2 - G'night, Sugarcube

The turquoise pony scoured the orchard for a little while, and soon enough he found Applejack – bucking for apples, as anypony might expect – in a state of focus. He knew how it felt to be interrupted, so he left her to continue. He turned and cantered away, but she heard his hoofsteps. "Howdy, Game! How're ya doin'?"

"I'm on top of things, I guess. And you?"

"Uh...We're a little short-staffed today. Y'mind droppin' in?"

"That's what I'm here for." Game pulled a confident salute. "Game Changer, at your service!"

"Please don' remind me, Game..." Applejack looked away, a little embarrassed.

"Uh...Spike?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry, AJ."

"Nawh, it's OK. Let's get a shuffle on!" Applejack bucked with admirable force, while Game sliced the trees with iron wings and pin-sharp accuracy.

Game took pride in the abilities the Power Sock gave him. He had Pinkie-promised never to use them to cheat – only to assist those weak or in need of a hoof. If that was broken, all of his bones would be too in ten seconds flat.

It didn't take long. Soon enough, not a basket in sight was empty. The two weary ponies were happy, and headed back to the barn. Applejack seemed to be stumbling a lot. "Uh...need a...lift?" Game asked, worrying that he'd sound awkward.

"Sure!" Applejack replied confidently, to Game's relief. He carried her slowly but safely in his forelegs, often taking a tiny moment to look at her plaited mane. It made him wonder. Shroom Hop's mother had left him not long after he was born. Surely it'd make sense?...

Applejack was asleep by the time she and Game Changer had reached the towering barn doors. Game gave the door a little nudge with his back, and it opened with the tiniest creak. He didn't want to wake her at all costs. The sunset dimly lit the barn.

"Time to hit the hay, huh?" Game whispered. He flew as quietly as a breeze up to Applejack's bed, and laid her down with hospital precision, after kicking the bed covers aside with his right rear hoof. Fluttering above her with the corner of the cover in his hand, he said, "G'night, sugarcube," but decided not to join her.

Worn out, Game took the long walk home alone. He saw a midnight blue comet race across the sky and smiled, whispering the beginnings of a wish to himself. But with a closer look, the figure of an alicorn was in the shooting star. "Luna," Game whispered excitedly to himself, but his wings were drained and his hooves were worn out after such an eventful day. He rested on the Ponyville grass that night.