Big Macintosh, Applejack, and Applebloom trekked through the Ever Free Forest looking for Winona, who ran off. They called out the dog's name, hoping she would run to them, but she made no sign of returning.

"Uh, A.J.," Big Macintosh spoke, "maybe we should head back, it's gettin' dark an' Granny Smith will be wanting dinner soon."

"I ain't leavin' until we fin' Winona!" Applejack snapped. She remembered when her parents sent baby Applebloom and the pup to her. They both had gotten sick and couldn't take care of the two anymore and hoped Granny Smith could take care of two other critters. Not long after Applejack was given her father's hat, knowing full well what it meant. Winona and Applebloom were the only living memories of her parents.

That's when the sound of barking was heard. The Apples trotted to the sound and saw Winona running around in a circle and barking.

"Winona," Applejack scolded, "what in Equestria do you thin yer doin'?"

"Applejack!" Big Macintosh grabbed his sister's tail and pulled her back to him with Winona following.

"What the hey is that?" Applebloom pointed with her hoof to the sky. Two shooting stars were falling straight toward where Applejack and Winona were. They slowed down and a bright light shined.

When the Apples opened their eyes, there stood before them a mare and colt. Big Macintosh stared in shock as Applejack let out a gasp. Applebloom just looked confused.

"Our dearest little ponies," the mare spoke gingerly, "you've gotten so big!"

"Mom?" Big Macintosh whispered.

"Dad?" Applejack whispered as well.

"What!?" Applebloom exclaimed.

"We are so proud of you two," the colt smiled, "raisin' Applebloom and Winona, as well as helpin' Granny aroun' the farm."

"I don't get it," Applebloom spoke, "you're our parents?"

"Yes, little one," the mare grinned, "an' we're so sorry, we couldn't be there to raise you ourselves, but we knew you'd be better off at Sweet Apple Acres."

"You an' Winona both," the colt scratched the female dog on her stomach. She kicked her leg happily of being scratched where she couldn't reach.

"But I don't understand," Applejack lifted her hoof, "why'd you y'all come here?"

"We're here to tell you a special pony will arrive," the mare explained, "you're honesty will be tested, but she'll show you the way to a brighter future, and that's the honest truth."

"There will be times when she's not there," the colt put in, "an' Granny Smith won't live forever, but all you gotta do is look up at the night sky, if you look long enough and listen close enough, you will see us, watching all three of you on your journey."

"An' Applebloom," the mare looked to the little filly, "your cutie mark will appear an' it will be something amazin'!"

"An' we'll be there on that night as well," the colt beamed.

"No matter what happens our little ponies," the mare added.

"We'll always love y'all..."

Applejack opened her eyes to see Big Macintosh and Applebloom lying on either side of her. The Apple Family photo album was opened on Applejack's chest and when she opened it she saw the mare and colt hoof in hoof with a younger Granny Smith close by. Liquid pride in her eyes.

Applejack then stepped up to a nearby window, looking closely at the night sky. Two shooting stars then flew across the sky. And a smile appeared on Applejack's face, followed by tears of joy.