Life can change at any moment. Sometimes drastic, sometimes slowly. Sometimes so slow you can see the change right before your very eyes however, if we were to be honest it’s often times within a moment. Yet against the odds I found myself noticing the change day by day, a separate path deviating from the life I once headed towards. I wasn’t the same person who arrived over a year ago and didn’t have the same thoughts or opinions that I now do. I was growing and it felt like in a positive way.

Whether it was the change of scenery, my experiences both good and bad, the new individuals I met, or some concoction mix of the three it didn’t matter anymore. I was happy. Sure with my own problems, some serious some minor, there still wasn’t any remaining doubt of my new life. Doubt that this life couldn’t ever be as wonderful as one back on Earth. I even hesitate to refer it as home.

After a whole year I truly had felt some peace.

“Joseph could thou treat his queen a moment with the small appendages?”

Staring down at the moon princess laying her head down upon my lap, she displays her best sad puppy eyes once learned from Pinkie. I could physically feel my resolve crumble leaving me to the conclusion, these ponies have made me go soft.

“There called fingers by the way and you’re not a queen”

Fluttering her eyes she gives her best regal appearance, “Does thou have any doubts now?”

“No” I say flatly, still giving in to her head scratch demands.

“Meh, it does not matter. So long as you are my own, there is little need for other pleasantries”

“Your own huh?”

“Our little moon slave, willing to follow every command. Loyal to a fault”

“Maybe if you weren’t so adorable it would be easy to say no”

“Again with the word adorable, do you wish to degrade us?”

“I thought you only cared about owning me? Why care about your image?”

Frowning in defeat she smacks her lips, “You have won this time however, I shall not go as lightly the next”

I only nod resting deeper into the couch, “Uh huh, sure”

I should probably mention Luna’s returned. That and about a whole month passed from my last journal entry, life not feeling interesting enough to jot down any experiences. I never was one to be very excited about journal writing and besides, it’s main purpose was more therapeutic which could only hint toward how things were going. Occasionally I would still write it in anyways, maybe trying to remember a funny moment or an important day. When I think about it, it was no better then a diary… yuck. I really had gone soft.

“You ponies are too innocent, it’s tainting me”

“If you are curious of your flavor changing, we would be more than willing to give a taste” seductively she stared my way but, I knew it was a front.

Completely brushing it aside I give a small kiss igniting a fiery blush across her muzzle. “What I meant was that I’m not the same guy who first arrived here. I’m all.. emotional and stuff. It’s gross”

“It is not gross! Perhaps you are becoming more trustworthy of those around you, a sign of better friendship”

“Where’d ya hear that from?”

“A certain purple source”

“A certain purple source thinks she’s the master of friendship now doesn’t she?”

“Tis her life work is it not?”

“It er.. okay so she knows a little bit about friendship I’ll give her that but the real question is why she even told you something like that”

“We uh.. were curious! Yes, I remember now. Simply curious of the wonders of friendship. You see I was never one to have many friends as a young mare-“

“You two were talking about me behind my back weren’t you?”

“Wha- w-why we would never”

“There’s nothing wrong if you two were though”

“Of course… of course. You are our coltfriend are you not? What possibly could be wrong with asking a few questions to a fellow herd mate?”

“Can’t imagine much”

“Specially questions on whether or not our stallion in question still seems to suffer from unnecessary paranoia or other symptoms similar to that of anxiety”

“Yes, ye- wait what? You’re worry if I’m dealing with anxiety?”

“Us? No.. no, never. Weren’t you listening to anything we said?”

*SLAM*

The door swung open with a fierce speed, damaging the wall beside it. From it a pink blur dashed over to the two of us recoiling in surprise.

“JOEY! LUNA! Guess what I found out, guess what I found out!”

Clutching my chest to see if my heart was still there I settle back down into the couch all uncomfortable, my original position lost but not forgotten.

“Pinkie as much as I’d love to hear what you found out can we please make a rule to never break the front door again? They’re not exactly cheap”

Taking a second to admire her work she giggles shutting the door slowly, “Oops! Anyways, I was at Twilights right, and I was helping her organize stuff about jeans but I didn’t know why she cared about jeans seeing how she’s a pony and I’m a pony and most ponies don’t wear jeans BUT, when I found this-“

With a swift move she pulled from behind a large paper, aged yet still whole. Tossing to me I scanned over the words upon it as she continued.

“-and on it it says my name with the Apple family ancestry! I’m an Apple!”

Near the bottom I can sorta see what she’s talking about. Smudged, a few squiggly lines seemed to match the same pattern of Pinkie’s own name or at least what I thought was her name. It’s kinda difficult to remember any word or name if you can’t read the language. Either way, the same pattern in Pinkies squiggly name matched most of the squiggles on the very last entry however, it wouldn’t really make sense given the last few squiggles. With all similar squiggled last names I just don’t see a way it could suddenly be a pie but, when I look over at Pinkies excited face I can’t bring myself to tell her.

“Maybe but it’s pretty hard to read”

“Joey why are you even trying to read this? You do not even know old Poneish!”

“What do you think Luna? It’s my name isn’t it? I just know it is!”

Flipping upside down in her magic she reads it still laying on my lap. “Hmm, we are unsure exactly what it states however…”

“Yessssss?”

“These last few names are missing any sort of-“ *pinch*
“-I m-mean it is a mystery! It very well could be thou family name”

“Isn’t that crazy!?! I have to go tell Applejack right away! AAAH! Think about all the family get togethers I’ve missed! Oh no! Or all the family pictures! I should bring my camera just in case”

Frantically she bolted around the house tossing several items into her saddlebag.

“Pinkie maybe you should-“

“I don’t have any time to talk! I gotta go meet my new family! See ya!” With another slam she left us both and brought down a nearby potted plant as well.

“Shit”

“Now why did you have us lie to her like that? Thou has caused more trouble then you hoped to avoid. You must fix this before she causes anymore trouble”

“I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”

“Do we need to remind you the report we received of an army of pink ponies terrorizing the town of Ponyville not even a full year ago?”

“That… was a fluke”

Sitting up she gives me a serious look, “Joey”

“Okay okay, I’ll go stop her, sheesh. No need for the scary eyes” slowly I started to get up only infuriating her more.

“Joey!”

“I’m sorry! I’m going!”

And so begins another quest only todays a self inflicted one. With haste I made my way across the town heading over to Sweet Apple Acres only by the time I get there she’s already got the entire family outside listening to her squawk.

“Can you believe it Applejack? We’re cousins!”

Clearly hesitant to agree AJ forced a smile, “Well I’m not all sure bout being cousins an all that just yet”

“Can’t you see?! The last name Pie is clearly written right there!!”

“Errr.. I don’t know. It’s kinda hard to see”

Interrupting the two the oldest member of Apples stepped forward while I made my way to Big Mac, Applejacks older brother in case I never introduced him. He was a burly fellow and awfully red. The only part that seemed to stick out was his small patch of brown mane, placed atop his head as if he had rolled around in hay. Most noticeably, he was a pony of few words.

“Now hold… jus hold on now. We ain’t sure for shingle until we check the ole family records and I know jus that apple for the job!” The old mare was definitely hard of hearing, her voice a constant yell but with my first experience with her going so poorly I was the last person willing to tell her.

“Granny, ya can’t possibly think-“

“Nuh uh uh! No buts from you til we least check with yer old auntie Goldie Delicious!”

I whisper over to Mac, “You don’t honestly believe this is true right?”

“Nope”

“Figured as much”

Focusing back to the others it’s clear I missed something as Pinkie, Granny, and Applebloom all held each other in a group hug smiling brightly to Apple Jack as if to convince her of their friendship.

“Hm… I guess we haven’t had a family road-trip in a while and Goldie’s house really ain’t that far away. Plus we could probably use this as a opportunity for you to get to know the family better case you are right. Shoot, why the hay not, let’s do it!”

“YAYYYY!” Cheering gleefully they hop in a little circle hooting and hollering.

Distracted I don’t even notice AJ making her way over to me with a lowered tone. “Joey you don’t mind coming along too do ya?”

“Actually I was kinda hoping to stop all this before things got out of ha- hoof”

“Really? Oh thank Celestia”

“Huh? I thought you’d disagree”

“Don’t get me wrong sugar, I’d love to have Pinkie as part the family but, I just know in my gut she ain’t gonna like the news we get at Goldie’s. That’s why I was kinda hoping you’d come along and help cheer her up case things went south but, seems like my worries were for nothing”

Awkward in my stance, I wasn’t sure how to explain the next part, “Um AJ I uh… after seeing them so happy, Pinkie so happy, I… I kinda want to see this through”

“What in tarna- you just said you came here to stop her! Don’t tell me you’re believing this thing too”

“It’s not that I’m believing it I just don’t want to be the party pooper for once. I’m always ruining the excitement for Pinkie so maybe… maybe I join her this time. I mean if it turns out she’s not related we still have a fun time right?”

Reluctant to agree AJ has to settle with a face hoof and a sigh. She was outnumbered this time and didn’t have much a choice. “Fine. Go tell Pinkie you’re coming with and we’ll start getting ready soon”

“Thanks AJ”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah”

Settled into the wagon right beside Pinkie, Big Mac strapped himself to the front ready to tug the whole group together.

“Alright everypony, hop on in and make sure you didn’t forget nothing”

Pecking me on the cheek Pinkie couldn’t keep in her excitement, “Eeeeee! This is going to be so much fun! I’ve never been on a family road trip before! Aren’t you excited?”

Taking a peek back at the excessive luggage behind us, the rickety uneven wagon wheels, and the single pony pulling us it’s tough to say excited is the right word.

“Uh… intrigued, that’s for sure”

Finally strapping on his harness we were off while the rest of the group found their places around the carts interior. It was pretty spacious and would’ve been even better if not for the stupidly large pile of luggage behind us. Confused I gave a tap to AJ’s shoulder.

“You sure this trip is a short one? What’s with all the stuff?”

“Oh uh.. well honestly I didn’t think we needed this much but, when Granny Smith gets her mind set on somethin, it ain’t budging. Most this crud we probably don’t even need but, I ain’t about to argue with her if all we gotta do is carry it along”

Sifting through the pile, AJ tossed several objects from pillows to old trophies behind her leaving a even bigger mess.

“Granny what even is half this stuff? You know Big Mac has to lug this all as well”

“He’s strong enough to carry it all aren’t ya Mac?”

“Eyup”

I could tell by the stain in his voice it was too much.

“Granny we both know this is way too much weight and Mac ain’t bout to say otherwise. He’d never admit that!”

“I haven’t seen Goldie in ages and we gots tons of catching up to do! If you know anything bout your auntie you’d know she appreciate us bringing all this”

Already bored with her hooves hanging off the side Applebloom scuffed to herself, “Here we go, already yellin”

Taking it all in with wide eyes Pinkies head moved from pony to pony like a tennis match, completely absorbed by it all. Then in a sudden instant she pulled a camera from her bag snapping a photo of Granny and Apple Jack.

“First family fight! This is going great!”

Spinning her head to Pinkie in confusion I could tell she already forgot she was there, “Fight? No, no, no. We ain’t fightin. Us Apples never get in fights. Heck we get along good as a bushel and a peck!”

“What’s a peck?”

“Pinkie she means they go well together”

“Ooooo. Course they do! They’re family! We’re family!” Leaping between them in a group hug she makes sure to get a good nuzzle in on both.

“Heh heh, yeah…”

Still clearly upset Granny held her tongue and made her way over to the luggage pile, cleaning up most the stuff AJ moved.

“Hey Applebloom, how bout you teach Pinkie how to play that eye spy game we always play on family trips”

“Game? I wanna play a game!”

“Huh? Alright” a little confused the two of them got lost in their own conversation while AJ scooted over to me.

“Joey I need your help”

“With?”

“You see, us Apples… we don’t… we don’t always get along. Hay, we usually don’t get along but, I don’t need Pinkie knowing that. You mind helping me make the rest of this trip go smoothly at least til we get to Goldie’s?”

“AJ, no family is perfect and honestly I don’t think Pinkie will care if you guys don’t get along all the time. Besides, Pinkies actual family doesn’t get along anyways. I’m sure she’ll understand”

“They don’t? Oh shoot…”

“What?”

“What if she was hoping our family might be different? That we’d get along better then her own?”

“Okay now you’re starting to read into things too much”

“I just wanna make Pinkie feel comfortable if we really are family. Last thing a pony needs is to have no family to go back too!”

“I get that but she has a family already AJ”

“Ya just said they don’t get along. Do they or do they not?”

“Hey, yeesh, go easy on me. I’m just trying to help”

Letting out a sigh she trots over to the side of the cart, admiring the countryside passing by. “Sorry. This whole trip is gettin to me. I kinda wish we never agreed to go”

Taking a seat beside her I look off in the same direction admiring the view. With orchard now completely out of sight the surroundings had been replaced with multiple rows of tall trees spanning out across a sea of flat land. There really wasn’t much to look but, that kinda was par with Ponyville and it’s area. It’s farm land.

“It’s gotta be tough trying to run the farm by yourself isn’t it?”

“Tough?” She huffs, “Tough don’t even began to describe it” staying silent for a bit she waits til most the sounds around us become loud enough to drown her voice. Loud enough so only the two of us could hear. “But I ain’t alone” and with a spin I can the pride in her eyes, “I still got my family”

A little unsure how to respond it washes over me to stay quiet. Sometimes the best response is to say nothing at all so after hearing her out I leave with an honest smile. Apple Jacks sure to figure things out, hell or high water.

“I oughta go bail out AppleBloom now. There’s only so much Pinkie a pony can take” she tips her stetson as I take my wobbly leave against the carts motion.

With a flop I sit behind Pinkie listening in to their game.

“Is it…. a tree!”

“Heheh, no silly. You already guessed that like ten times!”

“Cause it probably is a tree, I just didn’t guess the right one!”

Giggling Bloom has to hold her hat to keep it from falling, “That ain’t how the game works. It can’t be a word you already guessed”

“Hmpf, this is hard!” When she goes to lean back she falls into me with surprise. “Oh, hey! You wanna play eye spy with Bloom and I?”

“Sure. What’s the hint?”

“You already know how to play?”

“Yeah I used to play this as a kid during car rides”, the two looks I get back are funny enough to laugh. “It doesn’t matter, I know how to play”

“Okay, I spy with my eye somethin green”

Leaning into my ear Pinkie whispers, “I think it’s a tree”

Taking a look around there isn’t much it could be. There’s grass, some moss… trees. “Is it grass?”

“Yep! You got it first guess!”

“Aw what? I was sure I knew it”

“Pinkie you wanted to guess tree again”

“Okay I wanna spy now! I spy with my pink eye… something green!”

Sharing a look both Bloom and I answer at the same time, “A tree”

Lost in my own world staring up at the sky, the few clouds scattered around float way high above, seemingly unreachable. Even at such a far distance I could tell the difference between each one, some thinner and light, others tall and condensed. It drew the question, if I could find a way to any of those clouds, could I even feel them or would they seemingly disappear once I got close enough, their visage only visible from afar.

Once again a pair of arguing voices blended my thoughts. The third argument already.

“We wouldn’t have had this issue if y’all hadn’t wrestled me for the map!”

“It’s fine, I’ve been on this road plenty a times before. We wanna keep going til we hit a split and take the path to our left. I guarantee”

“Guarantee? That’s supposed to mean more then the map?!”

“How bout you start trusting your elders more young mare!”

And once again like the other two fights, once AJ notices Pinkie staring wide eyed she tries her best to play it off. “Alright, your right. I should put some more faith in ya. I’m sorry”

“Darn tootin yer sorry now take that left when ya see it Mac”

“Okay” his deep voice rings from the front.

Then sure enough the path before us comes upon a split. A path to the right following along the river and a path to the left heading into a dark cave.

“Uh, Granny you sure it was left?”

“Are you still doubtin me?”

Getting ready for whatever lies within, Pinkie made sure to pull up her camera. “Look it how spooky it is! You think there’s bats in there?”

Getting real low on the cart I whisper back, “God I hope not”

Into the darkness of the cave we must’ve went forward for only a few feet before the light behind suddenly vanished leaving us blinded. Immediately Applebloom was first to shout.

“H-hey, w-who done t-turned off t-the light?”

“We’ll be fine Bloom. Here let me just light this lantern I brought and we’ll-“

Right as the light fills the cave around, hundreds of shiny eyes beam back toward us in the darkened corners and ceiling. Unsettled I try to ignore them.

“Eugh, yuck. Hopefully this won’t take much longer right Pinkie? Pinkie?”

“This would be an awesome picture!” Shouting much too loudly she jumped into the air flashing the group with her camera. In an instant all hell broke loose.

Fluttering, flapping sounds began filling the room and soon our headspace and become home to what felt like thousands of bats.

“Everypony get down! Mac, run for it!”

Off we went speeding deeper and deeper into the cave as the never ending line of bats flew above. Unable to really see what’s ahead mixed with the girls shouting, I’m at a loss for any ideas. Then as quickly as the panic began, a new problem joined in as well. We were falling.

“Nnnnnoooopeeeeee!”

Looking up to check on Mac, I slam back down into the carts floor, lifting my head to see him flying toward my direction. Hooves swinging wildly as he flew, I knew it was too late to move.

“Oooof! Holy shit Mac, your… fuckin heavy!”

“Sorry”

Getting off, the rest of the group started to get their bearings as well, taking in the new environment around us.

“Is that uh… a light?”

“Applejack please don’t tell me I died on your trip”

“We’re dead?! Wow. Who would’ve thought”

“Nopony is dead! Now Mac keep walkin toward that light”

“Uhhh”

“Mac what are you doing in the cart? Actually, more importantly who’s towin us?”

Giving a shrug back her question wouldn’t be answered until we finally reached the outside again. Assaulted by the light I almost find it more believable that I died then the sight before me. Floating in the very same cart, we were headed down river.

“How are we not sinking?”

“Cause wood floats silly!”

“Pinkie that’s not the problem here, this isn’t a boat!”

“It sure looks like one! I mean look, we’re floating down river!” Leaning over the side her eyes reflect against the waters shiny surface. “Look at all the fishies!”

Facepalming at her inability to focus I turn my attention over to the Apples to see how they’re doing.

“Uhhh big sis, is this safe?”

“Granny you told me that was the right way! We almost turned into mashed tatters fallin in that cave! Why am I supposed to trust what you have to say if you too stubborn to listen to what I think?”

“Cause your granny always right and besides, we’re still on the right track. Long as we follow the river we’ll be at Goldie’s in no time”

“The right track?! Granny we’re not following the river, we’re in it!”

Leaning back to Pinkie, I bump her to get her attention, “You worried about how everything’s been going?”

“Worried? What do you mean? This has been some of the most fun I’ve had in months!”

Patting her head with a smile I ruffle her messy mane, “You’re not one to panic at the right time are you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I can’t help but laugh at her lack of awareness, “I love you”

“I love you too but, what’s that got to do with me panicking?”

Giving her a little kiss I join her leaning over the side. “Look at that little swimmer. He’s so tiny”

“He is! Look how bright that one is!”

We spend a good while doing this passing the time, letting the river carry us along. Occasionally I check over my shoulder at the others hoping things have cooled off only every time I look things only seemed to be getting hotter. Eventually I’d have to chat with AJ, tell her to settle down but, only if I felt things were getting too far. Hopefully she could reel it in before Pinkie noticed.

Hiding in the shade of our makeshift pavilion, an assembly of umbrellas, it protected us from the scorching sun as we floated away in the cart. Although the air around was rather cool given the river, there really was no protection from the sun. Most the tree coverage was sparse and any hope of a drifting cloud was a fleeting dream as well.

I pulled at my shirt collar hoping for a whiff of cold breeze to cool my sticky skin. Annoyingly, every few times or so I would catch my hand against my magic collar, snagging my hand and releasing a small curse from under my breath.

“This stupid thing is so uncomfortable to wear when I sweat”

Frowning at my discomfort Pinkie was quick to reach into her saddlebag, “I have water if you want some”. Pulling out a canteen she holds it my way.

“Thanks” the first gulp feels heavenly, a cold relief. “I’m not exactly sure how you kept this stuff cold being in yo- AYE!”

Colder then the water, a freezing wet touch pressed on my neck. When I spun to look it was Pinkie once again, holding a towel she soaked from the river firm against me.

“Sorry! Forgot to tell you it’s cold” with the brightest smile my heart flutters at her beautiful face.

Blushing I took the towel in my own hands, “Thanks Pinkie”

“You’re welcome! I’m sorry I can’t do anything about your collar though. It’s really poopy you have to wear it”

Trotting over to us AJ gave us both a concerned look, “How y’all doing? I think we’re nearly there now… least that’s what Granny said”

“We’re doing great! This trips been super super fun so far and to think this could be a family tradition from now on. I wish this day would never end”

“How bout you Joey? You look a little… burnt”

“I’m not exactly friends with the sun”

“Heh I can see that. Already got yourself a farmers tan starting there. Soon you’ll be as close to an Apple as Pinkie right here” with her hoof she pulled her in for an aggressive hug.

“Oh that’s right! If me and Joey get married, we all can be family!” I nearly spit out my drink.

Marriage!?!

For a moment I’m a little caught off guard but, as the seconds pass and my mind ponders over the idea it’s not exactly something to be so worried about. Sure marriage is a big deal and maybe it’s different in Equestria but, would marrying Pinkie be anything to freak out about? She’s been my rock for a while now, a true shoulder to lean on. Dependable, funny, caring, don’t even get me started on cute. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea… but I’d probably catch hell from the other two. I could already here Luna’s voice now.

THOU PROPOSED MARRIAGE TO ANOTHER?! BEFORE US?!?

A small chuckle slips out stopping the other two from their conversation and drawing Apple Jack to scowl.

“What’s so funny”

“Huh? Sorry I was thinking of something else, what were you two talking about?”

“Oh.. we were just discussing bout our families. I didn’t realize Pinkie had such a rough goodbye”

“It wasn’t goodbye. I still go back every year! It’s always so exciting so see everything that’s changed and this year I’ll get to bring Joey along with me, right? You’ll come with me right?”

“Course. I’d love to meet the parents that made such an amazing pony” slightly flustered Pinkie giggled.

“I wouldn’t say amazing…”

“Then maybe you’d believe it if it came from the element of honesty” AJ suggested with a smirk.

“Please, I’m really not that special”

“What do you mean sugar? What other pony is willing to throw a birthday party for all my family for free every year?”

“What pony is willing to make friends with everypony that lives in town?”

“Heheh it’s… it’s really not that much” Then suddenly Pinkies ears perked up. “Do you two hear that?”

“Come on, you can’t pretend to hear something to stop us both. Take a little pride-“

“Actually Joey… I hear something too”

“What? I don’t hear anything”

Is it because my shitty human hearing?

“That sorta sounds like…”

Standing up the girls shout in unison, right as I feast my eyes on the adventure awaiting ahead.

“A WATERFALL!”

Letting out a quick manly yell I’m fast to grab onto Pinkie while holding my other arm around the side of the cart. Normally one would just leap out into the river and swim to shore but the ends of each bank were much too far to swim in time, not before you’d be dragged over without a chance. I was left with no choice but to hold on.

“This is where I actually die, like really fucking die”

“Joey?” Fearful of our future she tugged close.

“Yeah?”

“You think you could hold me so I can get a good photo?”

“What?!”

Shocked I don’t even have time to realize the front half of the cart has already gone over, the weight shifting forward. As luggage rolls over and around me falling over the edge, I widen my eyes at the fall. Apple Jack took one look back at us, her family huddled together.

“Hold on tight!” And over we went.

Immediately I’m flung forward away from the cart, Pinkie still hanging on shouting as we descend. Perhaps blinded by the chaos I almost swear I saw a flash. Preparing for the inevitable landing I turn face to the water below, a near sixty foot drop. My lungs had hitched, my brain frozen. All I could do was wait.

*SPLOOSH*

Opening my eyes the water around me remained clear, a distance rumbling from behind becoming more evident the longer I float. Spinning I spot the cart as well, it’s bottom broken and destroyed, sinking slowly into the deep water. Yet as I scan around more there isn’t another pony in sight.

I breach the surface with a gasp looking over the wreckage. Boards and knickknacks float down stream, the water calming and quieting each passing second. Confused I shout out.

“Pinkie!? AJ?! Anypony?!”

A voice shouts from the bank, “Joey! Over here!” It’s AJ and the others huddled and slumped together.

“I’m… I’m coming” I wasn’t the best swimmer but I wouldn’t drown, soon enough joining the group.

With a few wet flops against the muddy bank, I flip over catching my breath.

“We made it! Can’t believe we made it!”

“Eyup”

“AppleBloom are you okay?”

“Course I’m fine! It’s not like a little fall like that coulda hurt me”

“Heh… little” that sure wasn’t little.

Vision filled pink, I was lifted up into the lap of a very wet and messy Pinkie, her bright blue eyes filled with relief.

“Are you okay?”

Chuckling from the absurdity of what just happened I close my eyes and relax, “Can’t get rid of me that easily”

“You two okay over there? I saw Joey go flying over the cart soon as we started falling”

“He’s okay, he’s a big tough guy” Scratching my head she lowered her voice to me whispering. “But I don’t know what I’d do without him”

“If you’re worried about saving me then maybe we could find me a pair of dry pants? At the very least some dry shoes?”

“Only if the water could do something about your dry sense of humor”

“Ouch, that was a tough one”

“Then maybe don’t scare me like that again”

We stay like this a little longer as the group collected themselves. Granny seemed like she needed the most time, her eyes stuck to the river watching her possessions float away.

“Hey Pinkie?”

“Hm?”

“Did you take a photo while we were falling”

She doesn’t answer and when I open my eyes to see her face, she’s fighting a smile. “Whaaaaat? That would’ve been crazy!”

“You took a photo didn’t you?”

“Hey cousin, you ready to keep going?”

“Huh? Yeah we’re all ready. Everyponys got what they need and we’re almost there anyways. Best we get there quick and stay the night”

“Guess we gotta get up sleepy”

“You sure I can’t just lay here? I don’t really feel like walking in wet shoes”

“Come on lazy bones! We gotta see my new auntie!”

Getting up I squeeze out most the water from my clothes, “Yeah yeah yeah… but what if she ain’t your auntie? What if this whole trip was for nothing?”

“It wouldn’t be for nothing, we got to spend the day with our friends! Isn’t that fun enough?”

“Hm… you’re too pure hearted. It’s almost frightening”

“Least I don’t have wet socks!”

With a frown I walk along, painfully squishing each step, miserable in my moist apparel, “It’s true… you don’t have wet socks. Only I do. Me. The wettest man alive”

Shouting from the front AJ doesn’t even bother to turn around, “Quit yer whining, everpony here is wet. Besides, we’re almost there now, even I remember where to go from this point on”

”Quit your whining… blah blah blah. Easy coming from the pony who’s literally naked!”

Sighing to herself she slowed down to join the two of us near the rear while Granny took over the lead at an agonizing pace.

“Pinkie I’m real sorry for all the trouble this trip has been. This ain’t how we normally are I swear, you’ve just caught us on a bad stretch”

“Are you kidding? This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks! Just look at all these memories we made together”

From her bag she pulls out an array of Polaroid photos, from the ones I can see it’s various moments from our trip. One in particular sticks out.

“Pinkie can I see that one?”

Taking it and placing a hand to shade it’s face from glare my heart warms at the sight. It was the two of us leaned over the boats side, our faces pressed with smiles bright. A brief memory shared and likely the only peaceful one of this whole trip. I make sure to hand it back carefully.

“Pinkie can we get that one framed when we get back? I like it. I like it a lot”

“What about this one?”

“Here let me- hell no! You can literally see me falling in the corner there! I thought I was going to die!”

“Pinkie can I have that one of us all before we left? It’s an awfully nice photo, probably the last family photo we’ve took since AppleBloom was born”

“Hm, how long ago was that?”

“Oh shoot… hmm, that was bout half a year after… bout thirteen maybe fourteen years ago”

“Jeez, why such a long gap?”

Staying silent for a bit it starts to feel like I’ve treaded on sensitive territory but, before I can backtrack she answers.

“Since my ma died.. hasn’t been really something we wanted to do. That was always her thing… taking photos and such. Feels kinda weird doing that stuff again”

“I’m um… I’m sorry bout your mom Apple Jack. I didn’t know”

“No it was a perfectly fine question. Don’t worry bout me. It was a long time ago anyway” with things feeling a little sour AJ is quick to hurry back to front. “Best we get going before we end up walking during the night”

Once out of range Pinkie was first to say something. “That’s the first time I’ve heard her talk about her mom. Poor AJ…”

“I didn’t know… how was I supposed to?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong silly. She probably felt like talking about it when she saw the photo I took earlier, I mean you heard what she said”

“Still feel bad… you know how upset I get when ponies bother me about my past”

“You weren’t being poky about it though. Most ponies can’t help but stick their nose were it doesn’t belong, myself included!”

“Oh stop, you’re pretty good at knowing what’s okay to say”

“I don’t knooooww… sometimes I say a little tooooo much”

Ruffling her mane I pick her up over my shoulders in a piggy back ride, “That’s enough bad mouthing my marefriend out of you”

“I love it when we do this! If I talk badly about myself more will you also buy me ice cream when we get back?”

“I’ll buy you ice cream if you act like a good little filly”

“YAAAYYYY! That’s easy!”

Laughing, I shift a little to get a better hold, “You say that now but, last time we made this bet you didn’t make it”

“Well this time is different! I’m an Apple now!”

“What’s your apple name?”

“Uhh… sour candy apple!”

“Are you sure there isn’t a sour candy apple already?”

“I’ll just ask Apple Jack, she’ll know!”

“Probably better to ask Granny Smith. She seems like she’d know more relatives”

“Hey Grandma Smith, do you know if-“

Right as the orange tinged sky begins to fade away over the horizon we come across a small cottage all alone amongst an opening in the woods. At our paths end it lays still, clearly well worn and darkened from age. The roof appeared ready to cave in yet kept firm while the windows were covered in dust, cobwebs common on each corner. If I didn’t know any better I’d assume the place was abandoned.

“This is it!” Taking a few wobbly steps forward, Granny held out her foreleg, using it as a microphone. “GOLDIE GET YER OLD FLANK OUT HERE AND GREET YER FAMILY!”

Giggling beside me Pinkie checked to see if I was laughing as well, “She said flank!”

Rolling my eyes I turn my attention back to the hut looking structure, it’s stillness held strong. Second after second went by until I felt the urge to do something only when I took my first step a loud clatter came from within followed by a low rumble. The Apples didn’t appear alarmed though, even after a shout came from inside. Again right when I feel the urge to say or do anything, the door swings wide open pouring out the homes innards as well a pony.

“Goldie Deeeelish, I told ya to start cleaning round inside there before ya get buried. Just look at all this junk!” Funny enough she says this standing atop a pile of her assorted goods.

“Granny I don’t think you can be one to judge”

“Well if it ain’t old Granny Smith and her wonderful grandchildren. Come give your aunt Goldie a hug” A little hesitant poor Applebloom is the first to get squeezed while the rest of us settle around the mess. “And who’s this tall fella? And the pink one?”

“This is my friend Pinkie-“

“Cousin!”

“… potential cousin Pinkie and her coltfriend Joey”

Much too sassy I cross my arms, “You know I’m more than just her coltfriend AJ, I’m your friend too”

“Potential cousin you say? What brings that weird title?”

“This document right here!” Before Goldie knows it, she’s already face to face with the paper.

Taking a read she maybe scans it over for a ten seconds before giving back, “Looks a little faded to be too sure bout anything. How about y’all help get this mess cleaned up and we can get look over the Apple family tree together. Besides, I don’t even know where I placed the darn book so hopefully we can find it cleanin”

“Ooo this is like that eye spy game! Cmon AppleBloom, let’s play it again while we clean!”

Soon enough I’m left alone with the others, a little out of the Joey comfort zone. Staring between AJ and the others I give an awkward shrug and start helping out. Best to keep busy rather then try my luck at small talk.

“So Apple Jack said your that little mares coltfriend? How’d that come to be, seeing how your both different species and all”

And we’re talking small.

“Surprised your first question isn’t, ‘what are you’. Most ponies usually go for that one”

“Ain’t no point dwelling over that if ya might be family”

“She’s my fillyfriend so not exactly family yet”

“Ha, I think I’ve lived long enough to tell when two ponies are in it for the long haul. If ya catch what I’m saying”

“Goldie would you leave that poor stallion alone? He’s been through enough today. Hay we’ve all been through enough today”

“All right all right, just was curious that’s all. Wasn’t sure they were dating cause of love or what he might be packing in those pants”

“GOLDIE!”

Please kill me now god

After a lifetime of teasing and a lawn full of sentimental value, we eventually round up most the mess, taking a break inside for a drink. Grouped tighter, we sat in a circle watching Goldie search through an old trunk for her precious book.

“Aha! Here it is, still kicking!”

With a loud poof and a cloud of smoke kicking up causing coughs throughout the room, she gives a flip deep into the archive searching for her treasure.

“I can’t believe how messy you’ve let this place get Goldie”

“Maybe if you saw the value in any of this stuff you’d be more appreciative of me savin it. Here it is, the Apple family tree, now let’s see”

Dragging her hoof down the page there’s a small feeling of excitement building, something I didn’t think I’d really care about until now. I didn’t truly believe there was a chance they were related but, now that we’re here I kinda want it to be true. This was Equestria after all, nothing was impossible. But then when she reached a certain point, she paused. A quick glance to Pinkie.

“What is your last name again dearie?”

“Pie! I’m sure it says it right there”

“Pie? Oh… I’m sorry dear. That smudge must’ve made the name look closer than it was. I’m sorry”

“What name does it say then?”

Before Apple Jack can make her way to Goldie, she’s stopped by a pink hoof. “Pie”

“Huh? But Goldie just said-“

“That some old dusty paper doesn’t have the name pie on it?”

“But Pinkie, we ain’t related then. Don’t you realize? I went and put this whole trip together, endangering both y’all’s life’s and it was all for nothin!”

“I don’t think it was. I thought it was nice field trip where I got to know you all better. My family”

“Pinkie..”

“Come on AJ, are you going to let some crusty old book tell you who you can and can’t call family cause I think I know family when I see it. This-“ taking her hoof she waves it across the room, covering everypony involved until stopping back on AJ. “This is my family”

A little shocked at how well Pinkie took the news, she stood frozen confused til a green hoof rested on her shoulder. “Yer right Pinkie, yer darn right! I’d be happy to call you my grandchild now come and give me a hug”

“G-granny…”

“Pinkies right big sis, I think we should decide who’s family or not and I think auntie Pinkie is definitely an Apple!” Joining the hug as well Bloom slammed into Pinkies side.

“How do you feel bout it Mac?”

“Apple family material” He joined as well leaving AJ, Goldie and me the only ones left outside the hug.

Not taking much time the cowpony was quick to step forward closing the gap, “Pinkie it would be a pleasure to not only call you friend… but to call you cousin as well. Welcome to the family”

“Isn’t this wonderful?” Startled by the shifty old mare beside me it helps shake off some of the awkwardness of being left out.

“Yeah… sure is a feel good moment. A little too sappy still”

“What would life be without the sap?”

The perfect answer comes to mind but, I keep it to myself. It wasn’t worth ruining the mood.

“Joey! What are you doin standin over there! Come over here and hug your new family”

“Me? AJ we’re not-“

“Don’t make me ask again”

“Coming… coming”

And with that moment I guess I found a new family in Equestria. I couldn’t be honest with them, tell them how I didn’t feel the same but, knowing most ponies their feelings in the matter were likely honest. They would be sure to hold up their word, as if I was a true Apple, born and raised. So I kept my mouth shut, they didn’t need to know. Know that I hadn’t been completely changed by my time here. That strangely enough, for some weird reason deep inside, it felt good knowing that.

After seeing the state of Goldie’s place we couldn’t possibly stay the night so the return trip was rather awful. Thankfully our little pit stop provided us with a little bit of camping gear and we called it for the night halfway back. A few campfire stories were told, a few Apple family ciders were shared, and overall I had a wonderful time. It was then, sitting beside the fire I realized something important. Pinkie was right. Sure the Apples weren’t related to me and sure maybe I didn’t see them the same way they saw me but, why should anypony let anything stop them from treating another like family.

Panning over to my right, to the most important mare in my life, my insides fluttered with eager desire. The urge to kiss from only a glance. With further inspection I quickly became lost in her features, awfully tired from the day. Her eyes glittered against the fire, the crackling sparks like stars shining in the night sky. Her adorable squeaky laugh bringing joy to my heart and wish to laugh along. Her loving presence enveloping me without saying or doing a thing. Even when she was right here, by my side the entire time I hadn’t noticed. She was my family. That the only person who could choose my family to me, is me.

Author's Note

Few things,

This chapter was a slug. Very difficult to write and you could likely tell as you read it so I do apologize.

I’ve had almost no free time to write and when I have I’ve been too exhausted to.

I think what I wanted from this story has already been achieved however, it’s not in the correct place yet to call it. So given this feeling and my desire to start new stories I’ve decided the likely ending point will be around 40 chapters with a final chapter hopefully around 20k+ words (wishful thinking)

I have a new story in mind, one with shorter chapters focused more around quality then quantity. Rereading some of my earlier chapters, although my work was filled with errors it was much more heartfelt in the writing and I feel I’m missing that now.

If you have any questions about either my planned future story or this story please leave a comment and I’ll reply as soon as I can :).

Have a wonderful day/night