The Mystery of Applejack's Parentsby Musical_theatre_demonChapters2.4.5.7.8.9.10.11.12.1.3.6.2.The next day, Pear Butter awoke bright and early. She had a damn good reason to, and it was not due to the constant arguing between the two farms. No. She was over that. In fact, now that she thought about it, the arguing was music to her ears that was now numb to her. She was so used to it that she did not think much of it. But today was the day to tell Grand Pear everything - to tell him what she did, although she did not want to admit that it broke her heart to do so. "Good morning, Grand Pear!" Pear Butter greeted him cheerfully. "What a grand morning to start on the farm work, ain't it?" Grand Pear smiled. "Looks like somepony slept well last night. Hopefully you weren't thinking about that Apple colt again." He shivered at the mention of him. It was like Bright Mac was a disease waiting to happen - and maybe he was right. Pear Butter gulped regardless, but swallowed it when Grand Pear turned around to buck pears off the tree. "Hey, I bet you Apples can't buck as well as I can!" Grand Pear bellowed. "Oh yeah?" Granny Smith bellowed. "I may be getting old, but I am still in my prime!" Grand Pear scoffed. "In your prime? How about in your dreams, little Apple? Looks like it was only yesterday that your scum showed up right next to our farm. Like karma was just waiting to show itself and come down on us all like a frickin' Timberwolf." This got Granny Smith started. "Well, y'all are pieces of shit! Let karma come for your stupid pears instead! There's no way pears are as good as apples! What can pears make you?" "Profit," Grand Pear said. "Obviously more than you." Granny Smith pulled Bright Mac aside. "Tell those assholes that pears can't make that good'a cider," she said. "But I -!" Bright Mac started to protest. "But what?" Granny Smith said, crossing her hooves across her chest. There was no getting past her now - when Granny Smith was angry, she was angry. There was no getting past it, causing Bright Mac to gulp and regret even speaking out of turn. "I'm sorry, Mom," Bright Mac said. "I'll let them know." Granny Smith smiled a victorious smile, which felt like she won against the Pears. And her son was going to be the weapon who brought the Pears down for good. When he did that, she believed that she raised him well. Bright Mac walked to the front of the Apple Family's stand which had apples on the shelves outside of it that ponies could buy if they truly wanted to. He gulped, unsure of what to really say. Should he betray Pear Butter and kiss his girlfriend and their romantic life goodbye? Bright Mac did not want to see that future, but knew if he didn't, she would betray him someday. He could see it in her eyes - the way Pear Butter just coldly walked away that night with not much as a word. Maybe she was right. There was no way that an Apple and a Pear could fall in love - not while the families wanted nothing to do with each other. He sighed. "What are ya waitin' for? Stop stallin' and tell them Pears what's gotten into them!" Granny Smith bellowed. "Unless you're scared because of your relationship with that backstabbin' little girlfriend of yours." Bright Mac wanted to speak, but no words came out. He started to think that Granny Smith was right, but also thought that there was some way that Pear Butter was being manipulated by Grand Pear, and wouldn't tell him why she had to forget about him. But that was when Pear Butter spoke up. "Of course we make more profit than you. Pears are just better than apples, simply put. Just simply try a pear cobbler and it's freshen your taste buds much more than your average apple pie," Pear Butter said with a wink in Bright Mac's direction, making him try to hide his blush, but failing miserably. She took a bite out of the pear cobbler. "Mmm, mmm! Now this is something! Now, everypony, we all know about pear jam, right? Pear jam is used on bread and it can make a great addition to your morning toast." Bright Mac took a stand. He was not having this anymore. "Pear Butter, you can try all you want to fit in with your family's desires and wishes of what they expect of you, but I'm not gonna do that," he said. "I'm through with being just a part of the plan. I wanna be something more, Buttercup. I wanna be yours." The two families gasped, their anger rising as Granny Smith and Grand Pear butted heads. "You have to take control of your son! This is an outrage!" Grand Pear said. "I'm sorry for his behavior. I'll make sure I correct that right away," Granny Smith said. "Right after you make your daughter apologize!" Grand Pear scoffed, continuing to butt heads with the green, white-maned pony. "When pigs fly," he said. "She don't need to apologize for anything, and that's final." Pear Butter lowered her head, turning away from Grand Pear. She did have to apologize. Bright Mac was right. This wasn't her and it never will be. She was buying into her family's expectations of her, and that just wasn't going to cut it. Not anymore. But despite how she felt, she stayed on the sidelines, running her hoof through her mane. And being the only one seeing this, Bright Mac felt a huge sympathy for her. It was like they were living the same exact life, just in different bodies and part of rival families that just wanted their relationship to flop. That being said, did they even suspect it or did they just not care at all. The day went on and consumers came and went until the sun fell on Ponyville. It was back to Sweet Apple Acres for Bright Mac and Granny Smith, and Pear Butter and Grand Pear back to Pear Farms right across from it. Pear Butter would find a way to sneak out that night, and she would apologize for everything. That she promised herself and Bright Mac. 4.The next day, Pear Butter awoke to see a pool of blood residing beside her. Horrified, she looked at the knife she had clutched. She must've cut a deep gash at night and not have realized it. Maybe that was for the best, because it certainly made her feel better. But hot damn, did it hurt like hell. And there was no way Pear Butter was letting it go now. She placed the bloodied knife to the side and washed her hoof, and then made her way to their secret spot. Upon arrival, she sat waiting by the pear-apple tree that connected them, looking up to admire its beauty. She didn't think Bright Mac would show up after what she did the day before, but to her surprise, a yellow freckled stallion was walking towards their secret spot in the distance. Instantly, Pear Butter's hopes rose. This was her time - her time to apologize. "What you said back there. I know you didn't mean any of it," Bright Mac said. He laughed. "Funny how everything we do wrong just draws us closer to each other." When Pear Butter didn't return his laugh, Bright Mac knew something was wrong. "Buttercup, what happened?" Bright Mac said. "You're never this quiet." "I'm sorry," she whispered. "Oh, Pear Butter! You don't have to blame yourself!" Bright Mac said. "In fact, you've got nopony to blame but your Grand Pear himself! Maybe that's why you judge apple products so harshly." He held out an apple tart in front of her with a warm smile on his face. "I've got a gift for you, Buttercup," he said with a smile. "You never know if you like it unless you try it." Pear Butter sniffed the delicate treat within Bright Mac's hooves. She could practically feel its warmth as the smell occupied her nose. "It smells... oddly delicious. What is it?" Bright Mac chuckled. "I ain't tellin' you until you try it," Bright Mac said. Pear Butter returned the chuckle, in a lighthearted manner of course. "I shouldn't. It might have a disease." Bright Mac's smile faded. Taken aback, he started to pack up the apple tart. "If you'd rather have pear products, then I understand," he said. Pear Butter stopped him, frantically putting a hoof on his shoulder. "No, no! It's not like that at all!" she cried. "Then, what are you trying to say?" Bright Mac said, his voice sounding broken. She nudged him, chuckling. "I'm just kidding, sugarcube! Of course I'll try it!" Bright Mac stared at her, trying to process what she was trying to convey. He just didn't get her, but maybe that was for the best. Ponies were complicated - he knew that from experience - and from himself. Her face fell. "Is something wrong?" "No, no. It's OK," Bright Mac said. "It's just... I don't understand. How could you be kidding?" "Oh, Bright Mac. Do you really think I meant everything I said back there? If you do, then a fool's mindset you've got, and I can't really help you with that." She covered her mouth. "Did I - did I really say that? I-I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know what just came out! Please forgive me!" Bright Mac chuckled. "I ain't mad," he said, smiling. "You're cute, you know that?" He gave her a peck on her cheek, which turned Pear Butter bright red as an apple. "Looks like you're looking more like an Apple than a Pear," he joked. She chuckled, ruffling his mane. "Very funny," she said, nudging him playfully. She eyed Bright Mac's bag. "Hey, I'm thinking about that little treat." Bright Mac smiled, giving her the apple tart. "Trust me. You'll love it." Pear Butter scoffed. "Are you doubting me? Of course I'll love it." Pear Butter took a bite of the apple tart, her taste buds entering whatever Heaven was. Bright Mac smiled. "So, how was it?" "It's... it's amazing! I've gotta tell everypony how good apple delicacies are!" Pear Butter said. "But what if your family dismisses it?" Bright Mac said with concern. Pear Butter shrugged. "If they don't want to try it, it's their loss." Both ponies laughed, tackling each other to the ground playfully until they were too close for comfort, causing both of them to turn redder than a Fuji apple. Pear Butter broke the silence. "So, you gonna kiss me or what?" He didn't even have to answer. Bright Mac leaned in and kissed her with her doing the same. They shared a chuckle as they sat up. "Let's do that again sometime," Pear Butter said. "But in the night when everypony's asleep," she added with a wink. "Yeah. We don't wanna stir up any trouble," Bright Mac said, a chuckle rising. "Yeah," Pear Butter said, chuckling and leaving. "Ten o'clock sharp. Our spot. I've got a surprise for you." "I'll be there," Bright Mac promised. "You better be," Pear Butter said. "Because what I'm gonna bring you is out of this world." Bright Mac smiled. "I believe it." He waved goodbye, blushing as Pear Butter's red curls bounced as she walked. She's beautiful, he thought to himself. But then he shook her out of his head, preparing to return home to not cause any suspicion between his family members. 5.When Bright Mac returned to the Apple Farm, Granny Smith rose an eyebrow. "You've been away for quite some time, Bright Mac. Care to explain yourself?" Bright Mac gulped. He did not want to lie, but knew he had to. Not being able to lie, everything just spilled out of Bright Mac's mouth. "I was spending a romantic day with Pear Butter," he said guiltily. "I know you said to stay away from this mare, but she is my life and happiness. I just can't be without her." "You, Bright Mac, are forbidden to go over to the Pear Farm. From this day on, I will keep a close watch on you at all times. If I see you over there with Pear Butter, you'll be in big trouble, you understand?" Granny Smith said. Bright Mac sighed. "Yes, ma'am," he said and went into his room. * * * Bright Mac grabbed a pen and a piece of paper that was sitting on his desk. His bedroom desk seemed to have tons of stationery despite living on a farm. He even had loads on envelopes, but no way to send them. He sighed, laying his head on the desk in utter hopelessness. How was he going to communicate with Pear Butter now? How was he going to tell her that he couldn't be there tonight? He sighed again, feeling defeated. Bright Mac lifted his head up, a shard of hope flowing through him. Although small, at least it was something. It faded and then kept coming back, something Bright Mac couldn't shake. But he tried to understand. He tried to make an effort to find a way to send letters to Pear Butter without getting in trouble. A filly was playing outside across from the farm land. Bright Mac, forced to be stuck inside, tapped on the window, trying to get the filly's attention. But it was no use. No wonder she couldn't hear him. Bright Mac exited his room. "I'm going out," he said. "Where?" Granny Smith said, her hooves crossed. "It better not be anyway with that Pear Butter mare." "Relax, Mom," he replied. "I'm going out to Ponyville. More like across from the farm land." Granny Smith softened. "I can approve of that. Have fun." So off Bright Mac went to find the playing filly. * * * Approaching the playing filly, Bright Mac asked, "Hello there. Could you help me with something?" The filly stopped jumping around and looked up at Bright Mac, his big smile inviting her in and making her feel comfortable about him. "Hi, sir. What's your name?" the filly asked. Bright Mac smiled. "My name is Bright Mac, young filly," he replied. "It's nice to meet you." "It's nice to meet you too. My name is Tornado Wind," she said. "My friends say I'm the best flier they've ever seen!" Bright Mac smiled. "They do, don't they?" he asked, hope lighting up more than ever for him. She looked up at him. "What do you need my help with?" she asked. "You see, I have this secret girlfriend that I ain't allowed to sneak out and see her anymore. I'm trying to send her these letters, and I need somepony's help. I couldn't help but watch you playing from across the farm and knew you could help me," Bright Mac said. "That is, If you want to." The filly smiled. "Of course I'll help you, kind sir! Where does she live?" Bright Mac drew up a map and handed it to the filly. The filly looked at it, nodding in understanding. She looked up once again after studying the map. "Do you have this letter written yet?" she asked. "Not necessarily. I got sidetracked seeing you out the window from afar," Bright Mac said in total honesty. "That's OK," Tornado Wind said with a smile. "Just let me know when you're finished! I'm a great flier, so you can count on me, Mr. Bright Mac!" Bright Mac smiled, a warm feeling filling him from head to hoof. He returned home and wrote that letter. After finishing that letter, he once again gathered everything and told Granny he was headed out. Little did she know that he was meeting with a filly who he assigned a top-secret mission. 7.Pear Butter made her way across Pear Farms to Sweet Apple Acres, careful not to raise any suspicion. Was she really going to trot up there and say: "Hey, I got a letter and I'm only assuming it came from over here. If you would kindly let me in to investigate who might've sent it, maybe then you'd think of me and my family differently." ? No. While this was a lie, it was still suspicious. And another reason she had to be careful - Granny Smith wasn't a pony, she was a pony with eyes like a hawk that would soar down and threaten her if she wasn't careful. Even one look at her and Granny Smith would flip. Pear Butter gulped, fighting the urge to turn back around and go home. But even with that urge, she carried on and knocked on the red barn doors of Sweet Apple Acres. From inside Sweet Apple Acres, the middle-aged pony called to Bright Mac from the kitchen, "Bright Mac, could you get the door please? I'm cooking dinner." This was his chance. Excitedly, Bright Mac perked up. "Yes, Mom!" he chirped and ran towards the door. To both of their surprises, Pear Butter stood at the door. At first glance, the couple looked away from each other, their faces blushing red the second time they looked up at each other. Seems like they were both infatuated and shocked to see each other again. "So, uh, how'd you get here?" both ponies frantically said in unison. "Uh, I don't know. I-I got a letter and I assumed it came from here. I mean, it had somepony's name on it I recognized," Pear Butter said. "Uh, do you mind if I come in? I know you're mother's probably busy with dinner, and oh my Celestia, it smells amazing. I wish I could just come in and join the family dinner, but that just won't be perceived well. So I better make my way out of here before we both get in trouble..." Bright Mac smiled, the blush on his face intensified. "What she don't know ain't gonna kill her," he said, afraid of how Granny Smith would react when she was finished. He decided not to think of that right now. "Uh, well, why don't you come in for a minute? I'm sure she won't mind. It's just until she calls me for dinner." Pear Butter turned to leave. "I suppose by the smell of it, she's almost done." "She...she'll call me," Bright Mac said, tension rising in the young stallion's voice while ushering her in quickly as they made their way to his bedroom. Pear Butter looked around, admiring the scenery. "Your barn is in a lot better condition than mine," Pear Butter said. "My dad is so traditional and doesn't really bother with renovations all that much." She sat on the bed. "And this room - it's like a dream! I wish our families could come to an agreement to merge! That would be fun, wouldn't it?" Bright Mac gulped, searching for words while fiddling with his hooves. "Uh, yeah," he said. "Although, there's a slim chance of it really happening." "Oh c'mon! Can't a pony dream? We're still young, Bright Mac. We've got the whole world ahead of us," Pear Butter said. "And I feel like I haven't known you long enough to say this, but I wanna spend eternity with you. I wanna marry you, but I don't know how to do it. If we get eloped, your mother will cut ties with you and maybe my father will too. The future for our feuding families is at stake, but our love is everlasting, if you think about it. Whatever the obstacle, I like to think positive and believe we'll jump over it someday." "Dreams are dreams. Although, I sort of believe it too," he said. "Do you got a ring?" Pear Butter blushed, chuckling awkwardly. "A ring? Since when did farm ponies have enough or even have the luxury to buy a ring? Ain't our love enough?" Bright Mac smiled. "You're right, Buttercup. Where to?" Pear Butter smiled. "Come with me," she said, leading Bright Mac to their secret spot. * * * "Look at this tree," she said. "What do you see?" "I see... a connection beyond reality itself," Bright Mac replied. "I see star-crossed lovers and how someday they get together against their families' wills." "That, Bright Mac, is called fate. Fate brought us together, and believe it or not, fate will bring our families closer together in due time," Pear Butter said. She smiled, leaning in closer towards him. "Is it too early to tie the knot?" Bright Mac leaned in closer as well. "No. Let's do it now. I'm not afraid anymore. I don't wanna hide our love anymore, although it'll get us in trouble. I just don't feel comfortable hiding this part of me anymore and avoiding you because I'm not allowed to see you. I will love you until the end of time with confidence." Pear Butter smiled. "Wanna get eloped with me?" Bright Mac smiled in return. "You don't have to ask me twice," he said. "Yes." They kissed and then ran off into the sunset. 8.Bright Mac and Pear Butter laughed as they ran, eventually falling to the ground sharing a heartful laugh. The laugh soon subsided with the couple looking at each other lovingly. "Remember when we thought we were a lost cause?" Bright Mac said. "I certainly do." Pear Butter chuckled. "Quiet, you," she teased lovingly. They looked out into the horizon, her breaking the silence. "Our parents are gonna be hella mad," she remarked. Bright Mac smiled, chuckling as well. "But I don't care," he said. "Look out into the horizon. We're free, Pear Butter - free. Free to go wherever we want without worry that our parents will know where we are. We're far away from it all. There ain't no way they'll find us out here. You can count on it." "Are you certain they've got maps all the way out here? It's beautiful, but it's in the middle of nowhere," Pear Butter said. "All the more reason to not worry about it. We're safe. Olly olly frickin' oxen free." He put his hooves behind his back, relaxing. After a few hours, the couple fell asleep while cuddling each other close. The next morning, however, they woke up on top of each other. The two blushed and chuckled awkwardly. "Crazy how we already were on top of each other. Shows how much we love each other, huh?" Pear Butter said. Bright Mac chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah," he said. "And before marriage too." He shuddered. "What a no-go." Pear Butter chuckled, ruffling his mane. "You're so cute, you know that?" Bright Mac blushed, a huge smile crossing his face. "Well, let's get married. We eloped for a goddamn reason, so let's get this show on the road!" Pear Butter said. Bright Mac and Pear Butter faced each other and snuggled close. Then, they kissed as Bright Mac put an apple donut on both of their hooves. "Go on. Take a bite," Bright Mac said. Pear Butter chuckled. "Bite your hoof? Why, you're quite the sleaze!" She smiled. "That's one of the reasons I love you." Bright Mac chuckled as well. "No, silly!" he said. "Bite the donut!" "That didn't come out right, now did it?" Pear Butter said. "Nope," Bright Mac said. "Well, I'll bite the donut then," she said. So they took a bite out of each of their donut rings, licking their lips. "That's a mighty good donut. Did ya make it?" Pear Butter commented. Bright Mac smiled, blushing awkwardly while rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof. "It ain't that good." "Aw, shucks! Don't be so modest, sugarcube! Your apple donuts are the best in Equestria!" Pear Butter said, nudging him. Bright Mac blushed. "Aw, really? Ya really think so?" Pear Butter smiled, nearing closer to him. "I know so," she said. "Much better than them pear donuts. Pear donuts don't taste as good. Some say they have a bland taste to 'em. They ain't much good at all, so I'm mighty glad you never tried 'em." Bright Mac chuckled, a big grin crossing his face. "I can take your word for it," he said. "So, you're sayin' you like apples better than pears? They're sweeter, you're sayin'?" "Are ya doubtin' me, sugarcube?" Pear Butter said, pulling him closer in a sensual manner. "No, no. I'm not doubtin' you at all," Bright Mac said with a blush filling his face. "They sure are sweeter. Say, you're more of an Apple than you think. It's like fate brought us together." "I thought you said ya don't believe in fate," Pear Butter said. "I didn't 'til i met you," Bright Mac said. "The prettiest mare I've ever set my eyes on. That's you, Pear Butter. And I'm tired of runnin' and hidin'. I think we face the facts and get in trouble with our parents." "You're a rebel, you," Pear Butter said with a chuckle. "I like it." Bright Mac gathered up everything, heading home, with Pear Butter right behind him. 9.Hours later, Pear Butter and Bright Mac made their way to Sweet Apple Acres first. Excitedly, Bright Mac swung open the door. "Ma, I'm home!" Bright Mac explained. "And I've got great news!" Angrily, Granny Smith made her way to the main room. Her hooves were on her hips. Something was up. "Care to tell me where you've been? And what you're doing with - with her!? I told you to stay clear of those frickin' Pears, and what did you do? You went ahead and got eloped with her! You should be ashamed of yourself!" She sighed. "But you ain't, aren't you? You feel like the world is perfect, but I'll tell ya what. She's a Pear. Pears are backstabbing little shits! If you really think this mare will keep you happy for the rest of your life, go right ahead! But I'll tell you this, I don't approve of it! Someday you'll thank me when this bitch shows her true colors!" Tears welled up in both Bright Mac's and Pear Butter's eyes, although they expected that to come. "Save them crocodile tears, Pear!" Granny Smith said. Bright Mac consoled Pear Butter. "I'm so sorry. She's usually not this rude," Bright Mac said quietly. "I-it's fine," Pear Butter said between sobs. "I knew it was gonna go through this way. I mean, how else would it have gone? Our families hate each other, although we have a chance to show them that we can help them come together. I had doubts, you had doubts, and now I'm having those doubts again." She looked up at Bright Mac, tears in her eyes. "Are we meant to be or are we just doomed to live out the feud for the rest of our lives?" Bright Mac forced a smile to try and lighten the mood. "Buttercup, we are meant to be. Otherwise, why would we always come back to each other despite all this hell we've been through?" Pear Butter sniffled. "Let's go. I want out of here." Granny Smith pulled Bright Mac away from her. "You are not going anywhere with her, married or not! You understand me, Bright Mac?" Bright Mac gulped, tears in his eyes as he reached out to Pear Butter. He was twenty-seven years old - an adult very much capable of making his own decisions. So what was he so afraid of? Bright Mac took a deep breath and then ran back to Pear Butter despite Granny Smith's multiple attempts to reign her son in. "I am not your plaything!" Bright Mac shouted, pushing her away. "I understand that you hate each other, but that doesn't mean that you have to make our lives a living hell because of it! Because of your stupid ass family feud, we're stuck fucked for all eternity! Do you want that for your son? To not have true love?" "Marrying a Pear is not true love!" Granny Smith shouted. "She's fooling you, Bright Mac! I raised you better than that!" "Well, maybe I don't want to be your son!" Bright Mac shouted, instantly covering his mouth. "I'm sorry. That came out wrong," he said. "Dang right it did," Granny Smith said. She sighed. "I may be angry, but you'll always be my son no matter what. But you're grown now. It seems I've forgotten that part. I've always wanted you to live with me to help on the farm, but I knew that someday you'd want to leave the nest and discover your own life." "So I'm allowed to run off with Pear Butter?" Bright Mac said, his hope rising. "I'm not sayin' that. I'm just sayin' you're old enough to make your own decisions. And if you married her, I guess I can't be mad at you," Granny Smith said. "But I'm disappointed in my own son. I thought I raised you better than that." Bright Mac embraced Pear Butter. "We're leaving. Far away from here, but still in Equestria. We'll make ourselves a little farm, planting both apple and pear trees. Maybe one that grows both like our secret special spot," Bright Mac said. "And we'll sell both apple and pear products." "That ain't gonna sell well and you know it!" Granny Smith said. "Excuse me, Miss, but I'll have you know that the treats that Bright Mac made are the best damn thing I've ever tasted! And I can't express it more that I agree with you. Apples are better than pears." Pear Butter said. Granny Smith rose an eyebrow. "So ya fooled her too, didn't ya?" "I didn't fool her one bit! I gave her my treats because I wanted her to try it! She came up with that conclusion on her own!" Bright Mac said. "You really need to get over your hatred of the Pears! It's made you irrational!" "Irrational? IRRATIONAL!? You fuckin' dare call me irrational? Your own mother?" Granny Smith said. "Get the hell out of my barn. Any foals you have - keep them out too. I want nothin' to do with them, and that's final!" Bright Mac went to his room and packed up his things, not forgetting his lasso. He smiled at it, thinking of a good use for it. He figured Pear Butter would like it from that time she pulled him close sensually. He liked it and she liked it. Now it was time to make their relationship a bit more bonding. And that was gonna be after they got down and had their first foal - Big Macintosh. 10.Months later, a red foal was born. Pear Butter and Bright Mac looked at him lovingly. "What should we name him?" Pear Butter asked. Bright Mac smiled. "Big Macintosh," he said. "What do you think?" "Ain't that a name of an apple?" Pear Butter said, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. But we're ponies. It fits, don't it?" Bright Mac said. "He looks like a Big Macintosh to me." Pear Butter smiled, holding Big Macintosh in her hooves. "Big Macintosh it is." she said with a smile. * * * Big Mac ran around the farm with the wind blowing behind him. Pear Butter and Bright Mac smiled, happy to see their son playing and running around the farm. Happiness and bliss have come at last. But little did they know that in years to come, it would all disappear. So they decided to cherish it for several years more. Big Macintosh grew and ran off to Sweet Apple Acres to live with Granny Smith as soon as he received his cutie mark. His cutie mark was a green apple with seeds, and he received it when he was ten years old. Granny Smith welcomed him in with open arms, still skeptical of whether he was the son of Pear Butter and her son. About three years later, Pear Butter and Bright Mac had a little fun while engaging in pleasure. Bright Mac tied her up with his lasso and they did it again. Within a matter of four months, Applejack was born. The same thing happened with Applejack as did with her older brother. As soon as she received her cutie mark, she knew she had the same calling as him - she couldn't deny how good of an apple bucker she was. Within her early years, Applejack was confident in herself to the extent of Rainbow Dash considering her determination to work on the Apple Family farm. Hopeful that they had another chance, Pear Butter and Bright Mac tried for the last time. This pony was a foal that they named Apple Bloom. The foal had beautiful golden eyes and a red mane, resembling her father's. "She's got your looks," Pear Butter said. Bright Mac smiled. "She does, don't she?" he said, looking at the little foal in Pear Butter's hooves. "The red mane and yellow coat. Hopefully she doesn't ditch us too." "She won't," Pear Butter said. "Don't be too pessimistic." Bright Mac smiled, responding with a chuckle. "You're right, Pear Butter. I am being too pessimistic. I should think more positively. Thank you." "You're welcome," Pear Butter said. Years passed and now Apple Bloom was three years old. She looked up at her parents with a sort of look that knew that she had siblings. "You do have a brother and a sister," Pear Butter finally said. "But they left us to go to your father's farm." "Why?" Apple Bloom asked. "Beats me," Pear Butter said. "I just hope we don't lose you too." Apple Bloom hugged her mom and dad. "There's no way you'll lose me! Although I do miss them," she said. "Maybe I'll pay them a visit and see if I wanna stay!" Pear Butter and Bright Mac exchanged looks. Equestria was safe, but did they really want to say goodbye to their last foal? They gulped, tensing up before taking a few deep breaths. She was a child that was capable of thinking for herself despite not being old enough to make decisions on her own. Still it didn't matter. Apple Bloom was leaving the nest, and they just had to live with it despite the heartache it brought them both. So Apple Bloom ran off, and as we know, she stayed in Sweet Apple Acres and attended school in Ponyville where she met her best friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Together, they formed the Cutie Mark Crusaders - a group that originally helped them discover their cutie marks that developed into a group that helped other young fillies and colts discover their special talents and get their cutie marks. Bright Mac turned to Pear Butter. "Ya ready to go back?" Pear Butter looked at him. "And leave this all behind?" she said. "I don't want to, but I do want to see our families again." Bright Mac embraced her. "You're right, Buttercup. We should settle here and stay here. It's Ponyville. They'll find their way here if they're really worth it." "Or maybe your mother won't let me see them," Pear Butter said, her voice lowering. "Oh yeah," Bright Mac's voice fell. "I forgot about that." He embraced her. "But don't worry. They'll once know our story and once they do, they'll appreciate all we've fought for so we could spend our lives together." Pear Butter smiled as well, embracing him. They kissed, hoping for the best. 11.Bright Mac walked into Sweet Apple Acres, gulping. He was afraid of how Granny Smith was going to respond, but he knocked on the door anyway. "Hello? Who's there?" Granny Smith said, slowly making her way to the door. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom used all their strength to push her away. "You should really let us handle this, Granny," Applejack said. "You are gettin' pretty old." "Hmph! Old, my flank! How is it you youngsters have all this energy to do useless things?" Granny Smith said, trotting away. Applejack went to the door, smiling. "Why, if it ain't Dad," she said. "How are you? How are things?" Bright Mac smiled. "I'm good. Your mother's doing well too," he said. "We're just... going through some difficulties right now." The Apple Siblings' faces fell. "What kinda difficulties?" Applejack asked. "It's nothing," Bright Mac said. "You deserve a life of happiness that we cannot give you." "Why's that?" Applejack asked. "What is this about happiness that you can't give us? What is that supposed to mean? If something is goin' on, I deserve to know as your daughter!" "Applejack, it's for the best," Bright Mac said. "You'll find out later." He turned away and left, closing the barn doors behind him. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom watched in sorrow. They felt like they'd never find out until they were gone. And that was true. 12.But before Bright Mac could leave, over to Sweet Apple Acres Grand Pear did go. With his plow, he sought to destroy all, if not most, of the apple trees growing in the apple orchard of the farm. Bright Mac felt like this was all his fault, so he ran himself into the situation. "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doin'! This is my home as much as it isn't yours! I grew up here and it has a special place in my heart!" Bright Mac said. "I come to visit my fillies and colt and here you are destroying my very own apple orchards that my mother worked her flank off to plant! This ain't no rivalry no more - this is an enemy seeking revenge for his own benefit!" "Out of my way! You had the nerve to marry my daughter against my will, and I will never forgive you for it, you goddamn Apple!" Grand Pear shouted. "And to make you pay, I am going to tear down all you ever loved." "No, you don't have to do this!" Bright Mac said. "Too late," Grand Pear said. "Look at what you're doing! Would you do this on your own farm?" Grand Pear took a good look around, demounting and bringing his plow back to Pear Farms. "I'm sorry. I overreacted," he said as he left. "But mark my words, Apple Family, the Pears will make a mark on sales better than ever before! You can guarantee it!" The Apple Family just scoffed from inside the barn, Granny Smith holding up her hoof as to give him the middle finger - as much as a hoof could imply, of course. Seemed like the feud would never end. Regardless, Bright Mac felt obligated and somehow hopeful to bring Pear Butter back here. * * * "What the hell? After that fiasco? No way! I ain't goin' back there!" Pear Butter said. "And when I say never, I mean never. I know you want me to be a part of your life and want to make me part of the family, but the hard truth remains. I'm a Pear and you're an Apple. Despite us being meant to be and star-crossed lovers who managed to make it this far, I'd rather not risk anything more." Bright Mac sighed. "I understand. And I won't force you to go back if you don't want to." He smiled. "But Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom would be happy to see you." Pear Butter considered it, following him to Sweet Apple Acres where they faced Granny Smith, just older and much weaker than before. "Dang, your mother looks different," Pear Butter remarked. "Well, what did you expect? It's been several years. She's not as young as she used to be, it's obvious to tell. And it's also common sense. Ponies get older, not younger." "Gee, I was just making a comment," she said. "But I get where you're going." Facing each other, they blurted out in unison, "You're the only one who ever truly understood me." Blushing, they turned away from each other, creating an awkward silence between the two. "Did I really say that? How is that even possible?" Pear Butter said, still blushing profusely. "I know right! It's crazy! But sometimes something is so crazy, it seems too good to be true! Then it turns out to be true, and right before your eyes, life flashes and you're spending the rest of your life with somepony you've loved all along," Bright Mac said, also blushing profusely. "Aw, stop it!" Pear Butter said, her face still more red than her natural peach color. "You stop it!" Bright Mac said, chuckling, eventually tackling her down. She laughed and laughed along with him as they wrestled lovingly. That was when Granny Smith and Pear Butter emerged from their farms. They couldn't believe their eyes - they were livid seeing those two like that. But Bright Mac and Pear Butter were too caught up in the moment to notice, and even if they did notice, did it even matter? They knew already, so there was no use in hiding it anymore. Grand Pear and Granny Smith marched right up to them, tearing them both from each other. "This is the last straw, Pear Butter! Step away from that Apple or I will do something I will regret!" "You can't control me no more! I'm a grown mare!" Pear Butter said. "And I can make my own decisions, mind you! What you need to do is forget about this stupid rivalry!" She grunted in frustration. "It's so stupid how you argue day and night, day and night, for hours on end! Why do we have to endure it any longer? We deserve peace just as much as everypony else. Think about that - long and hard. Long down the road, you'll look back on this tomfoolery and conclude that your were a bunch of psycho dumbasses creating a utterly useless rivalry that's divided our families to the point where even we have to suffer." She turned around, embracing Bright Mac. "Think about it. I can't make the decision for y'all. You have to find it within yourselves to change." Grand Pear and Granny Smith took desperate measures, Granny Smith replanting all her trees to recover her orchard while Grand Pear did nothing. There was nothing that would make him apologize - nothing at all. And Granny Smith wasn't determined to destroy the rivalry either. * * * A few months passed and the couple found themselves at Sweet Apple Acres once more. The apple orchard was back to its original prosperity, making not only the Apples happy, but Pear Butter as well. But still the families began to argue and violently threaten things they both would regret in the future. Pear Butter and Bright Mac grabbed each other's hooves, tears streaming down their faces as they watched the divide. Seeing the divide, still holding hooves, they made their way to the roof of Sweet Apple Acres, jumping off to their deaths. Grand Pear and Granny Smith ceased arguing, and looked around. They saw the bloody bodies and ran towards their son and daughter. Tears swelled up in their eyes, forgetting everything. Forgetting the rivalry as they looked solemnly at the lives that were given up that day. Grand Pear looked up at Granny Smith, who looked up at Grand Pear. "All this caused the death of our foals?" Grand Pear said. "I never thought our rivalry would end like this - end in disaster. If I would've known, I wouldn't have been so hard towards you." He dipped his head low. "I'm sorry. Could you ever forgive me?" Granny Smith raised an eyebrow. "Are we puttin' this silly rivalry behind us? If so, then I'm all for it. None of us asked for it to end the way it did, but I think it taught our families a lesson that all this fightin' just brings us further and further apart. Now that they're part of the family, I forgive you." Grand Pear smiled, hugging Granny Smith. Together, the two ponies buried Bright Mac and Pear Butter. And that, was the end of the story. 1.Every day felt like a battlezone and it never got any easier for Pear Butter and Bright Mac as they watched as their grandparents argued day and night. Their screams and yells woke them up at night, as the two farms were right across from each other. They wanted to know exactly what was going on, but they were always too afraid to ask - too afraid of what their answers would be. So they just kept to themselves. But one night, Pear Butter and Bright Mac could not take it anymore. They rose out of bed and snuck out of each of their respective barns, careful to be quiet as to not raise suspicion from Grand Pear and Granny Smith. As soon as they met up, Pear Butter and Bright Mac made their way to their special spot. In their special spot was a very special tree that they planted long ago. It was the only thing they had that connected them together, and made them feel more at home than at home. "Can't sleep, Buttercup?" Bright Mac asked. Pear Butter lifted her head at the sound of his voice. It was clear that she just was not paying attention. "Oh, uh, yeah," she replied, not really knowing what Bright Mac said. Bright Mac put a hoof on Pear Butter's chin, who pulled it away. "Pear Butter, what's wrong?" Bright Mac said. "You never shy away from me. Something must be going on. You know you can tell me everything." "No," Pear Butter said. "I should just get home. I shouldn't be out this late, Grand Pear's gonna be worried sick." Her voice broke, "We can't be together. We will never be together. Can't you see our families? They hate each other. No way we're ever gonna work out." "Didn't I always tell you to listen to your heart?" Bright Mac said. Pear Butter blushed. She hated when he did that. It made her rethink every little thing she knew just couldn't be true. Could it? Pear Butter shook her head. No, it couldn't be. There was no way that her and Bright Mac were meant to be, and there was no way they could prove it either. It was in her fate to stage a betrayal that ended in everything but heartache and hurt. But it was the only way. She had to do it, and felt like she had no choice. Fuck the whole song she played on that lute that day. It did not matter now. All that mattered was the feud that was never ending anytime soon. If she continued with this fairytale that she created for herself, she would only bring herself hell in the end. She turned around. It was no use being there - in front of the pear and apple tree where their initials were engraved in the tree bark. It was over - it was done. And she was going to be the one to end it. "I can manage," she said. "I can just cover my ears with my pillow and wash you out of my head. It may not be as easy as it sounds, but I'll do it. It's for the best. I really hope you get that someday, Bright Mac, because right now, you're too naive and think the best of everypony. But I'm a realist, and I don't see that future for us." Bright Mac followed after her, eventually catching up and placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You can't possibly mean all this! Did Grand Pear set you up? This ain't you, Pear, and I know it!" Pear Butter turned away, pushing away his hoof. "Thanks, but no thanks." Walking away with tears in her eyes, Pear Butter left Bright Mac in the dark all alone. Now she was in the dark all alone as she cried herself to sleep, the reality of the situation burning her heart in ways she had never felt before. 3.That night, Pear Butter's mind raced with what she had said at the Pear Stand that afternoon. Tugging on her mane with one hoof and the other pulling just as vigorously on her heartstrings. How did she know for sure if apple products tasted like crap if she never even once tried something made from apples? How did she know if they were tasty or not if she always refused gifts from his truly? She looked at the knife that was just lying on her nightstand, never really knowing why exactly it was placed there. It seemed like it was always there from the start next to the picture of her and Grand Pear when she was just a foal. Was this real or was this just all a dream waiting for her to fail in the end? She wanted to find out, but did not at the same time. Regardless, she took the small knife, almost like a dagger in size and shape, and examined it. What if this meant she was foretold to kill her star-crossed lover, Bright Mac? She shook her head. She was going crazy. Putting down the knife, she made her way to her bed, and shut her eyes, using the arguments as white noise to fall asleep to. * * * Pear Butter awoke with a start. She leaned over to her nightstand and grabbed the knife, clutching it in her hoof like a stuffy as she drifted off to sleep. 6.Just like he said, he met Tornado Wind right at the same spot he found her the day ago. Since she agreed to help, Bright Mac gave her the sealed envelope and directed her as is. The filly nodded in understanding and was on her way. Bright Mac headed home, and when he did, the navy blue filly was flying overhead. He silently cheered to himself as Granny Smith and Grand Pear watched suspiciously from the sky. "That ain't Derpy," they both said. At least something they agreed on for once. Not that it mattered, of course. "Maybe Derpy's sick," Grand Pear and Granny Smith said. "So she sent a filly to do the work for her." After that, they didn't think much of it, which eased Bright Mac's tension. He took a deep breath and laid back, closing his eyes and full of relief. Once she delivered the letter, she headed back to Ponyville. Now to wait for Pear Butter to open it. Excitedly, Pear Butter ran out of Pear Farms and to the small mailbox in front of the farm and instantly opened it. Overjoyed, she saw a letter addressed to her and grabbed it. With the letter in her hoof, she raced back inside and sat at the family table. Before opening it, however, Pear Butter checked to see who it was from, although she had a good guess of who it was. I mean, who else could it be? she thought. And she was right. It was addressed to her by nopony other than Bright Mac. She opened it and read it aloud: "Dear Pear Butter, I am writing to you with sad news. Frustrating news at that. I ain't the happiest Apple in the bunch, I'll guarantee you that. You're probably asking why and I feel the need to explain to you. I can't tell a lie, so I spilled everything that happened yesterday. That was mighty stupid a' me, but hey, like I said, I can't lie. So now I'm writing to tell you that I am on close watch from my mother, Granny Smith, and am forbidden to ever go over to Pear Farms again. She says if she sees me with you, I'll be in big trouble. You're probably wondering how I was able to get this letter to you. And you won't believe me when I say that a filly flew it over for me. But one really did. Thanks to Tornado Wind, I've got a secret messenger on hoof, and I've gotta say, it's mighty handy. Lots a' love, Bright Mac" Pear Butter's excitement turned to sadness as she clutched the piece of paper to her heart. She'd never see him again - this was the end and there was no going back. Forget the marriage plans, forget eloping when you've got Granny Smith watching you like a hawk. But maybe there was still a way. She could go see him, couldn't she? She just couldn't be seen with him. That could work, Pear Butter thought to herself before plopping back on her bed, the letter still clutched to her heart.
2.The next day, Pear Butter awoke bright and early. She had a damn good reason to, and it was not due to the constant arguing between the two farms. No. She was over that. In fact, now that she thought about it, the arguing was music to her ears that was now numb to her. She was so used to it that she did not think much of it. But today was the day to tell Grand Pear everything - to tell him what she did, although she did not want to admit that it broke her heart to do so. "Good morning, Grand Pear!" Pear Butter greeted him cheerfully. "What a grand morning to start on the farm work, ain't it?" Grand Pear smiled. "Looks like somepony slept well last night. Hopefully you weren't thinking about that Apple colt again." He shivered at the mention of him. It was like Bright Mac was a disease waiting to happen - and maybe he was right. Pear Butter gulped regardless, but swallowed it when Grand Pear turned around to buck pears off the tree. "Hey, I bet you Apples can't buck as well as I can!" Grand Pear bellowed. "Oh yeah?" Granny Smith bellowed. "I may be getting old, but I am still in my prime!" Grand Pear scoffed. "In your prime? How about in your dreams, little Apple? Looks like it was only yesterday that your scum showed up right next to our farm. Like karma was just waiting to show itself and come down on us all like a frickin' Timberwolf." This got Granny Smith started. "Well, y'all are pieces of shit! Let karma come for your stupid pears instead! There's no way pears are as good as apples! What can pears make you?" "Profit," Grand Pear said. "Obviously more than you." Granny Smith pulled Bright Mac aside. "Tell those assholes that pears can't make that good'a cider," she said. "But I -!" Bright Mac started to protest. "But what?" Granny Smith said, crossing her hooves across her chest. There was no getting past her now - when Granny Smith was angry, she was angry. There was no getting past it, causing Bright Mac to gulp and regret even speaking out of turn. "I'm sorry, Mom," Bright Mac said. "I'll let them know." Granny Smith smiled a victorious smile, which felt like she won against the Pears. And her son was going to be the weapon who brought the Pears down for good. When he did that, she believed that she raised him well. Bright Mac walked to the front of the Apple Family's stand which had apples on the shelves outside of it that ponies could buy if they truly wanted to. He gulped, unsure of what to really say. Should he betray Pear Butter and kiss his girlfriend and their romantic life goodbye? Bright Mac did not want to see that future, but knew if he didn't, she would betray him someday. He could see it in her eyes - the way Pear Butter just coldly walked away that night with not much as a word. Maybe she was right. There was no way that an Apple and a Pear could fall in love - not while the families wanted nothing to do with each other. He sighed. "What are ya waitin' for? Stop stallin' and tell them Pears what's gotten into them!" Granny Smith bellowed. "Unless you're scared because of your relationship with that backstabbin' little girlfriend of yours." Bright Mac wanted to speak, but no words came out. He started to think that Granny Smith was right, but also thought that there was some way that Pear Butter was being manipulated by Grand Pear, and wouldn't tell him why she had to forget about him. But that was when Pear Butter spoke up. "Of course we make more profit than you. Pears are just better than apples, simply put. Just simply try a pear cobbler and it's freshen your taste buds much more than your average apple pie," Pear Butter said with a wink in Bright Mac's direction, making him try to hide his blush, but failing miserably. She took a bite out of the pear cobbler. "Mmm, mmm! Now this is something! Now, everypony, we all know about pear jam, right? Pear jam is used on bread and it can make a great addition to your morning toast." Bright Mac took a stand. He was not having this anymore. "Pear Butter, you can try all you want to fit in with your family's desires and wishes of what they expect of you, but I'm not gonna do that," he said. "I'm through with being just a part of the plan. I wanna be something more, Buttercup. I wanna be yours." The two families gasped, their anger rising as Granny Smith and Grand Pear butted heads. "You have to take control of your son! This is an outrage!" Grand Pear said. "I'm sorry for his behavior. I'll make sure I correct that right away," Granny Smith said. "Right after you make your daughter apologize!" Grand Pear scoffed, continuing to butt heads with the green, white-maned pony. "When pigs fly," he said. "She don't need to apologize for anything, and that's final." Pear Butter lowered her head, turning away from Grand Pear. She did have to apologize. Bright Mac was right. This wasn't her and it never will be. She was buying into her family's expectations of her, and that just wasn't going to cut it. Not anymore. But despite how she felt, she stayed on the sidelines, running her hoof through her mane. And being the only one seeing this, Bright Mac felt a huge sympathy for her. It was like they were living the same exact life, just in different bodies and part of rival families that just wanted their relationship to flop. That being said, did they even suspect it or did they just not care at all. The day went on and consumers came and went until the sun fell on Ponyville. It was back to Sweet Apple Acres for Bright Mac and Granny Smith, and Pear Butter and Grand Pear back to Pear Farms right across from it. Pear Butter would find a way to sneak out that night, and she would apologize for everything. That she promised herself and Bright Mac.
4.The next day, Pear Butter awoke to see a pool of blood residing beside her. Horrified, she looked at the knife she had clutched. She must've cut a deep gash at night and not have realized it. Maybe that was for the best, because it certainly made her feel better. But hot damn, did it hurt like hell. And there was no way Pear Butter was letting it go now. She placed the bloodied knife to the side and washed her hoof, and then made her way to their secret spot. Upon arrival, she sat waiting by the pear-apple tree that connected them, looking up to admire its beauty. She didn't think Bright Mac would show up after what she did the day before, but to her surprise, a yellow freckled stallion was walking towards their secret spot in the distance. Instantly, Pear Butter's hopes rose. This was her time - her time to apologize. "What you said back there. I know you didn't mean any of it," Bright Mac said. He laughed. "Funny how everything we do wrong just draws us closer to each other." When Pear Butter didn't return his laugh, Bright Mac knew something was wrong. "Buttercup, what happened?" Bright Mac said. "You're never this quiet." "I'm sorry," she whispered. "Oh, Pear Butter! You don't have to blame yourself!" Bright Mac said. "In fact, you've got nopony to blame but your Grand Pear himself! Maybe that's why you judge apple products so harshly." He held out an apple tart in front of her with a warm smile on his face. "I've got a gift for you, Buttercup," he said with a smile. "You never know if you like it unless you try it." Pear Butter sniffed the delicate treat within Bright Mac's hooves. She could practically feel its warmth as the smell occupied her nose. "It smells... oddly delicious. What is it?" Bright Mac chuckled. "I ain't tellin' you until you try it," Bright Mac said. Pear Butter returned the chuckle, in a lighthearted manner of course. "I shouldn't. It might have a disease." Bright Mac's smile faded. Taken aback, he started to pack up the apple tart. "If you'd rather have pear products, then I understand," he said. Pear Butter stopped him, frantically putting a hoof on his shoulder. "No, no! It's not like that at all!" she cried. "Then, what are you trying to say?" Bright Mac said, his voice sounding broken. She nudged him, chuckling. "I'm just kidding, sugarcube! Of course I'll try it!" Bright Mac stared at her, trying to process what she was trying to convey. He just didn't get her, but maybe that was for the best. Ponies were complicated - he knew that from experience - and from himself. Her face fell. "Is something wrong?" "No, no. It's OK," Bright Mac said. "It's just... I don't understand. How could you be kidding?" "Oh, Bright Mac. Do you really think I meant everything I said back there? If you do, then a fool's mindset you've got, and I can't really help you with that." She covered her mouth. "Did I - did I really say that? I-I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know what just came out! Please forgive me!" Bright Mac chuckled. "I ain't mad," he said, smiling. "You're cute, you know that?" He gave her a peck on her cheek, which turned Pear Butter bright red as an apple. "Looks like you're looking more like an Apple than a Pear," he joked. She chuckled, ruffling his mane. "Very funny," she said, nudging him playfully. She eyed Bright Mac's bag. "Hey, I'm thinking about that little treat." Bright Mac smiled, giving her the apple tart. "Trust me. You'll love it." Pear Butter scoffed. "Are you doubting me? Of course I'll love it." Pear Butter took a bite of the apple tart, her taste buds entering whatever Heaven was. Bright Mac smiled. "So, how was it?" "It's... it's amazing! I've gotta tell everypony how good apple delicacies are!" Pear Butter said. "But what if your family dismisses it?" Bright Mac said with concern. Pear Butter shrugged. "If they don't want to try it, it's their loss." Both ponies laughed, tackling each other to the ground playfully until they were too close for comfort, causing both of them to turn redder than a Fuji apple. Pear Butter broke the silence. "So, you gonna kiss me or what?" He didn't even have to answer. Bright Mac leaned in and kissed her with her doing the same. They shared a chuckle as they sat up. "Let's do that again sometime," Pear Butter said. "But in the night when everypony's asleep," she added with a wink. "Yeah. We don't wanna stir up any trouble," Bright Mac said, a chuckle rising. "Yeah," Pear Butter said, chuckling and leaving. "Ten o'clock sharp. Our spot. I've got a surprise for you." "I'll be there," Bright Mac promised. "You better be," Pear Butter said. "Because what I'm gonna bring you is out of this world." Bright Mac smiled. "I believe it." He waved goodbye, blushing as Pear Butter's red curls bounced as she walked. She's beautiful, he thought to himself. But then he shook her out of his head, preparing to return home to not cause any suspicion between his family members.
5.When Bright Mac returned to the Apple Farm, Granny Smith rose an eyebrow. "You've been away for quite some time, Bright Mac. Care to explain yourself?" Bright Mac gulped. He did not want to lie, but knew he had to. Not being able to lie, everything just spilled out of Bright Mac's mouth. "I was spending a romantic day with Pear Butter," he said guiltily. "I know you said to stay away from this mare, but she is my life and happiness. I just can't be without her." "You, Bright Mac, are forbidden to go over to the Pear Farm. From this day on, I will keep a close watch on you at all times. If I see you over there with Pear Butter, you'll be in big trouble, you understand?" Granny Smith said. Bright Mac sighed. "Yes, ma'am," he said and went into his room. * * * Bright Mac grabbed a pen and a piece of paper that was sitting on his desk. His bedroom desk seemed to have tons of stationery despite living on a farm. He even had loads on envelopes, but no way to send them. He sighed, laying his head on the desk in utter hopelessness. How was he going to communicate with Pear Butter now? How was he going to tell her that he couldn't be there tonight? He sighed again, feeling defeated. Bright Mac lifted his head up, a shard of hope flowing through him. Although small, at least it was something. It faded and then kept coming back, something Bright Mac couldn't shake. But he tried to understand. He tried to make an effort to find a way to send letters to Pear Butter without getting in trouble. A filly was playing outside across from the farm land. Bright Mac, forced to be stuck inside, tapped on the window, trying to get the filly's attention. But it was no use. No wonder she couldn't hear him. Bright Mac exited his room. "I'm going out," he said. "Where?" Granny Smith said, her hooves crossed. "It better not be anyway with that Pear Butter mare." "Relax, Mom," he replied. "I'm going out to Ponyville. More like across from the farm land." Granny Smith softened. "I can approve of that. Have fun." So off Bright Mac went to find the playing filly. * * * Approaching the playing filly, Bright Mac asked, "Hello there. Could you help me with something?" The filly stopped jumping around and looked up at Bright Mac, his big smile inviting her in and making her feel comfortable about him. "Hi, sir. What's your name?" the filly asked. Bright Mac smiled. "My name is Bright Mac, young filly," he replied. "It's nice to meet you." "It's nice to meet you too. My name is Tornado Wind," she said. "My friends say I'm the best flier they've ever seen!" Bright Mac smiled. "They do, don't they?" he asked, hope lighting up more than ever for him. She looked up at him. "What do you need my help with?" she asked. "You see, I have this secret girlfriend that I ain't allowed to sneak out and see her anymore. I'm trying to send her these letters, and I need somepony's help. I couldn't help but watch you playing from across the farm and knew you could help me," Bright Mac said. "That is, If you want to." The filly smiled. "Of course I'll help you, kind sir! Where does she live?" Bright Mac drew up a map and handed it to the filly. The filly looked at it, nodding in understanding. She looked up once again after studying the map. "Do you have this letter written yet?" she asked. "Not necessarily. I got sidetracked seeing you out the window from afar," Bright Mac said in total honesty. "That's OK," Tornado Wind said with a smile. "Just let me know when you're finished! I'm a great flier, so you can count on me, Mr. Bright Mac!" Bright Mac smiled, a warm feeling filling him from head to hoof. He returned home and wrote that letter. After finishing that letter, he once again gathered everything and told Granny he was headed out. Little did she know that he was meeting with a filly who he assigned a top-secret mission.
7.Pear Butter made her way across Pear Farms to Sweet Apple Acres, careful not to raise any suspicion. Was she really going to trot up there and say: "Hey, I got a letter and I'm only assuming it came from over here. If you would kindly let me in to investigate who might've sent it, maybe then you'd think of me and my family differently." ? No. While this was a lie, it was still suspicious. And another reason she had to be careful - Granny Smith wasn't a pony, she was a pony with eyes like a hawk that would soar down and threaten her if she wasn't careful. Even one look at her and Granny Smith would flip. Pear Butter gulped, fighting the urge to turn back around and go home. But even with that urge, she carried on and knocked on the red barn doors of Sweet Apple Acres. From inside Sweet Apple Acres, the middle-aged pony called to Bright Mac from the kitchen, "Bright Mac, could you get the door please? I'm cooking dinner." This was his chance. Excitedly, Bright Mac perked up. "Yes, Mom!" he chirped and ran towards the door. To both of their surprises, Pear Butter stood at the door. At first glance, the couple looked away from each other, their faces blushing red the second time they looked up at each other. Seems like they were both infatuated and shocked to see each other again. "So, uh, how'd you get here?" both ponies frantically said in unison. "Uh, I don't know. I-I got a letter and I assumed it came from here. I mean, it had somepony's name on it I recognized," Pear Butter said. "Uh, do you mind if I come in? I know you're mother's probably busy with dinner, and oh my Celestia, it smells amazing. I wish I could just come in and join the family dinner, but that just won't be perceived well. So I better make my way out of here before we both get in trouble..." Bright Mac smiled, the blush on his face intensified. "What she don't know ain't gonna kill her," he said, afraid of how Granny Smith would react when she was finished. He decided not to think of that right now. "Uh, well, why don't you come in for a minute? I'm sure she won't mind. It's just until she calls me for dinner." Pear Butter turned to leave. "I suppose by the smell of it, she's almost done." "She...she'll call me," Bright Mac said, tension rising in the young stallion's voice while ushering her in quickly as they made their way to his bedroom. Pear Butter looked around, admiring the scenery. "Your barn is in a lot better condition than mine," Pear Butter said. "My dad is so traditional and doesn't really bother with renovations all that much." She sat on the bed. "And this room - it's like a dream! I wish our families could come to an agreement to merge! That would be fun, wouldn't it?" Bright Mac gulped, searching for words while fiddling with his hooves. "Uh, yeah," he said. "Although, there's a slim chance of it really happening." "Oh c'mon! Can't a pony dream? We're still young, Bright Mac. We've got the whole world ahead of us," Pear Butter said. "And I feel like I haven't known you long enough to say this, but I wanna spend eternity with you. I wanna marry you, but I don't know how to do it. If we get eloped, your mother will cut ties with you and maybe my father will too. The future for our feuding families is at stake, but our love is everlasting, if you think about it. Whatever the obstacle, I like to think positive and believe we'll jump over it someday." "Dreams are dreams. Although, I sort of believe it too," he said. "Do you got a ring?" Pear Butter blushed, chuckling awkwardly. "A ring? Since when did farm ponies have enough or even have the luxury to buy a ring? Ain't our love enough?" Bright Mac smiled. "You're right, Buttercup. Where to?" Pear Butter smiled. "Come with me," she said, leading Bright Mac to their secret spot. * * * "Look at this tree," she said. "What do you see?" "I see... a connection beyond reality itself," Bright Mac replied. "I see star-crossed lovers and how someday they get together against their families' wills." "That, Bright Mac, is called fate. Fate brought us together, and believe it or not, fate will bring our families closer together in due time," Pear Butter said. She smiled, leaning in closer towards him. "Is it too early to tie the knot?" Bright Mac leaned in closer as well. "No. Let's do it now. I'm not afraid anymore. I don't wanna hide our love anymore, although it'll get us in trouble. I just don't feel comfortable hiding this part of me anymore and avoiding you because I'm not allowed to see you. I will love you until the end of time with confidence." Pear Butter smiled. "Wanna get eloped with me?" Bright Mac smiled in return. "You don't have to ask me twice," he said. "Yes." They kissed and then ran off into the sunset.
8.Bright Mac and Pear Butter laughed as they ran, eventually falling to the ground sharing a heartful laugh. The laugh soon subsided with the couple looking at each other lovingly. "Remember when we thought we were a lost cause?" Bright Mac said. "I certainly do." Pear Butter chuckled. "Quiet, you," she teased lovingly. They looked out into the horizon, her breaking the silence. "Our parents are gonna be hella mad," she remarked. Bright Mac smiled, chuckling as well. "But I don't care," he said. "Look out into the horizon. We're free, Pear Butter - free. Free to go wherever we want without worry that our parents will know where we are. We're far away from it all. There ain't no way they'll find us out here. You can count on it." "Are you certain they've got maps all the way out here? It's beautiful, but it's in the middle of nowhere," Pear Butter said. "All the more reason to not worry about it. We're safe. Olly olly frickin' oxen free." He put his hooves behind his back, relaxing. After a few hours, the couple fell asleep while cuddling each other close. The next morning, however, they woke up on top of each other. The two blushed and chuckled awkwardly. "Crazy how we already were on top of each other. Shows how much we love each other, huh?" Pear Butter said. Bright Mac chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah," he said. "And before marriage too." He shuddered. "What a no-go." Pear Butter chuckled, ruffling his mane. "You're so cute, you know that?" Bright Mac blushed, a huge smile crossing his face. "Well, let's get married. We eloped for a goddamn reason, so let's get this show on the road!" Pear Butter said. Bright Mac and Pear Butter faced each other and snuggled close. Then, they kissed as Bright Mac put an apple donut on both of their hooves. "Go on. Take a bite," Bright Mac said. Pear Butter chuckled. "Bite your hoof? Why, you're quite the sleaze!" She smiled. "That's one of the reasons I love you." Bright Mac chuckled as well. "No, silly!" he said. "Bite the donut!" "That didn't come out right, now did it?" Pear Butter said. "Nope," Bright Mac said. "Well, I'll bite the donut then," she said. So they took a bite out of each of their donut rings, licking their lips. "That's a mighty good donut. Did ya make it?" Pear Butter commented. Bright Mac smiled, blushing awkwardly while rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof. "It ain't that good." "Aw, shucks! Don't be so modest, sugarcube! Your apple donuts are the best in Equestria!" Pear Butter said, nudging him. Bright Mac blushed. "Aw, really? Ya really think so?" Pear Butter smiled, nearing closer to him. "I know so," she said. "Much better than them pear donuts. Pear donuts don't taste as good. Some say they have a bland taste to 'em. They ain't much good at all, so I'm mighty glad you never tried 'em." Bright Mac chuckled, a big grin crossing his face. "I can take your word for it," he said. "So, you're sayin' you like apples better than pears? They're sweeter, you're sayin'?" "Are ya doubtin' me, sugarcube?" Pear Butter said, pulling him closer in a sensual manner. "No, no. I'm not doubtin' you at all," Bright Mac said with a blush filling his face. "They sure are sweeter. Say, you're more of an Apple than you think. It's like fate brought us together." "I thought you said ya don't believe in fate," Pear Butter said. "I didn't 'til i met you," Bright Mac said. "The prettiest mare I've ever set my eyes on. That's you, Pear Butter. And I'm tired of runnin' and hidin'. I think we face the facts and get in trouble with our parents." "You're a rebel, you," Pear Butter said with a chuckle. "I like it." Bright Mac gathered up everything, heading home, with Pear Butter right behind him.
9.Hours later, Pear Butter and Bright Mac made their way to Sweet Apple Acres first. Excitedly, Bright Mac swung open the door. "Ma, I'm home!" Bright Mac explained. "And I've got great news!" Angrily, Granny Smith made her way to the main room. Her hooves were on her hips. Something was up. "Care to tell me where you've been? And what you're doing with - with her!? I told you to stay clear of those frickin' Pears, and what did you do? You went ahead and got eloped with her! You should be ashamed of yourself!" She sighed. "But you ain't, aren't you? You feel like the world is perfect, but I'll tell ya what. She's a Pear. Pears are backstabbing little shits! If you really think this mare will keep you happy for the rest of your life, go right ahead! But I'll tell you this, I don't approve of it! Someday you'll thank me when this bitch shows her true colors!" Tears welled up in both Bright Mac's and Pear Butter's eyes, although they expected that to come. "Save them crocodile tears, Pear!" Granny Smith said. Bright Mac consoled Pear Butter. "I'm so sorry. She's usually not this rude," Bright Mac said quietly. "I-it's fine," Pear Butter said between sobs. "I knew it was gonna go through this way. I mean, how else would it have gone? Our families hate each other, although we have a chance to show them that we can help them come together. I had doubts, you had doubts, and now I'm having those doubts again." She looked up at Bright Mac, tears in her eyes. "Are we meant to be or are we just doomed to live out the feud for the rest of our lives?" Bright Mac forced a smile to try and lighten the mood. "Buttercup, we are meant to be. Otherwise, why would we always come back to each other despite all this hell we've been through?" Pear Butter sniffled. "Let's go. I want out of here." Granny Smith pulled Bright Mac away from her. "You are not going anywhere with her, married or not! You understand me, Bright Mac?" Bright Mac gulped, tears in his eyes as he reached out to Pear Butter. He was twenty-seven years old - an adult very much capable of making his own decisions. So what was he so afraid of? Bright Mac took a deep breath and then ran back to Pear Butter despite Granny Smith's multiple attempts to reign her son in. "I am not your plaything!" Bright Mac shouted, pushing her away. "I understand that you hate each other, but that doesn't mean that you have to make our lives a living hell because of it! Because of your stupid ass family feud, we're stuck fucked for all eternity! Do you want that for your son? To not have true love?" "Marrying a Pear is not true love!" Granny Smith shouted. "She's fooling you, Bright Mac! I raised you better than that!" "Well, maybe I don't want to be your son!" Bright Mac shouted, instantly covering his mouth. "I'm sorry. That came out wrong," he said. "Dang right it did," Granny Smith said. She sighed. "I may be angry, but you'll always be my son no matter what. But you're grown now. It seems I've forgotten that part. I've always wanted you to live with me to help on the farm, but I knew that someday you'd want to leave the nest and discover your own life." "So I'm allowed to run off with Pear Butter?" Bright Mac said, his hope rising. "I'm not sayin' that. I'm just sayin' you're old enough to make your own decisions. And if you married her, I guess I can't be mad at you," Granny Smith said. "But I'm disappointed in my own son. I thought I raised you better than that." Bright Mac embraced Pear Butter. "We're leaving. Far away from here, but still in Equestria. We'll make ourselves a little farm, planting both apple and pear trees. Maybe one that grows both like our secret special spot," Bright Mac said. "And we'll sell both apple and pear products." "That ain't gonna sell well and you know it!" Granny Smith said. "Excuse me, Miss, but I'll have you know that the treats that Bright Mac made are the best damn thing I've ever tasted! And I can't express it more that I agree with you. Apples are better than pears." Pear Butter said. Granny Smith rose an eyebrow. "So ya fooled her too, didn't ya?" "I didn't fool her one bit! I gave her my treats because I wanted her to try it! She came up with that conclusion on her own!" Bright Mac said. "You really need to get over your hatred of the Pears! It's made you irrational!" "Irrational? IRRATIONAL!? You fuckin' dare call me irrational? Your own mother?" Granny Smith said. "Get the hell out of my barn. Any foals you have - keep them out too. I want nothin' to do with them, and that's final!" Bright Mac went to his room and packed up his things, not forgetting his lasso. He smiled at it, thinking of a good use for it. He figured Pear Butter would like it from that time she pulled him close sensually. He liked it and she liked it. Now it was time to make their relationship a bit more bonding. And that was gonna be after they got down and had their first foal - Big Macintosh.
10.Months later, a red foal was born. Pear Butter and Bright Mac looked at him lovingly. "What should we name him?" Pear Butter asked. Bright Mac smiled. "Big Macintosh," he said. "What do you think?" "Ain't that a name of an apple?" Pear Butter said, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. But we're ponies. It fits, don't it?" Bright Mac said. "He looks like a Big Macintosh to me." Pear Butter smiled, holding Big Macintosh in her hooves. "Big Macintosh it is." she said with a smile. * * * Big Mac ran around the farm with the wind blowing behind him. Pear Butter and Bright Mac smiled, happy to see their son playing and running around the farm. Happiness and bliss have come at last. But little did they know that in years to come, it would all disappear. So they decided to cherish it for several years more. Big Macintosh grew and ran off to Sweet Apple Acres to live with Granny Smith as soon as he received his cutie mark. His cutie mark was a green apple with seeds, and he received it when he was ten years old. Granny Smith welcomed him in with open arms, still skeptical of whether he was the son of Pear Butter and her son. About three years later, Pear Butter and Bright Mac had a little fun while engaging in pleasure. Bright Mac tied her up with his lasso and they did it again. Within a matter of four months, Applejack was born. The same thing happened with Applejack as did with her older brother. As soon as she received her cutie mark, she knew she had the same calling as him - she couldn't deny how good of an apple bucker she was. Within her early years, Applejack was confident in herself to the extent of Rainbow Dash considering her determination to work on the Apple Family farm. Hopeful that they had another chance, Pear Butter and Bright Mac tried for the last time. This pony was a foal that they named Apple Bloom. The foal had beautiful golden eyes and a red mane, resembling her father's. "She's got your looks," Pear Butter said. Bright Mac smiled. "She does, don't she?" he said, looking at the little foal in Pear Butter's hooves. "The red mane and yellow coat. Hopefully she doesn't ditch us too." "She won't," Pear Butter said. "Don't be too pessimistic." Bright Mac smiled, responding with a chuckle. "You're right, Pear Butter. I am being too pessimistic. I should think more positively. Thank you." "You're welcome," Pear Butter said. Years passed and now Apple Bloom was three years old. She looked up at her parents with a sort of look that knew that she had siblings. "You do have a brother and a sister," Pear Butter finally said. "But they left us to go to your father's farm." "Why?" Apple Bloom asked. "Beats me," Pear Butter said. "I just hope we don't lose you too." Apple Bloom hugged her mom and dad. "There's no way you'll lose me! Although I do miss them," she said. "Maybe I'll pay them a visit and see if I wanna stay!" Pear Butter and Bright Mac exchanged looks. Equestria was safe, but did they really want to say goodbye to their last foal? They gulped, tensing up before taking a few deep breaths. She was a child that was capable of thinking for herself despite not being old enough to make decisions on her own. Still it didn't matter. Apple Bloom was leaving the nest, and they just had to live with it despite the heartache it brought them both. So Apple Bloom ran off, and as we know, she stayed in Sweet Apple Acres and attended school in Ponyville where she met her best friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Together, they formed the Cutie Mark Crusaders - a group that originally helped them discover their cutie marks that developed into a group that helped other young fillies and colts discover their special talents and get their cutie marks. Bright Mac turned to Pear Butter. "Ya ready to go back?" Pear Butter looked at him. "And leave this all behind?" she said. "I don't want to, but I do want to see our families again." Bright Mac embraced her. "You're right, Buttercup. We should settle here and stay here. It's Ponyville. They'll find their way here if they're really worth it." "Or maybe your mother won't let me see them," Pear Butter said, her voice lowering. "Oh yeah," Bright Mac's voice fell. "I forgot about that." He embraced her. "But don't worry. They'll once know our story and once they do, they'll appreciate all we've fought for so we could spend our lives together." Pear Butter smiled as well, embracing him. They kissed, hoping for the best.
11.Bright Mac walked into Sweet Apple Acres, gulping. He was afraid of how Granny Smith was going to respond, but he knocked on the door anyway. "Hello? Who's there?" Granny Smith said, slowly making her way to the door. Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom used all their strength to push her away. "You should really let us handle this, Granny," Applejack said. "You are gettin' pretty old." "Hmph! Old, my flank! How is it you youngsters have all this energy to do useless things?" Granny Smith said, trotting away. Applejack went to the door, smiling. "Why, if it ain't Dad," she said. "How are you? How are things?" Bright Mac smiled. "I'm good. Your mother's doing well too," he said. "We're just... going through some difficulties right now." The Apple Siblings' faces fell. "What kinda difficulties?" Applejack asked. "It's nothing," Bright Mac said. "You deserve a life of happiness that we cannot give you." "Why's that?" Applejack asked. "What is this about happiness that you can't give us? What is that supposed to mean? If something is goin' on, I deserve to know as your daughter!" "Applejack, it's for the best," Bright Mac said. "You'll find out later." He turned away and left, closing the barn doors behind him. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom watched in sorrow. They felt like they'd never find out until they were gone. And that was true.
12.But before Bright Mac could leave, over to Sweet Apple Acres Grand Pear did go. With his plow, he sought to destroy all, if not most, of the apple trees growing in the apple orchard of the farm. Bright Mac felt like this was all his fault, so he ran himself into the situation. "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doin'! This is my home as much as it isn't yours! I grew up here and it has a special place in my heart!" Bright Mac said. "I come to visit my fillies and colt and here you are destroying my very own apple orchards that my mother worked her flank off to plant! This ain't no rivalry no more - this is an enemy seeking revenge for his own benefit!" "Out of my way! You had the nerve to marry my daughter against my will, and I will never forgive you for it, you goddamn Apple!" Grand Pear shouted. "And to make you pay, I am going to tear down all you ever loved." "No, you don't have to do this!" Bright Mac said. "Too late," Grand Pear said. "Look at what you're doing! Would you do this on your own farm?" Grand Pear took a good look around, demounting and bringing his plow back to Pear Farms. "I'm sorry. I overreacted," he said as he left. "But mark my words, Apple Family, the Pears will make a mark on sales better than ever before! You can guarantee it!" The Apple Family just scoffed from inside the barn, Granny Smith holding up her hoof as to give him the middle finger - as much as a hoof could imply, of course. Seemed like the feud would never end. Regardless, Bright Mac felt obligated and somehow hopeful to bring Pear Butter back here. * * * "What the hell? After that fiasco? No way! I ain't goin' back there!" Pear Butter said. "And when I say never, I mean never. I know you want me to be a part of your life and want to make me part of the family, but the hard truth remains. I'm a Pear and you're an Apple. Despite us being meant to be and star-crossed lovers who managed to make it this far, I'd rather not risk anything more." Bright Mac sighed. "I understand. And I won't force you to go back if you don't want to." He smiled. "But Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom would be happy to see you." Pear Butter considered it, following him to Sweet Apple Acres where they faced Granny Smith, just older and much weaker than before. "Dang, your mother looks different," Pear Butter remarked. "Well, what did you expect? It's been several years. She's not as young as she used to be, it's obvious to tell. And it's also common sense. Ponies get older, not younger." "Gee, I was just making a comment," she said. "But I get where you're going." Facing each other, they blurted out in unison, "You're the only one who ever truly understood me." Blushing, they turned away from each other, creating an awkward silence between the two. "Did I really say that? How is that even possible?" Pear Butter said, still blushing profusely. "I know right! It's crazy! But sometimes something is so crazy, it seems too good to be true! Then it turns out to be true, and right before your eyes, life flashes and you're spending the rest of your life with somepony you've loved all along," Bright Mac said, also blushing profusely. "Aw, stop it!" Pear Butter said, her face still more red than her natural peach color. "You stop it!" Bright Mac said, chuckling, eventually tackling her down. She laughed and laughed along with him as they wrestled lovingly. That was when Granny Smith and Pear Butter emerged from their farms. They couldn't believe their eyes - they were livid seeing those two like that. But Bright Mac and Pear Butter were too caught up in the moment to notice, and even if they did notice, did it even matter? They knew already, so there was no use in hiding it anymore. Grand Pear and Granny Smith marched right up to them, tearing them both from each other. "This is the last straw, Pear Butter! Step away from that Apple or I will do something I will regret!" "You can't control me no more! I'm a grown mare!" Pear Butter said. "And I can make my own decisions, mind you! What you need to do is forget about this stupid rivalry!" She grunted in frustration. "It's so stupid how you argue day and night, day and night, for hours on end! Why do we have to endure it any longer? We deserve peace just as much as everypony else. Think about that - long and hard. Long down the road, you'll look back on this tomfoolery and conclude that your were a bunch of psycho dumbasses creating a utterly useless rivalry that's divided our families to the point where even we have to suffer." She turned around, embracing Bright Mac. "Think about it. I can't make the decision for y'all. You have to find it within yourselves to change." Grand Pear and Granny Smith took desperate measures, Granny Smith replanting all her trees to recover her orchard while Grand Pear did nothing. There was nothing that would make him apologize - nothing at all. And Granny Smith wasn't determined to destroy the rivalry either. * * * A few months passed and the couple found themselves at Sweet Apple Acres once more. The apple orchard was back to its original prosperity, making not only the Apples happy, but Pear Butter as well. But still the families began to argue and violently threaten things they both would regret in the future. Pear Butter and Bright Mac grabbed each other's hooves, tears streaming down their faces as they watched the divide. Seeing the divide, still holding hooves, they made their way to the roof of Sweet Apple Acres, jumping off to their deaths. Grand Pear and Granny Smith ceased arguing, and looked around. They saw the bloody bodies and ran towards their son and daughter. Tears swelled up in their eyes, forgetting everything. Forgetting the rivalry as they looked solemnly at the lives that were given up that day. Grand Pear looked up at Granny Smith, who looked up at Grand Pear. "All this caused the death of our foals?" Grand Pear said. "I never thought our rivalry would end like this - end in disaster. If I would've known, I wouldn't have been so hard towards you." He dipped his head low. "I'm sorry. Could you ever forgive me?" Granny Smith raised an eyebrow. "Are we puttin' this silly rivalry behind us? If so, then I'm all for it. None of us asked for it to end the way it did, but I think it taught our families a lesson that all this fightin' just brings us further and further apart. Now that they're part of the family, I forgive you." Grand Pear smiled, hugging Granny Smith. Together, the two ponies buried Bright Mac and Pear Butter. And that, was the end of the story.
1.Every day felt like a battlezone and it never got any easier for Pear Butter and Bright Mac as they watched as their grandparents argued day and night. Their screams and yells woke them up at night, as the two farms were right across from each other. They wanted to know exactly what was going on, but they were always too afraid to ask - too afraid of what their answers would be. So they just kept to themselves. But one night, Pear Butter and Bright Mac could not take it anymore. They rose out of bed and snuck out of each of their respective barns, careful to be quiet as to not raise suspicion from Grand Pear and Granny Smith. As soon as they met up, Pear Butter and Bright Mac made their way to their special spot. In their special spot was a very special tree that they planted long ago. It was the only thing they had that connected them together, and made them feel more at home than at home. "Can't sleep, Buttercup?" Bright Mac asked. Pear Butter lifted her head at the sound of his voice. It was clear that she just was not paying attention. "Oh, uh, yeah," she replied, not really knowing what Bright Mac said. Bright Mac put a hoof on Pear Butter's chin, who pulled it away. "Pear Butter, what's wrong?" Bright Mac said. "You never shy away from me. Something must be going on. You know you can tell me everything." "No," Pear Butter said. "I should just get home. I shouldn't be out this late, Grand Pear's gonna be worried sick." Her voice broke, "We can't be together. We will never be together. Can't you see our families? They hate each other. No way we're ever gonna work out." "Didn't I always tell you to listen to your heart?" Bright Mac said. Pear Butter blushed. She hated when he did that. It made her rethink every little thing she knew just couldn't be true. Could it? Pear Butter shook her head. No, it couldn't be. There was no way that her and Bright Mac were meant to be, and there was no way they could prove it either. It was in her fate to stage a betrayal that ended in everything but heartache and hurt. But it was the only way. She had to do it, and felt like she had no choice. Fuck the whole song she played on that lute that day. It did not matter now. All that mattered was the feud that was never ending anytime soon. If she continued with this fairytale that she created for herself, she would only bring herself hell in the end. She turned around. It was no use being there - in front of the pear and apple tree where their initials were engraved in the tree bark. It was over - it was done. And she was going to be the one to end it. "I can manage," she said. "I can just cover my ears with my pillow and wash you out of my head. It may not be as easy as it sounds, but I'll do it. It's for the best. I really hope you get that someday, Bright Mac, because right now, you're too naive and think the best of everypony. But I'm a realist, and I don't see that future for us." Bright Mac followed after her, eventually catching up and placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You can't possibly mean all this! Did Grand Pear set you up? This ain't you, Pear, and I know it!" Pear Butter turned away, pushing away his hoof. "Thanks, but no thanks." Walking away with tears in her eyes, Pear Butter left Bright Mac in the dark all alone. Now she was in the dark all alone as she cried herself to sleep, the reality of the situation burning her heart in ways she had never felt before.
3.That night, Pear Butter's mind raced with what she had said at the Pear Stand that afternoon. Tugging on her mane with one hoof and the other pulling just as vigorously on her heartstrings. How did she know for sure if apple products tasted like crap if she never even once tried something made from apples? How did she know if they were tasty or not if she always refused gifts from his truly? She looked at the knife that was just lying on her nightstand, never really knowing why exactly it was placed there. It seemed like it was always there from the start next to the picture of her and Grand Pear when she was just a foal. Was this real or was this just all a dream waiting for her to fail in the end? She wanted to find out, but did not at the same time. Regardless, she took the small knife, almost like a dagger in size and shape, and examined it. What if this meant she was foretold to kill her star-crossed lover, Bright Mac? She shook her head. She was going crazy. Putting down the knife, she made her way to her bed, and shut her eyes, using the arguments as white noise to fall asleep to. * * * Pear Butter awoke with a start. She leaned over to her nightstand and grabbed the knife, clutching it in her hoof like a stuffy as she drifted off to sleep.
6.Just like he said, he met Tornado Wind right at the same spot he found her the day ago. Since she agreed to help, Bright Mac gave her the sealed envelope and directed her as is. The filly nodded in understanding and was on her way. Bright Mac headed home, and when he did, the navy blue filly was flying overhead. He silently cheered to himself as Granny Smith and Grand Pear watched suspiciously from the sky. "That ain't Derpy," they both said. At least something they agreed on for once. Not that it mattered, of course. "Maybe Derpy's sick," Grand Pear and Granny Smith said. "So she sent a filly to do the work for her." After that, they didn't think much of it, which eased Bright Mac's tension. He took a deep breath and laid back, closing his eyes and full of relief. Once she delivered the letter, she headed back to Ponyville. Now to wait for Pear Butter to open it. Excitedly, Pear Butter ran out of Pear Farms and to the small mailbox in front of the farm and instantly opened it. Overjoyed, she saw a letter addressed to her and grabbed it. With the letter in her hoof, she raced back inside and sat at the family table. Before opening it, however, Pear Butter checked to see who it was from, although she had a good guess of who it was. I mean, who else could it be? she thought. And she was right. It was addressed to her by nopony other than Bright Mac. She opened it and read it aloud: "Dear Pear Butter, I am writing to you with sad news. Frustrating news at that. I ain't the happiest Apple in the bunch, I'll guarantee you that. You're probably asking why and I feel the need to explain to you. I can't tell a lie, so I spilled everything that happened yesterday. That was mighty stupid a' me, but hey, like I said, I can't lie. So now I'm writing to tell you that I am on close watch from my mother, Granny Smith, and am forbidden to ever go over to Pear Farms again. She says if she sees me with you, I'll be in big trouble. You're probably wondering how I was able to get this letter to you. And you won't believe me when I say that a filly flew it over for me. But one really did. Thanks to Tornado Wind, I've got a secret messenger on hoof, and I've gotta say, it's mighty handy. Lots a' love, Bright Mac" Pear Butter's excitement turned to sadness as she clutched the piece of paper to her heart. She'd never see him again - this was the end and there was no going back. Forget the marriage plans, forget eloping when you've got Granny Smith watching you like a hawk. But maybe there was still a way. She could go see him, couldn't she? She just couldn't be seen with him. That could work, Pear Butter thought to herself before plopping back on her bed, the letter still clutched to her heart.
