“Are you sure this is a good idea, Big Mac?” asked DJ who was currently hiding inside the Apple house.

“Nnope,” replied the stallion.

“Then why are we doing this?” asked Pixel Berry who nearly screamed her question in frustration. Both humans were inside, while a multitude of ponies were having fun right outside their door. The reason being, it was time for the Annual Apple Family Reunion. “By the way, I thought you already had the reunion months ago?”

Applejack spoke up from behind them, “That was the big reunion we hold every ten years or so. Every decade, we hold a grand reunion for every Apple in Equestria. The annual one is only for the neighboring family, mostly from Appleloosa and Manehattan and the like. This way, we can always see each other at least once a year or so.”

“I can’t wait for ya to meet my cousin Babs!” said Apple Bloom. All four of Ponyville’s resident Apples and their two adopted humans were hiding away from the rest of the family. At least until all of them had arrived so that they could be better introduced. DJ and Berry weren’t too keen on the idea of meeting the rest of the family, especially with how others have reacted to their appearances. “I just know that the rest of the family is gonna love havin’ you two!”

“I sure hope so, lil’ sis,” said Berry.

“Hasn’t everypony arrived yet?” asked DJ. “I mean look at all those apple themed ponies out there! That has to be all of them.”

“Not quite, youngin’,” replied Granny Smith. “We still got two more we’re waitin’ on. They’ll be the first ya meet. Oh, here they come now!” She pointed out the window at two ponies walking onto the farm. The male looked like a reverse colored Big Macintosh, only a little bit bigger. He had a short red mane and tale, with an orange coat that was similar to Applejack. His companion appeared to be similar to Applejack in form, but had a red coat and a blond mane and tail. Apple Bloom suddenly had on a big smile and rushed out of the house, screaming “MAMA! PAPA!”

DJ and Berry looked at the filly and then at each other. “Mama? Papa?” they said in unison. They both then swallowed hard. “Uh oh!”

Granny realized their fear and tried to comfort them as AJ and Big Mac trotted off to greet their parents. “Now don’t you two fret. My son, Apple Crisp, and his wife, Red Gala, are quite reasonable ponies and I’m sure they’ll like ya both.” The humans were not convinced.

Big Macintosh caught up to his little sister as she came in contact with her mother. “Oh! There’s my little Apple Bloom,” the red mare said. “You’re getting so big! And there is my big strong boy!” She trotted up and kissed him on the cheek, causing his face to get redder than normal.

“Hey there Ma,” was all he said. His father approached him next and gave him a slap on the shoulder.

“You’re looking stronger than ever, son. Pullin’ that plow is always good for the muscles.”

“Eeyup!”

“And here comes my little filly, a hero of Equestria!” Applejack blushed as she embraced her father.

“Aw shucks, Pa. I ain’t any more special than anypony else. I just do what needs to be done. It’s good to see you both.”

“It’s good to see you, too, my little AJ. Anything happen on the farm this past year?” her mother asked with a giggle. This caused Big Mac and Applejack to look at each other with uncertainty plainly present. Unfortunately, it was Apple Bloom who spoke up.

“Sure did! I can’t wait for you to meet ‘em!”

Their parents looked at each other and then back at their children. “Meet who?” they replied together. Big Macintosh took this opportunity to speak.

“I hope ya can forgive us Ma n’ Pa. We kinda went behind your back on somethin’ and we aren’t sure how ya’ll are gonna react. There’s somepony inside that you need to meet, so come with us please. The others don’t know that they’re here and we want to keep that way for right now.”

Apple Crisp and Red Gala followed their children inside the homestead, stopping in the kitchen. The door to the living area was closed, but opened and Granny Walked in. “Well hey there, sonny boy! You two still lookin’ good ya are!”

“Thanks, Mama, but do you know why the youngin’s are being suspicious. Who are these mysterious friends of yours?” asked Apple Crisp. Granny Smith sighed and nodded in confirmation.

“That I do, and I support their decision on this matter, one hundred percent.” This caused Ma and Pa Apple to look at them in confusion. “Why don’t you meet them before we say anymore? Come on in you two!” she yelled into the living area. What walked through the door were two bipedal creatures, much taller than any pony besides the princesses. Both stared in shock at the creatures, especially when one spoke up.

“Hey there. What’s goin’ on?” said DJ.

Red Gala pulled back out of fear, while Apple Crisp rushed forward and tried to buck him. Berry grabbed DJ’s arm and yelled at him. “DJ! DO SOMETHING!!” DJ tried to think, but he was too focused on Apple Crisp to move. Damn it DJ! Put up a damn shield! Said Malice from within his mind. DJ did the first thing that came to mind: he clapped his hands together and slammed his right hand onto the floor, electricity shooting from it as wall of wood began to sprout up in front of him. Apple Crisp never noticed as he had already turned around and then he kicked as hard as he could. The shield burst apart, sending DJ sprawling on his butt. When he opened his eyes, DJ saw that the wall of wood had been completely splintered apart where Pa Apple had kicked. The human’s eyes were wide.

“DUDE!” he yelled in shock and awe. “That would have bucked me from here to Appleloosa in ten seconds flat!” DJ began to stand, but made sure to place himself in front of his sister.

Big Macintosh stepped forward, glaring at his father. “PA! That was uncalled for. All he said was hello! Ya didn’t need to try to kill him, he don’t mean no harm.” The stallion sighed and turned to DJ. “Maybe you two had best wait in the other room. We’ll talk about what I just saw later, but for now just stay out of sight.” The two humans agreed and stepped back into the living room, they heard Berry talk as they walked off.

“Was that alchemy? So cool! Wait, you get alchemy and I get magic? How is that fair? Can you teach me? Huh, huh, can ya?” The door closed before they heard DJ answer. Apple Crisp and Red Gala were looking expectantly at their family.

“Is somepony going to explain what just happened?” asked Ma Apple.

“*Sigh* That’s gonna take some time,” said Applejack. She began to tell them who DJ and Berry were and where they came from. Big Mac took over when they began to tell them why DJ and Berry were at the reunion. Their parents were shocked when they were told that those humans were now considered family.

“I'm sorry that we brought them in without tellin’ ya, but I just felt that we could really help him. DJ’s one of my best friends, he’s even a good drinking buddy, mostly because he can’t get drunk, but he’s still fun without the poison.”

“What do you mean he can’t get drunk?” asked Pa Apple out of pure curiosity.

“Not even our hardest cider can get that fella drunk. His kind have a higher tolerance for alcohol. He once said that the standard proof for drinks back home was at least 5% proof.” Apple Crisp’s eyes widened, a little respect for humans forming from this ability. “I really care about him as a friend and I wanted to help the fella out. DJ really wanted to know what it’s like to really be a part of a family and I felt that the best way was for him to join the family. He just looked so happy when we asked him, that I knew it was the right choice. Then Berry came along and he started to think of her as a little sister. We couldn’t leave her out, especially when Apple Bloom found out and already started thinkin’ she had another sister.”

Apple Crisp looked at his son and daughters hard. “Are ya sure he can be trusted? I know ya’ll put a lot faith in the guy, but do you really consider him and his sister family?”

As one, all four replied, “Yes!”

That was enough for Ma and Pa Apple. “Then why don’t we go meet these two properly?” suggested Red Gala. As the approached the door, they heard a strange sound coming from the other room. It sounded like music. They opened the door to find DJ strumming on the guitar, Berry dancing along to the beat with the Discords.

Hey, brother.

There's an endless road to rediscover.

Hey, sister.

Know the water's sweet but blood is thicker.

Ooooooh, if the sky comes falling down.

For you.

There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

Hey, brother.

Do you still believe in one another?

Hey, sister.

Do you still believe in love, I wonder?

Ooooooh, if the sky comes falling down.

For you.

There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

What if I'm far from home?

Oh brother I will hear you call.

What if I'd lose it all?

Oh sister, I will help you out.

Ooooooh, if the sky comes falling down.

For you.

There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

Hey, brother.

There's an endless road to rediscover.

Hey, sister.

Do you still believe in love, I wonder?

Ooooooh, if the sky comes falling down.

For you.

There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

What if I'm far from home?

Oh brother I will hear you call.

What if I'd lose it all?

Oh sister, I will help you out.

Ooooooh, if the sky comes falling down.

For you.

There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do.

Applejack and Big Macintosh smiled warmly at their human brother, while Apple Crisp and Red Gala stared in shock, not only at his ability to play, but also due to the context of the song. Pa Apple composed himself a moment later and approached the humans. “Hello, again,” he said with a calm voice. “I wanted to apologize for my rash actions. My children only just now informed me about you two and now I want to ask you a question, my boy. After hearing that song of yours, I want to know, would you really do anything for this family?” Berry was swinging her head back and forth between her brother and Pa Apple, watching as the two stared each other down.

DJ looked hard at the older stallion and then his look softened considerably. He smiled at Apple Crisp and spoke, his voice soft, yet firm, “I would do everything in my power to help them without hesitation. Not just them, either. I would do it for any of my friends, for you as well. The Apples were some of the first ponies I met when I came here and they welcomed me with open hooves. I can’t ever forget that, and then they went and welcomed me into their family. That was a day I will always remember. No matter what happens, whether you, Apple Crisp, or Red Gala say otherwise, I will defend them from anything and everything.”

Apple Crisp looked at him for another moment and began to nod his head, a small smile appearing on his face. “Good answer, but don’t call me Apple Crisp. You, both of you,” he said pointing a hoof at Berry, “Can call me Pa.” His smile grew and put a hoof out front. “Welcome to the family, son and daughter!” DJ and Berry smiled and shook his hoof, both offering their thanks. Apple Bloom rushed over and hugged DJ’s leg and then asked for him and Berry to come out and meet the other Apples, Babs being the first. The others stayed behind to talk more about the latest additions.

“Thank ya for accepting him as our brother Pa, it means a lot to us,” said Big Mac.

“No problem, son. His heart is in the right place, so it didn’t feel right just throwing him like that. To think, now I got two sons who can carry on the farm after we’re done and gone. Feels good knowing that everything will be taken care of.” Applejack visibly cringed when her father mentioned passing, digging up that old memory of DJ. Her mother and father noticed. “Don’t worry, AJ. We won’t be going anywhere any time soon.”

“That’s good, Pa, but you’re not the one I was thinking of. I was thinking of DJ.” The other four ponies gave her a confused look. She gave a sigh of defeat and spoke again. “I don’t know if DJ would ever want you to know this, but guess I can’t hide it now. Ya see, humans don’t have the life span of a pony. It’s unfortunate, but DJ is more than likely gonna pass on before any of us do.” She lowered her head when she finished. She looked up again and saw horror on her family’s face.

“What do ya mean, sis?” asked Big Mac wearingly.

“Big Mac, humans have an average life of only eighty years, so he’ll be gone roughly sixty years from now.”

“Wait a minute!” cried Apple Crisp. “You mean to tell me, that my new son will die before I’m even properly middle aged?! That can’t be right!” Red Gala’s eyes were beginning to water, and Granny Smith could only stare off into the distance, a deep scowl on her face. Then out of nowhere, a pink blur appeared.

“Oh don’t be sad, silly billies!” said Pinkie Pie. “DJ’s already got a plan that’ll let him live much longer!” The Apples looked in confusion at this sudden arrival, but Applejack was unaffected.

“Oh there ya are Pinkie. I was beginning to think you weren’t gonna make it. You are a part of this family now, too, ya know. Now what is this about a plan?”

“Twilight told me about one time. Apparently, when DJ gave Princess Celestia the idea to turn Berry into a pony, they asked if DJ wanted to be turned into one too. He turned them down, though, saying that he wanted to be a human completely. But then he said to ask him again in sixty years and then he might have different answer. SO! He’s planning on living a full human life and then becoming a pony so he can be with us even longer! Isn’t it exciting!” she said with a large smile.

Applejack could only gape at what she just heard, but then put a sly smile and nodded in appreciation. “That crazy human! Gosh darn him, he’s got me worried sometimes that he’s a whole lot smarter than he’s taking credit for! One of these days he’s gonna just ask to be bucked upside the head for his recklessness.” The all nodded in agreement. Then a loud shout went up from the family.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPLOOSA!!!!!!!!!!!!” cried cousin Braeburn.

“GAH! Okay I get it! MY TURN! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPLELOOSA!!!!!!!!!! *Cough* *Cough* Not enough air, goin’ down. Guh!” DJ fell to the ground, a white flower in his hands. “I’m dead.”

Apple Bloom and Babs Seed approached him and then looked at each other, an idea appearing in their heads. “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER DOCTORS! YAY!” DJ’s eyes sprang open and his body sprung up, a look of fear in his face.

“Nope, nope, nope! Get away! MEEP! MEEP!” He sped off, the fillies following.

“Hey get back here!” cried Babs.

“We haven’t applied medical treatment yet!” screamed Apple Bloom.

“NOT GONNA HAPPEN! Berry! A little help!”

“Sorry, bro, but I’m a Crusader, too!” Pixel Berry joined in the chase from above, having switched in alicorn mode. Then she noticed three other fillies up ahead. “Scootaloo! Dinky! Sweetie Belle! Stop DJ! Cutie Mark Crusader Doctors!” The three fillies looked over and saw DJ barreling their way, they grinned at each other and made a wall of their own bodies. DJ noticed too and changed direction, skidding almost into them as he did.

"Bad day, bad day, bad day, bad day!" DJ yelled as ran for his life. I knew that I'd be able to imitate Jackie Chan one day!

He ran as fast as he could and somehow ended up on top of the barn. He reached the edge of the top of the roof and noticed he was trapped. DJ turned to go back the way he came, only to find the CMC blocking his only safe escape.

Jump you moron!

WHAT?!

Don’t you remember that last power you mastered? Time to use it! No way am I letting you get captured by fillies! That humiliates me, too!

DJ shook his head at his partner’s words. With a quick look back, he sped off towards the edge. Berry screamed at him, “DJ! What do you think you’re doing?”

“Imitating a video game!” he said as approached the edge. He jumped without a second thought, only saying, “LEAP OF FAITH!” as he made an eagle dive towards the ground. He contorted himself so he could see back to roof, seeing the CMC watch him fall with fear in their eyes. He smiled and pulled himself into a ball. Just as he approached the ground, he activated his newly mastered technique: energized flight! With a small sonic boom, thankfully not powerful enough to damage the barn, he bust off, flying only a few feet off the ground. Eat your heart Rainbow Dash! This human’s got his wings!

DJ then clapped his hands together and ran his hand across the ground as he glided by. With alchemy he formed a relatively large shield and landed on it. With the momentum, the shield continued to glide across the grass. He looked back to the CMC in hot pursuit. “Later suckers,” he yelled as he approached the town. Then he noticed a familiar mare in town as continued to slide. “HEY, TWI!” he screamed as he approached. Twilight noticed him as flew on past. “BYE, TWI!” and he was off again.

“Hey Daddy!”

“GAH! Nyx?! How did you get on my back?” Tis true! Nyx has somehow appeared right on DJ’s back, clinging tightly to his neck. She was smiling brightly as the wind whipped through her dark violet mane.

“Well, I saw you sliding by and it looked like fun. So I teleported onto your back,” was her answer.

DJ slowly nodded at her. “I’m impressed, you have really gotten better at magic.” Nyx smiled at the praise. DJ was getting bored riding on the shield and got an idea. “Okay, kiddo. Hang on!” He clapped his hands and touched the shield, the lightning enveloping it and changing its shape. DJ stood up as his alchemy turned the circular platform into a brand new skateboard rolling along the ground at top speed. DJ grinned as he maneuvered through the town, changing their direction back towards the farm. He explained what was happening on the way.

“So, why are we going back if that’s where you ran away from?”

“Because I didn’t see them chasing us through town and knowing them, they probably have a trap set up for me. And I can’t let a trap go unsprung, now can I? Don’t worry, I got a plan!”

As they pulled through the entrance of the farm, the CMC jumped at them hoping to bring them down. DJ expected this and turned the palms of his hands to face behind him and pushed. The sudden burst of Force energy sent them flying across the ground, right through the ‘trap’. Something was wrong, though and DJ could sense it. He felt the wheels give way and the deck beginning to groan. “Uh oh!” He pulled Nyx off his shoulders and placed her in front of him. The human curled around her just in time as the board broke into pieces, sending them flying. “Tuck and roll, kid. Tuck and roll!” The pair rolled off away from the crash, everypony rushing over to find out what happened.

Big Macintosh got there first. “Are you two alright?” DJ stood up shakily, still holding onto Nyx.

“I think so. How ya doin’ kiddo?”

“I’m good. Every things still spinning, but I can still feel my limbs.” She shook herself of her stupor and beamed at her father. “That was so much fun! Can we do it again?” DJ laughed heartily.

“I knew you were my favorite filly for a reason! You’re becoming like me every day kiddo. I’m proud of ya!” Nyx’s smile grew even more and her wings flared in happiness. DJ then addressed the rest of crowd. “We’re good everypony. Now let’s back to the party!” As the reunion continued, Applejack introduced the two humans to every family member who came. All in all, it was a good, crazy, fun-filled day!