7 - I've Got A Golden Ticket

Game Changer's mind sped through the last couple of days. As great as they were, he couldn't let the ecstasy fool him. He was sure he remembered Applejack mentioning that Apple Bloom had a coltfriend. It sounded like Applejack didn't know his face – what if Shroom Hop was the one he was talking about?...

Game tapped the Start button of the Game Colt Technicolor and lightly took it from Shroom Hop. Shroom sighed. "What...?"

"Have you seen Apple Bloom's coltfriend?"

Shroom Hop leapt back in horror. "B-but...I was her coltfriend! Don't tell me she's –"

"No, no, I get it. Thanks for telling me. She wouldn't do a thing like that. Don't worry." Game turned his back, leaving the room.

"Wait...how do you know?"

Game looked back at Shroom. "Uhm...I guess I should own up. Applejack's my fillyfriend."

Shroom smiled back. "I'm so happy for you! Wait, does that mean I'm going out with my sister!?"

"Uh...I...guess so...No, not yet. We're not married!"

"OK, don't ever get married. Ever."

"'Kay, I'll just throw a massive party. Nothing legal about it. Never mind. Let's go." The pair left to see their fillyfriends again.

It wasn't long before they reached Sweet Apple Acres. But unusually, not a sound was heard from the orchard, and the barn door was shut. Noticing a tiny white speck in the distance, Game paced ahead. A note on the door of the barn read:

"Hey, Game. I forgot to mention that the Equestria Rodeo is today. You'll find a free ticket for the next train under this note. I'd love it if you could come. Apple Bloom is with Granny Smith, but I'm sure she'd like to join you too.

Sorry,

Applejack"

"No way! We're gonna go to the Rodeo?" Shroom's face lit up with excitement. "We can't miss that train, Game!"

"Yeah, let's go!" Game knocked on the door, hearing Apple Bloom's voice on the other side.

"That'll be them," she said. "Bye, Granny Smith!" Apple Bloom dashed out of the door, attacking Shroom Hop with a fierce hug. "Hey, Shroom!" She messed up his mane. "How're you doin'?"

"On top of the world, Apple Bloom!" He gave her a brohoof, then took her hoof in his. "I can't wait!"

Game Changer thought about Applejack, seeing her train for the Rodeo in his mind. "I don't mind what she comes home with this time, whether it's a ton of medals or nothing," he thought. "She's got my heart."