My Little Pony: Nine Elements

Book 3

Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 8: Apple Family Reunion

Four days after visiting the Wonderbolts Academy, Applejack was helping Granny Smith sort through some boxes at one of the Sweet Apple Acres barns. She carefully tugged one out of the hayloft, but, it landed with a slight puff against the hay on the ground. She inspected it and opened it up to see several Apple Family heirlooms.

“Aww,” Granny sighed happily. “These take me back ta the good ol’ days.” Her nostalgia was short-lived as she inhaled a cloud of dust through her nose. “Heh-heh-heh-CHOO!” She sneezed.

“Bless ya,” Applejack said.

“Thank ya kindly, Applejack,” Granny Smith said. “Ah can’t believe it’s been 100 moons since our last family reunion.”

“Uh, Granny,” Applejack said. “Our last reunion was two years, four months, n’ three days ago. That’s 28 moons.”

“Guess it just feels like it’s been longer n’ that,” Apple Bloom said as she helped with the chores.

“Ah ‘member it well,” Applejack said. “‘Cause it was the day Twilight n’ Spike first came ta Ponyville.”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom smiled. “We not only got ta see our family again, but, we also got ta meet new friends.”

“Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith said. “How many’re showin’ up this time?”

“Goin’ by the invitations n’ the RSVPs,” Apple Bloom said with a big smile. “Everypony!”

“Everypony?” Granny Smith repeated, wanting to make sure she heard right.

“Everypony!” Apple Bloom said again. “We got RSVP’s from Apples from Yonder Hill, Hollow Shade, Gallopin’ Gorge, Foal Mountain, Fillydelphia, Tall Tale Town, Appleloosa, n’ Manehattan! Ah’ll be able ta see Babs again!”

Granny Smith stood in stunned silence for a bit. “I think we’re goin’ ta need a bigger cider trough,” she managed to say.

That evening, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Applejack were looking over the RSVPs while Big McIntosh and Caramel brought more in.

“Another load of RSVPs,” Caramel said as he set down the stack of sealed envelopes. “You doing alright, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” the red earth pony stallion smiled.

“Are you all sure it’s okay for me to be here during the reunion?” Caramel asked. “I’m not officially part of the family.”

“Maybe not,” Applejack said. “But, ya are part o’ our lives n’ ya do live here. So, ah couldn’t imagine an Apple family gatherin’ without ya.”

“Me, neither,” Apple Bloom smiled. “N’ who knows? Y’all n’ Applejack could get married n’ then, ya’ll be an official Apple.”

“Bit early fer that,” Applejack said. “We can’t exactly afford a weddin’ right now.”

Although, Caramel thought to himself with a lovestruck blush. It would be nice to be Mr. Applejack. Wait, if I marry her, will she even be an Apple anymore? Or will she take my family name? Do I even have a family name?*

“Caramel?” Applejack said.

“Huh?” Caramel said, coming out of his deep-thinking state.

“Ya okay?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, yeah, I’m okay,” Caramel nodded. “Just… lost in thought about something.”

“Well, if n’ when we’re ready ta make that decision,” Applejack said. “We’ll be sure ta straighten things out in our own time. Fer now, we got ta sort out idears fer the family reunion. ‘Specially since Granny might not see another.”

“Ah’m only 62,” Granny Smith said in a disgruntled voice. “Ah got a good few years left ‘fore ah kick.”

“Yeah, Granny’s right,” Apple Bloom said. “She’s still able ta keep ya in line, sis.”

“N’ you, ya little sneak,” Granny Smith chuckled. “Though, ah ain’t gettin’ no younger. Applejack, how’s ‘bout y’all take care o’ plannin’ the reunion this time ‘round?”

“Me?” Applejack asked.

“Let’s face it,” Granny Smith said. “Ah ain’t as strong as ah used ta be. Ah’ve seen ya gettin’ stronger by the day.”

“Wow,” Applejack said. “Ah’ll do the best ah can, Granny. Ah’ll make this a really memorable family reunion that everypony’ll remember fer a long time. Just tell me what the reunion’ll need n’ ah’ll take care o’ the rest.”

“Well, ah know ah’ll want ta spend time with mah cousins in the quiltin’ circle,” Granny said happily. “Ah’ll do ya one better n’ show ya.”

Inside the family house, she, Applejack, and Apple Bloom were sitting on the sofa. Granny Smith had opened a family album showcasing memories of previous Apple family reunions.

“Who’s that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“That’s mah auntie Applesauce,” Granny explained with a nostalgic smile. “That picture was taken when she was as old as Applejack is now. She taught me how ta sew, especially on that quilt there. That’s the same quilt we’ve been workin’ on since the very first Apple family reunion.”

“When exactly did these reunions start?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Oh, ‘bout two years after Ponyville was founded,” Granny Smith answered. “Did take some time fer the other family members ta learn how ta get ta our new homes n’ all. ‘Course, some had ta actually settle somewhere else first.”

“That makes sense,” Applejack nodded. “Ah figger yer folks didn’t really have Apple Family reunions ‘fore ya were born?”

“If’n there were,” Granny said. “Ah wouldn’a remembered. ‘Course, the Apple Family started when ah got hitched ta Cortland.”

“Neato,” Apple Bloom said.

“Applesauce,” Granny Smith said. “Was married ta mah pa’s brother, Sessile. She used ta be called a different name, but, we all called her Applesauce after she lost her false teeth in a batch o’ applesauce.”

“What was her old name?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Nopony rightly ‘members no more,” Granny Smith said.

“So,” Applejack said, looking over the family album. “Ah’ll have ta stock up on plenty o’ quiltin’ supplies. Ah’m sure Rarity has some extra thread that she’ll let us use.”

Granny Smith turned a few more pages.

“Hey, what’s goin’ on there,” Apple Bloom asked. “Looks like a big ol’ row o’ cauldrons.”

“They are,” Granny Smith said. “This was the day yer sister had her first apple fritter.”

“Er more accurately,” Applejack said with a blush. “Mah first several fritters.”

In a flashback to that reunion, several apple fritters were being made. Half-Baked Apple eagerly bit into a freshly fried apple fritter, but, because it hadn’t had time to cool down, he ended up burning his tongue. He scrambled into a nearby bucket of apple cider for some relief. One other relative, an earth pony stallion with a blue coat, a reddish pink mane, and a Cutie Mark with three apples split horizontally, placed a plateful of apple fritters onto the table. But, he noticed that there were some fritters that were missing, along with splatters from fritter goo.

“Where’d all them fritters go?” the stallion asked.

His answer came when he heard a slight crunching sound. He looked under the table and saw Applejack, just as she was when she was a foal, complete with diaper. Her blond mane was done up in pigtails fastened with apple charm ponytail holders, her bangs were curled delicately yet naturally, and she had a noticeable baby belly. Some splotches of fritter goo were on her face and hooves and she cooed happily at the stallion.

“N’…” the stallion said softly. “Who’re you, li’l one?”

“Ah’m Applejack,” the foal responded. “Mowe appo fwiddo?”

“Must be mah brothers newest foal,” the stallion said.

Back in the present day, Granny chuckled nostalgically.

“That’s how we learned that yer sister has the appetite o’ a full-grown stallion,” she chuckled, elbowing Applejack lightly on her belly.

“Aww,” Apple Bloom cooed. “Ya were so cute as a baby, Applejack!”

“Ya shoulda seen her when she met Caramel,” Granny Smith said.

“So, who was that stallion what found Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Mah second son n’ yer uncle,” Granny Smith explained. “Apple Splits.”

“Lookin’ at this here picture,” Applejack said. “Looks like ah’m goin’ ta need some more fryin’ oil, plenty of flour, eggs, n’ cinnamon.”

Granny Smith turned another page.

“Hey, who’s that there?” Apple Bloom asked.

“That’s mah Auntie Applesauce’s oldest daughter,” Granny Smith said. “Apple Rose. In this picture here, we’re partakin’ in a seven-legged race. It’s a tradition fer us each reunion.”

In the flashback, Apple Rose and Granny Smith were trotting together. They seemed to be in perfect sync.

“We’re goin’ ta win this year!” Apple Rose said excitedly.

“Ya can bet the farm on it, cousin,” the young mare said.

But, just before the two could reach the finish line, they fumbled over and belly flopped onto the soft earth. The two laughed happily. They might not have won the race, but, they still had fun with each other.

“Never won a single race,” Granny Smith said.

“Races, huh?” Applejack said. “So, we’ll need cloth ties n’ a finish line. Hmm, since there’s goin’ ta be more o’ us this year, that might not be as excitin’.”

“Can’t fergit the big finish,” Granny Smith said. “The big family photo! We always snapped a photo o’ everypony at the main barn at the end o’ every reunion. It lets us see how our family’s grown.”

“A lot o’ these don’t have Aunt Citrus,” Apple Bloom said.

“Citrus sure took her sweet time decidin’ ta show up,” Granny Smith said in a bitter tone.

“Even if she's a highfalutin’ city mare,” Apple Bloom said. “She should still be there fer us.”

“She ain’t shown up ta one reunion since she moved ta Manehattan!” Granny Smith said. “Didn’t even show up at her siblin’s weddin’s! Ain’t that just appallin’, Applejack?”

Applejack didn’t respond, however. She looked out the open top barn door and saw the stars shimmer in the sky. She sighed sadly at the sight of two shooting stars zipping by majestically.

“Applejack?” Apple Bloom said softly.

“Huh?” Applejack said, turning her attention to her little sister. “Sorry, ah was just thinkin’. Ah’m just thinking that this’ll be another reunion that most o’ the family’ll be at the reunion. Ma n’ pa ain’t around no more.”

“Yer still not blamin’ yerself fer that, are ya?” Granny Smith said.

“Ah just miss 'em is all,” Applejack said. “If only ah’d fixed that bridge.”

“Aww, come on, sis,” Apple Bloom said comfortingly. “Ah miss em, too. But, nopony here blames ya fer what happened.”

“Don’t ya fret, Applejack,” Granny Smith said. “Ah understand how ya feel. Mah husband’s been dead fer five odd years. Mah folks, six. Yer folks wouldn’t want ya mopin’ ‘bout their deaths at the family reunion. Mah folks n’ husband wouldn’t want me doin’ that, neither. If’n ya want ta do right by yer folks, appreciate the family ya still have.”

Applejack took a deep breath. “Yeah, yer right. Ah’ll always keep ‘em in mah heart, but, ah’ll also make sure ta spend as much time with all y’all as ah can. Ah’ll start by makin’ this the most memorable reunion ever.”

“Ah think yer goin’ ta do great, Applejack,” Apple Bloom smiled.

Applejack trotted off.

That night, she worked hard to plan some ideas for the reunion. Caramel entered her room.

“Honeycrisp,” he said softly. “I wanted to see how you were doing.”

“Ah can’t sleep,” Applejack said. “The gears in mah head’re turnin’ ‘bout this reunion.”

“It's great that you’re taking charge for this year’s reunion,” Caramel said, rubbing one of his sleepy eyes. “But, I don’t think you should worry too much. I mean, I’m sure the family will be happy to see each other and spend time with everypony. The last thing we need is you worrying to the point of another Smarty Pants incident.”

“Oh, right,” Applejack said with a blush. “But, ah did promise ta make this reunion a memorable one. So, what can ah do?”

“Well, you can try to get some sleep to refresh your brain,” Caramel suggested. “You won’t be able to properly plan things with a sleep-deprived brain. We both know that you’re cranky if you don’t get enough sleep.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said with a sheepish sweatdrop. “Think ya can help me drift ta sleep, though? Ah always find it more comfortable with ya cuddlin’ close ta me.”

“Maybe getting you something to eat will help, too,” Caramel suggested. At his suggestion, Applejack’s belly gave a deep rumble.

“Sure,” Applejack nodded. “Maybe also a cup o’ warm milk?”

“You got it,” Caramel said. He trotted off and returned with a platter of apple fritters and a mug of warm milk.

“Thanks, Caramel,” Applejack said gratefully. After her late night snack, Applejack found herself struggling to keep her eyelids open. Caramel tucked her and himself into bed and he held onto her lovingly.

“Brings back foalhood memories of our sleepovers, doesn’t it?” Caramel said.

“Yup,” Applejack said in a sleepy voice. A yawn escaped her throat. She wrapped her front hooves around Caramel’s barrel. “G’night, sugarcube.”

“Good night, honeycrisp,” Caramel replied softly. He even gave her a loving kiss on the forehead.

The next morning, Caramel was still asleep in Applejack’s bed, but, the mare herself was absent.

“Huh?” Caramel said to himself as he began to stir. “Where’s Applejack?”

It was at that moment that Applejack made her presence known.

“Mornin’, y’all,” she said happily. “We need ta get ta work on the reunion.”

Caramel slowly started to stretch as he got out of bed. Hopefully, she remembered what we talked about last night, Caramel thought to himself.

A bit later, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Caramel were applebucking. Well, the Apple Siblings were doing most of the work. Try as he might, Caramel couldn’t knock loose as many apples as they could. Caramel panted from working so hard for such little effort. Applejack could see that he was feeling inadequate and decided to console him.

“Don’t fret, Caramel,” she said. “Yer doin’ fine.”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said. “Yer actually gettin’ apples loose now.”

“I am?” Caramel said with a smile as he looked up. He saw fewer apples in the tree than when he started with. “I am! Whoo-hoo!”

Later, Applejack was at Carousel Boutique with a cart.

“Thank ya kindly fer lettin’ me have these things, Rarity,” Applejack said gratefully.

“Oh, think nothing of it,” Rarity said. “I had more than I needed for an order anyway.”

“Ah still appreciate it,” Applejack said. “Ah owe ya one.” And she trotted off.

“Tootle-oo~” Rarity called.

Applejack made her next stop at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie was loading up Applejack’s cart with powdered sugar, extra flour, and even honey to drizzle onto the fritters. She squeezed some excess honey into her mouth.

“Thank ya, Pinkie,” Applejack said gratefully.

“No problem, AJ,” Pinkie said before she belched out a bee. “Oops. Sorry, Beatrice.”

The bee buzzed a bit angrily at her, but, thought better about stinging her. She flew away to pollinate some flowers. Pinkie then got out a bucket of glitter.

“Oh, Applejack!” Pinkie called. “Don’t forget the glitter!” She then threw the contents over the farm mare.

Applejack coughed lightly, exhaling a puff of glitter. “Thanks…” she managed to say.

Later, she set up buckets in a row at Sweet Apple Acres.

“Thanks fer doin’ me this solid, Rainbow,” Applejack called.

“No prob, AJ,” Rainbow said. She was moving a cumulonimbus cloud over the buckets, aiming carefully. “Get ready, because here comes the rain!” She jumped up and down on it to make the rain fall.

The rainwater poured down into the buckets while also giving Applejack a refreshing rainshower. She shook off the excess water. However, the cloud gave a spontaneous lightning crack.

“Yipe!” Applejack yelped.

“Sorry,” Rainbow said.

“No harm done,” Applejack called. “Just a little spooked is all.”

Later, Big Mac stacked chopped pieces of wood. Twilight and Spike walked up next to Applejack. She pointed out a row of large cauldrons filled with frying oil.

“Thanks fer helpin’ me out with this,” Applejack said.

“No problem,” Spike said. Spike looked at the logs underneath the cauldrons. He then took a deep inhale and he exhaled his green flames onto it. Applejack gave him a green apple rock candy as compensation. “Thanks, AJ.”

Other preparations were made soon thereafter. Soon, everything was set and the day of the reunion finally arrived.

“Ah can’t believe we got all this ready in under a day,” Apple Bloom said.

“That’s Applejack for ya,” Caramel said. “When she has a goal, she makes sure it gets done. Only this time, she asked for help from her friends.”

“After what happened on the Apple Buck Season when Twilight n’ Spike were still new ta town,” Applejack said. “Ah don’t have as much trouble askin’ fer help no more.”

“That’s great,” Caramel smiled.

Granny Smith turned to the horizon. “The Apples’re comin’. Family incomin’!”

Sure enough, several ponies came in from over the hill. Some came by trotting, some came in wagons, and some even came via aircraft. Several greeted each other. Some cousins playfully jabbed at each other and gave affectionate noogies. Applejack made her way to a stage.

“Howdy, everypony,” Applejack said. “Thank y’all fer comin’ ta Sweet Apple Acres fer our family reunion. Now, the only thing that’ll really change is the fact that instead o’ Granny Smith bein’ in charge o’ the activities, she asked me ta run things this time.” The crowd made murmurs of understanding. “But, ah promise y’all that ah aim ta make this a fun time fer everypony with plenty o’ time ta commingle with one another.”

“Ah got a few words ta say ta Citrus,” Granny Smith said bitterly to the aforementioned mare.

“Uh,” Applejack said sheepishly. “Make sure that those words’re out o’ earshot o’ anypony who might hear ya. Don’t want none o’ the young’ns repeatin’ ya.”

So, Granny led Citrus to an out of the way place, all the while, casting a stern glare at her. The expression on the younger mare’s face was all that was needed to show she knew what was coming and wasn’t looking forward to it.

“Anywho,” Applejack said. “While she’s takin’ care o’ that, why doesn’t everypony get settled in?”

Apple Bloom was busy looking for Babs. Her eyes lit up with excitement once she spots her. Babs looked and saw Apple Bloom and she smiled happily. The two then ran over and held each other in a fond embrace.

“Oh, Babs,” Apple Bloom said happily. “Ah missed ya so much! Ah know it had only been ‘bout a month since we last saw each other, but, it felt like forever!”

“You ain’t kiddin’,” Babs said. “Ah’m tellin’ ya, ya shoulda seen how Sunflower got ma ta come here.”

“Ah’ll bet,” Apple Bloom said. “Oh, but, ah’m so glad yer here now. Ah’m sure we’re goin’ ta have a great time tagether!”

“I just want some quality time with Braeburn before I leave,” Babs said. “I ain’t seen him in years.”

“Ah’m sure we can find him,” Apple Bloom said.

But, the two didn’t get far. Applejack met up with the two.

“Howdy, girls,” Applejack smiled. “Ah hope yer both ready for a fun activity.”

“Well, actually,” Babs said. “I’d like a little time with Braeburn while I’m here.”

“Okie dokie then,” Applejack said. “Ya ain’t seen him in five years now. Go ahead.”

“Thanks, AJ,” Babs smiled. Together, she and Apple Bloom went to find Braeburn. They found him with a brilliant gamboge earth mare with a brilliant crimson mane and tail, moderate cerise eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting an Apple Brown Betty. “Hiya, Braeburn.”

“N’ who’s yer new friend?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Oh, this here’s mah marefriend, Sunny Cherry,” Braeburn explained. “Though, she might be Apple Cherry soon.”

Sunny chuckled good-naturedly. “That’d be mighty lovely, Brae-Brae.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Babs smiled. “I’d love ta know how youse met.”

Applejack then began scooting Apple Bloom and Babs to the other younger relatives.

“Hey~!” the two fillies exclaimed indignantly.

“We can walk, ya know!” Apple Bloom said.

“Ta start things off, yer doin’ a seven-legged race,” Applejack said to all the young ponies. “Apple Bloom, yer with Babs. Red June?”

“Yeah?” responded a filly, whose name was Red June.

“Yer with Apple Squash,” Applejack said.

“Alright!” exclaimed a filly whose name was Apple Squash. She was excited to be partnered with with Red June.

“Apple Flora?” Applejack called.

“Yeah?” said the filly named Apple Flora.

“Yer with Caramel Candy Tooth,” Applejack said.

“Sweet!” chirped the filly named Caramel Candy Tooth.

Soon, the three pairs were at the starting line.

“Alright, y’all,” Applejack said. “Y’all’re racin’ from here ta that finishin’ line that’s over there.”

Babs looked into the distance. “Whoa~” she said. “Dat’s a long course right dere.”

“That’s just the first part,” Applejack said.

“The first part?” Apple Bloom asked. “There’s more?!”

“Much more,” Applejack said. “Cuz once y’all cross the finish line, ya’ll then be bobbin’ fer apples.” She dunked her head in a tub and pulled it out with three apples in her mouth. “Then, after the apples’re all out o’ the tubs, ya got ta spin ‘round these here trees 50 times ‘till yer good n’ dizzy.” She ran around two trees in a figure 8 pattern until she was so fast, she was practically a blur. She then stopped and stumbled about. Her eyes were spinning and she was indeed dizzy. She immediately shook it off. “Finally, ya got ta spin these plates over yer head while sayin’, ‘Pappy Pony picked a pluck of prickly pluffnuggets,’ over n’ over again till ya can’t say it no more. Er if’n yer plate falls off yer head first, whichever comes first.” She then made her way back to the starting line. “Ah planned on addin’ wooden hurdles, but, ah figgered it be a bad idear ta jump ‘em while dizzy. Anyhow, last pony standin’ wins.”

It was a lot for the fillies to process as they stared at Applejack with confused looks.

“Seriously?” Apple Bloom finally managed to say. “If’n we’re supposed ta split up at the end anyway, what’s the point o’ pairin’ us up in the first place?”**

“Well, it’s more fun ta do things tagether,” Applejack explained. She then got a flag that she held with her tail. “Well, just do yer best anyway. Don’t ferget ta take a break if ya feel tired.” She then waved the flag. “On yer marks, get set, go!”

The three pairs ran off. Some of the fillies fumbled and stumbled as they weren’t used to running with legs tied together at such high speeds. Babs, not being accustomed to so much physical activity, quickly ran out of breath.

“Jeez,” she panted. “Ah ain’t used ta so much exercise, not even in physical activity class.”

“Ah was born n’ raised on a farm,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah’m used ta this much exercise, but, ah still have limits.”

“Ah believe dat,” Babs panted. The two noticed they weren’t even halfway to the flag. “Ah, jeez. Ah’m really out o’ shape.”

Back at the starting line, Applejack cheered the youngsters on. “Yee-haw! Ya got this, y’all! Give it all ya got!” She then turned around. “While they continue ta venture on this here course, ah better check on the quilt.”

Meanwhile, Auntie Applesauce was showing off her new set of false teeth.

“Those are mighty nice,” Apple Rose said happily.

“That they are, sis,” said Goldie Delicious.

“How long ya had ‘em?” inquired Granny Smith, who had recently finished chewing out Citrus.

“A lady never reveals the age of her teeth,” Applesauce said, turning up her nose with a confident smirk. Apple Rose rolled her eyes with a groan. “Don’t you roll your eyes at your mother, missy! Ah still haven’t forgotten what ya did with mah parasol six reunions ago!”

“Fer the record,” Goldie said. “Ah told ‘em not ta use it fer that piñata.”

The elder ponies were laughing, but, Auntie Applesauce had an embarrassed blush. Her blush faded when she saw Applejack approach them.

“Ah, Applejack,” she said. “Will you be joining us old widows in quilting?”

“Sorry, Grauntie Applesauce,” Applejack answered. “Ah’m a mite busy keepin’ everythin’ in order. Y’all can still get started, though.”

“We can’t find our rockin’ chairs,” Granny Smith said.

“Ah moved ‘em ta storage,” Applejack explained. “Ah moved them ta make room fer these.” Applejack then presented the elder mares with a line of sewing machines. “This is the year yer goin’ ta finish the quilt.”

“Finish it?” Apple Rose inquired.

“Yup,” Applejack smiled. She then started up the sewing machines, which shuddered and jolted loudly as they sprang to life. “Won’t that be excitin’?!” she shouted over the loud noise.

“What’s that?!” Apple Rose asked over the noise of the sewing machines.

“AH SAID WON’T THAT BE,” Applejack said before turning the sewing machines off. “Excitin’?”

“Ah suppose,” Applesauce said. “Although, ah have been told that too much excitement can wreak havoc on this lovely and youthful complexion of mine.”

“Yer 84 years old now,” Granny Smith said. “Ya ain’t got much youth left.”

Goldie Delicious and Apple Rose chuckled mischievously, while Applesauce blushed with humiliation. The four old mares got to their sewing machines. The machines began to whir as the mares worked with them.

“Have fun, y’all,” Applejack said over the noise. “Ah’m goin’ ta see how Big McIntosh is comin’ along with the fritters.”

“What’d she say?!” Granny Smith asked.

“What’s that?” Apple Rose asked.

“What’s she sayin’?” Auntie Applesauce asked.

“Ah don’t know,” Granny Smith said. “Ah can’t hear nothin’!”

“Hey, what’s everypony talkin’ ‘bout?” Goldie Delicious asked.***

“We don’t know,” the elder ponies said.

“Good gracious,” Goldie Delicious sighed. Then, a thought occurred to her. “How’d Applejack even afford these?”

At the apple fritter station, some relatives were talking with one another.

“Ya’ve got eight now, right?” Apple Dumpling asked Apple Leaves.

“Sure do,” Apple Leaves smiled. “Why, my little Apple Bud may be a baby, but, boy is he a hoot!” She sighed sadly. “Too bad Empire died a few months ago.”

“Yeah,” Apple Dumpling said softly. “Me n’ Wensley miss our brother.”

“We’ll all make sure ta look out fer ya,” Apple Leaves said comfortingly.

Applejack stepped in.

“Howdy, y’all,” Applejack smiled. “These fritters’re smellin’ mighty tasty.” She started to drool a bit.

“We got plenty fer ya ta taste, Applejack,” Apple Dumpling offered. Applejack’s belly gave a deep gurgle.

“Thank ya kindly,” Applejack said as she ate one. “Though, y’all better keep up the pace if yer goin’ ta make fritters fer everypony here.” She moved a bowl full of apple slices. “Roll, fold, crimp, slide to the left.” She demonstrated the steps three times. “Now, you try.”

Apple Leaves tried following Applejack’s example. “Roll, fold, crimp, slide to the left.”

Applejack nodded in approval. “Yer doin’ great,” she smiled. “Keep it up, y’all! Got ta make sure everypony gets a taste o’ the best apple fritters in all o’ Equestria.”

With the younger members, they were at the part where they were running around the trees. They tossed aside their cloth wraps and were separate from each other. Apple Bloom found herself getting dizzy first.

“Whoa~” Apple Bloom said. “So dizzy…” She then collapsed on the ground.

“Ya okay, AB?” she said, helping up her cousin.

“Ah will be when the world stops spinnin’,” Apple Bloom said.

“While ya recover,” Babs said. “Ah guess ah can tell ya that our Manehattan branch o’ the Cutie Mark Crusaders has been going well.”

“That’s great,” Apple Bloom said while still a bit dizzy.

“Thanks,” Babs said. “Wind Sprint n’ Lilymoon have still kept me afloat. But, ah’m gettin’ bedda.”

“Ah’m glad ta hear that,” Apple Bloom smiled. She had recovered from her dizziness. “Okay, ah’m good.”

The younger members began the plate spinning part of the race.

“Pappy Pony picked a pluck of prickly pluffnuggets!” they said, slightly out of sync. They kept repeating until their tongues started to feel numb.

“Ah camph feel mah thongue,” Babs said with her tongue out.

“Me neither,” Apple Bloom said.

Applejack was watching the activities from overhead. She saw how tired everypony was looking. Suddenly, a great wave of guilt washed over her.

“Alright, y’all,” she said into the megaphone. “Y’all can take a breather.”

The collective sighs of relief could be heard all the way from where she was.

“What am ah doin’?” Applejack sighed. “Here ah am tryin’ ta make a memorable family reunion. But, now everypony’s so tired that they can barely think. Caramel was right, ah really am goin’ overboard with this. How does Granny Smith deal with this every reunion?” Applejack went down to go talk to her. By this time, Granny had caught her breath. The elder mare noticed.

“Ah know that look,” Granny said. “That’s the look o’ a pony who’s in need o’ advise. What’s troublin’ ya?”

“How dya manage these reunions?” Applejack asked. “Ah’m just makin’ everypony tired.”

“Oh, Applejack,” Granny said. “Ah learned that ya don’t need ta do too much ta make family reunions memorable. What’s most important is the fact that everypony came tagether with each other n’ have some wholesome fun, good viddles, n’ enjoyin’ pleasant conversation. Since everypony came here, have ya had a chance ta chat with any o’ yer visitin’ relatives?”

Applejack thought a bit about that. “Ah… ah guess ah hadn’t. Ah was so focused on everypony havin’ a good time.”

“Well, that’s yer problem right there,” Granny said. “Ya also got ta let yerself have fun n make sure ya get the time ta spend with the family.”

“Guess it’s just as well ah didn’t start up that hayride ta the western orchard,” Applejack said.

“The western orchard?” Granny said. “Boy howdy, we haven’t tended ta that side o’ the farm ever since the fruit bats n’ vampire fruit bats moved in. Thank goodness Fluttershy told me that they help with spreadin’ apple seeds ‘round n’ help ‘em grow.”

“Yeah,” Applejack said with a chuckle. “Ta think ah considered starvin’ ‘em ‘til Fluttershy stepped in. Can ya imagine if ah actually ignored a pony who knew more ‘bout critters’n ah do? Er went with an option ta let Twilight get Fluttershy ta damage her eyes so she can cast a spell on the bats that backfires n’ turns Fluttershy inta a thestral, which makes her a bigger problem than the vampire fruit bats ever were? That'd be so stupid.”****

The two shared a quick chuckle.

“Anyway,” Granny said. “Now that ya figgered out yer mistake with this, what’re ya goin’ ta do now?”

“Ta be honest,” Applejack said. “Ah’m still figgerin’ that part out.”

“Well, that’s–” Granny Smith began before something occurred to her. “Wait, turn Fluttershy inta a what now?”

“Thestral,” Applejack said. “‘Member those guards with Princess Luna durin’ Nightmare Night last year?”

“Oh, yeah,” Granny nodded. “Even as ah was driftin’ ta sleep, ah ‘member them. Wonder how they got them bat-like wings n’ fangs?”

“From what the princess said,” Applejack explained. “That’s ‘cause the first o’ their kin had a dragon pa n’ a pegasus ma.”

Granny nodded in an intrigued manner. It was about this time when the other Apple Family members regained themselves. Half-Baked Apple leaned against a hay cart, which rolled into the main barn and crashed into it, demolishing the structure. The Apples gasped in shock.

“Ah, no!” Half-Baked Apple gasped. “What have ah done?!”

Applejack tried, but, she could barely hold back her tears.

“Some family reunion this turned out ta be,” she sobbed. “Now we can’t take the big family photo in front o’ the barn. Ah guess ah did make this a memorable family reunion… memorable in the fact that this is the worst family reunion ever.”

“It ain’t over yet,” Granny Smith said. “Long as the sun’s still up n’ everypony’s able-bodied, the reunion’ll turn into a real memorable one fer all the right reasons.”

At that moment, Caramel came out of one of the cellars. He saw the remains of the barn. “What the heck happened?!”

“It’s a long story,” Applejack said. “Caramel, ah wanted ta apologize to ya. Ah went overboard. Now, we can’t take the photo in front o’ the barn this reunion.” Then, she had an idea. “Wait… maybe we can!” She addressed the others. “Ah got one more activity, everypony!”

“Wait,” Granny said with a slight touch of suspicion. “Ah thought ya said ya were done with activities.”

“Trust me,” Applejack said. “This’ll be ‘membered fer the right reasons.”

“There’s the Applejack I know and love,” Caramel smiled.

With that, Applejack initiated a country musical song.

“Yeehoo!

Raise this barn, raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~
Tagether, we can raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~

Up, up, up go the beams~
Hammer those joints, work in teams~
Turn ‘em ‘round quick by the right elbow,
Grab a new partner, here we go~

Come on, Apple Family! Let’s get to it! Woohoo!”

The song continued as building materials were gathered.

“Raise this barn, raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~
Tagether, we can raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~

Finish the frame, recyclin’ wood~
Workin' hard, yer doin' good~
Turn 'em ‘round quick by the right elbow~
Grab a new partner, here we go~

Raise this barn, raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~
Tagether, we can raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~

Slats o’ wood come off the ground~
Hold em’ up n’ nail it down~
Turn ‘em ‘round quick by the left elbow~
Grab yer partner, here we go~!

Come on, Apples! Git er done!”

“Look at us, we’re family~” Apple Bloom sang.

“Workin’ tagether, thankfully~” Applejack sang.

“We Apples, we are proud ta say~” Apple Bloom continued.

“Stick tagether the pony way~” both sisters sang.

“Bow ta yer partner, circle right~
Get down if yer scared o’ heights~
Forward, back, n’ twirl around~
That barn’s sure ta be the best in town~” Applejack sang.

As everyone worked, they danced and whooped happily. Finally, this was an activity they could get behind. They all joined in.

“Raise this barn, raise this barn~
One, two, three, four~
Tagether, we can raise this barn~
One, two, three four~”

Applejack then had a solo.

“Take yer brushes, young n’ old~
Tagether, paint it bright n’ bold~
Turn ‘em ‘round quick by the right elbow~
Grab a new partner, here we go~”

Finally, the job was finished. It was a lot of hard work, but, everypony was satisfied with the results. They were proud of their efforts, especially since they all spent time together. They sang one more verse.

“We raised this barn, we raised this barn~
Yes, we did~
Tagether, we sure raised this barn~
Yes, we did~

Bein’ tagether counts the most~
We all came here from coast ta coast~
All we need ta strive ta be~
Is part o’ the Apple family~

Yeah!”

After the last word, the family photo was taken. Everyone smiled their best smiles. Even Caramel, who wasn’t an official member of the Apple Family, managed to smile brightly.

For the rest of the reunion, the family members went about chatting with each other. They chatted, gave each other advice, and shared good-natured laughter with one another. One member, Citrus, tried to bond with her family, but, her efforts were awkward. Her husband, however, made less of an effort.

“Come on, Mostly,” Citrus said. “I’m on bad terms with my family as it is. Since Babs built a stronger connection with Apple Bloom, we should do the same. I’ve missed my sibling’s weddings and the funeral of one of my brothers in addition to several family reunions. My own mother accused me of not caring about my own family and considered disowning me.”

Mostly, hearing this, suddenly felt bad. So, slowly but surely, he did try to get acquainted with them. Along the way, he came across his son, Braeburn.

“Howdy, pa,” Braeburn said. His voice carried neither bitterness nor spite. Only enthusiasm. Mostly was caught by surprise by this.

“Uh…” Mostly said with a slight hesitation. “H-hello, Braeburn. How is life in Appleloosa?”

“Where do ah begin?” Braeburn said. “Why, we started a peace pact with a tribe o’ buffalo ‘bout a year ago n’ it’s still goin’ strong. We finished the hospital a couple months back.”

“Oh,” Mostly said in a genuinely intrigued tone. “That does sound interesting. Maybe Citrus, your sisters, and I could come visit someday.” Then, after giving it some thought, he said, “Contrariwise, you can also come visit us in Manehattan.”

“Well, that sounds good ta me!” Braeburn said. “Ah really missed seein’ Babs all these years. Ah was glad ta introduce Sunny Cherry ta her, so ah’d love any chance ta spend the day with Babs. Ah heard she’s been actin’ up ta cope with how much she misses me.”

“Big brada,” Babs said.

“Hey, little sis,” Braeburn said, turning his attention towards her.

“It’s true,” Babs said.

“Doncha worry, Babs,” Braeburn said. “Ah may have a busy life back home, but, ah promise ah’ll make an effort ta see ya more often. There’s always room in mah life fer mah family. ‘Course, ma n’ pa payin’ ya more mind wouldn’t hurt neither.”

Together, the two siblings embraced caringly.*****

Soon, it was time for the non-Ponyville Apples to leave.

“That really was a great reunion,” Apple Bloom said happily to Babs. “Ah’m so glad we could hang out again.”

“Ditto,” Babs said. “Ah can’t wait for da next time I see ya.”

“Me, neither,” Apple Bloom smiled. “Ah’m hopin’ we can get tagether before the next family reunion.”

“Maybe next time,” Babs said. “Ah’ll bring Lilymoon n’ Wind Sprint, too.”

“Ah’d like that,” Apple Bloom said. “N’ ah’ll bring Scootaloo n’ Sweetie Belle. Oh, can’t ferget Spike.”

Applejack and Granny Smith watched while cleaning dishes.

“Aww, it’s great ta see ‘em plannin’ times ta spend tagether,” Applejack smiled. “N’ with good friends, too.”

“Sure is,” Granny said. “N’ it’s thanks ta yer efforts, Applejack. Ah can guarantee yer parents would be proud.”

“Thanks, Granny,” Applejack smiled. “But, ah couldn’t a’ done it without yer help er Caramel’s help.”

“Though, one thing still bugs me,” Granny Smith said. “How’d ya get them sewin’ machines?”

“Oh,” Applejack said. “Ah talked Rarity inta lettin’ me borrow ‘em.”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Granny nodded.

That night, Granny Smith and Apple Bloom were putting together the photo album of the events of this year’s family reunion. Big Mac was lounging in a chair after a long day’s work and Caramel and Applejack were seated together on a cushion. Applejack was making out her report to Princess Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

Ah’m writin’ about a little lesson ah learned about family, which, when ya think about it, is really the first group o’ friends ya ever make. Turns out that when yer with the folks ya care ‘bout, ya don’t have ta do much ta make that time meanin’gful. Even the simplest activities can take on a whole lot o’ meanin’. Overtime, ya’ll find that ya remember the who long after ya forgot the what.

Yer humble subject,
Applejack”

“Off ta have Spike send yer letter?” Granny Smith asked.

“No,” Applejack said. “He’d be asleep by now. Ah’ll go tamorra.”

“Speaking of being asleep,” Caramel said after a yawn escaped his throat. “I think we should turn in, too. We had a pretty big day today.”

Applejack could only agree.

End of chapter.

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter. Sorry for the delay.

*Legit questions.

**Yet another legit question.

***Reference:

****This is for those who missed the multiple times I said Bats! won't be adapted.

*****This may not add to the plot of the chapter, but, it gives closure between Mostly and Braeburn.

For those interested, I made an Apple Family tree. Click here to see.

Now, a bit of an announcement: I was informed by the main co-writer (Blake) that she'll be going on a family vacation next Friday. Hopefully, we can finish work on the next chapter before then, but, even if we do, the chapter afterwards will be delayed until further notice.

If you liked this chapter, feel free to contact me via private messages if you'd like to help make future chapters.