Dear Babs,

Did ponies really say that about Ponyville? That’s just mean. I’d like to show them a thing or two for calling us hicks! And to think that I thought that ponies in Manehattan were so important. Not that there’s anything wrong with you or anything. I should probably move on now.

I’m glad you enjoyed everything, even though you couldn’t come. It really was a hoot being there. I didn’t get much there beyond a couple of Ponyville flags to wave in the stands and a neat hat with crystals on it. Sweetie Belle finally got one of those snow globes from the train station that she wanted so much and Scootaloo is rocking some sunglasses that look like Rainbow Dash’s. Those were her words by the way, I have no idea what rocks have to do with sunglasses. But the best part was just being there with friends.

It is amazing how far we’ve come since we first met, Babs. I still remember when Applejack first told me that you’d be coming over from Manehattan and I was worried about what I would wear just so I could impress you. Funny how I didn’t need to worry about that at all, and sure the visit didn’t start off the way we wanted, but I’m glad we became such great friends. Then you made many new friends in Manehattan and started the Cutie Mark Crusaders there. All the while me and my friends were able to do all sorts of things here in Ponyville and at the Crystal Empire.

It’s so great to have somepony like you to talk to about all these things, so thank you for that. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your cousin,

Apple Bloom

Author's Note

I'll be honest, I am utterly amazed that I've made it this far. I know I've said in the story description that I would continue to write this story as long as I could, but I never thought that I would actually get up to fifty chapters focused solely on two seasons of MLP:FiM (or one-and-a-half, depending on who you ask ).

We truly have come a long way since the beginning of this story. Babs was still a lonely, depressed filly returning home that had many problems even after making friends with the CMC. She struggled a lot, but she found those who would stand with her and she them. They still have a lot to face, like any child does in life, but now they have found great joy.

Then we have Apple Bloom. I've found a lot of interesting stories not only inside the episodes she's in, but also outside of them and how she reacts and feels about things that she does and what happens around her. The inclusion of her letters have really made this story what it is now. Communication has always been key to our relationships and we can grow closer even if we are far apart.

My greatest experience with this story, however, has been you--the fans and dedicated readers. I'm grateful to you: whether if you comment in nearly every chapter, a few of them, or just read along. You help drive this story and play a much bigger role than you might realize.

Remember what I said about the Apple Bloom chapters? Those might not have happened if someone hadn't asked for it in the comments in the seventh chapter. That comment finally pushed me off the fence and got me to write Apple Bloom's letters much sooner than I would have, and I'm so glad that I did. Imagine Babs' reaction to Diamond Tiarra's bullying of Scootaloo's potential flight disability without the context of Apple Bloom's letter? It'd be very weird, wouldn't it?

This story would have died long ago if it wasn't for that comment. And you still drive the story by posting your comments that put things forward that I might not have realized or help me to explore something I hadn't thought of before. So keep reading and commenting: you just might help the story if you do. Back in the Twentieth chapter I had said that you were awesome if you had stuck with me for that long. Now here at fifty chapters, if you are still here, and haven't been deterred by the shear number of chapters, than you are perhaps some of the greatest fans that anyone could ever hope to ask for.

Now that I've gone a bit sappy there, I must state that I will most likely be taking a break during Season 5. This is so I can get a feel of the crusader episodes--and potential damage control should Babs actually return to the show--and figure out where I want to go with this story. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. We still have the Season 4 Finale to deal with, and I think you will enjoy it. I won't spoil too much just yet, but I will say that it's going to involve a story-telling device that I have rarely seen on this site--if ever. That's all you're going to get for now.

Until then, enjoy the Season 5 Premier, and I'll see you next time.