A Quest for Love: An Apple-Pear Family Story

Chapters

Chapter 2: A Bittersweet Lullaby
Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 1)
Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 2)
Prologue
Chapter 1: All Is Well

Chapter 2: A Bittersweet Lullaby

Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 1)

Chapter 3

The Quest (Part 1)

“All rise!”

Sitting comfortably on the wood floor of the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ clubhouse, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo proceeded to stand up obediently.

“I hereby declare this CMC meeting, adjourned!” With that, Apple Bloom cheerfully slammed the gavel down onto the wooden podium.

“I still can’t believe we have a free day tomorrow,” said Sweetie Belle.

“With the amount of ponies we helped this past week, I can’t believe it either. I mean, we helped six different ponies get their cutie mark in a single week! That’s a new record for us,” said Scootaloo. “You sure we don’t have any appointments set up for tomorrow Apple Bloom?”

Looking through the agenda book on the podium, Apple Bloom nodded. “Yup. Nothin’ for tomorrow or the next day.”

“Well that’s convenient,” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Just so happens that my parents are returning tomorrow from their vacation in Manehattan. They planned to meet up with Rarity and I, but I told them that I might be busy. Guess not!”

“You too huh?” Scootaloo said with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked with concern.

“Eh. It’s nothing really. It’s just that my parents decided that they wanted to spend time with me as well. Guess I’ll be spending it with them tomorrow.”

“Well what’s wrong with that?” asked Apple Bloom while she stepped down from the podium to join her friends.

“Nothing I guess. It’s just that their definition of 'spending time together' usually means doing whatever they want.”

“Wait, you hang out with your parents?” Sweetie Belle asked with a look of confusion, which was immediately met with a glare from Scootaloo.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, nothing. It’s just… I never seen your parents before so I always thought that-“

“That I was some poor, sad, lonely little filly who doesn’t have any parents? Well gee, that would be miserable now wouldn’t it?”

Apple Bloom looked down at the wood floor, those words stabbing into her like a knife.

Sweetie Belle swiftly elbowed Scootaloo in the shoulder.

“Ouch! What was that for?” she snapped as she rubbed her shoulder.

With a stern face, she tilted her head towards Apple Bloom, who was still looking dismally at the floor.

Scootaloo placed her hoof over her mouth. “Apple Bloom! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean-“

“Nah it’s ok,” she said, looking up at her with a smile. “I know you didn’t mean it like that.”

She casually walked over to the door, softly biting her lip as she held back tears. “You two have a fun time tomorrow with your family. I’m going to go back home.”

“Wait Apple Bloom," Scootaloo began, “If you want to hang out with my family tomorrow, then you’re more than welcome to.“

“No, that’s alright. I’ll be busy doing chores anyways.”

But her friends didn’t buy into her charade.

“I’ll be fine, really!” she said with another forced smile. “I’ll see you girls later.”

As Apple Bloom walked slowly back home, she couldn’t help but think about her parents. This was something that she would do from time to time, but recently, she would constantly find herself pondering about them, and Scootaloo’s comment made her think about them even more. She couldn’t explain why her mind suddenly decided to wander like that. For some reason, she had a strange urge to find out more about her parents, an urge that she could feel was tugging inside her heart.

She would frequently hear stories from either Granny or her siblings about cheerful memories involving her parents. Those were bittersweet moments for her. Sure she enjoyed those stories along with the rest of her family, but she always felt a bit left out. She would try desperately to search her mind in hopes to recollect her own memories or events yet she could never do so. Sometimes, she would recall something involving her and her parents, however after thinking about it some more, she would find out that it was only her imagination, a made up memory, much to her dismay. It was a piece that was missing, not only in her mind, but in her heart. The only thing she had to remember them by were old family photos, stories, an incomplete lullaby, and, well, her imagination.

She pondered this as she walked through the endless rows of apple trees, blankly observing the beautiful scenery. Birds danced around the air singing their beautifully crafted tunes, while the sun shined brightly in the cloudless blue sky onto the thick canopy of apple trees, casting shadows and silhouettes across the dusty path that led back to the house. A beautiful day indeed, yet it wasn’t enough to lighten her mood.

“Why is my mind wandering like this?” she asked herself, while that urge inside her heart slowly began turning into a burning desire.

She stopped in her tracks, and placed her hoof over her heart, now very confident that she indeed felt something, an indescribable feeling that she had never felt before. It felt sort of like a small flame, gentle and warm. She stood there, closing her eyes, as it lingered there in her heart. She could feel her sadness slowly begin to melt away. After a few moments, however, the feeling faded. What was it? She waited there for a few moments hoping it would come back but it didn’t. Ignoring what had happened, she continued her walk back to the house.

After a few minutes, Apple Bloom finally reached the house and upon opening the door leading to the kitchen, she was greeted with a sweet aroma.

“Hey there Sugarcube!” said Applejack cheerfully, seeing her baby sister enter the house. She then opened the oven, the delicious smell becoming even stronger.

“Smells good sis!” Apple Bloom said in delight, sitting down at the dining table. “Let me guess…”

“Applefritters!” they said together.

“Freshly baked! Although they’re usually fried, I decided to try a new method of preparing them!” Applejack said proudly while placing the hot pan on the kitchen table in front of her sister. “Let it cool for a minute and then…” she began to look around, “let’s hurry up and eat it before Big Mac does!”

“Eeyup! He does have a big appetite!” said Apple Bloom jokingly. “But wait, aren’t we going to eat dinner soon?”

Applejack gave her a little wink. “I think a few before dinner wouldn’t hurt anypony. Just don’t tell Granny I let ya, ok?”

Applejack took her seat across from her, while Apple Bloom couldn’t help but stare at the delicacies lying just a few inches in front of her. She could feel the heat emanating from the pan, accompanied by a sweet, delightful aroma. She could also hear the soft crackling of the pastries as it sat there sizzling on the table.

After letting the fritters cool off for a bit, the two sisters began to eat the freshly made pastries, happily munching away.

“So how was your meetin’?” asked Applejack, taking a pastry from the pan.

“It went really well! We ended up helping six different ponies get their cutie marks. A new record!”

Applejack stared delicately at her.

“What?” she asked as she stared back, her mouth filled with fritters.

“Oh nothing... it’s just that… I’m just so proud of you. You’ve grown so much and have accomplished so many things since you got your cutie mark. I know I said it before but, if Ma and Pa were here, they would be so proud too.”

Hearing this, Apple Bloom looked down at the table, her mind beginning to think about her parents once more. Seizing the moment, she looked up at her sister.

“Hey, Applejack? Could you tell me more about them?” she casually asked.

Applejack happily placed her half eaten fritter down onto her plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“What do you want to know Sugarcube? I have plenty of stories, not as much as Granny of course but-“

“Actually,” she began hesitantly, “I was wondering if you could tell me… what happened to them?”

The cheerful, kind look that Applejack had moments before slowly turned into a sad, disheartened one.

“I know it’s a topic you don’t like discussing, it’s just that I feel like I have the right to know. I mean, you, Big Mac, and Granny share all these wonderful memories about them, which I appreciate and all, but I just wondered-“

“Isn’t that enough?” asked Applejack as she looked at her with sorrowful eyes. “All those happy memories and stories we share with you, isn’t that enough for you to know about them?”

“Applejack…”

“What made you ask this anyway?” she snapped.

“I… I can’t explain it. Recently, my mind has been wandering off and I just can’t help but think about them. I also have this strange feeling in my heart, pulling me towards them. Please Applejack, I just need to know."

Applejack turned away. “That feeling you have is just curiosity. Nothing more.”

Apple Bloom stared at her. “I see,” she said disappointingly as she got up from her chair.

“Where are you goin’?”

“I’m going to turn in for today. Not feelin’ so well,” she said sadly, slowly making her way back to her room. “Just tell Granny and Big Mac that I’m not really that hungry.”

“Apple Bloom…”

“Sorry. I just need some time alone,” she said as she climbed the stairs.

As Apple Bloom laid in her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, she couldn’t help but cry, feeling as if she would never get the opportunity to find out the truth about her parents. She could feel that peculiar feeling return, this time more prevalent. She laid there, holding her hoof over her heart as that burning feeling began to grow. Rather than ignore it, she allowed it to fill her up with happiness and comfort. What it was, she could not explain, however she didn’t care. Her mind began to fill with stories that her family shared about her parents, like the time when Applejack hid for almost an entire day from Ma and Pa after she almost burned the entire kitchen down trying to make a surprise dinner. Or the time when Pa had to rescue Big Mac after he fell down a well while trying to save his stuffed animal that he dropped, which, funny enough, he still carried around today. But probably her favorite story was the one her sister told her, about the time when their mother sang that lullaby to them when she was a baby. She still remembered that moment, up in the hay loft, the moment when her sister sang that song which carried her away into a deep sleep…

“Apple Bloom?” echoed a gentle voice.

“Apple Bloom?” said another in the same tone.

Opening her eyes, she could see two ponies, one with a peach coat and a golden, curly mane, and the other with a fair colored coat with a red mane, just like hers. They stood over her bed, smiling as she laid there.

“Ma? Pa?” she said in disbelief as she stared at them.

Without any words, her parents nodded their heads, smiling.

“You’re… you’re here! You’re both here!” she exclaimed, jumping from her bed and into her parents’ loving arms. “I… I can’t believe it… how are you here? Where have you guys been?”

But her parents did not say anything, their silence sending an uncomfortable, ominous feeling through her.

“What's the matter? she asked in concern.

With sadness in their eyes, her father and mother gave her a kiss on the forehead, as they hugged her in a warm embrace.

Without warning, her room began to shake violently. The windows began to shatter, picture frames and shelves, which were hanging on the wall, crashed down onto the floor, creating a deafening noise. The walls of her room then started to crumble while the wooden floor beneath them began to break away. Looking down, Apple Bloom could see nothing but complete darkness.

“Ma! Pa! What’s going on!?” she screamed, tightly holding her parents while she shut her eyes. She couldn't see anything, her fear preventing her from opening her eyes. She could feel her parent's warm touch, and at the same time, she could feel herself falling as well, feeling as if she was being dropped from a tall roller coaster.

After the feeling had faded, she opened her eyes and found herself sitting on a gravel road, a road high up in the mountains. She frantically looked around, but nopony was in sight. The mountain trail was slightly covered with mist, preventing her from seeing what lied beyond the trail. She cautiously made her way towards the road’s edge looking around periodically to ensure nopony was sneaking up behind her. Looking down into a deep, seemingly endless valley, she could see something. Lying at the foot of the mountain was a horse carriage, smashed to bits, barely recognizable. She had seen that carriage before, but she could not figure out where. She quickly turned away from the unsettling sight and began to slowly walk along the road.

“Where am I?” she asked herself as she continued to look around. There was no sound, except for the howl of the strong winds that flowed across the mountainside.

“Apple Bloom..." echoed a voice.

Turning around to the sound of her name, she could see her parents standing only a few yards away from her with fear in their eyes. Suddenly, her father jumped in front of her mother, as if he was protecting her from something. Confused, she turned around once more, only to be surrounded by a large crowd of ponies.

“Who are you?” she cried in fear.

But the ponies ignored her. With malicious smiles, they began to slowly make their way towards her and her parents. Suddenly, each of them began to glow, a mysterious green aura surrounding each of them.

As she stared in horror, the green aura slowly engulfed them and quickly disappeared. In their place stood a horde of black, insect-looking creatures: Changelings.

The Changelings hissed with their snake-like tongues, their sinister eyes glowing as they slowly made their way towards her and her parents.

“Pa!” she screamed as she scurried away.

The Changelings, however, began to sprint towards her. Tripping, she tumbled down onto the rocky road, the rough gravel sending a stinging pain through her as she laid there helplessly.

“Get away from us!” she cried as she saw the horde quickly approaching her.

She closed her eyes and placed her hooves over her head, bracing herself for her appending doom. She continued to lay there, eyes closed, waiting to feel a bite or a scratch, but nothing happened. Mustering up a little courage, she opened her eyes and was surprised to see the horde leap over her and charge towards her parents, leaving her unharmed. She quickly turned around, and gasped.

“No! Stop!" she cried, seeing her father fight off the swarm of Changelings that surrounded him and her mother.

She sprang to her hooves and quickly dashed towards them, seeing a few of the Changelings managing to hold her father down onto the ground.

Just as she was about reach them, she noticed that a large shadow began to loom over her. She stopped and looked up towards the sky and could see a large dark being with long transparent, insect-like wings that glistened in the sun, and a large crooked horn on its head. Its pale blue mane flowed from its black body with menacing green eyes, accompanied with a mouth filled with sharp fangs and a serpent-like tongue.

“Queen Chrysalis!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

But the Queen flew passed her and flew to where her parents were. With a distasteful smile, her crooked horn began to glow, a green magic illuminating it.

“Fight all you want!” sneered the queen, “But either way, you’re mine!”

The light from her horn began to shine brighter than before and soon, a large beam of energy shot out, creating a blinding light.

“Ma! Pa! No!” cried Apple Bloom, squinting her eyes.

“Apple Bloom!” echoed a familiar voice. “Apple Bloom!”

Still blinded, she frantically began looking around for the voice, but could see nothing.

“Who's there?” she called out.

“Apple Bloom, please, concentrate on my voice. Concentrate!”

Closing her eyes, she obediently began to focus on the sound of the mysterious voice until the noises around her ceased. Opening her eyes, she found herself standing in a cold sweat, back in her room.

“How the hay did I get back here?”

“Because of me.”

Turning around, she could see a tall, dark colored mare, approaching her. Her beautiful midnight blue mane flowed majestically in the air as she smiled gently at her.

“Princess Luna!” she exclaimed, hugging her in relief. “Where did you come from? Wait...” she began to say as she looked around. “Where are my parents?”

“Apple Bloom,” the alicorn began, placing her hoof on her shoulder.

“It was only a dream, wasn’t it?”

“Indeed. Although, you are still dreaming.”

“I am?” she asked as she gazed around her room.

“Yes. You had a terrible nightmare. I had to quickly transfer you into another dream, for it began to severely damage your psyche. It was truly one of the worst nightmares I had ever seen, although I must say, in my many moons, I have never encountered a dream like yours before,” she said as she began to pace around the room.

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, your dream, was not necessarily a dream. Rather, it was more of a memory.”

“A memory?” Apple Bloom asked with confusion. “But I was too young to remember my parents. I was only a baby when they-“ She stopped and looked down at the floor. “Actually, I don’t know what happened to them,” she said sadly.

Princess Luna lifted her chin with her hoof and let out a comforting smile. “You are correct. This was not your memory,” she said softly as she looked delicately into her eyes. “This memory belonged to somepony else.”

“Who? None of my siblings, nor Granny, was there during-“ Apple Bloom stopped herself once more. “Princess Luna... It can’t be my parents’ memories… can it?”

“It appears that way,” said the princess. She continued to pace around the room as she contemplated about the strange phenomenon that occurred, trying to piece together the puzzle. She then ceased her pacing and looked directly at Apple Bloom.

“Tell me, have you experienced anything strange recently? Heard anything, seen anything, felt anything?”

“Actually, I have felt something odd,” Apple Bloom began saying. Lifting her hoof, she placed it over her heart. “Recently, I’ve been having this strange feeling. It feels like it’s in here, in my heart. I can’t explain it. It sort of feels like a small fire that’s burning, however it doesn’t hurt. It’s gentle, peaceful, and calm, sort of like sitting near the fireplace on a cold winter’s day, and yet it’s more than that. It fills me up with so much happiness and joy and I can feel it pulling at me at the same time. I never experienced anything like it.”

Princess Luna stared at the floor, thinking about what she had said. “It seems as if your parents are calling out to you.”

“So they’re alive!?”

“I am not exactly sure,” said Luna, “But one thing I do know, is that this call is an act of love.”

“Love?”

“Yes. Not the love you would find in some mare’s tale or storybook. No. This is a different kind of love, a stronger, more genuine kind. That feeling you have within your heart, is love’s call,” said Luna as she began to make her way to Apple Bloom. “Love, unlike magic, is capable of transcending distance, time and space. Although simple, it is very complex as its power is immeasurable.”

“But why do I feel this call all of a sudden? And how come no pony else can feel it, like my sister?”

“Tell me, have you been thinking about your parents recently? And not just thinking, but rather, yearning, desiring to learn more about them?”

Apple Bloom nodded.

“A wise pony once told me that love is ever-present; it is always around us, even when we do not know it. It waits patiently, making itself known to only those who desire it. I believe that in your quest to know more about your parents, you inadvertently opened your heart, allowing love to enter. On the contrary, pain, sorrow, guilt, prevent love from entering and prevent it from working fully, as is the case for your family. As I mentioned before, love is always present and is made available for those who seek it. Yes, your family continues to love your parents even till today, however they have ceased to open their hearts, unable to hear love’s call. Unfortunately, they hardened their hearts, calloused by that tragic night. Indeed I sense it has left a large scar on all of them, especially your sister.”

“I… I had no idea they felt that way,” Apple Bloom said with tears in her eyes. Wiping them away, she looked at the princess, filled with determination.

“What must I do?”

“It is simple,” Luna said smiling, admiring her courage. “You must answer love’s call. But be cautious little one, for the quest you take, will be dangerous. There will be many obstacles, but you must trust in yourself and in love’s power, to overcome them.”

After saying this, Apple Bloom's room began to illuminate in a white light, slowly growing brighter by the second. At this, the Princess of the Night began to spread her wings and fly away, fading into the light.

“Princess Luna! What’s going on?” called out Apple Bloom.

“It is time for me to depart Apple Bloom. Remember what I said.”

“Princess Luna!?” gasped Apple Bloom, awaking abruptly from her sleep.

She looked around, and found herself lying in her bed. Looking out her window, she could see Celestia's morning sun rising as its light began to flood the room. With her encounter with Princess Luna still fresh in her mind, she quickly jumped out of bed and sprinted down stairs to tell her sister what had happened.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, she found Granny Smith and Big Mac busily preparing breakfast.

“Mornin’ Apple Bloom!” Granny said in a cheery voice. “Yer up early. Why don’t ya help me and your brother out with breakfast? We’re fixing to eat soon.”

“Actually Granny,” she began frantically, “I need to talk to Applejack. Where is she?”

“She’s out in the east orchard bucking apples. She wanted to get started early so that she could-“

“Okay! Thanks Granny!” she said hurriedly as she bolted out of the kitchen door and out into the cool morning.

“Apple Bloom! What about breakfast!? You didn’t even eat dinner last night!" Granny called out to her.

“Sorry Granny! I’ll eat later though!” she shouted back as she sprinted towards the east orchard. Although she had not eaten for some time, she was not hungry. The only hunger she had was the hunger to find out what had happened to her parents on that mountain trail all those years ago.

She finally reached the east orchard and began to look for her sister. After searching for some time, she could hear the sound of hoofs kicking a tree. She followed the sound and after a few moments, saw her sister, busily bucking an apple tree.

“Applejack! Applejack!” Apple Bloom called as she ran over to her.

Ceasing her bucking, Applejack turned around. “Sugarcube! You’re up early. What’s wrong?”

“It’s… It’s…” Apple Bloom panted, unable to find her voice.

“Slow down Sugarcube,” Applejack said, patting her lightly on the back. “Take a deep breath.”

Taking a deep breath, like she had said, she finally found her voice. “It’s Ma and Pa!” she belted out, “They’re alive!”

Applejack backed away in disbelief. “What did you say? How in Celestia’s name do you know that?”

“I had a dream. Ma and Pa were up in a tall mountain on a road. They were in trouble and-“

“What road!? How do you know that!?”

“I told you!” Apple Bloom said sternly as she stomped her hoof. “I had a dream about them and they were in trouble! They were taken by Changelings!”

“Changelings?” Applejack said with a scoff, turning her back against her. “Now you’re just talking silly. It was a dream Apple Bloom! Nothing more! Now quit bringin’ this topic up!”

“I’m serious! Princess Luna came to me in my sleep and explained that it wasn’t really a dream I had, it was a memory! Their memory!”

“That’s enough,” Applejack said.

“And that feelin’ I told you about? It was a call from them! Love’s call!”

“I said that’s enough!” she shouted, turning around to confront her, tears filling her eyes. “I don’t understand why you have a sudden interest in our parents, but it needs to stop!”

“You may have given up on them, but I won’t! They’re out there! I know it!”

Applejack began to walk slowly towards her, rage now fully consuming her.

Apple Bloom backed away, intimidated and frightened, for she had never seen her sister so distraught, almost to the point where she was unrecognizable.

“They’re gone Apple Bloom! Gone! They’re never coming back! Do you not understand that? Do you want to know why I went up to that hay loft every day for all those years? Because I was a stupid little filly who waited for her Mama and Papa to come back! I waited and waited, thinking if I waited long enough, I would see them come back over that hill and guess what? They never did!”

“But you?” she continued to say, “You have it so easy! You were only a baby when they passed. You’ll never remember that tragic night, a night filled with sadness, despair, and mourning! You have cheerful, happy memories about them, nothing sad or depressing. Me? I don’t have that luxury!”

“A luxury!?” Apple Bloom exclaimed in disbelief. “I have no memories of them Applejack! Those memories, that you keep bringing up, are nothing but stories! Stories told by you, Big Mac, and Granny! They’re events that I never got to experience! Tell me, how is that a luxury? Do you want to know what a luxury is? A luxury is actually remembering them, remembering that precious feeling of when they held you, embraced you, hearing their sweet, gentle voices as they comforted you when you were sad or lonely, telling you that everything was going to be okay, or remembering the feeling of when they tucked you into bed and sang you a sweet lullaby. That’s a luxury!”

After allowing her to pour her emotions out, Applejack stared at Apple Bloom with a cold glare.

“It’s time to grow up Apple Bloom,” she said coldly. “Don’t be the same filly I was. They’re gone. Accept it.”

Apple Bloom turned away, her sister's words piercing her heart like a spear. “Princess Luna was right,” she began, tears pouring down her face. “You have hardened your heart."

She galloped away, fleeing from the bitter sorrow that surrounded her sister. She needed to get out of there, for if she didn't, that same sorrow would consume her and she refused to let herself go down that path. She continued to run, eyes still filled with tears, through the endless fields of apple trees. She sprinted out through the front gate and onto the dirt road in front of Sweet Apple Acres. She stopped, and looked back at her home.

She stood there, silently staring at the farm. She knew, after her argument with her sister, that she was alone. There was no sense in telling Big Mac or Granny about her dream. If Princess Luna was right, then they too will have the same reaction. She knew, deep down, that she had to do this on her own. It hurt knowing that her family had allowed pain and sorrow to enter their hearts. She was the only one who truly believed that they were still out there somewhere.

She began to walk towards town. She was determined to answer love’s call, find her parents, and bring them home. To do that, however, she needed to speak to a Changeling first. Luckily, she knew of one.

After walking through the bustling streets of Ponyville for some time, she finally reached her destination at the edge of town. She approached a large castle door and knocked loudly. She waited there, listening to the sound of her knocking, as it echoed through the castle corridors inside.

Suddenly, the large door began to open. Standing in the doorway was a short, purple and green dragon.

“Oh! Hey Apple Bloom!” he said happily. “What brings you here?”

“Hey Spike. I was wondering if I could speak to Twilight about something.”

“Yeah sure! What for?”

She began to hesitate. She tapped her hoof on the crystal steps as she started to think of a compelling lie.

“I was uhh… hoping that Twilight could help me with uhh…” stammered Apple Bloom, her voice beginning to trail off.

Spike raised an eyebrow as she tripped over her words.

“I was hoping that Twilight could help me... write a school report,” she finally said with a fake smile.

Spike immediately shrugged off his suspicion. “Oh! Of course! You came to the right place! If anypony knows how to write an A-worthy report, it’s Twilight!”

He then opened the large castle door fully, creating a loud creaking sound that echoed through the hallways. “Right this way! She’s in the library.”

Apple Bloom walked through the castle doors and into a vast, crystalline hallway. Every square inch was covered in shimmering crystal rocks. The floors, walls, and ceiling glistened, so much so that they seemed to be emanating a sparkling aura.

After walking through the hallway, the two finally reached the doors leading into the large library, filled with numerous shelves that were jam-packed with books.

Upon entering, Apple Bloom could see the purple alicorn busily reading a book while seated behind a large crystal table.

Twilight looked up and immediately let out a gleeful smile. “Apple Bloom!” she said happily as she placed down the book she was reading. “What brings you here?”

“She’s writing a report for school,” said Spike as he began to pick up books from the table to return back to the shelves.

“Ooo! A report? How exciting! Lucky for you, I’ve written thousands of reports and essays, many of which became published. Just last week, I finished writing one on the theory of inter-dimensional travel while utilizing quantum physics based on simple theories of relativity! Isn't that exciting?” she said with a smile.

Spike and Apple Bloom looked at her with dull faces, her intellectual remark going completely over their heads.

“Yeah… I don’t think Apple Bloom’s report will require anything complex like that,” Spike said rolling his eyes as he continued to carry the books.

“Oh… of course,” said Twilight, blushing from embarrassment. “So what’s your report about?

“Oh. Umm… just a report on Changelings,” said Apple Bloom as she rubbed her arm with her hoof.

“Changelings?” she said surprisingly. “Really?”

“Yeah, you know… basically a report on their recent developments, being that they recently reformed from being creepy insect creatures that fed off love, to beautiful creatures that now share love.”

“That sounds like an interesting topic. Unfortunately I don’t have any books or scrolls about that since it did just happen recently.”

“I know. I was actually hoping that you could possibly… teleport me to the Changeling Kingdom? So I could interview Thorax?” she asked subtly, letting out a smile.

Twilight looked at her with intent. “Hmm," she said as she started to pace around the room. "It just so happens that I just perfected my long-distance teleportation spell with Starlight. However, it would be tricky, being that I’ve only been to the Changeling Kingdom once. Plus, it’s a bit trickier teleporting another pony with me.”

She suddenly stopped pacing and looked at Apple Bloom suspiciously. “Wait, is Applejack okay with this?” she asked as she raised her eyebrow.

Becoming nervous, Apple Bloom began to tap her hoof on the floor once more. Just like her sister, it was difficult for her to lie, especially to her friend, but she knew it was for the best.

“Yeah of course she is!” she said with another forced smile. “She actually suggested that I come to you for help.”

Like Spike, Twilight’s suspicion was quickly dropped. “Ok!” she exclaimed happily, “As long as she’s okay with it.”

“Yup. She sure is,” she mumbled under her breath.

“Alright. Now, be sure to stay close to me.”

“How close?” she asked.

Before she knew it, Twilight had her in a tight hug.

“Umm… Twilight? Is this necessary?” she asked, barely being able to breath.

“Sorry,” Twilight said loosening her grip. “It’s just that we have to be careful. Long distance teleportation with another pony can be tricky, as I mentioned before. I just don’t us to be separated."

She then turned to Spike, who was busy placing the last set of books back onto the shelves. "Spike! We’ll be back! Oh and tell Starlight that I’ll be gone for awhile.”

“Yup! Sure thing! See ya guys!” he said happily as he waved goodbye.

Twilight’s horn began to glow with a purple light, a magical aura beginning to surround them.

Apple Bloom watched in amazement as the aura soon engulfed them in a sparkling veil. And then suddenly…

Poof!

Before she knew it, she found herself standing in a near-desolate wasteland. There were however, a few green trees that were spread throughout the plains, along with some small patches of green grass that were beginning to sprout across the land. In the distance, she could see a blue river, its waters gently reflecting the sun, causing the river to gleam beautifully.

“We’re here!” Twilight exclaimed. “Welcome to the Changeling Kingdom!”

Apple Bloom began to look around intently. “So this is it?” she asked.

“Yup. Although, it does look a bit different since the last time I was here. It was a barren wasteland, with nothing but dead trees. And there definitely wasn’t grass or a river here before… but never mind that.” Twilight then turned her attention to a large structure with tall rock-like towers that sat in the distance. “That over there is the Changeling nest. Follow me!”

After walking through the wasteland, the two ponies finally made their way to the foot of Changeling nest where they were greeted by two Changeling guards.

They looked very different from their previous forms, as seen in Apple Bloom’s dream. She gazed in awe at these creatures, admiring what love's power had done to them. They still looked like insects, however their bodies had unique, yet beautiful bright blends of colors, along with sparkling wings and majestic horns on their head.

“Greetings Princess Twilight!” the two Changelings said as they bowed. “What brings you to our beloved kingdom?”

“I have a little filly here who needs to speak with your king, Thorax. She’s doing a school report.”

The two Changelings smiled. “But of course! Right this way!”

Twilight and Apple Bloom followed the two into the nest. Apple Bloom observed in wonder at the numerous openings and passages that lined the ceiling and walls. It was like a bee-hive, however the passages sporadically sealed itself closed, while another one opened simultaneously. Dozens of Changelings buzzed overhead, busily traversing through the nest's network of tunnels. They seemed to know where and when an opening was going to appear, an intriguing sight to see.

“Be sure to follow close to us,” said one of the Changelings. “It’s very easy to get lost in here.”

“Did you bring a pen and paper?” asked Twilight with concern, noticing that Apple Bloom wasn't recording her observations. “I think it would be a good idea to be taking notes right about now.”

“Oh! Yeah. Don’t worry about it,” Apple Bloom said as she looked around. “I got all of it in my head.”

Twilight, however, was not keen with this answer. “Okay,” she said pettily. “If you say so.”

The two ponies followed the Changelings through an opening, which led out to a large balcony that overlooked the entire wasteland below. Towards the edge of the balcony was a large, regal, stone-like throne. Seated on it was a tall, beautifully colored Changeling, with majestic horns. Its purple wings were spread out and glistened in the sunlight.

“This here was the throne room,” Twilight said, resuming her history lesson, “It unfortunately blew up after the last showdown with Chrysalis, but I see they decided to make it into an outdoor balcony. Pretty neat right?”

Uninterested, Apple Bloom began to follow the Changeling guards towards the Changeling king.

“We have guests for you King Thorax,” said one of the guards as they bowed their heads.

“I can see that," he said, smiling as he saw the two ponies enter. "Princess Twilight! How are you? What brings you here?” he said with excitement as he flew down towards them.

“Hello Thorax,” Twilight said happily. “I see you did a little yard-work outside?”

Thorax began to laugh. “It’s funny. After we defeated Chrysalis and transformed, the land around us started to slowly change as well! Before we knew it, trees, grass, and even flowers began to grow. Oh and that river over in the distance was dry, up until recently.”

“Really!?” exclaimed Twilight,” That’s so fascinating! Do you think-“

“Ahem.” Apple Bloom said subtly, clearing her throat.

“Oh! This is Apple Bloom! Applejack’s little sister," said Twilight, nudging Apple Bloom towards Thorax. “She’s here because she’s doing a school report on the recent events that transpired here.”

“Is that so?” he asked intently. “I’m guessing you want to ask me a few questions?”

“Well, yes your majesty, but-“

“Please, just call me Thorax,” he said with a smile.

“Well, Thorax, I do want to ask you some questions, but not for a school report. I’m actually here for… umm… family business,” Apple Bloom said nervously, knowing that she had to finally reveal her true intentions.

Thorax looked at Twilight, who was just as shocked as him. He then returned his attention to Apple Bloom. “What kind of family business?”

“I’m here because of my parents. You see, they disappeared when I was only a baby. Everyone, including my family, believe that they’re gone… for good. However, I have reason to believe otherwise."

“What?” Twilight exclaimed. “You mean you lied to me?”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I needed to talk to Thorax! I knew that you wouldn’t teleport me here willingly, so I sort of… lied.”

To Thorax, Apple Bloom resumed her explanation. “I had a dream last night. It was very vivid and detailed. It showed my parents. They were traveling on a gravel road, high up in the mountains somewhere.” Apple Bloom stopped, and closed her eyes, not wanting to recollect those haunting images of her nightmare.

“Go on,” Thorax said as he placed his hoof on her shoulder.

Apple Bloom continued. “I saw my parents. They were surrounded by a large group of Changelings. This was in the past, so this was way before you guys became reformed. Anyways, they attacked my parents and then suddenly, Queen Chrysalis appeared. She said that they were hers, and then she attacked them with a surge of magic. I… I’m not sure what became of them exactly. After my nightmare passed, Princess Luna appeared and told me that my dream was a memory, a memory from my parents. She explained to me that my parents were calling out to me.”

After saying her story, Thorax closed his eyes and began to think about what she had said.

“Apple Bloom,” Twilight began gently, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I wasn’t sure if you would have taken me here,” she said softly. “It was my idea to come to you. Applejack doesn’t even know I’m here. She's actually pretty upset with me.”

Twilight hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry Apple Bloom. You know that you can come to me for anything right?"

"I know," she said with a smile. "Thanks Twilight." She had always been there for her, sort of like an older sister. She felt foolish for ever thinking that she wouldn't help her.

Thorax, after contemplating to himself quietly, began to speak. “There was a story that was told to us by Chrysalis herself that she had had, at one point in her life, possession of the strongest source of love that she had ever encountered, so strong that it was able to sustain and feed the entire Changeling colony for many, many years.”

"What was it?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Nopony knows exactly. There were rumors that only a select few knew about this love source, however they were part of Chrysalis's inner circle and nopony knows where they are now. However, after hearing your story, it all makes sense.”

“What makes sense?” asked Twilight.

“You mentioned that you saw your parents on a gravel road, high above the mountains right?” asked Thorax.

Apple Bloom nodded.

“Before moving here to this nest, we had another nest. In fact, we have several spread throughout Equestria, however all of them are abandoned. The area you described in your dream sounded like High Mountain Pass. Coincidentally, we have a nest near there, which, funny enough, is the one we used to live in before moving here. That’s where we heard Chrysalis tell her story about the all-powerful love source.”

“So you think that my parents are this love source? And that they were taken captive there?”

Thorax nodded. "I have never seen them, nor have any other Changeling to my knowledge. However, Chrysalis did have secret entryways and passages that she alone could access. It is quite possible she kept them in one of those secret chambers without any Changeling knowing about it."

“Then what are we waiting for?” Apple Bloom said impatiently. “Let’s get a move on!”

“Apple Bloom,” Thorax began, “You should know that, that love source eventually… ceased.”

She looked at him fiercely. She knew exactly what he was implying, however she refused to accept it. “No. You’re wrong. If they were truly gone, then they wouldn’t have been able to call out to me!”

“I suppose it is possible…” Thorax began, still filled with doubt.

“I know they’re alive. I can feel it,” she said as she held her hoof over her heart.

“Love’s call,” he said with a smile.

“You know about it?” she asked with surprise.

“Yes. We Changelings started to experience it after our transformation. It’s truly a beautiful thing.”

Apple Bloom reached out her hoof. “Will you help me?”

Thorax let out a smile and held her hoof tightly. "Absolutely."

“Hold on!” exclaimed Twilight, who had been quietly listening to the two talk. “You’re not planning on taking her to High Mountain Pass, are you? That's all the way in the Smokey Mountains!"

“With all due respect, you must let her go princess. She has to answer love’s call. Her parents may well indeed be alive and well.”

Thorax then knelt down, allowing Apple Bloom to climb up on his back.

“I understand that but it’s dangerous!” said Twilight. “Apple Bloom, you can’t go out there by yourself! You have no idea what’s out there!”

“I do,” she said confidently. “My parents are out there and I’m going to get them back. Besides, I’m not truly alone. I have Thorax!”

“I swear to you, I will protect her at all costs,” Thorax said as he began to stand up with Apple Bloom on his back.

“Apple Bloom stop! You can’t go!” cried Twilight.

Thorax, however, began to fly, rising to the sky with Apple Bloom sitting comfortably on his back.

Twilight hurriedly began to fly after them, flapping her wings, the fastest she had ever done before. “Apple Bloom!” she called out, “Please don’t do this!”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I have to!"

“Hold on tight!” said Thorax as he began to rapidly increase his speed, leaving Twilight hovering in the air as she stared helplessly at them.

With the cool wind rushing across her face, she peered down and could see the landscape below, along with the newly grown trees, flowers, and grass that Thorax had mentioned before.

“You’re right!” she exclaimed, “The landscape is changing. It’s beautiful.”

“All because of love,” he said proudly. “Without it, life would be desolate and barren, just like how the landscape used to be before.”

Suddenly, Apple Bloom felt a warm feeling inside of her. It quickly began to grow, its feeling becoming stronger with each passing moment. Holding her hoof over her heart once more, she let out a tearful smile.

“I hear you,” she said as she looked to the Smokey Mountains in the distance. “I hear you... and I’m coming.”

Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 1)

Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 2)

Chapter 3

The Quest (Part 2)

Apple Bloom continued to look out to the northwest at the blue colored Smokey Mountains in the horizon, its peaks filled with glistening white snow, barely visible through a thick layer of mist. She could see the mountain range growing closer into her view as she and Thorax continued to fly speedily across the chilly blue Equestrian skies. She stared at the mountains, quietly sitting on Thorax’s back, wondering about the dangers that Princess Luna mentioned the night before. So far so good, she thought to herself. But still, she had this underlying feeling that the worst was still yet to come. The feeling of love’s call was, at the moment, no longer present. Instead, she began to feel worried, scared of what was waiting for them at the old Changeling nest.

“Hey Thorax? What do you think is over there? In the old nest?”

“Don’t worry Apple Bloom”, he said reassuringly. “After the incident with Chrysalis, we Changelings investigated almost all the old nests spread throughout Equestria. They were completely empty.”

Almost?, she thought to herself worriedly. “But what about this one? Did you explore it already?"

“Well… no,” he admitted, “There are still a few nests that we need to check out but don’t worry. This nest should be empty. It’s been years since any Changeling lived in those catacombs. All of us who are living in our current nest in the Mysterious South, migrated from the nest that we’re going to now.”

She still was a bit fearful, however, Thorax was right. The nest should be empty. Should. Didn’t mean that it actually was.

She averted her gaze from the mountains to the beautiful landscape around her in hopes to keep her mind distracted, and to her content, it did just that. She could see all of Equestria, its vast lands spreading in every direction, meeting the blue skies on the horizons on each end. So large and grand and yet, everything seemed so small while looking down, high up from the clouds. It was truly a breathtaking sight. Her fears and worries began to diminish as she stared, awestruck at the amazing view.

Looking down below, she could see small villages, nestled gently across rolling green hills, accompanied with tall trees, their thick canopies reaching up into the air.

Farther north, past the Smokey Mountains, she could see the tall white crystalline peaks of the Crystal Mountains, covering the entire northern horizon, along with Mount Everhoof, standing mightily over all the other mountains in Equestria.

To the west, she could make out the unknown lands of the Undiscovered West, an area she heard from class, was where many explorers ventured, never to be heard from again. Its mysterious lands, filled with uncharted mountain ranges and forests, stretched endlessly beyond the western horizon. The land looked harmless and peaceful, however she could sense an ominous feeling as she stared at it, feeling as if the strange land was waiting, waiting patiently to devour any curious pony looking to discover its hidden secrets.

Bordering the Undiscovered West to the north was the tranquil North Luna Ocean, sitting adjacent to the Smokey Mountains. Much like the princess it was named for, the color of its icy waters were dark midnight blue, lying calm and gentle in the distance. She quietly observed the ocean and could make out small white glaciers, floating as they gleamed peacefully, reflecting Celestia's bright sun.

“Hey Apple Bloom. Look to your right," Thorax began, noticing her silence. "You see that tall mountain?”

She turned and saw the large mountain that he had pointed out, standing perfectly in the center of Equestria by itself. It stood far away in the east, just barely visible on the horizon, however, she could make out its majestic waterfalls, its waters sparkling in the sunlight as it cascaded down the mountainside. Built into the large mountain was a large regal castle, standing over small buildings and houses.

“Is that Canterlot?” she asked as she pointed her hoof.

“Yes,” he said smiling, looking at Celestia and Luna’s castle in the distance. “And do you see that small speck just a bit south of it? That’s Ponyville.”

She quickly strained her eyes against the bright sun. She had a hard time at first but managed to see the small speck that laid calmly in the Equestrian landscape.

“So this is what pegasi and alicorns see,” she said in wonder. “We’re all just a tiny speck. I never knew the world was so big.”

“You don’t fly often do you?” Thorax said with a chuckle.

“Well no, considering I don’t have wings,” she retorted with a smile.

She continued to stare at the small town of Ponyville, the chilling breeze blowing through her. She was so far away from home. She thought about Applejack and the rest of her family, thinking about how angry and worried they must be, for by now, Twilight surely had told them about her quest.

After an hour or so, the two began to close in on their destination, located deep within the Smokey Mountains.

“Hang on tight!” Thorax said as he slowly made his way down. “These mountains are called the Smokey Mountains for a reason. The thick mist can be blinding at times.”

Apple Bloom held Thorax tightly by his orange horns while seeing a large cloud of mist approach them as they descended. She shivered as the mist touched her coat, leaving behind chilling droplets of water. She couldn’t see anything through the impenetrable layer of mist. She looked at Thorax worriedly, scared that he might accidentally crash into a jagged mountainside. After a brief moment, however, the fog began to clear revealing an enormous valley of tall blue mountains which began to slowly engulf them as they descended.

Thorax continued to soar through the vast mountain range, making sure to glide gently through the misty air, carefully navigating pass rocky behemoths that were scattered throughout the valley.

After making their way around a tall mountain peak, Apple Bloom could see something familiar, directly in front of them, lying on a mountainside as it snaked through the valley.

“Is that…” she began to say, losing her thought while she stared.

“Yes,” he said dismally. “That’s the road from your dream. That’s High Mountain Pass.”

She stared grimly at the gravel road, becoming more visible as she and Thorax approached it. The sight of it sent shivers down her spine, for it was exactly how she envisioned it in her dream: the narrow gravel road, the steep rocky cliff that led down into a deep ravine, and she could even hear that same dreadful howl of the winds that flowed through it.

She continued to stare at the road until they flew over it, along with the mountain that held it.

“The Changeling nest is just a little ways more,” said Thorax, breaking her train of thought. “You see that mountain over there?”

She looked ahead and saw a tall blue mountain, slightly covered by mist, standing only a short distance away. It looked much like the rest, however it was isolated, segregated from the others.

“The mountain is a nest?” she asked in surprise.

“Kinda cool isn't it? This nest was built within the mountain. Like the one you saw before, there are an endless amount of changing passageways and tunnels that run inside.”

It looked anything but cool. Like the road, the sight of the mountain gave her chills that filled her body, however as they grew closer, it felt more sinister, almost as if the mountain itself was radiating an invisible, malevolent aura.

As Thorax approached it, he began to land on a large cliff that hanged off the Changeling mountain. Upon landing, the two came face to face with the mountain’s tall jagged side.

She sat quietly and looked around, unsure about what was to happen next.

“So… what are we waitin’ for exactly?” she asked.

“Remember, this is a Changeling nest. The openings constantly open and close. If my memory is correct, there should be an opening here. We just have to wait.”

Not long after he said this, Apple Bloom heard a soft rumble, slowly becoming louder with each passing second. She noticed that the jagged mountain wall began to change. She could see a small opening emerge, quickly growing in size. It continued to grow until finally it stopped, creating a large, gaping cavern leading into a dark, black abyss.

“We need to hurry,” said Thorax as he knelt down to let her off his back. “Like all the other openings, this one will seal itself shut soon.”

Apple Bloom jumped off the Changeling’s back and hurriedly followed him, who immediately began to sprint ahead of her into the cavern. She sprinted after him, however she stopped, standing a few inches from the cave’s opening. She froze in fear as she peered inside. Seeing nothing but darkness, her heart began to race as she stood there wondering what awaited her.

“Apple Bloom! Where are you!?” called Thorax, his voice echoing from deep within the cave.

She closed her eyes, and started to clear her mind. She reminded herself why she was here, why she traveled so far away from home. I need to find them, she thought to herself. I need to bring them home.

Taking a deep breath, she made her way into the cavern. As she continued her descent into the cave, she could feel the air around her becoming colder and denser.

“Thorax?” she called out, her voice bouncing through the numerous shifting tunnels and passageways. She could barely see. The only light that illuminated the cave was the dull sunlight that seeped from the outside.

She then heard an abrupt, soft rumble. Turning around, she saw the opening beginning to close, the light from the outside that lit up the dark cave fading, until finally, she was standing in complete darkness. She turned once more and looked around, blinded by the dark.

“Thorax! Thorax where are you?” Apple Bloom called out, her voice echoing.

Her eyes slowly began to adjust and she could see the hive-like interior of the nest. It looked exactly like the previous one with multiple openings that lined the ceiling and walls, opening and closing sporadically. The only difference was the deafening silence that filled the nest. There was no life, no Changelings buzzing around in the air. The only sound heard was her deep, panicked breathing, along with sound of the numerous passageways shifting.

Suddenly, a blue light illuminated one of the passageways, just a few feet away from her. She stood there in the dark, with fear building within her once more. She tried desperately to move, but fear held her hooves deeply rooted in the ground. The only thing she could do was wait, wait to see what horror appeared from that passageway

After a few agonizing moments, a friendly face appeared, illuminated by a blue magic that glowed from its horns. It was Thorax, frantically looking around in the dark.

The fear that held her quickly melted away and she regained the feeling in her legs. Immediately, she ran towards her friend.

“Thorax! I’m over here!”

Upon seeing her, he sprinted towards her.

“There you are!” he exclaimed in relief as he hugged her. “I was so worried! As soon as I entered the nest, the passageway shifted on me unexpectedly. I had no idea where I was. Are you okay?"

“Yeah. I am,” she said with a smile.

“I’m so sorry. I thought I could navigate through this nest, but it has been so long since I was here.”

“It’s alright. Now then,” she said as she looked around, “where is this secret room you mentioned that Chrysalis had?”

“I believe she had one in her throne room.”

As he said this, a large passageway opened on the wall adjacent to them.

“Let’s go this way,” he said. “Follow me closely. We don’t want to be separated again.”

She obediently walked closely behind the Changeling, his magical horns illuminating the dark corridors as he led the way.

The entire hive was dead silent. The only sound heard was the various passageways, opening and closing, along with the sound of their hoofsteps echoing as they continued their way through the shifting maze.

For a few minutes, she followed the Changeling king through the nest’s network of changing tunnels, slowly making their way deeper and deeper into the heart of the mountain.

“Sheesh. I wish a brought my winter coat!” she exclaimed as she shivered, feeling the air around her becoming much denser.

Thorax, however, did not say anything. He continued to make his way through the shifting openings, his movements becoming much less irregular and random. He began to approach each newly opened passageway with confidence, almost to the point where it seemed as if he knew where and when an opening was going to appear.

“So… do you remember how to get there now? It looks like you’re makin’ your way through the nest pretty easily,” she said curiously.

He froze in his tracks.

“Yes, I uhh,” he stammered, “I remember much clearer now. We're just about there.” He then continued to walk through the tunnel.

Apple Bloom sensed that something was off, but before she could ask, he stopped again, this time, in front of a newly opened passageway.

“We’re here.”

He then proceeded into the opening, as she reluctantly followed behind.

She found herself standing in a massive throne room. It looked very much like the throne room she saw before, with a rocky throne, stalagmites and stalactites that lined the room, along with other rock structures, however this one was fully enclosed, sealed tightly from the outside. Aside from the familiarity of the room, she noticed something peculiar, hanging from the rocky ceiling. Squinting her eyes through the darkness, she could see a dim, glowing green chrysalis, dangling from the cavern’s ceiling. Focusing more, she could see something, however after a brief moment, she realized that it wasn’t something but rather… somepony.

She gasped as she backed away in horror, realizing who she was staring at.

It was Thorax. The unconscious Changeling king hung inverted, sealed tightly in the green chrysalis.

She quickly returned her gaze at the Changeling standing next to her, her heart beating faster and faster as she slowly began to back away.

“What’s the matter?” he said quietly, his back turned from her as she continued to back away until she had her back against a rocky wall.

“Scared?” he hissed as he quickly turned around, his glowing horns illuminating a spiteful smile.

“Who are you!?” she said as she cowered against the cavern’s wall. She then heard familiar sounds echoing softly through the cavern, chilling sounds that she heard from her dream the night before. It was as if a thousand serpents were hissing at once, slowly becoming louder until eventually, she could see a black mass emerge from behind the impostor.

Standing directly behind him were a dozen of Changelings. Unlike the ones she encountered in the Mysterious South, these Changelings were in their previous, un-reformed state, their unsettling appearance exactly how she remembered from her nightmare.

The impostor began to glow, a green magic engulfing him, which quickly vanished and in his place, stood a horrid sight.

She stared at the tall dark being standing just a few feet in front of her.

“Chrysalis,” she said with a scowl, her fear now replaced with anger.

“That’s Queen Chrysalis to you!” the Changeling snapped.

Chrysalis and her loyal subjects slowly began making their way to her, however she was trapped against the wall with nowhere to go.

“Don’t you dare come any closer!” she said firmly, standing her ground.

“Oh how adorable!” the queen exclaimed as she laughed, “But don’t worry. I won’t do anything to you… yet. Not until I get some answers.”

The queen turned towards the green chrysalis that encased Thorax. Her crooked horn glowed with a green magic and immediately, the casing dropped to the floor with a resounding thud that filled the entire throne room.

The chrysalis cracked open and Thorax began to regain his consciousness. He slowly made his way out of his casing and clumsily stood on his hooves, groggy from the spell that put him in a deep sleep.

“Pleasure of you to join us, traitor!” Chrysalis hissed.

A few of the Changelings standing with Chrysalis quickly made their way to Thorax, surrounding him.

Confused, he looked around frantically and spotted Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom!” he called as he hurriedly made his way to her, but was swiftly cut off by a barricade of Changelings.

Looking over the horde, he could see Apple Bloom with Chrysalis standing over her. He looked sternly at his former queen, while Chrysalis responded with a smirk.

“You okay Apple Bloom?” asked Thorax.

“Yeah, so far. Looks like the nest isn’t quite as empty as you hoped,” said Apple Bloom.

“I can see that,” he said as he glared at Chrysalis.

“Now that the gang is all here, why don’t we just cut to the chase,” Chrysalis said making her way to Thorax. “Why are you here?”

“Where are my parents!?” Apple Bloom called out.

Chrysalis quickly spun around. “What was that dear?” she asked, making her way over to her.

“You heard me! Where are they!?”

Chrysalis did not respond. Instead, she continued to slowly make her way to her, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“I know the truth!” Apple Bloom continued to say, “You took them from High Mountain Pass years ago didn’t you? You and your subjects. I saw it happen. Now tell me where they are!”

Chrysalis stopped, now standing over her. She lowered her head, staring into her eyes, her face only a few inches from her's.

Apple Bloom could see the Changeling’s misty breath coming from her nostrils, quickly dissipating in the cold air that surrounded them as she continued to stare at her, however she wasn’t intimidated nor afraid. She wanted answers. She waited too long and came a long way to find out the truth about her parents and she wasn’t going to leave empty hoofed.

“Your name. Apple Bloom was it?” she asked, continuing to look at her with curiosity.

“Can it be?” the she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “Could this be the child of my two precious blossoms?”

Apple Bloom looked at her with confusion.

Chrysalis let out a smile as she laughed with delight. “Oh but it is! The crimson mane and fair colored coat! Why, you look exactly like him!”

Apple Bloom’s eyes grew. “You know exactly who I’m talking about don’t you? Where are they!?”

Chrysalis backed away, still smiling at her. “But of course I know who you are talking about. My two blossoms!”

She made her way to Thorax and looked at him with a displeasing smile. “I’m afraid you two are far too late. They’re no longer here.”

Chrysalis turned, shooting a cold gaze to Apple Bloom. “They’re gone… for good.”

“You’re lying,” she began as she made her way to Chrysalis. “They called me here. They showed me in a dream what had happened to them all those years ago.”

“What do you mean they called you?”

“Love’s call,” Thorax responded, looking to Chrysalis and her loyal subjects. “Something that none of you will understand.”

Chrysalis stared at them both, puzzled. “You’re right. I have no idea what you two are blabbering about. But believe me, they are gone.”

Apple Bloom became impatient, shaking her head, refusing to believe what Chrysalis had said. “I know they are here!” she cried, “I felt them! Now you better tell me where they are or I’ll-“

“They are dead!” Chrysalis snapped with a hiss as she made her way to Apple Bloom. “When my subjects informed me that they had encountered a potentially strong love source, I immediately traveled to that mountain trail, and what I found were two ponies. Indeed I sensed that their love was unique, the strongest I had ever encountered. I knew I needed that love in order to feed my starving colony, so as any good queen would’ve done, I took them captive in this very nest, allowing them to live the rest of their pathetic lives as I drained every last bit of love they had. What I did not expect is the sheer power of their love. They provided me, and my colony, an overwhelming amount of love that continued to feed us for years to come. Oh, you would’ve been so proud of them as they struggled to continue on, day after day, night after night, as I consumed their love. It was quite impressive. Over time, however, they passed away, fulfilling their purpose. After this, I knew I needed to find another source, which is why we migrated. Eventually I came across that sorry excuse for a princess, Cadence and her beloved Shining Armor, however their love did not compare to the love in which your parents had."

She paused, now standing only a few feet from Apple Bloom whose eyes were starting to brim with tears. Chrysalis turned away from her and began making her way back to the throne, almost as if she felt pity for her.

However she continued her story. “They were truly a one-of-a-kind, perfect pair. They were my two ‘precious blossoms’, at least that’s what I called them anyways. I never knew their names. They only referred to themselves as Bright Blossom and Butter Blossom, but I figured that those were not their true names. I did not care. All I cared for was the sweet, delicious, love that they gave me and my colony.”

Apple Bloom stood there in shock, her eyes cascading with tears. She refused to believe anything she had just heard. She closed her eyes, shaking her head once more as the tears streamed down her face and onto the cold rocky floor.

“No,” she said weakly, struggling to breathe, feeling as if the life was being sucked out of her. “No. You… You’re lying.”

“You still don’t believe me?” asked Chrysalis, with a scoff. “See for yourself then.”

She flew a short distance towards her rocky throne that towered over the room. As she stood on her throne, her horn began to glow once more.

Suddenly, Apple Bloom could feel the floor beneath her shake. A large passageway began to appear on the floor a few feet away from Thorax, slowly opening near the foot of the throne.

Apple Bloom cautiously made her way to the opening.

“Apple Bloom wait! It could be a trick!” Thorax called out from behind the horde.

“Silence!” snapped Chrysalis. She then looked at Apple Bloom. “I speak the truth,” she said with a serious tone. “See for yourself.”

Apple Bloom peered down into the opening, and could see a flight of rocky steps that descended into complete darkness.

Thorax glared at Chrysalis, his horns beginning to glow. “I swear, if anything happens to her I-“

“I’ll be fine Thorax,” Apple Bloom said with a nod. “It’s time I found out the truth.”

Author's Note

The geographical locations mentioned in this chapter are based off the official map of Equestria, which can be found in the book My Little Pony: The Art of Equestria, written by Hasbro, Inc and Mary Jane Begin. Please note that I only used the map image as a reference. The descriptions of the locations detailed in this chapter were from my imagination.

I came across this map while browsing online. It shows all the locations seen and mentioned from the MLP series. It's very neat as there are also several locations that are listed on the map that were not mentioned in the MLP series. I highly encourage you all to check it out!

Link to map: Map of Equestria

Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 2)

Chapter 3: The Quest (Part 3)

Chapter 3

The Quest (Part 3)

Apple Bloom stared at the passageway, her eyes fixed at the impenetrable darkness. Maybe it really was a trap, she thought to herself. Maybe there’s a manticore waiting down there or… She stopped her wavering thought with a shake of her head. Fear and doubt wasn’t going to stop her now. If she were to truly find out the fate of her parents, there was no choice but to descend into the passageway, descend into the darkness that held the truth.

Filled with determination, she began to make her way down the flight of rocky steps. With each step she took, she again felt the air around her becoming even more dense, pressing against her, the air colder than ever before. After a few more steps, she finally found herself at the bottom in a dark room. Her eyes strained in the darkness, eventually adjusting to the miniscule amount of light present.

She observed the small room with a shallow ceiling, its cold interior filled with small rocky structures, much like the throne room. She frantically began to look around, looking behind every structure, searching every square inch, looking for any signs of her parents, however nopony was there. The room was basically empty, with the exception of a large bed-shaped rock structure that was lined with a thin, dusty pale yellow blanket, nestled in the far corner of the room, an old kerosene lamp that sat on one of the rocky shelves that hung crookedly on the jagged walls, and a few suitcases lying on the floor, piled neatly at another corner of the room. There were no passageways nor openings. Just thick, jagged, melancholic walls that encompassed the whole room.

She made her way to the luggage and began to open them, looking for any clues that would reveal her parents’ location. Inside each of them, however, were mostly old clothes and garments: an assortment of sweaters, scarves, and coats, along with other miscellaneous items.

Apple Bloom then turned her attention towards the bed. Looking carefully, she could see something lying on the floor, barely noticeable in the dark, lying at the foot of the bed. She sat on the thin blanket that lined the hard bed, feeling the bed’s icy touch through it, causing the hairs on her coat to stand.

She picked up the item, blew on it, and wiped off the dust, revealing an old navy green saddlebag. She marveled at it, admiring the hoof-stitched bag, its stitching sloppy but unique nonetheless. She unfastened the worn leather strap from the rusty buckle and opened it, and could see a few items tucked inside. She pulled out a large quill pen, its stiff red feathers filled with dust. She also found a glass container, once filled with ink, but was now bone dry, along with several pieces of parchment, slightly yellowed due to its age. She placed the items down on the bed and continued to search the bag. She reached down, and could feel two additional items tucked inside a small pocket. The first item she pulled was a dusty, faded photograph. The dust on the photo and the poorly lit room made it difficult to observe who or what was in the picture. She gently wiped the photo with her hoof, and after straining her eyes, she could make out familiar faces in the picture, standing in front of what looked like her house.

It was her parents.

They stood together side by side, along with Big Mac, Applejack, and Granny Smith. Granny looked the same with her silver white mane, green wrinkled skin, and her faded smile, however her siblings were noticeably younger. Big Mac stood mightily over Applejack, almost as tall as their father. He had one of his broad arms over her, his large hoof on her head, shooting a teasing smile at the camera as he messed with his sister’s blonde mane. Applejack, who looked a bit younger than her at the time, had her small green eyes fixed at her brother, accompanied by an adorable pouting face lined with freckles.

Standing to the left of her siblings were her parents, youthful and filled with life. Her father, albeit a broad, well-built stallion, had a kind look. He had a bright, contagious smile that caused her to smile as well. Chrysalis was right, she thought to herself. She looked exactly like him. She never realized the resemblance until now. From the coat to the mane, it was a clear cut and paste, all except for her father’s green eyes, a trait he shared with her siblings.

Her mother stood to the right of him, her shoulder pressed gently against her husband’s. She was just as beautiful as Apple Bloom remembered from the dream she had the night before. Her gold curly mane flowed down neatly across her head and over her face, but not enough to cover her teal blue eyes and warm smile that had two small dimples, one on each freckled cheek. Like her father, her mother’s smile carried a certain magic and for a moment, she could feel her spirits lifted, comforted by just the sight of her mother’s genial expression.

She was entranced with the image of her parents, almost failing to notice that they were both holding a cherry red blanket, with a sleeping baby filly that wore a red bow in her crimson mane, nestled comfortably in her parents’ arms.

It was her.

There were dozens of old photos like this back at the house, however she had never seen this one before. She stared at the old family photo smiling, observing the precious moment captured in the photograph. So they were here.

Her mind began to wander once more, as she sat there pondering about how different and how perfect her life would’ve been if they had never ventured on that mountain path. They could’ve been a part of her life, but instead, they spent their lives here, miles away from home, prisoners held deep within an isolated mountain. They were cut off from everypony, from their friends, and most importantly, their family.

They could’ve been there with her during her endless, fruitless pursuits for her cutie mark, and during the times she got into troublesome, yet memorable situations. She thought about how they would’ve reacted during the time she got cutie pox, or the time when she invaded everypony’s privacy in the school paper. She also wondered how they would’ve felt after she formed the Cutie Mark Crusaders with her friends. But above all, she wondered how they would’ve felt when she finally got her cutie mark. Would they have been joyful? Ecstatic? Amazed? Relieved? Would they have been proud of my special talent? Would they have truly been proud… of me? She wished they were there with her during all those events, during all those accomplishments and achievements. But above all, she simply wished that they were here with her, right here and right now.

She continued to sit on the bed, thinking about all of this as she looked at the picture. They were all so happy, her family standing there, frozen in time, frozen in a past that she so desperately wished she could go back to. She looked up from the photograph observing the dark, empty, lifeless room.

“Ma? Pa?” she said aloud, her voice breaking. Closing her eyes, she lifted her hoof, still tightly holding the photograph as she placed it over her heart. “Where are you?” she asked in a soft whisper.

But deep down, she knew. Although painful to admit, she knew that Chrysalis was telling the truth. But what about that feeling she had? She could’ve sworn to Celestia that she felt them, yet they weren’t here. Perhaps that feeling inside her was just curiosity after all. Perhaps Princess Luna was wrong and that feeling wasn’t love’s call at all. She didn’t know, however one thing was for certain: her parents were truly gone.

She sat there on the bed, silently sobbing to herself, her eyes stinging with tears and her breath becoming thinner. Was this whole quest just a big mistake?

She continued to sob for a brief time, but quickly remembered that there was one more item left in the bag. Wiping her tears, she reached in, and pulled out a small pink letter, covered with dust like the other items. She wiped it with her hoof to see who it was addressed to. There was no address, but rather a few words written neatly on it.

“To Our Beloved Children,” she said, reading the words aloud.

Curious, she began to open the letter, gently tearing the sealed envelope, however she quickly stopped. Maybe now’s not a good time, she thought to herself. She tucked the letter back into the saddle bag, along with the old family photograph. Slinging the saddle bag onto her back, she reluctantly made her way back to the flight of stairs. She looked up at the dim light that seeped from the opening leading back to the throne room where Chrysalis, Thorax, and the other Changelings were waiting. Taking a deep breath once more, she slowly began climbing the rocky steps.

Chrysalis, seeing her emerge from the opening, looked at her impatiently from her throne.

“Well?”

Apple Bloom looked down at the floor, tears rolling down her face. “You’re right,” she said weakly. “They’re gone.”

Thorax, still being guarded by the Changelings, stared at her in disbelief. “Apple Bloom. I’m… I’m so sorry.”

“Well, now that that’s settled,” Chrysalis began to say, “it’s time to deal with you two.”

A few other Changelings then took Apple Bloom by the hoof, and pushed her into the horde with Thorax.

Thorax immediately embraced her tightly. “I promise you,” he said firmly, “I will get you back home to your family.”

“Oh, I highly doubt that,” Chrysalis said as she chuckled from her throne. “Like your parents, you two will be spending the rest of your miserable lives here, with me!”

“No they won’t!”

Immediately, a purple beam of magic shot forth from the cavern’s entrance, hitting Chrysalis squarely in the chest.

She shrieked in pain as she flew in the air, however she quickly regained her balance and hovered in the air, glaring at the throne room’s entrance with her horn glowing.

Thorax and Apple Bloom quickly spun around and she could see three figures emerging from the dark opening.

It was Twilight, accompanied by the two Changeling guards she saw earlier. Like a hawk, the Princess of Friendship soared in the air, her horn shining brightly in the dim room as she dashed towards the queen.

The two Changeling guards broke off from one another, immediately finding themselves engaged in a heated battle against Chrysalis’ subjects.

In a quick moment, Apple Bloom could hear the sound of hoofsteps echoing from the entrance and once more, could see two more ponies emerge from the darkness.

“Applejack! Big Mac!” she called out in relief.

“Get away from our sister!” Applejack snorted, stomping her hooves. Like a bull, she charged head first with Big Mac towards the horde that surrounded Thorax and Apple Bloom.

The Changelings hissed as a few of them broke off from the group, soaring in the air towards them. Applejack, along with Big Mac, easily knocked them down, one by one, onto the rocky ground with powerful strong kicks, each hitting them squarely in the head.

Joining the fight, Thorax shot blue beams of magic into the mass of Changelings that surrounded him and Apple Bloom, knocking down a good number of them as well.

Clearing an opening, Thorax took Apple Bloom by her hoof.

“This way! Hurry!” he cried as he pulled her through the opening.

Just as she passed through, she felt a blunt force ram her shoulder.

She collapsed to the floor, sliding along its rough surface until she collided into the corner of a rocky wall.

Her body stung with pain, both on her back and more so on her shoulder. Looking up she could see a Changeling standing over her, its tongue hissing and its eyes full of rage.

She quickly sprang to her hooves, accompanied by a dull pain in her shoulder. She grimaced as the pain slowly began to travel down her right leg, however there was no time to stop now. Looking to the far corner of the room, she saw large stalagmites that towered closely together, forming a perfect area to seek shelter. She immediately sprinted towards them, biting her lip as the pain rapidly began to increase. As the rocky structures came closer into her view, she could hear the snarls of the Changeling closing in behind her. Suddenly, as if somepony had driven a nail through her shoulder, a sharp pain surged through her entire leg. She cried out, collapsing onto the floor.

“Apple Bloom!” Thorax called as he raced towards her, however he was quickly cut off and soon found himself battling more of Chrysalis’ subjects, shooting beams of magic and dodging their attacks simultaneously.

“Get away from her!”

Looking up, Apple Bloom could see her sister and her brother, charging head first at the Changeling with blinding speed. In a blink of an eye, both Apple siblings collided with the Changeling with tremendous force, causing it to wince in pain as it slammed down onto the floor unconscious.

“Apple Bloom!” exclaimed Applejack and Big Mac as they raced to their sister, who was still lying on the floor.

“Sugarcube? Are you hurt?” Applejack asked urgently as she gently nudged her little sister.

Apple Bloom, however, remained still. Her body was curled up on the floor, her head tucked under her arms and her face hidden. She couldn’t bear to see their faces, not after what she had learned.

“Apple Bloom?” Big Mac said worriedly.

“You were right Applejack,” Apple Bloom said quietly, her voice barely audible. Keeping her head tucked under her arms, she began to weep. “You were right… they’re gone… they’re truly gone… I was wrong… I was wrong…”

Applejack and Big Mac looked at each other with concern. With the help of Applejack, Big Mac carefully lifted his sister onto his back and the Apple siblings quickly dashed towards the far corner of the room, hiding behind the stalagmites that created a tall rocky wall that shielded and hid them from the ensuing battle.

“Sugarcube,” Applejack said soothingly as she gently placed Apple Bloom on the floor. She calmly began to fix her sister’s wrinkled red bow, now tainted with dust. “We-“

Apple Bloom lifted her head, and could see her sister walking away, her attention taken by something else. She continued to walk just a few feet until she stood frozen, as if in a trance, her eyes glued to something lying on the cave’s floor.

“Jackie?” Big Mac asked worriedly.

Applejack did not say anything. She continued to stand there motionless, her back against her siblings.

“Applejack? What’s wrong?” Apple Bloom called out.

“I made this,” Applejack said softly.

“Made what? What are you talkin’ about?” Apple Bloom called out, unsure if she heard her correctly over the noise.

Stooping down, she picked up the item with her mouth and turned around. Held tightly was the navy green saddlebag which, Apple Bloom figured, flew off her back when she fell to the ground.

“You? You made that?” Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Without a word, Applejack made her way over to her siblings and gently placed the saddlebag on the floor near them.

“I made this for Ma,” she said with a smile, “back when I was just a little filly.”

She placed her hoof over it, feeling the bag’s sloppy stitching. Applejack chuckled, her eyes closed as she continued to move her hoof over it.

“It was Ma’s birthday and I didn’t have a gift. I wanted to buy her a beautifully crafted hoof-stitched bag I saw at the town market. I was saving up my allowance to buy it but I ended up not having enough.” Applejack sat down on the rocky floor and placed the saddlebag over her lap. She continued to stare at it, smiling as she reminisced its history, forgetting about the current battle that was raging on the other side of the stalagmites that hid them. It was as if she was in a dream, her memories taking her away from the present and into a distant past.

“Ma had a birthday party in the evenin’ and I desperately needed a present, so I sprinted over to Rarity’s thinkin’ that she could help make me one instead. At the time, she didn’t have her boutique and didn’t have any material. So, I quickly ran home and searched for any material I could find and guess what? I ended up finding navy green burlap bags of feed in the barn. As you might’ve guessed, Rarity was flat out horrified at the material I chose but eventually, she caved in. I told her that it was my gift and decided right then and there that I wanted to stitch it myself. I only wanted her to supervise me while I did the stitchin’.”

She chuckled again, her calloused heart beginning to soften.

The sight of her sister like this filled Apple Bloom with joy, for she had never seen her like this before.

Bright Mac also began to laugh, his deep booming laugh filling the air however he quickly stopped, worried that his laughter would be picked up by a Changeling.

“So what happened next sis?” Apple Bloom eagerly asked, just like how she would always do whenever her sister told her family stories.

“Well, let me tell you,” Applejack began with a smirk. “My hoof was sore cause I pricked it so many times with that darn needle! Poor Rarity kept correctin’ me over and over again until I could get it right. There were a few times where she would pry the needle and thread right out of my hooves, but I was persistent. I kept trying. Got to admire her patience, cause it took us the entire mornin’ and afternoon until it was finally finished. When it was finally done, I quickly bolted out of Rarity’s house and sprinted back home. I don’t think I even thanked her now that I think about it. Anyways, I managed to get back home, right in time for the party and boy! Wasn’t it a great party Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” her brother said with a smile.

Applejack sighed, closing her eyes once more.

“It was a truly memorable evening,” she said softly. “Friends and family, all coming together singin’, dancin’, all just having a good ole time. But the highlight of that entire day was when I finally showed Ma my present. I realized, right then and there that I forgot to wrap it. I was in such a rush to get home and show her my present that it totally slipped my mind, but she didn’t care, not one bit. I’ll never forget that moment. I still remember the look on her face, that warm, magical smile as her teal blue eyes lit up, admiring my poorly stitched saddlebag. It wasn’t anything special, but to her, I could tell it was more precious than any treasure in Equestria.”

“Oh! That reminds me!” Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly, “There’s a photograph and a letter inside!”

Applejack looked at her, puzzled. She opened the bag, reached inside, and froze. She slowly pulled out the items one by one, first the pink letter and then the photograph.

Without saying a word, Applejack stared at the pink envelope, her lips quivering and her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

“Jackie?” Big Mac asked as he walked over to her. Like her, he soon found himself at the brink of tears.

“This is our Ma’s hoofwriting,” Applejack said in shock. “And this…” she began again staring at the photograph, “This is the photograph taken just after Ma and Pa came back from the hospital. It was taken the day you were born Sugarcube.”

She turned to Apple Bloom, as did Big Mac, both still teary-eyed.

“Where did you find all of this?” Applejack asked.

She looked down, the sorrow returning to her. “I found it in a secret room… a room where Chrysalis held our parents. She-”

But before she could continue, Applejack began to open the letter, her curiosity taking hold of her. With a gentle voice, she began to read the message her parents left them:

“To our beloved children,

We cannot begin to describe how much we wish to be there with you all while reading this. We have so much to say, so much we want to tell you about why we never came back home. Words cannot begin to describe how much we are sorry, sorry to not have seen you all again with our eyes, to have not seen each of you grow into the mature ponies we know each of you turned out to be. For years, we desperately tried to escape, only to be unsuccessful. We planned, every single day since being trapped here, to come up with a plan to break out of this prison, in hopes to see your beautiful faces once more. But as Chrysalis continues to take our energy, our plans for escape have all but ceased. Our only hope now, as we sit here in this mountain, counting the days that go by, is that all three of you are together, reading this letter. Not a moment goes by where we don’t think about each of you, thinking about what all of you have seen, learned, and accomplished since we left. It warms our hearts and brings us so much joy, knowing that all of you are out there, living your lives, cherishing every moment with each other and with all your friends.

We know now that our time here in Equestria is closing and that our bodies are beginning to fade away. It pains us so much knowing that we won’t ever get the chance to see all of you again, yet there is one thing that we have that will always remain, one thing that will never fade away: our love for each of you.

It is this love which has allowed us to survive all these years, and is the reason why Chrysalis could never fully drain it from us. It is because our love for all of you is limitless, more powerful than any magic in Equestria. Although our bodies are temporary, this love we have is everlasting. No matter how far apart we may seem to be, both in time and space, we have, and always will be, with each of you. In your darkest hours, in your times of greatest need, and even when all hope seems to be lost, we will always be with you, guiding you through it all. Although you cannot see us, just know that we are in your hearts and are with you now as you read this letter. Just remember, that for every moment you live, we live also-“

Her voice began to trail off, and eventually stopped reading.

“Is that the end?” Apple Bloom asked in disbelief.

But she remained silent and continued to stare at the letter.

Big Mac’s curiosity began to build as well. “Jackie!” he said with his booming voice. “What does the rest of the letter-“

“For every moment you live, we live also”, Applejack repeated as she looked up from the letter. She then placed her hoof over her heart and closed her eyes. “Because of this,” she said to herself quietly, “We will be with all of you, always.”

“That’s it!” she exclaimed, opening her eyes suddenly. “Sugarcube! Don’t you see? They’re not gone!” She approached her sister, gently placing her hoof over her heart. “It’s just like they said! They were with us this whole time, in here!”

“In here?” Apple Bloom said, dumbfounded as she took her own hoof and placed it over her sister’s. “You mean to tell me that this feeling I had was them the whole time?”

Applejack nodded with a smile. “I’m sure of it,” she said firmly. “I too had that same feeling when I was younger. Every time it came, it filled me up, and I would immediately think about them. I thought it meant that they were coming home, but now I know they were just calling out to me.”

Her eyes suddenly grew wide as she looked down at the floor. “Oh Celestia,” she said, her voice trembling, “it’s my fault.”

Apple Bloom and Big Mac both looked at each other.

“What do you mean it’s your fault?” Apple Bloom asked softly.

“I continued to have that feeling, but I lost hope,” she began to say, still looking down, “I continued to ignore it every time I felt it. I started to get sick of it cause it only reminded me about them and how they never came home. I had no idea what that feeling was. I just kept telling myself that it was just curiosity and nothing more. Eventually, that feeling went away.”

She then looked at her sister, her eyes flooded with tears. “I… I could’ve saved them,” she said sobbingly, “if I wasn’t so stubborn and angry, I would’ve understood what it all meant. They were callin’ out to me and I just ignored them. I’m… I’m so sorry!”

Applejack collapsed to the floor, grief weighing her down like an anchor. “It’s my fault,” she cried, “It’s my fault that they’re gone!”

“Jackie,” Big Mac said soothingly, “you can’t possibly blame yourself for what happened to Ma and Pa.”

He knelt down beside her, and with his broad arms, held his distraught sister in a tight embrace. “That night was hard for all of us, especially for you, myself, and Granny. We each handled their loss our own way and we never fully recovered from it. I too gave up hope and if anythin’, I’m to blame as well.”

She looked up at her big brother, wiping away her tears with her hooves.

“But Ma and Pa wouldn’t want us to blame ourselves,” he continued with a stern voice. “If anythin’, they would want us to forgive ourselves and not feel guilty about it!”

Applejack continued to look at her brother as she lied there on the cavern’s floor, her sorrowful expression now replaced by a smile. Although not a colt of many words, he always had the right words to say whenever she felt sad.

“If anythin’,” Apple Bloom continued to say, “they would want us to stick together and most importantly, get back home safely to Granny!”

“Eeyup! That’s right!” Big Mac said enthusiastically, stomping his hoof with a proud smile on his face.

Applejack began to chuckle at her siblings as she began to slowly get back on her hooves. “You’re right. We need to get back home.”

“What do you have in mind sis?” Apple Bloom said looking around. “Our friends are still battlin’ Chrysalis and her subjects, while we’re here stuck behind this-“

Without warning, the stalagmites that sheltered them suddenly exploded in a deafening blast, the force sending shrapnel of rocks in every direction, leaving the entire throne room covered in a blanket of dust.

Still dazed by the explosion, Apple Bloom found herself lying on the floor, with her siblings lying unconscious only a few inches away from her. She looked around the room to see if she could spot either Twilight or Thorax, however she could see nothing through the haze.

“Applejack! Big Mac!” she said weakly as she shook her siblings. “Wake up! Wake up!”

“Apple Bloom?” her sister began to say quietly as she slowly regained her consciousness.

Her brother began to moan as he too began to wake. He quickly lifted his head and began to look around. “Apple Bloom! Applejack!”, he said frantically, “are you two alright?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Apple Bloom said as she slowly stood up, her leg throbbing. “Sheesh. I’m definitely gonna feel this in the mornin’!”

“We just have a few scratches by the looks of it,” Applejack said with relief, “but we seem to be alright.”

“You’ll have more than a few scratches after I’m done with you!”

Turning around towards the sound of the voice, the Apple Bloom could see a pale green light shining brightly through the cloud of dust, casting a large silhouette. With a swift flap of its wings, a large gust of air immediately cleared the room, revealing Chrysalis, her horn glowing, filled with frustration, along with Twilight, Thorax, and the Changeling guards, standing together at the far end of the room, their hooves encased with rocks that rooted them to the cave’s floor, struggling to break free, all while being closely guarded by Chrysalis’ subjects.

Twilight began to use her magic, however a strange green glow began to illuminate from her horn, causing her magic to fizzle into nothing.

Thorax tried the same, but also failed to conjure any magic.

“Don’t bother,” Chrysalis said with a chuckle as she turned to face them. “My little hex will prevent any magic you try to use!”

She then turned to the Apple siblings as she continued to hover in the air, her insect-like wings humming.

“You!” Chrysalis shrieked as she spotted Applejack. “You were one of the ponies that used the Elements of Harmony to defeat me in Canterlot!”

“And don’t forget that time when we defeated you in your nest not too long ago,” Applejack teased with a smirk.

Chrysalis glared at her, hissing. “Oh, I will never forget all the pain and torment you and your friends had inflicted upon me and my colony! And for that, you all will pay!”

Immediately, the queen began to tilt her horn towards them, a surge of green magic illuminating it.

The Apple siblings sprang to their hooves, standing together, their hooves locked with one another as they confronted the queen.

As Apple Bloom stood there between her siblings, she could feel a familiar feeling in her heart, quickly growing.

“Applejack! Big Mac!” she exclaimed, the feeling becoming stronger than ever before.

“I know,” Applejack nodded, smiling as she looked down at her. “I feel it too.”

“I… I can feel it too!” Big Mac said excitedly.

“It’s them,” Apple Bloom said, gripping her siblings hooves tighter as she kept her eyes closed, allowing that feeling to build. She could feel their parents’ presence, their warmth and their love surging through her body, replacing the stinging pain she felt from her injuries.

The queen let out a shrill laugh.

“How pathetic,” Chrysalis said amusingly, “Your parents are gone! But it looks like you all will be seeing them soon after all! I’ll make sure of that!”

An orb of green magic began to gleam from the queen’s horn, its light quickly growing.

“We need to move!” Applejack said hurriedly as she began to pull her siblings.

Apple Boom, however, remained still, her eyes still closed. “No,” she said softly, opening her eyes. “We just need to trust in love’s power,” she said as she looked fiercely at her sister. “We need to trust in our parents!”

“But Apple Bloom-“ Big Mac began to say.

“Trust me. I know we’ll be alright. We just need to stay together. Remember what our parents said. They’re with us right here right now, in our hearts.”

Her siblings turned to each other, nodding in agreement as they each took her hoof, gripping it tightly.

The Apples remained, standing together, their hooves locked, allowing the power of their parents’ love to fully take them. With each passing moment, they could feel their fears, worries, pain, and sorrow melt away, replaced by an overwhelming feeling of joy and comfort, a feeling that none of them have ever experienced before.

“You want to see them that bad?” Chrysalis began, “Fine then! Let me take you to them!”

Immediately, a powerful beam of green magic shot out from her horn, hurtling itself towards the three of them.

Twilight, Thorax, and the two Changeling guards watched in horror as Chrysalis’ magical spell traveled through the air like a lightning bolt, quickly making its way to the Apples until finally hitting its target, creating a flash of green light.

“NO!” Twilight and Thorax both cried, unable to do anything except watch the horror unfold before them.

Chrysalis again shrieked in laughter, her jubilation filling the entire throne room. She quickly turned to them, a smile of content spread across her face.

“Your friends are nothing but ashes now!” she said with a maniacal laugh, “But don’t worry, I-“

Chrysalis stopped, noticing the sudden gasp from Twilight, her eyes fixed to something behind her.

Chrysalis quickly turned and could see a pale light, illuminating the cloud of smoke where the Apple siblings were standing.

The light began to grow brighter, shining its way through, eventually lighting up the whole cavern itself.

Chrysalis, Thorax, Twilight, and the other Changelings gasped in awe, staring at a veil of sparkling light that surrounded the Apple siblings. Together they stood, smiling, their hooves still locked with each other, unharmed from Chrysalis’ attack.

“That… That’s impossible!” Chrysalis stammered, her jaw dropped open. She quickly dashed towards them, soaring through the air. “How did you all survive? No earth pony can use magic!”

“You’re right,” Applejack said firmly as she looked at the queen quickly approaching them. “It’s not magic at all. It’s something far more powerful than that.”

“It’s love,” Apple Bloom said calmly with a smile.

The three of them began to glow in the same sparkling light as the veil that surrounded them, their parents’ love surging through each of them.

Chrysalis shrieked in horror, shooting another beam of magic towards them.

“No!” she cried, “I will not be defeated again! I refuse!”

The surge of green magic sped through the air towards the siblings once more, however, was halted by the mystical veil that surrounded them.

Chrysalis continued her spell, straining as she slowly raised the power of her magic that began to chip away at the wall of light that protected them.

“It’s starting to break!” Big Mac shouted, “I don’t know if we can hold it back much longer!”

“We’ll be fine!” Apple Bloom shouted back, observing the beam of magic that was crashing into the barrier, which began to crack like glass. “Remember, we just need to trust-“

She stopped, noticing what seemed to be two transparent figures standing in front of her, their backs turned from them. One was a colt, with a crimson mane and fair colored coat, and the other was a mare, with a long gold curly mane that flowed down and rested on her peach colored coat. They both shimmered with the same light that encompassed them as they slowly began turning around, their faces meeting her and her siblings.

“It.. it can’t be…” she said, petrified at the sight of the two glimmering ponies standing in front of her. She turned and looked at her siblings. “Do.. do you-“

“I see them,” Applejack said in disbelief. “It’s… it’s really them!”

“Ma! Pa!” Big Mac cried out as he looked at his parents, tears flowing down his eyes.

Without any words, their parents smiled as they nodded their heads at their children. They slowly walked towards Apple Bloom, placing their hooves over her heart, their touch sending a warm feeling through her.

“I… We... understand,” she said with a tearful smile as she gazed upon her family, seeing them all together once more. “You’ll be with all of us… always.”

Her parents nodded their heads once more, giving their daughter a sweet kiss on her forehead as they slowly faded in a sparkling light that slowly enveloped her and her siblings.

Suddenly, the Apples began to shine brighter than ever before, feeling a surge of energy run through them and in a blink of an eye, they soon found themselves shooting their own beam of light towards Chrysalis’ magic. The two beams of energy violently collided with one another, with the Apple’s light crippling the queen's magic, pushing it back until the energy had fully engulfed her.

“NOOO!” Chrysalis cried as a wall of light pressed against her, pushing her until she had her back against the cavern’s wall.

Love’s power started to flow throughout the entire throne room, cascading through the air like a wave of light, becoming brighter and brighter to the point where it became blinding. Chrysalis’ subjects, who were still guarding Thorax, Twilight, and the guards, became swept in the surge of energy that emanated from the Apples, causing them to shriek as the light consumed them. Like their queen, the Changelings became pressed up against the jagged wall as they snarled in anger.

“What’s going on!?” Thorax called out, squinting against the bright light.

“I’m not sure!” Twilight yelled back, her eyes tightly closed. “I can’t see anything!”

A thunderous roar filled the entire throne room, the mountain itself quaking violently. After a few moments, the impenetrable light that filled the throne room began to fade, slowly retreating towards the Apple siblings.

They slowly opened their eyes, feeling the power of their parents’ love fading away.

Apple Bloom looked around the room, with Chrysalis and her subjects nowhere to be seen. She could see that the far wall, where they were forced towards, had been completely obliterated by their attack, creating a large gaping opening that led back to the outside.

“We did it,” she said with relief, feeling a steady gust of warm air blow through her that flowed from the outside.

“We sure did,” Applejack said proudly, embracing her siblings.

With the hex now gone, Twilight and Thorax began to use their magic once more, breaking the rocks that bounded them and the Changeling guards to the cavern’s floor. Once freed, they quickly sprinted to their friends, joining them in their celebratory embrace.

“Are you all alright?” Twilight asked in concern.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac said triumphantly with his deep voice, tightening his grip around his friends and family.

“Okay okay Big Mac!” squealed Applejack, gasping for air. “You can let go now!”

He obediently let go, his face blushed with embarrassment.

“I’m so proud of you,” Thorax said as he looked delicately at Apple Bloom. “Looks like you didn’t need my help after all.”

“I doubt that,” she said with a smile, “I couldn’t have made it here if it wasn’t for you Thorax.”

She again stared at the opening where the wall once stood, the wall where she last saw Chrysalis and her subjects. She slowly made her way to it, peering outside, observing the seemingly endless valley of mountains as she felt the warmth of Celestia’s bright sun shine on her.

“Don’t worry Apple Bloom,” Thorax said as he joined her, placing his hoof on her shoulder. “We’ll find her. I promise.”

Immediately after saying this, a violent quake began, shaking the entire throne room, accompanied by a loud rumble.

“It’s the mountain!” Thorax shouted, “It’s starting to crumble! We need to go, now!”

The stalactites that lined the ceiling began breaking off, falling onto the floor with a thunderous crash. Big Mac, Applejack, Twilight, and the other Changelings quickly dashed towards the opening, dodging the boulders that were falling as they made their way to where Thorax and Apple Bloom were.

Apple Bloom looked down from the opening, seeing nothing but a steep rocky cliff that led down into a bottomless ravine. “You don’t happen to have a spell that could sprout wings, do you Twilight?”

“It just so happens, I do,” she said with a smirk, “but I have a much better idea.”

“Well whatever your plan is, I hope-“ Apple Bloom stopped, noticing a large shadow beginning to loom over her. She quickly spun around and could see a large hot air balloon quickly ascending towards them.

“Hey!” Spike called out from the balloon’s basket, waving as he guided it towards the opening. “It looks like I came just in time!”

“Jump now!” shouted one of the Changeling guards, the basket only a few feet away from them.

One by one the Apples jumped safely onto the gondola, as the Changelings and Twilight took to the air, hurriedly pushing the balloon away from the collapsing mountain.

“Spike!” Twilight called, continuing to push the basket. “More altitude!”

Like a spring, the little dragon jumped, his short arms grabbing the lever, using his weight to pull it down to ignite the burners.

Immediately, the balloon began to rise, while Twilight and the Changelings continued to push the balloon away from the plume of smoke that was quickly chasing them.

“It’s catching up to us!” cried Apple Bloom.

“Come on guys!” Thorax said as he continued to push harder. “Just a little more! We’re almost clear!”

The Changelings and the alicorn continued to push the large balloon, straining their wings until they were finally a safe distance from the mountain.

Apple Bloom turned, staring at the cloud of smoke that was now a good distance away, hearing the soft rumble of the mountain as it continued to collapse. She couldn’t see the mountain, however she imagined it crumbling down, eventually reducing itself into a pile of rubble, a place so evil, it felt fitting that it was destroyed.

“It’s over now,” Applejack said softly, breaking her train of thought as she hugged her.

Twilight and Thorax sighed in relief, catching their breath as they began to fly alongside the gondola.

“Time to finally get you all back home,” Thorax said with a smile.

Twilight nodded in agreement. “Sure is! I have so much research to do once we get back! Starting with the essence of love and all of its capabilities!”

She then turned to the Apples. “What exactly happened in there?”

“It was our parents,” Apple Bloom said, placing her hoof over her heart. “They appeared just before the barrier broke.”

“Their love saved us,” Big Mac added.

Twilight, Thorax, and the Changeling guards looked at each other, confused.

“Umm… You said that your parents appeared?” Thorax asked, scratching his head.

“Yes!” Apple Bloom said excitedly.

“Apple Bloom,” Twilight said delicately, “There was nopony there. All we saw was you three.”

“Trust me Twilight,” Applejack said firmly, “It was them. We all saw them with our very own eyes. Hay, I’m the Element of Honesty after all. I think you can take my word for it.”

“I suppose it is possible,” Twilight said as she pondered. “Love is quite different than magic and I haven’t read much on the topic.”

She then let out a squeal of excitement, flapping her wings happily. “I can’t wait to conduct my own research! Wait till Starlight hears about-“

“Actually,” Applejack began to say as she looked around at her friends. “I’d really appreciate it if we kept all of this just between us?”

“Of course,” Twilight said apologetically. “None of us will share anything that happened today. You have our word.”

Thorax and the guards nodded in agreement.

Apple Bloom suddenly gasped as she frantically began looking around the gondola.

“What’s wrong Apple Bloom?” Spike asked in concern.

“Ma’s saddlebag! I forgot to-“

“You mean this?” called out one of the Changeling guards that was hovering next to them.

On his back was the navy green saddlebag. He took it off and gave it to her. “I found it on the ground. Guess it was a good thing I picked it up!”

Apple Bloom took the bag, quickly opening it. She let out a sigh of relief as soon as she saw the letter and the photograph, still safely tucked inside.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile as she looked at the two guards. “Thank you both for your help.”

She then took the photograph out from the bag, shedding a tear as she stared at the image of her family.

“I can’t wait to tell Granny,” she said softly.

“Wait,” Spike said, looking up at her, pointing at the back of the picture. “What’s that? Behind the photo?”

Apple Bloom quickly turned the picture and could see words written on the back, its blue ink faded.

“It’s Ma’s hoofwriting,” Big Mac said, looking over her shoulder. “Wait… Jackie… is that…”

Applejack looked over her shoulder as well, gazing upon the inscription written on the photograph. Immediately, she let out a gasp.

“I… I can’t believe it…”

***

Granny Smith slowly began setting the dinner table, placing the utensils, plates, and cups one by one in front of each seat, just like she would always do every night. This was a regular routine for her, however this night was different from all the others. The Apple house was silent and empty. No laughter or chatter, just the gentle clinging sound of the utensils as she laid them out. In her many years of doing this, she would always have help from her family, maybe not all of them together at once, but always, at least, one of them.

She began to think back, many moons ago, back when it was just her and her son. She remembered how she would eagerly wait for him to come through the kitchen door, waiting for him to help her set the table. She enjoyed his help, for he would always talk about his day as he gathered the plates and utensils, eagerly telling her about his exciting adventures with his friends. It continued like this for many years, but she soon found herself in the company of another mare, as she too became a part of this family routine. She initially tried to keep her distance from her at first, however, Buttercup was a persistent mare, always insisting to help prepare the dinner table, hoping to use those opportunities to get closer with her mother-in-law. After some time, she would finally give in to her persistence, allowing her to help, a decision she believed she would undoubtedly regret. Instead, it became one of the best decisions she had ever made, for it allowed her to form an unbreakable relationship with her daughter-in-law. For many nights she would listen to her, learning more about her and what kind of life she lived in that pear farm, just a few acres across from the West Orchard. She finally understood why her son had chosen this mare to spend the rest of his life with, for she was truly one of a kind. She grew to love Buttercup as her own, as she eagerly listened to her, all while preparing the dinner table. It continued like this for a few years, with her son and her daughter-in-law accompanying her as she laid out the dinner table, but again, it was not to last, for she soon found herself with not one, but three more ponies to help her: her grandchildren.

After placing out all the freshly cooked food onto the apple wood table, she took her seat at the end of the table, placing her flank onto the rickety old chair, just as she would always do every night. She stared at the empty seats that surrounded the table, the seats that once sat her entire family. She closed her eyes, shedding a small tear.

“Please,” she said in a whisper, “please bring them back safely. I can’t lose them too.”

She continued to sit there, her eyes closed, until finally, she heard familiar voices coming from outside.

Hearing the kitchen door open, she slowly opened her eyes, seeing her grandchildren standing together at the doorway.

“Granny?” said Apple Bloom as she slowly began making her way towards her.

She remained seated, her eyes fixed to her. She didn’t know what to say or what to do, not knowing whether she should shout at her for leaving, or instead, forgive her. Instead, she remained silent, her lips starting to quiver.

“I’m… I’m so sorry I left,” Apple Bloom began as she looked down a the floor. “Please don’t be mad at me... I just wanted to-“

She quickly cut her off, embracing her in a tight hug, tears pouring down her face.

“Shh,” she said as she continued to cry, “There’s no need for that. You came back home… all of you came back home to me, safe and sound, and that’s all that matters.”

She let go of her grandchild, wiping her tears away with her hooves. She then combed her granddaughter’s crimson mane back, revealing her small red eyes.

“Now tell me,” she said delicately as she looked at her grandchildren, “tell me what you all have seen.”

Apple Bloom took the saddlebag that she had been carrying off her back, and pulled out the letter.

Granny’s eyes began to widen, as Apple Bloom gave her the pink envelope.

“They left us a letter,” Applejack said as she and Big Mac made their way to her.

She opened the envelope, taking the wrinkled paper into her hooves. She began reading the letter silently to herself, reading the message her beloved son and daughter-in-law had left. With every word she read, she began to feel a peculiar feeling from within her. She couldn’t help but smile, the whole time reading it, the strange feeling leaving her with a sense of joy that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. After finishing, she slowly lifted her hoof, placing it over heart.

“It’s them,” Apple Bloom said with a smile. “It’s like they said in the letter. They’ll always be with us.”

She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of their love flow within her.

“I feel them,” she said quietly, her cheeks flowing with tears. “It’s beautiful.”

“There’s one more thing we need to show you Granny,” Applejack said, taking something else from the bag.

She opened her eyes and gasped. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen this here picture. Had no idea where it went. Thought it was gone forever.”

“Turn it around,” said Big Mac.

She let out a chuckle, seeing Buttercup’s writing. “Well would you look at that. Looks like your Ma kept her promise after all Applejack.”

“I know,” Applejack said as she took the photograph. “Still can’t believe it.”

“Sing it for us Applejack?” begged Apple Bloom. “Please?”

Applejack stared at the lullaby. “I’ve been waitin’ so long to sing the whole thing. Can’t believe I finally get to do it.”

She cleared her throat, as she held the lyrics her mother had written. Just like she did up in the hayloft, all those years ago, she began to sing the lullaby her mother had left for her:

“Hey there little pear blossom, don’t you cry,

You are the pear of my eye,

Through stormy days I’ll always be with you,

Yes, I will be with you till the sun breaks through,

Oh little pear blossom, how I love you,

The stars are out, and the moon is bright,

Now is time to turn out the light,

Till morning comes, till the day is new

I’ll always be there, I’ll always come through,

Oh little pear blossom, how I love you.”

Granny Smith stared at the ground, the soft melody fading from the air as her eyes filled with tears.

“That sounded beautiful sis,” Apple Bloom said as she hugged her sister.

“It was as beautiful as I remembered it,” Big Mac said happily.

“Aww shucks everypony,” Applejack said, her face blushed. “I appreciate the kind words, but believe me, Ma sang it much better.”

Granny slowly stood up from the chair, her mind deep in thought as she made her way to the staircase.

“Granny?” Apple Bloom asked worriedly. “Where you goin’?”

She stopped at the foot of the staircase, her back turned away from her grandchildren. “Just need to write a letter, that’s all. Ya’ll go ahead and eat dinner. Food is gettin’ cold. I won’t be long.”

“A letter?” Applejack asked surprisingly, “A letter to who?”

She didn’t respond, but rather, made her way up the stairs and into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She took a seat behind her study table and shuffled through the drawers, eventually finding a blank piece of paper. Taking her quill pen, she dipped the tip into the black ink. However, just before the quill met the paper, she froze. She had never thought she would be doing this. Her mind began to race as she fearfully thought about all the possible consequences that would occur if she ended up writing and sending this letter.

In a brief instant, she remembered the lullaby Applejack sang just moments ago, the lyrics still fresh in her mind. She began to remember Buttercup’s angelic voice, hearing her sing that same song to her children all those years ago, hearing the sorrow in her beautiful voice.

Tears began to flow down her cheek once more, eventually falling onto the blank parchment that was on her desk.

Wiping them away, she dipped the quill into the ink.

“The past is the past,” she said to herself, “And it’s bout time we finally end this, once and for all.”

Prologue

Chapter 1: All Is Well

Love, an invisible force that is ever-present. It is something that everypony seeks, something that is long desired. At the same time, it is something that is easily overlooked, forgotten, neglected, yet it is always there, waiting patiently for anypony who looks for it eagerly. One can argue that it is the most powerful magic in all of Equestria. Dispelling darkness and evil, one has every reason to argue so, and yet... maybe it isn’t magic at all.

Yes, magic shares its qualities with love, both being enchanting and marvelous, yet magic is complex, exclusive to only a certain group of ponies. Love, however, is simple and available to everypony. There is no special incantation nor complex spell to conjure it. No. It is ever-present. Held within the hearts of all ponies, within the hearts of pegasi, alicorns, unicorns, and earth ponies alike. It transcends distance, time, and space; it binds each pony together, so that loved ones are never truly lost.

Yes, indeed, love is a remarkable thing...

Chapter 1
All Is Well

Cockledoodle doo!

The sound of a distant rooster echoed across the rolling green acres of pear trees, eventually making its way to a small wooden house, through a window, and into a small bedroom.

Groaning, an aged stallion, lying comfortably on a bed, began to open his eyes, awakening from a deep sleep.

“Morning already? Well then Grand Pear, you better get your old keister to it,” he muttered to himself as he stretched and inched his way out of his comfortable warm bed. “Those pears won’t pick themselves.”

He then made his way through his empty house and to the kitchen, grabbing a ripe green pear off the fruit basket lying on the kitchen table.

As he opened the front door, he was greeted with the cool, refreshing Vanhoover breeze. The rising sun shined gently on him, giving him some warmth from the chilly, northern air. The view was, of course, spectacular. The small hill he had chosen to build on offered a breathtaking view of the valley.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before biting down into the juicy pear. He stood there for a moment, admiring the beauty and majesty of all of his hard work before trotting down the stone path into the seemingly never-ending fields of pear trees.

He grudgingly pulled weeds that came across his way and harvested the sweet, juicy pears from the trees that were spread throughout the vast acres of land, fertilized the young saplings, then tilled the soil to make way for new pear trees.

Later in the day, he would take the harvested pears into his barn, where the fruit were made into tasty jams, cider, preserves, and other products. Later in the week, he would head into the Vanhoover market and sell his products to the eager townsponies, who quickly developed a strong liking to his merchandise.

This was the routine and life for him. Gone were the days of having his daughter help him work the land. For many moons, he fought long and hard to part away those precious memories and bury them to be long forgotten.

From sun up to sundown, he worked the fields, made pear products, and sold them in the Vanhoover market, all by himself. Since he moved from Ponyville, business was quickly taking off as ponies from across the town regularly ventured to his fruit stand, waiting eagerly to buy some of his delicious pears.

“All is well,” he told himself day after day, night after night. “All is well.”

But the past had a funny way of reminding him about what he had lost.

During a particularly sunny summer afternoon, as he was working the trees in the north field, closest to the main entrance, he heard a friendly, familiar voice call out to him from a distance.

“Hello! Mr. Grand Pear?”

Tending to a pear tree on a ladder, he quickly shifted his attention to the voice. Squinting his eyes against the bright sun, he could just barely make out the familiar image of a young stallion with a brown coat and thick blonde mane. He stood just a few yards away from behind the front gate and was wearing a postal hat and had on a large saddle bag.

“Sticky Stamp!” Grand Pear called out waving his hoof. He climbed down the ladder and trotted towards the gate. “Good to see you!”

“You too sir,” he said as he shook the older stallion’s hoof.

“What can I do you for?” Grand Pear asked.

“Well sir, I have quite a bit of mail for you. Just sign here,” he replied as he took out a clipboard and pen from his saddlebags.

“Now how many times do I have to tell you lad? Just Grand Pear will do,” he said with a smile, taking the pen and signing the receipt.

Sticky Stamp nodded and gave him a large packet of letters, held tightly together by a thick rubber band. “So Grand Pear, how has the pear season been?”

“Wonderful. Great so far. Business is doing very fine. Very... fine,” he answered, not paying much attention as he shifted through the mail.

“I know I say this time and time again, but I must say that your pear jam is simply delicious!” continued Sticky Stamp, trying to keep the conversation alive. “I never had anything like it before! I kinda wish you had moved here to Vanhoover sooner so I could have had it sooner!”

Grand Pear continued to shift through the mail silently.

“So… umm. I heard from some of the towns ponies that you’re originally from Ponyville right?”

At this, he successfully grabbed his attention. One of the larger letters slipped out of his hooves, and tumbled to the ground. Grand Pear snapped his head up and blinked a few times at Sticky Stamp. “I-I, yes. Though that was sometime ago.”

“Why that’s a good distance from Vanhoover," Sticky Stamp said as he picked up the letter and returned it to him. "Well, what made you move here?”

“A number of things,” he said with a sigh as he stared blankly at the ground. "Just needed a change of pace.”

“Well, I respect that. Vanhoover is a great place isn’t it? It’s a great a place to unwind and settle down. I grew up here my whole life an—“ He stopped, noticing a sudden change of expression on Grand Pear’s face. Grand Pear, who only a moment before, had a calm expression, quickly transformed into a bitter angry look, a look that caused him to become unsettled.

Indeed Grand Pear was angry, not at Sticky Stamp for being so talkative, but rather at what he was holding. In his hoof was a pink letter, a letter from a past he had almost long forgotten, a letter from Sweet Apple Acres. A flurry of angry emotions began to develop inside him, so much so that his hoof, which held the letter tightly, began to shake.

Sticky Stamp anxiously stared at him. “Grand Pear?” he asked softly, “Is everything alright?”

He snorted, and fiercely locked his eyes at him. “Now listen here,” he said angrily, “Next time you see a letter from this here pony, get rid of it! I never want to see a letter like this ever again! Do you understand me boy?”

Sticky Stamp took the pink letter from him. His eyes grew wide in wonder as he looked down at the letter to see who had sent it.

“Pear Butter?” he said in awe. “You two related or somethin’? It’s addressed from Ponyville…”

“That’s enough out of you!" Grand Pear shouted with tears in his eyes, "The only thing I want from you is my mail with not a single letter from that name and that address! For your sake boy, never bring this topic up again.”

Like an enraged bull, he stomped his hooves and marched away towards his house.

Years had passed since then. For Grand Pear, it was business as usual. He carried out the same duties and routines as before, however things were never quite the same since that letter made its way to his hooves. As he pulled weeds in the fields, his mind would picture Pear Butter’s bright colored mane, filled with sweat, glistening in the bright sun as she pulled the weeds in their old farm in Ponyville. As he picked the ripe fruit from the trees, his mind would remember the sound of his daughter's laugh as she stood on a ladder, gleefully picking fruit and tossing it down for him to catch, a game that she would love to play when she was a filly. As he stood patiently waiting for customers behind his fruit stand in the market, he would remember Pear Butter, standing with him in their old fruit stand in Ponyville as she eagerly talked to him about the exciting day that she had with her friends.

The memories he recalled were like a plague, an unwanted illness that he so desperately wished he could be cured from. Day after day, he slowly began engrossing himself in his work, hoping that in doing so, it would forever keep his mind away from those memories.

Until one day, while tending to the trees in the north field, the same voice that caused him so much pain from years before called out to him again.

“Mr. Grand Pear?” Sticky Stamp called out gently, standing behind the front gate. “Got some mail for you.”

“Just leave it in the mailbox like you always do,” he called out as he busily picked fruit from a tree. “No need for my signature.”

“Yes sir”, Sticky Stamp said quietly as he placed the letters in the mailbox. “Actually, sir? May I speak to you for a moment?”

Grand Pear looked at him sternly from atop the ladder. He slowly made his way down and then to the gate. “Yes?” he said calmly.

“I know you asked me to never bring this topic up again, and please, please don’t get angry sir. But I thought you should know that the pony who sent you that pink letter a while ago hasn’t sent you a letter for quite some time now,” Sticky Stamp said in a soft voice.

Hearing his melancholic tone, he proceeded to grab the mail from the mailbox, carefully trying to hide his interest. “So what? It shouldn’t be surprising, being that I never write back.”

“I understand that Mr. Grand Pear, but you should know that she has been writing to you almost every week for several years, up until recently that is.”

He froze with the mail held tightly in his hoof. He couldn’t believe that she continued to write to him frequently, despite him not writing back. Was she alright? He shook his head and turned his back from the young stallion, slowly making his way back to his house.

Sticky Stamp took off his hat and held it squarely over his heart. “You should know sir that I kept all those letters, hoping that one day, you would read them. I know that it probably isn’t my place to tell you this, but I feel that you should let go of any past feud you may have had with your family. My family is so precious to me and I haven’t got the slightest clue what I would do without them. I can’t imagine how hard it must be trying to keep that kind of love away. This, Pear Butter, obviously cares a lot about you.”

Grand Pear stopped in his tracks.

The lad is right, he thought to himself. But after all these years, after what he did, how could he ever set things right? How could a daughter ever forgive her father for leaving her at a time when she needed him the most?

Letting out a sad sigh, he slowly turned his head towards Sticky Stamp and gave him the answer he would tell himself time and time again, whenever he began to ponder about his family.

“The past is the past,” he said coldly. “Best not to dwell on it.”

Chapter 1: All Is Well

Chapter 2: A Bittersweet Lullaby

Chapter 2

A Bittersweet Lullaby

“Shhh… Shhh… Come now Sugarcube, don’t cry. Don’t cry. Mama’s here.”

The small, few month-old filly with a crimson mane, topped off with a red ribbon, cried louder now with tears pouring heavier across her face.

“Buttercup!" An old scratchy voice called out from downstairs. “You best get that little one to settle down ya here?! It’s been far too long since I had me a nice, quiet relaxing day. All this crying is making my old ears hurt. Perty soon I’ll be deaf! Well... I'll be even more deaf!”

“Sorry Ma!” Buttercup yelled back. She wiped the tears of her filly's face as the cries became louder. “Come now Apple Bloom, no need for all this crying.”

“Mama?”

Buttercup turned around, her eyes meeting another small filly. “Applejack, what are you doing here? Didn’t I ask you to help Granny and Big Mac with supper?”

“Yeah, but Granny told me to come up here to help you quiet down Apple Bloom. She says her ears hurt and that she’s going deaf. Well… she’s becoming even more deaferer," she said innocently as she looked at her mother with her small green eyes.

“Yes I heard,” Buttercup said with a chuckle as she walked over to her daughter, embracing her in one arm while holding the crying filly in the other. “So you want to help me calm down your sister hmm?”

Applejack nodded.

“Well then, good thing you came up just now. I was fixing to sing a little lullaby to your sister."

“Which one? Which one?” Applejack asked, bouncing up and down. “Hush Now Quiet Now? Or Sleep Now Little Filly? Or-“

“Actually,” Buttercup began, “I was going to sing Little Pear Blossom.”

“Little Pear what now?” she asked. “I never heard that one before.”

Buttercup swooped her up, now having both little fillies in her arms. “Sure you have. I used to sing this to you when you were Apple Bloom’s age.”

“I don’t remember that,” Applejack said, scratching her head with her hoof. “Are you sure?”

“I'm positive. It’s a lullaby that I don’t sing too often.”

“Why don’t you ever sing it?”

“It’s… well…” Buttercup said hesitantly. She looked into her daughter's curious eyes and let out a smile. “Quiet you. Just listen, okay?”

She began to gently sing a soft, soothing song above the crying.

Applejack’s small green eyes slowly began to grow in awe as the beautiful music slowly filled the air, with the crying now completely gone. It was like magic. She looked at her sister, and saw that the little filly had finally hit the hay, but then she noticed that her own eyes were starting to become heavy.

“Hey there little pear blossom, don’t you cry,

You are the pear of my eye,

Through stormy days I’ll always be with you,

Yes, I will be with you till the sun breaks through,

Oh little pear blossom, how I love you-“

The soothing melody began to trail off and her mother's voice began to crack. Opening her eyes and looking up, she could see that her mother's eyes were filled with tears. She was looking through the window that overlooked the fields of apple trees. She couldn't explain it, but Applejack could sense that she was looking beyond that, looking at something that lied beyond Sweet Apple Acres.

Buttercup desperately tried to continue as she moved her lips, but no sound, nor note, came out.

Applejack gently tugged on her mother’s gold mane. “Mama? Are you alright?"

Buttercup gasped as she looked down at her little filly, wiping the tears off with her shoulders. “Yes, yes,” she said softly, “I’m sorry Jackie. Sometimes this song makes your mama feel sad, that’s all."

“But the song is so beautiful,” Applejack said with confusion. “How could that make anypony sad?”

With a small kiss on her forehead, Buttercup gently placed her daughter back down on the floor. “Never mind that,” she whispered. “Why don’t you run along downstairs and continue to help with supper? I’ll be down in a minute.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Applejack said disappointingly as she slowly made her way out of the room.

Just as she reached the doorway, a large, well-built stallion, with an old brown hat, entered the room. He stood tall and mighty, and although his size was a bit intimidating to some ponies, his wide cheerful grin compensated for it.

“Papa! You’re back!” Applejack shouted excitedly, bouncing up and down once more.

“Shhh! Be quiet now,” he said, raising his hoof over his mouth. “You don’t want to wake up your sister now do you?”

“Oh yeah,” she said silently, ceasing her bouncing. “Mama and I worked very hard to get her to calm down. Actually, Mama did most of the work, but you should have been here Pa! She just sang the most prettiest song I ever heard and just like that, Apple Bloom went and hit the hay!”

“Oh is that so? Your Mama has the prettiest voice in all of Equestria,” Bright Mac said with a wide grin. “What song did sh—“, he paused, meeting his wife's red, teary eyes. She tried to hide the fact that she cried with a delicate smile, however he could clearly see through her guise.

“Ah. I see,” he said quietly. “Jackie, go downstairs and help your brother and Granny. We’ll be down in just a minute.”

Applejack made her way downstairs, sensing that there was more to the story of the lullaby. Maybe Big Mac could tell me something?, she thought to herself.

After Applejack had left the room, Bright Mac took off his hat and placed it on top of the dresser.

“How was the tree cutting at Burnt Oak’s?” Buttercup asked while placing the sleeping baby into her crib, “I’m guessing it went pretty well, being that you’re home so early.”

“Eeyup. Sure did. Ended up clearing an acre and a half of trees in under two hours.”

Buttercup looked at him with surprise. "An acre and a half?"

“I know, I know. Impressive right?” he gloated with a teasing smile.

"You know, honesty is one of the traits that I love most about you," Buttercup said, narrowing his eyes at him.

"Okay, fine. I might've exaggerated just a bit," he said with a nervous smile. “But enough about me, how have you been dear? According to Applejack, you had a little concert here just before I came in. Shame I missed it. Wish I could’ve been here. Sounded like it was lovely.”

She rolled her eyes and embraced her husband, putting her head snugly on his neck. “It was. Shame you weren’t here.”

“Is everything alright Buttercup? Sang that lullaby didn’t you?”

“Yeah,” she said with a sigh as she brushed her mane back from her face. “One of my favorites, but I always have a hard time just tryin’ to finish it.”

“I know,” Bright Mac said gently.

“It’s just that… I just wish… Why did he…” Buttercup said weakly, unable to find her words as her eyes began brimming with tears. “Why did he have to leave Bright Mac? And why wouldn’t he want to come back? I write almost every single week to him about Big Mac, Applejack, and just recently about Apple Bloom, and still no response. Doesn’t he want to meet his grandchildren? Doesn’t he want to see us, and… and… be there for them? To be there for us? To be there... for me?”

Bright Mac, tightened his grip around his wife, combing her mane with his hoof, just as he would always do whenever she would think about her father.

“I just miss him. I miss him so much."

***

In the kitchen, Applejack busily helped Granny and Big Mac set the table for supper. She laid out the place mats at each seat, as well as the plates, napkins, and utensils, while Granny and Big Mac were busy placing the freshly cooked food at the center of the apple wood table.

"That about does it!" Granny said with a smile. "I'ma freshen up before supper. Be right back!"

Seeing Granny leave, Applejack quickly ran over to her big brother and nudged him.

“Big Mac!” she whispered.

“What are you whispering for?” he asked in his booming voice.

“Shh! Would ya quiet down? I have a question for you. Do you know anythin’ about a lullaby that Ma used to sing for us?”

Big Mac looked at her sharply. “She sings a lot of songs Jackie. You need to be more specific.”

“It’s a lullaby called Little Pear Blossom. Does that mean anythin’?”

He froze. “You heard her sing that?”

“Yeah. To me and Apple Bloom just a short while ago. Why?”

Big Mac looked down at the floor, tapping his hooves anxiously on the wooden panels. “I only heard her sing it once when you were just a baby, about the same age as Apple Bloom. As beautiful as it sounded when Mama sang it, I couldn’t help but hear a bit of sadness in her voice. Did you?”

She nodded. “But why? Why does that lullaby make her sad Big Mac?”

He continued to lightly tap the floor. “You promise to say nothin’ to anypony?”

She nodded once again with eager eyes, anticipation building up inside of her.

Big Mac stopped his tapping, and let out a big sigh. “I don’t know much about it. I only heard Ma, Pa, and Granny talking about it when I was younger. Apparently there was some feud between our family, and another family, the Pears. From what I can piece, it hurt our family pretty bad, especially Mama.”

She looked up at her brother. “Who are the Pears? And what’s a feud?”

“I’ll tell ya what it is!”

Big Mac and Applejack quickly turned around, only to be confronted by a stern-faced Granny Smith. “It’s something that you two should never poke your noses in.”

“But Granny…” Applejack started to say.

But her response was met with a death stare. “Now you two listen close and listen hard. Never, ever talk about the Pears. Got it? It’s been really hard on all of us, especially your Ma. For her sake, and for yours, you best forget you heard any of this. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Granny,” the two siblings said together guiltily.

“We all set for dinner?” Bright Mac called out as he and Buttercup were climbing down the staircase.

“We’re all set in here!” Granny said proudly. Looking at the two fillies, she said in a cold tone, “Remember, not a word.”

Dinner at the Apples’ is nothing short of a feast. The long, apple wood dinner table was covered, head to toe with innumerable amounts of food, something that was expected every night. Fragrances of mashed potatoes, apple fritters, mac n’ cheese, and other delicacies filled the entire house. This was the best time of the day for Applejack, not just because she can stuff her face (although she enjoyed that very much) but the fact that she can sit down with her entire family. Talking is a must for an Apple family dinner. Stories of how each of the Apple family members’ day went are frequently told around the dinner table, accompanied with joyous laughter.

Like every other Apple family dinner, the food that night was amazing. It filled the mouth with a multitude of delicious flavors just as soon as it entered and touched the tongue. However, this Apple family dinner was different. The dinner table, as Applejack and Big Mac noticed, was quiet. Too quiet.

Clearing his voice and taking Buttercup’s hoof, Bright Mac finally broke the deafening silence. “Kids, Ma. We have an announcement to make.”

“Oh please!” Granny cried out, “Not another one!”

“Another what?” Big Mac asked, his mouth filled with food.

Applejack immediately leaped out from her chair. “You’re going to have another baby Ma!?”

Buttercup immediately spat out her water as she was taking a sip from her cup. “What!? No, no, no!”

“No Applejack, and no Ma,” Bright Mac said laughing, “We are definitely not having another filly.”

“Aww come on,” Applejack said to herself quietly as she slumped back down in her chair.

“Your Ma and I decided, that we are going to take a little trip,” said Bright Mac.

“Really!?” Applejack exclaimed, regaining her excitement. “Where we goin’?”

“Oh Jackie,” her mother began in a soft tone, “Only your Pa and I will be going.”

She leaped to her hooves once more. “What? What do you mean?”

“Yes indeed. What do you mean?” Granny Smith asked, raising an eyebrow at her son. “Where in blazes are you two going?”

“Buttercup and I need to… We need to tend to something. Something that has been long due for a fixing...”

Granny closed her eyes and nodded. “When are you two leaving?”

Looking up from his plate, Bright Mac made a forced grin. “Well… Ma… We decided to leave tomorrow mornin’.”

Granny spat out her food, nearly choking in the process. “Are you two serious? Just like that you two decide to take a trip all the way to Vanhoover without any proper time to plan? And what about Apple Bloom? You think I can take care of her by myself?”

“Ma, Pa…” Applejack began, “Why are you leavin’?”

Bright Mac let out a sad smile. “We have to go to Vanhoover to tend to some business, that’s all. Your Ma and I have always talked about taking this trip, but we have been delaying it for far too long.”

“But why now? Why can’t you just take the trip some other time?” Big Mac asked with the same sorrowful tone.

“I know this is a shock for both of you, but your Pa is right. We have been delaying this for far too long. Please understand that this isn’t easy for us either,” said their mother.

Applejack but her lip, feeling her tears building up from her eyes. “It’s about that lullaby you sang, isn’t it Mama? The one that made you sad?”

Her mother quickly turned to her in surprise. “Jackie...”

Applejack threw her fork down at the floor. “No! Just No! I don’t want any of you to leave! I want you both to stay here with all of us… and with me!” She got out up from her chair and then ran out of the kitchen towards the stairs.

“Applejack!” her parents called as she raced up the stairs and into her room, slamming the door behind her.

After an hour or so, she heard a knock on her door.

“Applejack?” her father called out calmly from behind the door.

“Can we come in?” asked her mother.

“Yeah,” she said sniffling, “I guess.”

Her bedroom door slowly creaked open, seeing in the corner of her eye the shadowy figures slowly making their way to her.

She continued to look down, her parents taking a seat on her bed, sandwiching her as she prepared to be scolded.

“You alright Jackie?” Bright Mac asked gently.

“No. I’m still a little angry at ya’ll,” she said looking down at the floor.

“Now, now. There’s no need for that,” Buttercup said soothingly as she lifted her chin with her hoof. “The last thing we need is for our little Applejack to be mad at us.”

She looked into her mother's teal blue eyes, her anger slowly melting away. “I’m sorry,” she said with a frown, “I just don’t want you guys to go.”

“I know sweetheart,” her mother said, embracing her as she wiped the tears off her freckled face. “Believe me. I wish we didn’t have to go either. But please understand, your Pa and I need to take this trip. We won’t be long. Why, we’ll be back faster than you can say apple jam!”

Applejack let out a little giggle. “How long will you guys be gone?”

“We’ll only be gone for a week tops,” said her father.

“A week?” she exclaimed, “That’s way too long. It’ll be so lonely without you guys."

“Jackie, you know that we will always be with you, no matter how far apart we may seem to be?” her father said calmly.

“How so?”

He lifted his hoof and placed it right over her heart.

“Because of this. Your mother and I will always be with you, because our love for you is so strong. The same goes for Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny. We will be with all of you… always."

Buttercup placed her own hoof over her daughter’s heart, right next to her husband's. “Don’t you fret Jackie. We’ll be back bright and early a week from now, so early that when you wake up, the first thing you’ll see is us."

Applejack was comforted by her parents words, trusting every single word that they had said. She hugged her parents as tight as she could, feeling their warm embrace, savoring every second of the precious moment.

“Mama?” she said gently. “Can you promise me something?”

“What is it Jackie?”

“When you guys come back, do you think… maybe… you could finish that lullaby you sang earlier today? I know it makes you sad, but…”

Buttercup took her hoof and held it tightly. “I promise."

“You Pinkie Pie swear?”

“Pinkie Pie, what now?” asked her father with a chuckle. “What in Equestria is that?”

“My friend Pinkie Pie taught me. Like this!”

Letting go of her parents, she performed the gesture taught to her by her friend. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

Her parents burst out laughing as she performed it, marveling at the strange (yet cute) routine.

Buttercup smiled as she began the same routine, mimicking every minute detail. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” She let out a laugh and looked at Applejack. "How was that?"

Applejack giggled with delight. "I think you got it!"

“Alright,” her mother began, “You best get some sleep now.”

Letting go of her, Bright Mac and Buttercup tucked her into bed, gave her a kiss on the forehead, and turned off the lights.

“Good night Jackie,” Bright Mac said softly.

“Good night Pa, Ma," Applejack said with a yawn, "I love you."

“We love you too Jackie, so much,” Buttercup said gently as she closed the door.

At this, she began to drift into a deep sleep, thinking about what her parents had said. She thought about how much they loved her, and about how much she loved them…

“Applejack!” called out an old voice.

“Huh?” gasped Applejack, waking up from her deep sleep.

“Applejack! You best get out of bed and get down here! Otherwise, there won’t be much breakfast left for you! Big Mac is eating all the eggs and flapjacks!” Granny called out from downstairs.

“Gah! Big Mac!” she exclaimed to herself, leaping out of bed. “You best hope there’s enough food for me Big Mac!”

She quickly fixed her bed, sprinted out of her room, and ran down stairs to the kitchen. She saw Granny, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom already seated at the table. Granny, holding the morning paper, was feeding little Apple Bloom in her high chair, while her brother was busy stuffing his face with flapjacks.

“Gee Big Mac,” said Applejack as she grudgingly pulled out her chair next to him. “Thanks for waiting.”

“Well we did try calling you,” he said without an ounce of guilt, “but you hit the hay pretty hard.”

Looking around, she noticed that her parents were nowhere to be seen.

“Don’t you worry little filly,” Granny began, “They didn’t leave yet. They’re outside prepping the carriage. Now, hurry up and finish your breakfast so you and your brother can help em.”

Applejack usually took her time eating to enjoy the delicious food, however she quickly cleaned her plate. After finishing, she took her dishes to the sink and bolted out the door to see her parents.

Outside in the front lawn, she could see that her parents were busily packing the family carriage with suitcases and supplies for the long journey ahead of them.

“Mama! Papa!” she called out, running towards them.

“Morning Jackie!” Bright Mac called, “you slept pretty hard! Wasn’t sure if you were ever gonna get up!”

“I almost didn’t!” Applejack said panting after she reached them. “When I heard Granny say that Big Mac was eating all the food, I woke up immediately and sprinted downstairs!”

“Is that so?” her mother said with a giggle. “I believe that.”

“You two fixing to head out?” called out Granny.

Turning around, Applejack could see Big Mac and Granny walking towards them, with a smiling Apple Bloom in Granny's arms.

“Yes Ma,” Bright Mac said as he secured the last set of luggage to the back of the wagon. “Looks like we’re all set to go.”

Applejack looked down at the ground, her father's words hitting her hard like a hammer.

“Remember Jackie, we’ll always be right here,” Buttercup said, taking her own hoof and placing it over her filly’s heart.

“I know,” Applejack said with a tearful smile. "I'll always remember that."

"Hey Jackie? I need you to do me a favor," Bright Mac said as he took off his old brown hat.

“Pa?”

“I want you to take care of this for me till I get back,” he said with a smile. “I can trust you, right?”

She took her father's hat and placed it on top of her head, the large brim nearly covering her small eyes. “You sure can," she said proudly. "You can count on me!"

Big Mac, who was silently standing next to Granny, began to quietly sob.

“Now I know my Big Mac isn’t crying now is he?” Buttercup said as she walked over to him.

“Nope...” he said as he looked away. “...Eeyup.”

“Come here,” her mother said as she held him in a tight embrace.

“Big Mac,” Bright Mac said in a firm, but loving voice, “My boy, promise me you’ll look after the family while I’m gone? Don’t let anything happen to your sisters, or Granny, okay?”

“Yes sir,” Big Mac said, wiping the tears off from his face. “I promise.”

“I love you son,” Bright Mac said as he hugged his boy.

Buttercup made her way over to Granny, taking cheerful little Apple Bloom from her arms.

“My little Sugarcube,” she began as she gently rocked her baby filly in her arms. “You be a good girl now ya here?”

“Mama?” said Apple Bloom in her sweet voice.

“Oh my lands!” gasped Applejack. “Ma, Pa! That’s her first word!”

"What? No fair!" Bright Mac said as he approached them. "Her first word was supposed to be Papa!"

“Papa!” repeated Apple Bloom.

With tears in their eyes, the two hugged their little filly, each leaving a small kiss on her forehead.

“Goodbye Apple Bloom,” Buttercup said with a smile as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Bright Mac returned Apple Bloom to Granny and then hugged his mother. “Ma? Will you be alright here?”

“Don’t worry about me,” Granny said with a smirk, “I have plenty of help.”

“I know you do," he said as he looked at his three children. He hugged his mother once more, a small tear rolling down his face. "I love you Ma."

“Bye Ma,” said Buttercup, hugging her mother-in-law as well.

“Goodbye you two,” she said softly. “Come back home safely.”

After exchanging their tearful goodbyes, Buttercup and Bright Mac made their way over to the carriage. Bright Mac, after helping his wife up onto the carriage, began strapping on his harness.

“We’ll be back!” called Bright Mac.

“We love you!” called out Buttercup as she waved her hoof.

Bright Mac began pulling his harness, the large bulky carriage slowly moving, eventually making their way out the front gate.

The remaining Apples stood in the front lawn, keeping their eyes fixed on the family carriage, which made its way up over a tall hill, until it disappeared from their sight.

Granny, holding Apple Bloom, and Big Mac began to make their way back to the house, except for Applejack, who remained staring at the hilltop.

“Applejack!” Granny called out to her before entering the house. “You don’t plan on standing there till they get back do you?”

Applejack didn’t mind that at all. She was perfectly fine waiting there till she saw her parents again, but in reality, she knew there was no sense in doing that.

“Alright Granny. I’m coming.”

After many days of waiting, the day finally came in which all of the Apples (especially for Applejack) were waiting for. She sat at the kitchen table, picking aimlessly at her breakfast. The night before, she had tried her hardest to stay awake as she laid in her bed the entire night, hoping to catch her parents returning. After all, they did promise that they’d be back before she woke up.

Big Mac sat at the table happily munching on his breakfast as usual, while Apple Bloom sat in her high chair, delighted that Granny was feeding her.

Noticing her other granddaughter picking at her food, Granny hit the table firmly with her hoof. “Applejack!"

“Gah!” Applejack exclaimed, dropping her fork.

“Up all night, weren’t you Applejack?” Granny said, staring suspiciously at her.

“And what makes you say that Granny?” she asked with a yawn.

“Lucky guess I suppose,” Granny muttered as she continued to feed Apple Bloom.

“Where's Ma and Pa? Shouldn’t they have arrived by now?” asked Applejack worriedly.

“Well, Vanhoover is a very good distance from here. I’m sure they’ll be here sometime today,” said Big Mac, his mouth filled with flapjacks.

Applejack was not content with his answer. She picked up her fork, placed it on the table, and got out of her chair. The thought of them not being here upset her to the point where she couldn't take another bite.

“And where are you going?” Granny asked with a glare.

“I’m going up to hay loft in the barn to wait for Ma and Pa,” she said as she opened the kitchen door.

“But you barely touched your food!” Granny said firmly.

“I’m not very hungry Granny. I’ll eat later though!”

She made her way out of the house and into the cool morning. She then ran into the barn, climbed up the rickety wooden stairs, and settled onto the dusty wooden floor of the hay loft. There, she sat comfortably near a large opening, overlooking the entire Sweet Apple Acres orchard. From here one has a clear view of the front gate, as well as the long dirt road that made its way up and over the hill, which was the last place she saw her parents. Here, she reasoned, was where she would stay while looking out for them.

She waited patiently, looking out from the barn, beyond the acres of apple trees, staring blankly at the hill where she last saw her parents, waiting to see them reemerge from the hilltop.

“They’ll be here soon,” she said to herself, “And I’ll be the first one to greet them.”

She continued to stare at the hill, with the gentle sun pressing on her face, giving her warmth, while the songs of birds from across the orchard filled the air.

“Jackie?” said a deep voice.

“Pa?” Applejack said softly, slowly opening her eyes.

She looked up, only to see Big Mac, with tears in his eyes, at least it looked like tears. She wasn’t sure, as her eyes were still heavy from sleep.

“How long have I been sleeping?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.

“I-I I'm n-not sure," he stuttered.

Applejack looked sharply at him, seeing much clearer now that he was indeed crying.

“Big Mac, what’s wrong?”

“Jackie,” he said, his voice shaking, “Ma and Pa…”

Applejack froze, her heart feeling as if it stopped beating. “What? What’s wrong? Are they okay?”

“Ma and Pa… they aren’t coming back,” Big Mac said looking down, tears rolling down his cheek. “Sheriff Silver Star came by just a bit ago and… and…”

Applejack took his hoof and held it tightly.

He looked at his sister, his eyes swelling with tears, as he let out a heavy sigh. “Sheriff Silver Star said that there was an accident. A few ponies who were passing through High Mountain Pass on their way to Ponyville found Ma and Pa’s carriage smashed to bits, lying at the bottom of a valley a good distance away from here. It looked like the carriage fell off the edge of the road and… tumbled down the cliff."

Applejack sat silently on the wood floor of the loft, staring blankly at the apple orchard that was now dimly lit by Celestia's setting sun. She reverted her gaze to the hilltop and paused a minute, taking in everything her brother had said, debating whether or not she should continue to ask questions.

“And Ma and Pa?” she asked reluctantly, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

“Sheriff said that a group of them went to the scene. They searched everywhere, but couldn’t find them. He said that there’s still a group of them searching right now. He said that he’s going to send more ponies to search first thing in the morning.”

Applejack leaped to her hooves, looking sternly at her brother.

“So they’re still out there then?”

“Jackie…”

“What are we still doing here? We need to find them! Now!” she said as she hurriedly climbed down the stairs.

“Applejack! Wait!” her brother called out, following closely behind her,” You can’t go out there! It’s getting dark! Don’t you know how far High Mountain Pass is? It’s miles away from here!”

But Applejack didn’t care. She needed to find them. They were out there. They just had to be. She was promised that they would be back, promised that they would be there before she woke up, and most importantly, promised that she would hear the rest of her mother's lullaby.

Applejack began to sprint out the barn, tears in her eyes. Where High Mountain Pass was, she did not know. All she had in mind was finding her parents. The thought of them out there, all alone in the wilderness, waiting to be rescued, gave her every bit of energy needed for a long journey.

With the sun setting and just barely over the horizon, the farm and its numerous trees started to become darker by the second. Looking up, she could seeing the Mare in the Moon slowly emerging into the night sky as the sun retreated. She continued to run towards the front gate, losing her balance a few times, but quickly regaining her momentum. She could barely see through her tears as the sunlight began to fade, however she could just barely make out the front gate only a short distance away. Behind her, she could hear heavy hoof steps growing louder and louder.

“Applejack!” cried Big Mac as he chased her through the dark orchards. “Applejack stop!”

But the little filly ran faster and faster, her heart beating so hard that it felt as if it were coming out of her chest. Just as she reached the gate, however, she felt a hoof grab her by the back, pulling her backwards. Unable to control herself, she fell to the ground, along with her brother.

The two siblings toppled, and rolled across the ground until they came to a stop.

Applejack struggled to get on her feet, slowly beginning to make her way to the front gate, but two strong arms pulled her back down.

“Let me go!" she shouted, violently thrashing in his arms. “Let me go! Please! I need to find them! I need to find them!”

But the hold became tighter, feeling her brother’s face pressed against her back, his warm tears beginning to soak her coat.

“Stop it Applejack! Stop! I promised Pa that I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. And I will keep my word!” he cried out, tightening his hold.

Applejack slumped to the ground.

“They promised,” she said weakly, a cascade of tears flowing down her face. “Big Mac, they promised!”

“Shhh,” Big Mac said as he combed his sister’s mane, calming her down. “I know, I know.”

“No. No you don’t understand Big Mac,” she began while managing to get out of his hold. “They promised they’d be back today and Ma promised! She promised that she would finish singing her lullaby for me when she came back.”

He hugged her, tighter than he did before. “I’m so sorry Jackie,” he said quietly, closing his eyes.

There the Apple siblings stayed, sitting on the grass holding each other in the cold airy night, with the moon and its mare, shining dimly on them.

After a few minutes, the two made their way slowly back to the house. Upon opening the door, the two saw Granny, her eyes tinted red with tears, sitting in one of the dining chairs holding a calm Apple Bloom. Seeing her grandchildren, Granny immediately got out of her chair and hurriedly ran towards them.

“Where in Celestia’s good name have you two been!?” she said fiercely. “I looked high and low for you two! You two nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“We’re sorry Granny,” Applejack began, unable to look at her grandmother. “Big Mac and I were-“

But her grandmother’s sudden embrace cut her off, a gesture that had her speechless. With tears in her eyes, she held Apple Bloom in one arm, while embracing her and her brother in the other. She has never seen her grandmother emotional, let alone cry. She had always maintained a tough shell, always telling them to "suck it up" and to "keep yer' head held high".

But not even Granny could withstand the overwhelming sorrow and pain. Applejack could feel her sadness, every gasp, every sniffle, and every wet tear she shed as she stood there, locked in a tight embrace with her family.

Without any words, the Apples stood there in the kitchen, embracing each other as they silently cried about the tragic events that unfolded. A day that was meant for joy and happiness, ended in bitter sorrow, the darkest day in which the Apple family has ever endured.

Days passed since then and no news was heard regarding the whereabouts of Buttercup or Bright Mac. The Apple family, once filled with so much joy and happiness, never fully regained that same feeling, as if that tragic night left a deep scar on the entire family itself.

Big Mac, albeit a quiet pony, fell even more silent since that night. Rarely did anypony hear him speak, even his own family. The only words anypony managed to get out of him were either a “Eeyup” or a “Nope”.

For Granny, she never dared to again show her sorrow in front of her grandchildren, although she, like the rest of them, felt torn inside. Never did she mention the reason for their parents' departure. For many moons since that night, she fought a silent battle within herself, blaming herself for losing her son and her daughter-in-law, two precious ponies that she loved so much, who became casualties in a pointless feud.

As for Applejack, she continued to make her way to the hayloft in the barn, staring blankly at that hilltop where she last saw her parents, hoping if she waited long enough, she would see her parents emerge.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. Still no news came through about her parents. But that didn’t stop her. She continued to wait there patiently, every day, up in the hay loft.

“They’ll be here,” she would tell herself time and time again while placing her hoof over her heart. “They’ll be here.”

One day as Applejack was lying up in the hayloft, she heard the hoofsteps of somepony climbing up the stairs.

“Applejack?” said a sweet, innocent voice.

Turning around, she saw her sister, Apple Bloom, now a few years old, clumsily climbing up onto the loft.

“Hey there Sugarcube,” she said calmly, “What are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same question sis,” Apple Bloom said as she sat her blank flank down next to her sister.

“Oh,” said Applejack as she put her arm around her sister as they both looked out across the endless fields of apple trees. “I like spending time up here, that’s all. Say, shouldn’t you be inside the house? Taking a nap?”

“Yeah, I know,” she said with a pout. “I can’t go to sleep though. I just lay there in my bed, but I can’t seem to hit the hay.”

“You know,” Applejack began, “I know a lullaby that I think would do the trick.”

“You do?” she said with excitement. “What?”

Applejack picked up her sister and placed her on her lap. “It’s a lullaby that our mama used to sing to us.”

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked, her eyes widening.

“Really. It’s called Little Pear Blossom.”

She began to sing a song, the same song her mother sang all those years ago. With each note, she began to remember that precious moment, that moment where her mother’s voice filled the air which carried her and her sister into a deep sleep.

“Hey there little pear blossom don’t you cry,

You are the pear of my eye,

Through stormy days I’ll always be with you,

Yes, I will be with you till the sun breaks through,

Oh little pear blossom, how I love you-“

She slowly began to stop, her voice becoming thinner, and her eyes filling with tears.

That was it. That’s all she knew to the song. She never got the chance to learn the whole song, that sweet, beautiful, amazing song.

Apple Bloom began to stir in her lap, talking softly in her sleep. "Applejack... keep singing please? It's... beautiful..."

“I'm sorry Sugarcube,” she whispered softly, rocking her sister in her arms, “It’s just that sometimes, this song makes me sad.”