Applebloom discovers shocking truths about her family when a school project sends her searching in the town records.
Applebloom discovers shocking truths about her family when a school project sends her searching in the town records. How could her mother have died ten months before she was born?
Sometimes the greatest sadness blossoms the greatest joy.
It was afternoon in the town of Ponyville in the magical Kingdom of Equestria. The weather was pleasant for mid-autumn, and all the students in the Ponyville schoolhouse were in high spirits. The students were in high spirits because they were blessed with a land awash with peace and prosperity and the foals’ and fillies’ school teacher was kind and diligent mare named Ms Cheerilee.
Ms Cheerilee was a dedicated teacher and she loved to give her students challenges that would help them grow and learn. Little did she know the challenge she had just issued would change the life of one of her students forever.
Ms Cheerilee stood in front of her class, and delivered her final reminder. “Remember, I want you to think about a pony of Ponyville who is no longer with us. I want you to think about who you want to write a report on for your local history project. Think about it tonight, and bring your ideas to me tomorrow. That wraps up today’s lessons. Have a safe journey home. Class dismissed.” She said.
Applebloom felt a heaviness in her heart. She turned to her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “You two go on ahead. Ah’ll meet y’all outside. I need to ask the teacher something.” She said.
The two fillies left with the rest of her class, and soon Applebloom was alone with Ms Cheerilee.
Ms Cheerilee looked at her student kindly. She had a soft spot for Applebloom as her dating Big Mac was largely due to Applebloom and her two friends’ efforts. “How can I help you, Applebloom? Do you have a question about today’s lessons?” Ms Cheerilee asked.
Applebloom nodded. “Yeah, I do. I want to know if it’s alright if I write my report about my parents. They’re no longer with us. You know that?” She said.
“Yes, I do know that. I thought you might ask that. You can write your report about them. I did not know them well, but I remember they were popular ponies who were well respected and active in the community much in the same way Applejack is today. I would love to learn more about them. Do you have the list of things that need to be included in your report?” Ms Cheerilee said.
“Yep, I have it.” Applebloom said.
“Good, how about you get a head start and start doing some of your research this afternoon.” Ms Cheerilee said.
Applebloom smiled. “Okay, thanks, Ms Cheerilee. See you tomorrow.” She said.
“Good afternoon, Applebloom.”
Applebloom galloped out the door and passed her waiting friends. “No time for crusading today. Ah gotta get home and do some schoolwork.” She said as she accelerated along the road.
Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo. “Do you think we should chase after her?” The elegant young Unicorn asked her stubby winged Pegasus friend.
“Nah, we are supposed to go meet Twilight Sparkle, so we can ask if we can become her ladies in waiting,” Scootaloo said.
“Oh yeah, it was my big sister’s idea, but I’m not so sure I’d like it. I don’t even know why Princesses need ladies to wait all the time. Is it the mail for which they wait? Do you just go home when it arrives?” Sweetie Belle said.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle will know, but I don’t think we’ll get our cutie marks out of this. What would a cutie mark in waiting even look like?” Scootaloo said.
“We can’t keep the Princess waiting. Let’s scoot, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle said. “Race ya.” She declared. The two blank flank fillies galloped away from the schoolhouse. Brown and gold leaves fell from trees in their wake.
“I’m home.” Applebloom called out as she trotted into the Sweet Apple Acres farmhouse.
“Welcome back.” Granny Smith said. The elderly pony was sitting in her favourite rocking chair. It looked like she had been knitting, or perhaps napping. She stood up and stretched. “Applejack and Big Mac are in the fields working if you’re looking for ‘em. How was school today?” she said.
“It was fun.” Applebloom said. “You’re just the pony I want to see, Granny. I want to talk to you about my Ma and Pa.”
“You mean Appleleaf and Applejohn?” Granny Smith said slowly.
“Yeah, I need to all about them for me school report on Ponyville ponies who have passed.” Applebloom said.
“That’s a lot for a little pony to know. Are you sure there aren’t specific questions you need answered? I remember teachers were considerate when I was a filly.” Granny Smith said.
“Oh yeah, I have a list of questions.” Applebloom said. She rummaged in her saddlebag. She pulled out a sheet of paper and spat it out on a nearby table. “It says here I need to know their full names, when they lived, and when they died. I also need to know their notable accomplishments.”
Granny Smith sighed. “I can tell you when they were born, and how they lived, but how they died is something I don’t like to think about. It’s too painful. I’m sorry.” She said.
“Is it too painful for Applejack and Big Mac too?” Applebloom said.
“I’m sorry, sugar cube. It was a difficult time for all of us. It sad because you deserve answers. It’s only right for a pony to know who she is and where she comes from.” Granny Smith said solemnly. She suddenly perked up. “Ah have an idea. Why don’t ya try the town archives at city hall? If you leave now, you can be there and back before dinner.”
Applebloom beamed with delight. “Thanks, Granny Smith. I’ll see you at dinner then.” Applebloom left in a rush. There was a cloud of dust in her wake as she galloped away.
Granny Smith watched the little filly as she left. “I’m sorry, Applejack, but she has a right to know. I don’t know if this is the best way, but it is the only way I have the strength to carry out.” Granny Smith said to herself, and the empty air.
Applebloom arrived in front of city hall in a huff. She panted heavily at the door. The Mayor trotted out.
“Good afternoon, Applebloom. You look like you just ran a race. What brings you to my front door in such a hurry?” The dignified grey mare asked the sweaty filly.
Applebloom composed herself. “Good afternoon, Madame Mayor. I came here to do some research. Are the archives still open?” She asked.
The Mayor looked at Applebloom thoughtfully. “What would you like to know?” She asked.
“Ah need to know when my parents were born, and when they died.” Applebloom said.
A serious look came over The Mayor’s face. “You need the town registry of births, deaths, and marriages. Follow me.” The Mayor said.
The Mayor led Applebloom to a room filled with filing cabinets. Strangely she asked the clerk working in the room to take a break. The Mayor the proceeded to take different papers out of different cabinets. She laid all the papers out in front of Applebloom. “This is all the official information we have on Appleleaf and Applejohn. You may copy all the information you see before you, but the papers must remain in this room.” The Mayor said.
“Thank ya kindly.” Applebloom said. She began reading the papers and taking notes. She muttered with a pencil in her mouth. A minute passed and she spat the pencil out. “That’s impossible.” She said.
“What is impossible?” The Mayor asked softly.
“The date of my mother’s death. It’s impossible. It says here she died a full ten months before I was born.” Applebloom said.
“I assure you. The date of Appleleaf’s death is accurate. I was her friend. I was at her funeral. I still miss her.” The Mayor said.
“Then maybe I got my own birthdate wrong. Can I see my birth certificate?” Applebloom said.
“No, we do not have a copy of it because you were not born in Ponyville.” The Mayor said.
“But my sister says I was born on the farm. She told me how excited she was to have a baby sister.” Applebloom said.
“Applebloom, you need to talk to Applejack about what you have learned today. It is not my place to say anymore. You should go now. The days are growing shorter, and the nights are growing colder.” The Mayor said.
Applebloom carefully returned her papers to her saddlebag. “Ah right, thanks Madame Mayor. Ah’ll just be on my way then.” She said.
“I will walk you to the door. You move like, Appleleaf. She had such energy and joy in her steps.” The Mayor said to Applebloom.
Applebloom remained silent until she reached the door. “Goodbye, Madame Mayor.” She turned and looked at The Mayor in the eyes. “If I don’t get enough information about Appleleaf from my family, can I ask you about her?” Applebloom asked.
The Mayor smiled. “I would be delighted to talk about her with you. She and I were such very good friends.” She said. The Mayor waved goodbye.
Applebloom waved back. She galloped home, but not as fast as when she ran to the archives. There was much on the young filly’s mind.
Applebloom arrived home just in time for dinner. Before she had time to speak to Applejack, her hooves were washed, and she was sitting at the dinner table with Big Mac, Applejack, and Granny Smith.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart? You’ve hardly touched your mushroom steak or steamed vegetables. I know you like it because you ate it up last week.” Applejack said to Applebloom.
“I don’t have much of an appetite. I’d like to go bed now.” Applebloom said.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill?” Applejack asked.
“No, I just don’t have any energy at the moment.” Applebloom said.
“Well, in that case, you better go lie down. I’ll but your dinner under a cover, so you can eat it later if you feel better.” Applejack said.
Applebloom got up from her chair, and pushed it in. “G’night, y’all.” She said.
“I’ll be up to check on you in a little bit.” Applejack said.
Applebloom trotted to her room and flopped on her bed. She lay there and stared at the wall as the last of the day’s light faded.
Applejack opened Applebloom’s door slowly. “You awake, Applebloom.” She whispered.
“Yes, Ah am awake. My eyes are open, now.” Applebloom said.
“I see. Granny Smith told me you visited the archives today. You want to talk about it?” Applejack said.
“No.” Applebloom said flatly.
“Why not?” Applejack asked.
“Because I don’t like the truth. Because I don’t like the thought of my entire family lying to me my entire life.” Applebloom said.
“I’m sorry.” Applejack said.
“So you admit you’ve lied. So you admit that I am not your real sister.” Applebloom said.
“Yes.” Applejack said.
Applebloom began to cry. “So, you admit that I am not a real Apple. You admit that somepony just left me on the farm one day. You admit ah’m a foundling. You admit that you only took care of me because my real family didn’t want me.” Applebloom said through her tears.
“Never, because that simple isn’t true.” Applejack said.
Applebloom stood on her bed. She stared at Applejack in the eyes. “What is the truth?” She asked.
Applejack teared up. “Search your heart. You know the truth.” She said.
Applebloom’s eyes widened. “The truth is I am not your real sister because I am your real daughter. The truth is you are my mother.” She said.
Applejack embraced her daughter. “Yes, it is a truth I’ve hidden for so long, but no more. No more. You’re the best filly a mother could ask for in all of Equestria. I’ll admit that with pride.” Applejack released Applebloom. “I’ll make a banner, and I’ll get Rainbow Dash to fly it around. The banner will read ‘Applejack is Applebloom’s mother.’” Applejack said.
Applebloom laughed. “I could write a Gabby Gums article in the Foal Free Press.” She said.
“That sounds like a great idea.” Applejack said.
“You know what would be even better. It would be even better if I could include the name of my father in the article.” Applebloom said.
Applejack paused. She spoke quickly. “Your father is a local pony who comforted me after my mother died. He is a good pony who works in town. You were born in Manehatten. He does not know you are his daughter.” Applejack said.
Applebloom spoke loudly, “But if he is a good pony, I want to know him.”
“Aren’t I enough?” Applejack said. “Plus, you have Big Mac to show you what Earth Pony Stallions are like. Your father is married now. He has other children. There could be problems.”
Applebloom thought for a moment. “Hmmm, a good Earth Pony who is married with children. It’s Mister Cake. Isn’t it?” Applebloom said.
“You’re sharper than a champion lumberjack’s axe, but I’m begging ya. Don’t take matters into your own hooves. This needs to be handled delicately. I don’t want to be seen as a threat to Missus Cake. We’ll talk to him before we tell anypony outside of the family our true relationship. I was thinking silly earlier. He would have figured out he was your father on his own if I suddenly announced the truth. No pony outside the family knows right now. Pinkie Pie knows ‘cause I told her, but she’s an Apple Pie.” Applejack said.
“Umm, Ah think The Mayor knows.” Applebloom said.
“She was my mother’s closest friend, so that makes sense, and I wouldn’t put it past Twilight Sparkle knowing somehow. That pony loves being nosy and her research, but she’s kept her trap shut, so I can’t begrudge her. How about this? I will go see Twilight tomorrow while you are at school, and I’ll pick you up afterschool and we can go to Sugar Cube Corner together.” Applejack said.
“I’m so nerviscited.” Applebloom said.
“Ya been spending time ‘round your godmother, Pinkie Pie.” Applejack said.
“Pinkie Pie is my godmother.” Applebloom yelled joyfully.
“She sure is. I made her your godmother shortly after I learned she was kin. Your other godmother is your Great Aunt Orange. I made Pinkie your godmother, so you wouldn’t have to move to Manehatten if something were to happen to me. I want you to know I got life insurance and my last will and testament all sorted out a long time ago, but I updated it to reflect Pinkie’s status. My share of the farm is to pass to you, but it would be held in trust by Pinkie until you came of age.” Applejack said.
“Ah don’t want to think about such sad things.” Applebloom said. She lowered her head.
“Buck up. I ain’t going nowhere. I’m just taking proper precautions. Now, why don’t you come on downstairs and finish your dinner. You’re a growing filly, and you need your sustenance.” Applejack.
“Okay, but I gotta say something first. I love you, Ma.” Applebloom said.
Applejack kissed Applebloom lightly on the forehead. “I love you too, sugar cube.”
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.
