Author's Note

It's time for a three part story as Apple Bloom helps the Pies do some house sitting.

August 5-The Devils and the Details part 1

Apple Bloom started to pack her duffle bag and backpack. Olga walks in to see what's going on.

"Apple Bloom, my dear." Olga said. "Are you leaving back to Sweet Apple Acres already? The summer vacation isn't over."

"Nah. I'm not heading home yet." Apple Bloom answered. "I got a call from Pinkie Pie. She and her family were asked to watch over somebody's house for three days. And, I was asked to join them."

"Hmmm. I wonder if miss Maud Pie will be bringing her boyfriend, Mud Briar, with her. If so, I think I know who's house you're heading to. I think Kevin and Amy would be proud of you helping out."

Apple Bloom doesn't know what's going on. But, she's excited to find out. Fifteen minutes later, the farm kid walked down the street, and saw Pinkie Pie waving to her.

"Over here, AB." Pinkie called out.

Apple Bloom ran over, and saw the whole Pie family.

"Hi, Apple Bloom." Limestone Pie greeted. "It's good to see you again."

"Howdy, Limestone." Apple Bloom replied. "I'm surprised you're all here."

"You said it. Even Mud Briar feels like he should be here."

"It was my suggestion that you join us, Miss Bloom." Mud Briar explained. "I have a feeling I know what we're going to do."

Soon, the door of the house opened. And, out walks a red skinned man with black hair and wearing a blue business suit. The family noticed that this person has horns on his head and a long pointed tail.

"Hello, Pie Family." The man said. "Nice of you to come here."

"And, who might you be?" Igneous Rock Pie asked.

"I represent the Demon/Human Relations Program. And, I have asked you folks to help me out. Come on in, and I'll explain everything."

The family followed the devil worker into the house. Soon he told everyone his story.

"Igneous Rock Pie, Cloudy Quartz, Limestone, Maud, Pinkie, and Marble. Thank you for coming." The worker greeted. "I'm very glad you brought Mud Briar and Apple Bloom with you as well. Now, for why I asked you here. The Devil Family are away for a much needed rest. But, they need somebody to watch the house."

"Is this where we come in?" Marble asked.

"Exactly, youngest Pie sister. You folks will be watching the house for three days while the Devil Family are gone. There will be stuff for you folks to do. But, try to refrain from doing any selfish acts. That would trigger family emergencies. If that happens, the big boss downstairs won't be happy with you nor me. So, work together to do all of your tasks. Including a special task. Good luck."

The worker leaves the house. Igneous Rock Pie gets everybody's attention. "Okay, folks. Let's get to work."

The group separated to do their chores. Marble was in the bathroom, cleaning a mirror. After squirting some cleaner on the glass, she used some paper towels to wipe it clean.

"There." Marble said. "Sparkling like a pearl from an oyster."

Mud Briar smoothed out a tablecloth. "There's no excuse for ruffled up cloths."

Apple Bloom checked some milk in a refrigerator. After figuring it's still good, she puts it back. She then notices Limestone on the phone.

"Who are you calling up?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Calling up that plant lover: Wallflower Blush." Limestone answered with a sly grin. "I've got a perfect prank for her."

As Limestone cackled, Apple Bloom quickly grabbed her phone and hung it up. "You can't do that!"

The eldest Pie sister got miffed. "Why did you do that?"

"Y'all heard what that fella said. We can't be tempted to do selfish acts!"

Cloudy Quartz comes in. "She's right, Limestone. We are all in this together. No mischief, not even from you."

Limestone felt bad about this. Cloudy Quartz gave Apple Bloom a small kiss to thank her. In the backyard, Igneous Rock, Pinkie, and Marble are by the pool.

"The Devil Family are at a beach resort." Igneous Rock explained. "So, the backyard is to be decorated for a Tiki type party."

"Some of the decorations are already here." Maud noticed. "And, more are on the way tomorrow."

"Then, what are we waiting for!" Pinkie said. "Let's go for it!"

"I agree. Father, guide us, please."

Under Igneous Rock's supervision, Pinkie and Maud put an island themed tablecloth on the picnic table. Then, assemble a bar for serving drinks. Later, Cloudy Quartz ordered some single serve pizzas while Apple Bloom helped Marble find a pair of headphones she brought. She was happy when Apple Bloom found them in a night table.

"Thanks, Apple Bloom." Marble said as she hugged the farm girl.

"Not a problem." Apple Bloom replied happily.

As the group enjoyed their pizza, the Demon/Human Relations worker steps in to speak to them.

"You're doing good so far, folks." The worker praised. "Everything seems to be running smooth."

"Thank you, sir." Cloudy Quartz replied.

The worker gave Limestone an eerie look. "I heard you tried to pull a selfish act, miss Limestone."

"Yeah. I was trying to be mischievous." Limestone admitted. "But, Apple Bloom straightened me out."

"Bravo, Miss Bloom." The worker said as he clapped for her. "Got to keep things honest. That's what the Apple Family is all about, I believe."

This made Apple Bloom blush, knowing that she is bring praised.

"The Tiki set up is coming along nicely, as well." The worker continued. "I like how that Tiki Bar is built. Just remember, this is only day one. There are still two more days before the Devil Family returns from their trip. So, don't let them down. See you folks tomorrow."

The worker leaves the house as Igneous Rock has everybody raise their glasses. "Here's to our unity. And, keeping things calm in this house."

Everybody cheered as they salute what they've accomplished so far. With two days left, Apple Bloom hopes that the unity of everybody pulling together stays strong. Later that night, everybody got ready for bed. Apple Bloom got comfy on the couch.

"I'm glad the Devils took their cat with them." Apple Bloom thought. "Don't want that critter causing trouble."

To be continued