//------------------------------//
// Father 
// Story: Revelations 
// by CoastBrumby 
//------------------------------//


Carrot Cake, Equestrian Earth Pony of Ponyville, baker, store owner, husband, and father of twins, sat outside his bakery and enjoyed his afternoon cup of tea. This was one of his favourite times of day. The afterschool rush was over, Pinkie Pie was watching the shop, and his lovely wife was with their lovely twins. He was free to sit quietly, sip his tea, and think about how lucky he was to be alive and breathing the cool autumn air. 

Carrot Cake finished off the last drop of tea in his cup. He sighed. “Best I get back to the grindstone.” Carrot moved to pick his cup of the table when he spotted an orange mare with a yellow filly trotting towards him. “If it isn’t the Apple Sisters? Two of my best customers and my best suppliers. Pinkie Pie is inside, so you needn’t wait for this sleepy stallion if you’re hungry.”

Applebloom, the younger of the Apple Sisters, looked at him and blushed. Carrot Cake felt funny. He always felt funny when he looked at Applebloom. She made him feel like he felt when he looked at a cake he had just baked. It was something he could never explain. Most foals and fillies were simply customers to him. 

Applejack, the elder sister, spoke in an uncharacteristically nervous tone. “Carrot, we ain’t here for food or Cousin Pinkie. We’re here because we need to talk to you, old friend. If you’re busy, it can wait.”

“What’s this about?” Carrot Cake asked.

“It’s personal. May we speak inside?” Applejack said.

“Sure. I’ll just close the store for a few minutes.” Carrot said.

“Ah yep.” Applejack replied.

Carrot Cake entered sugar cube corner behind the sisters. He closed and locked the door putting the back in five minutes sign on the window.

A perky pink mare was merrily cleaning the glass on the display case when carrot and the apple sisters entered Sugar Cube Corner. The mare was Pinkie Pie, and she was humming a happy tune. “Hi Applejack, Hi Applebloom, Hi Mister Cake.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Hi Pinkie. We’re shutting down shop for a few minutes. The Apples have something important to discuss with me. Maybe you should take a quick break.” Carrot said. 

Pinkie pulled a face. “This sound like it could be dramatic. I’ll be in the other room eaves dropping.” Pinkie said. She began to sneak away with a grin on her face.

“Oh just stay, Cousin. We won’t be saying anything you don’t already know.” Applejack said. There was an edge on her voice.

“I’m getting nervous. Have I wronged the Apple family in some way?” Carrot Cake asked.

Applejack shook her head and breathed in and out. She spoke softly. “No, Carrot, if anything, I’ve wronged you. This news may come as a shock so prepare yourself. You remember how close we became you remember how you comforted me after my parents passed all those years ago?” Applejack said.  

Carrot Cake looked away. “I remember how hurt I felt when you left suddenly for Manehatten.” Carrot turned to face Applejack. “I had strong feelings for you, but that’s all in the past. I got over it. I fell in love, and I am married now. I have twins. Why bring this up all of a sudden?” Carrot asked.

“I bring this up because of why I left for Manehatten. I left because I was scared. I left because I was scared and pregnant. I had a filly in Manehatten, and that filly was named Applebloom. I bring this up because Applebloom is your daughter, and until yesterday I was hiding that from her, and until today I was hiding this from you. I’m sorry.” Applejack said.

“Ooo Ooo Ooo, and I’m Applebloom’s godmother.” Pinkie Pie called out.

“That’s not important at the moment now, Cousin Pinkie.” Applejack said.

Applebloom looked into Carrot Cake’s face. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” She asked. 
Carrot Cake made no response.

Applebloom waved her hoof in front of Carrot’s eyes. She trotted to Applejack. “Is he alright?” Applebloom asked her mother.

“Oh, he’s just frozen with shock. Pinkie Pie, rustle us up some snacks while we wait ‘til he snaps out of it.” Applejack said.
Pinkie Pie served Applebloom and Applejack some experimental peppermint and parsley muffins that were surprisingly editable. 
After they were finished eating Carrot Cake shook his head, and made incoherent noises. He cleared his throat and spoke. “This has all come as I shock, and I am certain I will be feeling many emotions about all this in the days to come, but for today, I have decided to be happy. I am happy to learn I have a daughter. I am happy to see how healthy and clever she has grown to become over the years. Applebloom, if you’ll have me, I would be honoured to be your father. If it makes you happy, you could call yourself Applebloom Cake.” Carrot Cake said.

Applebloom wrinkled her muzzle. “Ah, I think you’re my father whether I like it or not, and Applebloom Cake is a bit long to say.” Applebloom said.

Applejack blushed. “Sugar cube, Applebloom Cake is your legal name. It is what I wrote on your birth certificate in Manehatten.”
Carrot Cake laughed uncomfortably. “Not certain if I should feel grateful or angry about that, but that is a conversation for another day. 

What I am trying to say Applebloom is ‘Do you want me to make you a part of my life. Do you want to learn from me what it means to be a Cake?” Carrot Cake said.

“I don’t know, sir. Won’t you be busy teaching the twins?” Applebloom asked.

“I think your brother and sister would be happy to have you as part of their lives. Carrot Cake said.

Applebloom’s eyes grew wide. “Oh my stars. I just realized I’m a big sister now.” Applebloom pranced around Applejack loudly declaring. “I’m a big sister. I’m a big sister.”

“You sure are. I hope I set a good example, Applebloom.” Applejack said.

“You did. It’s great you’re my mother now, but it was great when you were just my big sister. Mr. Cake, I want to know what it means to be a Cake even though I feel like I’m just an Apple.” Applebloom.

“You’ll be an Apple-Cake. I have an idea. How about we make some apple cake this afternoon?” Mr. Cake said.

“I have a lot of chores to do at the farm.” Applebloom said.
Applejack ruffled Applebloom’s mane “Don’t worry about that, sweat heart. I’ll take care of it. You stay here with Cousin Pinkie and your father, and learn what you can. I can count on you to bring Applebloom back to the farm when she’s finished for the day?” Applebloom asked.

“What are godmothers for after all?” Pinkie Pie said.

“That’s my girl. You be good, Applebloom. I’ll see you later. We’ll talk later, Carrot. I appreciate how well you’re taking this.” Applejack said. She hugged her daughter, and trotted out the door quickly.

“Bye, Mom.” Applebloom said. “It still feels strange calling Applejack that, but it also feels right. I don’t have to call you anything special because you’re my godmother, Pinkie Pie?” 

Pinkie Pie waved her hoof. “Nah, you can keep calling me Pinkie, or Cousin Pinkie, or Your Pinkness.”

“I never called you ‘Your Pinkness’” Applebloom replied.

Pinkie Pie shrugged. “You and a lot of other ponies do in my dreams. I think it would be fun if they started in real life.”

“I don’t think it is going to happen, Cousin Pinkie.” Applebloom turned to Carrot Cake. “Mister Cake, would you like me to call you Father, or Pa, Dad, or something?” 

Carrot Cake put his hoof to his chin. “You know. I think of myself as more of a Dad kind of pony, but you can continue calling me Mister Cake if that makes you more comfortable. I’m sure this is still a shock to you.” 

“I’m not shocked. I’m happy. If I had to pick any Earth Pony to secretly be my father I’d have picked you, Mister Cake. I mean Dad.” Applebloom said.

“That makes me unbelievably happy. I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful surprise daughter.” Carrot Cake said.

“Wait a second. You said ‘any Earth Pony’. Would you have preferred a Unicorn, or a Pegasus as a father?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Applebloom blushed. “No, but I’ve had daydreams about Applejack being secretly my mother, and in those daydreams Sweetie Belle’s father or Scootaloo’s father is my father, and that makes me a sister to one of them.” She said.

“That’s so sweet.” Pinkie said.

“I agree. As my daughter you have both Unicorn and Pegasus blood in you, Applebloom, but I’m not an ethnic like Pinkie Pie is. I’m also not a member of The Faith. Since Pinkie Pie is a member of The Faith and she is your godmother, does that make you one as well?” Carrot Cake asked.

Applebloom shifted her hoof in front of her. “I don’t know. Would it be a problem if I was?”

“You’re not a member of The Faith, but because you are my goddaughter, you would not have to convert if you wanted to participate in worship, you would just need to show up and then you would be accepted as a full member of The Faith once you came of age. Applejack and I had a big discussion about this before I became your godmother. It almost became a heated argument, but in the end, Applejack agreed to perform the ceremony with me and the mayor. Rarity was there as a witness.” Pinkie Pie said.

“So Rarity knows I am Applejack’s daughter?” Applebloom asked.

“She knew all along. She has known your mother since they were small after all. But Rarity’s tale is not mine to tell.” Pinkie Pie said. “Isn’t religion a big thing to talk about right now? It’s boring too. You two were going to make apple cake, and that’s fun.”

“You’re absolutely right, Pinkie Pie. Follow me to the kitchen, Applebloom. Let’s not waste a moment more.” Carrot Cake said. He trotted to the kitchen.

Applebloom nodded and followed her father. Applebloom paid close attention and asked few questions as Carrot Cake instructed her on the Cake way of making apple cake.

Mrs Cake trotted into the kitchen to find the pair baking happily together. “Hello Applebloom. I’m surprised to see you here without your little friends. You’re not thinking of becoming our newest apprentice are you? Pinkie Pie is nearing graduation, you know. I left the little ones with Pinkie in case you are wondering, Carrot.” She said.

Applebloom rubbed the back of her head with her hoof. “Ah no, I won’t be an apprentice, but I think I will be here to learn a lot. I might be Zecora’s apprentice, or maybe Princess Twilight’s apprentice.” 

“If you want to be here a lot, you really ought to become an official apprentice. This is a professional bakery after all.” Mrs. Cake said.
Applebloom looked away and blushed.

“It’s alright Honeybun. Applebloom belongs here. She has a right to learn everything I have to teach. You see. Remember I told you I was close to Applejack before I met you. It turns out Applebloom is Applejack’s daughter, and I am her father. I only found out less than an hour ago. Please, don’t be angry.” Carrot Cake said.

Mrs. Cake froze for twenty seconds, and then shook her head rapidly. “I’m not angry, but we are going to have to talk about this later tonight, Carrot. Applebloom Cake, would you like to follow me into the other room. I would like to explain things to your brother and sister.”
In the display room, Mrs Cake placed her twins Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake in front of Applebloom. “You’ve met Pumpkin and Pound before today?” Mrs Cake asked Applebloom.

“Ah huh.” Applebloom nodded. 

Mrs Cake stroked the heads of her children. “Pumpkin Cake, Pound Cake, I have something important to tell you. You have an older sister. She’s the one standing in front of you. Her name is Applebloom Cake, and I hope the three of you become good friends.”

The little foal and filly held out their hooves to Applebloom as if expecting a hug.

Applebloom reached up and held them both. “How could anypony not love the two of you?” She said.

“Hold that pose!” Pinkie pie cried out. She zoomed out the door. Moments later she returned with a camera and hastily snapped a picture of the little ponies hugging. “Now I want one with Papa and his children.” 

Mr Cake waved his hoof in front of his face. “Better make it another day. I’m a mess from the day’s baking.” He said. “I will want a print of that photo you just took.”

“Oki Doki Loki, Mister Cake.” Pinkie said.

“Uh, Pinkie Pie, I think I’d like to go home now.” Applebloom said.

“Righto, I’ll be back in a few minutes to help clean up, Mister and Missus Cake.” Pinkie grinned widely at her employers.
Mister Cake looked at Pinkie Pie in a vain attempted at understanding her. “Take the rest of the day off, and you can call me Carrot if you like. You are the godmother to my daughter. There is no need for formality.” 

“Yes, Sir, Carrot Cake.” Pinkie gave the stallion a salute. “Come on, Applebloom. This is the first time I can talk to you openly as your godmother. It’ll be fun.” 

“Hooray.” Applebloom proclaimed without enthusiasm. 

“Oh don’t be like that. I’ll always be plain old Cousin Pinkie. You’ll see.” Pinkie patted Applebloom on the head. “See y’all latter.” She said while waving.

“Goodbye, Missus Cake. Goodbye, Pumpkin and Pound. Goodbye…,Dad.” Applebloom said. She followed Pinkie Pie out the door.  
Pinkie Pie trotted at a steady pace towards Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom stuck close to her godmother as the pair enjoyed the afternoon air.

“You gonna run in the Running of the Leaves race, or are you going to announce again?” Applebloom asked.

“I’m gonna announce with Spike again this year. It was super fun last year. Is your mother going to race against Rainbow Dash again this year?” Pinkie asked.

“Applejack, I mean Mom, is very competitive. She is definitely running. I’m a little competitive too. I guess I take after her. Do I take after Mister Cake at all? I can’t tell. I don’t know anything about him. How much do you know about him?” Applebloom asked.

“I know more than a little. I have been his apprentice for years. Carrot Cake and Cup Cake have been very good to me. If you want to learn more about him, you should ask him. I think he wants to tell you everything there is to know about the Cake family.” Pinkie said.

“But I have a hard time knowing everything I need to know about being an Apple. I don’t think my brain will be able to handle any more.” Applebloom lamented.

“I am an Apple Pie remember. We had to take a long journey to discover that. Remember?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I remember I lost the map, but it was still a fun trip.” 

“We had to take that journey because only one Apple had the knowledge we needed, but that didn’t make the rest of us any less Apples. Nopony expects you to know everything. Your family only hopes that you want to know about them, and you are willing to reach out to them for the answers to your questions.”

Applebloom grinned. “You know what, Cousin Pinkie. I am mostly sure I am happy Mister Cake is my father, but I am completely sure I am happy you are my godmother. Race you home. First pony to touch the back door is the winner.” Applebloom galloped off in a rush as soon as she finished speaking.

Pinkie Pie paused as she watched the filly speed off.  The pink mare spoke to herself in a soulful voice. “Thank you Applejack, for sharing her with me and her father. A mare couldn’t ask for a better goddaughter.” Pinkie Pie cracked an enormous smile, and cried out. “None can match my Pinkie speed.” She raced after Applebloom laughing with pure joy all the while.

Epilogue:	
Pinkie Pie had three copies made of the photo she took with Applebloom and the twins. One was for herself. One was for Mister Cake, and one was for Applebloom. All three treasure their photographs as they treasured each other.