mario!" Granny Smith said sternly, "Your Ma and Pa loved you very much."
"If that was true, then why didn't they try and search for me!" Mario snapped angrily, "I was still alive! They could have searched the rubble, but they didn't. They just up and left me! In the end, Big Mac mattered to them, but I didn't! Why else do you think I got left behind! I guess it really was true after all! I always was right about myself!"
"About what, sonny?" Goldie asked.
"I AM A REJECT!" Mario screamed in tears.
"No, you're not!" Apple Bloom protested, fighting back tears, "We love you!"
"But Mom and Dad didn't!" Mario sobbed bitterly.
"Now you..."
"Now you listen here, Mario!" said Granny Smith sternly, cutting off Goldie, "Ma and Pa loved you very, very much. They spent days trying to find you from that collapsed building but they never found you. They figured you were most likely gone. Your Ma cried over losing you for years."
"But you said you stopped saying my name," Mario hiccupped, "They obviously forgot about me!"
"They stopped saying your name 'cause bringing it up was hurting your Ma," said Goldie, "it wasn't because we had forgotten about you."
"And don't you go saying I didn't either!" Granny Smith snapped, "I know my memory can be a little sketchy. The fact I didn't recognize you right away wasn't because I had forgotten about you. It's because it didn't make a lick of sense that you and that child would be one in the same. Big Mac was the only one to see you as a baby! I never got to see ya! I just knew you were him because every apple has a special twinkle in their eyes and you, my grandchild, have a twinkle in your eyes that shines as brightly as your mother's." Mario sniffled but his tears still kept flowing.
"So you, Granny, and even your...my Mom and Dad...thought I was...gone?" Mario asked as Big Mac nodded.
"Eeyup," he replied. Mario tried his best to settle down.
"Do you...have my birth certificate?" Mario asked.
"Yes, Goldie...where's Mario's birth certificate?!" Applejack demanded, "If what yer sayin' is true, then I need to see it for myself!"
"Applejack, why would I lie to you about any of this?" said Granny Smith, "I know its him! Big Mac can tell too!" Applejack glared fiercely, her body trembling.
"I need to see his birth certificate, alright!" Applejack snapped.
"Well, I need it so I can register it in the records," said Mario with a whimper, "The Canterlot archives had no record of my birth certificate. I only found that I was born from Sire's Hallow through some more extensive research."
"That is odd, because Bright Mac had your certificate filed at the Ponyville Town Hall," Goldie exclaimed. Mario blinked.
"I...I never had a reason to search there," said Mario quietly as Goldie headed over to another book filled with papers that Mario assumed were copies of other birth certificates. Goldie than pulled out a paper and handed it to Mario. The first thing he noticed was the baby picture.
"Aw, Mario's baby picture is so CUTE!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Too bad I grew out of it," Mario remarked. Pinkie glared in his face.
"Did you forget who fell in love with you at first sight?" said Pinkie sternly, "You. Are. Cute."
"I can second that," said Apple Bloom before adding awkwardly, "But...knowing that you're my brother, uhh, kinda makes the idea of having a crush on you...awkward..." Applejack just rolled her eyes.
"Well, Mario?" said Applejack, "Is that you?" Mario looked at the picture as he felt his tears increase.
"That is my picture," said Mario. Applejack tried to keep her face stern, but her body was shaking.
"Well, what are the names of your parents?" Applejack asked, her tone showing panic and nervousness, "Tell me! Tell me!"
"It says their names are Bright Mac and Buttercup," Mario read aloud. Applejack's eyes shrunk as she grabbed the birth certificate and look at the print. Applejack's lower lip quivered.
"It's true...it's true..." Applejack whimpered as Big Mac and Apple Bloom stood behind her and looked at the birth certificate as well. The two siblings than noticed that small drops of water were splashing onto the paper.
"Easy there, Applejack," said Goldie as she grabbed the birth certificate away from her, "Don't soil my copy." Applejack just began to cry.
"Applejack?" Mario asked gently, his own voice cracking.
"It's true, y'all," Applejack repeated as she sobbed, "Mario Star...is our brother, born after Big Mac and before Me!" Mario just looked as Applejack continue to cry. Pinkie then appeared beside Mario.
"Looks like we've found your family!" said Pinkie, "Put on a smile, Mario! You have a family! Isn't that the most awesome thing ever?"
"No..." Mario said bluntly. The other looked at Mario in shock.
"No!" Mario retorted.
"Mario," Applejack said in shock, "I...I don't understand..."
"I'm not angry at you, or Mom and Dad," Mario snapped sternly as he grunted angrily, "at least not anymore with Mom and Dad...I'm angry at myself!" Hot tears began to stream down his face as hard sobs escaped his mouth.
"Mario..." Pinkie replied slowly, now deeply worried about him.
"I gave up too easily, Pinkie!" Mario ranted as fresh tears poured out from his eyes, "I should have tried harder when I was searching for my parents. It never crossed my mind to check some of the smaller towns like Ponyville. Mom and Dad might be gone, but until after Apple Bloom was born they were still alive! They were still alive and I was too late!" Mario cried loudly for a bit as the rest of the group looked at him sadly.
"Now I'll never get to know who they were," Mario sobbed sadly, "They'll never know that I was alive and well. They'll never know that I became the seventh Element! They'll never know that I am an alicorn Prince. I'll never be able to introduce them to my wonderful wife! I'll...I'll never hear them say that they love me...I'll never know! Never, never, NEVER!" Mario let out a wail as he buried his face into the dirty floor. Several of the cats nuzzled him for a bit before a now crying Apple Bloom rushed over to him and snuggled up to his side so he had a crying buddy. If Mario didn't feel awful enough, it broke his heart seeing he had made his best friend...and now...his little sister cry. Mario soon ran out of tears and sat up as Apple Bloom continued to hold him for dear life.
"Feeling better now?" Pinkie asked hopefully. Mario just shook his head.
"Mario, please calm down," said Granny Smith as she sat beside him, "I know this is alot to accept, but please believe me when I say that they did love you and are very proud of you." Mario sniffled as he looked at Granny Smith with un-wiped tears.
"I'll still never get to know them," said Mario sadly.
"Neither did I," said Apple Bloom as she leaned away with her own cheeks covered in tear stains, "but I know that they loved me. And I know they love you too. Besides, I love you, Mario! Just because I don't have a crush on you anymore doesn't mean I can't still love you." Granny Smith smiled in agreement.
"I love you too," said Mario softly as he hugged her back, "But the biggest question is...if Applejack wants me to be a part of it." Applejack looked at Mario with a face of pure shock and devastation.
"How can you say that?" Applejack asked, feeling deeply hurt.
"Why else would you demand Mario's birth certificate, if not to prove Granny Smith and Golden Delicious wrong?" Apple Bloom asked. Applejack began to cry once more.
"Maybe because I don't deserve him for a brother!" Applejack confessed, "I'm always brushing him aside when he tries to help me. I don't appreciate his help and yet he still cares about me. I've bucked him in the face, I've talk bad about him behind his back, and y'all saw me tie him up at a moment when he could have saved us from going down a waterfall! Am nothin' but a stubborn mule! Why should he want me for a sister?! I never appreciate him!" Soon the sobbing was too much and Applejack just cried. Granny Smith felt her eyes water when Mario had a serious look on his face before he came up to the weeping orange pony and lifted her chin. Applejack just looked at Mario nervously as she sobbed. Apple Bloom and Big Mac stood beside Mario.
"What's happening to you, Sis?" Apple Bloom asked with worry, "You never cry like this!"
"Eeyup," Big Mac added as he felt his own eyes water at seeing his sister weep so openly.
"It's just so hard for me to believe all this is happening," said Applejack in a broken tone, "Our own flesh and blood , was right in front of us. Our best friend...was family this whole time. The last time we had news this big was when we learned Ma and Pa were gone...and...even I can't be strong and put together all the time..." Apple Bloom and Big Mac hugged her close as Mario took a step forward.
"I'm so sorry Ap..."
"No! No! Don't you dare apologize! You've got nothing to be sorry for!" said Applejack as she sniffled and the other two siblings backed up a step, "I'm...I'm sorry for getting so angry. It's just the fact that you've been like family to us for so long. You had pretty much givin' up about ever knowing your real family. The fact we are your real family...I just feel like I...held out on you..."
"Never, Applejack," said Mario, "You obviously didn't know that we were related."
"And that would be my fault," said Granny Smith, "I should have told Applejack and Apple Bloom about ya. I was just waiting for the right time, but after your parents passed. I didn't want to burden your hearts with another loss."
"I understand Granny," said Applejack, "You, Ma, and Pa obviously had your reasons." Big Mac and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement.
"You had to admit," said Mario, "that you and I have always shared a bond before we ever met. We did get our cutie marks from the same Sonic Rainboom." Applejack chuckled.
"True," said Applejack, " I mean...Ma was the only pony I ever cried to before she passed. The way you love and care about me and our friends...reminds me of her. The first time I felt like crying and you were there...I didn't feel like crying on the inside. I let go...just like I did with Ma. I guess what I'm trying to say is...I remember the love Ma used to give when you're there to comfort me."
"Same here," said Apple Bloom, "from the day we became friends. I always felt a connection to with you too. I thought it was a crush this entire time, but...I guess it was because you were actually family. And...maybe it's time I learn to come to you like Applejack does. You're always there to defend me against Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Maybe I should try talking to you about it like Applejack does with her problems." Mario nodded.
"I also share alot in common with you guys," said Mario slowly, "I'm naturally good at managing the farm and I've always felt a connection with the apple trees. I'm hard working, self-determined, great at baking, singing, and...I'm short-tempered and stubborn." Applejack rolled her eyes as Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith snickered.
"Either way, Mario," said Granny Smith as she wrapped a fore-leg around him and Pinkie stood at her side smiling, "You are an Apple and we love you very much."
"Indeed, we do," said Applejack, "We've practically welcomed Mario as part of the family already. Nothin's changed other than the fact that he our true brother."
"Right!" said Pinkie with a smile.
"Welcome to the Apple Family, Mario Star," said Goldie, "You are part of a very large and loving family." Mario smiled until he remember something.
"There's just one thing that still baffles me," said Mario as he looked up at Goldie, "How in the name of apple cider did I end up a unicorn? Every other relative I saw in the Family reunion is an Earth pony! Even my name doesn't have anything to do with apples!"
"Actually it does," said Pinkie as she held an apple sliced perfectly in half, "Look at the way the seeds are inside the apple!" Mario looked at the seeds and gasped.
"The seeds are shaped like a star!" said Mario, "I can't believe I never noticed that!" Apple Bloom looked as well as she and Mario exchanged smiles.
"That's where your Ma got your last name," Granny Smith replied, "As for Mario...I think your Pa was just trying to be creative, but they said you were meant to be a very special pony. And as for being a unicorn...I think that was from your Ma's side of the family. I never thought to ask..."
"I see..." said Mario as he look at his horn again.
"Does it really matter?" Applejack replied, "You're our brother. We don't care if you are an earth pony, unicorn, or even if you were a Pegasus."
"We love you!" said Apple Bloom, "We're proud to call you our brother!"
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac.
"I love you all too!" said Mario as the now four Apple siblings and Granny Smith shared a group hug. Then Pinkie extended her fore-leg to pull Mario to her so she could hug him.
"I'm so happy for you, Mario!" said Pinkie, "We found your family! And now you get to be an official part of the Apple Family! I so happy for you that I couldn't feel sad anymore that I'm not part of the Apple Family!" Applejack heard what Pinkie said and narrowed her eyes in determination.
"Well, I know for sure," said Applejack firmly.
"What do you mean?" said Pinkie, "You can't know!"
"I can know for sure that it doesn't matter what the books says or doesn't say," said Applejack, "After all you've been through today and all you've put up with, it obvious you and Mario are Apples to the core!"
"Darn tootin'!" said Granny Smith.
"Yes siree!" said Apple Bloom.
"Eeyup!" said Big Mac. Pinkie smiled before she pulled everypony together and used her tail to hold the camera.
"Ooh! Say "best family hug ever"!" said Pinkie.
"Best family hug ever!" said the now entire Apple family as Pinkie took the picture. Soon Pinkie was putting the picture into her scrapbook and then decorated the page before closing it and tucking the book into her mane. She then jumped into the new wagon as Granny Smith, Applejack, and Apple Bloom were inside with Big Mac ready to pull it along. As usual, Mario offered to help Big Mac pull the wagon, but instead of the usual "Nnnope", Big Mac said:
"I've got this, little brother." Mario just couldn't protest that and climbed in as Applejack and Apple Bloom hugged him once more.
"You know," he told the two girls, "I've always wanted a sister. Now I've got two. I'm a very lucky pony to have such amazing ponies for sisters." Applejack and Apple Bloom chuckled.
"Well, we're lucky to have such an amazing big brother," said Apple Bloom.
"Ahem," said Big Mac, feeling let out and jealous.
"Sorry, we meant big brothers," said Applejack.
"Yeah, Big Mac," said Mario, "I'm not trying to steal your sisters from you. You know that don't you?" Big Mac glared but then smiled.
"I know, little brother," said Big Mac, "I know." Applejack and Apple Bloom were stunned.
"Wow, Mario got Big Mac to say more than two words a day?" said Apple Bloom.
"How do you do that?" Applejack asked as Mario shrugged his shoulders.
"Simple, he actually wants to listen to me talk," said Big Mac.
"I'm sorry, big brother, I wasn't listening," said Applejack.
"Did ya say somethin'?" Apple Bloom added. Big Mac snorted when the two girls laughed. Soon he and Mario were laughing as well before they turned to face Goldie along with Granny Smith.
"Thanks again for the wagon, Goldie!" said Applejack, "We'll see you soon!" She then turned to Mario, "All of us." Mario smiled in agreement.
"Y'all sure you don't want to take any of these Apple Family heirlooms home with you?" Goldie asked as a huge pile of trinkets and cats came tumbling out of the cabin. The group just looked at Big Mac.
"Nnope," Big Mac replied. Goldie then waved the family goodbye as Big Mac pulled the cart away. It was then some music began to play.
"Come on, Mario," said Granny Smith, "You didn't sing a solo last time. Share with us what's on yer mind!"
"Okey-dokey!" said Mario.
[Mario - As he sang Mario was seen standing on a mountain and looking at a map when the wind blew his map away. Mario looked sad and dejected until he turned around and there was the rest of the Apple Family smiling at him, Pinkie included. Mario then finished his solo with the family hugging him.
I searched high and low, wondering and hoping
where could my family be?
but little did I know, they were right before me
The Apple Family is now my own!
[All - the five ponies riding the wagon sang as Big Mac pulled the wagon along. As they continued to sing, Goldie hung the portrait of the six family members on a wall and smiled. Pinkie and Applejack switched places twice as Mario watched in the background while Granny Smith and Apple Bloom stayed against the edges of the wagon. Then Applejack opened an umbrella as it began to rain. They then bopped to the music as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres.]
We're Apples forever, Apples together
We're family, but so much more
No matter what comes, we will face the weather
We're Apples to the core!
"Eeyup" said Big Mac.
Once they had arrived home, Applejack, Mario, and Pinkie rushed to tell Twilight the good news. To say Twilight was shocked was an understatement. Fortunately, Mario had picked up a copy of his and Applejack's birth certificates to show that they were siblings. Twilight was overjoyed and she planned to gather the rest of their friends together at a later time so they could tell them the news.
For the moment, Applejack, Mario, and Pinkie were now back at the barn. Applejack promised Mario the next time they raised the barn, she would see that they added another room so he would always have a place to stay at the farm. Big Mac was outside unpacking their things from the wagon. Granny Smith was watering a house plant. Pinkie, Mario and Applejack were standing before the friendship journal in the living room.
"Twilight agreed this was definitely an experience worth puttin' into the journal," said Applejack, "Think I'll write about how bein' a good family isn't about bein' perfect as much as it is about bein' able to get through the rough patches together. About bein' able to forgive each other for mistakes." As Applejack recited her entry, Big Mac was putting the umbrella down when Apple Bloom popped out from the wagon. Big Mac was surprised at first, but the he and Apple Bloom smiled as the latter hopped out of the wagon.
"Don't forget to mention how really good friends can also feel like your family," said Apple Bloom as she appeared inside with Big Mac right behind her.
"And that sometimes your closest friends might even be family and you never knew it," Mario added.
"Eeyup," Big Mac said in agreement.
"You know what," said Apple Bloom as Applejack went to pick up the quill, "Maybe I should write it. I'm good at makin' things sound excitin'."
"I have a history of excellent storytellin'," said Granny Smith, "I should probably do it!"
"Well, let's not forget who in this family is a successful storyteller and has two successful books written," Mario pointed out.
"Bleh!" said Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Applejack at once. Mario glared until Granny Smith caught Big Mac with the quill and trying to walk off with it.
"Hey!" Granny Smith called out, "Where in the haystack do you think you're goin' with that there pen?!"
"I'm goin' to do-" Big Mac tried to protest but his voice soon was drowned out as the family began to argue with each other. Even Mario could help but join in rather than try to be a peacemaker this time around.
"Look at me!" said Pinkie as she appeared in the foreground, "I'm part of the Apple family too!" She then rushed into the middle of the group of arguing ponies.
"I'm arguing," said Pinkie, "Argue, argue, argue! Bicker, bicker!" Pinkie just laughed. Only she could see the light in such a situation.
Eventually things finally calmed down enough for a compromise to be made where everypony shared a little something in the journal. Then the family got back to work, which was finished much sooner thanks to Mario helping out. Soon the sun began to set in the sky as Mario sat on top of a hill overlooking the entire Apple orchard.
"I thought I'd might find you here," said Applejack as she approached her big brother.
"Hey, Sis," said Mario softly, "Just needed a moment to myself. As happy as I am knowing I'm your brother and an Apple. Something in my heart still feels...incomplete..." Applejack took a seat beside him.
"I understand," said Applejack, "Bet you weren't expecting your parents to be gone and such."
"I still blame myself for it," said Mario, "if I only had tried harder, I could've at least known them. Mom would have at least known that I was alive." Applejack just took a slow deep breath.
"Ever thought maybe this was meant to happen?" said Applejack, "After all, if Mom had found you, you wouldn't have known that you were destined to be an Alicorn Prince. You never would have met Twilight until later and who's to say you two would be together?"
"True," said Mario with a sigh, "I guess I just...miss them is all. Now that I've had time to think about it and heard that Mom blamed herself for my disappearance. I just wish I could tell her that I forgave her and I know it was just a mistake, not because she didn't care."
"Ma was the most loving and caring pony you could ever meet, Big brother," said Applejack, "She's be proud to hear that you forgave her. She would be proud that you have such a loving heart and are the Element of Love."
"I'm sure she'd be proud to hear you're the Element of Honesty," said Mario, "I'm sure Dad would be too..." Mario then began to cry, but Applejack just held him close until he managed to calm down.
"Guess it's gonna take a while for me to not lose it whenever I talk about them," said Mario, feeling a little embarassed, "I may have found my family, but I still feel this...empty space because our parents are gone..."
"It's okay," said Applejack, "Even I get a little choked up when I think about them. We all do. I get that feeling in my heart too. That is when you remember that you have family and friends who love you very much. They for sure can help in filling that empty space in your heart." Mario smiled as he dried his eyes. Then the two ponies watched as the sun disappeared over the horizon and Luna raised the moon into the night sky.
"You know," said Mario after a long silence, "suddenly it all makes sense why I enjoy being at Sweet Apple Acres, why I love living here in Ponyville."
"Why is that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked. Mario gave her a warm smile.
"At last..." Mario said contently, "I've found my family and I finally feel like I've truly come home." Applejack returned his smile as they held each other. As they remained silent, Mario saw two shooting stars travel across the sky.
He couldn't be positive, but Mario felt like he heard two voices as the stars flew by saying:
"Welcome home, Mario Star. Welcome home..."
There you have it readers! It's taken over seventy plus chapters but the truth is now revealed. Mario is related to Applejack! Are you shocked, surprised, stunned? If you've been reading every chapter, I sprinkled little clues hinting that he might have a connection with them. For example: If you look at his picture, his coat and mane resemble Buttercup. Kudus if you spotted all the other clues!
More information about Mario's connection with the Apple Family will be known in the future, assuming I can get to season 7.
Plus try not to over think the family genealogy too much with the rest of the Mane six, especially with Twilight. All you need to know it that Mario is the second oldest sibling of the Apple Family. That's the main family relationship I'll be focusing on from here on out.
For now, brace yourselves for more Mario and Spitfire as well as more information regarding Mario's issues with Equestria games. Oh and Mario and Rainbow bonding too!
Peace Pony Fans!