Chapter 140: Family Reunion
It was a nice day at Sweet Apple Acres; Applejack was busy pulling some barrels into the barn. While her older brother was in the field, picking apples, the girl was pushing the barrels of cider for an order into the barn and loaded onto the wagon for delivery. The farm gal lifted the barrel into the wagon as she took off her hat and swiped her brow.
"Applejack!" called out Applebloom.
The older sister looked to the entrance to see her younger sister.
"Storm's here. I'm gonna go with him into town to set the stand."
"Applebloom, wait!" shouted Aj.
She walked out of the barn as she saw her younger sister run to where Storm was. The Jedi had arrived on his horse Spirit, as some bags were on the animal's side.
"Hey, AB. Ready to go?" said the teen.
"Yup," responded Applebloom immediately as she climbed up on the horse's back and sat behind the Jedi, hugging him from behind.
"Oh, no, you don't, Applebloom. You can't run the stand by yerself," stated Applejack sternly.
"I'm not alone, Aj! I got Storm with me," responded the girl to her older sister before turning to the boy and nuzzling her cheek against his back. "He'll take care of me. Plus, he's handsome."
"Applebloom! You're too young to be liking a boy!" said Applejack.
"I'm not that old. I'm only four years older than her," said Storm to Aj, but she didn't hear that as Applebloom responded to her sister.
"You just want him all to yerself!" responded Applebloom, seeing that her sister was jealous she was hugging Storm instead of her.
"Am not!" responded Applejack.
"Am too!" yelled Applebloom, hugging Storm tighter. Trying not to let her older sister take the boy she had a small crush on away from her. "Go find your own, sis."
"Uh, gees, can we just get going!" shouted Storm, who didn't want to deal with this sibling argument.
"Later, sis!" shouted Applebloom as she stuck her tongue out and held on tight when Storm flicked the reigns of Spirit, and the horse galloped away down the road.
"Applebloom! You get back here right now! I'm tell Big Mac on you!" threatened Aj, hoping her younger sibling would listen.
The pair soon disappeared from her field of vision before Applejack let out a grunt.
"What's the matter there, Applejack?" said Granny Smith as she appeared and walked over to her rocking chair.
"It's Applebloom. She went with Storm to the market when I told her not to!" said Aj as she walked and stood in front of the porch her grandma was sitting on.
"Well, don't be too harsh, Applejack. The Jedi will take care of your little sister. He won't let anything bad happen to her. Besides, crushes happen all the time. You can't stop her from liking a boy. At least it's a person you trust, not some random boy who could hurt her."
Applejack just groaned, "It ain't that,"
"You have a small crush on yer Jedi friend as well, huh."
"Granny! Don't say things like that. I got chores to do." stated the country gal as she quickly left.
Storm and Applebloom were riding into town as they trotted over the main bridge. The girl was still holding onto the Jedi as she nuzzled against his lower back. Soon they came to where the Apple family's stand was and came to a halt.
"Thanks, bud," said Storm to his horse as Spirit neighed.
The Jedi got off and reached into one of his hoodie's pockets and pulled out some carrots as he gave them to the animal to munch on. He then turned back to Applebloom, still seated on the horse.
"Come on, AB," said Storm as he reached his arms up and got a hold of the girl's waist as he lifted her down. The younger girl had some red at being held in the Jedi's arms.
He set her down before hugging him and nuzzling her cheek. Storm sighed before smiling as he patted the girl's head, ensuring she did not mess with the cute pink bow in her hair. Soon Applebloom let go of the Jedi as she went to the stand while Storm grabbed the bags from his horse's side.
"So, is Aj often overprotective of you?" asked Storm as he approached the stand.
"She just thinks I'm too young to do anything that requires an adult. I'm old enough to take of myself," responded Applebloom.
"Well, I don't treat you like that. I treat you like any other of my friends, a mature girl to who I give space to grow. And if need be, I can step in and take over to show you how it's done," said Storm as he set down a bucket of apples.
"And I appreciate it," said the small girl, seeing the Jedi bent down. She then saw his lightsaber hanging on his side.
Applebloom grabbed it as she held it in her hands. The boy looked at her holding his weapon as he smiled. He got up and approached Applebloom as he put his arms around her and his hands on hers. He guided her fingers to push the button as the lightsaber turned on, and his yellow blade popped out. Applebloom was always amazed at seeing the weapon, no matter how many times she held it. She waved it left and right, imagining herself swinging it and fighting off evil like a hero. Storm couldn't help but chuckle at seeing the girl act like a Jedi.
It was late afternoon, and Applejack was in the barn. She was scavenging through some things as if she was looking for something. Boxes and various items were stuffed away as the girl sought what she needed.
"Ha! Found 'em!" said the country gal as she grabbed a rather dusty box and began to exit the barn.
She was approaching the house when she heard a horse sound. Coming toward her down the path were Storm and Applebloom, as they had just returned from the market after making some sales. Their horse trotted and passed through the entrance as they saw the older sibling and came to a halt.
"We're back," said Applebloom as she jumped down with a bag of money.
"As promised, safe and sound," stated Storm.
"You're in trouble for disobeying a direct from yer older sister, Applebloom. Now go wash up for lunch!" stated Applejack.
Applebloom groaned and mumbled as she headed inside.
"You don't have to be so hard on her," said Storm as he got down from his horse.
"Listen, sugar. I appreciate you lookin' after mah sister. But I don't like that she's becoming attached to you. She's still too young to be liking a boy."
"We're nothing more than friends, Aj. Just like you and me. I love the Applebloom the same way I love you." said Storm.
"Still, try not to encourage her too much. Just the fact that you're a Jedi is enough to incite her, as well as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. To them, you're a like a superhero, so don't disappoint them. 'Cause I ain't afraid to shove mah boot up yer ass."
"Noted," responded the boy calmly with a straight face.
"Anyways... why don't you join us. Mah treat. Plus, as thanks for helpin' us today."
"Sure."
The boy followed the girl inside her house as they began to have lunch. After their meal, Aj presented Granny Smith with the box she had found in the barn, dropped it by her feet, and then sat on the couch. The dust picked up from the box as it entered Granny's nose.
"Aaa-choooo!"
"Heh. Gesundtight," said Aj to her grandma.
"Why, thank you, Applejack," stated Granny Smith as she searched the and pulled out a quilt, "I still can't believe it's been almost one hundred moons since our last family reunion. Aw, I remember it like it was yesterday."
"Well, you have been talkin' about it pretty much every day since then," pointed out Applejack.
"Applebloom!" called out the elderly woman as she looked to her side where the yellow girl was sitting behind a table with two stacks of letters before her, "How them RSVPs comin' along? Who's showin' their faces at the reunion?"
"Everyone!" the girl answered as she threw her arms into the air.
"Everyone?!" said Granny Smith as she turned to Applejack, who stood beside her, "Feather on a goat."
"Are you sure?" she said, turning back to Applebloom.
"Well, I got RSVPs from Apples from Yonder Hill, Hollow Shades, Galloping Gorge, Foal Mountain, Apples from Fillydelphia, Tall Tale Town, and all the Apples from Appleloosa!"
"Guh?" said Granny in complete shock.
"Oh! And how could I forget? Manehattan! Babs is comin'! I get to see my favorite cousin!" said Applebloom as she jumped up and caused all the RSVPs to scatter about and bounce around as a smiling Applejack and rather stunned Granny Smith watched her.
"I think we're gonna need more cider," said Granny to Aj.
After collecting the RSVP letters, Granny Smith, Applebloom, and Applejack looked through them. Soon Big Mac arrived as he had a wheelbarrow full of more letters.
"Whooeee! Looks like the family's grown tenfold since the last reunion! I'm gonna be busier than a worm in a rotten tomater tryin' to get everything ready!"
"I could always help out," said Applejack.
"Me too!" said Applebloom.
"Eeyup!" responded Big Mac.
"Oh, I sure would appreciate that," Granny Smith replied, "Granny's a little rustier in the giddy-up since the last time the Apples all got together." Granny then pulled back the wrinkles on her skin, making her face smooth again... for about two seconds. Then her facial skin sagged over her face to make her wrinkles reappear. The siblings all exchanged looks with each other.
"You may be a tad old, Granny, but you're as feisty and full of spark as ever–"
"Who you callin' old?!" Granny Smith interjected offensively as she extended her neck to get into Aj's face, making the girl cringe fearfully.
"Uh... I just meant..." said Applejack, trying to recompose herself, "Why don't you let me take over puttin' the reunion together this time 'round? Then all you need to worry about is enjoyin' yourself." Granny was still glaring as Applejack spoke but then softened as she pondered her granddaughter's idea. Applebloom just watched in interest.
"Hmmm. Alright, young'un, you got yourself a deal," said Granny Smith as she poked Aj in the chest, "You are in charge."
"I won't let you down, Granny," Aj said as she hugged her.
"Think you could use a hand?" said Storm.
The Jedi was nearby as he leaned against a wall with his arms crossed as he'd been listening in on what the Apple family was saying.
"Of course!" exclaimed Applebloom as she was all too happy to have Storm help. "You can even come to the event and hang out."
"Thanks for the offer, Applebloom. But I don't want to feel like I'm intruding on a family affair.
"Nonsense, why you're practically part of the family," stated Granny Smith as she had taken a liking to the boy.
"Well, if you're okay with it. Though, I am worried that the other relatives will think Aj and I are together."
"And what's wrong with that?!" shouted Applejack to her friend, taking a bit of offense to what the boy said.
"I didn't say there was anything wrong with that," said Storm.
"Oh..." Applejack turned beet red from embarrassment and blushing as she turned and tipped her head to hide her face. Granny and Applebloom held their laughs at seeing what Storm did to her.
"Wait till I tell my friends that you're a Jedi."
The small girl ran up to the teen and hugged his lower body as Storm had an expression. He soon got Applebloom to look at him as he bent down.
"Look, AB. I appreciate you wanting to tell your friends that I'm a Jedi. But... It would be best if you kept that a secret.
"Why?" asked Applebloom, as she didn't understand why Storm didn't want to tell the other members of her family.
"It's just... people fear what they don't know. Equis has never had a Jedi step foot in this place in quite a while. Twilight they see as the princess, but me... I'm the first Jedi they've ever seen. They see I have powers. Powers that can be devasting."
"But you're a good guy," responded Applebloom.
"Yeah, but that's because you've spent time with me. You've got the chance to know me. Everybody else in your family hasn't. So you don't know their reaction if they discover who I really am. So, for now, it's best not to tell them. To keep their fear from getting out." said Storm.
"But..."
"Applebloom, listen to what he's saying," said Aj as she knew why her friend was doing this.
"Okay," sighed the girl.
"Don't worry, in time, they'll know," said Storm as he rubbed her head. "I promise."
"Well, Granny. You just tell me what the reunion needs, and I'll take care of the rest," said Applejack.
"I'll do better than tell you what the reunion'll need. I'll show ya!" said Granny Smith with a smile.
Later that night, the two sisters sat next to their grandma in the living room on the sofa. Granny had a book in her hands as Storm faced them as he leaned back in the chair, doing maintenance on his lightsaber.
"We've been hostin' these things at Sweet Apple Acres every hundred moons since we first planted roots here," said Granny Smith.
"Did you ever miss the days before the Kingdom of Equis developed into the town it is today?" asked Storm curiously.
"As much as I liked the good ol' peace in quiet. Havin' the town certainly made things more lively around here.
"Hey, who's that?" Applebloom asked as she pointed at a picture of a girl wearing a bonnet and mixing something inside a black pot over an open fire.
"That'd be your Great-Great-Auntie Applesauce when she was just about your age," said Granny Smith as she showed them the most recent picture of the woman, "Now, she used to go by another name, but everyone started calling her Applesauce after half her teeth fell out when she was makin' apple jam." Granny Smith then showed a picture of what appeared to be dentures tumbling into a pot. "Yeah. Never did find them teeth in all those jars."
Aj looked over at Storm as both teens exchanged faces at hearing that.
"Hey! That's you, Granny!" Applebloom exclaimed as she pointed at a picture of a young Granny Smith with three other kids.
"Sure is. Apple family's been workin' on that same old quilt since our first reunion," said Granny Smith.
As they looked at the picture, a flashback was seen of younger Granny Smith getting ready to work on the quilt.
"I can do it! Ngh!" Young Granny Smith as she pulled on the thread to attach a square patch into it, but the thread came right out as she pulled on it, "Oh, fingle-fangle!" The other kids laughed. Back in the present, Applebloom was giggling to herself.
"Well, no one told me you actually had to knot the end of the thread!" Granny Smith retorted in her defense. Applebloom and Storm now began to giggle to themselves.
"Okay, so I'll need to get new quiltin' materials, fabric, needles, thread..." Applejack muttered to herself before speaking to Granny Smith, "You've really been workin' on the same quilt since the first reunion?"
"Surely have. I don't think we're ever gonna finish that doggone thing!" said Granny Smith.
"Is that supposed to be on purpose? I'm sure each square has its own memories," responded Storm as he turned on his lightsaber and finished the last bit of maintenance.
"It certainly turned out that way," said Granny Smith.
"Hey, what's goin' on here?" asked Applebloom as she looked at some pictures of relatives standing before black pots over an open fire.
"Well, you know us Apples enjoy a good fritter..." Granny Smith pointed out.
Another flashback showed some family members deep frying apple fritters and placing them on a plate near a relative named Half Baked Apple. His tongue hung out a bit as he bit into the apple fritter.
"Ooo, hot hot hot!" Half Baked Apple yelped as he ran over to the bowl of apple juice and dunked his head into it. Another relative, Apple Split, just smiled, carried another plate of apple fritters, and set them on the table. It was then he noticed the other plate of fritters was gone.
"Hey, where did all them apple fritters go?" Apple Split asked. It was then heard some munching under the table. "And..." Apple Split muttered as he lifted the tablecloth and saw a small baby under the table. The baby made cute noises as her face was covered in applesauce and honey. "Who are you, little one?"
"I'm Applejack! More apple fwitter?" said the baby as Apple Split smiled.
Back in the present, Storm chuckled to himself.
"You were such a cute baby, Aj," said the Jedi, but the girl didn't pay attention.
"She sure was," replied Granny Smith, "That's how we figured out your sister had the appetite of a full-grown person." It was then Granny Smith and Applebloom looked at Aj's stomach.
"That's why whenever we have picnics, she eats six sandwiches and still has room for two apples and dessert," remarked Storm. "She's almost got a big enough appetite as me."
"Better get twice as much honey and flour," Applejack muttered to herself, "then... fifty more buckets of apples... more oil... wood for the fire..." Granny Smith and Applebloom just shared a look at her for a moment before getting back to the photo album.
"Now, stick an apple in my mouth and roast my rump!" said Granny Smith as she showed a picture of her younger self tied to another girl as she looked at Applebloom, "This one sure brings back memories. Y'know how Babs is your favorite cousin? Well, Apple Rose is mine. The two of us entered the two-legged race every reunion!"
Another flashback showed the Young Granny Smith and Young Apple Rose trailing behind two other pairs.
"We're gonna win this one, cousin!" said Young Apple Rose.
"You bet your hot-diggety-derriere we are! C'mon, cousin, speed'er on up!" said Young Granny Smith.
The two girls tried to pick up their pace, but Apple Rose tripped and yelped. The two lost their balance and fell over. They then looked at each other and laughed.
Back in the present, all but Applejack just smiled.
"Never won a single one of them races," said Granny Smith.
"Races," Applejack muttered to herself as she paced about the living room floor, "We'll need cloth ties, finish line... Not much to a two-legged race. Hmm..."
"And, of course, we can't forget to take the big family photo!" said Granny Smith as she showed a picture of herself as a baby and her parents near the still-being-built barn, "We always snapped a photo in front of the barn at the end of every reunion, let's us see how our family's grown!" Granny turned the page to show another picture of herself as a kid with her parents and a few other relatives. She then showed another page with a more recent family reunion picture with Granny Smith, the three siblings, and many family members around them.
"Photo in front of the barn. Got it," Applejack said to herself as she put her arm over the lower half of the front door.
"You sure have some great memories of these reunions, don'tcha?" remarked Applebloom.
"Indeedy, and I'm lookin' forward to makin' more at this one," said Granny Smith, "Oh, I'm sure everybody is, and I do mean everybody! We got the whole family together this time 'round! Who knows if they'll all be able to make the next one?" She gave Applebloom a wink. Applejack blinked in shock at how big the Apple Family could be.
"What Granny Smith said about the size of the family is true," said Applejack to herself, "Busy as everyone's lives are gettin' these days, chances are pretty slim we'll be this lucky next time 'round." She then turned toward the other three individuals. "Don't worry, Granny, I'm gonna make sure this is the most memorable reunion we've ever had! I'd better get started... I've got some plannin' to do!"
The farm girl began heading upstairs to her bedroom to begin planning. The three individuals just exchanged smiles with each other.
"Oh, hootenanny!" said Granny Smith as she showed another page in the album, "Would you like to see what yer second cousin is wearin' on her head?"
It was two in the morning of the night of the family reunion; Applejack was in her bedroom with a stack of RSVPs on a table and several crumpled sheets of paper on the floor and waste bin. The sound of the clock pendulum could be heard ticking as she paced about. It was then the door creaked open to reveal a very sleepy-looking girl.
"Apple Bloom! What are you doin' up?" asked Applejack as she looked at the girl and walked up to her.
"I was gonna ask you the same thing," said Applebloom in a tired tone as Aj sat on the edge of her bed.
"I can't sleep," said Applejack, "My gears are turnin' in mah head about this reunion!"
"Why don't you summon Storm for help?" Applebloom suggested that Applejack let herself lie on the bed on her back, and her sister did the same.
"I thought about it," said Applejack, "But I don't feel right waking him up this early when I should've asked him earlier."
"I see," said Applebloom with a yawn, "Yeah... I can't wait to see my cousin Babs. We're gonna do so many fun things together..."
"Fun?" Applejack replied as she sat up and walked over to a chart she made with the events Granny said they usually did during the reunion pictured on it, "That's just the beginnin' of it! Granny Smith handed me the reins of this reunion, and I'm gonna make the most of it. Apple Bloom, I've got so many things planned you won't even have a minute's rest!" Applejack turned around to hear her little sister fast asleep and snoring on her bed. Applejack just smiled and tucked her in.
"Trust me, little sis," said Applejack softly, "This reunion I'm puttin' together is gonna be worth the wait." Applebloom snored loudly in reply, but Applejack smiled.
An hour later, Applejack was busy working on her plans for the reunion when she heard a faint neigh outside. She looked out her window to see a shadowy figure in the distance. Approaching the farm was Storm as Applejack sighed and went downstairs.
The boy had tied Spirit to one of the posts as he petted his nose. Soon the sound of the door opening was heard as he turned and saw the cowgirl standing in the doorway and leaning with her arms crossed.
"What are you doin' here so early?" asked the girl.
"Figured you'd be up all night trying to plan this reunion. I meant what I said, Aj. I'm here to help." said Storm as he stared down at the girl.
"I appreciate you wanting to help, Storm. But I said if I needed yer help, I'd ask," stated the country gal.
"Come on, Applejack. Don't let your stubborn pride blind you. I'm not trying to downplay your abilities. You're a strong, independent, beautiful girl that can tussle with the toughest foes. You ain't afraid of getting down and dirty. I like that about you. So, come on."
Aj sighed as she took in the boy's words about her. She looked down for a bit before looking up and gazing into his eyes.
"Very well, sugarcube. Come on in. I'll make breakfast for the two of us before we get started." said Applejack as she gestured for Storm to follow her inside.
The sun rose, and the rooster crowed to mark the start of a new day. Applebloom was still fast asleep in Applejack's bed when the older sibling suddenly pulled the blanket off the bed.
"Whoa!" Applebloom exclaimed in shock.
"Rise and shine!" said Applejack with a smile, "We don't have much time!"
Applebloom sleepily jumped off the bed and landed with a thump. She then dragged her body across the floor and followed her older sister out of the room. It wasn't long before the three Apple siblings and Storm worked hard trying to buck apple trees and collect the apples needed for the reunion. She left the boy to finish putting up the decorations as she got on a wagon and headed to Carousel Boutique. She picked up various fabric rolls from Rarity, who tied a ribbon on one of the rolls. Applejack waved goodbye and thanked her before heading on her way. Next, Aj stood in place as Pinkie used an actual beehive to pour its contents into several jars. Once Pinkie finished, she poured some honey into her mouth and tossed the beehive away. She then let out a loud belch as a lone bee buzzed out of her mouth.
"Don't forget the glitter!" said Pinkie as she tossed some golden glitter at Applejack, coating her completely in it. Applejack just coughed in reply.
Soon the girl arrived back at the barn as she was welcome to a sight. Everything she had asked Storm to do was done to a tee and, in some ways, better than she imagined. The country gal was speechless as she took in the decorations. The pots she had lined up were all cooking as she could smell them. She hopped off the wagon as Big Mac grabbed the supplies and left with them.
"Back already?" said Storm as Applejack looked up.
The boy was seated on the barn's roof while snacking on an apple fritter.
"I see you got everything done," smiled the girl, looking up at her friend.
"Ehh, wasn't that hard. Being a Jedi has its perks."
"Heh, well, care to help me put the banner up," said Applejack.
Storm tossed the last bit of the fritter into his mouth and swallowed before jumping down. As they walked to the post, the boy landed in front of the girl. The Jedi bent down as Aj approached him from behind. She then jumped onto his shoulders as Storm stood up and held her steady by grabbing her thighs. Applejack was a bit unprepared as she felt the boy's touch on her exposed skin, but she put that thought out of her mind as she began to focus on tying the banner. Storm made sure to have a firm grip on the girl to avoid her falling off his shoulder; though he could feel how strong Aj's thighs were that he imagined that she could probably crush fruit with them, given how much muscle she had built up over the years in the field. Plus... they felt nice to touch.
"Think that'll do it," said Applejack as she finished tying the banner.
"And just in time, too," said Granny Smith as she looked in the distance.
Storm gently set Applejack down as they heard some rumbling as several figures came running up to them. Most of the individuals came on foot from the train station. Others arrived in wagons and stagecoaches, and one couple came on their own airship. One particular stagecoach opened up, and three young kids burst out of it and ran off. It was then a woman familiar to Granny Smith came out of it. Her hair had the same curls and green ribbons as the picture, but her hair color was now a light shade of pinkish-red, and she had a pair of glasses on her face.
"Apple Rose! Ohhh!" said Granny Smith excitedly as the two shared a hug, "Ooh, this is more excitin' than when it rained frogs!"
The rest of the Apple family relatives began to mingle and chat with each other. Two younger kids then embraced before the first gave the second a noogie while the second tickled the first's stomach. Then they shared a double high-five with each other. Then one young teen appeared from behind an adult woman. She was shy at first but smiled as Winona came to say hello and licked her cheek. Applejack smiled to herself.
"Way to go, Jedi," said Aj, "You've come through like you always do,"
"I always do for my friends," said Storm as he looked at the country gal.
Applejack stared into her friend's eye as she slipped her hand into his. The boy felt it as he stared down at it; soon, he was hugged from the side by Aj as she expressed her gratitude to the teen. She then let go and made her way to a megaphone to address her family.
"Howdy, y'all," said Applejack, "And welcome to the Apple Family Reunion!"
The crowd cheered excitedly.
"My name's Applejack, and I just want to let y'all know that I got a real big day planned for ya! Though I couldn't have done it all without the help of mah good friend, Storm. So please give him a warm welcome when you see him. We're gonna start off with an obstacle course for the young'uns and some fritter makin' and quiltin' for the not-so-young'uns. And there's lots more to come after that! Hope y'all enjoy it!"
The crowd cheered again as Applebloom searched the crowds with a worried look.
"Where is she?" Applebloom wondered when an arm extended from behind her and spun her around. There was a familiar dark-caramel brown girl with pink hair. She blew her bangs as Applebloom saw her.
"Babs!" said Applebloom excitedly.
"Cuz!" said Babs as the two shared a hug.
"I know it hasn't been that long since we've seen each other, but–" said Applebloom.
"–It felt like forever!" the two kids both exclaimed at once.
"I can't wait to tell you about my new school!" stated Babs.
"I can't wait to hear all about it!" Applebloom replied as they began to walk off.
"Jeepers, where do I start? Okay. So first day–"
"Babs," said Applejack as she arrived and unintentionally interrupted the two girls, "Huh, so glad you could come!"
"What am I gonna miss out on spendin' time with my favorite cousin?" said Babs as she blew her bangs, "Forget about it!"
"Why don't you two head over to the obstacle course?" Applejack began to start pushing the pair toward the area for the race. Applebloom and Babs shared uneasy looks with each other.
It wasn't long before Applebloom and Babs had one of their legs tied together. Four other cousins had also found a partner and had a leg tied together. Soon three pairs were standing at the starting line as Applejack stood to the side.
"Alrighty, everyone! Ready to have some fun?" asked Aj excitedly.
"Whoa, is that the finish line? It's like a mile away or somethin'!" exclaimed Babs.
"Actually, that's just the marker where you go on to the next leg of the race," said Applejack as Applebloom was shocked.
"There's more?" remarked Applebloom.
"Much more. Trust me, I have put together somethin' you are never gonna forget," Applejack replied as Applebloom and Babs shared worried looks, "After the seven-legged race, you're gonna wanna hurry up and head over here, where you'll be bobbin' for apples!" Applejack dunked her head into a large wooden bucket filled with apples and pulled out three at once in her mouth. "Then you'll run around these trees fifty times until you're real good and dizzy," said the country gal as she ran some figure eights around the trees very quickly until she wobbled away looking rather dizzy, and then recovered before jumping over some hurdles and putting a plate on a stick on her head, "Then you'll jump these big wooden hurdles. And then there's the final leg, where you'll balance plates on your head while sayin' "Pappy Piper picked a pluck of prickly pluffnuggets" repeatedly. Last person standin' wins!" There was a long pause as all six kids looked at Applejack as if apples were growing out of her ears.
"Seriously?" asked Applebloom in a deadpanned tone.
"Seriously!" said Applejack with a smile on her face, "C'mon, y'all! Let's start makin' some memories! On your mark... get set... go!"
Applejack waved the checkered flag to start the race as the kids took off. One pair tripped just after taking their first step but quickly recovered and were on their way. Applebloom and Babs took an early lead, but it wasn't long before they were left exhausted. They looked up to see that they were still very, very far away from the flag, causing both girls to groan to themselves.
"Whooeee!" cheered Aj, "Lookin' good, everyone! Ooh, better go check on the quilt." The girl then jogged off, mumbling to herself.
When Storm arrived, the two kids just tried to catch their breath. He hadn't bothered to rush into the reunion since he felt like an outsider and didn't know what or who to mingle with; aside from Applejack, she was busy hosting the reunion. The Jedi noticed the flag and the clearly exhausted kids.
"What was Applejack thinking? This is just like when she put Twilight through an intense workout, thinking it would help her exercise," said Storm aloud, "This is supposed to be a short race, not a jog-a-thon!"
The Jedi looked around, as he didn't see Aj nor any of the kids having their line of vision in his direction.
"Well, Applejack, looks like I'm gonna have to go over your head on this one," Storm then put his hand out as he used the Force to move the flag and the obstacles closer to the racers so as not to travel far.
"Hey, cuz? Did that flag move?" asked Babs.
"Who cares? Just take it!" said Applebloom as she was relieved that Storm secretly used his powers to make the race more bearable.
The Jedi quickly disappeared before they could ask questions as he headed toward the barn, hoping to chat with a certain country gal. Elsewhere on the farm, Granny Smith, Apple Rose, and Auntie Applesauce were spending time together as they headed toward a makeshift canopy where they would work on the quilt. Apparently, Auntie Applesauce was showing off her dentures to the other two elderly.
"How long you had those new choppers, Auntie Applesauce?" asked Granny Smith.
"A lady never reveals the age of her teeth," responded Auntie Applesauce.
"Ugh," Apple Rose remarked with an eye roll.
"Don't you roll your eyes at me, Miss Apple Rose!" Auntie Applesauce scolded indignantly, "I imagine you two think I have forgotten what you did to my parasol six reunions ago?" Granny Smith and Apple Rose snickered.
"We were just usin' it to help break open that piñata!" remarked Granny Smith as she and Rose laughed. Auntie Applesauce smirked to herself.
"You used a parasol to break a piñata?" Storm asked as he arrived to say hello.
"Now, there be the friend of mah granddaughter that I was tellin' y'all about," said Granny Smith, "Say hello to Auntie Applesauce and Apple Rose."
"H-Hello," said Storm shyly as he gave a quick wave. Auntie Applesauce got in the boy's face, making him cringe as she looked him over.
"He reminds me of someone..." said Auntie Applesauce as she pulled away and looked at Granny Smith.
"Who... uhm... Auntie Applesauce?" asked Storm, grateful he remembered her name. There was a long pause before she scratched her chin.
"No clue," said Auntie Applesauce, making Storm do a comedic plop to the ground before he picked himself up.
"He certainly is handsome," said Apple Rose, making Storm slightly bashful. "No wonder yer granddaughter is friends with him."
"T-t-thank you, kindly, Ms. Rose," said Storm, attempting to use his own version of a country accent.
"So well mannered," said Apple Rose impressively.
"They don't make boys with that kind of integrity anymore," Granny Smith added as the three old ladies chuckled. The Jedi blushed from all the praise when Applejack arrived carrying the quilt in her arms.
"Hey, I've been looking for you!" said the boy.
"Applejack, delightful to see you," said Auntie Applesauce, "Yer beau here is a mighty fine catch."
"Your what?" said Storm as he didn't know what the old lady said, but Aj turned red.
"Don't worry about it!" shouted the farm girl, as she tried to change the subject and avoid telling Storm and hide the blush on her face. Though the old ladies didn't see that go unnoticed.
"Are you gonna join us for some quilting?" asked Auntie Applesauce.
"Sorry, Auntie Applesauce, I am busy-busy-busy. Y'all should get started, though!" replied Aj.
"We couldn't find our rocking chairs," said Granny Smith.
"I got rid of 'em to make room for these. This is the year y'all are finally gonna finish that quilt!" said Applejack.
"Finish it?" said Apple Rose puzzled.
"Uh, Applejack," said Storm, "I don't think-"
Applejack removed a cloth to reveal a collection of sewing machines on a wooden table. Auntie Applesauce and Apple Rose seemed impressed, while Granny Smith looked worried. Applejack then pulled a chord to start the machine, which rattled very loudly. Granny Smith and Storm covered their ears. Auntie Applesauce nearly had her dentures fall out of her mouth.
"Won't that be excitin'?" Applejack asked the three old ladies over the noise.
"What's that?" Apple Rose asked since she couldn't hear Applejack at all.
"I said, won't that be–" Applejack then pushed the button to cut off the power so the sewing machines would stop rattling. "–excitin'?" Applejack finished once the machines were turned off. The three old ladies exchanged looks at each other.
"I suppose, although I have been told that too much excitement can wreak havoc on this youthful complexion of mine," said Auntie Applesauce in a rather snooty fashion.
"Oh," said Apple Rose with a smirk. Storm leaned over into Granny Smith's ears.
"Is Auntie Applesauce known for always acting like she's far superior?" asked the boy.
"All the time," whispered Granny Smith before she and Storm giggled quietly to each other.
"If you ladies prefer, I could find those rocking chairs, needles, and threads," proposed Storm, "I can-"
"Of course not," Applejack interrupted, "They're more than happy to use the machines."
"I believe I was asking them, not you!" stated the Jedi indignantly. Applejack glared, but Storm didn't stand down.
"It's alright, Storm," said Auntie Applesauce, "We can manage." The three old ladies then revved up their machines and got to work.
"That's the spirit!" said Applejack over the noise.
"What did she say?" Granny Smith called out.
"What?" Apple Rose asked since she hadn't heard a word that had been said.
"Good gracious!" Granny Smith exclaimed.
"Golden Delicious?" Apple Rose remarked, "I think he's racing with his cousin!" Granny Smith just shook her head. Storm just blinked since he heard that last remark.
"I thought Golden Delicious was a woman," said the Jedi, "Or am I confusing her with someone else?"
"Yes, you are," said Applejack as she pushed Storm forward, "Now give me a hand and see how the young'uns are doing while I go check on the apple fritters."
"How about you listen to me first, and then I'll go check on the young'uns," Storm retorted as he tried to get Applejack to stop pushing him forward, "Some of your ideas don't seem to be what I call good opportunities for family bonding and making good memories."
"How about you do what I tell you, and I won't have to buck you over to the young'uns," Applejack warned him as she gave him a stern stare.
"I'd like to see you try, cowgirl!" Storm retorted angrily.
"Don't tempt me, Jedi!" responded Applejack as they stared at each other.
"I'm just trying to help you, and there are some concerns over at the-"
"I don't have time for this!" Applejack interrupted, "I'm in charge of this reunion. Not you! Go check on the young'uns! NOW!" Storm growled at her.
"Fine!" the boy retorted. He then walked off as Applejack gave him a loud raspberry behind his back as she headed in the opposite direction.
By now, the six racers had made their way toward the trees. They were actually trying to run around the trees fifty times as some dizzy music could be heard.
"How are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle?" Babs asked, feeling dizzy.
"Great!" said Applebloom in a dizzy tone, "Ugh..." Applebloom then wobbled away from the trees groaning.
"You alright?" asked Babs with concern.
"So... dizzy..." said Applebloom as she gave a Wilhelm scream and face-planted the ground.
"AB, you good!" said Storm as he appeared and placed the girl in her arms.
"Storm..." said the girl as she saw the Jedi before passing out.
"What happened here?" asked the boy.
"Applebloom got dizzy and knocked herself out," explained Babs.
"Oh, gees," remarked the Jedi Knight, "I'll revive her."
"With a kiss?" Babs remarked, making a face.
"Very funny," Storm replied, "By the way, name's Storm. Applebloom and Applejack's friend."
"Nice to meet you," said Babs as she shook his hand.
"Alright, now hand me that apple," said Storm as Babs did what he said.
Storm grabbed the item as he set Applebloom on the ground before holding the apple above her face. He then broke it in half as it made a snap sound. That immediately brought the girl back to life as she awoke to see Storm looking at her and smiling.
"Hello honey," said Applebloom in a ditzy tone, "How's my husband today?" Storm and Babs rolled their eyes.
"She's fine," said Storm.
"Thanks," said Applebloom as she sat up. "Oh, by the way, Babs, this is Storm. He's the one my sister was talking about earlier about helping to set up this reunion."
"It was nothing. Just helping my friends like I always do," said the boy.
"Well, thanks for all of this. Though, I don't suppose you could convince Applejack about easing up on the obstacle course?" asked Babs, hopefully.
"I'm afraid Applejack has entered her "nobody's home" mood," remarked the Jedi as Babs looked confused while Applebloom groaned and let herself fall onto her back.
"Stubborn mule," muttered Applebloom.
"Just try to do your best and if something feels too difficult, just skip it over or relax," suggested Storm.
"Hey, we are no quitters!" said Babs sternly.
"Yeah, we can take whatever Applejack throws at us!" stated Applebloom.
"I know you can. I just don't want to see you or your cousins run yourself ragged over what is clearly a far too difficult obstacle course," said the boy.
"We'll manage," said Applebloom as she and Babs headed over the wooden hurdles.
"Stubbornness really is an Apple family trait," muttered Storm.
The Jedi watched the girls try to jump over the hurdles but ended up either belly-flopping on top of them or slamming their heads into them for not jumping high enough. Storm face-palmed in annoyance.
Meanwhile, Big Mac had just finished frying an apple fritter. He set it on a plate and sniffed it hungrily. He then quickly looked around before gobbling it up. His timing couldn't have been more perfect as Applejack arrived as he licked his lips. Aj noticed the empty plate and glared at him. Big Mac gulped and whistled innocently before rushing off. Inside the open tent, two relatives named Apple Dumpling and Apple Leaves were chatting and forming the dough for the apple fritters.
"You've got eight now, dont'cha?" Apple Dumpling asked Apple Leaves.
"Oh, sure do. Tell you what, my Apple Tart may just be a baby, but he is a hoot!" answered Apple Leaves. Applejack then stood between the two ladies.
"Havin' fun?" Applejack asked as Braeburn carried a plate filled with apple fritters behind her.
"Sure are!" responded Apple Leaves.
"Better pick up the pace on those fritters, though, huh?" said Applejack as she grabbed some dough and shaped them into fritters, "Roll, fold, crimp, slide to the left. Roll, fold, crimp, slide to the left. Roll, fold, crimp, slide to the left. Now you try!" Apple Leaves hesitated for a moment before she kneaded some dough with her fingers, formed it into a fritter, and slid it to the left. Apple Dumpling then joined her.
"That's it! Gotta keep this assembly line movin', gals! We want every Apple here to get a chance to taste the best darn fritters in Equis!" said Applejack. The rest of the family members just looked at each other wearily and got to work.
After some time had passed, Storm was leaning lazily against the edge of the balcony where the megaphone had been set up. Since everyone was so busy with their "activities," he couldn't chat or get to know anyone. Plus, he couldn't talk to them with Applebloom and Babs suffering from numb tongues. The Jedi started to see this family event was anything but family, and it didn't help that Applejack seemed to ignore him as she stood before the megaphone.
"Alright, Apples, break!" Applejack called out. The three ladies at the noisy sewing machines stopped sewing and looked rather exhausted. Those working on the apple fritters were also exhausted since they had formed a large mountain of tasty treats since Aj had pushed up production.
"Finally..." sighed Applebloom as she laid on her back in exhaustion, letting her plate fall onto the grass. Babs caught the plate she was balancing as two cousins behind them dumped their plates and ran off. Applejack then set up a camera and looked into the lens as she adjusted the zoom and focus.
"Ooh, can't forget to capture all these memories for Granny's album!" said Applejack, but all she could see were her family members who looked exhausted and miserable, "Huh. Nothin' all that memorable there. Or there. Or there."
"Gee, I wonder why," snickered Storm. Applejack just put a dark brown stenson hat on his head and tipped it over his face as she ignored the Jedi and began to think.
"C'mon, Applejack, think," the country gal told herself, "You gotta kick this thing up a notch! Hm..." Storm then adjusted his hat as he looked like a real cowboy.
"Why not let everyone mingle and talk to each other?" the boy offered, "Didn't Granny Smith say they usually had a relaxing hayride around the orchard? I can even pull the cart myself!"
"That's it!" said Applejack, "C'mon!" Storm smiled, but he worried Aj still didn't fully hear him.
Applebloom and Babs had taken shelter near some hay stacks near the barn.
"I get that my big sis wants this to be like a super-awesome reunion, but that was ridiculous!" said Applebloom.
"I thought we'd never get a minute to just hang out!" Babs Seed added.
"And your minute's up!" said a voice as a shadow towered above them. The two girls looked up to see Applejack and Storm standing on top of the haystacks. "Your fellow Apples are waitin' for you to join them."
"Applejack!" protested Applebloom, "I haven't had any time with Babs! We were so busy with that obstacle course we didn't even get to talk!"
"There'll be plenty of time to bond with Babs when we do the hayride," said Applejack as she jumped off the haystacks and walked off.
"Hayride?" said Babs as she and Applebloom looked stunned.
"A nice relaxing hayride through the apple orchards," Storm told them, "I should know. I'll be pulling the wagon!" Applebloom and Babs smiled as they headed to the already prepared wagon.
Storm approached Spirit as the boy rubbed the nose of his horse.
"Hey, bud. Alright, let's give these Apples a nice, smooth ride. Think you can do that?" asked the boy to his horse.
The animal neighed as it understood what its owner and rider said.
"Good horse," spoke the Jedi softly as she petted its neck and mane before climbing up.
"Alright, everybody!" said Applejack as Applebloom, Babs, and several other relatives climbed into the wagon, "Step right up, take a seat, and leave the drivin' to Storm and his steed! Now, I know y'all've been workin' real hard makin' some awesome memories. And in all of our past reunions, we always had a nice and relaxin' hayride around the farm. Which is why I decided to change things up a bit and try somethin' just a wee bit more excitin'."
Storm gasped when he heard that as he turned to Aj.
"Wait, what?!" said the Jedi, "That's not what we agreed to-"
"So let's get this show on the road! Giddy-up!" shouted Applejack.
The girl raised her hand and brought it down as she slapped the horse's behind. The steed felt the slap from the country gal. He stood on his hind legs as he neighed.
"Whoa, easy there, Spirit! Calm down, boy!" said Storm, trying to get his horse under control as soon the animal brought his front legs down and took off at a blinding speed.
Applejack! You bitch! thought the boy as he couldn't scream that to the girl, given he had some kids in the wagon.
Storm put that thought out of his mind as he focused on regaining control of his horse. The Apples in the wagon felt the ride as they screamed and sped along the trail quickly. Then the wagon hit another bump at high speed, causing Auntie Applesauce's dentures to chatter about and fly out of her mouth... right into Big Mac's nose. She simply walked over to him to get them back.
"I just had those professionally polished," Auntie Applesauce remarked, her voice a bit muffled without her teeth.
"Where in the world does that girl have us headed? The west orchard?" called out Granny Smith.
"Eeyup," said Big Mac to Granny Smith as the wagon headed to the trees.
"What?!" Granny Smith exclaimed in shock, "I was jokin'! Why we haven't tended those fields since all the trees went and got filled up with..." Granny Smith's eyes shrunk, and she gulped.
"Filled with what?" asked Storm as he turned to look at the elderly woman, but she didn't answer.
The Jedi turned back to calm down his horse, still frightened. As for Applejack, she was now sweating heavily as she arrived at the west orchard apple trees. She saw the wagon approaching and then bucked one of the trees. This caused several fruit bats of various colors to come flying out of the trees. The fruit bats then flew over the wagon, their flight pattern and different colors resembling a rainbow. The people in the wagon began to ooh and ahh in amazement.
"Wowza!" said Babs as Applebloom watched the fruit bats fly by, "Never seen real fruit bats before!"
"Same here!" said Storm, "Applejack did good this time! Come on, boy. Easy." The Jedi put his hand on the neck of Spirit as he was using the Force to connect with his steed to call him down. It worked as the horse slowly took its speed down a notch.
Applejack smiled, feeling very pleased with herself. Then a red fruit bat noticed Auntie Applesauce's hat, which had some red apples. The fruit bat licked his lips before commanding all the others to dive bomb at her hat with the sound of a fighter.
"Uh-oh," said Applejack in a small voice.
Auntie Applesauce yelped, and soon everyone else was yelping and shouting as the bats continued to swarm the wagon. Storm tried to get Spirit to pull the cart back to the barn, but the fruit bats wouldn't give up. Soon, some of them began swarming the steed as Spirit began to get spooked. The Jedi was now trying to regain control of his horse.
"Come on, bud! Calm down! Listen to my voice!" said Storm to his horse, trying to calm his animal down. "Auntie Applesauce, it's your hat! Throw it away!"
"My hat?! Never!" Auntie Applesauce retorted as she tried to shoo the bats away herself.
"Jesus, is every member of this family a stubborn bitch!" stated Storm to himself.
"Too late!" Applebloom remarked as she saw the barn coming up fast, "Everyone! Jump out!"
Storm pulled out his lightsaber and used it to slice off the harness. The Apples were amazed to see the weapon, but that wasn't important. Those on board jumped out of the wagon. While the wagon eventually rolled off sight and was nowhere near the barn, the fruit bats flew right through the barn's walls. The barn was starting to collapse as a few people ran out. Boards began to creak as Storm saw this and flicked the reigns of his horse.
The Jedi got close; he then leaped off and landed in the barn as he came to a halt. He saw a few kids still inside as he grabbed them and was starting to head back out when the barn came crashing down. Storm saw that as everything went black. Dust picked up as the building lay in pieces. By this point, Applejack rushed over to see everything. It didn't take long before her eyes watered, and she pulled her stenson hat over her face.
A few other members gathered around as they started to mourn for Storm, buried under all that rumble. Her sibling and Granny came behind her as they placed their hands on her shoulder and fell to her knees.
"Storm... I did this," muttered the girl as she was why her friend was buried.
She sniffed before some sounds were heard. The crowd all looked forward as they saw a pile of debris began to move. Soon it was lifted up. Everyone looked on as they saw what was happening before their very eyes. Storm was shown with his hand up as he was holding the pile from crushing him and two other kids he managed to grab hold of.
"How you guys doing?" asked Storm as he grunted, holding up the debris.
"We're okay now," said one of the kids.
"Jeepers, mister. You're really strong," said the other, both impressed by seeing what the teen was doing.
"Well, just try to be more careful next time, okay kids," said Storm. "Now get going!"
The two kids ran out toward their parents as Storm dropped the stuff behind him and landed with a thud. The boy was dusting off his shoulders when Aj got up from her knees.
"Whee, close cal-"
"You're alive," said Applejack as she rushed to her friend and hugged him tightly.
"Of course, I'm alive. I've been shot at, electrocuted, faced a deity, and have had more heavy fall on me before, and I'm still kicking. This was nothing." stated Storm.
"You're okay!" said Applebloom as she joined in on the hug.
Storm smiled at seeing the siblings embrace him to calm their worries. Soon murmurs began to rise up as the Jedi looked up to the rest of the Apple family as they whispered among themselves.
"He's a Jedi!" said one relative.
"A Jedi?" said others as they gasped and started to become scared.
"That can't be! Jedi have never been here before!"
"What's a Jedi doing here?"
"What do you want from us?"
"Are you here to kill us?"
And just like that... the thing that Storm wanted to avoid came true. The Apple family began to fear for their lives when they saw Storm. Some of the parents hid their children behind them to keep them safe. Applebloom understood what Storm meant by keeping the fact that he was a Jedi a secret. The young girl witnessed her family turn on a person she called a friend like he was an outcast of society.
"Why are you here?" shouted one woman.
"Please, I mean no harm," said Storm as he put his hands up.
"Careful! He might use his powers on us!" said another person as they saw the boy put his hands out.
Storm sat that as he closed his hands and put them down.
"I'm not here to harm anyone. I promise," spoke the boy.
"How can we trust you?!" yelled someone.
"Because he's mah friend!" said Applejack as she stood by Storm's side. "Storm is the most selfless person I know. Despite my stubbornness, he helped me put this together and was willing to put up with me when anybody else would yell and chew me out. But Storm's not like that."
"He's also a great friend. It's no wonder he's the princess' loyal knight," said Applebloom.
"The princess' knight?" said the whole family.
They were shocked to learn that this Jedi, this boy in front of them, was assigned to Princess Twilight, of all people. That statement seemed to affect them as a few were starting to calm down, but they still had that sense of worry. Soon the two kids that Storm saved emerged from behind their parents and approached the Jedi, who bent down to their eye level.
"Mister... are you a good person?"
"I am," smiled Storm.
The kids then hugged him as they believed his words. Their tiny arms wrapped around his neck as Storm put his arms around them. The others saw this and couldn't help but smile. Soon their fear of Storm being a Jedi was gone as they saw what they needed to see. Applejack saw her friend hugging some of her family members as she smiled before turning back to look at the destroyed barn.
"Ruined," Applejack said as she cried, "Everythin' is ruined." Applejack sat before the wreck as she traced a finger in the dirt and stared at the ground. Applebloom, Storm, and Granny Smith walked up to her.
"Oh, Granny. I'm so, so sorry," Applejack said in a remorseful tone.
"Oh, it's alright, child," Granny Smith replied gently as Storm sat between Applejack and Applebloom, gently rubbing her back for comfort.
"But it's not alright," Applejack protested as the tears continued to fall, "Just look at this! The barn and all my plans for the perfect family reunion are completely destroyed!"
"Maybe that's a good thing," said Applebloom.
"How can that possibly be a good thing?" retorted Applejack defensively.
"Applejack, you had us so caught up in all the doin'," Granny Smith explained as the rest of the family slowly gathered behind them, "we haven't had a second to enjoy the company of the folks we've been doin' it with!"
The girl sighed.
"Oh, Granny Smith," said Granny Smith as she lowered her head and continued to cry, "here you let me be in charge of creatin' great memories, and the only thing anyone's gonna remember about this reunion... is that it was the worst one we ever had."
"Applejack..." said Storm gently.
"I'll understand if you want to walk away..." Aj added softly.
"Come on. You said it yourself. Anybody else, and probably the readers, would have yelled at you and chewed you out based on your behavior. But... not me. I'm different, and you know that. I'm not going anywhere."
"Oh, hey now..." Granny Smith gently said, "everyone's still here, ain't they? Still, plenty of time to make good memories! You've just got to give everybody a chance to actually make 'em."
"The family photo!" said Applejack as she stood up but lowered her head again, "Guess we can't take it in front of the barn this year... unless..." She then turned to address the rest of the family. "Everyone! I have one more activity!"
"Applejack..."
"Trust me, Granny Smith. This'll be one we'll remember for all the right reasons. I think even Storm can figure out what I have in mind! He can even be in charge of the activity!" said Aj. The Jedi looked at the wreckage for a second before having a smile on his face.
It wasn't long before Applejack gave three taps on the ground with her foot, then three relatives, named Fiddly Twang, Kazooie, and Pitch Perfect, began playing country-style music as the family stood before the band.
[Applejack - gave a loud shout before she began to sing. Four family members smiled in sequence as she did the count-off, and then she started dancing with Granny Smith and made the old coot twirl.]
Yee-hoo!
Raise this barn, raise this barn
One, two, three, four
Together, we can raise this barn
One, two, three, four
[Applejack - Granny Smith was seen wearing a yellow hard hat along with Storm. Big Mac and two other men also wore hard hats as they propped up the support beams. Another relative hammered the beam into place as another person gave them the nails. Applebloom and Babs then did a square dance together before breaking apart as the former partnered up with Big Mac and the latter with Granny Smith.]
Up, up, up, go the beams
Hammer those joints, work in teams
Turn 'em round quick by the right elbow
Grab a new partner, here we go
"Yeah!" the Apple Family cheered as they partnered up and started square dancing.
"Come on, Apple family!" Applejack called out from the megaphone, "Let's get to it! Wee-hoo!"
[Applejack - She stood on top of a wooden beam suspended between wooden boards as four people below pushed the wall up from the foreground, as four more people pulled on the ropes attached to the wall from behind Applejack. The four individuals tugged their ropes in sequence when Applejack sang the countdown. Then at the second countdown, the four individuals holding their ropes let them go in sequence.]
Raise this barn, raise this barn
One, two, three, four
Together, we can raise this barn
One, two, three, four
[Applejack - The rest of the family began working on the barn's mainframe as a pig and chicken started dancing inside. Then a woman and Braeburn took a bow before they worked together to saw a log. Then six more family members appeared behind the logs as the woman danced solo.]
Finish the frame, recycling wood
Workin' hard, you're doin' good
Turn 'em round quick by the right elbow
Grab a new partner, here we go
"Yeah!" the family shouted.
"Whoo-whee!" Applejack shouted back as someone off-screen lifted wooden boards off the ground.
[Applejack - As she does the countdown, four people hammer the nails into the wood in sequence. Applejack then held a plate with apple fritters on it. As she did the countdown, each apple fritter was claimed until nothing was left.]
Raise this barn, oh, raise this barn
One, two, three, four
Together, we can raise this barn
One, two, three, four
[Applejack - another family member picked up a wooden board, then another hammered the nail into it, Applebloom and Auntie Applesauce danced together.]
Slats of wood come off the ground
Hold 'em up and nail 'em down
Turn 'em round quick by the left elbow
Grab a new partner, here we go
"Yeah!" the family members cheered as they continued to work on the barm.
"Come on, Apples!" said Applejack off-screen, "Get 'er done!" Some of the family members waved at her in reply. Applebloom and Babs worked together, trimming a wooden plank with a wood planner tool.
[Applebloom]
Look at us, we're family
[Applejack]
Workin' together thankfully
[Applejack]
We Apples, we are proud to say
[Applejack and Applebloom - the two sisters, along with Babs, smiled together.]
Stick together all the way
[Applejack - As she sang, a woman dressed in a pioneer outfit and a man stood before each other. They bowed to each other and then began to square dance. Then another woman was shown standing on a wooden beam nervously before she flipped over and held the beam from the underside with her arms and legs. Then Granny Smith and Apple Strudel began to dance, and Granny Smith was twirled about in quick succession before he dipped her.]
Bow to your partner, circle right
Get down if you're scared of heights
Forward back and twirl around
That barn's gonna be the best in town
"Yeah!" the apple family cheered for Granny Smith and Apple Strudel.
"Yee-haw!" said Applejack, "Attagirl!"
"Let's see what you can do, Aj!" said Storm, using his own country accent, as he used his Force powers to pull the girl to stand before him. Applejack smiled as they both bowed and started to square dance in their own way.
"Yee-haw! Just look at you dose-doo!" Applejack called out as they broke formation to dance and rejoined hands, "Look at you, dancing cowboy!"
"Yeeeeeeeee-haaaaaw!" Storm and Applejack shouted as they linked arms and danced in a circle, waving their free arm and holding their stenson hats in the air.
"Alright," said Applebloom as she rode a bull carrying more building materials, "Let's get to it!" Aj and Storm then used wooden poles to carry some cans of red paint. Applebloom and Granny Smith then brought up their own pair of paint cans.
[The entire Apple Family - As the family sang the countdown, the paint buckets were dropped on the ground in sequence. The four individuals were then seen carrying the paint cans. Then at the second countdown, four individuals appeared with paint brushes; one person then dipped their brush into the paint, and they started to paint the now-finished barn its traditional red color.]
Raise this barn, raise this barn
One, two, three, four
Together, we can raise this barn
One, two, three, four
[Applejack - When she finished singing, her cousin, Fiddly Twang, did a short solo with her fiddle.]
Take your brushes, young and old
Together, paint it bright and bold
Turn 'em round quick by the left elbow
Grab a new partner, here we go
[The Apple Family - sang before the now completed barn, whose red paint sparkled in the sunshine. Two women exchanged smiles with each other while one of them wiped their brow. Applejack set up the camera and activated the timer for the picture as she rushed to join the rest of the family. Everyone, including Storm, who stood next to Granny Smith, all posed and smiled as Applejack slid into place as the camera flashed and took the picture.]
We raised this barn, we raised this barn
Yes, we did
Together we sure raised this barn
Yes, we did
Being together counts the most
We all came here from coast to coast
All we need to strive to be
Is part of the Apple family
"Yeah!" Applebloom shouted after the picture was taken. Soon the rest of the Apple Family began to mingle.
"Oh!" Granny Smith yelped as Apple Strudel gave her another twirl. Fiddly Twang, Kazooie, and Pitch Perfect continued playing in the background as Auntie Applesauce and Apple Rose talked to each other when Granny Smith bumped into Auntie Applesauce, knocking her dentures into Apple Rose's hands. Auntie Applesauce gave Granny Smith a glare before the three just laughed.
Then it was time for everyone to head on home. Applejack and Granny Smith watched them all head out. Applebloom watched quietly as Babs tossed her bag into a wagon.
"I can't wait for the next reunion!" said Applebloom.
"Me neither," replied Babs.
"I mean, obviously, we have to get together before then!" said Applebloom with a sad smile.
"Obviously," said Babs as she wrapped an arm around Applebloom's neck. The two girls chuckled at each other.
"Oh, you did it, Applejack!" said Granny Smith as Applejack used an outdoor sink to wash some dishes, "You put on a reunion that everyone will remember!"
"Just had a couple minor hiccups along the way," answered Applejack honestly.
"Yeah, just a couple," said Granny Smith with a lightly teasing tone before she gave a wink... to those of you reading the story.
It was very late at night by the time they turned in for the night. All of the Apples, except for Applejack, since she had decided to stay up a little longer. She looked up at the night sky as she had a bottle of cider. The girl looked down as Storm was standing in front of her house.
"Everything's cleaned up, Aj," said the Jedi as he stayed behind to help clean things up. "Though, many people kept calling me your "beau". What does that mean?"
"Don't worry about it," stuttered Applejack, trying to hide the red on her face.
"Whew. I can't wait to get a hot shower and get into my bed tonight. I'm beat."
"Guess you're really tired then, huh?" Applejack said quietly. Storm noticed she looked a bit upset.
"You're not still upset over what happened earlier today, are you?" asked the Jedi softly. Aj's head lowered as she gave him a light nod.
"Applejack, you're a part of my family, and I love you," said Storm, "I forgive you. No one's perfect." Aj sighed.
"Can we talk?"
The boy smiled as he looked up. He then jumped and landed just outside of her window still. Applejack moved over and made room as Storm sat on the still opposite of the farm girl. The pair leaned back as they rested an arm on their knee while looking at each other. Aj tossed a bottle of cider to Storm; he caught it and popped it open before taking a sip as he felt the refreshing golden liquid enter his taste buds. The girl sighed as she looked at the night sky before turning to her friend.
"It's just... this stubborn pride of mine," said Applejack, "I try so hard to knock it down and be humble. But as much as I try, I just seem to get so determined to be right and do things my way that I... I kept tuning others out and pushing away the help I needed. I mean, sure, being stubborn and determined can be a good thing and all, but... lately... it's making me fail my friends and family more times than I want to admit. Seeing that it's driven me so far as to... hurt someone who's done nothing but been such a lovin' an' supportive friend and... made me destroy my own barn... or... or make my own sister feel like she can't come to me for help when she and her friends get themselves into trouble or are being mistreated..."
The boy could see how this was affecting the girl. He took a sip before collecting what he wanted to say.
"Applejack, as much as you feel like you're making the same mistakes," said Storm, "We all can see that you are getting better at handling that stubborn pride of yours."
"But I can do better! I know I can!" said the girl firmly before softening her tone, "I just... I just don't know how... I used to know what I needed to do to be better... or at least I thought I did..." Storm pondered.
"Applejack..." said the teen softly.
"When our parents were gone," Applejack explained as she took a sip of her cider bottle, "Our family was a mess, and poor Applebloom was just a baby when it happened. Someone needed to pick up the pieces and get things back to normal or as close to normal as possible. Someone needed to pick up the slack, and I chose to do that. It took time. I made plenty of mistakes, but we eventually got our family stable again to move forward. I've always been the glue that holds this family together. If I fail... I let them down... and our parents... who's to say our family won't fall apart?"
"I see," said Storm, taking a sip, "and I'm guessing you were the one who raised Applebloom for the most part?"
"Yes. I remember when she was just a baby, crying in her crib, crying for her mother. A mother that was no longer with us. I took her in my arms, promising her that I would always be there for her. That I would love and take care of her the way our Ma would've done. After all, Big Mac is always busy on the farm, and Granny Smith is... let's just say too tired... to watch over an energetic girl. I need to be at my best... so Applebloom can be the best person she can be... and when I can't do that..."
Applejack sniffed a bit as Storm moved to sit adjacent to the country gal and pulled her in for a hug. The Jedi leaned the girl's head onto him as he held her tightly.
"I don't want to let my family down anymore," said Aj with a whimper as she felt her tears fall, "I promised our parents... and I'm letting everyone down... I'm letting them down..."
"Applejack, you expect too much of yourself," said Storm, "You may be a strong and beautiful girl and the Element of Honesty, but you're not perfect. You have limits. You can only do so much on your own. Trust me, I know better than anybody, especially as a Jedi. Seeking help and admitting your mistakes doesn't mean you're letting anyone down. That's what friends and family are for. To help you so you don't fail or get yourself into trouble. You are getting better at doing that. So you took a step backward today. It happens, but you learn from it. Use that stubborn pride constructively; let it be your drive to ensure you don't keep making the same mistakes."
Applejack sniffed a few times as she tried to wipe her tears away.
"Thanks, Storm."
The country gal took her hat and placed it on the Jedi's head, making him chuckle. She leaned on his chest and snuggled into him as Storm lifted his free hand and stroked her blonde hair. Her hair was so silky, seamlessly running through his fingers.
"I guess I've been feeling a bit down on myself lately. Just that I am doing something wrong just gets me so frustrated. I don't want to feel like every choice I make is questionable. I want to know that what I'm doing is right!"
"I know," said Storm gently, "and I understand. You're not the only person who hates failing those they love and care about. You want to be able to trust yourself, and when you have those doubts, it can be discouraging. Just remember, seeking help isn't a failure. We can't all be strong all the time. Sometimes we need someone to talk, vent, or even just have a good cry. Just know that you've got someone to do that when you need it."
"I won't," said Aj with a smile as she wiped her tears, "and thank you for hearing me out. I know it's late, but... I just really needed someone to talk to. I've seen you having chats with Rainbow and Fluttershy, so... I wanted to try and see if it would help to talk about what's bothering me. And you know what? I do feel better."
"Good," said Storm as Aj leaned in and kissed the Jedi on the cheek.
She pulled back as Storm brought his free hand to cusp her cheek and graze it. The farm girl leaned back into him as her head was under his chin. The pair just sat in silence for a bit more as they continued to stare out of Aj's window, looking at the stars and enjoying the other's presence.
Storm soon let a large yawn escape from his mouth.
"Well, I better get home so I..."
"I can set up the sofa for ya so you can stay here," suggested Aj, "It's really late outside, and I'd rather you didn't head home so late at night."
"Well, okay," stated the Jedi, "and Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for letting me be part of your family reunion," said Storm, "it's nice to be part of a family. Especially since I never did manage to find anything about my own family."
Applejack smiled as they got up and proceeded to the living room. It was then something came to her mind.
"Have you really checked absolutely everything you could find about your parents?" asked the girl curiously.
"Everything I could think of," responded the Jedi, "To be honest, I've kind of accepted the fact that I'll never know who my real family is."
"I see," said Applejack as she got to work setting up a pillow and spare blanket for Storm to sleep on the family sofa while the boy cleaned himself up. The makeshift bed was ready to go once he came back down.
"Well, good night, Storm," said Applejack as she gave him a quick hug and kiss before heading upstairs.
"Night, Aj," said the boy as he curled into the blankets and fell asleep.
Applejack was heading to her bedroom but still couldn't help but feel like Storm had missed something. Everyone deserved to know where they came from. There had to be something the Jedi might have missed. She looked back at the empty hallway and smiled.
"Don't worry, Storm," said Applejack softly, "I promise you... someday... We're gonna find your family."
Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed this sort of alternate ending to the actual episode of the show. And I don't think there's much for me to elaborateon as I think the final scene of Applejack and Storm, talking as any two people would speaks for itself. Just knowing that there's always someone you can talk to and lean on. Honestly, just that scene alone is enough that speaks volume. And then, of course, the fear that most people of Equis have when they see a Jedi. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.