12 - A Beautiful Dream And The Start Of A Mystery

All four ponies were tired out after a long day at the rodeo. Applejack added her new ribbon to the collection, alongside ten others identical to it and a few runner-up ribbons from last year, then headed slowly upstairs. Game and the foals followed her.

After saying goodnight to their foals, the two ponies entered the bedroom, tugged the duvet aside and collapsed into bed. Game brought Applejack's head into his chest and stroked her mane softly, kissing her forehead. As before, he said "G'night, sugarcube..." with a drowsy wink.

Luna hovered outside, watching the sleeping lovers with kind eyes. With a sweep of her wing, the pair dreamt of happy times together, sleeping deeply...

Applejack strolled through the forest, her lover at her side. "Game," she said. "You've been so nice to me...I'm not usually one to depend on someone," she blushed, "but how could I deny a little help from a pony like you?" She gave him a playful nudge and a warm smile.

Game laughed back. "You know why I picked you" he asked. "Just that. I mean, we're both really headstrong and stuff...but I always feel like I'm missing someone. It's like I'm one half of...a..." He struggled to find the words to say. "...you know what I mean. We're pretty awesome alone, but look at us now!" Game grinned, taking a moment to stop and look at Applejack.

"Yeah, I see it too," she smiled. "I just don't work without other ponies. 'S why I like the farm so much." Game nodded in reply. "I may be eleven-time queen of the rodeo, but I didn't do it alone!" Applejack winked, then softened the look in her eyes into a deep, warm stare. Game smiled, looking into her eyes. They came closer to each other, lips almost meeting...

Both ponies opened their eyes. Game sighed. "Don't you just hate it when that happens?"

"What, waking up in a great dream?"

"Yeah."

Applejack's voice lowered a little. "Doesn't have to end, though." She pulled him in for a kiss.

Shroom Hop unzipped his sleeping bag and got up slowly, peering over at Apple Bloom. She was still asleep. "Apple...Bloom?" he whispered carefully. The sleeping filly didn't respond. Shroom Hop sighed. "I hate waking up late," he thought. "Is she usually like this?..."

Apple Bloom rolled a little, her left hoof crossing her body and hanging out of the bed. "Uuuhng..." she yawned. Shroom grinned hopefully, but it was no use.

"What do I do?" he thought, whipping out a Game Colt he'd brought along with him for a quick game of Tetris.