Author's Notes:

As promised, here's another chapter for ya. Hope you all like it.

The following week had been a busy one for everypony. Applejack had kicked her training into overdrive, wanting Aaron capable of defending himself if he ran into trouble. He would complain through all of it like usual but Applejack was seeing some much needed improvement. Even managing to score a few hits on her in their end-of-the-day spar, hits that she didn’t give him.

As for Twilight, Demo and Draco, the three were busy scheming and making sure they had their bases covered for tomorrow. They wanted to make sure that everything went as planned, wanting to conserve as much magic as possible if they were going to get who they needed. There was much at stake and the three would be sure not to leave anything to chance, even making sure the other troops were trained and ready. For almost a year now, they had spent their days lounging around, now they were going to be heading into the action.

Twilight was fidgety and constantly watching her back, paranoid that something was going to go wrong somewhere at some time. Draco could see how nervous she as she went over the maps. It was understandable to him, the feeling of everything weighing on one's shoulders the day before a life altering event. They were taking a large risk with this prison break. If the tiniest thing went wrong, everypony would probably be seeing themselves joining Aaron and Dash in the prison, along with every pony captured. With a soft sigh, Draco rubbed his eyes as he stood up from his seat. “Twilight, I’m gonna go check up on the others. See how they’re doing.”

“Hm? Oh, uh… maybe I can come with. I can’t really do much else without any additional information.” The two stood up, leaving Demo behind and walked out of the main building into the scorching sun. In the middle of the road, Draco and Twilight could see Applejack in her daily spar. Aaron tried to deliver a few precise strikes to Applejack’s sides, but Applejack countered with her muscular arms. Looking closely, Twilight could see signs of Aaron developing some muscles of his own.

“Come on Aaron, you’re getting slow on me.” Applejack said as she managed to easily block a set of punches that couldn't have been more telegraphed to his opponent.

“Maybe… it's… because… we’ve…” He took a break to gasp for air. “Been training… all… day.”

“Maybe, but I wanna make sure that ya ain’t too soft when ya head in.” Aaron took a deep breath and focused on AJ, moving much faster than he had been letting on and managed to make a few good hits on Applejack, making her grunt in a bit of pain as one struck her face. “That’s more like it!” Applejack cracked a satisfied smile, wiping a bit of blood from her lip. She would bring the fight to an end, giving the signal to stop. Applejack smiled at Aaron, satisfied with how well he was progressing with her. Though, as she continued, a small hint of red developed in her cheeks as well as Aaron's.

Twilight saw the way they looked at one another and felt a strange sensation come over her. Draco cleared his throat to alert them to their presence. Applejack turned to Draco and Twilight, clearing her throat to greet them. “Howdy ya'll. How’s everything going?”

“Going good, just thought we’d take a bit of a break from planning a prison break.”

“Oh yeah? Cool.” Applejack was losing adrenaline, starting to feel her own exhaustion take effect. “Aaron, take five.”

“Waaaay ahead of ya.” Aaron's own adrenaline had stopped working long before Applejack's. His legs would tremble as he tried to catch his breath.

“Oh yeah, then how about ya go get us some water.”

“Sure. Just... give me a moment.” Aaron tried to catch his breath, taking deep breaths as he turned to go and fetch his friends some water. As he walked away, Draco and Twilight could see Applejack's gaze lock onto Aaron, checking him out as he walked away. She was drawn out of her little trance when Draco chuckled at her actions.

“Awww, does somepony got a crush?” Applejack couldn't help but roll her eyes as she turned back to Draco.

"Ain't no shame in it. Aaron's a pretty cool colt, guy... thing."

"Well, do ya gotta be ogling your coltfriend with us here? Look, you're scaring Twilight." Twilight looked to the two of them, not wanting to get involved in the conversation they were having.

"Alright fine... but ya gotta admit, he is something though."

“I’m surprised ya managed to keep the relationship in the friend-zone for so long. Could have sworn ya would have asked him to bed by now.”

“I don’t just ask stallions to rut all willy-nilly. I look for commitment, chemistry, that sort o' stuff. It ain't much but they are what I look for in a stallion." She soon smirked to the two. “Though, I will admit, I do have needs as a mare.” The three of them huddled close together. “Ah tell ya, Aaron’s a great stallion. Sure he's a bit scrawny but he’s sweet, he’s devoted, kind of complainy but he always seems to come through. He does seem like the kind of colt I'd spend my time with more often. Speaking of which, Twi, have you given my little proposal some thought?”

Twilight began to turn a bright shade of red. “I-I uh… certainly have thought about it.”

“Well, ya gonna tell me what your answer is or do you wanna make me guess? I know you got some similar feelings too, and I don’t wanna hog him to myself. As much as I want to, I’m more than willing to share him with ya.” Twilight began to blush softly, restraining a small smirk.

“I-I need more time to think on it, Applejack. Sorry.”

“Well, I say ya think fast. Cause… I got a little treat in store for Aaron tonight.” Draco cocked a brow with interest while Twilight looked on a little shocked.

“Oh yeah? You two going to need some privacy for this little treat?”

“It would be nice to have some alone time. I managed to get Gilda to steal some food from the nearby camp, I’m planning a nice dinner for the two of us. Dinner under the moonlight, talk, laugh, relax. He’s more than earned it, especially after what he’ll be doing for us tomorrow. Plus… if… things take a turn for the down “that” path, I wouldn’t exactly say I'm opposed to a little horseplay.”

“Sounds pretty nice. If ya want, I got some wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion. You can have it if you promise to save some for me.”

“Aw, you’d do that for me?”

“Course. Though, I want something in return.”

“Draco, I ain’t going to let ya watch.”

“No, I don’t want that.” Draco rolled his eyes, knowing full well she was teasing him. “I want to borrow Aaron for a bit. Just for the day is all.”

“What for?”

“Initiation ritual. The guys and I have been talking and we thought about making him one of us. Officially that is.” Twilight turned to Draco with a worried look. She had witnessed what a soldier’s initiation ritual was like and they can be enthusiastic about it. Though, it never got too out of hand, she was worried they would do something that would jeopardize the mission.

“I don’t know, Draco. We can’t really have anything happening to Aaron the day before we begin our operation. What if he gets seriously hurt?”

“Twilight, I can almost guarantee that he is going to get hurt going into the prison. Besides, we aren’t going to do anything stupid. Just a fun little initiation ritual is all.” Twilight looked at the Pegasus skeptically, not buying this for a moment.

“Okay.” Twilight broke focus as she turned to Applejack. “You can borrow him. It could give me a chance to get some last minute things set up for tonight.”

“Awesome. I’m glad you agree.”

“Applejack!”

AJ would sigh softly to herself. “Just don’t do anything that could ruin the mission.”

“Trust me, I don’t plan on doing anything like that.” Twilight was still worried, but she tried to hide it as they saw Aaron returning with some water.

“Hey guys, what’s going-“

“BOOKS!!!” Twilight shouted, bringing attention to herself almost immediately. “I-I mean, I uh… wanted to know if there was uh… any good comic books in the shop down the road? I was thinking about taking a look.” Applejack could see though that lie but she would play along.

“Y-Yeah… Twi here has run out of reading material. I was thinking she and I could go take a look.”

“Oooooo-kay. I wouldn’t really know what to look for in there. I love comics as much as the next geek, but I can’t read your language. So, I’m at an impasse on that one.”

“Well, you won’t have to worry about that.” Draco said as he went to Aaron’s side. “Cause you and I are gonna spend some time together. Ain’t that right, AJ?”

“Sure thing. While you boys are out, Twi and I are going to go find some new reading material.” Applejack took hold of Twilight’s hand and began to guide her down the road. “Be back before sundown!” Applejack called out, the two of them disappearing around a corner.

“Huh, that was weird. Didn’t even get their water.” Aaron handed one of the bottles to Draco.

“Keep it, you’re coming with me.”

“Uhhhh... Are we going to do some recon or something?”

“No, this is just to kill some time.” Aaron wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but with Applejack and Twilight gone, he didn’t really have much to do to begin with.

“Okay, what are we doing then?”

“First we’re going to get the troops together, then we’ll have a little fun. Simple as that.” It wasn’t much to go on, but it would sate Aaron’s questions for now. “Come on, let’s get the others. I’m sure they’re bored and wanting something to do.” Draco took a few bottled waters and they began to gather the rest of his troops together.

~~~~~

Draco had gathered his troops in the center of town. Draco and Aaron were standing in a circle drawn in the sand as the other troops stood outside of it. Aaron looked to see the others as they looked back at him. They all seemed eager to do whatever was going on. “Draco, what’s going on then? What are we out here to do?”

Aaron soon got an answer as Draco spoke in a booming voice. “Aaron. We have gathered you here to permit you to join our ranks, to become one of us. Do you accept?”

“I-I I guess.” Aaron stuttered, surprised by the turn of events.

“No, you are or you are not. There is no in between answers on this. You either join us or you don't. Simple as that.”

“Then… Yeah. I will join you. I'm already going out on a dangerous mission.” Draco smiled at him.

“Alright. That’s more like it.” Draco snapped his fingers and pulled something off of his finger. It looked like a ring or a band. “You stand before us today as a pony… erm, thing.”

“Man.”

“Man, thank you, of a simple life," That was a little inaccurate due to recent events." to join us for our most noble cause is to leave your cozy life so ponies may go on in their peaceful life. Speak your name so that we may reveal to you our own.” Aaron wasn’t sure what he meant by the last part but he would play along.

“My name is Aaron.”

“Greetings brother. My name is Draco.” He walked over to his tall companion. “This here is my good friend Demo Reel.”

“W-Wait, I thought his name was Knit-pick?”

“That’s just a code name I gave him. We can't really afford strangers finding out who we really are, to threaten our families through our acts.” Draco continued down the line. “This bloated gut on legs is Bulk Biceps.” Aaron had always suspected that Boom-chew was a fake name. Then again, his best friends were Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. It wasn’t clear at the time and he didn’t piss him off. Though, as he looked at the white Pegasus, he was starting to wonder.

“Where are the biceps?”

“Bulk eats his feelings.” The white pegasus looked a little ashamed at the mention of that.

“Oh, I understand. Sorry I asked.” Draco continued down the line, coming up to Sneaky Quick.

“This is our spy master; Lock Pick. Thankfully, I managed to get him to keep his pants on for this encounter.” By the expressions the rest of them had, it was clear that they were all grateful that Draco managed to get him to do that.

“You already know Gilda and Strongheart.” Draco came to the two female troops. “Though, they still have code names I still want you to use if or when you’re in the field with us again. Strongheart here is called Howling Arrow. Gilda, we call Dark Feather.”

“Why?”

“It was a compromise. She didn't want any name I picked because she knew of Boom-chew and Sneaky Quick. Making up code names is hard, okay.”

“Was it her first choice?” Aaron's question had made Lock Pick withhold a snort, trying not to laugh in front of Gilda.

“Regardless, we trust you with these names in hopes of gaining your trust. That we can count on you when danger arises and that you will be there to aid your fellow brothers and sisters in battle. This task will not be an easy one and you are certain to find yourself in tough situations. As such, you will not have to face these challenges alone. The rebellion looks out for their own and we will be there in case you ever need us. The mission you are about to embark on is more than proof that you are one of us and I want to show you that gratitude.”

“Wouldn’t it be smarter to do it after the mission? To prove that I am reliable.”

“Actually.” Bulk said. “It's best that we do it now. Ya know, just in case you… well, you know.”

“We’re doing it now just in case ya die in the prison.” Gilda said in a blunt manner, giving Aaron a queasy sensation.

“Regardless, Aaron has shown that he is determined to fight against Tirek and his army. As such, we hereby assign you a code name for when you go out into the field and proof that you are among our ranks.” Draco begins to circle Aaron, his finger on his chin as he began to think of something fitting.

“How ‘bout Dweeb?” Gilda said with a snicker.

“Nah, has to be something sensible. Something that ponies will believe.” Draco thinks for a moment and smiles. “Hm… I got it! Aaron, from now on your code name shall be Right Hook.”

“Right Hook?”

“Indeed, after seeing you and Applejack training all week, I felt it was appropriate with how well you’ve shown progress. So, your name is Right Hook from here on out.”

“Thank you, Draco.”

“You’re most welcome.” Draco snapped his fingers once more, Demo coming up to him with a case. He opened it to show Aaron what looked to be a gleaming sword and scabbard. Draco picked it up and placed the blade on Aaron’s shoulder. “Do you solemnly swear to devote yourself, to devote your life to freeing the land from the rule of Tirek and his madness?” Aaron looked to the sword, uneasy being so close to a real weapon, let alone touching his shoulder.

“I… I do.”

“Do you solemnly swear to protect the royal family, to ensure their safety at all costs? Even if that cost is your life.” Aaron didn’t answer immediately on this one, but his answer was still delivered with certainty.

“I do.”

Draco paused for a moment, glaring at Aaron. “Do you… also promise to protect Applejack, as if she were a Celestia herself?” The others looked to one another confused. They never remembered Draco asking that of them. However, Aaron answered with great certainty.

“I swear it.”

“Then, as of this moment,” Draco removed the sword and placed it in its hilt. “This blade is imbued with your vows and you are hereby sworn into the rebellion and our family.” Draco handed the blade to Aaron. “Welcome, brother.” The others would applaud as the initiation came to a close, say for Gilda. She appeared to be warming up for something. Aaron took the sword and smiled at Draco, but not directly at Aaron.

“Thank you, Draco. I promise to uphold my promises and to make sure to make something of this reb-HRK!!!” A rush of agony went through Aaron’s lower body, slowly looking down to see a brown paw sticking out between his legs. He turned around to see Gilda with a satisfied look on her face. “D-Draco… why?” Aaron fell to his knees, mourning his shattered ball-bag after the hefty kick had lifted him off the ground for a moment.

“I’m really sorry, Aaron. It’s kind of our squad’s thing. Gilda was the last newbie who joined us and she went through the initiation as well. We all have, even I did. Hell, Bulk was the new guy before I came around. His legs are small but holy crap, can he kick.” Gilda retracted her paw from him, snickering to herself. It may have been for the ceremony, but most of what she did was because of what happened when they first met. “Look, it could have been worse, just suck it up and you’ll be fine.” With the main event done, the others left Aaron to his pain. Draco came over and comforted the human. “Though I gotta admit, I was expecting you to be a screamy.”

Aaron slowly looked up, taking a long deep breath. He didn’t talk immediately, still angry at him for what he had done, or at the very least not telling him. “W-Why didn’t you warn me.”

“Ya don't exactly draw new recruits in if ya tell them they gotta get kicked in the goods. They usually run when you tell them they're going to get kicked. I admit, it’s kind of foalish but it’s kind of a tradition for us. You wouldn’t believe how much the guys were bugging me to let ya join, just to watch ya get kicked.”

Aaron let out a pained groan. “Look, you’re one of us now. You have my respect and I’d be happy to call you a friend.” Aaron looked up at Draco and with a dead-panned glare. The pain had faded somewhat and he felt he could almost stand, but he was still sore about the situation.

“I… guess, you... kinda. Just let me know when you’re going to do something like that again, please. I’m not indestructible.”

“I wish you were, that would be extremely useful.” Aaron rolled his eyes as Draco grabbed the sword. “Here, this is yours now. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Not everything can be solved with a fist.” Aaron already knew that and held that belief close. Fighting wasn’t in his nature, however he knew that that was going to have to change the longer he stayed here.

He finally found the strength to get to his feet, stumbling about slowly as he took his new sword. It was heavier than it looked but lighter than he would have believed. Taking the strap, he threw it over his shoulder and tried to get comfortable “Come on, we best get ya back before Twilight and Applejack throw a fit.” Aaron could only chuckle as he followed close behind Draco.

“So, what’s with the ring?”

“Hm?”

“The ring, I saw you take it off.”

“Oh, this.” He pulled out a gold band, showing it to Aaron. There was an inscription on it, and as usual Aaron couldn’t make it out.

“Nice, what’s it say?”

“It says ‘Forever yours’. I wanted something more poetic, but not enough room on this thing.”

“I see, so it’s a wedding ring.”

“Yep.” There was a short pause.

“So, how long you been married?”

“Almost a year now. In fact, it's almost our anniversary. Been hoping to get Dash out and get back to her before then. I've been gone so long, I had wanted to make sure that I get back to her in time.”

“I don’t know what that’s like, but I’m glad you got someo- pony who cares about you like that.”

“Thanks. She means the world to me. In fact, after this was all done, I was hoping to start a family with her. Maybe find a nice country side home, small yard, a garden. Maybe a dog for the kids to play with.”

“Sounds like the ultimate retirement plan.” Aaron said with a chuckle. "So, what's her name or are there more than one?"

“No no, it’s just one mare. She keeps me busy as is, starting a herd with her would be exhausting, I don't think any stallion could handle her plus one more.” Draco chuckled as he put the ring back on his finger. “Her name is Spitfire and she is the reason I fight on." Draco would look on at the inscription on his band, sighing happily. "She's determined, hardworking, short tempered, and an amazing body.”

“Sounds like the whole package.”

“Ohhhh, you better believe it. Hell, before all this broke out, a mare like her wouldn’t even look at me. Long time ago, she was the captain to an elite group of fliers called the Wonderbolts. I was just some mail pony back then. Now, we’re both soldiers in the army to fight against a madman. Spitfire saved my life and I saved hers." Draco couldn't help but laugh to himself "We kept saving one another, that eventually, I asked her out for drinks. Few months later, I popped the question. Didn’t know if it was out of fear that we may die tomorrow or if we genuinely cared for one another. Regardless, I don’t regret a what I did. I would gladly propose to her again if I had the chance to do this all over. Though, I do wish I could have asked her sooner. One week after the wedding, my team and I are going against orders to come save Dash.”

“Do you miss her?”

“Every second of the day. There’s not a time when I’m not thinking about her. She probably thinks I’m dead though. Mail isn’t something we got out here and I can’t afford to leave these guys alone.” Draco sighed to himself as they found a rotted bench outside of the government building to sit on.

“Well, hopefully I can help you rescue your friends before then.”

“Aaron, if you do that for me, I would be eternally grateful.”

“I only promise to try, man. I’m not guaranteeing any miracles here.” Draco would look past his shoulder to see the returning Applejack and Twilight.

Draco couldn't help but chuckle as he stood up. “Just that you'd offer to try, means something to me.” He patted Aaron's shoulder before he walked off, just in time as Applejack and Twilight returned from their search. Aaron smiled at them, making room for them to sit.

“So, find anything worth reading?” Twilight looked at him confused.

“Reading? Why would I need anything else to read, my bag is- Oh, yes! We looked through a lot of comic books, but unfortunately we found nothing worth reading.”

“Oh, that’s a shame." Aaron could hear Applejack let out a giggle.

“Yeah, real shame.” She turned to Aaron, moving him aside so he was sitting in the middle of Twilight and herself. “So, Aaron. We’ve been thinkin’ for some time now.” Applejack began, looking at him in a strange manner. She was twirling her bangs, eyeing him up and down. He turned to Twilight who looked like she was about to burst out with another random word. “Twilight and I were hoping that you could join us for dinner to discuss something important.”

“Dinner? Sure, sounds like fun.” Applejack giggled again.

“I do hope so, sugar cube. I hope so.” Applejack left the bench went inside to make some final preparations for tonight. Aaron would merely shrug off her strange behavior as he turned to Twilight.

“So, are you going to act all weird and cryptic as well?” Twilight was staring straight ahead, deep in thought as sweat trickled down her coat. "Twilight?"

“W-Wha? Oh, no sorry. I’m fine… yep, fine fine fine.” Aaron could see it in her eyes that something was up.

“Twilight, are you okay?”

“Of course, I’m okay. Everything is okay, why wouldn’t they be?”

“Because you’re sweating bullets.”

“I… don’t know what you’re talking about. Is that an expression?”

“Yes, it means you are sweating in a very noticeable manner.” Aaron could see Twilight shaking softly as well. “Twilight, is everything okay? Do you need to go inside?”

“E-Everything is… i-is…” She sighed. “I can’t tell you, it’s a secret.”

“Oh, okay then.”

“I know you want to try and find out, but I swore I wou- wait what?” Twilight looked at Aaron confused, not used to such a reaction.

“If it’s a secret, then I won’t pry.” Twilight wasn’t used to this. Usually when she had a secret to keep, she was pretty terrible, often fumbling under pressure trying to keep it. Aaron merely dropped the subject and left it at that.

“I-… okay, not exactly sure how to respond to that.” She cleared her throat. “A-Anyway. I need to get ready for dinner. Aaron, can you join Applejack and I out here when the sun goes down please?”

“Sure, I’ll be there.”

“Thanks, I guess I'll see you then.” Twilight turned and walked off in an awkward manner, trying her hardest not to just run off. Aaron couldn't help but look back at today thus far, realizing that today was a weird day. Little did he know that things were going to get a whole lot weirder for him.

~~~~~

The sun was setting slowly over the horizon, Aaron waited patiently for his friends to meet him outside of the government building. He had changed into a new pair of clothes, not wanting to wear something that smelled of sweat. While he was still wearing his jeans, he had found a soft black shirt in his bag.

He couldn't help but ponder as he waited on what Applejack had said, only to hear the door open to reveal his two friends. “Hey sugar cube.” Applejack called out in a sing song voice. Aaron turned to them with a smile, eager for their dinner together. The two mares were cleaned up and looking presentable. He could even smell a sweet fragrance coming off of them as they approached him.

“Hey guys. Applejack, where’s your hat?” The orange earth pony sighed to herself.

“Twilight wanted to make this a formal thing, meaning no hats. Tonight’s important to us and we wanted to make it feel like it is. I would have preferred it to be casual, but we came to a compromise.” Aaron chuckled softly, looking to Twilight. She looked nervous as ever, trying her hardest not to make eye contact with Aaron as every second their eyes met, her face would turn bright red.

“Hi Twilight.”

“H-Hi Aaron.” Aaron had to admit; timid Twilight kind of was adorable.

The two mares joined Aaron as they began to walk through the town, each taking an arm for themselves. Aaron felt a jolt of energy as they did so. "W-where are we eating Applejack?"

“Just outside of town. I found a nice spot for us to sit and relax. Even found a lantern to give us some light when it gets dark. Should be far away enough to be out of earshot and for us to spot any unwanted guests.”

“Sounds good, lead the way AJ.” Applejack was way ahead of him, guiding Aaron and Twilight out of the small town. As they walked, Aaron turned to Twilight with a smile. “You smell nice, Twilight.” The purple alicorn began to fluster from his compliment.

“Thank you. I didn’t have anything nice to wear, so I thought I’d use some perfume I borrowed from Strong Heart. She had some perfume left over and I asked if I could use some. I wanted to make tonight to be special.” She smiled up at him, leaning against his arm as they came to the area AJ had picked out for them.

The area was lit with a candle lantern, showing a soft blanket on the desert floor. Beside it was a small basket that contained their dinner tonight. Applejack took a seat opposite of Aaron and Twilight, handing out plates and glasses to get things started. Applejack had worked hard on this dinner, even if there wasn't a lot they had to begin with. yet she managed to make something out of what was available.

First thing Applejack brought out was a bowl of crisp salad she had prepared herself. There wasn’t much in it but she managed to add a few canned vegetables to give it a bit of flavor. Twilight was drooling at the sight, sick of having canned beans for the last few days. Aaron was just happy that he was eating at all. Though, he was starting to miss eating meat. He could only live off of vegetables for so long.

As Applejack divided the food among herself and her friends, Applejack reached in and brought out Draco's gift for the evening; a bottle of wine as promised. Popping the cork of the wine as she began to pour the purple substance into the glasses for her friends. “Hope ya like it. It ain’t cider, but it sure as hell serves the purpose for tonight.”

Twilight agreed as she took a sip of her wine, savoring the flavor as it mixed in with her salad. “I love it, AJ." Twilight turned to Aaron, smiling warmly as he ate his food. "Aaron, we wanted to extend our deepest gratitude to you tonight. What you are doing for us tomorrow is quite brave and selfless. I may not be the best speaker when giving a toast, and I cannot truly find the words to tell you how much we appreciate what you are doing, but I hope that you understand that we are truly grateful."

“It’s no problem, though I must admit; I’m really flattered what you guys are doing for me. I’m just happy to help out where I can."

“Still, you’re taking a big risk for us, sugar cube. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.”

“In all honesty, I'm really terrified. There's so much riding on this, I'm afraid that I will let you all down. I want to show I can do something other than be a liability. We may not have known each other long, but you guys are my friends and I would do anything to help.” Applejack and Twilight smiled, raising their glasses to Aaron.

“To Aaron; The po- man of the hour.” Aaron raised his glass to them. The three of them downed what wine was left in their glasses and gasped, enjoying the sensation of the fermented grape juice traveling through their systems. “ya know…” Applejack began, looking from her glass to Aaron. “I have been thinking for some time now. Since… there is a chance that you may not come back.” Applejack began to softly turn a shade of red, looking down to the ground. “And… I was thinking… that before you go, I would ask you a question.”

“Sure, what do you want to ask?” Applejack turned to Twilight, who was just as red as Applejack.

“Aaron, we were hoping to ask if… you would want to be in a herd with us?” Aaron froze, remembering what Nightmare had told him all those nights ago. He couldn’t believe what they were asking him.

“Y-You mean…” Applejack nodded softly.

“I’ve been thinking about it for some time now. You’re really something and I felt like we connected on some level.” It was Aaron’s turn to turn red, looking to his empty wine glass and wondering if the alcohol was too strong for him and he wasn’t just hallucinating all of this. “Twilight feels the same too.” Aaron turned to the nervous princess, reaching for the wine to get another drink.

Once she downed her second glass, she gasped and turned to Aaron. “I-Its true. Aaron you have come so far and… I admit, when you saved my life that night in the Everfree, I felt a little spark. I needed some time to think it through, to make sure what I felt was real and not just some spur of the moment.” The two mares smiled at Aaron, slowly making their way to his side once more. Aaron could feel his heart racing at a million miles an hour, unable to believe that this was happening to him.

“So how ‘bout it handsome? Ya interested?” Aaron wanted to say yes, he wanted to get up to his feet and scream it to the heavens. Though, the weight of the situation had hit him and it made him think. They were asking for a relationship right before a dangerous mission, when this may be the last time they ever meet. To say that he had doubts was an understatement.

“You… really want this?” He asked, looking up to them.

“We do, Aaron.” Twilight’s eyes stared deep into his own as she spoke. “We wanted to ask you tonight because I wasn’t sure myself. When Applejack asked me to make the herd with you, I had to think about it and weigh the options. This isn’t something you just ask casually, it’s a serious commitment.” Twilight reached for Aaron’s hand, holding it close. “When you came into my life, you gave me something I thought I had lost so long ago, something I never thought we could have again. You gave me hope. Hope that there is still a chance for good in the world and I know that I want to hold onto that feeling.”

“But… I could die in there, Twilight. What if I don’t come back.”

“You will come back. I don’t have a single doubt that you will make it out of there alive and come back to us.” Aaron was at a loss for words, weighing his options and the consequences thereof.

“So… this herd thing, is there a ceremony for it to be official? Cause I’ve had my fair share of ceremonies for one day.” Applejack and Twilight giggled as they brought Aaron in for a hug, which soon lead to the first step of their new herd. Starting with Twilight, Aaron was found locking lips with the purple alicorn. He could practically hear fireworks going off in his head as their lips met for the first time. Once they broke off from one another, Applejack brought Aaron in for her kiss.

Aaron felt the same jolt of energy from Applejack as with Twilight, though in a much wilder and hungry variety. He wouldn’t be so bold as to compare the two, but if he had to choose who was the better kisser, he would be stuck in a permanent loop of debate trying to answer that question. Once Applejack broke from him, Aaron fell down onto the blanket, low on breath after the two sucked it out of him. “That was… w-wow!” He slowly sat up, smiling dumbly at them. “So… what does that make us now?”

“I believe the proper term is marefriends and coltfriend. Regardless, I would still like to be friends.” Twilight explained.

“However, we can do more than friends can.” Applejack would add, trailing a finger down Aaron’s chest in a sultry manner. Alarm bells were going off in his mind, his mind racing as he realized what exactly was going on. Applejack was slowly leaning in, bringing herself in for another kiss. Aaron was more than happy to oblige, lifting an arm to bring her in close. He could feel her heart beating through her breasts, matching his own speed as their kiss grew more and more feral in nature.

Aaron parted from her with a gasp, trying to catch his breath. “That gets better… every time.” Aaron turned to Twilight. “Do you want to get in on this too?” Twilight was nervous but she slowly leaned in, joining Aaron in a more loving kiss than a lustful one. She was gentle and precise, unlike Applejack who was wild and chaotic.

As Twilight enjoyed the kiss, Applejack would slowly retreat, only to see a thick bulge in his pants. “My my, somepony’s excited.” Twilight and Aaron looked down, only for him to turn a bright red.

“Heh, s-sorry. I’m really enjoying this.”

“Glad to hear it.” Applejack began to crawl down, Twilight giving her some room to work as AJ took hold of Aaron’s zipper, slowly pulling it down to free his penis. Twilight and Applejack looked on in awe at his alien phallus, examining it like a strange artifact. “It’s so…” Twilight began.

“Tiny.” Applejack bluntly finished, slicing Aaron’s self-esteem in two in one quick word. “Are all humans like this?” It began to shrink some, shocking Applejack. She looked up to see a shamed look on his face. “I-It’s okay, Aaron. There’s nothing to be ashamed about.” He wasn’t buying it, the damage had been done. Applejack knew a quick fix as she slowly took hold of him.

Aaron suddenly gasped as he felt her soft hand grasp him, making him seize up from the sudden touch. “Come on. I don’t want to make ya feel bad on your special night.” Applejack leaned in and kissed him once more, softly stroking him. “I’m sorry if I made ya feel bad. I ain’t never really seen one like yours before. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, honest. Size don't really matter to me none, how you use it, now that's what gets me going.” Aaron couldn't help but smile at her efforts, bringing her in close for another quick kiss.

“Thank you. Just… don’t call it small please. Guys don’t really like it.”

“Would ya like me to call it the biggest I ever saw?” Aaron only chuckled.

“No, just... lets not talk about the size anymore. Its... really embarrassing.” He began to think for a moment. "Though, if you wanna make it up to me, then maybe you two can help me through this. I... don't know what I'm doing." Applejack and Twilight looked at him with a raised brow, the two of them developing various ideas of how they could turn that to their advantage. “I-I mean, I’m not a virgin. I’ve done it once already.”

“Yeah, with a mare in her estrus cycle. Ya could run a finger along her good stuff and she’d tell ya you were the best she ever had.” Aaron began to fluster. “We’re not in heat, thus it’s going to take some effort to please us. However,” Applejack slowly began to unbutton her blouse. “It ain’t about us tonight. Tonight,” Once the last button came off, Aaron could feel himself on the verge of a heart attack at what he saw.

Applejack pulled her shirt apart to unleash her buxom breasts and shapely abs. She cared nothing for bras, finding them too restricting. Aaron was currently thanking whatever god this world had for giving Applejack such an amazing body. “W-Wow.”

“Thanks sugar cube. Glad ya like ‘em.” She cups the large D+ breasts, lifting them up and bouncing them in a teasing manner. Every time they left her hand, Aaron could feel himself grow more and more. “Twilight, ya wanna join me.”

Twilight couldn’t respond, her hands were almost to her shirt to pull it off, but stopped. “Aaron. I do want to be in a herd with you, but… I’m not ready to… give up my first time. Is that okay with you.” Aaron nodded in understanding.

“Of course. If you don’t want to go all the way, then I will respect that.” Twilight began to turn red, gripping her shirt and pulling it off to reveal a soft bright purple bra. The cold air had worked its magic and Aaron could see two small hills formed on her bra, making Aaron shake with excitement. He was sitting with two beautiful, topless women. If death was to come his way in the prison tomorrow, tonight more than made up for it in his mind.

“Now, who’s ready for a little fun?” Applejack said didn't give Aaron time to respond, slowly leaning down and enveloping his shaft with her soft lips. Aaron could do nothing but turn into putty in her grasp, falling back with his mouth hanging low as he moaned with pure pleasure.

Applejack’s tongue swirled around his pink head, making Aaron shake and twitch with each motion she made. Twilight would watch in curiosity, studying Applejack’s technique. She wanted to learn how to do this properly and from Aaron’s expression, Applejack was doing a phenomenal job. Yet, as she watched, Twilight could feel a warmth down below, her breath growing heavy each second she watched Applejack take their new herd mate into her mouth.

With a lewd pop, Applejack turned her attention to Aaron, still panting from the pleasure. “W-Why’d you stop? That was utterly amazing!”

“Just thought I’d tease ya a bit.” She giggled softly, turning to Twilight. “Twi, you wanna take a crack at it?” Twilight flustered and moved over to Aaron, looking at his strange penis with intrigue.

“Interesting shape.” Twilight said as she grasped his tip softly. Aaron responded with a sharp gasp. “Pleasure nerves are focused at the edge of the penal growth." She gave him a soft poke, making him twitch. "Fascinating. Though, from the size I take it that your females have smaller vaginas?”

“Can we… please not talk about the size anymore.” Aaron looked up at them, just in time to see Twilight take him into her muzzle. She was slow and robotic, lacking rhythm. After Applejack’s amazing job, it was obvious to him that Twilight was very much new in the physical performance of sex. That didn't mean that she wasn't bad. “Mmmmph. T-Twilight, that’s… ahhhh… that’s good.” Twilight smiled softly and got a little bolder, taking more of him into her muzzle. “Hahh… e-easy there Twi, ya don’t have to push yourself.” Twilight brought herself to a stop, blushing as she let go.

“S-Sorry.”

Aaron sighed. “It’s okay, you did good.”

“Not as good as Applejack.”

“It’s not a contest. You girls are amazing and I’m thankful that I have you both with me here tonight.” Twilight smiled warmly turning to Applejack, sending a silent signal to her. Applejack understood as they went further and stripped until they were completely naked. Aaron couldn’t help but gawk, staring upon what he could only describe as pure beauty.

Applejack was a very well endowed mare. Her breasts and ass were large and plump, filled with muscles she worked hard to get over the years. They were even more defined as she stayed in the light of the lantern, creating thick shadows on her body as she sat there with them. Twilight, not as muscular, still had a body worth admiring. Her wings were tucked away on her back, hiding her backside and breasts, still a little uneasy about exposing herself to Aaron. Though, she slowly took them away to show her breasts to him. Regardless of how the two looked, Aaron was just happy to be with them. Twilight spoke up. "N-Now that we've shown ours, can we see yours?"

Smiling, Aaron took off his clothes with an eager speed, sitting up on the blanket to show as he looked upon his new lovers. He didn’t have much in terms of muscle, but that had changed with Applejack’s rigorous, and quite brutal training over the past week. “You're both beautiful.” His nervousness was gone, having been replaced with something that allowed him to speak clearly and surely to them both. Applejack didn't waste anymore time as she placed a hand on his chest, slowly pushing him back down to the blanket.

“Just relax. I’ll take care of anything.” Aaron nodded and looked down to her legs. He could see her soaked marehood grinding against him. Her marehood was thick with large lips, dribbling a clear liquid as she had been wanting attention for some time now. He figured that was just what happened when a mare was in heat but seeing her pussy had changed his hypothesis on that.

After a short session of grinding, Applejack took hold of Aaron’s shaft and guided him through. Applejack would let out a husky moan as she felt her walls being parted for the first time in so long. The touch alone would send shivers down her spine as she finally hilted himself inside her. He couldn't reach much of her, but he could get far enough that it would scratch her itch.

Applejack was panting softly as she placed her hands on Aaron’s chest, trying to get used to him before they began. “Y-You okay, AJ?” Aaron grunted, trying to hold himself back. She could only nod for her answer, trying to get ahold of herself as she slowly locked her legs and began to rise. Aaron was moaning in pleasure as he felt him leave her thick lips, a loud slurping sound could be heard as she moved.

Before his tip could leave her entirely, Applejack slid back down with a hard slap, letting out a loud moan. She began again and tried to get a rhythm going. Each rise and fall from AJ’s hips got a reaction out of them both; be it a moan, a yelp, or a loud slap when their hips made contact. Regardless, Applejack was enjoying the pleasure she felt from being with him.

Aaron could only lay there and let Applejack work, though he would turn to Twilight, whose hand had vanished in between her legs as she sat down watching them. Aaron got an idea. “T-Twilight… you want to come… mmmph… l-lay with me?” Twilight was more than happy to, taking the spot beside Aaron as he listened to him and Applejack engage in their soft rutting session. Aaron moved a hand slowly to her crotch, tapping her own to give him passage.

Twilight’s hands slowly moved away to reveal her own marehood, soaked from watching her friend mount one another. Aaron slid a finger into Twilight, exploring her tunnel slowly and tried to match Applejack’s movements. Twilight began to moan alongside her, feeling Aaron parting her soft marehood. She couldn’t take the pleasure she felt, rolling over and gripping Aaron’s arm as his fingers danced inside her. “Ah, A-Aaron!” Twilight cooed, feeling her metal leg hit her hooves as it twitched.

“T-Twilight, Applejack this is… ahhh… a-amazing!” Applejack had picked up the pace, feeling a pressure building up in her loins. She kept Aaron pinned down as her movements became much more heavy, hearing her hips slap against his. Aaron had grown a little bold and used his remaining hand on Applejack. He took a handful of Applejack’s rump, making her yell out in pleasure. “D-Damn, AJ! Your ass is awesome.”

“T-Thank you.” Applejack cooed, only to give out a sharp yelp as she felt his hand slap her right cheek. “AGH! D-Do it again!” She screamed. Aaron smiled and gave her another spank, this one a bit harder. Applejack responded as such with another loud yelp. “O-One more time! I-I need it bad!” Aaron couldn’t help but smile at that.

“Oh yeah? How much do you need it?”

“A-Agh… I-I’m close! I’m so fucking close!” Applejack’s movements were growing quicker, her body was shaking with each movement and her pussy was leaking like a faucet. Seeing the lewd expression on Applejack’s face, he couldn’t bring himself to keep her waiting. He drew back his hand and delivered a final spank, sending Applejack in a spiraling orgasm that rocked her to the very core. Her back arched as she erupted like a volcano, in more ways than one. Her marehood exploding with juices, coating Aaron in mare cum. Her eyes had shrunken down to the size of pins as she was left satisfied, soon enough falling forward onto Aaron’s chest, panting heavily. “Th-Thank you… Thank you, Aaron. I needed that… so much.”

Aaron smiled as he parted her hair from her eyes. Seeing the look of a mare who had found something special in her eyes. “I was more than happy to be of service.” He said, hearing Twilight starting to reach her own orgasm. Though it wasn’t as rapturous as Applejack’s, she did let out a soft yelp as well as clench her legs together to squish his hand. It wasn’t painful but it was a strange sensation to feel Twilight’s slit and legs flex with her orgasm. Once she was done, he retrieved his hand, finding it soaked in Twilight’s juices as well. “How was it?”

Twilight panted huskily, trying to recollect herself. “Much better… than when I do it… myself.”

“I’ll take that as you enjoyed it.” Applejack removed herself to find something interesting; Aaron hadn’t finished.

“You’re… still hard?” Applejack asked in disbelief. Twilight came up to confirm it and still saw him pointing up.

“Yeah. I’ll admit, I was getting close but you came half way before I started feeling any pressure.”

“Ya don’t say.” Applejack sat up, smiling deviously. “Twilight, care to help me finish him off?”

“Ooh, sounds like fun AJ.”

“W-What? You guys don't have to. I'm just happy you both got what you needed” Aaron could only watch as Applejack grasped him from one side as Twilight attacked from the other. The two mares were relentless as they attacked with their mouths, lips, tongue, Applejack even using her breasts to toy with Aaron. The area was soon engulfed with the human’s screams of delight. Feeling the two attack him in a combined effort that would make his pole throb with excitement. “Holy fuck! T-Twilight, Appleja-AGH!!!” The two were now taking turns sucking him off. Each would engulf him in three strokes and let the other take him on.

Sweat began to develop as they went on and on. Applejack eventually stopped and left Twilight to work as she circled around, stroking him from behind. "Go on, give Twilight that seed o' yours." Twilight smiled softly as she laid back, preparing herself for what was to come. With a few final strokes, Aaron cried out as he felt the rush of his orgasm. He felt several thick ropes leave him and coat Twilight's chest, lightly matting her coat as it came to an end.

Aaron laid in Applejack's moist lap, not caring if it would mess up his hair. He was far too happy living in the moment to care about anything else. With a smile, Applejack brought out the final item in the basket for their night; a towel. Applejack was planning on something to happen tonight and she wanted to be prepared. "Here, this should clean ya up." Twilight took it gladly and began to dry herself off.

"Thank you." She returned the towel to AJ, letting her clean up her own sweat and cum. As she did so, Twilight began to get dressed, only to hear Applejack yawned and lay beside Aaron on the ground. Confused, Twilight looked at her friends. "You're really going to sleep out here?"

“You bet. You want to take the other side?” Twilight smiled as she dropped her clothes on the ground.

“As if you have to ask.” Twilight joined Applejack and Aaron, using her cloak to act as their blanket for the night. Aaron couldn’t help but smile, bringing Twilight and Applejack in to hold them close. He was happy, happier than he had ever been in his life. He would surely remember this day for a very long time. Nothing could ruin this night for him, wanting to keep the memory clear and vivid in his mind as he drifted off to sleep with his new herd.

~~~~~

Far from Appaloosa, the griffons lay sleeping in their bunks, all say for one. The warden and commander of the prison filed his weekly report, making sure everything was in order. The faint glow of the lantern illuminated his personal quarters, giving him all he needed.

A faint tap was heard on his window, alerting the aged griffon to a visitor. His scarred eye looked to the window, seeing a silhouette standing outside of his office. With a small grunt, the commander stood up and opened the window. “What news have you for me?” He asked in a low voice.

“Draco and his team are preparing to sneak another agent into the prison.”

“I would have thought the stubborn fool would have learned by now. Surely he knows he just giving us more workers at this point.”

“His idiocy will be his downfall, but it seems they have some new guests? One that I think will… benefit you greatly in the eyes of our lord.” This had caught the griffon’s attention. “Twilight Sparkle and her friend, Applejack, along with a strange creature have taken residence in the town. Twilight is connected telepathically to it and they plan on using him to communicate with their leader and plan a break out.” The griffon’s one good eye lit up, shocked to hear some news that is actually of worth.

“You have done well, I shall see you are greatly rewarded.”

“Thank you. What are your orders?”

“Stay among them for the time being. Let them play their little game for a while longer. Then, we will capture the remaining elements.”

“What of the Draco, and the traitor among them?” The griffon commander merely chuckled. “Ah, as if I would expect anything else. Will you guarantee my safety when you do decide to attack?”

“I will make sure that you are safe. You still have great use to me and I intend to keep you around for quite some time. For now,” The griffon reached under the desk and handed the spy a small plate of fresh fruit and a bag of gold. “A token of my gratitude.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“No… thank you.”