Sweet Caramel Apple Storyby Majestical4729ChaptersPrologue: The Accidental FireCaramel's Actual Meeting with ApplejackTensions at DinnerCaramel's First DayApplejack, the Leader of the Apple FamilyRomantic Relationship DramaRomantic FallApplejack and Caramel, Leaders of the Apple FamilyPrologue: The Accidental FireAfter many non-ponies started inhabiting all over Equestria, many things had changed. With fire-breathing dragons and fire-generating Kirin around, many fire extinguishers were provided to every building. Unfortunately, a certain pony was not very lucky... That one fateful day, after shopping in the stalls, Caramel, a young adult male Earth Pony was headed back to his house. On his way, his girlfriend, Sassaflash bumped into him. "Hey, Caramel, bought more stuff for us, isn't it?" she asked in a somewhat flirty tone. "Yes, Sassaflash, and it's all for our anniversary, Sass," Caramel told her sweetly, causing her to blush and giggle. Suddenly, a kirin and a dragon whooshed by the ponies, causing every creature around to back off. The furious Kirin had turned into a nirik, who fought the dragon in a fire against fire battle. "Some creature do something!" one of the ponies panicked. Fortunately, Rainbow Dash and her boyfriend Soarin were nearby. Seeing the smoke and panic, they rushed off to help handle the situation. Gathering as many clouds as they could, the two Wonderbolts put out the fire, before it could burn any buildings. "Way a go, Rainbow Dash!" Soarin complimented. "You meant us! We both did it!" Rainbow hi-hoofed Soarin, before turning to the dragon and Kirin, "Alright you two. What was with that fire you caused?! What were you two mad at?!" "Well, this Kirin 'friend' said that dragons are nothing compared to a Kirin!" the dragon said. "Only because you were eating my gem decor!" the Kirin angrily scolded back. "Oh yeah?! At least I wasn't burning any buildings!" the dragon argued. "You both almost burnt some buildings back there?!" Rainbow reminded. "It's his fault!" the Kirin and the dragon pointed at each other. "Um, Rainbow Dash? This is kind of what you call...one of those friendship problems?" Soarin approached his girlfriend, "You've went on missions to solve problems like this before, how do you fix it?!" "Well, I'm afraid that as Element of Loyalty, I don't have the right skills for this kind of problem, but the whole team do! Minus Twilight..." Rainbow replied. "Can you two stop talking and do something?!" Sassaflash asked the Wonderbolts. "Yeah, those two fire-making troublemakers are right next to my house!" Caramel added. "Who are you calling, 'troublemakers'?!" the dragon and Kirin angrily glared at the ponies. "Or maybe you two should come to the School of Friendship?! You know, to learn to prevent fighting?" Rainbow Dash asked. "No way!" the dragon bellowed, accidentally shooting a fireball at Caramel's house. Right after that, every creature gasped to see a burnt house with fire on it, with the only creature speaking up was the dragon, who could only say, "Whoopsie." "My house!" Caramel cried, "NO!" This time, Pinkie Pie and her husband, Cheese Sandwich, wearing firefighter uniforms, arrived to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, spraying it at the furious flames which soon died out. "And that's the end of the fire, every creature! May it rest in peace!" Pinkie cheerfully told the crowd. "Who would want to say rest in peace to a fire?" Sassaflash sarcastically asked. "Me! Because I just did!" Pinkie Pie cheerfully replied in her pun-making tone. "My house!" Caramel cried, approaching the ruined house. "We're so sorry." the Kirin apologised. "As if one little 'I'm sorry!' can fix it!" Caramel angrily scolded the two, "Now I'm homeless all because of you two, where do you expect me to get enough bits to fix all this?! And a matter-of-fact, where do you expect me to live while my house is being built?!" "I wish I could help, Caramel, but my big family reside with me, so there's no place for you in my house," Sassaflash told her boyfriend. "But...I know somewhere you can live while your house gets built!" Rainbow told Caramel, "My Best Friend, Applejack has an extra bed for me whenever I have sleepovers with her! And since I'll be busy at Wonderbolts' training, I probably won't be using that bed. Meaning that it's open for some creature to use." "But do you think she'd allow me to...live with her?" Caramel asked, in a nervous tone. "Well, she's the most friendly pony I know, and always say that friends are like family, and the more the merrier! Everything will be fine!" Rainbow described, but Caramel still was not sure about living with the Apple Family. However, he still decided to live with farm ponies, as it was the only choice he had. Caramel's Actual Meeting with Applejack"Applejack! Look who's here!" Rainbow Dash knocked on the cowgirl's door. "Oh, howdy RD!" Applejack greeted, "So, what's the occasion? More work in exchange for pie to give to your boyfriend?" "Not exactly." Rainbow replied, before showing Applejack the homeless Caramel. "Oh, you got a new boyfriend?! I thought you..." Applejack begun, before Rainbow interrupted. "WHAT?! NO! Soarin's still my boyfriend, and this pony is just one of our friendly neighbourhood residents! He just got his house burnt by a fireball, which was part of an accident caused by a dragon and a Kirin's fight." Rainbow explained. "Applejack, isn't it?" Caramel asked, " The last time we noticed each other was when I pulled your carriage to the Grand Galloping Gala." "Yeah, and I remember the last time I talked to you or about you was during Winter Wrap Up when you kept losing our seeds!" Applejack angrily pointed out. Every creature else was taken aback to see Applejack so mad, before she apologised, "So sorry, I was just...angry that you lost some precious seeds that time. I just don't want it happening ever again." "Me neither. Making some creature upset is the last thing I ever wanted." Caramel responded. "Oh, really?! If that was true, how do you explain that you keep getting angry with my family not being able to make enough cider to the point that you boo us?!" angrily reminded him. "I'm so sorry about that too, Apple..." Caramel begun, before Apple Bloom showed up. "What in tarnation is going on, here?" the yellow-coated pony asked. "Apple Bloom! If you must know, a certain pony who has bad history with our family is here, and I don't like it!" Applejack answer angrily, shocking every creature. "I thought you said that she's friendly!" Caramel turned to Rainbow, who could only let out a nervous chuckle as a response. "Isn't he here to just buy some apples or our crops?" Apple Bloom asked, trying to calm down her big sister. "Unfortunately, he lost his home and needs a place to stay," Rainbow explained, "And since AJ always has an extra bed for my sleepovers here, I figured to let Caramel..." "STAY HERE?!" Applejack angrily asked, before complaining, "No way, RD! There's no way I'm letting a seed-loser threat live with me, nor my crops! Nor anywhere near my family!" "What is all this ruckus about?!" Granny Smith, the famous elderly of the Apple Family asked, walking out of the farm. "Granny!" Applejack called, before trotting to the old pony, "If you must know, a pony in Ponyville lost his home, and RD suggested letting him stay here with us!" "Until his home is fixed, that is!" Caramel added, annoying Applejack even more. "And he has a horrible history with the Apple Family, or mostly, us! I got angry with him for losing seeds during Winter Wrap Up, he booed us and kind of supported Flim and Flam during Cider Season when we can't make enough for every pony back there, and now he wants to stay with us?!" Applejack furiously explained. "He doesn't have any other choice!" Rainbow clarified. "Oh, really?! Why not ask every creature else in town? There are hundreds of other houses where you can choose from!" Applejack asked Rainbow and Caramel. "AJ, not every creature has the friendly personality you have! That's why I thought that you..." Rainbow tried explaining to Applejack, but she refused to listen. "CAN KEEP HIM?! As if! He's just going to lose all my precious, valuable seeds or boo my family for our failures or worse, both!" Applejack argued, before Granny Smith broke the fight. "ENOUGH, every creature!" the elderly shouted, before turning to her granddaughter, "Applejack! Shame on you! We Apples are meant to be family, and willing to treat any creature, most likely, our costumers, like family! As in, be friendly towards them! This pony here may not be family, but he's still one of our customers, and most importantly, he isn't even Flim and Flam! Right now, he's lost his home and came here seeking help, we should help him, regardless of what he did." "But...but..." Applejack protested, before furiously shouting, "FINE! Keep him all you want, Granny, but don't blame me when he lose our seeds, or hurt us with his booing, or both!" The orange-coated pony left the scene, leaving the mares with Caramel, with Apple Bloom apologising to Caramel, "I'm so sorry about my big sister, she's just...concerned about our farm." "I'm sorry too," Rainbow Dash added, "I told you that my Best Friend is friendly, which totally convinced you to come here, only to be so...un-welcomed." "It's actually alright," Caramel replied, scratching his head, "Applejack actually has a point, I do have a bad history with you Apples, I can see why she's mad at me." "It's okay, dear." Granny Smith approached the stallion, "Applejack's just taking farm duties really seriously. Probably because she's going to be Leader of the Apple Family so soon." "Leader of the Family?" Caramel curiously asked. "That's right." Granny Smith explained, "It is a tradition in our family to be led by the descendant of our first-ever leader, who was a mare. To respect her, we made it a rule for the Leader of the Sweet Apple Acres Farm, and Apple Family, to always be the eldest daughter or the eldest child of the leader who came before them, and pass them the ancient family-tradition scarf that she wore." "And since my big sister is Granny's oldest daughter, she'll be the Leader of the Apple Family when Granny retires!" Apple Bloom explained. "I actually wanted to pass my role to AJ around now," Granny Smith confessed, "But after seeing how she acted towards one of our customers, I figured that it has to wait; I can't leave the Apple Family to be led by an unforgiving Apple!" "Calm down, Granny, I'm sure Applejack will become forgiving some day," Caramel assured. From behind the fences, Applejack overheard every word from the conversation, and was not happy about it at all. "UNFORGIVING?! I was just trying to save our family and farm! I can't believe Granny doesn't want me to lead all because of my behaviour towards a threat to our work! I have to show her some how that letting that pony stay is the biggest mistake she's ever made!" Applejack angrily said to herself, before walking away. Tensions at Dinner"And here's where you'll be staying," Rainbow Dash told Caramel, pointing at the bed she used to sleep in whenever she had sleepovers with the Apples. "RD sleeps here only during sleepovers," Apple Bloom explained, "But since she got Wonderbolts' stuff, she comes here less and less. So now, it's totally free for you to use it!" "Wow, thanks, every creature." Caramel thanked the mares, "I just can't believe that you all are willing to be this nice to me, even after what Applejack said and reminded you all about me." "It's just what we do in our family," Granny Smith replied, "Hopefully some creature will put that to heart." "Are you talking about Applejack?" Caramel asked. "Yes, I am." Granny Smith replied, before every creature heard Sugar Belle's calling. "Come on, Apple Family! Dinner's served!" "It's your dinnertime already?! That means..." Rainbow panicked and flew to the window, "It's dark already! And I'm supposed to have dinner with Soarin! I got to go! So long, every creature!" After the pegasus' departure, Granny Smith turned to Caramel, "So, what do you say? Are you ready for your first dinner with us Apples?" "Totally! But some creature..." Caramel began, before being cut off by Apple Bloom. "Let me guess...Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yes. Applejack. I mean, she really doesn't seem to like me, so shouldn't I TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM HER?" Caramel asked. "Calm down, Caramel! You're our guest! We'll help you," Granny assured. At the dining table... "WHAT?! Now all of you guys are treating him...as a guest?!" Applejack furiously asked in disbelief, watching her entire family welcoming the one pony around whom she viewed as a threat. "Come on, Applejack! Back when you and your friends came to Our Town, I totally didn't view you as a threat." Sugar Belle reminded her sister-in-law. "That was a totally different story!" Applejack protested, "My friends and I don't have any history with ya'll before we visited, while he has! And it's not any good at all for creature sake!" "Just give him a chance, like you and your friends gave Starlight a chance!" Sugar Belle advised. "Just enjoy your dinner, every creature!" Granny Smith instructed the family, "Leave AJ to me." Every creature did as Granny told them, as the elderly pony approached her granddaughter for a one-on-one talk. "Applejack, I know how seriously you take your duties, but you can't be so unfriendly towards our guest! It'll ruin our reputation in less than a moon!" Granny Smith told the cowgirl. "But I can't have some creature who loses our seeds, or boo us when we fail, or do both of those horrible stuff around! We have an important duty as the food producers of Ponyville and all over Equestria!" Applejack pointed out. "I know, Sugarcube, but right now, this pony is in need. If we help him, he may not be the threat you view him as anymore. He may grow into a good apple tree for every creature, like we all do." Granny Smith pointed out. Looking into her grandmother's eyes, Applejack sighed, "I will try my best to believe you Granny," "Good, now go, dinner's getting cold." Granny Smith urged. Walking back to the Dining Table, Applejack was shocked to see the dinner gone without a trace, before she suddenly heard some noises in the Kitchen. Following the noise, she found a sight that she never wanted to see; Caramel was cooking her and Granny Smith's dinner in a saucepan! "What in tarnation are you doing?!" the farmer asked, in a furious tone. "Well, since you and your Granny's dinner was getting cold, I thought of warming it up for you..." Caramel explained, before getting cut off by the enraged Applejack. "Granny already tasted her dinner! And since you mixed mine to it, the only pony who can safely eat it is her! You NUTS!" Caramel was really insulted and hurt by Applejack at that very moment, that he sadly ran off to his temporary shelter, crying out loud, "Why can't you be any friendlier?!" "Because you ain't so friendly to my farm and family yourself, Caramel!" Applejack answered, before Granny Smith entered. "Applejack! What is it now?!" Granny Smith asked, obviously knowing that Applejack had hurt Caramel again. "He mixed my dinner with yours, leaving me with nothing to eat! When he put the in the same saucepan to warm them up after they got cold, that is." Applejack honestly explained. Granny Smith was mad to hear what happened, "Applejack..." she begun, "You really gone too far! Caramel was just being thoughtful, but mad a mistake! He had good intentions and just didn't think about his method carefully." "What about Discord?! He had good intentions to boost Twilight's confidence, but didn't think about it carefully either! Bringing back Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow..." Applejack protested, before being cut off by her angry grandmother. "That is very different, Applejack! Discord's crime was a million times worse, meaning that Caramel's mistake was a million times better, and you should have appreciated the fact that mixing our dinners together ain't the worst!" Both mares began breathing heavily, before calming down as their anger vanished. "I'm...so sorry about everything that's happened, Granny. I was a real rotten apple back there." Applejack apologised, taking off her hat and holding it against her neck. "I forgive you, Applejack, but the real pony you should apologise to isn't me." Granny Smith told her would-be-successor. "You're right." Applejack replied, knowing who her grandmother was talking about. Caramel was sitting sadly on his temporary bed, with Apple Bloom trying to cheer him up. "Caramel, I'm really very sorry about my big sister's attitude. I guess she can get very impatient at Tims," the yellow-coated pony explained, before the mentioned big sister appeared. "I'm really very sorry too," Applejack approached Caramel, "Caramel, I never should have gotten so angry at a thing as small as ruining my dinner, especially when it's a dinner I usually have. It's not really worth getting so mad at, when there are a million things even worse than it. I honestly owe you an apology." "Applejack, I'm sorry to." Caramel responded, to Applejack's shock, "I kept losing seeds during Winter Wrap Up, boo your family for your failures like every pony else did, supported Flim and Flam when their cider-making machine came in, hurting your feelings." "I am angry at the thought of that, but if I can forgive my maternal grandfather, Grand Pear, for what he did to my Mum, there's no reason why I can't forgive you for what you did to my family a long while ago." Applejack replied. "Thanks for your forgiveness, Applejack," Caramel cried, with tears flowing out of his eyes. "You okay?" Applejack asked, gently patting his back to comfort him. "Yes. It's just tears of joy." Caramel answered. The two Earth Ponies embraced each other for a moment, before parting off with Applejack saying, "Let's just get some shuteye, now, shall we?" Applejack asked. "Of course, Applejack, you really are friendly like what your Best Friend said." Caramel commented. Applejack blushed for a while, before covering it with her hat and replying, "I guess I kind of am when I'm not mad." The cowgirl then departed while Caramel headed back to his bed. Caramel's First DayThe next morning, after sunrise, Caramel joined the Apple Family for breakfast at the Dinning Table, with Applejack warmly serving every creature cereal. "Howdy, Caramel! Would you like some cereal with us?" Applejack asked, in her usual `friendly tone. "You really mean it?" Caramel asked, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Of course I do, as part of my apology for what happened last night." Applejack replied, holding her hat against her chest once again, to show that she was sorry. "Come on, Applejack. You don't really need to do all this, I was actually planning to go shopping for my meals." Caramel explained, "But since you already made my breakfast, I suppose I can accept it." "Then enjoy it while you can, Sugarcube." Applejack told her guest, before sitting on the table to join her family. After finishing their meal, the Apple Family cleared the table and was ready to part ways and do their work. Their guest Caramel stopped every creature by asking, "Wait, what about me?!" Turning to him, Applejack suggested, "Well, since I can't risk you losing any more seeds, figured that the best job you can do is housework." she then handed him a mop, bucket, broom and duster before instructing, "Clean the barn while you can, and make yourself good for something!" "Applejack! Are you sure you should treat him like some maid?! Or...janitor?!" Apple Bloom asked in a confronting tone, "He's our guest! And Granny wants you to..." "Actually, I'm alright with it," Caramel told every creature, before explaining, "You may treat me like your guest, but I would still like to help you in return for your help. And since I wasn't on good terms with you before, I would like to make amends for that by helping you in any way I can. I accept chore duty." The hours flew by and soon, the whole Apple Family returned home from their work. Applejack was surprised to see the barn so shiny and clean to the point she jaw-dropped. Caramel then appeared and greeted her, "Applejack, you're back! I thought of putting in a little extra effort to make this barn all clean for you and your family to thank you all for your kindness." "It's just...so... clean. It's not like anything I've ever seen!" Applejack commented. "Well, that's because while you all were gone, Sassaflash came by to check on me, and I asked her to buy some polishers using my bits. But the main point is, it's my gift for you and your family in return for your help." Caramel explained. "Aw, shucks. You really didn't have to do all this, Caramel! Helping others is what my family, friends and I do, we don't expect others to give us rewards." Applejack responded, "But since you already did it, I accept it." "Oh, Applejack. Doesn't what you just said to me sound familiar?" Caramel asked, trying to remind her something. "Familiar? What are you talking a..." Applejack asked, in a startled tone, before realising, "Oh, you mean what you said this morning about me doing a favour for you, then you said that it wasn't necessary, but accepted it anyway because it's already done?" Caramel chuckled before replying, "Yes, I am. Applejack, I know that it's only been two days since our actual meeting yesterday, but it seems like we've already gotten along, despite what happened yesterday." "Yeah, and I'm still really sorry about how I strongly believed that you were a threat because of your past, Caramel. I should have believed that you could have changed from your old ways, like Twilight did." Applejack apologised again, still feeling sorry and regretful for what she did the day before. "Applejack, you can stop apologising, I've already forgiven you. And, I still kind of feel regret for how I acted and was back there during Winter Wrap U and Cider Season. After you reminded me of what I did, it just can't leave my mind, it makes me feel awful and I would like to keep apologising for it." Caramel admitted. "It's alright, a single apology is all that's needed." Applejack assured, placing her hoof on his shoulder. "Would you two come join us for dinner, or what?" Apple Bloom asked. The two grown-ups turned to look at Apple Bloom watching them from the door. "Dinner's ready! And it's about to be served!" Apple Bloom stated. "Oh, thanks for telling us, Sugarcube! We'll be on our way!" Applejack called to her younger sister. After Apple Bloom walked away,, Caramel turned to Applejack, "So, we're on good terms now?" "Of course, we are! That's why family and friends do! Forgive each other for our mistakes, start a new, and the bad past would not matter anymore!" Applejack answered. "Great. Because I really looked forward to making peace with you," Caramel told the cowgirl, before getting her response. "To be honest, I really didn't think about making peace with you, because I was so furious, but now, I can feel that making peace with you is something I wanted." Applejack confessed. "So, we really...made peace with each other?" Caramel asked one last time, to check and confirm. "Absolutely by a hundred percent." Applejack confirmed, as they walked straight to dinner. Applejack, the Leader of the Apple FamilyA few days had passed with the same routine repeating itself over and over; the Apple Family gathering for breakfast, heading off to do their business, and returning home for dinner. With each passing moment together, Applejack and Caramel seemed to have became closer and warmer towards each other. One fateful morning, Applejack and Caramel left the Farm together to do some delivery, with the mare pulling a wagon of apples, while Caramel carried the bags that were meant for the bits they would earn for selling the fruit. "I can't believe that you are finally trusting me enough to let me go out in public with you, Applejack!" Caramel told his companion. "You did a great work cleaning my barn for days! I thought that you should try something else, as in, help in some other way." Applejack replied. "So, does that mean, you don't want me to clean your barn anymore?" Caramel asked, expressing concern. "I never meant that! It's just...I don't just do apple-bucking or farm duties only! Sometimes, I cook! But my main point is, in this family, every creature helps in more ways than one, doing two or more tasks." Applejack clarified. The two Earth Ponies then made their first delivery at Carousel Boutique, the residence of Rarity, one of Applejack's best friends. "Oh, hi Applejack!" Rarity greeted, answering the door. She was surprised to see her Best Friend with a stallion whom she(Rarity) barely knew. "And who is this?" the unicorn asked. "Oh, Rarity, I would like you to meet Caramel. He's my guest currently and temporarily as he will move back into his house when it's rebuilt." Applejack explained. "Applejack is telling the truth, Miss Rarity," Caramel added, "I'm helping her with some of her chores during my stay, and she's just trusted me enough to let me do some deliveries with her. Rarity squealed after hearing what the two Earth Ponies said, to their confusion. "Uh, Rarity? What's it that you're squealing about?" Applejack asked. "What's it that I'm squealing about?" Rarity replied, unable to control her excitement, "It's just...that...I can't believe it! Finally, Applejack, you've found your true love!" "What?! Rarity, the truth is..." Applejack begun, before being cut off by Rarity. "I've always believed that you will find your true love someday like many creatures do, and now, it's happening! By the way, if some tomboyish pony like Rainbow Dash can find a gentle colt she loves, so can you, and you did!" "Rarity, Caramel and I are just friends! And right now, he's my..." Applejack tried to explain, but was cut off by her sister's voice. "Applejack!" "Apple Bloom?" the orange-coated mare asked. Apple Bloom raced towards Carousel Boutique, telling the ponies, "Applejack! It's Granny! She wants to see the whole Apple Family right now!" "Now?! But...my deliveries...I haven't..." Applejack begun, before Caramel told the farmer, "Don't worry, I'll check on them while you're gone." "No way! Granny says that she wants to see Caramel, too!" Apple Bloom told the ponies. "Don't worry, AJ, as your Best Friend, I'll watch your deliveries!" Rarity announced, stepping out of her Boutique. "Thanks, Rare." Applejack thanked the unicorn, before leading the Earth Ponies towards the Barn. Upon reaching the Farm, the trio stopped to see the whole Apple Family gathered at the Barn. "Whoa, are all those ponies your family?" Caramel asked. "Yes, they are." Apple Bloom replied. "But...if we were having a huge family meeting, Granny would have announced it weeks ago..." Applejack stated, before she realised that something unfortunate was happening, "It's Granny! No!" The cowgirl raced towards the Barn, leaving a confused Apple Bloom and Caramel behind. "Applejack! What do you mean, 'It's Granny'? Is something wrong?" Apple Bloom called out. "Her time has come." Applejack sadly replied, causing Apple Bloom to gasp. Inside the Barn, old Granny Smith was coughing and wheezing with her grandson Big Mac and his wife Sugar Belle taking care of her. "More soup, Granny Smith?" Sugar Belle asked, levitating a bowl of warm soup with her magic. "Granny Smith sipped the soup a little, before thanking her granddaughter-in-law. "Granny!" Applejack and Apple Bloom called, arriving at the scene. "Applejack, Apple Bloom, you came." Granny Smith said in a weak tone. "I came here too, Granny Smith." Caramel approached, showing himself to the elderly pony. "Caramel, I'm afraid that I won't be giving orders to any member of the Apple Family anymore, so the the duration of your stay won't be dependent on my decisions; I hope you can understand." Granny Smith told her guest. "I...understand, Granny Smith. Don't worry...my house is about to be ready, I'm sure I don't have to stay long." Caramel replied sadly, not because he was afraid of losing his temporary home, but because he realised that Granny Smith was indeed about to finish her life. "Apple Bloom," Granny Smith turned to her youngest grandchild, "I hope that you'll remain strong and true even without me, and no matter who bullies you." "Granny, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon aren't my enemies anymore," Apple Bloom pointed out. "Bu there might be more bullies than just them, there are chances of you running into them, and you might get bullied because of your age, you just became a teenager...you got to stay strong, and always do what's right, no matter what a bully does." Granny Smith explained. "Don't worry, Granny, I may have made a payback mistake once, but it won't happen again...even when you're not around." Apple Bloom saluted. "Big Mac," Granny Smith called, "I hope that you can finally speak up more often, to any creature and every creature, as we can't have some creature silent on our Farm. We are meant to be friendly and nice," "I won't let you down, Granny." Big Mac promised. Granny Smith then faced her granddaughter-in-law, "Sugar Belle, you may not be born an Apple Family member, but you will always be treated like you were one, and will continue making the delicious Apple Treats. for our guests and costumers." "I will, Granny Smith." Sugar Belle nodded. "Applejack," Granny Smith called, "I actually wanted to pass my role as Leader of the Apple Family to you before leaving, but I didn't because of how harsh and unforgiving you were. I hope that now, in my absence, you will be the forgiving, friendly, pony that I need you to be. Especially now that everything that happens to our family will be your responsibility. Please, lead them and take care of them, well." "I will, Granny, I promise." Applejack saluted. "I know you will," Granny Smith said, using her last breath, before her eyes shut forever, causing every creature to let out a waterfall of tears. Apple Bloom sadly leaned against her elder brother, while Sugar Belle comforted Big Mac. "Goodbye, Granny." Applejack sadly nuzzled her paternal grandmother's body, before turning away to let out her tears. Caramel, watching Applejack cry, felt sorry for her, approaching her, "I'm so sorry, Applejack." Leaning onto him, Applejack cried, "Thanks, Caramel, for your...support." The ponies walked out of the Barn, facing the whole Apple Family. "Should we tell them?" Apple Bloom asked. "Of course, we have too." Applejack sadly answered, "Maybe I should do it." "Or maybe I can do it? If...you'd like...or accept?" Caramel offered, knowing how difficult it was for Applejack and her family to say what they had to say without being overwhelmed by their sorrow. "Sure. Since it's going to be hard as fighting a dozen Timberwolves for us to tell." Applejack agreed. Caramel stood up and faced the crowd, announcing, "Members of the Apple Family, from near and far, we have some very unfortunate news; Granny Smith has just...passed away." Many ponies gasped followed by crying, and comforting each other. The other elderly ponies sadly wept as they mourned for their life-long leader's passing. Applejack then sadly took over the announcement, "I know that we all are sad, but we have to stay strong without her. And like old times, we Apples host funerals for our family members in the field." That afternoon, the Apple Family members sadly queued up to drop off their cards for Granny Smith, placing them on her dead body before joining Applejack and her immediate family. Once all the family members had given their cards, dirt was filled into the pit, covering Granny Smith's body. "Every creature, thanks for making it to Granny Smith's funeral, to see...the last...of her," Applejack sadly announced to the crowd, barely able to control her tears, "Now, with her gone...its time...for me to lead you all...the ceremony shall begin at sunset, so...you better get ready for it." The crowd then departed to prepare for the upcoming ceremony that was just around the bend. Applejack then let out a sigh, which Caramel quickly took notice of. "You okay, Applejack?" he asked. "No, I'm not." the cowgirl replied, "My Granny has always been there for me after my parents are gone, now that she's gone...I don't have some pony, or some creature who would always be there for me." "What about your best friends?" Caramel pointed out. "I was talking about family." Applejack clarified, "There won't be any other creature in my family to always be there for me; Big Mac has Sugar Belle, while Apple Bloom's too young!" "I know that I'm not anything like your best friends or family, but...I would like to be there for you like a friend or family member would," Caramel admitted, "If you like that," Applejack looked into Caramel's eyes, sensing that he was indeed telling the truth, before replying, "Thanks, Caramel. I really needed it." "Applejack!" Rarity called, as she galloped towards the farmer, followed by their best friends. "We heard that...that.." Rainbow Dash begun, but failed o say the rest of the sentence. "That Granny Smith is...is" Pinkie Pie tried to finish the sentence, only to find out that she was unable to say it as well. "It's okay, ya'll." Applejack assured, with tars flowing out of her eyes. "Applejack, are you sure it's alright?" Princess Twilight Sparkle asked in a concerned tone. "It may be really hard for me, but I'm sure I can accept it that Granny's gone...leaving me in charge of the Apple Family..." Applejack replied, before gasping as she realised what she just said. "In charge of the Apple Family! Oh no, it's almost sunset! And I told them all that the ceremony will happen then!" Applejack panicked, before galloping to the Barn. "What about your deliveries?!" Rarity asked, "I can't keep them in my Carousel Boutique forever!" "Just keep them till next morning! I'll deliver them then!" Applejack called back. "It's alright, Applejack knows what she's doing," Carameltold the farmer's best friends. "And who are you, Mister?" Pinkie Pie asked the stallion. "Guys, this is Caramel," Rainbow Dash introduced, "His house got burnt down by a dragon by accident, and he's staying with Applejack's family until it's rebuilt." "I'm so sorry about your home," Fluttershy approached Caramel. "It's okay," Caramel responded, "My house is almost done, and it will be any day now." "You sure are lucky to have a friendly pony nearby," Spike stated. "And for a second I thought that Applejack is finally getting a special some pony or some creature." Rarity commented, causing Caramel to blush for a brief moment. Later at sunset, every creature was gathered at the Barn, with Applejack's cousin from Appleloosa, Braeburn giving out an announcement, "Apple Family members, from near and far, today's a big important day for all of us. For many years, Granny Smith served as our leader, but now, the time has come for her granddaughter, Applejack, to lead. And no matter how much things change, we will always remember our beloved Granny Smith. Now, without further ado, I present to you all our new leader; Applejack!" The new Leader of the Apple Family then stepped up in front of the crowd, and had the ancient Apple Family-tradition scarf that Granny Smith wore placed on her neck by Braeburn. Looking at the audience, she took in a deep breath delivering her first-ever speech as leader, "Every creature, I would like to thank you all for your support, and for coming. Now that I'm Leader of the Apple Family, I'm going to be very busy with all my duties, but I'll still be able to make time for all of you. You still can treat me as for normal or the way you used to, but I really hope that all of you can be forgiving and friends no matter what, like Granny Smith wanted me to.. Thank you all for listening." The crowd cheered as Caramel approached Applejack, "Nice speech, Leader of the Apple Family." Applejack blushed a little, before replying, "Aw, shucks. You really didn't need to complement me, Caramel, I was just doing my job." "So, you don't want me to complement you?" Caramel asked. Applejack nodded," What I meant was, you can complement me if you'd like, I totally appreciate." "Whatever you say, Applejack." Caramel replied, before asking, "So, now that you're the leader, does it mean that it's time for me too...leave?" "Not until you got a place to stay in," Applejack answered, "In other words, you can stay until your house is completely rebuilt." "Aw, thanks, Applejack! You really are the friendly pony they all say you are!" Caramel thanked. Slightly blushing, Applejack responded, "Good to know that you think so, too, Caramel." Romantic Relationship DramaThe day after the tragic passing of Granny Smith, Applejack and Caramel went through Ponyville making deliveries that were supposed to be delivered the previous day. The final delivery was for Sassaflash, Caramel's girlfriend, whom he dated since Twilight was sent to Ponyville. "You have a girlfriend?" Applejack asked Caramel, after hearing him say that Sassaflash was his girlfriend when Applejack found Sassaflash's name on the list. "Yes, we have been together forever, or most likely after Twilight moved into Ponyville." "That was ages ago, how come you two weren't married?" Applejack asked. "Probably because we didn't have enough money to make our whole future happen," Caramel explained, "Do you know how many bits it takes to have a wedding? Or how many bits it takes to buy a house? Or, have a baby?" "But...you already got your own house!" Applejack pointed out. "Actually, that house belongs to my late grandparents," Caramel explained, "Some creature has to take care of their things, so I moved in, and soon met Sassaflash, of course." "So, then...how come you two...started dating?" Applejack asked. "Well, we started out as just friends, of course. But then, when we found out that we have the same rest timings and have a habit of visiting the same cafe at the same time every week, we became closer...and then...we fell in love." Caramel described his story, before giving out a lovestruck expression. Applejack seemed a bit uncomfortable to see Caramel daydreaming about a mare, which started to make her wonder why. Was she jealous to find out that he was in love with another mare? But why? Shaking her head, she quickly reminded Caramel, "Let's just deliver her apples to her." Caramel knocked at the door, before calling, "Sassaflash! It's me, Caramel! We use to date, remember?" The Earth Ponies were in for a rude surprise when Sassaflash only opened the window a little, to tell them, "What do you want? Especially, you, Caramel! Ex-boyfriend!" The two Earth Ponies gasped in shock to hear what Sassaflash said, with Caramel asking, "Sassaflash, what do you mean by 'ex-boyfriend'? Were you just joking?" "No, I am not." Sassaflash responded in a serious tone, "Caramel, did you know how much I cared about you? That I visited you everyday at the farm, or most likely, spied on you to ensure you're fine? I saw every moment you got close to that Applejack after you made up with her? The blushing, the conversations, the getting close and warm...but the main point is; you two became so close that it was like you had romantic feelings for each other! I wished that what I saw yesterday was a dream, but it wasn't!" "What was it?" Caramel asked, confused.. "The part when you comforted Applejack when Granny Smith's gone! You were like a real couple!" Sassaflash angrily blurted out. "Look, Sassaflash, Caramel and I were just friends; And the only reason we were together was because we were making our friendship strong, and we came here just to deliver your order a week ago." Applejack honestly told the furious pony, but got a response she did not expect. "Uh, try to reason with me all you want, you two! You can have your apples back, because I don't want anything to do with something that came from you Apples!"Sassaflash huffed, a second before some creature called her name. "Sassaflash! What's going on, here?" the creature asked. "Oh, Cool Chiller! Thank goodness you came!" Sassaflash called out to the pegasus. "Meet my boyfriend, Cool Chiller, you two, losers!" Sassaflash insulted Applejack and Caramel, "He comforted me when I was betrayed by you, Caramel!" "This is all a misunderstanding! Sassaflash, I've never loved Applejack!" Caramel tried to explain, not realising what he was saying, he hurt Applejack's feelings, leaving the farmer shocked. "Applejack!" he turned to the said pony, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean what I just said..." Wiping out the tears from her eyes, Applejack angrily responded, "Well, if you never loved me, I will just stay away from you for the rest of your stay, and kick you out of the farm when your house is done!" the Earth Pony angrily stormed off. "Applejack, wait!" Caramel called, but she did not look back, leaving him heart-brokered. "Oh, looks like the bat ends up with no creature on his side!" Sassaflash taunted, before hanging out with her boyfriend Cool Chiller, leaving Caramel behind. At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack angrily walked through the fields, before halting when she heard Caramel call out to her. "Applejack, wait!" "Oh, if it isn't the one pony whom I said was a threat, and he really is," Applejack sneered. "Listen, Applejack. What I said back there wasn't true; saying that sentence was an accident! I was trying to get Sassaflash to see that I wasn't in love with..." Caramel explained, before Applejack cut him off. "ME?! Well, tell her all you want! Because actions speak louder than words! It'll take an action to convince her that what you were saying wasn't a lie!" "The truth is I was trying to..." Caramel begun, but Applejack angrily cut him off again. "Get her to like you again?! Well, if that was possible, I would love to see it happen!" While the ponies argue, they did not notice that not so far away, Doctor Whooves was conducting a test for his new Automatic Weed Chopper, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders accompanying him. "Are you sure it's safe?" Scootaloo asked. "Of course it is! Unless something goes wrong," Doctor Whooves responded. "Maybe we should test it on some weeds before using it to cut the farm's wheat?" Sweetie Belle suggested. "Relax, I've got it all under control," Whooves said, leaning on his machine and accidentally activating its High Power mode, causing the ponies to back away in fear. "Uh oh..." The next second, the machine charged through the field like a mad bull, and headed straight for Applejack and Caramel! "Applejack, watch out!" Caramel warned, seeing the danger behind her. As fast as lightning, Caramel saved the farmer by pushing her out of the way, and getting hit by the invention himself. "Caramel!" Applejack cried, rushing towards the stallion, while Doctor Whooves and the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed. "Caramel, Caramel! Wake up! Are you alright?!" Applejack shook the said pony's body, until his eyes started to open. "Applejack, I'm sorry abut what I said. That sentence is not true; I didn't never love you, I actually do love you, and the love grew with each passing moment." Caramel admitted. Applejack looked into his eyes, before responding, "I know Caramel, I know. That sacrifice really proved that you loved me, or mostly cared about me. Come on, you need to get to the Hospital, right away." The farmer then used her strength to carry Caramel to the Hospital whee he was treated and bandaged. He exited the room with a bandage around his head and body, before meeting the Apple Family. "Caramel, you're alright!" Applejack hugged him happily. "I'm so sorry about thinking of bringing Doctor Whooves' machine to the farm, if I didn't, none of this would happen! And now...we've spent money to pay for his treatment!" Apple Bloom apologised. "It's alright, Apple Bloom, it was really my mistake," Doctor Whooves declared, "As the creator of the machine, its harmfulness is my fault, so here are the bits that I should pay for Caramel's injuries." The scientist handed a pile of bits to Applejack, who thanked him for it. "Thanks, Doctor Whooves. Now it's the for us all to go home." the farmer turned to the Apple Family, "Come on, ya'll. You too, Caramel." "You...really mean it?" Caramel asked in disbelief. "Yes, I do. And, I'm so sorry about saying that once your house is done, I'm going to kick you out of the farm. Ireally take that awful sentence back, as you will always be welcomed at my farm." Applejack apologised, holding her hat against her chest. "And you will always be welcomed to see and visit me," Caramel replied, before he and Applejack stared into each other's eyes like a couple. "Applejack! Where are you, big sister?! It was your instruction to head back! And now you're the last one?! Especially since you're the Leader of the Farm?!" Apple Bloom called out, breaking the romantic atmosphere. "Coming!" Applejack and Caramel called back, before racing each other out. Romantic FallAfter their Hospital visit, the Apple Family returned home to sleep through the night. The next morning, Rainbow Dash visited the farm, to see Caramel once again, telling him, "Guess what? Your house is all in top shape and ready to go!" "That's great." Caramel commented, before Applejack approached him sadly. "But, that means that it's time for you to go." "Applejack, " Caramel comforted, "I'll always be nearby. I live in Ponyville, just a few hundred metres away from the farm! We'll see each other. When we can." "Please remember what we did for you," Applejack pleaded the stallion in front of her. "I always will," Caramel replied, before sharing a hug with the farmer. The rest of the Apple Family residing at Sweet Apple Acres then arrived at the scene to say goodbye to their guest. Apple Bloom handed him a photo of him and the family, Sugar Belle gave him a delicious Caramel Apple, and Big Mac gave him a pillow with an apple pattern. Caramel thanked the whole family for their kindness and shared one last hug with them before leaving. The following days, Applejack got many visits from Caramel, whenever he bought some apples. They soon started to grow closer and closer, as they participated in public events together. They eventually winded up confirming their romantic relationship by dating as girlfriend and boyfriend. During the events of 'A Cloudsdale Wedding'... At the Train Station, Caramel waited for his girlfriend, as they had promised to meet at the location. "Caramel!" Applejack called, running towards him. "Applejack! You made it!" he responded, hugging her. "Of course I have! But unfortunately, I can't spend much time with you; being the Head Chef and one of my best friend's bridesmaids will keep me apart from you!" Applejack sadly stated. "Calm down, AJ! We really don't need to be close all the time to maintain our relationship, plus, we'll get plenty of time to be close at the Reception," Caramel assured her. "Right, thanks, Caramel, see you later," Applejack winked "See you later, too, apple of my eye." Caramel winked back. That night... "Applejack! There you are!" Caramel gallops towards his girlfriend, when she reached their Hotel Room. "What's wrong?" he asked her, noticing her frown. "Rainbow Dash decided that she doesn't want me to be one of her bridesmaids anymore! She replaced me with my little sister Apple Bloom, and placed me in front row because she figured that I should take a break!" Applejack answered. "That doesn't sound very nice of her," Caramel commented. "Do you think I should just...accept it?" Applejack asked. "Well, I can tell that you're upset, but cheer up, be positive. Maybe your friend just figured that you need to take a break from being a bridesmaid; I mean, you've been a bridesmaid for three times already!" Caramel responded, "Beng a bridesmaid at Cadance and Shining Armor's Royal Wedding, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich's wedding, Fluttershy and Discord's wedding, that's a lot of times!" "Thanks for cheering me up, Caramel." Applejack thanked her boyfriend. "Anything, Sugarcube," Caramel replied in a romantic tone, as he and Applejack stared into each other's eyes. The next day, when the wedding was taking place... "You're here!" Princess Twilight Sparkle greeted her best friends, when they arrived. "Of course we are, darling!" Rarity claimed. "Why wouldn't we be here for Rainbow Dash's wedding? It's her best day ever!" Fluttershy added. "Even though she decided to replace us with the CMCs?" Applejack asked, reminding the group of what their 'friend' did. "I know it doesn't sound nice of her to do that," Twilight commented, "But look on the bright side, she gave you all front row seats, next to your loved ones. And, she only did so because you all have been bridesmaids for a lot of times," "That she figured that we should take a break, which is very thoughtful of her," Fluttershy commented. "Pinkie Pie!" Cheese Sandwich called. "Cheese Sandwich!" Pinkie rushed to her beloved husband, "Oh, cheesy! Can you believe that this time, for the first time in forever, I get to attend a wedding with you, sitting right next to you?!" "Yes, and I'm all ready for it, with extra cheese!" Cheese Sandwich joked, causing the party pony couple to laugh. "Fluttershy!" Discord called, appearing out of nowhere. "Discord! You made it!" Fluttershy hugged him, before they flew off to their seats. "Rarity!" Spike approached, "There you are! Are you ready to sit together with me for the first time at a wedding?" "Of course, Spikey-Wikey! I've waited for years to do so!" Rarity dramatically exclaimed. Applejack felt happy for her best friends, watching them sit with their special some creatures at a wedding, for the very first time. Suddenly, she felt a warm familiar hoof touching her shoulder. She turned to see the handsome stallion of her dreams, her boyfriend, Caramel. "Applejack, here you are. Are you ready to attend a wedding with me, for the first time?" he asked, reaching out his hoof. Blushing, Applejack took his hoof and responded, "I am." The Earth Ponies then walked to their seats in the front row. together to join their friends, before more creatures arrived. "So, are you still upset about being replaced?" Caramel asked his girlfriend. "To be honest, I am still a little upset, but being with you had really lifted up my spirit," Applejack admitted, "It's like...you know what they call...a blessing in disguise." "So you're saying that getting to sit next to me is better than beng Rainbow Dash's bridesmaid?" Caramel asked. "In a way you can say it..." Applejack blushed, "And it really warmed my heart." The music then started, as the doors were opened to let the newly weds enter. Applejack let out a tear of joy, watching how lucky her 'Best Friend' was at that moment. Caramel placed his hoof onto hers, before she romantically leaned against him. However, not long after the newly-weds reached the platform... "STOP!" Scootaloo shouted. "YOU'RE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE!" Gilda the griffon added. "Uh, can't those two jerks ever stop being so rude?!" the annoyed and frustrated 'bride' blurted out, causing every creature to gasp in shock. Applejack could not believe what she was seeing and hearing, "Did RD just called two of her friends jerks?!" "I mean, why do they have to ruin my best day ever?!" the 'bride' began to fake her despair, before a voice said: "Because it is not YOUR best day ever! It's MINE!" The real Rainbow Dash appeared, giving every creature a shock. "What?! Rainbow?! Urgh, I never should have trapped them near you!" the 'bride' angrily blurted out, causing the crowd to stare at her in shock. "I don't understand; how can there be two Rainbow Dashes?!" Applejack asked. "What is going on here?!" Twilight demanded to know. "She's Lightning Dust!" the real Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "She dyed her coat and mane to impersonate me, tricked me into chasing her to a hidden crystal cave maze where she trapped me and hurt me, and is doing all of that for her own amusement, just like old times!" The crowd watched in horror as Rainbow's imposter revealed her true appearance to them, with Rainbow's best friends huddling close to their love interests. "Right you are, RAINBOW DASH!" Lightning sneered, "I told you that we are rivals for life, and I kept my word. We're still rivals, and since you still criticised me even when I changed my ways to endangering only my fellow Washouts and myself, I figured to take it to EXTREME, this time!" Hearing what Lightning threatened, Caramel stood in front of his girlfriend, with the intentions of protecting her from harm. Every creature whimpered upon hearing what Lightning threatened, before she continued, "I actually wanted to hurt JUST YOU, but then I figured it was so not worth it since you're the Element of Loyalty, and the fact that there's nothing more loyal than sacrificing yourself to save who you're loyal to, so I figured," She stopped for a second, before using her most wicked, threatening tone,"That the only thing that can make you miserable the most is HURTING EVERY CREATURE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT! STARTING WITH YOUR SPECIAL SOMEPONY!" Rainbow Dash gasped in horror before crying, "NO! NOT SOARIN!" Applejack was furious with Lightning Dust at that very moment, to the point that she attempted to march towards the horrible pegasus, but Caramel held her back. "What are you doing?!" Applejack angrily asked her boyfriend. "What's best for you!" Caramel replied. Before Applejack could respond, Twilight confronted Lightning Dust, "You may have succeeded in deceiving us all this time, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, you're going to have to fight ALL of us," Twilight declared, before every creature at the wedding joined her standing up against Lightning. However, Lightning was not scared one bit, she laughed, "Oh, please! You creatures should have been wiser about where you choose to have big events!" With that, the wicked pegasus took out a small but powerful marble and threw it to the floor made of clouds. Seconds later, the clouds became extremely soft, before every creature standing on it fell through! Applejack and Caramel screamed alongside their friends, while the creatures capable of flight tried their best to catch every creature in time. Spike managed to save Rarity, while Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich saved themselves by using their clothes as parachutes. Fluttershy flew through the chaos, catching every creature she could save. During the fall, Caramel tried to get the rescuers' attention by waving and shouting, "Hey, over here! Help!" Unfortunately, the savers were too overwhelmed by the situation and still could not save him and Applejack. As the Earth Pony couple got closer and closer to the ground thanks to their gravitational potential energy converting into a lot of kinetic energy, they began to fear that they would wind up as the unlucky unsaved creatures. Applejack was terrified to the point she began to cover her eyes, a moment before Caramel's hooves touched her. "What are you doing?!" the farmer asked. "In case we don't get caught, at least you'll have more chances of survival," he told her, placing himself right in front of her, so he could be a landing pad for her. "No, you already sacrificed yourself to save me once, I don't want it happening again," Applejack told him. "It's worth it, Applejack; you deserve to live more than I ever do, you saved Equestria a dozen times, you're a beloved heroine, and Leader of the Apple Family. You're a lot more important than I am!" Caramel explained. "But, you're important too!" Applejack told him, "Hero or not, you're still important to some creatures! Every creature's life is precious to some creature else! And yours...is the treasure of mine." The couple looked into each other's eyes for a moment, before they were caught by Twilight's magic. "Hang on!" the alicorn shouted, before levitating the ponies to safety. Looking up, they saw a huge blast of magic that sent Lightning Dust far away from Equestria, for good. Upon being saved, Applejack and Caramel shared a hug to express how they were to survive, alongside every creature else. Later, at the real wedding, Applejack shed a tear to see her real Best Friend getting married. Caramel looked at his girlfriend lovingly for a brief moment, before they turned their attention back to the newly-weds. At the reception, the Earth Pony couple watched as the newly-weds embraced each other from a distance, before Sweetie Belle sang, "Love is in bloom. A beautiful bride, a handsome groom. I said, love is in bloom. You're starting a life and making room for us." The guests all begun to pair up and dance, causing Caramel to ask Applejack, "So, now that every creature's dancing, will you like to dance with me?" Applejack blushed before taking Caramel's hoof, "I do," The Earth Ponies then broke into a dance alongside their friends, with Applejack's best friends watching her. "It's finally happening!" Rarity exclaimed, "Applejack's got her true love!" "They're so cute!" Pinkie squealed, before taking a picture of the couple, surprising them. "Here you go, AJ! A photo to remember this moment!" Caramel and Applejack blushed for a while to see the photo, and know that their friends were watching. But they quickly got by it and thanked their friends for their support. Applejack and Caramel, Leaders of the Apple FamilyAfter leaving Cloudsdale and returning to Ponyville, Applejack and Caramel could not talk about anything except for what a wonderful time they had, attending and dancing at Rainbow and Soarin's wedding. It was like a magical night at Cinderella's ball from the famous fairy tale, minus the rushing departure to make it enjoyable to the end. "That wedding was everything delightful," Caramel commented, "And of course, I'm talking about the real one, not the fake." Applejack laughed, "Oh Caramel, you really are getting honest, just like me," "You're right, Applejack," Caramel chuckled, "I really am starting to become like you...in personality, that is." "So far I can see is your honesty and support," Applejack commented. "While I can see how much of a family we have became," Caramel replied, "In other words, we're as close as family members are." "Yeah, we are." Applejack agreed, before the couple sang a love song: Applejack sang, "How are we so different, and still so much the same?" Caramel sang, "Why do I start smiling, every time I hear your name?" Applejack sang, "Sometimes I think that you can be, a reflection of me," Caramel sang, "Still, there's something deeper," Both gazed into each other's eyes as they sang, "More than what we see... There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel sang,"Seems like I have grown up, so much since I met you," Applejack sang,"Like it's been forever, but everything is new." Caramel sang,"We had some great adventures," Applejack sang, "We also had some fun." Caramel sang,"Shame to think it's ending." Applejack sang, "Or, has it just begun?" Both sang, "There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel sang, "You have the leadership, and the strength to take command," Applejack sang, "You have the support, that I always wished to have." Both sang, "Working together," Applejack sang, "I finally understand, that having you here by my side, will help me lead this land!" Both sang, "There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel and Applejack ended their song by sharing a warm nuzzle, as the sun started to rise, creating a beautiful background by lighting up the land. "We really make a very good pair," Applejack commented. "Totally, I just wish that we can be of the same family, for real..." Caramel sadly lamented. "Wait, you do wish that we can be a family?!" Applejack asked, in shock. Caramel blushed as cold sweat flowed down his face before he sighed, "Yes, I really do. It's just, we've been so close ever since I spent time with you and your family. You all feel like my family, and where I belong." "But what about your house?" Applejack asked, "It belonged to your real family, and you are meant to look after it," "That is only a place," Caramel explained, "You Apples are real creatures who make me feel like I'm with my family," Applejack smiled before responding, "Aw, Caramel, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard you say about my family, but if you were to live here, no creature's going to watch your house, and you already paid the bits to rebuild it!" "I think I have a solution," Caramel replied. A few days later, the Apple Family and their friends were gathered at Sweet Apple Acres, to attend a remarkable event; Applejack and Caramel's wedding. The mayor of Ponyville stood under the trees Bright Mac and Pear Butter planted during their wedding a generator ago, waiting for the bride and groom. Every creature watched as Applejack and Caramel walked down the path towards the mayor, crying out tears of joy. "I can't believe we attended two weddings in half a month!" Pinkie whispered to her best friends, who agreed before turning their attention back to the newly-weds. "And I can't believe it's the first one-of-my-best-friends' wedding that I don't have to pronounce the bride and groom," Twilight commented, heaving a sigh of relief as she finally got to attend a wedding as a guest. "It is my great pleasure, on my third Apple Family wedding, that I now pronounce you, husband and wife, as well as Leaders of the Apple Family!" the mayor announced, allowing the couple to share their romantic kiss. The Wonderbolts then appeared, performing their areal flight show for the occasion, ending with Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom. After the performance, Rainbow and her husband Soarin joined the rest of Rainbow's best friends. Soon, Caramel's house became the residence of some of the members of the Apple Family, as they moved into Ponyville to start new lives and families, expanding the population of Apples. After the events of 'The Last Problem'... "Applejack!" Caramel called to his beloved wife, upon seeing her. "Caramel, so good to see you again after meeting with my best friends," Applejack replied, "So, how's the family?" "Great and sweet, just like they are meant to be," Caramel responded, "I just took our kid to my house to visit your relatives, and they really got close," "Good to know that family's alright, so how about the farm?" Applejack asked. "It's running great as usual," Caramel answered, "Big Mac harvested the apples, Sugar Belle created and sold apple treats, our relatives harvesting all sorts of crops, and all the deliveries were delivered." "Great! I'm so grateful that I made the right decision to make you the Co-leader of the Apple Family" Applejack responded, romantically staring at his eyes. The next moment, the couple's daughter arrived, she had her mother's green eyes, father's coat, and maternal grandfather's mane. "Mum, you're back!" she greeted Applejack. "hi, sugarcane, so how's your day at Aunt Apple Bloom and UncleTender Taps and her relatives' house? Or, should I say...your Dad's former house?" "It was crowded as usual; I mean, ten ponies living in one house?! That's the nosiest home, ever!" the filly dramatically exclaimed, causing her parents to laugh. "Well, since everything's as for usual I suppose we all call it a night," Applejack announced. "And, you should get some rest, apple of my eye," Caramel told his wife, romantically staring into her eyes. "Sue thing, sweet Caramel," Applejack replied, romantically looking at him. The Leaders of the Apple Family then looked at each other romantically as they walked towards the barn with their daughter. Author's Note The song Applejack and Caramel sang in this chapter is derived from The Lion Guard song, 'We're of the Same Pride'.
Prologue: The Accidental FireAfter many non-ponies started inhabiting all over Equestria, many things had changed. With fire-breathing dragons and fire-generating Kirin around, many fire extinguishers were provided to every building. Unfortunately, a certain pony was not very lucky... That one fateful day, after shopping in the stalls, Caramel, a young adult male Earth Pony was headed back to his house. On his way, his girlfriend, Sassaflash bumped into him. "Hey, Caramel, bought more stuff for us, isn't it?" she asked in a somewhat flirty tone. "Yes, Sassaflash, and it's all for our anniversary, Sass," Caramel told her sweetly, causing her to blush and giggle. Suddenly, a kirin and a dragon whooshed by the ponies, causing every creature around to back off. The furious Kirin had turned into a nirik, who fought the dragon in a fire against fire battle. "Some creature do something!" one of the ponies panicked. Fortunately, Rainbow Dash and her boyfriend Soarin were nearby. Seeing the smoke and panic, they rushed off to help handle the situation. Gathering as many clouds as they could, the two Wonderbolts put out the fire, before it could burn any buildings. "Way a go, Rainbow Dash!" Soarin complimented. "You meant us! We both did it!" Rainbow hi-hoofed Soarin, before turning to the dragon and Kirin, "Alright you two. What was with that fire you caused?! What were you two mad at?!" "Well, this Kirin 'friend' said that dragons are nothing compared to a Kirin!" the dragon said. "Only because you were eating my gem decor!" the Kirin angrily scolded back. "Oh yeah?! At least I wasn't burning any buildings!" the dragon argued. "You both almost burnt some buildings back there?!" Rainbow reminded. "It's his fault!" the Kirin and the dragon pointed at each other. "Um, Rainbow Dash? This is kind of what you call...one of those friendship problems?" Soarin approached his girlfriend, "You've went on missions to solve problems like this before, how do you fix it?!" "Well, I'm afraid that as Element of Loyalty, I don't have the right skills for this kind of problem, but the whole team do! Minus Twilight..." Rainbow replied. "Can you two stop talking and do something?!" Sassaflash asked the Wonderbolts. "Yeah, those two fire-making troublemakers are right next to my house!" Caramel added. "Who are you calling, 'troublemakers'?!" the dragon and Kirin angrily glared at the ponies. "Or maybe you two should come to the School of Friendship?! You know, to learn to prevent fighting?" Rainbow Dash asked. "No way!" the dragon bellowed, accidentally shooting a fireball at Caramel's house. Right after that, every creature gasped to see a burnt house with fire on it, with the only creature speaking up was the dragon, who could only say, "Whoopsie." "My house!" Caramel cried, "NO!" This time, Pinkie Pie and her husband, Cheese Sandwich, wearing firefighter uniforms, arrived to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, spraying it at the furious flames which soon died out. "And that's the end of the fire, every creature! May it rest in peace!" Pinkie cheerfully told the crowd. "Who would want to say rest in peace to a fire?" Sassaflash sarcastically asked. "Me! Because I just did!" Pinkie Pie cheerfully replied in her pun-making tone. "My house!" Caramel cried, approaching the ruined house. "We're so sorry." the Kirin apologised. "As if one little 'I'm sorry!' can fix it!" Caramel angrily scolded the two, "Now I'm homeless all because of you two, where do you expect me to get enough bits to fix all this?! And a matter-of-fact, where do you expect me to live while my house is being built?!" "I wish I could help, Caramel, but my big family reside with me, so there's no place for you in my house," Sassaflash told her boyfriend. "But...I know somewhere you can live while your house gets built!" Rainbow told Caramel, "My Best Friend, Applejack has an extra bed for me whenever I have sleepovers with her! And since I'll be busy at Wonderbolts' training, I probably won't be using that bed. Meaning that it's open for some creature to use." "But do you think she'd allow me to...live with her?" Caramel asked, in a nervous tone. "Well, she's the most friendly pony I know, and always say that friends are like family, and the more the merrier! Everything will be fine!" Rainbow described, but Caramel still was not sure about living with the Apple Family. However, he still decided to live with farm ponies, as it was the only choice he had.
Caramel's Actual Meeting with Applejack"Applejack! Look who's here!" Rainbow Dash knocked on the cowgirl's door. "Oh, howdy RD!" Applejack greeted, "So, what's the occasion? More work in exchange for pie to give to your boyfriend?" "Not exactly." Rainbow replied, before showing Applejack the homeless Caramel. "Oh, you got a new boyfriend?! I thought you..." Applejack begun, before Rainbow interrupted. "WHAT?! NO! Soarin's still my boyfriend, and this pony is just one of our friendly neighbourhood residents! He just got his house burnt by a fireball, which was part of an accident caused by a dragon and a Kirin's fight." Rainbow explained. "Applejack, isn't it?" Caramel asked, " The last time we noticed each other was when I pulled your carriage to the Grand Galloping Gala." "Yeah, and I remember the last time I talked to you or about you was during Winter Wrap Up when you kept losing our seeds!" Applejack angrily pointed out. Every creature else was taken aback to see Applejack so mad, before she apologised, "So sorry, I was just...angry that you lost some precious seeds that time. I just don't want it happening ever again." "Me neither. Making some creature upset is the last thing I ever wanted." Caramel responded. "Oh, really?! If that was true, how do you explain that you keep getting angry with my family not being able to make enough cider to the point that you boo us?!" angrily reminded him. "I'm so sorry about that too, Apple..." Caramel begun, before Apple Bloom showed up. "What in tarnation is going on, here?" the yellow-coated pony asked. "Apple Bloom! If you must know, a certain pony who has bad history with our family is here, and I don't like it!" Applejack answer angrily, shocking every creature. "I thought you said that she's friendly!" Caramel turned to Rainbow, who could only let out a nervous chuckle as a response. "Isn't he here to just buy some apples or our crops?" Apple Bloom asked, trying to calm down her big sister. "Unfortunately, he lost his home and needs a place to stay," Rainbow explained, "And since AJ always has an extra bed for my sleepovers here, I figured to let Caramel..." "STAY HERE?!" Applejack angrily asked, before complaining, "No way, RD! There's no way I'm letting a seed-loser threat live with me, nor my crops! Nor anywhere near my family!" "What is all this ruckus about?!" Granny Smith, the famous elderly of the Apple Family asked, walking out of the farm. "Granny!" Applejack called, before trotting to the old pony, "If you must know, a pony in Ponyville lost his home, and RD suggested letting him stay here with us!" "Until his home is fixed, that is!" Caramel added, annoying Applejack even more. "And he has a horrible history with the Apple Family, or mostly, us! I got angry with him for losing seeds during Winter Wrap Up, he booed us and kind of supported Flim and Flam during Cider Season when we can't make enough for every pony back there, and now he wants to stay with us?!" Applejack furiously explained. "He doesn't have any other choice!" Rainbow clarified. "Oh, really?! Why not ask every creature else in town? There are hundreds of other houses where you can choose from!" Applejack asked Rainbow and Caramel. "AJ, not every creature has the friendly personality you have! That's why I thought that you..." Rainbow tried explaining to Applejack, but she refused to listen. "CAN KEEP HIM?! As if! He's just going to lose all my precious, valuable seeds or boo my family for our failures or worse, both!" Applejack argued, before Granny Smith broke the fight. "ENOUGH, every creature!" the elderly shouted, before turning to her granddaughter, "Applejack! Shame on you! We Apples are meant to be family, and willing to treat any creature, most likely, our costumers, like family! As in, be friendly towards them! This pony here may not be family, but he's still one of our customers, and most importantly, he isn't even Flim and Flam! Right now, he's lost his home and came here seeking help, we should help him, regardless of what he did." "But...but..." Applejack protested, before furiously shouting, "FINE! Keep him all you want, Granny, but don't blame me when he lose our seeds, or hurt us with his booing, or both!" The orange-coated pony left the scene, leaving the mares with Caramel, with Apple Bloom apologising to Caramel, "I'm so sorry about my big sister, she's just...concerned about our farm." "I'm sorry too," Rainbow Dash added, "I told you that my Best Friend is friendly, which totally convinced you to come here, only to be so...un-welcomed." "It's actually alright," Caramel replied, scratching his head, "Applejack actually has a point, I do have a bad history with you Apples, I can see why she's mad at me." "It's okay, dear." Granny Smith approached the stallion, "Applejack's just taking farm duties really seriously. Probably because she's going to be Leader of the Apple Family so soon." "Leader of the Family?" Caramel curiously asked. "That's right." Granny Smith explained, "It is a tradition in our family to be led by the descendant of our first-ever leader, who was a mare. To respect her, we made it a rule for the Leader of the Sweet Apple Acres Farm, and Apple Family, to always be the eldest daughter or the eldest child of the leader who came before them, and pass them the ancient family-tradition scarf that she wore." "And since my big sister is Granny's oldest daughter, she'll be the Leader of the Apple Family when Granny retires!" Apple Bloom explained. "I actually wanted to pass my role to AJ around now," Granny Smith confessed, "But after seeing how she acted towards one of our customers, I figured that it has to wait; I can't leave the Apple Family to be led by an unforgiving Apple!" "Calm down, Granny, I'm sure Applejack will become forgiving some day," Caramel assured. From behind the fences, Applejack overheard every word from the conversation, and was not happy about it at all. "UNFORGIVING?! I was just trying to save our family and farm! I can't believe Granny doesn't want me to lead all because of my behaviour towards a threat to our work! I have to show her some how that letting that pony stay is the biggest mistake she's ever made!" Applejack angrily said to herself, before walking away.
Tensions at Dinner"And here's where you'll be staying," Rainbow Dash told Caramel, pointing at the bed she used to sleep in whenever she had sleepovers with the Apples. "RD sleeps here only during sleepovers," Apple Bloom explained, "But since she got Wonderbolts' stuff, she comes here less and less. So now, it's totally free for you to use it!" "Wow, thanks, every creature." Caramel thanked the mares, "I just can't believe that you all are willing to be this nice to me, even after what Applejack said and reminded you all about me." "It's just what we do in our family," Granny Smith replied, "Hopefully some creature will put that to heart." "Are you talking about Applejack?" Caramel asked. "Yes, I am." Granny Smith replied, before every creature heard Sugar Belle's calling. "Come on, Apple Family! Dinner's served!" "It's your dinnertime already?! That means..." Rainbow panicked and flew to the window, "It's dark already! And I'm supposed to have dinner with Soarin! I got to go! So long, every creature!" After the pegasus' departure, Granny Smith turned to Caramel, "So, what do you say? Are you ready for your first dinner with us Apples?" "Totally! But some creature..." Caramel began, before being cut off by Apple Bloom. "Let me guess...Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yes. Applejack. I mean, she really doesn't seem to like me, so shouldn't I TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM HER?" Caramel asked. "Calm down, Caramel! You're our guest! We'll help you," Granny assured. At the dining table... "WHAT?! Now all of you guys are treating him...as a guest?!" Applejack furiously asked in disbelief, watching her entire family welcoming the one pony around whom she viewed as a threat. "Come on, Applejack! Back when you and your friends came to Our Town, I totally didn't view you as a threat." Sugar Belle reminded her sister-in-law. "That was a totally different story!" Applejack protested, "My friends and I don't have any history with ya'll before we visited, while he has! And it's not any good at all for creature sake!" "Just give him a chance, like you and your friends gave Starlight a chance!" Sugar Belle advised. "Just enjoy your dinner, every creature!" Granny Smith instructed the family, "Leave AJ to me." Every creature did as Granny told them, as the elderly pony approached her granddaughter for a one-on-one talk. "Applejack, I know how seriously you take your duties, but you can't be so unfriendly towards our guest! It'll ruin our reputation in less than a moon!" Granny Smith told the cowgirl. "But I can't have some creature who loses our seeds, or boo us when we fail, or do both of those horrible stuff around! We have an important duty as the food producers of Ponyville and all over Equestria!" Applejack pointed out. "I know, Sugarcube, but right now, this pony is in need. If we help him, he may not be the threat you view him as anymore. He may grow into a good apple tree for every creature, like we all do." Granny Smith pointed out. Looking into her grandmother's eyes, Applejack sighed, "I will try my best to believe you Granny," "Good, now go, dinner's getting cold." Granny Smith urged. Walking back to the Dining Table, Applejack was shocked to see the dinner gone without a trace, before she suddenly heard some noises in the Kitchen. Following the noise, she found a sight that she never wanted to see; Caramel was cooking her and Granny Smith's dinner in a saucepan! "What in tarnation are you doing?!" the farmer asked, in a furious tone. "Well, since you and your Granny's dinner was getting cold, I thought of warming it up for you..." Caramel explained, before getting cut off by the enraged Applejack. "Granny already tasted her dinner! And since you mixed mine to it, the only pony who can safely eat it is her! You NUTS!" Caramel was really insulted and hurt by Applejack at that very moment, that he sadly ran off to his temporary shelter, crying out loud, "Why can't you be any friendlier?!" "Because you ain't so friendly to my farm and family yourself, Caramel!" Applejack answered, before Granny Smith entered. "Applejack! What is it now?!" Granny Smith asked, obviously knowing that Applejack had hurt Caramel again. "He mixed my dinner with yours, leaving me with nothing to eat! When he put the in the same saucepan to warm them up after they got cold, that is." Applejack honestly explained. Granny Smith was mad to hear what happened, "Applejack..." she begun, "You really gone too far! Caramel was just being thoughtful, but mad a mistake! He had good intentions and just didn't think about his method carefully." "What about Discord?! He had good intentions to boost Twilight's confidence, but didn't think about it carefully either! Bringing back Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow..." Applejack protested, before being cut off by her angry grandmother. "That is very different, Applejack! Discord's crime was a million times worse, meaning that Caramel's mistake was a million times better, and you should have appreciated the fact that mixing our dinners together ain't the worst!" Both mares began breathing heavily, before calming down as their anger vanished. "I'm...so sorry about everything that's happened, Granny. I was a real rotten apple back there." Applejack apologised, taking off her hat and holding it against her neck. "I forgive you, Applejack, but the real pony you should apologise to isn't me." Granny Smith told her would-be-successor. "You're right." Applejack replied, knowing who her grandmother was talking about. Caramel was sitting sadly on his temporary bed, with Apple Bloom trying to cheer him up. "Caramel, I'm really very sorry about my big sister's attitude. I guess she can get very impatient at Tims," the yellow-coated pony explained, before the mentioned big sister appeared. "I'm really very sorry too," Applejack approached Caramel, "Caramel, I never should have gotten so angry at a thing as small as ruining my dinner, especially when it's a dinner I usually have. It's not really worth getting so mad at, when there are a million things even worse than it. I honestly owe you an apology." "Applejack, I'm sorry to." Caramel responded, to Applejack's shock, "I kept losing seeds during Winter Wrap Up, boo your family for your failures like every pony else did, supported Flim and Flam when their cider-making machine came in, hurting your feelings." "I am angry at the thought of that, but if I can forgive my maternal grandfather, Grand Pear, for what he did to my Mum, there's no reason why I can't forgive you for what you did to my family a long while ago." Applejack replied. "Thanks for your forgiveness, Applejack," Caramel cried, with tears flowing out of his eyes. "You okay?" Applejack asked, gently patting his back to comfort him. "Yes. It's just tears of joy." Caramel answered. The two Earth Ponies embraced each other for a moment, before parting off with Applejack saying, "Let's just get some shuteye, now, shall we?" Applejack asked. "Of course, Applejack, you really are friendly like what your Best Friend said." Caramel commented. Applejack blushed for a while, before covering it with her hat and replying, "I guess I kind of am when I'm not mad." The cowgirl then departed while Caramel headed back to his bed.
Caramel's First DayThe next morning, after sunrise, Caramel joined the Apple Family for breakfast at the Dinning Table, with Applejack warmly serving every creature cereal. "Howdy, Caramel! Would you like some cereal with us?" Applejack asked, in her usual `friendly tone. "You really mean it?" Caramel asked, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Of course I do, as part of my apology for what happened last night." Applejack replied, holding her hat against her chest once again, to show that she was sorry. "Come on, Applejack. You don't really need to do all this, I was actually planning to go shopping for my meals." Caramel explained, "But since you already made my breakfast, I suppose I can accept it." "Then enjoy it while you can, Sugarcube." Applejack told her guest, before sitting on the table to join her family. After finishing their meal, the Apple Family cleared the table and was ready to part ways and do their work. Their guest Caramel stopped every creature by asking, "Wait, what about me?!" Turning to him, Applejack suggested, "Well, since I can't risk you losing any more seeds, figured that the best job you can do is housework." she then handed him a mop, bucket, broom and duster before instructing, "Clean the barn while you can, and make yourself good for something!" "Applejack! Are you sure you should treat him like some maid?! Or...janitor?!" Apple Bloom asked in a confronting tone, "He's our guest! And Granny wants you to..." "Actually, I'm alright with it," Caramel told every creature, before explaining, "You may treat me like your guest, but I would still like to help you in return for your help. And since I wasn't on good terms with you before, I would like to make amends for that by helping you in any way I can. I accept chore duty." The hours flew by and soon, the whole Apple Family returned home from their work. Applejack was surprised to see the barn so shiny and clean to the point she jaw-dropped. Caramel then appeared and greeted her, "Applejack, you're back! I thought of putting in a little extra effort to make this barn all clean for you and your family to thank you all for your kindness." "It's just...so... clean. It's not like anything I've ever seen!" Applejack commented. "Well, that's because while you all were gone, Sassaflash came by to check on me, and I asked her to buy some polishers using my bits. But the main point is, it's my gift for you and your family in return for your help." Caramel explained. "Aw, shucks. You really didn't have to do all this, Caramel! Helping others is what my family, friends and I do, we don't expect others to give us rewards." Applejack responded, "But since you already did it, I accept it." "Oh, Applejack. Doesn't what you just said to me sound familiar?" Caramel asked, trying to remind her something. "Familiar? What are you talking a..." Applejack asked, in a startled tone, before realising, "Oh, you mean what you said this morning about me doing a favour for you, then you said that it wasn't necessary, but accepted it anyway because it's already done?" Caramel chuckled before replying, "Yes, I am. Applejack, I know that it's only been two days since our actual meeting yesterday, but it seems like we've already gotten along, despite what happened yesterday." "Yeah, and I'm still really sorry about how I strongly believed that you were a threat because of your past, Caramel. I should have believed that you could have changed from your old ways, like Twilight did." Applejack apologised again, still feeling sorry and regretful for what she did the day before. "Applejack, you can stop apologising, I've already forgiven you. And, I still kind of feel regret for how I acted and was back there during Winter Wrap U and Cider Season. After you reminded me of what I did, it just can't leave my mind, it makes me feel awful and I would like to keep apologising for it." Caramel admitted. "It's alright, a single apology is all that's needed." Applejack assured, placing her hoof on his shoulder. "Would you two come join us for dinner, or what?" Apple Bloom asked. The two grown-ups turned to look at Apple Bloom watching them from the door. "Dinner's ready! And it's about to be served!" Apple Bloom stated. "Oh, thanks for telling us, Sugarcube! We'll be on our way!" Applejack called to her younger sister. After Apple Bloom walked away,, Caramel turned to Applejack, "So, we're on good terms now?" "Of course, we are! That's why family and friends do! Forgive each other for our mistakes, start a new, and the bad past would not matter anymore!" Applejack answered. "Great. Because I really looked forward to making peace with you," Caramel told the cowgirl, before getting her response. "To be honest, I really didn't think about making peace with you, because I was so furious, but now, I can feel that making peace with you is something I wanted." Applejack confessed. "So, we really...made peace with each other?" Caramel asked one last time, to check and confirm. "Absolutely by a hundred percent." Applejack confirmed, as they walked straight to dinner.
Applejack, the Leader of the Apple FamilyA few days had passed with the same routine repeating itself over and over; the Apple Family gathering for breakfast, heading off to do their business, and returning home for dinner. With each passing moment together, Applejack and Caramel seemed to have became closer and warmer towards each other. One fateful morning, Applejack and Caramel left the Farm together to do some delivery, with the mare pulling a wagon of apples, while Caramel carried the bags that were meant for the bits they would earn for selling the fruit. "I can't believe that you are finally trusting me enough to let me go out in public with you, Applejack!" Caramel told his companion. "You did a great work cleaning my barn for days! I thought that you should try something else, as in, help in some other way." Applejack replied. "So, does that mean, you don't want me to clean your barn anymore?" Caramel asked, expressing concern. "I never meant that! It's just...I don't just do apple-bucking or farm duties only! Sometimes, I cook! But my main point is, in this family, every creature helps in more ways than one, doing two or more tasks." Applejack clarified. The two Earth Ponies then made their first delivery at Carousel Boutique, the residence of Rarity, one of Applejack's best friends. "Oh, hi Applejack!" Rarity greeted, answering the door. She was surprised to see her Best Friend with a stallion whom she(Rarity) barely knew. "And who is this?" the unicorn asked. "Oh, Rarity, I would like you to meet Caramel. He's my guest currently and temporarily as he will move back into his house when it's rebuilt." Applejack explained. "Applejack is telling the truth, Miss Rarity," Caramel added, "I'm helping her with some of her chores during my stay, and she's just trusted me enough to let me do some deliveries with her. Rarity squealed after hearing what the two Earth Ponies said, to their confusion. "Uh, Rarity? What's it that you're squealing about?" Applejack asked. "What's it that I'm squealing about?" Rarity replied, unable to control her excitement, "It's just...that...I can't believe it! Finally, Applejack, you've found your true love!" "What?! Rarity, the truth is..." Applejack begun, before being cut off by Rarity. "I've always believed that you will find your true love someday like many creatures do, and now, it's happening! By the way, if some tomboyish pony like Rainbow Dash can find a gentle colt she loves, so can you, and you did!" "Rarity, Caramel and I are just friends! And right now, he's my..." Applejack tried to explain, but was cut off by her sister's voice. "Applejack!" "Apple Bloom?" the orange-coated mare asked. Apple Bloom raced towards Carousel Boutique, telling the ponies, "Applejack! It's Granny! She wants to see the whole Apple Family right now!" "Now?! But...my deliveries...I haven't..." Applejack begun, before Caramel told the farmer, "Don't worry, I'll check on them while you're gone." "No way! Granny says that she wants to see Caramel, too!" Apple Bloom told the ponies. "Don't worry, AJ, as your Best Friend, I'll watch your deliveries!" Rarity announced, stepping out of her Boutique. "Thanks, Rare." Applejack thanked the unicorn, before leading the Earth Ponies towards the Barn. Upon reaching the Farm, the trio stopped to see the whole Apple Family gathered at the Barn. "Whoa, are all those ponies your family?" Caramel asked. "Yes, they are." Apple Bloom replied. "But...if we were having a huge family meeting, Granny would have announced it weeks ago..." Applejack stated, before she realised that something unfortunate was happening, "It's Granny! No!" The cowgirl raced towards the Barn, leaving a confused Apple Bloom and Caramel behind. "Applejack! What do you mean, 'It's Granny'? Is something wrong?" Apple Bloom called out. "Her time has come." Applejack sadly replied, causing Apple Bloom to gasp. Inside the Barn, old Granny Smith was coughing and wheezing with her grandson Big Mac and his wife Sugar Belle taking care of her. "More soup, Granny Smith?" Sugar Belle asked, levitating a bowl of warm soup with her magic. "Granny Smith sipped the soup a little, before thanking her granddaughter-in-law. "Granny!" Applejack and Apple Bloom called, arriving at the scene. "Applejack, Apple Bloom, you came." Granny Smith said in a weak tone. "I came here too, Granny Smith." Caramel approached, showing himself to the elderly pony. "Caramel, I'm afraid that I won't be giving orders to any member of the Apple Family anymore, so the the duration of your stay won't be dependent on my decisions; I hope you can understand." Granny Smith told her guest. "I...understand, Granny Smith. Don't worry...my house is about to be ready, I'm sure I don't have to stay long." Caramel replied sadly, not because he was afraid of losing his temporary home, but because he realised that Granny Smith was indeed about to finish her life. "Apple Bloom," Granny Smith turned to her youngest grandchild, "I hope that you'll remain strong and true even without me, and no matter who bullies you." "Granny, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon aren't my enemies anymore," Apple Bloom pointed out. "Bu there might be more bullies than just them, there are chances of you running into them, and you might get bullied because of your age, you just became a teenager...you got to stay strong, and always do what's right, no matter what a bully does." Granny Smith explained. "Don't worry, Granny, I may have made a payback mistake once, but it won't happen again...even when you're not around." Apple Bloom saluted. "Big Mac," Granny Smith called, "I hope that you can finally speak up more often, to any creature and every creature, as we can't have some creature silent on our Farm. We are meant to be friendly and nice," "I won't let you down, Granny." Big Mac promised. Granny Smith then faced her granddaughter-in-law, "Sugar Belle, you may not be born an Apple Family member, but you will always be treated like you were one, and will continue making the delicious Apple Treats. for our guests and costumers." "I will, Granny Smith." Sugar Belle nodded. "Applejack," Granny Smith called, "I actually wanted to pass my role as Leader of the Apple Family to you before leaving, but I didn't because of how harsh and unforgiving you were. I hope that now, in my absence, you will be the forgiving, friendly, pony that I need you to be. Especially now that everything that happens to our family will be your responsibility. Please, lead them and take care of them, well." "I will, Granny, I promise." Applejack saluted. "I know you will," Granny Smith said, using her last breath, before her eyes shut forever, causing every creature to let out a waterfall of tears. Apple Bloom sadly leaned against her elder brother, while Sugar Belle comforted Big Mac. "Goodbye, Granny." Applejack sadly nuzzled her paternal grandmother's body, before turning away to let out her tears. Caramel, watching Applejack cry, felt sorry for her, approaching her, "I'm so sorry, Applejack." Leaning onto him, Applejack cried, "Thanks, Caramel, for your...support." The ponies walked out of the Barn, facing the whole Apple Family. "Should we tell them?" Apple Bloom asked. "Of course, we have too." Applejack sadly answered, "Maybe I should do it." "Or maybe I can do it? If...you'd like...or accept?" Caramel offered, knowing how difficult it was for Applejack and her family to say what they had to say without being overwhelmed by their sorrow. "Sure. Since it's going to be hard as fighting a dozen Timberwolves for us to tell." Applejack agreed. Caramel stood up and faced the crowd, announcing, "Members of the Apple Family, from near and far, we have some very unfortunate news; Granny Smith has just...passed away." Many ponies gasped followed by crying, and comforting each other. The other elderly ponies sadly wept as they mourned for their life-long leader's passing. Applejack then sadly took over the announcement, "I know that we all are sad, but we have to stay strong without her. And like old times, we Apples host funerals for our family members in the field." That afternoon, the Apple Family members sadly queued up to drop off their cards for Granny Smith, placing them on her dead body before joining Applejack and her immediate family. Once all the family members had given their cards, dirt was filled into the pit, covering Granny Smith's body. "Every creature, thanks for making it to Granny Smith's funeral, to see...the last...of her," Applejack sadly announced to the crowd, barely able to control her tears, "Now, with her gone...its time...for me to lead you all...the ceremony shall begin at sunset, so...you better get ready for it." The crowd then departed to prepare for the upcoming ceremony that was just around the bend. Applejack then let out a sigh, which Caramel quickly took notice of. "You okay, Applejack?" he asked. "No, I'm not." the cowgirl replied, "My Granny has always been there for me after my parents are gone, now that she's gone...I don't have some pony, or some creature who would always be there for me." "What about your best friends?" Caramel pointed out. "I was talking about family." Applejack clarified, "There won't be any other creature in my family to always be there for me; Big Mac has Sugar Belle, while Apple Bloom's too young!" "I know that I'm not anything like your best friends or family, but...I would like to be there for you like a friend or family member would," Caramel admitted, "If you like that," Applejack looked into Caramel's eyes, sensing that he was indeed telling the truth, before replying, "Thanks, Caramel. I really needed it." "Applejack!" Rarity called, as she galloped towards the farmer, followed by their best friends. "We heard that...that.." Rainbow Dash begun, but failed o say the rest of the sentence. "That Granny Smith is...is" Pinkie Pie tried to finish the sentence, only to find out that she was unable to say it as well. "It's okay, ya'll." Applejack assured, with tars flowing out of her eyes. "Applejack, are you sure it's alright?" Princess Twilight Sparkle asked in a concerned tone. "It may be really hard for me, but I'm sure I can accept it that Granny's gone...leaving me in charge of the Apple Family..." Applejack replied, before gasping as she realised what she just said. "In charge of the Apple Family! Oh no, it's almost sunset! And I told them all that the ceremony will happen then!" Applejack panicked, before galloping to the Barn. "What about your deliveries?!" Rarity asked, "I can't keep them in my Carousel Boutique forever!" "Just keep them till next morning! I'll deliver them then!" Applejack called back. "It's alright, Applejack knows what she's doing," Carameltold the farmer's best friends. "And who are you, Mister?" Pinkie Pie asked the stallion. "Guys, this is Caramel," Rainbow Dash introduced, "His house got burnt down by a dragon by accident, and he's staying with Applejack's family until it's rebuilt." "I'm so sorry about your home," Fluttershy approached Caramel. "It's okay," Caramel responded, "My house is almost done, and it will be any day now." "You sure are lucky to have a friendly pony nearby," Spike stated. "And for a second I thought that Applejack is finally getting a special some pony or some creature." Rarity commented, causing Caramel to blush for a brief moment. Later at sunset, every creature was gathered at the Barn, with Applejack's cousin from Appleloosa, Braeburn giving out an announcement, "Apple Family members, from near and far, today's a big important day for all of us. For many years, Granny Smith served as our leader, but now, the time has come for her granddaughter, Applejack, to lead. And no matter how much things change, we will always remember our beloved Granny Smith. Now, without further ado, I present to you all our new leader; Applejack!" The new Leader of the Apple Family then stepped up in front of the crowd, and had the ancient Apple Family-tradition scarf that Granny Smith wore placed on her neck by Braeburn. Looking at the audience, she took in a deep breath delivering her first-ever speech as leader, "Every creature, I would like to thank you all for your support, and for coming. Now that I'm Leader of the Apple Family, I'm going to be very busy with all my duties, but I'll still be able to make time for all of you. You still can treat me as for normal or the way you used to, but I really hope that all of you can be forgiving and friends no matter what, like Granny Smith wanted me to.. Thank you all for listening." The crowd cheered as Caramel approached Applejack, "Nice speech, Leader of the Apple Family." Applejack blushed a little, before replying, "Aw, shucks. You really didn't need to complement me, Caramel, I was just doing my job." "So, you don't want me to complement you?" Caramel asked. Applejack nodded," What I meant was, you can complement me if you'd like, I totally appreciate." "Whatever you say, Applejack." Caramel replied, before asking, "So, now that you're the leader, does it mean that it's time for me too...leave?" "Not until you got a place to stay in," Applejack answered, "In other words, you can stay until your house is completely rebuilt." "Aw, thanks, Applejack! You really are the friendly pony they all say you are!" Caramel thanked. Slightly blushing, Applejack responded, "Good to know that you think so, too, Caramel."
Romantic Relationship DramaThe day after the tragic passing of Granny Smith, Applejack and Caramel went through Ponyville making deliveries that were supposed to be delivered the previous day. The final delivery was for Sassaflash, Caramel's girlfriend, whom he dated since Twilight was sent to Ponyville. "You have a girlfriend?" Applejack asked Caramel, after hearing him say that Sassaflash was his girlfriend when Applejack found Sassaflash's name on the list. "Yes, we have been together forever, or most likely after Twilight moved into Ponyville." "That was ages ago, how come you two weren't married?" Applejack asked. "Probably because we didn't have enough money to make our whole future happen," Caramel explained, "Do you know how many bits it takes to have a wedding? Or how many bits it takes to buy a house? Or, have a baby?" "But...you already got your own house!" Applejack pointed out. "Actually, that house belongs to my late grandparents," Caramel explained, "Some creature has to take care of their things, so I moved in, and soon met Sassaflash, of course." "So, then...how come you two...started dating?" Applejack asked. "Well, we started out as just friends, of course. But then, when we found out that we have the same rest timings and have a habit of visiting the same cafe at the same time every week, we became closer...and then...we fell in love." Caramel described his story, before giving out a lovestruck expression. Applejack seemed a bit uncomfortable to see Caramel daydreaming about a mare, which started to make her wonder why. Was she jealous to find out that he was in love with another mare? But why? Shaking her head, she quickly reminded Caramel, "Let's just deliver her apples to her." Caramel knocked at the door, before calling, "Sassaflash! It's me, Caramel! We use to date, remember?" The Earth Ponies were in for a rude surprise when Sassaflash only opened the window a little, to tell them, "What do you want? Especially, you, Caramel! Ex-boyfriend!" The two Earth Ponies gasped in shock to hear what Sassaflash said, with Caramel asking, "Sassaflash, what do you mean by 'ex-boyfriend'? Were you just joking?" "No, I am not." Sassaflash responded in a serious tone, "Caramel, did you know how much I cared about you? That I visited you everyday at the farm, or most likely, spied on you to ensure you're fine? I saw every moment you got close to that Applejack after you made up with her? The blushing, the conversations, the getting close and warm...but the main point is; you two became so close that it was like you had romantic feelings for each other! I wished that what I saw yesterday was a dream, but it wasn't!" "What was it?" Caramel asked, confused.. "The part when you comforted Applejack when Granny Smith's gone! You were like a real couple!" Sassaflash angrily blurted out. "Look, Sassaflash, Caramel and I were just friends; And the only reason we were together was because we were making our friendship strong, and we came here just to deliver your order a week ago." Applejack honestly told the furious pony, but got a response she did not expect. "Uh, try to reason with me all you want, you two! You can have your apples back, because I don't want anything to do with something that came from you Apples!"Sassaflash huffed, a second before some creature called her name. "Sassaflash! What's going on, here?" the creature asked. "Oh, Cool Chiller! Thank goodness you came!" Sassaflash called out to the pegasus. "Meet my boyfriend, Cool Chiller, you two, losers!" Sassaflash insulted Applejack and Caramel, "He comforted me when I was betrayed by you, Caramel!" "This is all a misunderstanding! Sassaflash, I've never loved Applejack!" Caramel tried to explain, not realising what he was saying, he hurt Applejack's feelings, leaving the farmer shocked. "Applejack!" he turned to the said pony, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean what I just said..." Wiping out the tears from her eyes, Applejack angrily responded, "Well, if you never loved me, I will just stay away from you for the rest of your stay, and kick you out of the farm when your house is done!" the Earth Pony angrily stormed off. "Applejack, wait!" Caramel called, but she did not look back, leaving him heart-brokered. "Oh, looks like the bat ends up with no creature on his side!" Sassaflash taunted, before hanging out with her boyfriend Cool Chiller, leaving Caramel behind. At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack angrily walked through the fields, before halting when she heard Caramel call out to her. "Applejack, wait!" "Oh, if it isn't the one pony whom I said was a threat, and he really is," Applejack sneered. "Listen, Applejack. What I said back there wasn't true; saying that sentence was an accident! I was trying to get Sassaflash to see that I wasn't in love with..." Caramel explained, before Applejack cut him off. "ME?! Well, tell her all you want! Because actions speak louder than words! It'll take an action to convince her that what you were saying wasn't a lie!" "The truth is I was trying to..." Caramel begun, but Applejack angrily cut him off again. "Get her to like you again?! Well, if that was possible, I would love to see it happen!" While the ponies argue, they did not notice that not so far away, Doctor Whooves was conducting a test for his new Automatic Weed Chopper, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders accompanying him. "Are you sure it's safe?" Scootaloo asked. "Of course it is! Unless something goes wrong," Doctor Whooves responded. "Maybe we should test it on some weeds before using it to cut the farm's wheat?" Sweetie Belle suggested. "Relax, I've got it all under control," Whooves said, leaning on his machine and accidentally activating its High Power mode, causing the ponies to back away in fear. "Uh oh..." The next second, the machine charged through the field like a mad bull, and headed straight for Applejack and Caramel! "Applejack, watch out!" Caramel warned, seeing the danger behind her. As fast as lightning, Caramel saved the farmer by pushing her out of the way, and getting hit by the invention himself. "Caramel!" Applejack cried, rushing towards the stallion, while Doctor Whooves and the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed. "Caramel, Caramel! Wake up! Are you alright?!" Applejack shook the said pony's body, until his eyes started to open. "Applejack, I'm sorry abut what I said. That sentence is not true; I didn't never love you, I actually do love you, and the love grew with each passing moment." Caramel admitted. Applejack looked into his eyes, before responding, "I know Caramel, I know. That sacrifice really proved that you loved me, or mostly cared about me. Come on, you need to get to the Hospital, right away." The farmer then used her strength to carry Caramel to the Hospital whee he was treated and bandaged. He exited the room with a bandage around his head and body, before meeting the Apple Family. "Caramel, you're alright!" Applejack hugged him happily. "I'm so sorry about thinking of bringing Doctor Whooves' machine to the farm, if I didn't, none of this would happen! And now...we've spent money to pay for his treatment!" Apple Bloom apologised. "It's alright, Apple Bloom, it was really my mistake," Doctor Whooves declared, "As the creator of the machine, its harmfulness is my fault, so here are the bits that I should pay for Caramel's injuries." The scientist handed a pile of bits to Applejack, who thanked him for it. "Thanks, Doctor Whooves. Now it's the for us all to go home." the farmer turned to the Apple Family, "Come on, ya'll. You too, Caramel." "You...really mean it?" Caramel asked in disbelief. "Yes, I do. And, I'm so sorry about saying that once your house is done, I'm going to kick you out of the farm. Ireally take that awful sentence back, as you will always be welcomed at my farm." Applejack apologised, holding her hat against her chest. "And you will always be welcomed to see and visit me," Caramel replied, before he and Applejack stared into each other's eyes like a couple. "Applejack! Where are you, big sister?! It was your instruction to head back! And now you're the last one?! Especially since you're the Leader of the Farm?!" Apple Bloom called out, breaking the romantic atmosphere. "Coming!" Applejack and Caramel called back, before racing each other out.
Romantic FallAfter their Hospital visit, the Apple Family returned home to sleep through the night. The next morning, Rainbow Dash visited the farm, to see Caramel once again, telling him, "Guess what? Your house is all in top shape and ready to go!" "That's great." Caramel commented, before Applejack approached him sadly. "But, that means that it's time for you to go." "Applejack, " Caramel comforted, "I'll always be nearby. I live in Ponyville, just a few hundred metres away from the farm! We'll see each other. When we can." "Please remember what we did for you," Applejack pleaded the stallion in front of her. "I always will," Caramel replied, before sharing a hug with the farmer. The rest of the Apple Family residing at Sweet Apple Acres then arrived at the scene to say goodbye to their guest. Apple Bloom handed him a photo of him and the family, Sugar Belle gave him a delicious Caramel Apple, and Big Mac gave him a pillow with an apple pattern. Caramel thanked the whole family for their kindness and shared one last hug with them before leaving. The following days, Applejack got many visits from Caramel, whenever he bought some apples. They soon started to grow closer and closer, as they participated in public events together. They eventually winded up confirming their romantic relationship by dating as girlfriend and boyfriend. During the events of 'A Cloudsdale Wedding'... At the Train Station, Caramel waited for his girlfriend, as they had promised to meet at the location. "Caramel!" Applejack called, running towards him. "Applejack! You made it!" he responded, hugging her. "Of course I have! But unfortunately, I can't spend much time with you; being the Head Chef and one of my best friend's bridesmaids will keep me apart from you!" Applejack sadly stated. "Calm down, AJ! We really don't need to be close all the time to maintain our relationship, plus, we'll get plenty of time to be close at the Reception," Caramel assured her. "Right, thanks, Caramel, see you later," Applejack winked "See you later, too, apple of my eye." Caramel winked back. That night... "Applejack! There you are!" Caramel gallops towards his girlfriend, when she reached their Hotel Room. "What's wrong?" he asked her, noticing her frown. "Rainbow Dash decided that she doesn't want me to be one of her bridesmaids anymore! She replaced me with my little sister Apple Bloom, and placed me in front row because she figured that I should take a break!" Applejack answered. "That doesn't sound very nice of her," Caramel commented. "Do you think I should just...accept it?" Applejack asked. "Well, I can tell that you're upset, but cheer up, be positive. Maybe your friend just figured that you need to take a break from being a bridesmaid; I mean, you've been a bridesmaid for three times already!" Caramel responded, "Beng a bridesmaid at Cadance and Shining Armor's Royal Wedding, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich's wedding, Fluttershy and Discord's wedding, that's a lot of times!" "Thanks for cheering me up, Caramel." Applejack thanked her boyfriend. "Anything, Sugarcube," Caramel replied in a romantic tone, as he and Applejack stared into each other's eyes. The next day, when the wedding was taking place... "You're here!" Princess Twilight Sparkle greeted her best friends, when they arrived. "Of course we are, darling!" Rarity claimed. "Why wouldn't we be here for Rainbow Dash's wedding? It's her best day ever!" Fluttershy added. "Even though she decided to replace us with the CMCs?" Applejack asked, reminding the group of what their 'friend' did. "I know it doesn't sound nice of her to do that," Twilight commented, "But look on the bright side, she gave you all front row seats, next to your loved ones. And, she only did so because you all have been bridesmaids for a lot of times," "That she figured that we should take a break, which is very thoughtful of her," Fluttershy commented. "Pinkie Pie!" Cheese Sandwich called. "Cheese Sandwich!" Pinkie rushed to her beloved husband, "Oh, cheesy! Can you believe that this time, for the first time in forever, I get to attend a wedding with you, sitting right next to you?!" "Yes, and I'm all ready for it, with extra cheese!" Cheese Sandwich joked, causing the party pony couple to laugh. "Fluttershy!" Discord called, appearing out of nowhere. "Discord! You made it!" Fluttershy hugged him, before they flew off to their seats. "Rarity!" Spike approached, "There you are! Are you ready to sit together with me for the first time at a wedding?" "Of course, Spikey-Wikey! I've waited for years to do so!" Rarity dramatically exclaimed. Applejack felt happy for her best friends, watching them sit with their special some creatures at a wedding, for the very first time. Suddenly, she felt a warm familiar hoof touching her shoulder. She turned to see the handsome stallion of her dreams, her boyfriend, Caramel. "Applejack, here you are. Are you ready to attend a wedding with me, for the first time?" he asked, reaching out his hoof. Blushing, Applejack took his hoof and responded, "I am." The Earth Ponies then walked to their seats in the front row. together to join their friends, before more creatures arrived. "So, are you still upset about being replaced?" Caramel asked his girlfriend. "To be honest, I am still a little upset, but being with you had really lifted up my spirit," Applejack admitted, "It's like...you know what they call...a blessing in disguise." "So you're saying that getting to sit next to me is better than beng Rainbow Dash's bridesmaid?" Caramel asked. "In a way you can say it..." Applejack blushed, "And it really warmed my heart." The music then started, as the doors were opened to let the newly weds enter. Applejack let out a tear of joy, watching how lucky her 'Best Friend' was at that moment. Caramel placed his hoof onto hers, before she romantically leaned against him. However, not long after the newly-weds reached the platform... "STOP!" Scootaloo shouted. "YOU'RE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE!" Gilda the griffon added. "Uh, can't those two jerks ever stop being so rude?!" the annoyed and frustrated 'bride' blurted out, causing every creature to gasp in shock. Applejack could not believe what she was seeing and hearing, "Did RD just called two of her friends jerks?!" "I mean, why do they have to ruin my best day ever?!" the 'bride' began to fake her despair, before a voice said: "Because it is not YOUR best day ever! It's MINE!" The real Rainbow Dash appeared, giving every creature a shock. "What?! Rainbow?! Urgh, I never should have trapped them near you!" the 'bride' angrily blurted out, causing the crowd to stare at her in shock. "I don't understand; how can there be two Rainbow Dashes?!" Applejack asked. "What is going on here?!" Twilight demanded to know. "She's Lightning Dust!" the real Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "She dyed her coat and mane to impersonate me, tricked me into chasing her to a hidden crystal cave maze where she trapped me and hurt me, and is doing all of that for her own amusement, just like old times!" The crowd watched in horror as Rainbow's imposter revealed her true appearance to them, with Rainbow's best friends huddling close to their love interests. "Right you are, RAINBOW DASH!" Lightning sneered, "I told you that we are rivals for life, and I kept my word. We're still rivals, and since you still criticised me even when I changed my ways to endangering only my fellow Washouts and myself, I figured to take it to EXTREME, this time!" Hearing what Lightning threatened, Caramel stood in front of his girlfriend, with the intentions of protecting her from harm. Every creature whimpered upon hearing what Lightning threatened, before she continued, "I actually wanted to hurt JUST YOU, but then I figured it was so not worth it since you're the Element of Loyalty, and the fact that there's nothing more loyal than sacrificing yourself to save who you're loyal to, so I figured," She stopped for a second, before using her most wicked, threatening tone,"That the only thing that can make you miserable the most is HURTING EVERY CREATURE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT! STARTING WITH YOUR SPECIAL SOMEPONY!" Rainbow Dash gasped in horror before crying, "NO! NOT SOARIN!" Applejack was furious with Lightning Dust at that very moment, to the point that she attempted to march towards the horrible pegasus, but Caramel held her back. "What are you doing?!" Applejack angrily asked her boyfriend. "What's best for you!" Caramel replied. Before Applejack could respond, Twilight confronted Lightning Dust, "You may have succeeded in deceiving us all this time, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, you're going to have to fight ALL of us," Twilight declared, before every creature at the wedding joined her standing up against Lightning. However, Lightning was not scared one bit, she laughed, "Oh, please! You creatures should have been wiser about where you choose to have big events!" With that, the wicked pegasus took out a small but powerful marble and threw it to the floor made of clouds. Seconds later, the clouds became extremely soft, before every creature standing on it fell through! Applejack and Caramel screamed alongside their friends, while the creatures capable of flight tried their best to catch every creature in time. Spike managed to save Rarity, while Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich saved themselves by using their clothes as parachutes. Fluttershy flew through the chaos, catching every creature she could save. During the fall, Caramel tried to get the rescuers' attention by waving and shouting, "Hey, over here! Help!" Unfortunately, the savers were too overwhelmed by the situation and still could not save him and Applejack. As the Earth Pony couple got closer and closer to the ground thanks to their gravitational potential energy converting into a lot of kinetic energy, they began to fear that they would wind up as the unlucky unsaved creatures. Applejack was terrified to the point she began to cover her eyes, a moment before Caramel's hooves touched her. "What are you doing?!" the farmer asked. "In case we don't get caught, at least you'll have more chances of survival," he told her, placing himself right in front of her, so he could be a landing pad for her. "No, you already sacrificed yourself to save me once, I don't want it happening again," Applejack told him. "It's worth it, Applejack; you deserve to live more than I ever do, you saved Equestria a dozen times, you're a beloved heroine, and Leader of the Apple Family. You're a lot more important than I am!" Caramel explained. "But, you're important too!" Applejack told him, "Hero or not, you're still important to some creatures! Every creature's life is precious to some creature else! And yours...is the treasure of mine." The couple looked into each other's eyes for a moment, before they were caught by Twilight's magic. "Hang on!" the alicorn shouted, before levitating the ponies to safety. Looking up, they saw a huge blast of magic that sent Lightning Dust far away from Equestria, for good. Upon being saved, Applejack and Caramel shared a hug to express how they were to survive, alongside every creature else. Later, at the real wedding, Applejack shed a tear to see her real Best Friend getting married. Caramel looked at his girlfriend lovingly for a brief moment, before they turned their attention back to the newly-weds. At the reception, the Earth Pony couple watched as the newly-weds embraced each other from a distance, before Sweetie Belle sang, "Love is in bloom. A beautiful bride, a handsome groom. I said, love is in bloom. You're starting a life and making room for us." The guests all begun to pair up and dance, causing Caramel to ask Applejack, "So, now that every creature's dancing, will you like to dance with me?" Applejack blushed before taking Caramel's hoof, "I do," The Earth Ponies then broke into a dance alongside their friends, with Applejack's best friends watching her. "It's finally happening!" Rarity exclaimed, "Applejack's got her true love!" "They're so cute!" Pinkie squealed, before taking a picture of the couple, surprising them. "Here you go, AJ! A photo to remember this moment!" Caramel and Applejack blushed for a while to see the photo, and know that their friends were watching. But they quickly got by it and thanked their friends for their support.
Applejack and Caramel, Leaders of the Apple FamilyAfter leaving Cloudsdale and returning to Ponyville, Applejack and Caramel could not talk about anything except for what a wonderful time they had, attending and dancing at Rainbow and Soarin's wedding. It was like a magical night at Cinderella's ball from the famous fairy tale, minus the rushing departure to make it enjoyable to the end. "That wedding was everything delightful," Caramel commented, "And of course, I'm talking about the real one, not the fake." Applejack laughed, "Oh Caramel, you really are getting honest, just like me," "You're right, Applejack," Caramel chuckled, "I really am starting to become like you...in personality, that is." "So far I can see is your honesty and support," Applejack commented. "While I can see how much of a family we have became," Caramel replied, "In other words, we're as close as family members are." "Yeah, we are." Applejack agreed, before the couple sang a love song: Applejack sang, "How are we so different, and still so much the same?" Caramel sang, "Why do I start smiling, every time I hear your name?" Applejack sang, "Sometimes I think that you can be, a reflection of me," Caramel sang, "Still, there's something deeper," Both gazed into each other's eyes as they sang, "More than what we see... There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel sang,"Seems like I have grown up, so much since I met you," Applejack sang,"Like it's been forever, but everything is new." Caramel sang,"We had some great adventures," Applejack sang, "We also had some fun." Caramel sang,"Shame to think it's ending." Applejack sang, "Or, has it just begun?" Both sang, "There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel sang, "You have the leadership, and the strength to take command," Applejack sang, "You have the support, that I always wished to have." Both sang, "Working together," Applejack sang, "I finally understand, that having you here by my side, will help me lead this land!" Both sang, "There's a feeling of belonging, deep down inside, a feeling that's been growing, that we just can't hide, It's a feeling somehow knowing, there's nothing else to decide, because when I'm with you, it's clear, we're on the same side." Caramel and Applejack ended their song by sharing a warm nuzzle, as the sun started to rise, creating a beautiful background by lighting up the land. "We really make a very good pair," Applejack commented. "Totally, I just wish that we can be of the same family, for real..." Caramel sadly lamented. "Wait, you do wish that we can be a family?!" Applejack asked, in shock. Caramel blushed as cold sweat flowed down his face before he sighed, "Yes, I really do. It's just, we've been so close ever since I spent time with you and your family. You all feel like my family, and where I belong." "But what about your house?" Applejack asked, "It belonged to your real family, and you are meant to look after it," "That is only a place," Caramel explained, "You Apples are real creatures who make me feel like I'm with my family," Applejack smiled before responding, "Aw, Caramel, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard you say about my family, but if you were to live here, no creature's going to watch your house, and you already paid the bits to rebuild it!" "I think I have a solution," Caramel replied. A few days later, the Apple Family and their friends were gathered at Sweet Apple Acres, to attend a remarkable event; Applejack and Caramel's wedding. The mayor of Ponyville stood under the trees Bright Mac and Pear Butter planted during their wedding a generator ago, waiting for the bride and groom. Every creature watched as Applejack and Caramel walked down the path towards the mayor, crying out tears of joy. "I can't believe we attended two weddings in half a month!" Pinkie whispered to her best friends, who agreed before turning their attention back to the newly-weds. "And I can't believe it's the first one-of-my-best-friends' wedding that I don't have to pronounce the bride and groom," Twilight commented, heaving a sigh of relief as she finally got to attend a wedding as a guest. "It is my great pleasure, on my third Apple Family wedding, that I now pronounce you, husband and wife, as well as Leaders of the Apple Family!" the mayor announced, allowing the couple to share their romantic kiss. The Wonderbolts then appeared, performing their areal flight show for the occasion, ending with Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom. After the performance, Rainbow and her husband Soarin joined the rest of Rainbow's best friends. Soon, Caramel's house became the residence of some of the members of the Apple Family, as they moved into Ponyville to start new lives and families, expanding the population of Apples. After the events of 'The Last Problem'... "Applejack!" Caramel called to his beloved wife, upon seeing her. "Caramel, so good to see you again after meeting with my best friends," Applejack replied, "So, how's the family?" "Great and sweet, just like they are meant to be," Caramel responded, "I just took our kid to my house to visit your relatives, and they really got close," "Good to know that family's alright, so how about the farm?" Applejack asked. "It's running great as usual," Caramel answered, "Big Mac harvested the apples, Sugar Belle created and sold apple treats, our relatives harvesting all sorts of crops, and all the deliveries were delivered." "Great! I'm so grateful that I made the right decision to make you the Co-leader of the Apple Family" Applejack responded, romantically staring at his eyes. The next moment, the couple's daughter arrived, she had her mother's green eyes, father's coat, and maternal grandfather's mane. "Mum, you're back!" she greeted Applejack. "hi, sugarcane, so how's your day at Aunt Apple Bloom and UncleTender Taps and her relatives' house? Or, should I say...your Dad's former house?" "It was crowded as usual; I mean, ten ponies living in one house?! That's the nosiest home, ever!" the filly dramatically exclaimed, causing her parents to laugh. "Well, since everything's as for usual I suppose we all call it a night," Applejack announced. "And, you should get some rest, apple of my eye," Caramel told his wife, romantically staring into her eyes. "Sue thing, sweet Caramel," Applejack replied, romantically looking at him. The Leaders of the Apple Family then looked at each other romantically as they walked towards the barn with their daughter. Author's Note The song Applejack and Caramel sang in this chapter is derived from The Lion Guard song, 'We're of the Same Pride'.
