> You're safe > by crank1116 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “OK everyone, I would like to make a toast. To family members finally safe at home. To families that never gave up hope and never forgot. To new family. And most of all to Mr. Pin Point. Without you none of this would be possible. Love, life, and happiness. May you never run out. Cheers” Ten years ago a toast was made in my honor. Ten years ago I brought three fillies back to their  families. Ten years ago I took on a partner that became more over time. Now, sitting on a train with my wife Apple Bloom and my two daughters. We're all  headed back to Ponyville. I wonder what's changed if anything. My girls, all getting one last nap before our stop. Now myself, I was remembering that scruffy teenager who wanted to help in my quest to return lost souls back to love ones. Now in the span of ten years she has matured into a mare, a wife, and a mother. Oh, train stopped time to disembark. Now here I am back in Ponyville with my family ready to celebrate with old friends. Because today is the day that Melody, the daughter of Sweetie Belle, is leaving for Wonderbolt training. Of course seeing how a junior flyer's champ and back up weather pony was leaving town it was Ms. Pie who orchestrated the farewell party. From what I saw time had not slowed her down. Every glass was full and every free hoof has some form of cake, pastry, or ice cream. Of course now she had help. That being her on again off again boyfriend Party Favor. The speed that stallion had with party balloons was amazing. The bounce house, the dunk tank, the kiddie pools, and all the lounge chairs were made by him. Pinkie was the first to see me and Bloom. With speed I couldn't even explain Pinkie rushed over to us. “Apple Bloom, Pin Point you made it,”she said super excited,“look at you two the happy couple and these must be two adorable kids Apple Jack is always telling me about.” “Yes,” I said,“these are my daughters Search Engine and Digital Tech. We call them Siri and Gidget.” Now before this conversation with Ms. Pie goes any further lets give some explanation about my two girls. First of all Search Engine or Siri as we call her. There is nothing my daughter can't find if she puts her mind to it. Just like her old man I guess. Then there is Digital Tech or Gidget. She's the tinkerer, the inventor, the one that can take any appliance apart to see how it works and put it back together again. Now Bloom came up with the names. The night that Apple Bloom went into labor she had a very detailed dream about the foal. What she saw in the dream inspired her choice and that's where the names were born. Even though Siri is 5 and Gidget is 4 most people mistake them for twins. Both girls have their mothers complexion and eye color yet have my mane and tail color. Apple Bloom thought it would be cute if the girls wore a bow in their hair like she did when she was a fillie. Well Siri thought it would look better as a headband and Gidget preferred it as a tail bow. Now back to the conversation with Ms. Pie. Siri happen to notice a fillie appear from behind Ms. Pie's hind legs. “Excuse me ma'am but is that your daughter behind you?” said Siri. Looking behind her Ms. Pie happened to notice the cocoa brown fillie with a candy striped mane behind her. “Oh there you are you sneaky little filly,” said Ms. Pie picking up the little one and giving it a nuzzle,“Yes this is my daughter Pecan Pie. I named her that cause every time I see her she's peeecaaan around a corner. Aaah get it.” Naturally I face hoofed and tried to hide a chuckle. She went on to explain how she always wanted to be a mother but the love of her life wasn't ready to settle down. So she figured the just find a stallion that would help her to have a foal. That's where Party Favor came into the picture. He was always helping Ms. Pie with her parties after leaving the equal village to find a better life. He met up with Ms. Pie and a romance started.  Then it stopped. Then it started again. A constant back and forth was the norm apparently between these two and between the back and forth Pecan was born. “Oh yeah, one thing about Pecan,” Ms. Pie said,“She is real sneaky. If you blink she disappears.” Sure enough one blink and Pecan was no longer behind her mother. “Where'd she go?” Said Apple Bloom as everyone was looking around for her. Everyone except Siri. “She's over there. Peeking at us from behind the bouncy house.” Looking at the bouncy house there was Pecan staring back at us. “Wow,” said Ms. Pie,“nopony has ever found her that fast.” I said with a big smile,“ that's nothing back home kids hate to play hide and seek with her.” Everyone  had a laugh at that. Ms. Pie could sense that cups were getting low so she darted off to continue serving but before she did she pulled a megaphone out of her hair and announced the Mr. and Mrs. Pin Point were here. Before we could take a step Apple Jack was galloping full stride toward her sister. Apple Jack hugged Bloom so tight I heard bones pop. “Big sis you're crushing me,” said Bloom out of breath. “Ah swear ah will never get used to you soundin like that,” replied Apple Jack. Its true since Apple Bloom left Ponyville her country accent wasn't as strong as it used to be. Seeing how we live in Whinny city the population there had more of a flat accent. Also with most of the missions we were on it worked out better for her country side not to show and when we had time between missions Bloom would work with a voice coach. So this being the first time the sisters have been face to face the conversation was mostly about life, foals, and how Granny Smith is still alive. As for me, I prepared for that big brother in law smack on the back from Apple Jack's other half Rock Hoof. I don't know if he was testing my strength or trying to realign my back. Most likely more of the former than latter. “Pin Point, greeting and welcome. I say it has been 4 winters since I seen you last” It's true the last time me and my family were in Ponyville was right after Bloom had Gidget. Now 4 years later my girls still look at their uncle with amazement. Mainly because he is the biggest stallion the two have ever seen. A moment later a half version of Rock Hoof trotted up with a foal on his back crying. The foal had Rock Hoof's color except for its muzzle which was pure white. The mane and tail was the same golden blonde as Apple Jack's. “Well brother you remember my son Rock Hoof Jr., he likes to be called Rocky and this is our daughter Pebble,” said Rock Hoof picking up the crying foal. “Ah’ll take care of this,” said Apple Jack, “she's probably hungry. Come on Bloom we can talk more inside. Besides ya haven't  said hi ta granny yet.” The ladies went inside to say their hellos. While my brother in law took me over where the stallions were. The first pony I saw was Party Favor resting on one of his balloon lounge chairs not showing any signs of being winded. Next to him was Bow Hothoof, Twilight's husband Star Tracker and Flash Magnus Rainbow Dash's fiance. Standing over by the barrel of cider Hondo was conversing with his two son in laws. Rarity’s husband Blood Moon a grey thestrial with a blood red and charcoal mane and Sweetie Belle's husband Godot a griffon that smelled like onions. Then Fluttershy’s husband Cattail walked up to me and Rock Hoof with Sunburst. “So this is the famous Pin Point I heard about,” said Cattail taken a swig of what looked like some kind of home brewed liquor. “Yeah that's me,” I said. All the stallions were drinking some form of liquor accept for Sunburst who happened to be drinking milk and had a very dignified milk mustache. “After all these years Sunburst you still won't touch anything harder than milk?” I asked him. “N-No,” Sunburst stated,“ a lesson well learned is a lesson that only needed to be taught once.” Rock Hoof and myself both shook our heads but we both understood why he doesn't drink any more. After that I excused myself and made my way over to Hondo. Still talking to Blood Moon and Godot he saw me and gave me the second hard slap to the back today. What ever Rock Hoof may have dislodged Hondo put it back in place. “Boys, I want you to meet Pin Point,” said Hondo,“if it weren't for his ability to find my Sweetie and the others none of this would be possible. “So you were the one that went to Aldo's house and talked him into letting my wife go?” “Yes that was me.” “Let me just say thank you. For what you did I was able to find the love of my life. Again thank you.” At that moment I should have felt taller than two Rock Hoofs yet all I said was you're welcome. > Chapter 2. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As I walked with Apple Jack she was explaining how life on the farm with Rock Hoof was not only profitable but highly enjoyable. “Ah swear what that stallion could do in one day what it took me and Mac a week to accomplish and still have something left in the tank fer later on,” said Apple Jack giving a very sly smile. OK now I know it has been a long time since I've been home but this wasn't something I wanted to hear. “TMI big sis.” I could see her get week in the knees every time she thought of her husband. You would think after all these years being married she would be use to his “strength” but no. We made it to the house. Apple Jack told Siri and Gidget to go have fun with the other kids while we went inside. Once inside Apple Jack took Pebble over to a changing table. She put a fresh diaper on her then moved over to the long couch. Apple Jack got comfortable on the couch to let Pebble feed. She put a blanket over her for modesty just in case someone trotted in. “Granny must be outside. The little one crying always turns her into super granny mode,” said Apple Jack with a chuckle and a wince. “Hoo wee, I'm glad I'm past that point,” I said,“ there were some nights were I had to feed both in one sitting. It didn't help much that Siri would clamp down too hard.” “That's nothing sugar cube,” said Apple Jack, “Rocky would empty both teets and be hungry an hours later. Ah had to go to Twilight and get a spell just so ah could produce faster. Safe to say the first year ah was walking funny and couldn't get any bucking done cuz these things had me off balance.” As I was chuckling about my sister being the milk maid of Sweet Apple Acres I heard hoof steps enter the room. It was Rarity with her two daughters. Diamond her oldest was almost identical to her mother except instead of a horn she had thestral wings. Diamond's cutie mark were three gems like her mother but were a blood red color. She had slitted eyes that were a silvery grey. Rarity’s other daughter Diana was a royal blue thestral with a blood red mane and tail. Her eyes were not slitted but just as silvery grey as her older sister. All who knew Rarity and Blood Moon assumed the eye color came from him. However seeing how he's blind no one actually knew. “Yes darling and after a while you were able to bottle the milk and sell it for a very substantial profit. I know Twilight used to purchase some for her son because of all the time she spent with Morning Star. Even Trixie and Starlight became faithful customers.” “Yeah its true,” Apple Jack said, “it took two years fer that spell to wear off. With feeding Rocky ah was still makin ‘bout 3 gallons a day.” Looking back at Rarity I ask where was Sweetie Belle. She said Sweetie is outside taking care of her little ones. I turned back to see a little head pop out from under the cover with a mixture of milk and drool on her lip. So with feeding time over Apple Jack picked up Pebble wiped the drool away and we all went back outside. Once we got outside I could see Sweetie Belle. She was sitting at a picnic table with two little hippogriffs in her lap feeding them what looked like fish. As I got closer I found I was right. Sweetie using her magic was feeding one while the other went in on the fish like it was the last one on Equestria. “Hildegard slow down or you'll give yourself a tummy ache,” said Sweetie. “Sorry mama,” said Hildegard. “So now I see you're so busy feeding these cute ones you didn't even see me coming,” I said looking at Sweetie from across the table. I trotted around the table to give my friend who I haven't seen in  years a hug. My attempt was halted because the little hippogriff in Sweetie's lap flared her wings and started to squawk at me. “Sorry Apple Bloom, Gertrude gets like this when she's around new people,” said Sweetie Belle. I should have expected this seeing how this was the first time I interacted with her. She was so cute, sky blue eyes a coat of cream with a mane and feather tips of pink. As for her sister just as cute but she was a solid sandy brown with darker brown wingtips and her eyes were green. Just as she was about to speak I could hear the panting and flapping of something big coming my way. I turned to see Godot right behind me. “Is everything OK hunny?” He said panting. “Everything is fine (which translates to everything is not fine but we will talk about this ALONE),” Sweetie said quite sternly, “here take Hilde and Trudy over so they can say hi to there grandpa.” “Y-yes dear.” I knew that look. That's the do it or you sleep on the couch look. That's the look I would give Pin Point when he would forget something important to me. It didn't have to be a birthday or an anniversary. Just something I found important enough that I gave him fare warning and enough time to prepare and he would forget. Yet I can't stay mad at him for too long. He has been my rescuer, my partner, my best friend, my love, and my protector. So I can give a little slack for his occasional absent mindedness from time to time. Godot put his girls on his back and walked back over to his father in law. This gave me some time to get back in touch with one of my CMC friends that I haven't seen in years. First thing to come up was my accent or lack thereof. Years living in Whinny city and voice classes will do that to a pony. Then I ask Sweetie Belle where was Melody? “Oh, she had something she wanted to take of before leaving for wonderbolts academy,” Sweetie said head held low. I noticed something was bothering her. The mention of Melody totally changed her attitude. “What was it?” I asked. Sweetie told me that Melody wanted to see her father, Onyx. I knew personally that with Sweetie Belle that was a chapter of her life she'd rather leave behind. However Melody wanted to see him just once. So Sweetie let her go, but not without an escort. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo took Melody to the Canterlot dungeon. “That was three hours ago. I hope they make it home soon,” said Sweetie. I gave Sweetie a hug and looked up to see pegasus coming in for a landing. Sure enough Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Melody all landed next to us. Sweetie launched herself up and hugged her daughter tightly. “Mama, you're crushing me,” Melody said out of breath. “Oh, sorry baby I was so worried,” Sweetie replied. “Nothing to worry about mom. It was a five minute visit, I gave him a picture and then I left. So here we are.” “Five minutes? You've been gone for almost 4 hours. What took so long?” “The flight there and back,” said Scootaloo, “once we got there we had to fill out paperwork and have it approved. Then after the meeting Melody needed some time to sort out her emotions. So we all stopped on a cloud and let her have a few moments.” So now the guest of honor was here the party really started. Pinkie moved like a blur towards Melody. Within five seconds a hat, cake and party whistle were all in Melody's possession. “Thanks aunt Pinkie but I start training tomorrow. So no cake for me,” said Melody. Rainbow Dash flew over and said,“ two things you should know cadet. 1 Pinkie's entire mood goes straight south when someone say no thank you to cake. 2 eat the cake. This will be the best meal you get for a while.” After watching Pinkie Pie hair start to deflate Melody decided for the best to eat and she loved it. So while Melody was working on her second piece of cake. I wanted to catch up with Scootaloo. Since joining the wonderbolts it had been a long time since we talked. “So what's it like being a wonderbolt?” I asked. “It the best thing next to flying,” Scootaloo replied, “it so cool now that Rainbow Dash is the commander. I'm her lieutenant so I'm always there helping her with the new recruits. I also cover for the commander when the need comes up. So any emergency or air show I'm in charge.” To hear Scootaloo talk about her military career put a smile on my face. Between Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and myself it was Scoots that had it the worst. She was always being moved around from brothel to brothel. I remember a story she told me about how she was purchased by the last pimp before Pin Point saved her. It came down to a very heated game of ‘Go Fish’ of all things. Doing the job with Pin Point for all these years I have seen those who can wash off the filth of being abducted and continue on with their life. I've also seen some who fall like a deck of cards at the mention of what happened to them in their time of abduction. What Scoots was showing me was a military stoic persona. As long as there was some kind of order she was ‘squared away’ so there was no need to worry. As long as Scoots had the wonderbolts she was fine. +-+-+-+-+-+-+ “OK EVERYPONY GATHER AROUND IT TIME FOR FAREWELL PRESENTS,” Ms. Pie yelled as all the families gathered around the big picnic table. It was close to the time that Melody was to leave with Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. So I guess now was the time for presents. Apple Bloom called the girls over then nuzzled up next to me. She had a look on her face that just said ‘I love you’ all over it. First was Rarity’s family. Rarity gave her a scarf covered with jewels. At one end was the wonderbolt symbol done in bright amber and the other side was Melody's cutie mark done in obsidian. “Now you see darling when you become a wonderbolt you can wear this for your first photoshoot,” said Rarity. “Thank you aunt Rarity.” Next was Diana. She placed a rectangular box on the table and stepped back. Melody opened the box to find a pair of aviation goggles. Melody looked confused. “Thanks cuz but you know that I will be getting a pair of these once I get to basic training.” “Oh, no,” Diana blurted out, “these are the top of the line goggles. The one that Spitfire endorses. The transitional one that can also enhance your flying at night. Daddy helped me to get them.” “Yes, helped as in she picked them out and I payed for it,” said Blood Moon with a chuckle. “Wow, Uncle Red, Diana thank you.” Next was Diamond gave her a flat yet medium size box. Melody opened it to see a large picture frame. Inside the frame were nine small frames. Each frame had a family member inside. Her grandma, grandpa, mom, step dad, aunt and uncle each shared a frame. Hilde, Trudy, Diamond, and Diana had a frame to themselves. A picture of the entire family was in the middle frame. “See cousin,” Diamond said,“you can keep the picture together or if you want to break each picture down to its own frame. Also there is a magnet on the back of each frame so you can hang the pics up in your locker and you still have one frame left. Maybe for that special somepony….eheh. “OK cuz, I love it thank you.” Now the others gave Melody her presents. Twilight gave her a book(of coarse). “The Art of Aviation Warfare: by Wing Tzu. Thank you aunt Twilight.” Apple and Rockhoof gave her a quilted blanket. Each patch alternated with a wonderbolt symbol and Melody's cutie mark. “Ah know how cold it can get being that high up sugar cube,” Apple jack said,“so Rarity, yer mom, and mahself worked on it together.” “Wow, its big. I love it,” melody replied. Next was Fluttershy and her husband Cattail. They gave Melody a small jewelry box. Inside was a necklace with a round amber jewel inside. “This is something from me and my sweetie,” said Cattail,“its gives good luck to those in need. So always keep it close.” “Thank you it's beautiful.” “Now last but not least is my present,” said Ms. Pie bouncing in place. She came out with a film projector. Party Favor set up the screen. “Now it would be a true end to a party without a stroll down memory lane. Melody Belle this is your life.” The projector started and the years of Melody’s life in Ponyville was presented on screen. I like the fact that the young pictures of Melody Ms. Pie did take the time to edit. At the end there not a dry eye in the place. Especially my wife. I always carried a handkerchief for teary moments. Working with Apple Bloom over the years it was either invest in a hankie or let her wipe tears on my coat. It was an hour before sunset and it was time for Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Melody to take off. Hugs from old friends and parents were tossed about. A tearful ‘I love you mom’ was whispered into Sweetie Belle’s ear as Melody hugged her, then her step father, and two sisters. She wiped a tear away turned and started to gallop with wings extended. Within two flaps she was in the air headed to a new life and career. The two wonderbolts waved to friends then took to the air in pursuit. “Be safe my little song,” was what Sweetie Belle said as three dots disappeared behind some clouds. > Chapter 3. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Celestia lowered the sun. Luna replaced it with the moon. It only took Ms. Pie 10 minutes to clean up the party. You have to admire that mare’s attention to detail. After everything was back to being a farm the mares took the children into the house. “Come along gents,” Rock hoof announced, “While the ladies put the foals down for the evening let us be off to the pub. Cider maybe great, but I need a good pint of Ms. Punch’s ale to quench my thirst. Who's with me? Surprisingly Gadot and Party Favor were the first to yell ‘YEAH'. Star Tracker an Sunburst were against the idea. “Actually guys thanks but that's ok,” said Sunburst. “Y-yeah, I think Twilight might get mad if I drink to much,” said Star Tracker. “Not to worry boys,” said Hondo smacking both on there backs, “me and the boys won't let nothing happen to you. Besides last time Gadot came home drunk Sweetie had him on the couch for a month.” “Thanks for reminding me sir,” Gadot said in a low grumble. I let out a low chuckle. Thinking back to the last time I was drunk. 8 years ago I was in a small town north of Trottingham. Chapman, it was called. A town where corn and potato farms were basically the only thing you saw for miles. Of course with so much corn, grain liquor was also a major source of money in this town. I had found out through a reliable source that most farmers were using slave labor for tending crops and other unmentionable things. I also heard that once a fillie came of age she was forced into marriage with the farmer or one of his sons. Because Chapman was in a valley nestled between two mountain ranges it wasn't an ideal place to visit. So slavery, sex, forced marriage, and home brewed alcohol thrived in this city without the world none the wiser. I was here because of a set of twins. Starnight and Sunbright was their names. Apparently the leader of the town, a stallion by the name of Fat Bastion always wanted twins to play with. Sure enough on Tinker’s list were the two Bastion was looking for. My mission get into Chapman, find and rescue the twins, and confirm the rumors of active slavery in the area. Easy peasy. Apple Bloom and myself trotted in as travelers looking for a thrill. Of coarse Bloom hated the whole thing. Mainly because I made her look like a colt. In certain cases I couldn't let Bloom go in as a mare. It could cause more problems than we could handle. As we walked into town Bloom and I made our way to the local pub. Once inside no one paid us any attention. It wasn't hard to find Fat Bastion. Three times bigger than a pony wearing a traditional kilt and yelling at the barmaid. “Oi, barmaid my ale’s getting lo’. Aye thinks aye be needin’s a refill,” said Stallion. Seeing Fat was in a festive mood I knew the perfect way to get what info I needed from him. Get him drunk off his arse then find out all the info I need. What I thought would be some heavy drinking and interrogation turned into a drinking contest. He pulled out a jug called 'Luna’s plot'. “You could either take a swig of this or lick Luna's plot. Which ever you pick you'll be on your back seeing stars when you're done.” Long story short, I lost, Bloom yelled at me, Fat confided in me, I rescued….actually Bloom rescued the twins, and the royal guards lead by princess Luna rescued all ponies involved with the slave trade. From what I heard the princess had a halt put on all production of ‘Luna's plot hole’ and confiscated all the crates. After that my drinking days were reserved for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Until now. So we all entered the bar. A mare with a plum coat, raspberry pink mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a bunch of grapes and a strawberry greeted us. “Welcome to the Ponyville Pub. Please come in and find a seat.” As we all sat down the barmaid came over and took our orders. Hondo, Rock Hoof, Star Tracker, and Godot ordered beers. Blood Moon had a Bloody Mary. Party Favor and Cat Tail had Apple Jack Daniels and coke. Sunburst had a club soda. Myself of course, a long island iced tea. When Rock saw my drink he started laughing. “Here you are making fun of Sunburst for his teetotaling and yet you're the one drinking tea.” Before I took a drink I slid it over to Rock and told him, “ before you placate your palate with that Pony Pub Pilsner try this.” He took a healthy swig. Downing half the glass and trying not to cough. “What's in that?” he asked. Before I could say anything Ms. Punch stepped in. “Equal parts vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, with ​1 1⁄2 parts sour mix and a splash of cola.” I allowed Rock to finish the glass and I ordered another one for myself. With the first round already down the part of this male bonding I feared finally came up. Rock turned to Sunburst. “So tell me lad, how does a scholar such as you find the time to woo and bed two fine lasses?” Sunburst looked up, adjusted his glasses. “I-it really wasn't meant to happen like that. Trixie wanted a child and Starlight was afraid after what happened with Morning Star. So once Trixie gave me the news she was pregnant we all celebrated. Unfortunately me and Starlight celebrated a little too much. When Starlight found out she was pregnant her first thought was to kill me. Instead she bought an inhibitor ring for herself and told me to promise to never drink again.” “Wow that's deep,” said Cat Tail. There was a moment of silence and Rock hoof gave a light pat on the back to Star Tracker. Everyone there knew the story of his oldest daughter Morning Star and how he and Twilight had to deal with it. Trying to be the morale officer, Rock started up the conversation. “So, um Cat Tail tell me how did you and Fluttershy get together?” “Well, it's not that big of a story. When Meadowbrook came back Fluttershy and her friend Zecora would make a trip at least twice a month to swap stories and work on potions. It took me some time to build up some courage to finally ask Fluttershy out on a date. When she said yes I think at that moment I fell in love and the rest is history.” “Ok, so that's about as romantic as two sea slugs in a fish tank,” said Party Favor. Everyone laughed except for Cat Tail. He grumbled while taking a drink. Now Rock Hoof was looking at me. “Now Pin Point, from what Apple Jack tells me you and Apple Bloom got married over a song in Las Pegasus. Is that true?” I could feel over a dozen eyes staring at me. Even the barmaid was listening in. “It's kinda true,” I said. “Ok you have to give us details,” yelled Hondo. 6 years ago After another unsuccessful rescue of a fillie out by Horseshoe Bay. Apparently being stuck with your abuser long enough makes the pain feel like love. Unfortunately a strong case of Stockhorse syndrome will cause that. Also being 21 when found. After informing the local authorities me and Bloom were on our way back to Whinny city. Bloom was looking over files for our next case. Then I realized that Bloom's birthday was coming up and she would be 21. Memories took me back to when I first saw her. Badly bruised, swollen eye covered with makeup, and a chipped tooth. Yet through all the pain the look in her eyes said it all, ‘i will get home no matter what’. Now time has passed and the mare before me has grown into a beau……. “Take a picture. It will last longer,” she said. I shook my head, “what?” Bloom put down the file and looked at me. “You've been staring at me for the last 10 minutes. What's on your mind Pin?” “Nothing.” I was lying. The thought of lying to her was stupid but I couldn't muster up the courage to tell her what was really bothering me. Seeing the mare in Horseshoe Bay made me wonder. “Pin.” What would've happen if I found Bloom to late? “Pin?” What if her will was broken and I couldn't rescue her? “PIN!” “YES!” “You know my sister is the element of honesty and she showed me techniques on how to detect if somepony is lying. So trying to lie or hide info from me is not in your best interest.” She's right over the years her ability to detect a liar has been a great asset. So I can't hide the truth anymore. “Bloom after that clusterbuck in Horseshoe Bay I realized something. I have been treating you like a slave since we partnered up.” Bloom looked like somepony just slapped her. “What the buck are you talking about?” “I rescued you from your slaver, took you home, allowed you to come with me and done nothing but changed you for my purposes.” “What?” “I show you the dark side of equestria and beyond. Even using you as a pawn in some of my risky plans.” “I was the one who told you to change your accent to help me on my cases.” “I am the one who has dragged you everywhere without any input from you. “To sum it all up. I molded you into what I wanted a mare to be to achieve MY goals in the end without your consent or input.” Bloom lowered her head and sighed. “You're right, it would seem that I am the slave and you the master. However, no matter how risky the plan I never worried.” “Dealing with sophisticated ponies and other species required somepony willing to play the role.” “You think you dragged me everywhere. Silly boy, who do you think picked out the cases. Who do you think made the reservation, took care of expenses, and made it all go down without a hitch?” “Yes I have changed. For the mission, for me, and because of you as well.” Bloom got out of her seat and moved over next to me. She put her hoof on mine and smiled up at me. I smiled back and we sat there being close to each other. Just then there was a loud noise. Sounded like an explosion. “What was that,” we both yelled. Looking out we could see the engine was on fire and the train was slowing. The conductor came into the cabin and made an announcement. “Mares and stallions, we are having technical problems. So seeing how Las Pegasus is only 5 miles away we have sent word to have a fleet of taxis to take you to the station. Another train is there ready to continue to all points east.” I had an idea. “Bloom, what say we stop in Pegasus for a few days? You know, seeing how your birthday is tomorrow.” Bloom only took a second to decide. “YES!” It took about 40 minutes to get to the station. Once there Bloom and I requisitioned the cab and rode on into town. It was still midday so the strip just looked so bland. Walking down we found a hotel called the Pony Palm Inn. Walking in we see a grey haired mare sitting at the desk crocheting a scarf for her dog. We asked for a room, paid the lady, grabbed the keys, and went upstairs. Once in the room Bloom flopped on the bed to take a nap. While she slept I took a shower. All that traveling I needed one. After drying off I sat on the bed watching Bloom sleep. Now Bloom and myself have shared hotel rooms before and I never paid the way she slept no mind. Yet this time I was so fixed on how she looked right then. I never noticed the slight smile on her face. The way her barrel raised and lowered. A few strands of her mane were tickling her nose. Using my hoof I moved the strand and touched her cheek. She let out a pleasurable moan and slightly opened her eyes. “I told you take a picture.” I just smiled at her. “Shower’s open.” Bloom got off the bed, popped a few joints, and went to the shower. While she showered I went over to my bags. Tonight would be a special night for her so I needed to look my best. So dress shirt of red, bowtie of black, and evening jacket of black. Slicked back the mane, smooth out the tail, and a splash of Draken Noir. Bloom came out the shower. A towel wrapped around her head. She took one look at me sniffed the air. “Wow, haven't seen you wear that since Apple Wood. So what's the plan for this evening?” “Well I figured dinner first then a show. I hear Sapphire Shores and Coloratura are in town. After that just walk down the strip and see what trouble we can get into.” ----------------------------- Celestia had just lowered the sun and Luna casted a perfect moon. Me and Bloom were walking to a 4 star restaurant that the lady at the front desk recommended. We almost passed up the place because my concentration was lost on what Bloom was wearing. She wore a black dress with a slit on the side that almost showed off her cutie mark. Her makeup was flawless. I guess years of working with me and playing different roles pays off. Her signature red bow was gone. Now her red hair braided and caressing her left shoulder. All that and the fragrance of cherry vanilla perfume floating through the air. I was only knocked out of my trance with a boop to the nose. “Wake up silly we're here.” We were standing at ‘My Blue Heaven’ restaurant. We went in and was immediately seated. We both had a roasted vegetable medley with mango salsa. A glass of champagne (Bloom’s first). It was adorable how she laughed when the bubbles tickled her nose. Then dessert, two slices of Dutch apple pie a-la-mode. After dinner we made our way to the show. I can say Sapphire Shore was amazing. Bloom never took her eyes off the stage the whole night. Which was perfect. I was able to walk over to a waitress and slip her a note and tell her to give it to Sapphire. “Ok hold on for a minute mares and stallions. I just received a note that somepony is celebrating their 21st birthday today. Now where is Apple Bloom.” At the moment of hearing her name she turned and looked at me. “Pin, you didn't.” I just shrugged my shoulders. A spotlight shined on Bloom and Sapphire called her up on stage. Sapphire did a verse of the birthday song, posed for a picture with Bloom, then continued with the concert. After the show we were walking down the strip. “So birthday girl where to next.” Bloom looked around for a minute and saw it. A bar called ‘The Golden Bridle’. Right under the neon sign it said karaoke contest. So grabbing my hoof we made our way over. Bloom wasted no time signing us both up. Now one thing that should be known is that I can't sing. Luckily for me 8 out of the 20 contestants couldn't either. Mostly the alcohol stole their voices. Bloom went up next to last. I have heard Bloom hum a tune or sing under her breath trying to hide her voice. This was the first time I heard Bloom put everything into a song. It was a slow country ballad but I was simply blown away by how she sounded. Once she was done and all the applause calmed down she walked back over to me. I was staring at her mouth wide open. She took her hoof and closed my mouth. “Silly pony, I told you take a picture.” She kissed me on the cheek and walked by me. A swish of her tail hit me on the nose bringing me back to reality. The last mare was now on stage and I couldn't care less. The song kept running through my head. Bloom's smile, kiss, the tail which had a hint of her perfume. I turned to say something but got drowned out by. “And this evening winner is Apple Bloom.” A few pictures a lot of congratulations and a 500 bit prise later we were outside the bar. “So Pin what's next?” I turned and kissed her as passionately as I could. At first it caught her off guard but then she melted into it. “Marry me?” Now Rock Hoof and everypony in the bar just looked like. “What the hay?” said Party Favor. “A truly romantic story my friend,” said Rock Hoof. Blood Moon finally chimed in, “I personally think its rather respectful. Apple Bloom has been at Pin’s side for all this time so a romance was sure to bloom. Forgive the pun.” “Yeah I guess,” said Party Favor dejected. Just then the door of the pub opened. “Ya see, ah told you they were here,” said Apple Jack walking up to Rock Hoof. Behind Apple Jack was Rarity, Twilight, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Pinkie Pie and Trixie. Bloom came over and gave me a kiss and a nuzzle. Rarity went over to Blood Moon who just finished his drink and ordered another and an Apple martini for his wife. Sweetie Belle was giving Godot the stink eye. “You can ask your father I only had one beer,” said Godot. Twilight was in a corner booth with Star Tracker. Ms. Pie was trying her best to make Party Favor smile. Trixie was ordering a drink while Sunburst was still nursing his club soda. It was a great night.