The Apple Doesn't Fall Far

by KholdstareV

First published 1st of March, 2013

It's the annual Parents' Day Festival, and Applejack is eager to meet all of her best friends' parents! However, when bad family histories threaten to ruin the occasion, she takes it upon herself the save the holiday for everypony.

It's Parents' Day in Ponyville, and Applejack is hosting it's first ever annual festival! She jumps at the opportunity to meet all of her best friends' parents. However, as bad histories and old grudges surface and threaten to ruin the occasion, Applejack must restore harmony and save the day. In the process, she may come to terms with her relationship with her own parents...

Author's Note to Readers:

First off, thank you for viewing this page. As a fellow fan of the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, I've developed a true adoration for these characters, and felt inspired to write a story about how they, in my imagination, came to be who they are. Therefore, I chose to center the story around the girls' relationships with their parents, for in more ways than one, we are all the products of what our parents or guardians have made us. As the old saying goes, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

To that end, please bear in mind that this is very much a character-driven drama, so there will be no action/adventure or anything of the sort here. Also know that I chose to depict the parent-child dynamic as very real, so expect controversial parental issues to be featured.

Make of this what you will. To those who continue reading, enjoy! C:

1. A Day To Say Thanks

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Applejack looked around and smiled. Volunteering to host Ponyville's first annual Parents' Day Festival had been a bold move, one that she was skeptical whether or not she could pull off. When she observed the transformation that Sweet Apple Acres had undergone, however, she couldn't help but swell up with pride. A 10-acre plot of currently unused farmland now housed a plethora of carnival-style games and events, including a dunk tank, a shooting gallery, and even a Ferris wheel. Various vendors were already beginning to set up their booths to sell their wide assortment of products, including all manner of fruits and vegetables, snacks, candy, arts and crafts, clothes, and toys. The barn, too, had been cleared out to make room for a bandstand and spacious dance floor. Even though the festival wouldn't officially begin for another few hours, the atmosphere of unadulterated fun could already be felt.

While standing at the farm's entrance, Applejack saw one vendor passing by holding a bundle of white T-shirts that read "I RAISED MY DAUGHTER FROM FILLY TO MARE AND ALL SHE GOT ME WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT!" She got an image in her head of several mothers and fathers walking around the festival with their children, playing, laughing, appreciating each others' company, all while wearing those very T-shirts. She couldn't help but laugh to herself.

"Ugh, puh-leeze! Those T-shirts are SO low class," huffed Rarity, who stood beside Applejack, pulling a cart of her own merchandise. "Why, if I were going to be selling those shirts at MY booth, the stitching on the letters would be MUCH finer!"

"Uh-huh, sure, I can totally picture you sellin' a ton of cheap T-shirts with vulgar jokes on 'em like that!" Applejack said with a laugh.

"Hmph! I was speaking hypothetically. The clothes I'll be selling at MY booth have been made with passion and inspiration, not bottom-of-the-barrel supplies and jokes!"

"I know, I know. I'm just yankin' your tail, sweetheart," Applejack replied, still wearing a big grin on her face. "Say, I could use some help here. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours?"

"I beg your pardon?" Rarity asked, glancing at Applejack's unwashed back with a grimace.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Do me a favor and I'll do you one?"

"Oh! Of course," Rarity said with an embarrassed giggle. "What do you need?"

Applejack motioned to a large white banner lying on the grass. "Just need some help raisin' this here banner. Once it's up, my work here'll be all done." She grabbed one end of the attached rope in her teeth, and handed the other end to Rarity. "Just go ahead and pull this rope while I pull mine."

Rarity looked at the rope and frowned. "Eww, it's been on the ground! I'm not putting that in my mouth!"

"Aw, fine, Miss Queen o' Clean! Just pull it with your magic then!"

"Ah, yes! I forgot about that..." Rarity said with a blush. She used her horn magic to levitate her end of the rope. With that, both ponies began to pull in opposite directions, hoisting the banner off the ground and up in front of the Sweet Apple Acres entrance sign. Once it was up and spread out, it could clearly be read:

Rarity studied the banner. "Oh, what a darling little rhyme!" She then put on a polite smile. "But, umm… Is the 'spanks' bit really necessary?"

"Well, c'mon now, go on and tell me how many parenting-like words you can think of that rhyme with 'thanks'!" Applejack retorted, busily tying both ends of the rope down. "Besides, my ma always said discipline was key to raisin' youngin's. Used to say 'spanking hurts us both, but if I don't do it now, it'll hurt much more later'. Couldn't understand what she meant back then for a hill o' beans. But now that I'm older, it makes perfect sense. Doesn't it? Or am I just crazy as a fox in a henhouse?"

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Umm… do I have to answer that?"

Applejack just laughed again. "Naw, rhetorical question. Anyway, thanks for the help. As payback, I'll lend you a hoof settin' up your booth, alrighty?"

"I would appreciate that. Thank you," Rarity replied.

Applejack proceeded to take a large bundle of plastic-wrapped dresses from Rarity's cart and flung them onto her back. She groaned under the weight, but managed to start walking behind Rarity.

"I know I brought a pretty excessive supply," Rarity admitted, "but it's a holiday, so I expect to sell a MOUNTAIN of clothes tonight!"

"Well, your ma and pa are comin' to the festival to see you, aren't they?" Applejack asked. "I'm sure they'll account for at least a couple o' sales!"

Rarity chuckled unpleasantly. "Heh heh… Oh, that's doubtful. Knowing them, they'll probably buy some of those gag T-shirts and then nag to me that I should be selling those instead."

"Really? YOUR parents would do that?" Applejack asked, ready to laugh for when Rarity said she was just kidding. "I would think they were all hoity-toity and fashion-conscious like you!"

"Oh, heavens no!" Rarity responded as they approached her booth. The two began to unload their cargo. "You haven't met my parents yet, Applejack, but trust me, I'm about as different from them as a child could possibly be from her parents. And thankfully so."

"Oh my…" Applejack said, taken aback by the harsh comment. "What do they do that makes you so sour about 'em?"

"Let's just say it's what they DON'T do and what they DON'T understand," Rarity replied bitterly. "In fact, I would be against the idea of you meeting them tonight, but I know you're going to go out of your way to no matter what…"

"Of course," Applejack said, undaunted. "Why wouldn't I? I've been looking so forward to meeting everypony's parents. Twilight's, Fluttershy's, Rainbow Dash's, Pinkie Pie's… Haven't met any of 'em, and I've been dyin' to. So yes, I'll be makin' the effort to get to know all my best friends' folks personally. Including yours."

"Very well, do what you will," Rarity said flatly. She didn't even look at Applejack as she spoke. "Just don't expect me to be around when you do. I'll be minding the store all night. I do have a CAREER to build, after all. I can't just go wasting my time having mindless fun, or talking about settling down, or fake-flirting with every suitor you shove in my face and…"

Applejack's face twisted in confusion. "Uhh… You still talkin' to me, sugar cube?"

"Huh?" Rarity appeared to snap out of a trance. "Oh, I beg your pardon! I got lost in some… memories for a second there. Anyway, like I said, I'll be busy here all night, so have fun chatting with my mother and father if you happen to see them."

"Oh, come off it, you big ol' Drama Queen! Your folks can't be THAT bad. And even if they are, it's Parents' Day! They deserve some of your time. I'm sure you can think of SOMEthin' you can be grateful to 'em for…"

"Not off the top of my head, no," Rarity said without missing a beat.

Applejack was about to protest, but quickly realized that trying to reason with Rarity at that moment was fruitless. Clearly, the topic of her parents was a touchy one. Could they really be as horrible as Rarity was making them sound? It made Applejack wonder if she really did want to meet them…

Applejack then shook her head. It was crazy of her to question that. Of course she wanted to meet them. How awful could they be? They had raised Rarity, didn't they? The most creative, career-driven, generous pony in Ponyville. One of Applejack's very own best friends. They had to be tolerable, at the very least. Rarity must have just been exaggerating, as she tended to do…

Even so, Applejack didn't want to argue about it. In response to Rarity's last comment, she only said, "Well, maybe I'll find something' to like about 'em for myself, then."

"Mm-hmm. Good luck with that, dearie," Rarity said unenthusiastically.

Applejack finished hanging up the last dress from the cart. Rarity's booth was now complete, a true miniature version of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity sighed in contentment and sat herself at the small counter. She put on her work glasses, pulled up some accounting paperwork, and began to sift through it. Applejack saw this as her cue to leave Rarity alone. "Alrighty then, glad to be of service. I better get back to the house now. Gotta chat with Big Mac n’ Apple Bloom about our own family plans tonight.”

"Yes, you do that. I'll be here…" Rarity said, not looking up.

Applejack took a step to leave, but felt a strong desire to say one last thing. "And hey, Rarity, for what it's worth… At least your parents will be here."

At that moment, Rarity stopped sifting through her papers. She sat for a short while in ponderous silence, staring blankly across the horizon. She then let out a heavy sigh and turned to face her friend. "Oh, Applejack, darling. I didn't mean to-"

But Applejack was already gone.

The late afternoon sun was beginning to settle behind the western hills, casting Sweet Apple Acres and the surrounding countryside in a fiery orange glow that seemed at once powerful and tranquil. Applejack stood at the main gate, greeting the families that were just starting to arrive. She decided to do away with the her usual attire, including her ten-gallon hat, in favor of something a little nicer – she had put her mane up in a stylish bun, accented by a necklace and earrings of turquoise pearls, and to top it all off, a lovely white summer dress that perfectly balanced the line between casual and chic. The dress had been a gift from her mother, and it was extremely rare for her to even consider wearing it. However, she felt a special occasion like the first ever Parents’ Day Festival called for this special look.

From her vantage point, Applejack could see the festivities sparking to life. She heard a splash from the dunk tank, and looked to see a grandfather who had just been dunked by his middle-aged son. He himself appeared to be dripping wet, too, likely dunked earlier by the filly standing next to him. The grandfather poked his head out of the water and splashed the other two. All three were laughing and having a great time. The sight alone was enough to make Applejack smile warmly to herself.

"Umm, hi Applejack..."

That soft, introverted voice... Fluttershy! Applejack whirled around and saw Fluttershy standing there, looking sheepish as always. "Well howdy, amiga! Glad you could make it!" Applejack pulled Fluttershy in for a hug faster than she was ready for. After a slight hesitation, she hugged back.

"Been a little while," Applejack said, releasing her. "How's life been treatin' ya?"

"Good, I guess..." Fluttershy practically muttered. Her eyes seemed to be darting back and forth between Applejack's face and the scene of the festival behind her, as though she was looking for something out there. Or someone.

Applejack noticed right away that Fluttershy seemed more nervous than usual. She chose to ignore it right then, however. "That's good to hear. So hey, check it out!" She motioned toward the fairgrounds. "Welcome to the first ever annual Parents' Day Festival! Courtesy of the Apple Family! I know there ain't much of a crowd here yet, but still, ain't it a doozy of a sight?"

Fluttershy gazed out among the many fun activities and stands. In spite of the fun atmosphere, she only managed a half-hearted smile. "It looks... fun," was all she said, with no hint of excitement.

It was much more obvious to Applejack now that something was amiss. On top of that, it just then dawned on her that Fluttershy was alone. "Say darlin', speakin' of Parents' Day, where are yours? Ain't your ma and pa gonna join you tonight?"

Fluttershy looked at the ground. "Well... My dad is supposed to..."

"Really? That's great! How about your mom?"

Fluttershy was silent for several moments, scraping at the dirt with her hoof. "Umm... You mean... my stepmom, right?"

"Oh!" Applejack gasped. She realized she had just stepped into very sensitive territory. "Yes, of course. Your STEPmom. I'm sorry. You said her name was… Softheart, right?"

"Yes..."

"Right. So, is she coming too?"

"No. She's staying home."

"Aww, I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's OK. After all, like my dad says, this is Parents' Day. And Softheart isn't my real... You know... So, yeah... Umm..." Her voice trailed off.

Applejack merely gave a respectful nod. She considered questioning further, but decided it was not the time. "Understood. So hey, speakin' of your dad, when's he supposed to be here? Soon, I hope!"

"Umm, actually... He should be here already..."

"Huh?!" Applejack raised an eyebrow. She turned to the fairgrounds and scanned them from afar. No more than two dozen ponies had entered at that point. If Fluttershy was right, one of them must have been her father.

"You don't know what he looks like, do you?" Fluttershy asked softly. "You probably wouldn't guess he was my father offhand. He's very big, and kind of mean-looking, and... If you saw his Cutie Mark..."

A suspicion then hit Applejack like a hoof to the forehead. About an hour earlier, she recalled, she had greeted a single stallion as he walked through the gate. He had said nothing back, only shooting her a brief glance that might have been either complete indifference or complete annoyance. He was huge, standing at least three inches taller than Big Macintosh. His coat was similar in color to Fluttershy's, but his mane and trimmed facial hair were both jet black. His face bore the wrinkles of many years of scowls and frowns. This may have had some relation to his Cutie Mark, Applejack thought, which she vaguely remembered being a police badge. Was this rough and tough-looking stallion really the meek and timid Fluttershy's father?

"...His Cutie Mark..." Fluttershy continued, "It's a police badge with a nightstick behind it... Did you see him come through here?"

That was all the proof Applejack needed. She gave a nod and a smile. "Why, I sure did. By golly, I had no idea that big ol' stallion was your pop! Ain't that funny?"

Fluttershy, however, seemed to sink upon hearing the news. "Oh... He DID come after all. Oh no..."

Applejack noticed Fluttershy's sudden fearful change. "What's the matter, honey pie? Don't you wanna see your pa? I can help you find him if you want. I think I remember him headin' into the barn." She pointed to the barn, which was mere yards away.

Fluttershy immediately began to shake and perspire all over. "Oh no... Oh no..." she repeated between heavy breaths. "He's actually here... Oooh, I shouldn't have come... Why did I come...?"

"Shouldn't have come?! Nonsense! He's your pa, and it's Parents' Day! And like my banner up there says, it's a day to give thanks for all the love, support, and spanks!"

Fluttershy seemed to wince at the word "spanks". She continued to stand where she was, quivering and sweating.

"Come on now, that's enough of that!" Applejack insisted. She walked around behind Fluttershy and began to push her by the rump along the grass, towards the barn. "I dunno what's got you so worked up like a cat on hot coals, but your pa is in there, and you're gonna spend time with him. And you're gonna introduce me. And we're all gonna be hunky-dory about it!"

Fluttershy made no real effort to fight back, but continued to cower and shiver as they neared the barn doors. When at last they reached them, Applejack forced her through. The sound of the live country music filled the interior. However, apart from the band, there was only one other stallion in the barn at the time. He sat on a bale of hay with a plate full of apple-based appetizers, facing the band, away from the two girls. Even from the back, Applejack immediately recognized him as the stallion from earlier; Fluttershy's father. Fluttershy clearly recognized him too, for once she saw him, she squealed and hurriedly tried to make her escape back out the barn doors. Applejack blocked her path, and with a disapproving look at her frantic friend, called gleefully out over the sound of the music, "Oh Mr. Fluttershy's Daddy, sir! Your daughter's arrived!"

The gruff-looking stallion swiftly whirled around, an annoyed look on his face. The instant he saw Fluttershy, however, his brow lowered and his teeth clenched, transforming his face into something truly terrifying. Although Applejack had merely been trying to help, she immediately regretted opening her mouth.

"FLUTTERSHY!"

The deep, grating, authoritative voice resonated so strongly within the barn that the band immediately fell silent. Fluttershy froze, her eyes wide with panic. Applejack froze, too. The stallion's outburst had made her heart stop for a good few seconds.

"Fluttershy, turn and look at me!" He was now standing tall with his chest puffed out.

With a heavy gulp, Fluttershy obeyed. She slowly turned to look into the scowling, angry face that she knew all too well. "Y-y-yes, daddy?"

"Come over here! Now!"

Fluttershy hesitantly nodded, and began to trot over to him almost in slow motion. As she did, Applejack felt a guilt so heavy it stressed her already pounding heart. As much as she tried to voice an apology, she couldn't get the words out. She lamentably let Fluttershy go on her own.

At last, Fluttershy stood before her father. She looked at the ground, unable to turn her gaze up into his eyes. He towered above her, simply staring down at her, silent, but radiating anger and power. Next to him, she appeared to be no bigger than an ant. An ant that could be completely crushed at any moment, that would have no choice but to accept its fate. After what seemed to be two forevers, Fluttershy's father slowly lowered his head, putting his mouth right near her left ear. She squeezed her eyes shut, afraid of what was coming next.

"Follow me outside," he whispered through gritted teeth. "We need to talk." With that, he turned his bulky frame and began to head for the rear exit of the barn. Fluttershy hurriedly followed closely behind him. She didn't look up. She didn't turn back to look at Applejack. She obediently trailed her father until both of them were outside. A few seconds later, he poked his head back into the barn. "So, where'd the music go?!" he asked forcefully.

The members of the band stood still, looking at one another, twiddling nervously with their instruments.

"WELL?!"

All the band members shrieked and jumped. The music commenced immediately.

Fluttershy's father nodded and grabbed the exit door to close it. Before that, though, he stole a brief, piercing glance at Applejack. He then slammed the door shut. What happened beyond those doors after that instant, Applejack could only imagine. All she knew for sure was that she owed Fluttershy a major apology the next time she saw her. "That is, IF I ever see her again," she told herself.

While Applejack was lost in her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice call out her name over the sound of the music. She recognized it as Big Mac. "Applejack!" he called. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie are lookin' for ya!"

"Oh!" Applejack called back, "They're here?!"

"Ee-yup!"

"Oh, uh... A-alright. I'll be right out!" Applejack hesitated for a moment before running to the main barn doors, eager to greet her friends and their parents outside. However, she gave one last forlorn look at the rear exit doors before exiting and closing the main doors behind her…

2. Meet The Pegasus Parents

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As Applejack stepped out of the barn and into the cool evening air, Big Mac motioned towards a group of three ponies standing near the entrance gate. She immediately recognized two of them as Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The third, however, was an unfamiliar silver Pegasus mare with energetic yellow eyes and a mane of blue, green, and violet, tied back in a ponytail. Her body was extremely slim, athletic, and strong. All three of them were conversing openly, but Rainbow Dash stood much closer to the mysterious mare. Applejack guessed right away that she must have been Rainbow Dash's mother.

Before Applejack had a chance to walk over and say hello, Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out of nowhere in front of Applejack's face. "Hi Applejack! How ya doin'?! Oh my goodness, the Parents' Day Festival looks like a BLAST! I can't wait to go in and start doing stuff! Oh wait, but my mom and dad aren't here. And they probably aren't coming. Isn't that sad? Am I still allowed to do stuff without my parents? I mean, it's PARENTS' Day. The day you're supposed to do stuff with your PARENTS, right? It's not called Kids Do Stuff On Their OWN Day! Cuz that'd be silly, huh? Yeah, it would be!"

Applejack just smiled and shook her head. "Good evenin' to you too, Pinkie Pie. Glad you could come." Her smile then faded. "But hold on - you say your folks might not be comin' tonight?"

"Oh, I KNOW they're not coming tonight!" Pinkie said, still as cheery as ever. "They never come to ANYTHING I do! My elementary school graduation, my 'Best TV Pony' Emmy acceptance speech, my 'Let's Thank Pinkie Pie for SAVING THE WORLD FROM THE NAUGHTY SPACE GOATS' ceremony! They weren't there. They're never there. Never... there..."

Pinkie Pie maintained her bright and shining smile the entire time she spoke. Applejack wasn't sure what to make of it, but smiled politely back. "Aw, I'm sorry to hear that, darlin'. They must be busier than oxen all the live long day if they get to see you so little."

"Oh yes, they're very busy. Busy PARTYING, that is! They're schedule's always chock full of fun, merriment, and goofing off-ness! And partying. Without me. Always partying... Always without me... Partying...!"

At that point, Applejack thought she could see beads of sweat starting to form on Pinkie Pie's forehead. The up-turned corners of her mouth were starting to twitch, struggling to stay up. Applejack couldn't explain why, but she began to feel very uncomfortable. "Well, uh... Don't worry your lil' head there, Pinkie. You're more than welcome to have fun with all of us here, whether or not your ma and pa can make it."

"YAY! That makes me super-duper happy! Thank you!"

"No trouble at all. And hey, in the meantime, maybe we can try to contact your folks and convince them to come party here, with us!"

"Not even worth trying. OH! Hey, you gotta come meet Rainbow Dash's mom! She's really really nice! Come on come on come ON!"

"Wait a minute, hon! Are you sure you don't-?" Applejack started. Pinkie Pie, however, ran full speed back over to Rainbow Dash and her mom before she could even finish.

Applejack raised an eyebrow, and looked over at Big Mac, who was still standing nearby. "Is it me, or did Pinkie Pie seem a little... off? Well, more than usual, anyway?"

Big Mac replied with the usual, "Ee-yup."

Applejack shrugged. "Ah well. I suppose if it doesn't seem to bother her much, I won't let it bother me, neither..." She was silent for a moment, as another important topic surfaced in her mind. "By the way, Big Mac, we all still plannin' on meetin' up at the same time?"

"Ee-yup."

"So Apple Bloom got the memo?"

"Ee-yup..."

"Alrighty, guess I'll see ya’ll in about an hour, then. Oh, and don't forget the bouquet! You got daisies, right? Ma always likes daisies."

This time, Big Mac forsook a verbal response in favor of a simple nod.

Applejack nodded in return. "K. 'Til then, later!" She waved a quick good-bye before trotting over to where her friends were.

Rainbow Dash was chatting fervently with her mother, who Applejack noticed bore a Cutie Mark that resembled a tornado forming in the clouds, touching down to the earth. When Rainbow Dash spotted Applejack approaching, her mouth immediately turned to a toothy grin. "Oh, mom! This is my friend I was telling you about - Applejack! Next to me, she's the most athletic, rough-and-tumble pony in Ponyville! All of Equestria, even!"

Rainbow Dash's mother turned to look at Applejack with a cool smirk. "Aha, finally! Apparently the only Earth Pony that can make my little winner break a sweat. And here you are, in the flesh!"

Applejack blushed. "Aw, you're too kind. But I'll never measure up to Rainbow Dash. She's the best, through and through."

"Oh, NO ONE'S better than her. I know that!" the mare teased, giving Rainbow Dash a playful punch on the shoulder. Rainbow Dash punched her right back. The two proceeded to trade harder and harder jabs, until Rainbow Dash finally blocked one of her mom's, signaling that she gave in. Her mom gave a cocky smile and flipped her ponytail. "Well, except me! She had to get it from somewhere, right? Haha!" She then held out a hoof in Applejack's direction. "Name's Aeroswift. Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise!" Applejack retorted, clasping both her hooves around Aeroswift's. Aeroswift shook with such enthusiasm and strength that Applejack almost suffered whiplash.

"Say," Aeroswift continued, "Rainbow Dash tells me you were there when she won this year's Young Fliers' Competition. She did fantastic, didn't she?"

"You're darn tootin'! Especially that Sonic Rainboom she pulled off. Knocked the ten-gallon hat right offa my head!"

"Totally! She's got catching up to do, though - I won that competition four years in a row when I was young!"

"Is that right? Wow, that's quite a feat!" Applejack gasped.

"Oh, mom!" Rainbow Dash called out, "Did I ever tell you about the time Applejack and I held an Iron Pony Competition?"

"Ah, yes," Aeroswift recalled. "You said the two of you... tied, right?"

"That's right," Applejack said. "We'll have to hold a tiebreaker match one of these days, won't we, RD?"

"Totally!" Rainbow Dash said, giving Applejack a hoofbump.

"Yeah, totally," Aeroswift butt in. Her lively demeanor seemed to have become a tad more serious. "You'll be sure to win this time, won't you, Rainbow?"

"Of course, mom!" Rainbow Dash said defensively. She turned back to Applejack. "Oh! And we've GOTTA have a rematch at the Running of the Leaves this year!"

"Oh YEEEAH! Now THAT'S a tiebreaker we gotta settle, mano a mano!"

"Hold up," Aeroswift demanded. "You tied in the Running of the Leaves last year, too? You never told me about that..."

"I didn't?" Rainbow Dash asked, puzzled. "I thought I did... Anyway, yeah, we tied, but it was an awesome race!"

"I see," Aeroswift said with half-approval. "Well, I guess there's some honor in tying for first... I did once, but I won all the other five times I ran that race, I assure you of that!"

"Actually, we tied for last," Applejack admitted. This elicited a laugh from both of the younger ponies.

Aeroswift, however, lost her smile altogether. "Whoa, hang on. You tied for last?"

"Yeah, but whatevs," Rainbow Dash said coolly. "I'll kick everyone's butt this year. And I'll make sure Applejack's kissin' MINE at the finish line! Ha!"

"Well, I would certainly HOPE so. I raised a winner, didn't I? You'd best demonstrate that!"

To Applejack, Aeroswift's disappointment was very clear in her tone and body language. Rainbow Dash, however, was either oblivious or just didn't care. "I DO mom! What's your beef? That was just the day I learned how to accept losing, that's all. It's no big deal!"

"It IS kind of a big deal, Rainbow Dash" Aeroswift said coldly. "Not the fact that you lost, but the fact that you're so nonchalant about it. I mean, you 'learned to just accept losing'? That's not the filly I raised. That's not winner behavior. Winners STRIVE to win and HATE to lose! If you start just shrugging and accepting it, you're starting down the path to being a loser. And I, being your mother, have made sure that you don't have a shred of loser in you. Do you understand m-?"

"DADDY!"

Rainbow Dash's outburst brought Aeroswift's monologue to a halt. Everyone watched as she flew at about Mach 3 toward the entry gate, toward a stallion who was just coming through. She practically tackled him to the ground with the force of her hug. He laughed and embraced her back, and the two exchanged greetings filled with glee and excitement. The sight made Applejack feel both happy and surprised. It was rare to see Rainbow Dash exude such raw joy.

Aeroswft, however, looked more displeased than ever. "I take that back," she muttered loud enough for Applejack to hear. "She's got some of him in her..."

Rainbow Dash and the stallion trotted back to the group, talking happily the whole way. The stallion sported an azure coat similar to Rainbow Dash's, violet eyes, and a mane with a red-orange-yellow color scheme that he had let grow to considerable length. Applejack couldn't help but think this stallion had a very effeminate look about him, an opinion supported by his Cutie Mark, which was a simple white lily placed atop a closed book. One look at his soft eyes and easy smile, and Applejack already knew that he was a gentle and friendly soul. As they reached the group, it was noticed that he glanced in Aeroswift's direction and gave a subtle nod. She, in return, made a discreet sneer and looked away. No comment was made about it.

"Girls, this is my dad!" Rainbow Dash announced. "Dad, these are two of my main compadres, Applejack and Pinkie Pie!"

"Boa noite," he addressed. "The name's Sweetgood Mac. It's truly a delight to meet my daughter's friends." He shook hooves with both Pinkie Pie and Applejack who, after Aeroswift's bone-breaker of a hoofshake, greatly welcomed the gentle one that Sweetgood Mac gave. "By the way," he continued, "That greeting I used means 'good evening' in an ancient tongue. Exotic, no? Learned it in this latest book of poetry I've been reading - 'The Spirit of the Age Within the Zeitgeist Within the Bounds of Foreverness'."

"Laaame, dad!" Rainbow Dash remarked with a smile.

"Well," Sweetgood Mac replied slyly, "If it's of more interest to YOU, sweetie pie, I also just finished reading the latest Daring Do book."

Rainbow Dash's eyebrows shot up. "Oh yeah! You told me you were reading it! You already finished? But I'm only up to chapter 12!"

"Well, if you want, I can tell you how it ends..."

"Ugh... Mmph...! No! But, yes! But, I mean... Agh! YES! Tell me! tell me!"

Sweetgood Mac sucked in his lips. "Nope."

"WHAT? Aw, then why'd you even ask? Uurgh! Well, can you at least tell me whether or not Daring Do saves her brother from the Endless Catacomb?"

"Hmm... I would, but... that's pivotal to the ending. So, nope!" Sweetgood Mac now wore a bona fide trollface.

"Hmph! What a bust!" Rainbow Dash pouted. "I hate you!"

His grin didn't flinch. "I don't think you hate me."

"Well, I do!"

"No you don't."

"Yes I do!"

"I think you love me."

"No way. I don't love you!"

"Yes you do."

"Nu-uh!'

"Yu-huh!"

"Nu-uh!"

"Nu-uh!"

"Yuh-huh!"

"Oh! Gotcha! You just said 'yuh-huh'!"

Rainbow Dash couldn't hold in her laughter anymore. "Agghh! Fine, ya got me! I do love you, daddy!" She embraced him again and snuggled close to his chest.

"Love you too, baby girl," he replied, putting a loving hoof around her. "So good to see you again."

Applejack gushed at the display, amazed that the usually image-conscious Rainbow Dash showed no sign of embarrassment when acting so playfully with her dad. Pinkie Pie was gleeful too, bouncing up and down and shouting, "Ooo! Ooo! He used my trick! Did you hear it? My switcheroo mind trick! WEEE! I like him! He's cool!"

Aeroswift, however, merely rolled her eyes. "Ugh, OK... Mac?"

Sweetgood Mac looked up at her, his expression blank.

"You done showering my daughter in all your ooey-gooey love?"

"We'll decide when we're done," he replied flatly. "I haven't seen her in a while. Give us some time."

"Careful. Soften her up too much and she might go as limp as you."

"Aeroswift, not now..." he said calmly. He released Rainbow Dash, who turned her gaze back and forth between her two parents, a look of discomfort forming on her face.

Aeroswift angled her lip. "I'm just saying, I've got things I want to do with my daughter tonight. Strong, competitive bonding. Foreign concepts to you, I know."

"She's my daughter too," Sweetgood Mac said through a quivered breath. "And she and I have got our own plans for the night."

"Mom, dad, don't start..." Rainbow Dash pleaded in an attempt to intervene. Her voice fell on deaf ears.

"Well, I arrived at the time that we agreed on. YOU arrived late, as usual. It's only fair that I take her first."

"YOU'VE seen her as recently as yesterday. I haven't seen her in over a month.”

“Well, it’s not my fault you’re always wandering around and never home, is it?”

“Oh, and I suppose it’s my fault that I hardly feel welcome in my own home?”

“Considering the things you’ve done, yes, I would say so.”

“Oh, for goodness sake! Can you ever just leave certain baggage behind you? Come on, have a heart already!”

"Oh, I had one once. Then I gave it to you, and look what happened."

"Aeroswift, if you're thinking of bringing that up, do NOT-!"

"MOM! DAD!"

Aeroswift and Sweetgood Mac both broke from each other's glares and looked at Rainbow Dash's frustrated face. She stepped in close to both of them and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Not tonight, please! You promised..."

"I promised I'd try," Aeroswift remarked, shooting another cold look at her husband.

"Well try harder!" Rainbow Dash begged. "All my friends and their parents are here, and I want you guys to make a good impression. And I want to spend time with BOTH of you! Can't you put a lid on it for just for one night? For me?"

The two both stared at one other for several seconds, then back at Rainbow Dash. Sweetgood Mac was the first to nod. "OK... For you, sweetie. We will. Right, Aeroswift?"

Aeroswift looked none too pleased, but eventually consented. She simply nodded.

"Good. Thanks!" Rainbow Dash said with a sigh of relief. She turned back around to face her friends, who were standing by in awkward silence. "So... now that everyone's introduced, wanna go see what Twilight and Rarity are up to?"

The two nodded in unison, eager to move onto a new subject. "Abso-positive-lutely!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Yeah, I've been wonderin' where Twilight's been," Applejack said. "So she's over at Rarity's booth, eh? With her folks, I'll bet?"

"That's what Big Mac told me, yeah," said Rainbow Dash. "Oh! And I think I saw Fluttershy heading that way, too. Have you talked to her yet today, Applejack?"

Applejack's delighted grin quickly melted into a frown. She suddenly remembered the last moment she saw Fluttershy, being led out of the barn by her hulking beast of a father before he angrily slammed the doors. A slight nausea overcame her. "Uh... y-yeah, I did talk to her earlier. You said you saw her recently?"

"Yeah, just a few minutes ago!" Rainbow Dash chirped, pointing to the fairgrounds. "She went that way. At least I'm pretty sure it was her..."

"Was she with anypony?" Applejack asked, almost afraid of the answer.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie joined in. "There was a big, old, strong, muscular, mustache-and-beard-having, scary-as-all-doody-heck-looking stallion walking in front of her! You didn't see them, Applejack? You must be going blind. Are you going blind? Oh no! Please tell me you're not! Cuz that would really ruin my day! And yours!"

"No, no, I ain't goin' blind," Applejack assured, feeling somewhat relieved that Fluttershy had at least been spotted with her life. "Guess I was just distracted is all. Anyway, that stallion musta been her pa. I met him, briefly..."

"I thought it might have been," Rainbow Dash reasoned. "Cool! Is he nice?"

Applejack bit her lip. "Weeeell, it might be too early to say, but he seemed about as nice as a badger with an ulcer and a skin condition."

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both put on confused expressions and looked at one another. A few seconds later, Pinkie Pie lit up. "OH! I get it! That's clever..."

Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes. "Whatever. She's probably heading over to Rarity's booth, too. C'mon, let's get over there and meet everypony! And then we can play some games and have some chow! AW YEAH!" She turned back to her parents. "C'mon mom and dad, let's go meet the rest of the gang and have some fun!" She then took off flying towards the fairgrounds. Aeroswift and Sweetgood Mac took one last uneasy glance at each other before spreading their own wings and following behind her. Pinkie Pie proceeded to bound effortlessly after them, humming a merry tune to herself.

Applejack stayed behind for a brief while to think to herself. Her Parents' Day with her friends had only just begun, but she couldn't help but notice that some things had already turned out very different than she had imagined. Fluttershy's frightening father, Pinkie Pie's ever-absent (and still absent) parents, the obvious bad blood between Rainbow Dash's parents... She even recalled Rarity's complaints about her own mom and dad. While the idea of gathering them all in one place to meet and have fun had seemed like a great idea, she found herself reconsidering. Could this particular mixture of ponies be a toxic one? As the night wore on, could all these relationships and the tensions brewing underneath give rise to catastrophe?

Applejack couldn't be sure. She herself had never known any of these problems with her own parents. They had always been perfect in her eyes. Loving, to each other and to their children, always there when they were needed. Always...

As she closed her eyes in deep thought, she pondered for a moment, given the busy circumstances of the night, whether or not she would even get a chance to visit them with her brother and sister as she had planned...

No. There was no question. Of course she would visit them. She owed them so much, for making her the proud mare that she was. And, naturally, it was Parents' Day. She had to.

Feeling content with her mindset at the moment, Applejack began galloping in the direction her friends had set off in, eager to meet her remaining friends' parents and later get the chance to see her own...