MLP: Friendship is Magic

by ghostdog2AD

This story is about a unicorn named Mario Star, who's a jack-of-all-trades and a martial artist and a former human/current unicorn named Elijah/Comet Stardust. Now, Mario will know all about friendship and possibly win Twilight's heart while Comet will have a new family and know the meaning of life.

11. The Last Cowboy Song

This is the 11th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

The Last Cowboy Song

Few days later after she arrived from the magical labor few weeks ago, Applejack has been teaching the human turned filly, now known as Apple Shine, about life in Equestria. She was surprised to know that the sun and moon were moved through the sky by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Apple Shine also learned that the weather is controlled by the pegasi that work for the division in Cloudsdale.

Apple Shine was no stranger of getting herself dirty and getting some chores done: feeding the pigs, fetching the eggs, and even cleaning up the pen. The Apple family were impressed of Apple Shine's hard work because she's been familiar of working on the farm back in Houston, Texas. She was able to buck those apple trees and gather them up on a barn, but she's still not use to lift some heavy bucket filled with apples. Applejack was able to help the Texan filly along with Big Mac and Mario Star. Applejack had also kept teaching Apple Shine some Earth Pony strength, after she got use to heavy lifting the bucket of apples since it takes practice.

Granny Smith has also been teaching Apple Shine about cooking apples in different variety and treats. She was impressed that Apple Shine was able to follow the recipes, cleaning up the kitchen after the cooking, and keeping the station clear. And it got Granny Smith surprised that Apple Shine cooked something new called: Apple Pickles, Baked Apples, Apple Turnovers, and Apple Muffins.

---

My Little Pony, My Little Pony

Ahhhh

My Little Pony

I use to wonder what friendship could be

My Little Pony

Until you all share this magic with me

Big adventure,

Tons of fun,

A beautiful heart,

Faithful and strong,

Sharing kindness

It's an easy feat

And magic makes it all complete

My Little Pony

Do you know all you're my best friends?

---

Applejack was placing the buckets next to the apple trees, trying to get the chores done and gather some apples. But every time she tried to get some chore done, her mind wondered towards Apple Shine, who was bucking some apple trees and gather up some apples. Applejack still couldn't get the thought out of what happened a few weeks ago out of her head.

She even remembered few weeks ago, Apple Shine had been squirming in her sleep and she kept thinking about her old family in another world. She had been able to calm the little filly down, telling her it was still going to be okay, and promised she would be there for her. She also told her that her family would've wanted what's best for the filly instead of getting in danger by the storm. But when she succeeds, Apple Shine said only one word: Momma. Applejack felt bad for the filly. Apple Shine had a love and hardworking family at the ranch in another world, being bit by a timber rattlesnake, even arrived in Equestria after passed away from the venom of the timber rattlesnake.

Applejack sighed and then decided to take a stroll, but not without telling Apple Comet.

"Ah'll be at the barn if ya need anythin'." Applejack said to the Texan filly when she nodded and then, she heads to the barn.

Applejack went into the barn where Mario unloads the apples and Granny Smith noticed her granddaughter isn't doing her chores. However, Granny Smith noticed that look on Applejack's eyes, she can tell that something is going on.

"Ah notice yer not doin' your chores, Applejack." Granny Smith said. "It's about Apple Shine, is it?"

Applejack confirms with a nod which she knows Granny Smith is right, but she's starting to feel depressed and concerned.

"Applejack?" Mario called his sister. "Is something wrong?"

"Well, Ah'm startin' to feel bad fer Apple Shine." Applejack answered.

"And why is that, Applejack?" Granny Smith asked.

"Before Apple Shine came here to Equestria, she had a very good life as a human girl named Emily." Applejack explains. "Back in her world, Emily and her folks were like us, except the apples, they've done so much together. Usually before she goes to school, Emily helped her family doin' some mornin' chores. Then there was a tropical storm comin' and gettin' bit by a timber rattlesnake."

"You're right." The voice of Apple Bloom said, approaches them. "Poor Apple Shine. If only there was somethin' we can do for her. I mean, she lived in a good life. Until, she died too early."

"And after what Comet told her, she's stuck here for the rest of her life." Mario adds.

"She's an Earth Pony, like us, except you." Applejack said. "But the Maternity flower sprayed the pollen in mah face when Ah got too close and got me pregnant, until Ah gave birth to her, before her spirit took over. Ah'm feelin' worried that she won't accept here in Equestria and she's gettin' worried about her old folks."

"But why are you worried for her?" Apple Bloom asked. "We all know that she's not from around here, like Comet."

"Apple Shine should've been with her family by then. But after hearing the storm, I don't think it'll be possible when her home got hit." Applejack points out. "Ah just hope Apple Shine will adjust well. But the sad thing is she can't go back in her original form. She died when the venom spreads over her body."

"So...What are yah goin' to do, Applejack?" Granny Smith asked.

"Ah don't know, Granny." Applejack said, sighed sadly. "But Apple Shine need somepony to watch over her. She needs somepony to love her, just like her family. But nopony besides us will see her on the inside, but get confused of her colors."

"Applejack, are you saying that..."

"Ah'm gonna need some time to think it over." Applejack said, sighed. "And Ah might need some help from y'all and some ponies we know before Ah make a decision."

"Ah think that'll be best, Applejack." Granny Smith agrees.

Applejack nodded and then head back towards the apple trees to see Apple Shine drinking a bottle of water from bucking the apple trees. Applejack then walked over to her.

"Takin' a break, sugarcube?" Applejack asks.

"Ah am, just for a short while." Apple Shine said.

"Still tryin' to fit in, huh?" Applejack asks, earned a nod from Apple Shine before she smiled motherly. "It's okay, Apple Shine. Yer old folks would understand. And Ah know yer still thinkin' about them. Ah'm sure they're thinkin' about yah too, cuz' they loved you very much and Ah know you love them too."

"Ah still do, Applejack." Apple Shine agrees. "It's just...After everythin' that's been happen...it just changes mah life...and...and..."

Applejack pulled Apple Shine for a hug.

"Ah understand, it's hard ta accept." Applejack said. "But Apple Shine, Ah'm sure they would want you ta be happy. Ah'll make sure of it."

Apple Shine then embrace the hug, wrapped her forelegs around Applejack's chest.

"Thank you, Applejack." Apple Shine thanked her, but sighed sadly.

"It's goin' ta be okay, Apple Shine." Applejack assures her. "Ah know you missed yer folks. But, at least you get to see them before yah go."

"Ah know." Apple Shine said. "But Ah just couldn't help but feelin' worried, Ah just don't know what happen to them."

"Well, Twilight already send a letter to Princess Celestia few days ago." Applejack said. "And Ah can promise ya, they'll do everythin' they can to find yer folks and hopin' they're alright."

Apple Shine nodded and then they both continued the hug.

Later that night, Apple Shine couldn't sleep since she's feeling worried of her old family. She left Applejack's bedroom, headed down the stairs, and went to the kitchen to have a cup of water. Soon as she drank the water, Apple Shine cleaned the glassed and place in the counter, but Granny Smith went to the kitchen and saw the Texan filly was about to leave.

"Ah bit late fer some midnight treats?" Granny Smith asks, causing Apple Shine to yelp.

"Granny Smith, you startled me!" Apple Shine exclaims. "Ah was just gettin' some water."

Granny Smith can tell Apple Shine is honest, but not completely.

"Apple Shine, yer a hard-workin' young filly and Ah know there's somethin' wrong 'bout yah. Is there somethin' yah want to tell me?" Granny Smith inquires. "We already know that yah missed yer folks, but there's somethin' else."

"What do yah mean?" Apple Shine asks.

"Ah mean, Applejack is startin' looking at yah more often than doin' some chores, Ah knew there's somethin' off about you and her." Granny Smith clarifies. "And Ah can tell you two are very close."

Apple Shine can tell that Granny Smith is making a point, but she can't even lie to her, decided to tell her the truth.

"It's just Ah had a strange feelin'...Ah felt like Applejack is more than a friend...Ah'm starting to see her as a mother." Apple Shine told her truthfully. "Ever since Applejack gave birth and my spirit is reborn, Ah'm starting to see Applejack as mah mom. And you as mah grandmother, Mario and Big Mac as mah uncles, even Apple Bloom as mah aunt."

Granny Smith then confirmed her suspicion of Apple Shine: the Texan filly is seeing the Apple family as her family. Ever since Mario and Rainbow Dash helped Applejack gave birth to Apple Shine because of the Maternity flower, Apple Shine became close to the Apple family and starting to see them as part of her family.

"But Ah don't know if Ah can accept it, Ah've only been in Equestria fer weeks and Ah already missed mah folks. Ah don't know what happen to them, either." Apple Shine said sadly.

"Ah understand, Apple Shine. Ah know yer worried about yer folks. But, they want yah ta be happy instead of gettin' into danger from the storm." Granny Smith said with a warm smile, hugged her. "And Ah'm sure they want what's best fer ya. Also, we'll be there to help Applejack make sure ya got a good life and make sure ya have friends."

Apple Shine then felt her eyes filled up as she sobbed, hugging Granny Smith. Granny Smith knew that Apple Shine is having a breakdown as comfort the Texan filly. From upstairs, Mario, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Applejack can hear the sobs which they knew it was Apple Shine. They feel sorry for Apple Shine and they're feeling worried about her whether she accept her new life in Equestria or not.

After Apple Shine calms down, she went back to upstairs to get some sleep. Granny Smith is feeling worried for her, sighed sadly and she wished the Princesses bringing the news about Apple Shine's old family.

The next morning, Applejack got up early and letting Apple Shine sleep in her bed because she was having a terrible nightmare. Applejack knew what nightmare that Apple Shine is having, and every time Applejack calmed her down as she slept, the filly had stopped having the nightmares. The Texan filly stayed close to Applejack through the remainder of the nights, and Applejack was now getting the feeling that Apple Shine was starting to see Applejack more than a caretaker.

Applejack headed down to the kitchen and sat at the kitchen table. Applejack sighed and looked out the window. A few moments later, Mario, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom went downstairs to the kitchen, even Granny Smith woke up when they saw Applejack sat at the kitchen table.

"Applejack?" Apple Bloom called her sister, earned her attention. "Is somethin' botherin' you?"

"There is." Applejack confirms. "But Ah'm gonna asked y'all somethin'. How would you feel...if we added Apple Shine...as part of the family?"

The Apple family then pondered, thinking of what Applejack had asked.

"Well, Apple Shine hasn't done anything, but doing some chores, bucking the apples, and even hangs out with Apple Bloom and Comet." Mario told her.

"Eeyup." Big Mac agrees.

"And there's nothing wrong with her, except for getting bit." Mario continues. "Why do you ask?"

"Ah'm thinkin' about introducin' her to the rest of our relatives, whenever we're not too busy with the chores." Applejack replied. "But Ah'm gonna need some support on this before Ah make a decision."

"Are yah sure about this, Applejack?" Granny Smith asks.

"Apple Shine needs a lovin' family, and her folks were very carin' and lovin'. She even help them doin' some chores at her old world at the ranch, but after hearin' a storm, they even have to get the farm animals to shelter. But the thing is she got bit by a timber rattlesnake." Applejack said. "We should be able to give her the family she deserves."

They began to realize that Applejack is making a good point, but Mario spoke.

"It's got something to do with Apple Shine called you 'Mom', is it?" Mario asks, earned a nod from Applejack.

"She needs a lovin' family." Applejack told her. "Ah'll be headin' to the library and see if Twilight got news from the Princess. And if Apple Shine wakes up, tell her Ah'm at the library."

The Apple family nods with an understanding as Applejack head out of the Sweet Apple Acres, heading to the Golden Oak Library to meet Twilight Sparkle.

Applejack soon made her way to Golden Oak Library, coming to the door as she then knocks the door. Twilight Sparkle opens the door.

"Hi Applejack." Twilight greets her. "What brings you here?"

"Actually, Twi, Ah came to ask yah if Princess Celestia have heard anythin' from Apple Shine's folks." Applejack answered. "Also, Ah've been doin' a lot of thinkin'."

Twilight can tell that Applejack is thinking about taking care of Apple Shine and raise her as her own daughter. Even though, Twilight Sparkle felt the same way when she first gave birth to Comet a while ago, and she made a decision by raising him as her son, which Comet accepted her as his mother after the closure.

"It's about Apple Shine, is it?" Twilight Sparkle asks, earned a nod from Applejack. "Come inside, and we'll talk."

Applejack went inside as Twilight closes the door since Comet is doing some morning training with Wild Heart.

"What's on your mind with Apple Shine?" Twilight asks.

"Well, Ah've been doin' a lot of thinkin' ever since Apple Shine live with me and mah family in Sweet Apple Acres. She's been a big help tah us, and she ain't makin' frets about it. But every time Ah'm tryin' to get the chores done, mah mind wondered towards her, and Ah'm startin' to feel like Apple Shine is more than a friend...Ah'm seeing her like she's mah daughter." Applejack explains, leaving Twilight surprised. "Ah overheard her talkin' with Granny, and Ah've been feelin' the same way about her."

"I know that feeling, I've been feeling like that too." Twilight said. "You see, my mind kept wondering towards Comet when I first take care of him."

"How so, Twi?" Applejack asks.

"Well, whenever I try to get my readings done, my mind just keeps wondering towards Comet and I'm starting to see him more than a friend, I'm seeing him like he's my son." Twilight told her. "Ever since I gave birth to him, he changed my life and it came to the point that I'm starting to love the little colt. After what he told us of his hardships in his old world, it tore me apart. And I really don't want him to suffer anymore, because I promised him that I'll take care of him and that he'll have a better life."

Applejack understands what Twilight is telling her, and she can tell that Twilight really loved Comet very much, seeing him as her son.

"But tell me, Applejack, what do you feel about Apple Shine?" Twilight asks.

"Ah feel that Apple Shine needs a lovin' family, like her old folks back in her old world since they gave her much love as she can get. Even after all that, she became the most outgoin' and hard workin' filly like she said she would be, but after hearin' about the storm, she and her folks had the farm animals sheltered. Then, she got bit by a timber rattlesnake and died." Applejack told her, sighed sadly. "It breaks my heart, hearin' her died from that varmint. But Ah didn't want anythin' bad happen to her anymore, because Ah made a promise to the Princesses that me and mah family to take care of her."

Twilight can see that Applejack is determined for taking care of Apple Shine, after hearing her backstory in Houston, Texas which it really got her heartbroken, hearing Apple Shine got bit by a poisonous snake and died. Twilight then uses her magic, levitating the scroll to Applejack.

"I happen to know that Princess Celestia had the news of her old family." Twilight told her.

"Really?" Applejack asks.

Twilight nods as she opens the scroll and read:

My faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

After receiving a letter from you few days ago, Princess Luna was able to find Apple Shine's family, which it really took quite a while to find them. We were happy to report that Apple Shine's family survived from the Tropical Storm Imelda, but they're ranch was destroyed along with the farm animals. It was very devastating when my sister told me about the city and the humans, but her old family decided to leave Houston and move up to Fredericksburg few weeks ago.

And I'm sure Apple Shine is pretty worried about her family. Please, give this to Applejack so she'll tell her since Apple Shine has the right to know.

Princess Luna decided to help Apple Shine, by seeing her old family one last time before she leaves. Like last time with Comet, Princess Luna can control dreams of her realm and bridge the dreams together. The reason is that Apple Shine didn't get her chance to say her goodbye to her family before she passed away and came here. It's her decision, and we're not forcing her to choose.

I hope Apple Shine gets a respond and the good news.

Your mentor,

Princess Celestia

After Twilight Sparkle finished reading the scroll, Applejack felt very happy and relieve to hear the good news of Apple Shine's family.

"That's great news to hear it, but Ah'm feelin' sad for them to lose a home after that storm." Applejack said.

"I understand, but Apple Shine does have the right to know and hoping that she gets to see them one last time." Twilight said, giving the scroll to her. "You should let Apple Shine know about it."

Applejack confirms with an understanding as she takes the scroll and leave the Golden Oak Library, leaving Twilight Sparkle alone which she smiled at her friend.

Applejack soon made it back at Sweet Apple Acres, with a scroll hidden in her hat as she looks for Apple Shine. It didn't take long for her to find the Texan filly when she saw her bucking some apples as Applejack approaches Apple Shine.

"Hey, sugarcube." Applejack called her, earned her attention.

"Applejack, Ah heard yer off to the library. Did Twilight know about it?" Apple Shine asks.

"Yep, and Ah came to tell yah that she received the news from the Princesses." Applejack confirms, takes off her hat and grabs the scroll. "And Ah've got this scroll here."

"Really?" Apple Shine asks, hoping to hear the good news.

Applejack nods as she extends the scroll to Apple Shine as she grabs it and opens the scroll, reading. After Apple Shine reads the scroll, she was glad to hear that her family is alive and survived from the storm, but sad to hear that her old home was torn apart along with the farm animals being killed, and forced to move up to Fredericksburg. When she finished reading the scroll, Apple Shine look at Applejack.

"Well, at least mah family is alright, but Ah'm sad that they have to leave Houston." Apple Shine said sadly. "But, why are you doin' all of this? Ah mean, Ah'm grateful for what you and yer friends have done for me, but...why are yah tellin' me?"

"Because, sugarcube, yah deserve to see them and Princess Luna came up with a solution." Applejack told her. "She given you a closure, in order for yah to see 'em one last time before you be at peace. Princess Luna has magic to bridge the dreams together, for you to make a closure."

Apple Shine widen her eyes, shocked that she'll be able to see her family again, but it'll be a closure.

"Also, there's thing else Ah've meanin' to tell yah." Applejack said.

"What is it?" Apple Shine asks.

"Do you remember the time you got bit by a timber rattlesnake after helpin' yer family have the animals sheltered before the storm?" Applejack asks, earned a nod from Apple Shine. "Well, after Mario told me about yer life at the ranch, livein' a good life with your folks with love and care, you were really a happiest gal that Ah've ever heard, until you were bit and the venom spreads over yer body and then you died. It really breaks mah heart, hearing that part and it left yer old folks heartbroken, but Ah don't want anythin' bad happen to yah anymore since me and mah family have taken you in, because Ah made a promise to take care of you and that you have a better life."

Apple Shine was stunned after hearing what Applejack is telling her, and seeing how determined she is.

"But you see, you and Ah have somethin' in common. We both share the love and care of our folks." Applejack told her. "And ya know somethin', ya remind me of both of them in that current body o' yers. Besides the white freckles, ya actually have the same coat as Ma. And them red and orange streaks in yer mane are the same color as both Ma and Pa."

"But what happen to yer parents?" Apple Shine asks. "Didn't they passed away?"

"Ah don't know, Apple Shine." Applejack said, sighed. "All Ah know is mah parents went missin' when Apple Bloom was just a year old. Ah was devastated when Ma n' Pa never came back. Everypony thought they died. Ah did too, after Apple Bloom started talkin'."

Apple Shine can see sadness in her eyes, she can tell that Applejack missed her parents very much and she love them.

"But there's another thing you should know. C'mere." Applejack said as Apple Shine walked towards her, before she lifted the filly up and placed her on her lap. "Remember how ya ended up here in Equestria?"

Apple Shine confirms with a nod.

"Well, it was...unexpected...for me and Mario." Applejack said. "Earlier when Ah finished my chores at Sweet Apple Acres, Ah saw Mario wandering off at the Everfree Forest. Mario filled me in about sealing the entrance of the tunnel, where it leads to those Maternity flowers after confirming it since Twilight found it by accident. So, Ah tag along because Ah can't have him go alone or can't let anythin' bad happen to him. After we were able to confirm those Maternity flowers, which it was at the maze led to some Stonehenge, until Ah got too close by those flowers by accident and it sprayed those pollens over mah face. When we were about to head back for Ponyville, Mario panicked when he told me those flowers that made me pregnant in an instant. After that, Ah became bloated in seconds 'til mah water broke. Mario and Rainbow Dash helped me deliver the foal. However, that foal has no colors or a soul, only a vessel. But then, the soul came and entered it. Yer spirit."

"Me?" Apple Shine asked.

"Yeah. Those Maternity flowers can get any female species pregnant in an instant, but only when someone has a dyin' wish." Applejack explains. "But in your case, you seem to have made a wish. And the foal aged up to yer age when you're alive. And that's how we found yah at the old treehouse and why yer livin' with me and mah family."

Apple Shine knew of how much of a good life she had and being bit by a timber rattlesnake, but didn't realize that those flowers can bring a soul here in Equestria and entered the vessel of an Earth pony. And Applejack gave birth to that foal which she now was. She didn't know until now, that Applejack is her mother. She could somehow feel her tears coming out of the corner of her eyes. She then felt tears now coming out as she jumped onto Applejack, wrapping her forelegs areound her body as best as she could.

"It's okay." Applejack told her, rubbing the back of her head. "Ah know yah remembered, but yah have every right to know, and Ah'll do mah best to take care of ya."

Apple Shine smiled and buried her head into her chest, nuzzling.

"Thank you, Applejack." Apple Shine thanked her.

"Fer what?" Applejack asks.

"Fer tellin' me everythin'. Mah family, how Ah ended up here. Ah wouldn't be alive or get hit by the storm, if it weren't fer yah." Apple Shine said as Applejack wrapped her forelegs around the Texan filly. "And Applejack, Ah'm ready to see them and hopin' see mah family one last time."

"Are yah sure 'bout this? Ah mean, Ah know yah missed yer folks and Ah don't want to replace them." Applejack said.

"You won't." Apple Shine shook her head. "As long as Ah remember of their love, Ah know they won't leave me and they'll think of me, just as Ah think of them every single day."

Applejack then smiled while kept hugging Apple Shine, then the Apple family saw that heartwarming sight with a smile on their faces.

Few hours later, the Apple family continued to do their chores at Sweet Apple Acres after Applejack let Twilight know that the Texan filly is ready to see her family one last time. Though, Apple Shine is still not use to carry heavy loads of buckets of apple despite her size, so Applejack and Big Mac helped her out. Apple Shine is taking a break and play with Winona, which the dog is able to bond with the Texan filly and Applejack can see how much Winona likes her. Apple Bloom and Apple Shine were able to clean the pigs up which it's hard, but the Texan filly is no stranger of getting her hooves dirty. The Apple family were happy to see how much Apple Shine is working, and were glad that her old family raised her well.

Later that night, they were inside of the barn. Apple Shine is sleeping next to Applejack when Princess Luna casted a spell on the Apple family. Apple Shine found herself, standing in front of the bridge over a river next to the Apple family. Apple Shine is confused about and was wondering why she's here.

"Um, Applejack?" Apple Shine called her, earned her attention. "Where are we?"

"We're inside of the dream." Applejack told her. "And this is where we're here to meet yer family."

"Eeyup." Big Mac said.

"That voice!" The man's voice said. "Carol, you don't think..."

"Wait a minute, Ah know that voice." The boy's voice said. "It was Emily's."

"But it can't be, Emily is dead when she's bit by that poisonous varmint." The second boy exclaims.

"Well, we'll find out soon enough." The woman's voice said.

Apple Shine knew those voices, looked across the bridge and saw five figures that she never thought she would see them again. Five of them look Apple Shine and the Apple family, not knowing that Apple Shine was Emily.

"Are those...ponies?" Michael asks.

"It is, son." John answered, all five of the figures were Apple Shine's (as Emily) family.

"M-Ma? P-Pa? M-Michael? B-Billy? E-Ethan?" Apple Shine said, shedding in tears.

"That...that voice." Carol said. "Emily? Is...Is that really you?"

"Is that really you, Emily?" Billy asks.

Apple Shine starts shedding in some tears. She then trotted towards her them, and jumped into Carol's arms, hugging her tightly.

"Ah...Ah missed y'all so much." Apple Shine said, crying.

"But how is it possible?" John asks. "We thought yer dead."

"I can answer that for you." Mario said, walking towards them. "Princess Luna is the one responsible for bridging your dreams together."

"Eeyup." Big Mac agrees.

"Bridging our dreams?" Carol repeats surprisingly. "Are we actually dreamin'?"

"Eeyup." Big Mag answered.

"Ya see, she's been thinkin' about you every day, worried if somethin' bad happen to ya." Apple Bloom explains. "And after hearin' the news, Apple Shine was happy to hear it, but sad that you left Houston."

"And we're mite sorry after what happen to the ranch, along with the animals." Applejack apologizes with sincere.

"Ah no harm done, ma'am." John told her, tipped his hat. "All that matters is that we made it out of the storm, but the cost was losin' our daughter."

"And we have to leave Houston, to Fredericksburg, so we can have a good life and to get away from the Tropical Storms." Ethan adds. "But we always think about our sister every day, and we missed her."

"Well, she's here now and she really y'all as well. Apple Shine's been thinkin' about y'all everyday." Applejack told them.

"Apple Shine?" Billy repeats. "That almost like spittin' some apples and polish it for shinin' it."

It got them chuckled a bit of his joke.

"Well, all of the names of our world are unique." Mario points out.

"So, y'all are here so you can reunite with our daughter?" Carol asks hopefully.

"Nnope." Big Mac shook his head.

"It's about giving your daughter a closure." Mario told them. "I'm sorry, but it's only way for her to see all of you one last time before she leaves."

John and his family didn't like the idea of having her leaving, but they know what it must be done.

"P-Pa? Ah...Ah don't want ya to leave me..." Apple Shine said sadly.

"Ah know, Emily." John said, putting a hand on Apple Shine's back. "We don't like it either, but we all know that we have to move on. And Ah'm sure that there are ponies who can take care of yah as much as we one did and they're given' you as much love you received."

"Pa's right, you don't have tah worry 'bout us." Ethan agrees. "We may not have a home in Houston, but we'll always do what we can in Fredericksburg."

"And we're workin' hard at a new ranch. We manage to have a new home and we're workin' for it." Michael adds.

"Ah...Ah wish Ah could go back with y'all and see yer new home." Apple Shine said.

"Ah know, honey." Carol said before kissing Apple Shine's forehead. "Ah know we mite not see you again, but we know you should appreciate what ya got. And we'll always be with you."

Carol put a hand on Apple Shine's chest, making her smile and gave them one last hug.

"You deserve to see your family one last time." Mario said with a smile. "It's time to say goodbye to them, Apple Shine."

"But...but can't this last a little longer?" Apple Shine asks.

"This spell can only take a lot of magic." Mario told her. "Say goodbye to them."

Apple Shine wished she could stay a little longer, but after what Mario Star told her, it has to be done as she turns to her family.

"Ah wish Ah had more time." Apple Shine said sadly. "But Ah'm really gonna miss y'all."

"We're gonna miss you too, Emily." Billy said with a sad smile.

"Before ya leave, we have a parting gift for you." John told her. "This song is somethin' Ah've put together when we gave you a proper burial in Houston."

And with that, the country music began to play when four of the country singer revealed themselves as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson along with a band. The background was a concert stage and a western saloon.

[The Highwaymen]

This is the last cowboy song

The end of a hundred year waltz

The voices sound sad as they're singin' along

Another piece of America's lost

Apple Shine knew that song, it was the country band called the Highwaymen and the country singers were Johnny, Waylon, Willie, and Kris which it got her smile with tears filled in her eyes. Applejack and the Apple family knew Apple Shine's family have put the song together just for her which it got them smiled.

[Waylon Jennings]

He rides to feed lots, clerks in the markets

On weekends sellin' tobacco and beer

And his dream's of tomorrow, surrounded by fences

But he'll dream tonight of when fences weren't here

[Kris Kristofferson]

He blazed the trail with Lewis and Clark

And eyeball to eyeball, old Wyatt back down

He stood shoulder to shoulder with Travis in Texas

And rode with the Seventh when Custer went down

Applejack and the Apple family were impressed of the country singers, seeing how well they play and sing which they've done this for a long time. John and his family noticed of the smiles of the Apple family, glad that they liked the song and saw Apple Shine shedding tears of joy.

[The Highwaymen]

This is the last cowboy song

The end of a hundred year waltz

The voices sound sad as they're singin' along

Another piece of America's lost

[Willie Nelson]

Remington showed us how he looked on canvas

And Louis Lamour has told us his tale

Me and Johnny and Waylon and Kris sing about him

And wish to God we could have ridden his trail

Johnny Cash then stopped playing the guitar as he grabbed his microphone. Apple Shine knew that Johnny Cash is not only a country icon, he's also a storyteller which he put the songs together between the country songs and his stories.

[The Highwaymen]

This is the last cowboy song

[Johnny Cash]

The old Chisholm trial is covered in concrete now

[The Highwaymen]

The end of a hundred year waltz

[Johnny Cash]

They truck it to market in fifty foot rigs

[The Highwaymen]

The voices sound sad as they're singin' along

[Johnny Cash]

They roll by his markings and don't even notice

[The Highwaymen]

Another piece of America's lost

[Johnny Cash]

Like living and dying was all he ever did

[The Highwaymen]

This is the last cowboy song

The end of a hundred year waltz

The voices sound sad as they're singin' along

Another piece of America's lost

Just then, all of them started fading while finishing up the country song from where they're standing.

Apple Shine woke up in the middle of the night. She looked around and saw Applejack wrapped around her hooves. She then got out of the bed and headed to the kitchen to get some drink of water. She was thinking about of her family with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, for everythin'." Apple Shine thanked her old family. "Ah will always love y'all, with all of my heart."

"And Ah'm sure they'll love ya too, sugarcube." The voice of Applejack, earned her attention. "And Ah know yer happy to see 'em."

"Yeah." Apple Shine confirms. "But Applejack? Is it alright if Ah...call ya Ma?"

Applejack was a little shocked, but started giving off a faint smile with some tears coming from her eyes. She give the Texan filly a nod.

"Come here, Apple Shine." Applejack said.

Apple Shine ran up to Applejack, and the two of them hugged. The Apple family woke up, and saw the two hugging, smiled with tears from their eyes when they saw a heartwarming sight.

The next morning, the Apple family walked out of the barn when they're about to do some morning chores. Apple Bloom walk towards Apple Shine.

"Now you're relieved to yer family one last time and give them goodbye." Apple Bloom said. "Does that mean?"

"Yes, Ah'm startin' to accept of livin' here and all of ya as mah family." Apple Shine confirms with a smile.

"We haven't said this ta ya before, Apple Shine." Applejack said. "But we are honored ta officially welcome ya ta the Apple Family."

"Eeyup." Big Mac said with a smile.

"Ah am too." Apple Shine said.

"But there is something missing, of course." Mario said, placing a Stetson hat on Apple Shine. "There you go."

"Guess Ah'm gonna have to get used to it." Apple Shine said, tipping her new hat with a smile on her face.

And with that, Apple Shine is now accepting her new life in Equestria and a new family.

That's it for the 11th chapter.

I put a song called 'The Last Cowboy Song' in this chapter. This song was sang by The Highwaymen, a country singing band formed by the four country icons (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson).

We may have lost the two, but their legends were never forgotten.