Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

163. The Perfect Pear

The Perfect Pear

Pony's Log Number 713:What started as a typical trip to the market with my little sister ends up with me learning about my parent's love story and a long lost family member...anypony got tissues?!...

Today, Apple Bloom and Mario had decided to do a little shopping together at Ponyville's open market area. Since Twilight and Diamond Tiara were busy, Mario and Apple Bloom had decided to do some shopping together.

"We're making good time, Sis," said Mario, "We've got everything Granny Smith asked for on this list."

"Awesome," said Apple Bloom, "You know what that means right, Big bro?"

"I sure do," said Mario excitedly.

"Window shopping without the windows!" Mario and Apple Bloom cheered as they continued to walk about the market area. Mario suddenly stiffened up.

"Wait!" said Mario as he raised a fore-leg to stop Apple Bloom.

"What's-" Before Apple Bloom could finish, there was a huge stampede of ponies charging across from them. Apple Bloom and Mario turned to see a huge crowd of ponies gathered around the stand belonging to an elderly stallion with golden tan fur, grey mane and tail with a thin streak of brown in the mane. He was also wearing a green bandana around his neck.

"Hmmm," said Apple Bloom.

"Wonder what the fuss is about," said Mario, "Come on." Apple Bloom and Mario squeezed their way up to the front as politely as they could. The elderly stallion put a glob of pear jam onto a biscuit and offered it to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom gasped at the gesture.

"Thank you!" said Apple Bloom. The elderly stallion smiled and then gasped when he saw Mario. As he started, instead of seeing the alicorn prince, he was seeing a mare with the same mane and tail colors as Mario, but with blue eyes instead of brown. The elderly stallion began to tear up.

"Umm...are you okay sir?" Mario asked. The elderly stallion quickly shook his head to recover.

"Y-y-yes, s-s-orry," the elderly stallion said timidly, "You...remind me of somepony I used to know...many...years ago." He quickly gave Mario a biscuit with the pear sample as well.

"Thank you very much," Mario said.

"You must be new," said Apple Bloom, "I'm Apple Bloom and this is my big brother, Mario Star." The elderly stallion smiled, but inwardly he was amazed at hearing Mario's name.

He's alive...and he looks just like her! My own grandcolt...an alicorn...a prince!? the elderly stallion thought to himself before speaking to the two ponies.

"I'm Grand Pear," the elderly stallion told.

"Welcome to Ponyville," said Apple Bloom and Mario together. Then a pony named Goldengrape scoffed.

"You mean welcome back to Ponyville," said Goldengrape, "Grand Pear was originally from here before he opened his famous pear jam store in Vanhoover."

"Really?" said Apple Bloom.

"Surprised I've never heard of it," said Mario, "Princess Celestia took me on a few trips to Vanhoover when I was foal." Grand Pear gave Mario a curious look and quickly hid it.

"Why'd ya move back?" Apple Bloom asked the elderly stallion.

"I. uh," said Grand Pear slowly and smacked his lips, "Well, I needed a change of pace."

"Too much hustle and bustle up in Vanhoover?" Mario asked, "I hear the place is close to becoming a metropolis ever since they hosted the Winter Equestria Games a few years ago.

"You could say that," said Grand Pear in a rather distant tone.

"Huh," said Apple Bloom as she and Mario took a bite of their biscuit and jam.

"Wow!" said Mario in amazement, "I'll be honest that I was never a fan of pears, but this..." Mario hummed as he took another bite and ate the rest of his biscuit, "...you may have just made me a pear fan my good sir. I've never had a pear or pear product this delicious."

"Yeah! This is delicious!" said Apple Bloom as she finished her biscuit as well, "I can't believe I've gone my whole life without ever havin' this."

"Glad you both like it," said Grand Pear with a smile. Apple Bloom looked at Mario, who smiled and gave her a nod.

"How much?" Apple Bloom asked. Grand Pear pushed the jar. Grand Pear pushed the jar forward and raised a fore-hoof in the air.

"Nah," said Grand Pear, emphasizing that it was on the house. Mario was taken aback by the gesture.

"W-w-we couldn't," said Mario, "I may be a prince, but my sister and I don't want any special treatment." Mario offered the elderly stallion the bits, but Grand Pear shook his head.

"This is your first time enjoying one of my pear jams," said Grand Pear, "Consider it a welcome gift for becoming new customers."

"Wow! Thanks, Mr. Grand Pear, sir!" said Apple Bloom and put the jar into her saddle bags, "It was real nice meetin' you!"

"We'll definitely be back for more of your tasty pear jam," said Mario, "See ya later, sir." Grand Pear smiled as Apple Bloom and Mario left. Grand Pear then got back to work as more ponies came to purchase his wares.

Back in the barn kitchen, Big Mac, wearing a chiefs hat, and Applejack were working together to prepare some pancakes. Big Mac then tossed a pancake behind him as Applejack caught it with a plate and added it to a nearby stack. Apple Bloom and Mario had just arrived inside the kitchen.

"Glad you two are back, sugarcubes," said Applejack as she held the stack of pancakes, "Just in time for breakfast for dinner."

"Mmmm. Yummy," Mario replied as he licked his lips.

"We've got the perfect topper for flapjacks at the market today," said Apple Bloom as she grabbed the jar of pear jam. Applejack gasped and dropped the stack of pancakes when she saw the jar.

"Pear jam?!" Applejack exclaimed as she got into both of Apple Bloom and Mario's faces, "What were you thinkin'?!" Mario rolled his eyes.

"Are you gonna flip out every time we offer a non-apple product into this barn?" Mario asked annoyingly, "we haven't forgotten your episode with the strawberry preserves." Applejack went to retort when she heard a distant door closing. She nervously peeked out of the kitchen doorway and cringed.

"Quick! Hide it!" Applejack told Big Mac. Big Mac ripped off a floor plank and Applejack began to desperately dig a hole.

"Huh?" said Apple Boom in confusion.

"I'm just as confused as you are, Sis," said Mario as they both winced at the sight.

(Main theme)

Now, both Applejack and Big Mac were digging a hole together as Apple Bloom and Mario watched.

"What's the big deal?" said Apple Bloom, "It's just pear jam."

"The big deal is that there is a long-standing feud between the Apples and the Pears!" Applejack said sternly as she poked the chest of both Apple Bloom and Mario.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"And we were supposed to know this how?" Mario asked in a calmly, "We can't read your mind ya know!"

"Mario, there's nothing to read in her mind," Apple Bloom pointed out.

"Oh yeah, good point," said Mario as he and Apple Bloom snickered. Applejack was indignant when she heard a loud snigger. Applejack shot Big Mac a dirty look as the red stallion looked away innocently.

"But all jokes aside, AJ," said Mario, "Exactly why is there a feud between our family and the pears?"

"Yeah, why?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Why?!" Applejack exclaimed, but then blinked, "Well, uh, a-actually I-I'm not entirely sure. You have any idea, Big Mac?"

"Uhhh...nope," said Big Mac.

"Well that's pretty suspicious," said Mario.

"Then I guess we should ask Granny?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ask me what?" Granny Smith asked as she came into the kitchen.

"Well...mmph?!" Mario was cut off when Big Mac stuck his fore-hoof into Mario's mouth and sternly shook his head to keep quiet. Then he quickly buried the jar of pear jam and put the plank on top of it despite the fact the plank was several inches above the rest of the floor.

"Uh, what goes better with apple fritter pancakes - caramel syrup or praline?" Applejack asked as she leaned against the raised floor plank. Granny Smith blew a raspberry.

"Praline," Granny Smith replied as she flicked away the caramel sauce bottle and sniffed, "Oh-ho-ho, that smells great, Applejack. Nice to see you're joining us for supper, Mario." Mario went to speak when he saw Applejack and Big Mac gesturing him to zip it.

"Glad to be here, Granny," Mario replied, rolling his eyes since the experienced mare wasn't look. Granny Smith then headed outside where a nearby outhouse was located. Mario often wondered why Granny Smith still used it since, with the most recent barn raising, he had made sure to add at least two bathrooms inside the barn.

"I'm gonna go wash up for supper," said Granny Smith, "Be right back." As soon as the door closed, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac sighed. Mario took notice of how relieved they looked and was no longer annoyed with them, but concerned.

"Is there something going on here that I don't know about?" Mario asked in a calm but worried.

"I'm just as curious 'bout that," Apple Bloom added.

"Listen, sugarcubes," said Applejack, "Anytime Big Mac and I ever asked Granny about the feud or the Pears, she'd get so upset she couldn't talk. Best not to bring it up."

"O-okay, but that Grand Pear was really nice to us, even though we are apples," said Apple Bloom.

"Not to mention," Mario added, "Grand Pear said I reminded him of somepony he used to know from years back. What did he mean by that? Who would I remind him of?"

"I wonder what happened," Apple Bloom said as well.

"Me, too," said Applejack.

"Granny Smith must know something," said Mario, "Something she clearly doesn't want to tell anypony about. Just why would she feel the need to keep the feud to herself? She can't expect to keep the truth from us forever. She had to expect us to ask her about it someday."

"If we can't ask Granny," said Applejack, "I don't know who - " Applejack then blinked, "We can ask Goldie Delicious! If anypony knows about the feud, it's the family historian!"

"I'm in!" said Apple Bloom, "What about you Mario?"

"Definitely!" said Mario, "There's no way I could leave a mystery like this unsolved!" He gave Apple Bloom a hoof bump.

"What do you say, Big Mac?" Apple Bloom asked, "Siblin' trip first thing tomorrow?"

"Eeyup!" Big Mac replied as the three other siblings smiled.

The next morning, Mario and Big Mac coupled themselves up together to a single freight car so Applejack and Apple Bloom could ride it all the way to Goldie. For those wondering why it would take two stallions to pull a single freight car. It was more of a matter that Big Mac refused to have Mario pull the train and he wanted to do it. Doing it together was a compromise with Big Mac right up front to lead. They were already moving at a descent pace when Big Mac felt a surge of confidence.

"Y'all ready for a sprint, Mario?" Big Mac asked with a smirk.

"I'm ready when you are," said Mario and soon the two stallions were racing down the track at a very fast pace.

"Woo-hoo!" Apple Bloom cheered.

"Yeee-haw!" Applejack shouted at the same time as they enjoyed the high speed ride together. It didn't take the group long before they arrived at a small siding close to Goldie Delicious's cabin. Then they all approached the front door together. Apple Bloom wasted no time knocking on the door.

"Yoo-hoo! Goldie?" Mario called out. It was then the four siblings all heard some rumbling and cat yowls. Mario then felt his protection instincts kick in.

"FALL BACK!" Mario shouted just as the front door surged and Apple Bloom cringed fearfully. The four siblings zipped away just as the front door burst open and a large collection of books and other trinkets came flooding out of the house, creating a tall mountain in the front yard. It was then a giant ball of cats came tumbling toward them. The four siblings winced at the sight. Applejack and Big Mac leaned back while trying to protect Apple Bloom. Mario stood on his hind legs in front of the three other apple siblings while his fore-legs were spread out. He figured he could either block the oncoming ball of cats or at least take most of the collision impact. Before the ball could ever make contact with any of them, it fell apart to reveal Goldie Delicious in the center of it. All fine and dandy.

"Now, that's how you make an entrance!" said Goldie as she dusted herself off, "Or is it an exit?" She chuckled to herself, "Well, anyway, it's so wonderful to see you four. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Goldie then rubbed her white mane to make a white cat come out of it.

"Well, Goldie," said Applejack nervously, "we were hoping you could tell us about the, uh...feud with the Apples and the Pears." Applejack bit her lip as Mario patted her back for support. Goldie cringed and sat down, on the tail of another cat.

"Oh. Oh, dear," said Goldie slowly, "Well, does Granny Smith know you're here?"

"No, ma'am," Apple Bloom answered as she walked up, "But Mario and I ran into Grand Pear yesterday, and he was really nice. Maybe the feud was a misunderstandin' or somethin', and we can fix it?" Applejack, Mario, and Big Mac all smiled hopefully. But then Mario remembered something.

"Plus Grand Pear said I reminded him of somepony from his past," said Mario, "and I have this sneaking suspicion Granny Smith knows who that might be." Goldie suddenly looked very uneasy for a bit before she attempted to recompose herself.

"Oh, well, one thing at a time there, sonny," said Goldie as she looked at Apple Bloom, "As for the feud, I don't know about that, little one. But if it's a story you're after, I suppose you have a right to know, especially Mario since I'm assuming he's still trying to catch up on all the family history." Goldie began to search through the pile of things behind her.

"Now, let's see," Goldie mumbled, "I got a stack of books here someplace...Oh! Apple Family History Volume 137!" She then opened the book and started to scan through it, "Hmm, hmm...Here we are. "Feud with the Bears", I mean, "Pears". My eyes ain't what they used to be." Goldie then held the book open as the four siblings sat down to listen to her story.

"A long time ago, Sweet Apple Acres wasn't the only farm in Ponyville," Goldie narrated as she showed them an old picture of the farm, "In fact, there was another one just right next door."

Flashback

In the heart of the Ponyville market, was a young Granny Smith, who had a stand set up and was advertising her products to nearby customers.

"Come and get your apples!" Young Granny Smith called out, "Nothin' sweeter than bitin' into a crisp apple on a beautiful fall day!"

"Unless of course," said a voice as the ponies gasped and looked to see that it was young Grand Pear, who had set up his stand right next door to young Granny Smith, "you could bite into a juicy pear." Young Granny Smith scoffed and blew a raspberry.

"Please," Young Granny Smith remarked as she shinned an apple, "Pears are just what happens when you ain't no good at farmin' apples."

"Pears are nature's candy," Young Grand Pear remarked as he gave a customer their goods, "Apples are sour. Like the expression on your face right now." Young Grand Pear chuckled impishly. Young Granny Smith took offense and soon the two family heads were arguing with each other. The other ponies eventually walked away, feeling either put off, annoyed, or uncomfortable at watching the two ponies bicker with each other.

"And so it went, "Goldie narrated, "Granny and Grand Pear were always at each other on who was the best farmer or who took better care of their trees. If Granny read to her trees at night..." The night, Granny Smith was sitting against the edge of the log, reading a bed time story to the apple trees.

"And then," Young Granny Smith read aloud, "the little tree reached his branches up to the moon, and the moon said, "Good night"." Young Grand Pear watched from the other side of a white picket fence and glared at the apple mare.

"...why, then Grand Pear had special blankets made for his trees so they wouldn't get cold," Goldie narrated as Grand Pear put some large blankets over the top of some trees.

"Good night trees," said Young Grand Pear as he patted a tree trunk and kissed it, "I've got you covered. Mm-hmm." He then hugged the tree and gave young Granny Smith a smirk. Granny Smith growled, slammed her book down, and stomped off with a huff.

The next morning, Granny Smith had several other Apple family members bucking the apple trees and collecting them. Granny Smith and the others nodded to each other for a job well done, but then they looked toward a certain direction and gave somepony the stink eye. That was the Pears, who were on ladders gathering the pears from the trees under the direction of Grand Pear. Grand Pear gave them a salute for a job well done and then gave Granny Smith the stink eye.

"In fact, all the Apples and the Pears were rivals to the core!" said Goldie as the two families growled and snarled at each other from the picket fence, "The only Apple and Pear who ever got along were Bright Macintosh and Pear Butter." At the same picket fence was a yellow foal with red mane and tail along with a peach colored foal with orange mane and tail. Foal Pear Butter was just looking at some yellow flowers when foal Bright Mac tried to get her attention.

"Psst!" said foal Bright Mac in a whisper, "I'm not supposed to talk to you."

"I'm not supposed to talk to you either," foal Pear Butter whispered back.

"My mom says if you hold a buttercup under your chin, it'll make your chin glow," foal Bright Mac told her, "But it doesn't work on me. See? He held a buttercup under his chin to show nothing was different. Pear Butter did the same thing and her chin turned yellow.

"Does it work on me?" foal Pear Butter asked in a cute but innocent tone while making cute faces while sticking her tongue out. Foal Bright Mac thought she was absolutely adorable.

"It sure does, Buttercup," said foal Bright Mac.

"Buttercup," said foal Pear Butter, "I like that name." The two foals smiled and shook hooves.

"Wait an apple-pickin' minute!" said Applejack.

End Flashback

"Bright Mac and Buttercup?" Applejack continued, "Those are our parents' names!" Big Mac, Apple Bloom had their jaws hanging out and Mario was in a complete state of shock.

"Of course Buttercup was just a nickname your father gave your mother," Goldie explained, "Pear Butter - well, that was her given name." Mario, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac were now even more shocked.

"If...if what you're saying is true..." Mario said slowly.

"Are you sayin' our mother was a...Pear?!" Applejack asked. Apple Bloom and Big Mac gasped dramatically.

"Oooo..." Mario moaned as he fainted.

(Lose a life fanfare)

The truth was a little too much for him. Fortunately, he recovered a few seconds later.

"So we are half-Pear?!" Big Mac exclaimed. Apple Bloom and Applejack were still in shock and biting their lower lips. Mario then fainted again.

(Lose a life fanfare)

Big Mac wasted no time giving Mario a green and white mushroom.

(Extra life fanfare)

"Ugh..." Mario groaned as he recovered again, "Thanks Big Bro. I haven't felt this overwhelmed since the first time we came here and I found out you were my brother and sisters." Applejack shook her head to try and recover.

"I can't believe it!" said Applejack as she nervously bit her lower lip, "How did we not know?!"

"Well, uh, nopony called your mother Pear Butter," said Goldie as she grabbed a mini chalkboard and making some cats meowed, "And her cutie mark was a preserve jar, but pear butter don't look too much different from apple butter, so no clues there."

"This mystery just go much more complicated," said Mario, "If Mom was a pear, how was she able to marry Dad? It obviously didn't bring peace between the two families otherwise why would Granny keep this from us?"

"Good point, Big Bro," said Apple Bloom. Applejack just sighed.

"Is there a-anythin' else you can tell us about them?" Applejack asked. Mario had a pleading look while Apple Bloom and Big Mac had hopeful smiles on their faces.

"I know they loved each other very muh," Goldie replied, "They had that magical, star-kissed, other-side-of-a-rainbow kind of love. You couldn't be around them too long and, and not feel a little lighter than air yourself." Goldie chuckled as she squeezed four cats in her forelegs and let them go, "A good example of that would be Mario and Twilight. They certainly have that kind of love from what I've seen." Mario blushed, especially when the other siblings looked and smirked at him.

"I...I wouldn't go that far," said Mario bashfully, "Lately we've been getting on each other nerves and can't see eye to eye either. Plus I've been coming to realize she took me for granted all these years..."

"Those are just signs of a normal, healthy marriage, Mario," said Goldie, "And no relationship is perfect. Even your parents had their ups and downs and even plenty of flaws, but when they took the time to appreciate and cherish one another, it was something magical. Even when you have your disagreements, ain't those moments when you patch things up something magical?" Mario thought of those times and giggled as he smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah...I do feel rather warm and fuzzy when we make up," said Mario, "I feel like I love her more because we were able to overcome and solve what was upsetting us. And I feel closer to her too."

"And seeing you two make up does makes us feel lighter than air, sugarcube," said Applejack, "From what Goldie was saying, you two do have the same kind of love our parents had." Mario smiled shyly. Then he saw Big Mac snickering. He glared at first before a devious smirk appeared on his face.

"So does Big Mac," said Mario, "He and Sugar Belle certainly know how to make others smile when they're having their dates in town." Big Mac blushed deeply and chuckled nervously as he looked away. Applejack and Apple Bloom giggled to each other.

"Anything else?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Hmm..." Goldie pondered aloud as she rubbed her chin, "I'd need Volume 138 for that." Unfortunately, there was a giant cheetah resting on top of it and grunted irritably at them.

"Do we wanna know how that got into her pile of...historical treasures?" Mario asked the other siblings.

"Ennope," said Big Mac with a shake of his head.

"I'm sure I could wrangle it...in a, in a couple of days," said Goldie and went to go face the cheetah. The four siblings shared worried looks with each other.

"That's all right, Goldie," said Applejack with a sigh, "It was...nice to hear-"

"Ooh-hoo-hoo!" Goldie interjected, startling the four ponies, "I just remembered somethin'! Your dad and his buddy Burnt Oak would get in all kinds of trouble together as colts."

"Burnt Oak?" said Applejack in surprise, "The firewood salespony? I haven't seen him in ages."

"He's one of Di's regular delivery stops," said Mario, "She takes some of his lumber to the Ponyville mill so the extra wood can be converted into furniture and other things."

"He and your dad were thick as thieves back in the day," said Goldie, "Y'all should talk to him."

"Okey-dokey," said Mario, "Thanks for everything, Goldie! See ya!" The four siblings waved goodbye and walked away. Goldie waved back before she tumbled down the pile of stuff, making several cats and even the jaguar to peek at her curiously. Mario considered going back to help, but the other convinced him that it was best that he not get involved.

With the two stallion train, it didn't take the four siblings long to find an ash colored pony with white and light grey mane and tail, mustache on his face and a stenson hat. He was just waving goodbye to a customer when he saw the four pony walked up to him.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Apples," said Brunt Oak, "Diamond Tiara was just here this morning. I must say Mario that you've certainly done alot of good for that little filly. She's always so sweet and cheerful when she stops by to pick up my extra firewood."

"Thanks Brunt Oak," said Mario, "But we're not here about Di, even though I'm glad she's got a satisfied customer."

"What can I do for ya?" Burnt Oak asked, "I know you're not here for firewood. You got more trees than anypony in Ponyville." Big Mac and Apple Bloom looked at Applejack and Mario.

"You right," said Applejack quietly, "we're not here for that."

"It's something more important than...firewood," Mario added.

"Come to ask about your dad?" Burnt Oak replied

"Uh, eeyup," said Big Mac.

"How'd you guess?" Mario asked in a soft tone.

"I wondered if you might," said Burnt Oak as he sat on a nearby chopping stump, "Hoped you would. Once you revealed that you were the long lost son, I knew it was only a matter of time. I have no problem talking about Bright Mac. It's nice to talk about him." He gave a short laugh, "We had alot of laughs. In fact, this one time..."

Flashback

Teenage Bright Mac and Teenage Burnt Oak were racing through the Apple fields Each of them had a plow attached.

"...we were racin' to see who could till the fastest," Brunt Oak narrated, "and Bright Mac was leavin' me in the dust. He was the only stallion I knew who would run faster than a full speed locomotive."

"Wait...are...are you saying Dad was a super fast runner?" Mario asked as the two teenagers kept racing.

"Sure did," said Brunt Oak, "'Course he could never run fast enough to generate a sonic rainboom like you could, Mario. He was certainly faster than anypony in Equestria. But getting back on track here, he would've won our race too, if he wasn't so...distracted." As teenage Bright Mac charged ahead, he saw teenage Pear Butter weeding the field on the other side of the fence. This caused him to make a very sharp left turn.

"Whoa!" Teenage Bright Mac yelped as he crashed through the fence, plowed through the field Teenage Pear Butter was working in and smashed head on into the water silo. Teenage Pear Butter lifted her head when she heard the crash, but before she could react a huge wave of water overtook her. Once the water receded, Teenage Pear Butter spat some water out and saw the that the water silo was in smithereens. Teenage Bright Mac had just recovered when Teenage Burnt Oak grabbed and pulled him away to hide as Grand Pear appeared over the hill.

"Oh!" Grand Pear gasped as he rushed over to the wreckage and his daughter.

"Pear Butter, what did you do?!" Grand Pear asked sternly.

"I-I'm not sure," said Teenage Pear Butter timidly, still trying to process what was going on. It didn't help that Grand Pear was starting her down. Teenage Bright Mac and Teenage Burnt Oak watched from a nearby bush. Teenage Bright Mac could stand seeing Teenage Pear Butter in trouble for his blunder. He narrowed his eyes and walked out of the bush before Teenage Burnt Oak could stop him. Grand Pear was still glaring angrily at Teenage Pear Butter when he appeared.

"She didn't do it, sir," said Teenage Bright Mac sternly.

"Excuse me?" Grand Pear asked sternly.

"The water silo," said Bright Mac as he removed his stenson hat from his head, "It was my fault." Teenage Pear Butter couldn't resist a giggle. Grand Pear noticed and snorted indignantly.

"You owe me a new silo, boy!" Grand Pear told the teenage stallion before turning to Teenage Pear Butter, "And you, come with me." Teenage Pear Butter quietly followed beside the aging stallion.

"No daughter of mine if gonna make goo-goo eyes at an Apple!" Grand Pear told her. Teenage Pear Butter said nothing but looked back and gave Teenage Bright Mac a smile. Teenage Bright Mac was instantly smitten. Teenage Brunt Oak waved a fore-hoof to bring him back to reality, but it was no good. Teenage Bright Mac was gone.

End Flashback

Back in the present, Mario chuckled.

"I'm kind of embarassed to admit it, but..." Mario said quietly, "I...can get a little distracted at the sight of Twilight."

"No kidding," said Applejack with a giggle, "When Mario was learning how to fly, Twilight gave him a cute smile and wave, Mario waved back...and crashed head first into one of the Canterlot towers. The indention his head made is still there!" Mario blushed as Apple Bloom giggled and Big Mac snickered.

"It's nice to know Dad has the same problem when he saw Mom," said Mario, "Mom must've been really beautiful to capture Dad's heart so much he lost consciousness of everything around him."

"She sure was," said Brunt Oak as he hopped off the stump and put a piece of wood on top of it, "Not only that, Grand Pear never would've known it was your father's fault. But there was no way he'd let your mother take the blame for somethin' he did."

"So Dad was super honest!" said Apple Bloom before giving Applejack a nudge, "Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?" Applejack smiled back in reply.

"Your Dad worked the Apple Farm all day and then headed over to the Pears on his breaks to fix the water silo," Burnt Oak continued as he started chopping logs in half, "I didn't see him for weeks! Not that he minded. Gave him a chance to get to know your mom."

"Tell me, Burnt Oak," said Mario, "Did Dad ever take the fall for Mom even when she was at fault?" Burnt Oak chuckled.

"Every chance he could," said Brunt Oak, "Drove your Mom crazy when he did, even though she knew it was because he couldn't take seeing somepony he loved in a pickle. Even when he knew she was at fault, he never stopped coming to her rescue. He did the same for some of his female cousins when they got into trouble as well, even when he warned them not to do anything fool hardy."

"Sounds like a certain little brother I know," Big Mac remarked. Mario just blushed and rolled his eyes. Even Applejack and Apple Bloom blushed and smiled sheepishly, making Brunt Oak laugh.

"Did you know our mom, too?" Apple Bloom asked as the four siblings stood up.

"Buttercup was a real peach of a Pear," said Burnt Oak, "But if you want to know more about her, you should ask Mrs. Cake." The four siblings were stunned and looked at each other.

"Mrs. Cake?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

"She and your mom were inseparable when they were fillies," said Brunt Oak as he tied up a bundle of logs together.

"I see...," said Mario, feeling rather puzzled.

"Then let's go!" said Applejack, "Thanks, Burnt Oak!"The four siblings quickly took off, but then Big Mac stopped and walked back.

"Uh, would it be okay if we stopped by again sometime to hear more stories?" Big Mac asked timidly.

"I'd like that very much," said Burnt Oak, tears pricking out of his eyes as he watched Big Mac rush off. Big Mac had barely caught up with the others when he noticed that Mario looked rather distressed.

"Something up, little brother?" Big Mac asked.

"It's just the fact that Mrs. Cake knew Mom," said Mario, "When I first came to Ponyville and met Mrs. Cake. She had this shocked and stunned look on her face when she saw me. When I asked if something was the matter, she simply dismissed my question. She had the same thing again when Princess Celestia told her she had raised me as her son. She looked rather sad, but when I asked her about it, she dodged the subject again. Whenever we spend time together, she always have this whimsical smile on her face and her eyes twinkle."

"Well you are alot of fun to hang out with Big Brother," said Apple Bloom, "and you know how to make ponies smile almost as good as Pinkie Pie."

"Thanks, little sis," said Mario, "But I can't help but wonder if she knew who I really was and if she did, why didn't she tell me..."

"I'm just as curious as to why she never told any of us she knew Mom," said Applejack, "but now we can get some answers."

"Right," said Mario as the four ponies charged onward to Sugarcube Corner. At the said bakery, Mrs. Cake was just busy doing her decorating when the four Apple siblings allowed themselves in from the kitchen door.

"Well, cinnamon sugar on toast!" said Mrs. Cake, "All four Apple siblings!"

"Hi, Mrs. Cake," said Applejack, "We heard you and our ma used to be real good friends, and we were hopin' you could tell us a bit about her." Mrs. Cakes frowned for a moment but then quickly perked up.

"Oh, I would love to," said Mrs. Cake, "I never knew the right time to bring it up."

"Is...that why you never told me?" Mario asked. Mrs. Cake blinked in surprise.

"W-w-what do you mean, Mario?" Mrs. Cake asked in a puzzled tone. Mario took a deep breath.

"All I know is that when I first met you, you had this distant look on your face when you looked at me," said Mario, "And then you looked really sad when Celestia told you that she raised me. Yet whenever we spend time baking together or I'm seeking marriage advice, there's this sparkle in your eyes. I mean I'm glad I make you happy and you enjoy my company. I enjoy spending time baking with you, but...hearing that you knew Mom...I can't help but feel wonder...did...did you know I was related to them? Did you know this entire time?" Mrs. Cake just listened quietly as a pair of tears left her eyes.

"I...I had a hunch..." said Mrs. Cake quietly, "But I didn't have any way of proving it. The only clue I had was that you look just like Buttercup. But...it had been so long since that fateful day when she said you were lost in that burning building. It was hard to me to believe that you and that foal were the same pony. But you have the same kind, loving, and caring heart that Buttercup has, always so generous and helpful to others. She always knew how to brighten anypony's day." Mario smiled but still looked a little worried.

"So...I don't bring back any...painful memories being around you?" Mario asked, "since I look like Mom and Mom is..."

"Bite your tongue young man!" Mrs. Cake retorted, making Mario flinch, "You really must stop thinking that you're just a pain in pony's lives, Mario! You give me back a part of my past that I thought was gone forever! That's why I'm always so happy when we spend time together. It's like Buttercup is still here and that means so much to me. It's like I have my best friend again." Mrs. Cake couldn't help but feel tears prick her eyes as Mario used his magic to gently wipe them away with a cloth.

"Thank you, dear," said Mrs. Cake, "And let me assure you that if I had known with no doubt that you were related to the Apple family, I would've told you right away. I would never keep something like that away from you. As for your mother, as I said before, I wasn't sure when to bring it up." Mario smiled and gave the baking mare a warm hug. The other siblings shared warm smiles with each other and even Big Mac couldn't help but get a little misty eyed.

"I understand and thank you for answering my question," said Mario, "We're all looking forward to hear what you know about Mom."

"I'm so glad you all came," Mrs. Cake said with a laugh, "Uh, for starters, did you all know that it was your mom who convinced me to pursue baking?"

"Really?" said Mario in amazement.

"But isn't your name, Mrs. Cake?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Who's full name is Cup Cake?" Applejack added.

"Not always," said Mrs. Cake, "Back when I was Chiffon Swirl, heh, I had no idea what I was supposed to do. But one day, your mom brought me some candied pears, eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla, and told me to just be creative." Mrs. Cake then set up a bowl and put all the ingredients she mentioned into it, "Next thing I knew, I was whipping up pear upside-down cake, and I got my cutie mark!" She pointed at her flank to prove her point, "It was like she knew what I was supposed to do long before I did." Apple Boom's eyes twinkled as she gave the baking mare a big smile.

"Just like you, sugarcube," Applejack told the little filly, "Or rather, you're just like her!" Apple Bloom just kept smiling.

"That was the first of many cakes for me," Mrs. Cake continued, "and Buttercup was with me through it all."

Flashback

Young Mrs. Cake (or Chiffon in this case), her mane in a pair of spiral pigtails and no apron, was with Pear Butter as she put together another mixture. Pear Butter walked up and sampled the batter before giving her a smile of approval.

"She'd be my taste-tester," Mrs. Cake continued, "help with the decorating," Chiffon was decorating a cake and then Pear Butter helped her switch icing tubes before continuing, "and prep new ingredients." Pear Butter was then standing beside Chiffon as she helped the baking filly cut up some pears with a cutter.

"Over the years, I perfected my recipes," Mrs. Cake continued as Chiffon used a ladder to put the topper on top of a very large and very tall pear cake. Chiffon and Pear Butter smiled at a job well done.

"You're mom did so much for me," said Mrs. Cake as the flashback showed Chiffon carrying a pear cake on her back as she headed to the Pear Farm, "One day, I wanted to surprise her with a cake." Chiffon then peaked out from a nearby bush and gasped when she saw Pear Butter and Bright Mac having a picnic together. They were currently sharing a chuckle together. Then Bright Mac grabbed a bouquet of flowers to give to Pear Butter. Unfortunately some of the pollen tickled his nose.

"ACHOO!" Bright Mac sneezed and then sniffled. He then winced when he saw that his sneeze had blown all the flowers into Pear Butter's mane and face. Pear Butter just started wide eyed as she blew a flower from her face. Then she broke out giggling. Bright Mac laughed as well. Once they settled down, they lean in for a kiss. Chiffon couldn't help but smile at the sight and tried to sneak away, but she accidentally stepped on a twig. Pear Butter gasped and Bright Mac stood up defensively until he saw that it was Chiffon waving at them.

"Oh. It's just you," said Pear Butter with relief as Chiffon came out of the bushes.

"Sorry," Chiffon replied as she walked up to them, "I just brought you a little something to say thank you. But I see you're busy. Heh." Chiffon gave Pear Butter a knowing smile. Pear Butter looked at Bright Mac. They both blushed as the former giggled to herself.

"Promise you won't say anything?" Pear Butter asked. Chiffon gestured a fore-hoof across her lips to assure her that her lips were sealed. Too bad it wouldn't matter. Because at that very moment, Granny Smith came walking by as she was gathering some apples. She took notice of Pear Butter, gave a shocked whinny and snorted angrily.

"What are in tarnation are you doin', Bright Mac?!" Granny Smith scolded, "We do not fraternize with Pears!" Bright Mac just glared as Granny Smith spat on the ground definitively. Before he could say anything, Granny Smith grabbed him by the ear and dragged him away. But before they disappeared, he gave Pear Butter a wink to assure her that they would meet later. Pear Butter just smiled and waved goodbye as Chiffon walked up to her.

"You and Bright Mac?" Chiffon exclaimed, "Whew, I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes. Your families hate each other."

"I can't help it," said Pear Butter in her defense, "We just sorta...happened..." Pear Butter then had a very lovesick smile on her face. Chiffon waved a fore-hoof over Pear Butter's face, but she was long gone.

"Then Pear Butter told me the sweetest love story I have ever heard," Mrs. Cake narrated as Bright Mac and Pear Butter were having a sunset picnic on the top of a hill. They were currently leaning against each other when Bright Mac pulled back and gazed into Pear Butter's eyes.

"Happy one hundred and thirty-one thousand, four hundred and fifty-six hour anniversary darlin'," said Bright Mac as he tucked a buttercup flower into Pear Butter's mane.

"What?" Pear Butter laughed, "That's way longer than we've been together."

"I know," said Bright Mac, "But it's the anniversary of the first time I called you, "Buttercup"." Pear Butter smiled as a light blush colored her cheeks.

"It's okay if you didn't get me anythin'," Bright Mac said in a teasing tone as he tipped his hat forward and smirked. Pear Butter smirked back and rolled her eyes.

"Actually..." said Pear Butter as she pulled out a guitar, "I did."

"A guitar? For me?" said Bright Mac as he grabbed it and strummed it, "I don't know how to play."

"Quiet, you," Pear Butter retorted as she grabbed the guitar back. Then she began to play a lovely tune.

You readers might want to get out that tissue box.

[Pear Butter - She gazed at the Pear Farm from her bedroom window. A little birdie appeared and gave her a drawing of herself inside of a pink heart. She smiled at the picture. Then Bright Mac was seen looking at the Apple Farm from his bedroom window when the bird returned with the picture. Bright Mac smiled when he saw that Pear Butter had drawn himself so they were both inside of the heart.]

We're far apart in every way
But you're the best part of my day
And sure as I breathe the air
I know we are the perfect pair

[Pear Butter - In the Ponyville market, Pear Butter was putting the labels on some jam as Grand Pear and Granny Smith were arguing with each other while the other ponies watched, as usual. Bright Mac looked very annoyed but then gestured discreetly to Pear Butter. Pear Butter smiled and gave him a nod as they quickly and quietly sneaked away. As they shared a milkshake together, their lips touched as they finished it, making them both smile and blush.]

On a prickly path that goes on for miles
But it's worth it just to see you smile

[Pear Butter - There was a dance going on and each family heads had set up a stand on opposite sides of the of the dancing area. Bright Mac was with Granny Smith. Bright Mac put a label on some apple jam before turning toward and bowed courteously toward Pear Butter, who was with Grand Pear. Pear Butter smiled and bowed back as they danced together from afar.]

And I cannot be pulled apart
From the hold you have on my heart
And even if the world tells us it's wrong
You're in my head like a catchy song

Back at the picnic, Bright Mac was literally blown away by Pear Butter's singing.

"Wow...It's just...wow," said Bright Mac.

"Do you like it?" Pear Butter asked, "Be honest now."

"It's the best gift you could've given me!" Bright Mac replied with blushed cheeks as sat down and gazed at Pear Butter as she kept singing.

[Pear Butter - She and Bright Mac walked side by side as the seasons around them changed from summer to fall to winter and then spring. (In winter, they cutely shared a scarf together.) It then started to rain as she ran under a tree to avoid getting wet. Bright Mac took a step further and put his stenson hat over Pear Butter. Pear Butter was so touched she snuggled up into his chest.]

The seasons change and leaves may fall
But I'll be with you through them all
And rain or shine, you'll always be mine

[Pear Butter - She was busy pulling weeds out in the Pear orchard when Bright Mac, pulling a cart, and Granny Smith came walking down the road. Bright Mac tried to wave hello when Granny Smith shook her head disapprovingly before looking away indignantly. Bright Mac just sadly watched Pear Butter do her work as they walked away. The next morning, Pear Butter returned to the orchard when she found Bright Mac fast asleep with a weed in his mouth. He had finished the weeding for her. Pear Butter smiled and stroked Bright Mac's mane as she let him sleep.]

On a prickly path that goes on for miles
You're the only one who makes it all worthwhile
And you should not blame me, too

As the scene returned to the picnic...

If I can't help fallin' in love with you...

The song came to an abrupt end with Pear Butter blushed heavily and cover her mouth when she realized what she had just said. Even Bright Mac was blushing as well. There was a brief silence.

"Hey, no fair," Bright Mac mocked whined as he leaned in towards Pear Butter, "I was gonna tell you the same thing."

"You're just mad I beat you to it," Pear Butter said smugly as she shoved Bright Mac away. She was then taken by surprise when Bright Mac put his stenson hat on her head and tipped it forward so she couldn't see. Pear Butter readjusted the hat so she could see again.

"I'm tellin' ya, I was gonig to pull you up," said Bright Mac as he made Pear Butter stand up and tipped the stenson hat forward again before leading her down the hill, "cover your eyes, lead you over here...and say "Surprise!"." Bright Mac then removed the hat so Pear Butter could see. Pear Butter blinked when she saw a large rock that hers and Bright Mac's cutie mark carved into it and enclosed with a heart.

"And then you'd say," Bright Mac continued as he appeared above the rock and started imitating Pear Butter, ""Oh, Bright Mac, I love it!"," He then went back to speaking normally, "And then I'd say I love you." Pear Butter smiled sheepishly.

"Too bad it didn't work out though," said Bright Mac with a smirk.

"Eeyup, too bad," said Pear Butter with a smirk of her own before they shared a nose nuzzle and then went in for a kiss.

Sadly the adorable moment was ruined when the screen suddenly ripped in two.

Grand Pear opened the door the Pear Butter's room.

"The Pear are moving!" Grand Pear announced sternly. Pear Butter, who had been reading a book, lifted her head, and gasped dramatically.

Back in the present...

"GASP!" Big Man, Applejack, and Apple Boom gasped dramatically as well.

"NO WAY!" Mario exclaimed in horror. Applejack was the first to recover.

"I mean, I figured the Pears moved, but I didn't know all that stuff happened before with Granny Smith and Grand Pear," said Applejack.

"And I thought my road to true love with bumpy," Mario remarked sadly.

"It must've been really hard on our parents," said Apple Bloom sadly.

"Oh, it was," said Mrs. Cake before she continued her story.

Flashback

Pear Butter had managed to recover somewhat after hearing Grand Pear's sudden news.

"We're moving?!" Pear Butter exclaimed, "To Vanhoover?! But that's so far!"

"It's for the best," said Grand Pear, "There's acres of untouched land and a warehouse to make our jams. We'll get to expand our business..." Then added spitefully as he looked in a very specific direction, "...and get away from those gosh-darned Apples." Pear Butter than stomped off as Pear Butter threw herself onto her bed and face-planted her pillow.

"Pear Butter was devastated," Mrs. Cake narrated as Pear Butter lifted her head to show that she was crying heavily, "But seeing no way out of it, she did what she had to do." Later that day, Pear Butter and Bright Mac were holding each other. The former had just told the latter the bad news.

"So that's it?" Bright Mac asked.

"What do you want me to do, Bright Mac?" Pear Butter replied with tears in her eyes, "We're movin'. I love you, but I have to say with my family." Pear Butter quickly walked off, leaving Bright Mac alone as he started the rock with the carving on it.

"Then Bright Mac did the most romantic thing I've ever seen anypony do," said Mrs. Cake as Bright Mac narrowed his eyes and rushed off.

Back in the Present. Mrs. Cake said nothing more as she pulled a freshly made pie out of the oven. All four siblings started talking at once.

"What?! What?!" Apple Bloom asked.

"Don't leave us hanging! I can't take the suspense!" Mario said anxiously.

"What?! What did he do?!" Applejack asked.

"Tell us! Tell us!" Big Mac said eagerly. Mrs. Cake remained calm as she place the pie on top of the oven.

"We're gonna need one more pony to tell that story," said Mrs. Cake. The four Apple siblings shared puzzled looks with each other.

"Who's that, Mrs. Cake?" Mario asked curiously. He and the four Apple siblings soon found out. The group soon were inside the filing office of town hall to speak to Mayor Mare.

"Mayor Mare," said Apple Bloom, "you knew our parents?"

"Not as well as Mrs. Cake," said Mayor Mare, "but I did play a part in their love story. The night before the Pear family moved, Bright Mac asked me to meet him at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres."

Flashback

Bright Mac lead a very glum looking Pear Butter to the location young Mayor Mare was waiting. Pear Butter then gasped at what she saw. The area had been decorated with buckets filled with Apples and Pears, garlands and lanterns hanging from the trees, and right on the boundary between both orchards was an arch. Young Mayor Mare, with a pink mane and tail, no glasses, and a pink neck scarf around her neck was standing under the arch. Chiffon was standing on the left with Burnt Oak standing on the right. The place literally looked like an outdoor wedding chapel. Pear Butter smiled.

"I don't want to be apart from you. Ever," said Bright Mac, "I'm not sure what we'll do, but I'm sure of us. So sure that I'd marry you today." Bright Mac knelt on a fore-knee and held up a fore-hoof in the air to propose to Pear Butter.

"I would, too!" said Pear Butter as she put her fore-hoof on top of his own. Bright Mac then gave young Mayor Mare a nod.

"I think that's my cue," said young Mare Mayor with a smirk.

"I had the honor of officiating your parents' secret wedding," Mayor Mare narrated as Bright Mac and Pear Butter walked up to her younger self, "and it was perfect. Bright Mac knew Buttercup wouldn't want a big splash." It was then Bright Mac and Pear Butter each held a seed as they gazed into each other eyes.

"Reminds me of somepony else I know," said Apple Bloom, "two someponies actually."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a chuckle.

"Right you are, little Sis," said Mario.

"So they had a special way to seal their vows," Mayor Mare continued as Bright Mac and Pear Butter each dug a hole and planted their seeds side by side.

"I now pronounce you-" Young Mayor Mare went to announce.

"What is goin' on?!" Granny Smith interjected as she suddenly appeared on the scene, "What's with all these here candles?!" Bright Mac and Pear Butter looked worried, but then cringed when another familiar voice came near.

"Pear Butter! Where are ya?" Grand Pear called out as he appeared on the scene, "You're supposed to be packing!" He then saw her with Bright Mac.

"What are you two doing?" Grand Pear asked in a grim tone. Then he and Granny Smith sternly approached the two ponies.

"Ma, Grand Pear," said Bright Mac firmly, "Buttercup and I are in love!"

"WHAT?!" Granny Smith and Grand Pear said in shock.

"And we'll be married as soon as Mayor Mare says..." Pear Butter said firmly as she looked at the mayoral pony.

"Oh!" said young Mayor Mare before saying quickly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife!" She then quickly backed away as Pear Butter walked up to her new husband.

"Doesn't that feel nice?" Pear Butter told Bright Mac before giving him a kiss. Then they both kissed each other and nuzzled happily. At least until Granny Smith got between them and shoved them both apart.

"What are you talking about, married?" Granny Smith interjected angrily and made Bright Mac back up, "You two can't be married!"

"Finally, something we can agree on," said Grand Pear as he walked up and glared sternly at his daughter, "Pear Butter, enough of this nonsense. We're movin'! And you gotta stick with your family." He then turned to leave.

"But...the Apples are my family now, too," said Pear Butter bravely. Granny Smith was stunned, which allowed Bright Mac to get away and stand beside his wife as they gave each other a smile. Young Mayor Mare, Burnt Oak, and Chiffon backed away quickly when they saw how furious Grand Pear looked.

"You can't be serious," Grand Pear replied angrily, "Are you choosin' to be an Apple over being a Pear?!" Pear Butter looked at Bright Mac as tears began to prick the corners of her eyes.

"Are you making me choose?" Pear Butter asked, her voice cracking. Grand Pear was taken aback for a moment.

"Yes. I am," Grand Pear said sternly, staring her down as young Mayor Mare gasped silently and put a fore-hoof to her mouth. Pear Butter began to cry, but she refused to back down.

"Then yeah, I guess I am," Pear Butter croaked. Bright Mac just held her close for comfort. Grand Pear was speechless for only a few moments.

"FINE!" Grand Pear snapped and then ran off. Pear Butter broke down sobbing. Granny Smith walked over and lifted the mare's chin, giving her a soft smile. Pear Butter smiled back, grateful that at least Granny Smith wasn't going to reject her as well.

Next morning, Bright Mac had arrived in the orchard to do his chores when he saw Pear Butter weeping heavily in a patch of grass nearby.

"Buttercup? Honey?" Bright Mac asked gently as he rubbed a fore-hoof on her back.

"They're gone," Pear Butter sobbed, "they all left me behind, even Pa." Pear Butter cried even harder. Bright Mac gently pulled her up and held her close until she managed to calm down.

"I...I had hoped Pa would've come around," said Pear Butter, "but he abandoned me just the same. Now I'm just the black sheep of the family."

"I'm sorry," said Bright Mac sadly.

"Don't be, my love," said Pear Butter, "You're not the one who turned their back on me. At least Granny Smith hasn't thrown me off the farm. Not yet at least..."

"She won't," said Bright Mac firmly, "I had a long talk with Mom last night. She's actually impressed that you stood up to Grand Pear like that. The only pony she's angry with is him, but now it's because of what he did to you. And not because of some stupid feud..." Pear Butter just sniffled.

"Even if your mother accepts me," said Pear Butter sadly, "the rest can't be said for your family. Many of them will know who I am. They won't accept me. Married or not, I'll always be a Pear to them." Bright Mac snorted but then gave her a loving smile.

"Then we'll just have to show 'em how wonderful you really are, Buttercup," said Bright Mac. Pear Butter giggled as she snuggled into his chest.

"Now there you are!" said Granny Smith as she walked up to the newlywed couple, "I've been looking all over for ya! If you gonna be part of this family, you gotta do your share of the chores around here!"

"Sorry ma'am," said Pear Butter quietly, "I had...something I needed to do first." Granny Smith softened her stern look, especially when she saw how red Pear Butter's eyes were.

"Just up and left huh?" Granny Smith said quietly before muttering bitterly, "That prickly old pear...," then she sighed, "Awful sorry 'bout that, Pear Butter." Pear Butter than snorted.

"Granny Smith," said Pear Butter sternly, "Just call me Buttercup from now on. As far as I'm concerned, Pear Butter is the black sheep of a family who no longer wants her. Buttercup is an Apple. An Apple to the core." Granny Smith was stunned. So was Bright Mac, but despite Pear Butter's stern look and composure. They both could see she was fighting back a batch of fresh tears.

"If that's what you want, Buttercup," Granny Smith conceded with a sigh, "Now come on, dry those eyes and let's get to work. Those apples ain't gonna harvest themselves ya know!" Buttercup just nodded as she wiped her eyes as she and Bright Mac followed the experienced mare to get to work.

"See? What did I tell ya," Bright Mac teased, "you're already winning ma over." Pear Butter, or now Buttercup, just rolled her eyes and smiled.

Her life as a Pear farmer were no more and her life as an Apple farmer was about to begin.

End Flashback

Back in the present, the four Apple siblings were most upset. Big Mac was holding Apple Bloom for comfort while Applejack was just flat out angry.

"I can't believe Grand Pear just up and left Ma like that!" Applejack remarked, "No wonder Granny Smith never told us any of this." Big Mac and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Applejack then blinked when she heard the sound of loud sniffling. The three siblings turned to see that Mario's was crying.

"Sugarcube?" Applejack asked worriedly.

"Mom...got abandoned?!" Mario croaked, "Mom...felt like an outsider? Like she...she didn't belong?" Mario couldn't say anymore as his tears increased and Applejack hugged him from the side for comfort. Mrs. Cake wasted no time walking up to Mario.

"Please don't cry dear," said Mrs. Cakes, "At least you know Buttercup went through the same experience."

"I bet Mom could've helped me," Mario sobbed, "she would have understood how I felt...maybe...my recovery would've been faster if she was here to help me..."

"No one can say for sure, dear," said Mayor Mare, "but I do know Buttercup did suffer gloominess like you did, especially after you were considered lost."

"But she recovered the same way you are," said Mrs. Cake, "By trusting in your father and her friends. I made sure once Buttercup got out of that dark pit that she would never fall back into it ever again. Just like your wife, your sisters, your brother, and all your friends are doing the same for you." Mario turned to the rest of his siblings, who all gave him sympathetic smiles.

"We've got yer back, little brother," said Big Mac.

"And compared to when you first told us about it," said Apple Bloom, "I'd say you've recovered nicely."

"I wouldn't say I'm a hundred percent just yet," said Mario, "but I'll always have a sensitive heart. Hearing what Grand Pear did to Mom really put a dent on my heart."

"It put a good dent on all our hearts, Big Brother," said Applejack.

"These things are never easy," said Mrs. Cake.

"And it's hard to know when it is a good time," said Mayor Mare.

"Guess that answers my questions why you never said anything to us before," said Mario as he wiped his eyes, "Seems that only Granny Smith was the one keeping secrets. We appreciate you telling us all this. Now we just need to find the right time to speak to Granny Smith about what we've learned today..." Applejack put on a determined look on her face.

"It seems to me that now's as good a time as any," said Applejack.

"To talk to both our grandparents," said Apple Bloom as she and Big Mac stood up. They were about to leave when they saw that Mario wasn't getting up. Mrs. Cake and Mayor Mare shared worried looks with each other.

"Mario, are you coming with us?" Applejack asked. Mario just sighed loudly.

"I don't think I should go," said Mario quietly, "If I see Grand Pear right now, I don't think I can hold my temper. I'll just go back to the castle."

"No, Mario!" said Applejack, "We're gonna do this as a family and we're gonna do it together." Mario felt tears prick his eyes. Mrs. Cake lifted his chin.

"Mario, listen to me," said Mrs. Cake, "I know what Grand Pear did was upsetting, especially when you've had to go through that growing up. But staying angry with him isn't going to do you any good. At least hear his side of the story before you cast judgment. You don't want to make the same mistake you did with Starlight."

"Good point." said Mario and huffed sadly, "I was only being honest with the fact that I felt too angry to face him. I don't feel strong enough to confront him. Not after hearing about this."

"Then let us be your strength," said Applejack, "Trust us to handle the situation and you'll be okay." Apple Bloom and Big Mac gave Mario a warm hug.

"Just trust us, little brother," said Big Mac, "and keep in mind. The fact he treated you and Apple Bloom kindly could mean he's hoping to make peace. I don't think you need to salt the wound." Mario was quiet for a moment.

"You're right," said Mario, "He can't take back what he did to Mom. And if he's reaching out to us, then he is clearly trying to make peace. Plus he might be able to tell us more about Mom and maybe finally answer my question about how I'm a unicorn amongst two families of Earth Ponies."

"Yer still troubled with that?" Applejack asked.

"Hey, I feel like Mom because of it," said Mario quietly, "An outsider looking in." Apple Bloom gave Mario a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"You're no outsider, Big Brother," Apple Bloom told him sweetly, "You're family and we love you. Now let's go talk to our grandfather." Mario smiled and nodded bravely as he stood up, but before he left he gave Mrs. Cake a hug.

"You've always been there for me when I needed some guidance or wisdom, Mrs. Cake," said Mario, "I've always seen you as a dear friend, but after today, you are more than that. You're an honorary family member. Just like Mom was there for you, I'll always be here for you as well." Mrs. Cake began to cry as she smiled back at him.

"Mario," said Mrs. Cake, "if you mean that, I want you to do me a favor..."

"Name it," said Mario gently.

"Call me, Chiffon," said Mrs. Cake. Mario was surprised, as were the rest of the siblings, but the four ponies were deeply touched.

"As you wish, Chiffon," said Mario, "and when Twilight and I plan my schedule in a couple of days. I'm gonna set aside time, once a week, for you and me spend time together. I always enjoy baking and talking with you. And I'd like to hear more about Mom...if you're okay with that." Mrs. Cake nodded as Mayor Mare shed a tear at the sentimental moment. Then the four siblings made their leave.

Back in the market area, most of the venders had closed up for the day as afternoon was coming to a close. Grand Pear was cleaning up his stand when the four siblings approached.

"Excuse me? Grand Pear?" said Apple Bloom.

"I'm Applejack and this here's Big Macintosh," said the orange mare, "But you already know who we are, don't ya?" Grand Pear's smile flipped over as he looked away.

"Sure do," he replied sadly.

"Did you really move to Ponyville just for a change of pace?" Apple Bloom asked with Mario standing next to her.

"No..." said Grand Pear in a very sad tone, not making any eye contact with them.

"We...know about your...rivalry with our family and your own," Mario said in a calm tone, "And what happened with our mother..." Grand Pear looked at Mario with teary eyes. If Mario had felt any anger or resentment toward Grand Pear, it melted instantly when he saw that the elder stallion's eyes were filled with pain and regret. Mario had to fight not cry looking into his eyes. Sadly, Apple Bloom couldn't hold her tears.

"Then you came here because you're sorry and that you wanted to get to know us, too?" Apple Bloom asked in a cracking tone as tears fell from her eyes. Grand Pear couldn't hold back his tears as he began to cry.

"I'm...so sorry," Grand Pear croaked, "I-I-I was just so angry, and...well, I-I never..." Grand Pear was too upset to speak.

"It's in the past Grand Pear," said Apple Bloom sweetly as she, Applejack, Big Mac, and Mario all gathered around him and hugged him.

"Doin' okay, Mario?" Applejack whispered.

"Yeah," Mario replied with a soft smile, "He's sorry and I can forgive him. Plus I'm not gonna turn away the chance at having a grandfather." Applejack chuckled in agreement.

"Oh! Can I call you Grand Pear-Pear?" Apple Bloom asked. Grand Pear chuckled.

"Sure can," Grand Pear replied. Once they pulled away, Grand Pear couldn't help but shed tears as he looked at Mario.

"You look just like your mother," said Grand Pear.

"I've...heard that quite a bit today," said Mario quietly, "but I'm surprised you don't find it strange that your grandcolt is a...unicorn, or alicorn in this case." Mario opened his wings to prove his point. Grand Pear chuckled again.

"My great-great-great-great-uncle was a unicorn," Grand Pear replied. Mario blinked as the other Apple siblings just smirked.

"That answer yer question, little brother?" Big Mac asked. Mario just chuckled sheepishly in reply.

It didn't take long before the four Apple siblings made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. Granny Smith was busy feeding the chickens when she saw them.

"Now where'd you all get to?" Granny Smith asked, "I ain't seen hide or hair of ya's all day." Big Mac and Apple Bloom looked worried while Applejack and Mario gave her firm looks.

"We've been all over," said Applejack bluntly, "Learnin' about our parents."

"Especially their love story," said Mario in the same tone.

"Guh..." Granny Smith stuttered as her eyes darted from side to side nervously, "Y-you have?" Applejack and Mario both approached her and stood on opposite sides of the experienced mare.

"And our grandfather," said Applejack and Mario together. It was then Apple Bloom and Big Mac split up and allowed Grand Pear to make his presence known.

"So...you're back, huh?" Granny Smith remarked as Mario and Applejack shared worried looks with each other.

"Sure am," Grand Pear replied before mumbling sadly, "Never should've left."

"Findin' you and learnin' all about Mom and Dad," said Apple Bloom, "I feel like I found a piece of me that I didn't even know was missin'."

"Hearin' their story makes me feel closer to them somehow," Applejack added. Nopony didn't noticed that a rather bitter look had appear on Mario's face.

"Lucky you," Mario muttered to himself, but was soon taken out of his train of thought when he saw Granny Smith had started to cry.

"I'm sorry," Granny Smith said sadly, "I should've told you all about 'em sooner."

"And I should've been here," said Grand Pear as he began to cry again, "Ah, I can't believe I let a silly feud keep me from my family."

"Nothing's keepin' ya from us now," said Applejack, "Let's not miss anythin' else." Grand Pear smiled in agreement and wiped his eyes.

"Applejack's right," said Granny Smith, "Welcome back, prickly old pear. Heh." Granny Smith extended a fore-leg to shake. Grand Pear chuckled.

"Thanks, you old crabapple," Grand Pear replied and returned to hoofshake.

"Now that we're all together, there's somethin' we want to show you," said Apple Bloom, "Mom and Dad left somethin' to remember them by. Come on!"

"You know where it is?" Mario asked.

"You do too," Apple Bloom replied, "It's near the place you built that really cool racetrack for the Applewood derby."

"You designed an entire race course?" Grand Pear asked Mario, clearly impressed.

"Yeah, you'll see it along the way!" Mario replied and the group headed on their way.

Even with the pit stop at the now empty racetrack, it didn't take the group long to reach the outer edge where the Apple and Pear Farms met. Before them was a large tree, for the two seeds Buttercup and Bright Mac had planted had grown and intertwined into Equestria's one and only Apple and Pear tree. And there was even a gap between the branches and trunk in the shape of a heart. Grand Pear and Granny Smith were in awe as their eyes watered.

"Whoa..." said Grand Pear.

"It's beautiful," said Granny Smith.

"It's...impossible," said Grand Pear.

"If anything's gonna make it through," said Applejack, "it's apples and pears." Granny Smith and Grand Pear smiled as the others gathered around them for a group hug. The group just admired the tree for a little longer. Once again, nopony noticed that Mario was looking rather glum.

As the family engaged in dinner time, the conversation was mostly Grand Pear listening to the other Apple siblings talking about all the adventures they had.

"So how did you learn about us Grand Pear-Pear?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Your mother sent me letters for years on end," said Grand Pear, "Despite leaving her behind, she still made the effort to let me know what was going on with her life. Sadly, I didn't really start reading the letters until after I got one particular letter from Mayor Mare regarding her...passing."

"I'm surprised you waited until now to show up," said Applejack, "Were you still so angry with Mom that you didn't even want to pay your respects and say goodbye."

"No," said Grand Pear, "It was at that moment I realized what a fool I was. I didn't feel worthy of saying goodbye to her. I felt too ashamed. I didn't think you'd welcome me back if you learned the truth about what I did. It took me this long to find the courage to try. After all, if you didn't accept me apology, that was the price I had to pay for my mistakes." Grand Pear shed a couple of tears. Apple Bloom handed him a napkin to dry his eyes. Granny Smith looked at him sadly.

"I'll admit, I never wanted to forgive you for what you did to Buttercup," said Granny Smith, "but if our grandchildren can forgive you and want you in our lives. Then I can put the past behind us." Grand Pear gave her a grateful smile, but then noticed that Mario wasn't talking much.

"Are you alright son?" Grand Pear asked, "You've been rather quiet tonight." Mario blinked before giving a long sigh.

"It's not you, Grand Pear," said Mario honestly, "Just...everything I've learned about our parents had given me alot on my mind." Grand Pear gave Mario an understanding smile.

"Not too surprised," said Grand Pear, "Applejack said you barely discovered your roots just a few years ago. Must've been tough growing up not knowing where your family was. Your mother didn't hold back about how heartbroken she was losing you. She even went so far as to say she was being punished for betraying me."

"Did you believe that?" Mario asked. Grand Pear sighed.

"If I had read that letter at the time it was sent," said Grand Pear, "I might have. But since I read it after she had passed. I broke down crying. Feud or no feud, I could never wish something that bad on her, not even Granny Smith."

"Good to know," Mario replied.

"Must have been something to be raised by Princess Celestia," said Grand Pear, "you're quite a fortunate pony to have that honor of calling her Mom."

"Yeah...I know," said Mario, "I mean, don't get me wrong. Celestia was a great Mom, even if she was busy alot and I didn't get to spend alot of time with her growing up. But it's still heartbreaking to learn the truth and it's...it's...too late...to truly know them." Grand Pear looked at him sadly.

"I can see the look in your eyes, Mario," said Grand Pear, "I'm sure you did everything you could to try and find Pear Butter and Bright Mac before...(sigh)..." Grand Pear felt his composure slipping and didn't bother to finish the sentence.

"Still wasn't enough," said Mario, "And now it's too late. I heard what Apple Bloom and Applejack said. You might feel more complete and closer to them now, but that's because you two have something I'll never have. Memories! All I have are stories!"

"Mario, I thought we settled this," Granny Smith replied.

"Settled the fact I'm family, Granny Smith," said Mario as tears began to stream down his cheeks, "But stories don't fill that gaping hole in my heart! I only have your word of mouth that they loved me and are proud of me! I would give anything to hear it from their own mouths! I would give anything for just one hug! Just one opportunity to just...just be with them! Apple Bloom might be too young to remember it, but she got all of that! I didn't! And I never will!" Mario broke down as he rushed out of the dining room and out of the barn.

"Mario!" Granny Smith called out, but it was no good. Mario was already gone. Grand Pear looked rather worried himself and then saw Applejack about to go after him.

"Let him go!" said Grand Pear firmly, "He just needs some space to calm down. Besides, I need you to answer one question for me." Applejack wanted to retort but then saw the stern look on the elder stallion's faces and conceded.

"What is it, Grand Pear?" Applejack asked in a firm but curious tone.

"Did Mario ever have issues of feeling abandoned?" Grand Pear asked. Applejack and Big Mac both bit their lower lips in reply. Apple Bloom looked very upset.

"I'll tell you," said Granny Smith quietly and gave him a sad but stern look, "It's a long story."

While Granny Smith was speaking with Grand Pear, Mario had rushed over to the Apple-Pear tree. Mario tears had slowed down as he slowly approached the tree, placing a fore-hoof into the tree trunk. He was quiet for a moment when suddenly his composure broke down.

"I'd give anything to see you, Mom and Dad," Mario sobbed as he leaned his forehead against the tree truck and wept loudly. Mario wept until he had no more tears and was so exhausted that he ended up collapsing in front of the tree and fell asleep.

However, Mario didn't sleep for long when he felt a fore-hoof rub against his back.

"Huh?!" Mario said groggily as he looked up to see Princess Luna standing nearby with a gentle smile on her face.

"Aunt Luna?!" Mario replied as he sat up, "Don't you usually come during a dream and not before it."

"While I don't claim to foresee the future," said Luna, "Applejack sent me a late night message that you needed somepony. After all, you're out here while the rest of your family is back at the barn. I'd rather speak with you now before you have any nightmares." Mario sighed.

"I appreciate that, Luna," said Mario softly, "I'm here because this is the closet I'll ever get with my real parents. It's nothing against Celestia after all, I just..."

"I understand, nephew," said Luna, "These are you birth parents and you were unable to connect with them before the unfortunate happened." Mario sniffled.

"I just wish I could have met them," said Mario, "Let them know I am alive and well. I've been told Mom was hurting alot after she thought I was gone. And she understood how it felt to be rejected and being an outside looking in..." Luna listened quietly and then hummed before she spoke again.

"Mario, do you remember when Sweetie Belle was having her issues with Rarity?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, you sent us all back in time so Sweetie..." Mario then realized what Luna was trying to tell him, "Wait! Wait-wait-wait-wait-wait! If you're thinking what I think you're thinking...wouldn't that be dangerous to the timeline?"

"Not so much since the time traveling will be done in the dream world," said Luna, "Plus there will be some side effects if I do it and in this case, I can't go with you since I was still on the moon at the time I'm sending you back. If you're willing to go alone...I can send you back to a time when Bright Mac and Buttercup were alive." Mario sucked the inside of his cheek for a moment before a determined look appeared in his face.

"I trust you, Luna," said Mario, "Let's give it a try." Luna nodded.

"Very well," said Luna, "Just brace yourself. It going to be quite a trip." Mario raised an eyebrow curiously as Luna used her dream magic to make a giant picture frame appear. It looked like a faded portrait of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Wuh?" said Mario before he felt some magic lift him into the air and then tossed him right at the painting. Rather than smacking face-first into it, Mario ghosted right through. Mario soon found himself falling and spinning about in a rainbow vortex.

"Whooooooooooooooooooooooooa!" Mario yelped as he fell and spun about, "ye-ye-ye-ye...owowowowowow...whoooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Mario tumbled toward the edge of a bright light at the end of the rainbow vortex. Then the screen turned completely white and then black as a first-person view showed Mario slowly opened his eyes.

"That was some trip," said Mario in a very squeaky voice. Mario's eyes shrunk as he put his fore-hooves to his mouth.

"Is that...my voice?" Mario asked himself, "I haven't squeaked in years! What's going...AHH!" Mario then saw a nearby puddle of water and jumped back in shock. Mario was now a colt! Roughly eleven years old to give an age estimate. He still had his cutie mark, but he didn't have his wings. He was a unicorn again.

"Guess this is what Luna meant by side effects," said Mario as he looked at himself, "But it would make more sense if they saw me as a colt. After all, Applejack said she was around twelve when they passed. It would be weird if they saw me as an adult."

"Precisely, cutie," said a familiar, but also higher pitched voice.

"AAHH!" Mario yelped as he jumped and turned around to see filly Twilight.

"Twilight?" Mario asked, "Is that you? And by you I mean the Twilight I married?" Twilight giggled cutely and nodded.

"The same," said Twilight, "Luna couldn't come with you, but that didn't mean I couldn't. Applejack told me what had happened earlier tonight and I asked Luna if I could help you. I wasn't there when you were looking for your parents the first time around. I want to be here for you now. Hope you don't mind?" Mario gave her a smile that showed his was deeply touched.

"This means to world to me, sweetie," said Mario, "After all, this might be the only chance I get to introduce my wife to them."

"You mean marefriend," Twilight corrected, "You're eleven and I'm ten after all. We can't say we're married being this young." Mario blushed.

"R-r-right, s-s-sorry, hon-I mean sweetie," said Mario, "Heh, but no biggie. We can still walk close to each other and hold hooves." Twilight giggled as she nuzzled his cheek and grabbed his fore-hoof.

"Then let's go meet them, sweetie," said Twilight, "and don't be afraid. I'll be here for you the entire time." Mario smiled and kissed Twilight's cheek.

"Oh, gross!" said a softer, but very familiar country voice. Mario and Twilight froze when they saw ten-year old Applejack come out of the bushes. Mario whispered something to Twilight, who just smiled and nodded.

"I thought I heard voices out here," said young Applejack, "but I didn't expect to walk into a heap of pig's mush!" Twilight glared, but Mario just chuckled.

"Sorry 'bout that," said Mario, "We're...new to the whole special somepony stuff."

"Did you come all the way out to our farm just for a date or somethin?" young Applejack asked. Mario and Twilight blushed heavily. Mario was the first to recover.

"No," said Mario, "You see...miss..."

"Folks 'round here call me, Applejack," said the orange filly.

"Nice to meet you, Applejack," said Mario, "I'm Mario and this is my marefriend, Twilight. We're here because..." Mario breathed deeply, trying to find the quickest way to explain the situation, "I'm an orphan, taken in by Princess Celestia. I've been trying to find out who my real parents are. And my resources said that I should check Sweet Apple Acres for information. We, uhh...kind of got lost trying to find who's in charge here." Young Applejack just blinked in surprise.

"No foolin' huh?" young Applejack asked.

"He's telling the truth," said Twilight, "We're hoping you're parents could help us out. Can you take us to them?" Young Applejack smiled.

"Sure thing, partner," said young Applejack, "Just follow me." Mario and Twilight nodded and followed the orange filly through the orchard. Mario started to sweat and tremble nervously as Twilight nuzzled his cheek to calm him down.

"You can do this," said Twilight sweetly, "I can't wait to meet them." Mario smiled, feeling a little better, but then his gasped. There bucking and collecting Apples were Bright Mac and Buttercup. Thirteen year old Big Mac was nearby, bucking and putting buckets of apples into a wagon. Inside the wagon, sitting in a basket was baby Apple Bloom, just burbling to herself. Mario found it very difficult not to cry.

"It's them, Twilight! It's them!" Mario whispered nervously, "Bright Mac and Buttercup! Alive again!"

"I see," said Twilight, "You're father looks really strong and you're mother is very beautiful. Guess that's why you end up so muscular and cute." Mario smiled, but suddenly felt very insecure.

"Please don't hate me if I tell you I think Buttercup is absolutely gorgeous," Mario said timidly. Twilight chuckled.

"She's your mother," said Twilight with a smirk, "That's one mare I don't mind you saying that about." Mario sighed quietly as young Applejack walked up to the others.

"Where have ya been, Applejack?" said Big Mac, his voice cracking as well since he was a young teenager, "I had to pick up your slack because you took off!"

"Sorry!"young Applejack retorted, "I found these two ponies wondering around the orchard. They apparently want to speak with Mom and Dad." Buttercup had just put a bucket of apples on her head to take to the wagon when she looked up and saw Mario and Twilight. She gasped loudly and dropped her bucket to the ground, spilling the apples everywhere. Buttercup was frozen stiff as Mario used his magic to gather the spilled apples and put them back into the bucket.

"Here you go," said Mario, offering the bucket back to Buttercup with his magic. Buttercup didn't reply, or even move. Mario suddenly got very uneasy and tried to speak to somepony else.

"Um, excuse me, sir," said Mario to Bright Mac, "where do these apples go?" Bright Mac blinked since he was looking at his shell shocked wife.

"Uh...um...in that cart, young man," said Bright Mac as Mario put the apples into the cart. Mario then noticed that Buttercup still hadn't budged and tried to do damage control.

"Um, can I help you with these apples?" Mario asked quietly, "I may be a unicorn, but I can buck a tree as good as anypony."

"Oh, really?" young Applejack said smugly, "prove it!" Mario smirked, Twilight gave him a wink, and Mario gave a nearby tree a hard buck. Every apple fell off the branches and filled up the buckets. Young Big Mac was stunned and young Applejack's jaw hit the floor. Twilight smiled smugly and closed young Applejack's mouth. Buttercup finally blinked but still didn't say anything. Bright Mac was stunned, but also impressed.

"Nice applebuckin' there," said Bright Mac, "and while I appreciate the extra help, I would like to know why you and your little friend are here."

"Actually, sir," said Twilight, "I'm his marefriend. It was...heh...love at first sight." Twilight blushed and Mario blushed as well. That got Buttercup to laugh.

"Well, ain't that the sweetest thing I've heard today," said Buttercup, "How can we help you?"

"Um, well, miss," said Mario in a slow but polite tone, "I'm an orphan that was taken in by Celestia. My resources told me and Twilight that I could find information about my family..." Buttercup's face went from happy to stern in seconds once she heard what Mario said.

"Stop!" Buttercup said so sternly, that Mario, Applejack, and Twilight flinched. Buttercup gave Mario a stern look.

"How did you become an orphan?" Buttercup asked, practically demanded. Mario trembled fearfully, unable to speak.

"Buttercup, what's go into ya?" Bright Mac asked, "the little pony's just explaining..."

"I just want an answer!" Buttercup yelled as young Applejack whimpered, Big Mac winced, and baby Apple Bloom began to cry. Twilight used her magic to comfort the little foal and nopony objected to it. Mario was still feeling too nervous to answer.

"Mario, it's okay, sweetie," said Twilight gently, "Just tell her." Mario took a deep breath to recompose herself.

"I was born in an apartment in Sire's Hallow," said Mario, "The building caught fire and collapsed and I was still inside of it. I assumed that my parents just left me behind or thought I was gone..." Buttercup had the look of a pony who had just been slapped in the face. She struggled to recompose herself. Even Bright Mac was taken aback by Mario's back story.

"W-w-w-what's...what's yer name?" Buttercup asked shakily. Mario looked straight into Buttercup's eyes so she knew he was telling her the absolute truth.

"My name is Mario Star," the young colt replied firmly. Buttercup's jaw dropped in utter shock. Bright Mac was just as stunned.

"No way!" Big Mac replied, "You mean he's alive?!"

"Mario Star? Alive?" Applejack said in a puzzled turn, "what in tarnation is happening here?"

"Big Mac, take your sisters and go back to barn at once!" Bright Mac instructed.

"No!" Mario objected.

"Excuse me?!" Bright Mac retorted.

"They need to be here, sir," said Mario sadly, "They deserve to know about this. Buttercup has already figured it out!"

"Figured out what?" Bright Mac demanded.

"Bright Mac!" Buttercup interjected with eyes full of tears, "How can you stand there and not recognize your own son?!" Bright Mac blinked as all the younger ponies looked at him sadly. Then he looked at Mario, who was now crying. Buttercup felt her heart break at the sight.

"He thinks we rejected him," Buttercup sobbed, "He thinks we didn't want him..." Mario sniffled.

"Well, tell me," said Mario, "How did I get left behind? How do I not know you didn't have Applejack and Apple Bloom to replace me?" Buttercup gasped and then gave Mario a fierce glare.

"Do you EVER say that again!" Buttercup yelled, "Your sisters were never meant to replace you!"

"Then why did you abandon me!" Mario yelled back as hot tears streamed down his face, "I feel like a reject because of you! You left me behind and continued expand the family without me! Ever since I was a foal, I've never fit in with the other Canterlot ponies. Twilight is the only friend I have who loves me for who I am! Everypony else made sure that I never fit in and that I'm just nothing but a worthless loser! All because of you!" Mario panted heavily to calm down as Twilight rushed over and hugged him for comfort.

"I had to say it," Mario whispered feebly, "it's how I feel inside..."

"Just calm down," said Twilight gently. Mario nodded as he tried to wiped his eyes. Buttercup walked up just as Twilight pulled away. But all Buttercup could do was weep. She wept loudly, unable to say anything. Young Applejack went to march up to Mario and give him a piece of her mind, but Bright Mac held her back.

"He made Ma cry!" young Applejack retorted, "Spoutin' lies that our Mom is his Mom!"

"But she is," said Bright Mac in a firm but sad tone, "Everything he's saying is true." Young Applejack blinked.

"So...he's...he's really my brother?!" Applejack said in shock.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac, "born between you and me. I know exactly what he's talking about." Young Applejack wasn't sure of what to say when Mario grabbed Buttercup's fore-hoof.

"Please don't cry, Mom," said Mario softly and sadly, "I was only venting. I just want answers about how I got separated from you for all these years. I want to believe it wasn't cause you didn't want me and I sure you gave it your all trying to find me after the building collapsed."

"After the building collapsed," Buttercup croaked since she hadn't calm down yet, "I searched for so long trying to find you. I even collapsed from exhaustion...twice! As soon as I woke up, I went back to trying to find you. I searched every piece of rubble looking for you for several days. But you were nowhere to be found. I must've searched the same areas at least five times before I got dragged away from the rubble. I was heartbroken for years after that. I missed you so much. I missed my baby boy!" Mario was crying as he was listening and looked at the peach colored mare with eyes leaking tears.

"But you must understand somethin' Mario," said Buttercup in a loving and caring voice, "I never believed that you were gone forever. I knew that if it was meant to be, we would see each other again. Now here you are! You've come back to me. And I'm so happy to see you, my son."

"Oh Mom!" Mario whimpered as he rushed into Buttercup's arms and cried as she held him lovingly in her fore-legs. Bright Mac rushed over soon afterward to join the hug.

"Dad?" Mario croaked.

"It's going to be okay," said Bright Mac gently, "Welcome home, son. Welcome home!" Bright Mac and Applejack rushed over as well, wasting no time joining the group hug. Twilight just gave a teary smile as she held baby Apple Bloom in one of her fore-legs. The group didn't pull away until Mario had finally run out of tears.

"I'm so glad I found you, Mom and Dad," said Mario, "I took me this long to find out you were in Ponyville since all I knew was that I was born in Sire's Hallow."

"We had moved there hoping to start a farm of our own," Bright Mac explained, "It was while we were looking for some good farming land when you and your Big Brother were born. After the fire and thinking we lost you, we decided to just return back to Ponyville. We realized that it was always meant to be our home. Your mother has never stopped loving you and she missed you so much her heart would ache for years on end. No words can explain how happy we are to see you alive and well."

"And look at how much you've grown," said Buttercup, "You're so handsome!" Mario smiled as a light blush appeared on his cheeks.

"I'm also multi-talented," said Mario as he showed his cutie mark, "I can run super fast like Dad and I have a passion for baking and cooking like Mom! I'm also hard working, super honest, and I...like to take the blame for my girlfriend because I can't stand seeing her in a jam." Twilight blushed heavily and looked away as young Applejack and Big Mac snickered. Bright Mac and Buttercup laughed.

"Looks like you've got alot of our qualities, son," said Bright Mac, "very impressive."

"Thanks, Dad," said Mario, "But I still can't believe this day has finally come! I was beginning to think I would never get to see you! Now we can be a family again and you can watch me grow up in a stallion you'll be proud of! And you'll be there when I'm old enough to make Twilight my wife."

"I can't wait for that!" Twilight said, bouncing on her fore-hooves with glee. Buttercup then sighed.

"As much as we would love that," said Buttercup, "It's just not meant to be." Mario blinked and Twilight was taken aback.

"What do you mean, Mom?" Mario asked, "I'm home. We're together again! My mission is complete. I've found my parents, my sisters, and my family!"

"But you can't stay with us, Mario," said Buttercup, "you and your wife need to return to your own time and rule as the Prince and Princess of friendship." Mario was stunned. Twilight was as well. They couldn't figure out how they suddenly knew that.

"She's right, son," said Bright Mac, "You can't shirk your responsibilities and stay in the past. We would never forgive ourselves for it if you stayed in this point in time." Mario was just in a state of shock.

"H-h-h-how did you..." Mario then stopped speaking when she saw Twilight walk up with a sad look on her face. They were still young ponies and were still unicorns. Young Big Mac, young Applejack, and baby Apple Bloom were suddenly nowhere to be found.

"I'm sure my Ma has told you that we're still watching over you even thought we are gone," Bright Mac explained, "We know full well you are a prince, married, and everything else you've been through." Mario began to cry again.

"I'm so sorry I took so long to find you," Mario whimpered, no longer caring if what he said next created a time paradox, "Nothing I found until recently pointed me to Ponyville. By the time I had learned the truth, it was too late. I just wanted to see you face to face so badly. I had to see you both...I had to..." Buttercup and Bright Mac smiled.

"We understand, son," said Bright Mac, "We might not have had a chance to raise you, but you are very special to us."

"And we love you very, very much," said Buttercup, "And we're deeply sorry for everything you've been through. Please believe me when I say that we never abandoned you."

"I believe you," said Mario, giving them a sad smile, "But I want you to know, Mom. I do understand your situation...with Grand Pear. I know what's it's like to think you'll never fit in and that you'll always be just an outsider looking in."

"And you've been dealing with gloominess because of it," said Buttercup in an understanding tone, not even bothering to question how Mario knew about her past as a Pear. Mario sniffled.

"Yes..." Mario replied, not even bothering to ask how she knew that. Buttercup then kissed his cheek.

"Gloominess is rough thing to deal with, sugarcube," said Buttercup, "I would know since I suffered it as well, especially after I lost you. But I was able to overcome it by trusting in my husband and my friends. You've got a wonderful wife who loves you the same way your father loves me. She might have trusting issues due to anxiety, but you are the most important thing in her life and she does depend and rely on you for love, comfort, and strength." Twilight's jaw dropped and then whimpered as she rushed up to her.

"Miss Buttercup," Twilight interjected, "Please believe me when I say that I mean it when I said that I've loved your son since we were foals. I just had didn't have my priorities straight and..." Buttercup put a fore-hoof to Twilight's lips as the purple pony shed heavy tears.

"Just keeping loving my son and be there for him just as he is always there for you," said Buttercup, "I know you're the perfect pony for him. You have my blessing if that's what you're seeking." Twilight choked a sob and nodded in agreement. Then she walk over to Mario and nuzzled him lovingly. Mario gave her a quick hug, but then began to weep loudly.

"I DON'T WANNA SAY GOODBYE!" Mario wailed as he rushed into Bright Mac and Buttercup's fore-legs.

"Mario, please calm down," said Buttercup in a firm tone, making Mario stop wailing as he looked at them with puffy red eyes.

"This isn't goodbye," said Bright Mac, "We might not be alive in the present, but that doesn't mean we are not supporting you or don't love you."

"And we're very proud of the stallion you've become," Buttercup added in a sweet tone, "And we'll always love you." Mario smiled.

"Thank you, Mom and Dad," said Mario in a soft tone, "You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that." Bright Mac and Buttercup smiled back.

"Do you think you can find peace in your heart knowin' that we love and accept you?" Bright Mac asked. Mario nodded and gave a loud sniffle.

"I'll still miss you," Mario croaked sadly.

"Just remember that we'll always be a part of you," said Buttercup, "You have my kind heart and agility as well as your father's work ethic and integrity."

"Wait, I'm super agile because of you?" Mario said in surprise.

"Sure are, son," said Bright Mac, "Your mother can jump a good four yards in the air. Eight yards if I scare her."

"Quiet you!" Buttercup retorted annoyingly with a smirk. Mario chuckled.

"Now that's better," said Buttercup, "Ponies can see how handsome you are when you smile."

"He's such a cutie!" Twilight cooed to prove the mare's point. Mario just blushed and smiled sheepishly. Bright Mac and Buttercup chuckled. Then Buttercup pulled Mario in and held him close.

"Now it is time for you to rest," said Buttercup.

"Mom..." Mario said quietly as his eyes suddenly got very heavy.

"Sleep now my son," said Buttercup sweetly, "We will always be in your heart."

"Mo...m..." Mario said groggily, feeling too tired to even speak.

"We will always be in your heart," Buttercup repeated as Mario closed his eyes and didn't open them again.

"Always be in your heart...always..."

That was the last thing Mario heard before he fell into a deep sleep.

When Mario woke up, he found that he was back at the Apple-Pear tree and the sun was up high in the sky. He went to lift his fore-hoof and found that he was holding Applejack, who was sleeping soundly under his fore-leg.

"Sis?!" Mario said sleepily as he yawned and tried to wake up. Applejack yawned and sat up as well as she opened her eyes. Mario felt his heart break. Applejack's eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were sticky.

"AJ..." said Mario gently, "why..."

"I got here late last night and saw your cheeks were sticky and covered in tears," Applejack said quietly as her eyes watered, "I couldn't help...I mean...I don't know how to help you...I wish I could give you those memories with Mom and Dad, but I...can't...I can't..."

"AJ," said Mario firmly, making Applejack stopped babbling as she looked at him sadly, "Thank you for coming out to find me. I'm sorry I ran out like that last night."

"It's perfectly alright," said a voice as Grand Pear, along with Granny Smith, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, the rest of the cutie mark crusaders, the main eight, Diamond Tiara, Spike, Starlight, and even Mrs. Cake were with him.

"Whoa!" said Mario, "I...I didn't mean to bring out the search party..."

"These ponies are your family," said Grand Pear as he walked up to Mario, "including me." He then sighed, "Granny Smith filled me in on what you've gone through, including what you had to deal with being separated from your real parents. I can't help but blame myself. They say the mistakes of one generation can affect the next. I never thought what I did to Pear Butter...would make you suffer the same pain and heartache..."

"I don't blame you for that, Grand Pear," said Mario as he gave his new grandfather a hug, "You couldn't have known I would go through all that. You couldn't predict that ponies would be so critical of me." Grand Pear gave Mario a sympathetic and understanding smile.

"Maybe so," said Grand Pear, "But just because your parents are gone, doesn't mean that you can't fill that empty space in your heart. All these ponies behind you love you very much and so do I. We all came out here because you are important to all of us." Mario looked at the group, who all gave him warm smiles.

"I know, Grand Pear," said Mario, "It also helps that I got to see Bright Mac and Buttercup."

"What?!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Really?" said Big Mac.

"How?" Apple Bloom asked as they gathered around Mario.

"Luna somehow used time travel in the dream world to let me go back in time and see them," said Mario, "Of course, I had to see them as a colt, but...I also had Twilight with me."

"It's true," said Twilight, "You're Mom was very sweet to me. She gave me her blessing to be his wife. That's meant the world to me." Twilight nearly cried but managed to recompose herself. The other siblings made comments of wonder and amazement as they asked him what he thought of their parents. Mario wasted no time sharing his thoughts as well as what Bright Mac and Buttercup had told him.

"So...now do you believe that Mom and Dad loved ya?" Applejack asked. Mario nodded. It was then Diamond Tiara approached.

"Master," said Diamond Tiara softly, "I spoke to Father about this and he said he was fine with it. And...well, I don't like to ask for stuff anymore, but...this would help you as well as me and..."

"Di, you're beating around the bush," said Mario, "Just ask me. The worst I can say is no." Diamond Tiara let out a long sigh as she grabbed one of Mario's fore-hooves.

"Can I just call you Dad from now on?" Diamond Tiara asked. The others gasped, awed, and/or smiled at the gesture. Mario felt a pair of tears leave his eyes.

"I'd like that very much," said Mario, "I see you as my daughter more than a student these days." Diamond Tiara gave him a teary smile.

"I love you, Daddy," Diamond Tiara told him sweetly.

"I love you too, sweetheart," said Mario as he opened his fore-legs and gave the tiara filly a loving kiss on the forehead and a hug. The others exchanged smiles and a few even felt tears prick her eyes. Once they pulled away, Mario went to stand up, but then his hind legs bumped something, "Huh?" Mario then used his magic to pick the object up. It was a stuffed locomotive plushie.

"Sweet Celestia!" Big Mac exclaimed, "I...I haven't seen that toy in ages! How did it get here?!" Immediately, all eyes were on Granny Smith.

"Why all the eyeballs on me?!" Granny Smith retorted, "I've never even seen that toy in my life!"

"Then...how did it get here?" Applejack asked.

"Dad told me Mom stashed the toy away someplace secret and never told anypony where," Big Mac added, "since they're gone now. There was no way to find out how it got here. It wasn't here when we came yesterday. And while it looks old, it's not worn out or faded or even looks like it had been buried." Nopony could think of an answer or an explanation. Mario just examined the toy until something fell out of a small pocket inside the train cab. It looked like an sheet of aged paper.

"Hey! I found a note inside!" said Mario as he grabbed it.

"Oh, what does it say?" said Apple Bloom excitedly. Mario unfolded the sheet of paper and read it aloud.

My dear sweet Mario Star

Though we are no longer with you. We always knew that you were destined for something great and we are proud of the pony you've become. No matter what life throws at you, you have friends and family who will love you and help you get through even the most difficult of circumstances. And you'll always have our love in your heart.

We love you, our precious son.

Mom and Dad

aka Buttercup and Bright Mac

(Cue "You're in My Head Like a Catchy Song" instrumental)

Mario shed happy tears as he cuddled the toy train to his chest.

"Guess it doesn't really matter how that toy got here," said Twilight to the group and then looked at her now crying husband, "Now you'll always have something to remember them by." Mario was too emotional to speak as he smiled and continued to cry. The rest of the group gathered around to give Mario the largest and most loving group hug they could make. As Mario embraced the group, Mario looked up and there in sky were two clouds shaped just like Bright Mac and Buttercup. Mario couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw the two clouds wink at him before a strong gust of wind made the clouds disappear. Either way, a peaceful and content smile appeared on Mario's face.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad," Mario whispered quietly as he closed his eyes, "for everything."

Bright Mac and Buttercup would forever be in Mario's heart.

In his heart...like a catchy song.

And there you have it!

My Hearth's Warming present to all you pony fans!

You wanted emotions. You wanted the feels. You wanted the drama and the tears. I'd like to believe that I delivered. I've been excited for this chapter since I started working on this story and I still can't believe that I actually got to write it. And yes, I did cry while writing this, especially the bonus content and alternate ending.

And this also marks the mid-way point of season seven. The road to the Shadow saga is approaching, as well as the Storm King saga!

Next Time: Considered by pony fans for the most controversial episode in the series, especially with an ending I know I'm gonna have to fix. Mario has made alot of progress regarding his gloominess, but now his recovery will be put the ultimate test when Twilight decides to publish their friendship journal. Is Mario strong enough to handle all the criticism, and even borderline bullying, of himself and the rest of the Mane eight?

Peace Pony Fans and Happy Holidays!