The power of Three

The girls sat around the campfire sharing the treats around as the flames eventually turned to embers and it wasn't long before the chill started nipping at their hooves. Mark grabbed a couple of blankets and headed over to the girls wrapping them up in them before throwing one over himself and joined them.

They sat toasting marshmallows and telling stories until the embers started to fade.

It was starting to get late Mark ushered the girls towards the cabin for bed. Scooterloo flew up in his face "Aww please Mark just one more story." Applebloom and Sweetybelle put the puppy eyes on "Yeah Mark PLEEEEEEEAAAASE!!" They both begged.
Mark smiled. "Sorry girls, it's late and we have to up early in the morning..." They got up in his face. "PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAASE MARK!!"
Mark rolled his eyes smiling, how could he say no to three pairs of 'puppy' eyes. "Okay you win girls, only on one condition."
They cheered. "Anything! You name it!" Crying out in unison.
Mark opened the cabin door. "You have to get into bed first." The fillies moped and then cheered rushing to their beds.

They cantered into their room. "Come on Sweetie you can down side me tonight!" Applebloom called out. "Yeah and me!" Yelled Scooterloo, who had already picked up Sweety's bedding from the other room landing back beside them.
They snuggled in together and it warmed Marks heart that they were starting to get along again.
"C'mon Mark you promised to tell us a story." Applebloom pleaded.
Mark lay down beside them and took a moment before he begun and started telling them a tale before Scooterloo interrupted. "No we want to hear a story about you, you know...just incase..."
Mark softly gave her a comforting head pat.
"Okay just a short one and I'll tell you the rest tomorrow, alright?" He softly said trying to show a glimmer of hope that he'd pull through.

He made himself comfortable on the corner of the bed as he told them all about his home town, the fascinating places he had visited and the people he had met over the years they sat in awe at the time he got stranded on a mountainside. They cheered as he told them of the 10K race he won and giggled about the time when...well, Mark will keep that between them.

After tucking the girls in for the night Mark went to his bed and lay down looking at the ceiling of the cabin wondering what the day would bring. Would he live? Would he die? His body ached as Zecora's potion had wore off.
He couldn't stop his mind wandering, it made him think that if he did die would he just die or would he wake back up in his own world? Either way one thing was certain...he would never see the girls again.
He tossed and he turned getting upset with himself, just then he heard footsteps towards the door he lay still listening to the movement.
There was a few more steps which seemed to back away from the door, then after a few more moments they headed back towards him then a little scuffle at the bottom of the bed. "Ooof!"
He giggled silently at the ponys mishap.

It was Sweetie Belle, she was clambering up onto the bed, trying to be as quiet as she could.
"Mark...are you awake?" She whispered.
Mark lay pretending to be asleep. She curled up beside him and gently nuzzled into him. She sniffed his hair and his shirt, taking in his scent so she would remember it if the worst was to happen tomorrow.

He felt her hoof touch his back as she whispered ever so quietly. "I remember the first day I met you. The girls and I thought you were a big scary monster with you having hands instead of hooves, but later after you sat us down and let us get to know you better showing us you were friendly and we helped you decorate your cabin and we had so much fun. By the end of it we were covered in paint from head to hoof and you took us upstairs and put me, Apple and Scootz in your tub and washed us down and then you saw I had paint on my filly bits and you didn't bat an eyelid, you just got the soap and massaged the paint off while trying not to hurt me and I remember how your once scary hands were so soft...so gentle against against my sensitive bits, the way you carefully worked the paint from my teats and plot. I knew then that you were my special somepony, I just wish that I had...that I'd have had the confidence to ask you properly instead of stealing from Zecora and I need you to know that I'm so so sorry and I wish I could take it back... I'd do anything."

She carefully kissed the back of his head then nuzzling in closing her eyes to sleep. Mark had listened to her words contently, he remembered everything about that day. He remembered how she smiled at him and how soft she felt in his hands and the way her cheeks turned as red as one of Applejacks prized apples against her snow white fur as he had washed her down.

He rolled over so they were spooning and breathed her scent in deep slowly sliding his hand between her hind quarters listening to her meep and moan as she moved her hips against his hand. He held her close continuing to dance his fingers over her tender teats and twitching plot.
Gasping aloud as she felt his fingers slowly moving around her sensitive slit ever so slowly now and then sliding into her folds for a moment only to retreat.
The teasing enhanced the pleasure flowing through her body, she wanted to turn around to fully engage with him, however he tightened his grip to steady her where she was, intensifying his movements suddenly sliding his fingers deeper inside her pony body.

She almost screamed out loud as his fingers plunged deep inside her slit caressing her soft pink walls.
Still wanting to turn and face Mark but he had her locked tightly against him making her bite into the pillow her eyes rolled as her clit twitched, softly showering Mark in mare cum as she felt her orgasm intensifying.
She panted as he worked his magic fingers she was melting into him feeling his hard dick pressing up against her.
Sweetie's eyes widened as Marks fingers found a new place inside her depths that she hadn't even known she had, making her drool into the pillow as Marks fingers danced against her deepest parts, sending intense sensations making her cry out as she orgasmed spraying marecum once more over Mark.

Sweetie's heart felt like it was going to beat from her chest as she panted trying to catch her breath locked in Marks embrace. He ran a hand through her thick soft mane before kissing her on the neck.
She bit into her lip with eyes rolling into the back of her head she cried out as her orgasm piqued which sent waves that washed over her quivering body making her cry out with pleasure softly biting into her pillow. Mark held her warm body close to him listening to her soft whimpering of ecstasy as they both fell asleep.

Deep in sleep

Mark wandered once again through the fields the kingdom was right beside him now.
He gazed in awe at the magnificent sight of it. Once again princess Luna arrived only this time alone, Mark looked around worrying where Sweetie Belle could be.

"Remember- With three fillies you must find the lake of the water lilies.
Careful not to go to deep as you will fall into eternal sleep.
Each filly must pay their fee if they are to set you free.
REMEMBER..."

Mark jumped up from his dream. "SWEETYBELLE!!"
She was there holding him. He went to shift into a more comfortable position and realised there was something blocking him.

He looked down to find Applebloom and Scooterloo laying peacefully asleep beside him.
Sweety smiled softly at him.
"They thought you might need protecting."
Mark rubbed his eyes. "How did I not wake them up with my screaming?" He asked.
"Well I cast a sound barrier around you, since I knew how you'd wake up. Rarity taught me it before we left" She smiled as he hugged her.
"That's pretty cool Sweety." He said with a grin.
Her belly growled.
"It seems I woke just in time to put breakfast on."
Sweety kissed him and jumped down from the bed
"I'll get some wood for the fire" She said flashing her plot on her way to the door.
Mark looked upon the two peaceful fillies deep in slumber. They were so cute in their sleep he felt bad having to wake them, however time was not on their side.

He stroked their soft fur running his fingers softly over them. "Girls...girls...time to wake up" He said softly as he gently rocked them from their sleep.
Scootaloo stirred. "Please Dash...just five more minutes then you can lick...."
Mark could only wonder where that was going next.
"Scootz...wake up it's me, Mark."
She stirred once more and opened an eye. "Oh Mark!" She tiredly smiled. "Yup it's me cutie."
He nuzzled into her furry belly lightly tickling her awake.
She started laughing "Okay I'm up! Quit it or I'll pee!" She yelped out as Mark tickled her between her belly and hind leg. "Hey! I mean it! I really need to pee!" She laughed.
Mark slowly stroked her ear. "Okay, okay. Go, then help your sister gather wood for the fire."

He gave her a head pat as she raced out the door trying not to pee herself.
He giggled to himself watching her race out the door before slowly turning to Applebloom.
He gently ran his fingers through her thick red mane and warmly down her cheek. "Bloomy, time to wake up sugarcube."
She stirred and her eyes tiredly opened. He nuzzled into her. "Are you awake hunny? Your sisters are getting ready for breakfast." Her eyes started falling again. "I'll be right there. Nodding off again. Mark picked her up in his arms and placed her in his lap.
Softly running his hands over her fur and through her thick silky red mane.
"Bloomy, are you waking up darlin'? We've got a big day ahead of us..." She stirred as he gently rocked her till her eyes stayed open long enough. "Mornin' Sugarcube time for breakfast." He said smiling at her sleepy face.
She leapt up and hugged him. "I don't want today to happen I want to freeze time and just stay here with you forever."
Mark smiled at the lovely notion however time stopped for no man or pony.
He patted her head. "That's a nice thought Bloomy, however we need to be on our top form today, if I'm going to see tomorrow."

He could see Applebloom starting to get upset and tried to change the subject.
"That's why we need to have a good breakfast so we can hit this day on the head like a nail on a barn door. We're going to need all the strength we can muster on this one. So are you going to help your sisters with the fire and I'll get the food sorted for breakfast?"
She smiled wiping a tear away "Sure thing Mark!" They gave eachother a big hug before she hopped off the bed and headed for the door.

Mark lay on his back a moment soaking in the morning sun as it shone through the window onto him, giving himself a few moments before getting up.
By the time he got up and dressed the girls had gotten the fire going and was all ready for the food to go on. Mark greeted them and put the food on to cook and within minutes they were eating the tasty grub and filling their bellies for the arduous journey ahead.
Mark sat watching the girls talking to each other laughing now and then.

Marks thoughts wandered to what maybe the last day of his life. He'd heard people back home ask 'What would you do if you only had one day left to live?' Before listening to them come out with sentimentalities, cool and wondrous things. However if he was asked this question now his answer would simply be "Fight to see tomorrow."

He snapped from his thoughts as the girls laughed out loud together over a joke they'd heard. He was pleased they were getting back on track with each other as they enjoyed their breakfast and simply spending time with each other.
He slowly finished his breakfast. After they had finished Sweetie Belle went into her satchel and using her horn picked out the potion from Zecora to help give Mark his strength for the journey.
"Here you go Mark, take this, it'll have you feeling better in no time."
He took the bottle from her purple glow as it hovered in front of him.
"Thanks Sugarcube." He popped the cork and drank it down as fast as he could. "Mmmm surprisingly tasty. Tastes like Elderberries". Slightly regretting drinking it so fast.

"Okay girls, start packing up we move out in five." He called out to them.
The girls went to their satchels repacking their bedding and such. Scootaloo took their water bottles and refilled them at the river whilst scouting as she flew there and back making sure their path was clear.
Sweety was shuffling her hoofs so Mark walked up behind her and squeezed her flank leaving his hand resting there. "Whatever today holds for us Sweetie Belle hunny...Its going to be alright. I'm grateful for the time I've had here with the girls and above all with you. I love you Sweety, even before the curse I knew I wanted you."
Her eyes filled with tears. "Y...you wanted me? I don't think anypony has 'wanted' me before, other than to be quiet or do chores."

Mark stopped and took her face in his hand looking into her beautiful emerald eyes. "That's why no matter what happens today, I need you to know that I Love you and if...if the worst does happen you must promise me that you will stay with your sisters and that you won't become a hermit and then maybe one day find your special somepony, settle down and have a few foals, however you have to do one thing for me..." Sweetie was hanging onto his every word. "Anything, just name it..." He moved closer to her. "If you have a son as rugged and dashing name him after me will ya!" She laughed trying not to cry not sure if he was joking. "Sure thing!" She giggled.
He kissed her on the maw lovingly as they hugged eachother before breaking off. They gazed into each others eyes a few long moments as Mark rubbed her ears between his finger and thumb.
She smiled swooning as she purred into his tender touch.

Scooterloo flew down interrupting them. "Hey lovebirds! Hurry up, will ya! There'll be plenty time for that later!" Sweetybelle huffed blushing at her. Mark kissed Sweetie on her nose.
"Well Sweety, you gotta admire her optimism."

Mark made sure they hadn't left anything around the cabin after putting the fire out.
He grabbed his satchel and called the girls over.
"Okay girls gather round. We've had a good go around these past years, haven't we? I know you have a lot on your shoulders today but I have faith in you, because you three are the Cutie Mark Crusaders and together you can do anything. You can achieve anything because I believe in you and so does everypony else. So lets get to the lake and do all we can to beat this curse! CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ON THREE!..."

Applebloom stopped a moment "Umm girls...?" Scooterloo looked at Applebloom and Sweetie Belle doing that thing with her head when she was trying to be low key.
"Ohhh Yeaah!" Scooterloo rifled through her satchel keeping her back to them. Mark raised an eyebrow.
"What? What am I missing?" He wondered.
Scooterloo hovering off the ground gave a silent nod to Apple and Sweetie.

"Mark, we the Cutie Mark Crusaders would like to thank you for all you have done for Equestria our families. Since your arrival here years ago we have been so grateful for everything you have done and today we would like to make you an honourary member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!"
She whipped out a red cloak with the CMC emblem emblazed on it with the gold trimming exactly like their own.
Mark cleared the lump in his throat. "You girls made this for me?"
Applebloom stepped forward "Well you saved Equestria and you always do things for other ponys and you never ask for nothing in return and you still don't have your cutie mark. So we made you this."
Mark had a tear in his eye.
"Thank you girls, this means so much...Thank you."
Scooterloo flew above him and attached the cloak around his neck.
Mark stood proud a moment letting the girls appreciate their fine handiwork.
"This must have took you girls ages to make." Mark said as he admired the fine details.

"Well you do anything and everything for everypony and you still haven't got your cutie mark yet...Maybe one day you'll find something what you're really good at." Applebloom smiled.

Mark smiled at her optimism 'Maybe one day' He mused.

"Okay girls bring it in again.
Cutie Mark Crusaders on three!!"
The girls put their hooves in the middle over Marks hand.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!"

They cheered and set off on their most dangerous quest yet.

Scooterloo flew overhead keeping her eyes peeled for any trouble up ahead meanwhile on the ground Mark walked alongside Applebloom and Sweetybelle as Sweety sang aloud the Cutiemark Crusader theme song from when they were little fillies.

Mark smiled as he listened to her angelic voice, he always enjoyed listening to her singing it was one of the main things that first drew his attention to her, other than her emerald green eyes against her purple and pink mane set against her body of white fur.
His eyes dropped to her swaying hips almost hypnotising him as every now and then her tail would lurch to the side to flash her plot. He noticed Apple Bloom's was doing the same watching her thick red tail swishing to expose her moist black plot against her immaculate yellow fur.

He thought back to their first date and how she sucked him off under the table in Cupcake Corner almost laughing as he remembered how Pinkie Pie almost caught them.
He smiled thinking back how he enjoyed their time together she used to sit on his shoulders when she got tired they on their long treks.
He looked away taking his mind from the juicy plots before him only to see Scootaloo's crotch tits and tight slit coming down to meet his face. He gasped as he snapped out of one memory and straight into another as again flashed backed to when she used to ride his face whilst hovering in front of him...that had to be one of the craziest kinks he'd ever experienced.
Scootaloo wrapped her arms around him tight and he held her close wondering what had startled her.
"Hey Scoots, what's got you rattled darlin'?" He gently asked.
"Oh Mark...the lake with the water lilies is only about two miles from here."

Mark closed his eyes, it was more real now this was it…the final stretch.
He composed himself and softly spoke to Scootaloo. "Hey, hey you've got this hunny, c'mon take a rest you've been flying for hours now and you're going to need your strength."
Scooterloo had been doing twice the work, up until now it had been a long day for her up to this point.
He shifted her weight and position her to a more comfortable one and carried her for a short while.

Mark decided it was time for a respite to get their energy levels back up. "C'mon girls let's park it here for a spell, we're going to need our energy for whatever's awaiting us at that lake."
They cut into the tree line and unloaded their satchels and lay on the grass and unpacked their daisy and daffodil sandwiches alongside potato chips with apple juice and Mark sat against a tree eating his egg mayo sandwiches and carrot juice taking in his final hours.