I stood in the shower, scrubbing my chest vigorously. I wasn't mad. As a matter of fact I was happy, my prank worked. I got my sisters back and even talked to them after their little payback. Many tears were shed, and a lot of crushing hugs were given. Rarity was kind enough to allow me to use her shower to wash the blue colour off my body. Which was followed by more apologising for the way they all reacted. We had a new arrival to the boutique, to which the pony in question was all to happy to help me 'clean' off.

“So? Tell me again, how did ya get this stuff on ya?”

“I pranked Rarity and Fluttershy, Twilight got caught in the middle.” I turn to my shower companion. “Honestly Applejack, your acting like you're jealous or something.”

“Ah just don't like it when somepony else puts their hooves on my stallion.”

“Their my sisters Applejack and your friends, or should I say soon to be sisters in law.” I say, cleaning my arms. “It was a laugh, that's all.”

“Ah know, ah know! It's just that ah have found ma perfect stallion and ah'm afraid.”

“Afraid?” I chuckle. “Afraid of what?” I kneel down, relishing the hot water flowing over my back and wings.

“Afraid of not being good enough.” Applejack looks away from me. “For ya, ah mean.”

“Not being good enough, now what have I said about you saying crap like that.” I put my hand on her cheek and rub her fur. “Do you think I would have even asked you to marry me, if I thought for second you weren't good enough?”

“Ah guess not.” Applejack puts a hoof on my hand and nuzzles my palm. “Ah've never felt like this before, ah guess it's still sinking in.”

I stand up, bringing my wings around. “You know, these need a good cleaning too! I'm not sure I got all of it.” I laugh, then cringe as Applejack strokes my wing tips.

Applejack laughs. “Sensitive, ain't we?” Applejack kneads through my feathers, I feel every hoof touch. “Ah see some ya missed, hold on.” Applejack takes a sponge and wipes the blue out of my feathers. My whole body shivers, I however didn't notice the hardening down below. “Seems like you're enjoying it.” I moan slightly as Applejacks hoof strokes my shaft.

“You know Applejack the others are down stairs and we have some free time.” I wiggle my eyebrows.

“Here!?” Applejack shouts. “What if somepony hears us?”

“Well, I don't care! But if you think it's a bad idea then.....” I trail off as a feeling shoots through me. I stumble back, holding my head.

“John! What's wrong?” Applejack says, trotting up and placing a hoof on my arm.

“I just....” The feeling shoots through me again. “Agh! My head! What the fuck!” I grab my head again as I roll on the floor. “Applejack! Somethings wrong! I think.....” I'm cut off again as another wave of pain racks my whole body. “By Luna's moon, this fucking hurts!”

Applejack runs to the bathroom door. “Twilight! Come quick! Somethings wrong with John!” The sound of something smashing is followed by frantic hooffalls running up the stairs. Applejack runs back to me and quickly ties a towel around my thrashing form.

Twilight bursts in, a look of concern as she spots me thrashing.

“What's happening?” Twilight asks, running over to me.

“I don't know! I was talking to Applejack about getting funky in Rarity's shower when this pain shoots through me!” I shout, the pain not subsiding.

“You were what!?” Rarity shouts.

“Help him Twilight!” Applejack shouts.

“I don't know what's happening to him! I can't cure what I don't know!” Twilight replies.

The girls all look at me as my body starts to glow. “No! Not now! I can't be changing now!” I shout. My body contorts as an image flashes through my head, I recognise the multi coloured mane. “Rainbow?” I say, the girls all look at me in confusion. The image flashes again, but this time rainbow was in a forest, the images then come fast and short like some sort of weird memory time lapse video. The images show Rainbow walking alone through a forest, a look of fear on her face. Rainbow quickly turns around as an object hits her in the head, before the image fades a creature all too familiar grins down at her. When the image disappears, the pain in my body vanishes.

I sit up still holding my head in one hand, sweat pours down my face. I look to Applejack as I feel her touch my arm. I place my free hand on her hoof and smile, before I turn to Twilight.

“Twilight, I need to talk to princess Celestia and Luna.” Twilight looks at me for further information, when I don't give it, she sighs.

“What happened brother?” Twilight asks.

“I had a vision or something that could be called that.” I rub my head again. “I can't tell you more, but I need the princesses to come here.” I get to my feet. “Rarity, I might need your clothing expertise again.”

“Way ahead of you darling.” Rarity's horn glows and a pile of clothes floats in form outside the bathroom. “I even made the shirt fit for your wings.”

“Thanks Rarity, now I need to change ladies.” I say.

“Oh of course brother, Just give us a shout when your ready.” Twilight states, as she and the others apart from Applejack leave.

I put the clothes on the sink top, and proceed to put them on. I hear hoof steps behind me as Applejack walks up and stands beside me. I meet her gaze and I know the question, she doesn't even have to ask it.

“It was about Rainbow, I saw her.”

“Ya said it was a vision?”

“Yes, I saw dash but it was like I was looking through an out of focused camera, everything was hazy.”

“Was she in trouble?”

“More than that, she was afraid. Someone hit her from behind and knocked her out.”

“Who?” Applejack put a hoof on my leg.

“It was the griffon that hunted me all these months, Varala.” I reply, my hands clenching. “I have to find her Applejack, you girls don't know what Varala is like.” I turn my head to Applejack. “She will stop at nothing to get me and everyone I hold dear, she's the worst kind of evil. She's evil with intelligence.” I push myself from the sink top and find my hands left behind two scorch marks. I turn to the bathroom door. “But I will say this Applejack, she must die.” I open the door and exit, leaving Applejack sitting by the bathroom sink, her head hung low.

I walk down the stairs to confront my sisters, only to stop dead as I spot two ponies I never thought I would see yet.

“Hello John, i'm glad to see you again.” Princess Celestia says, bowing her head.

“Yes, I too am relieved to see you unharmed.” Princess Luna adds, also bowing her head.

Out of respect for both I reciprocate their bows.

“Princesses I had no idea you were coming.” I say.

“We did not give notice, i'm sorry if that bothers you.” Celestia replies.

“No, not at all. I didn't think I would see you so soon, that's all.”

“We had some bad news, and we both thought it would be best to deliver it in person.” Luna states. “Can we speak in private John?”

I turn to the girls. “Sisters can you give us a minute? I promise we won't be long.”

“Oh course Brother, we have some chores to do anyway, and I think Sweetie Belle might be getting up to something.” Rarity replies. “Come on girls, let's give John some quiet time with the princesses.”

I see the girls hesitate and Twilight look to Celestia. Celestia nods as Twilight and the others leave, Applejack giving me a kiss before she joins the others. When the boutiques main door closes I turn my gaze back to the princesses. What is see was not pity or sorrow but happiness.

“Well it seems you and the element bearer of honesty have grown quite close.” Luna says.

“It's more than that Princess, I have asked her to marry me.” I reply.

Both Celestia and Luna look at me in shock.

“You have asked for her hoof in marriage?” Celestia asks.

“Yeah, why? Is it not allowed?” I ask, frowning.

“Far from it, I offer you my celebration of your union, and if you wish I offer Canterlot castle for your wedding.” Celestia states.

“I don't think that will be necessary Princess, we are not rushing the wedding plans.” I reply.

“Oh? I just assumed that with your year long training coming up, you both would like to marry before then.”

“No. Anyway it's not like I can't leave the training grounds on my days off. We can marry when my training has a gap, i'm sure we can schedule it.” I say.

“Perhaps but we are getting off topic. We wanted to speak to you because, we know.” Celestia states, looking into my eyes.

“You know what?” I ask.

“We know, about Miss Dash. We felt your magical surge, that is why we are here.” Luna answers. “We have come to say...let us handle it.”

“No.” I reply.

“No?” Celestia mimics.

“No.” I fold my arms. “There is no way I am not helping in Rainbows rescue. She is my sister!” I unfold my arms and point to Luna. “I don't even care that you might stop me, if I have to go through you, then I won't hesitate.” I see Celestia frown but Luna just smirks. “I am helping and that's final!”

“Very well, I have no authority over you. That is my sisters domain, but I ask this of you. What do you plan to do when you capture the criminal?”

I laugh, causing Celestia to tilt her head slightly. “Capture? I'm not going to capture the criminal, No. This criminal has gone to far this time, I gave her ample warning to leave me alone; but like most bad guys, she didn't listen.” I turn to the boutiques main door. “No princess, i'm going to destroy her!” I walk towards the door and reach for the handle.

“So your going to kill then?” Celestia asks.

I turn back. “Yes.”

“I cannot permit that.”

I open the door but before I leave, I say one last thing.

“I never asked for your permission.”

Rainbow sat alone, staring at the ground. Her tears had long since dried up. Five hours, Rainbow thought to herself. Five long hours staring at the cold hard floor of her cell, five long hours since that griffon shoved her in here. Rainbow was tired, her body ached, even worse was her head. The griffons walking around not even cleaning her head wound, the blood still caked her fur in long red streaks down her face. Rainbow had shouted before, asking what they had taken her for? All it got her was two kicks in the ribs, and a lot of prodding with some electric device.

Rainbow raised her head, the two griffon guards still standing outside her cell. Rainbow looked around again, same grey walls, same empty room. Rainbow sighed, one of the guards turns around.

“Well look who came around!” The griffon leaned into the bars of the cell. “The boss has some great plans for you, all involving that large creature friend of yours.”

Rainbow looks to him. “What creature?” Rainbow asks.

“That tall biped one, that bastards been on the boss's mind all six months long. When she find him, he's gonna wish he died back in the colonies.”

Rainbow lowers her head as the two griffons laugh at each other, Johns alive.....My brother is alive. A smile creeps over Rainbows face.

“What are you doing!?” Rainbow lifts her head up, a female griffon stood in the doorway to the cell's room. “Who gave you orders to talk to her?”

“No one sir!” The guard replies.

“If I catch you talking to her one more time, I'll throw you in the pit, got that!?”

“Yes sir!” Both guards shout.

“Now open the door!” The female griffon shouts. The guards quickly unlock and push open the cell door. The female griffon walks up to Dash and just glares at her. “Do you know who I am?” The griffon asks. Rainbow just shakes her head. “Good! Let me introduce myself.” The griffon places a clawed foot onto her chest. “My name is Varala, and I will be your host for this evening.”

“What do you want with me?” Dash asks.

Varala leans in closer. “Oh you have the best part to play in my little scheme, I know who you are...Rainbow Dash!” The blood runs from Rainbow face. “Oh yes! I know you and all your little pony friends, but I digress. Like I mentioned, you have a big part to play.”

“And what is that?” Rainbow asks, unsure if she wants to hear the answer. Rainbow feels something hit the back of her head causing her to fall to the ground. Rainbows eye's begin to close as Varala answers her question.

“Bait!”

I walk out the boutique door, not bothering to close it behind me. I hear hooves quickly approach, I turn in time to see Celestia stride up behind me. Celestia stands almost nose to nose with me.

“You turn your back to me?” Celestia says.

“No, I turn my back to walk out. Not my fault you happened to be behind me when that happened.” I smirk. “Besides Princess Luna is my superior, not you.” I narrow my eyes. “But that is what's bothering you isn't it?”

Celestia pulls away. “What!?”

“Of course! I can see it now! Your jealous!” I state, pointing to Celestia. “All this time I thought it's because of me, that you were afraid I would turn Equestria on it's head. However, I have seen your contempt of Luna's decisions. The small look of disappointment in your expression.” Celestia goes to say something but I cut her off, ignoring the ponies starting to gather. “Don't lie! You know i'm correct! Even now you are to full of yourself to admit you still fear Luna.”

“I...I...” Celestia stutters, before sighing heavily. “Your right...”

“Pardon?”

“Your right.” I see tears appear in Celestias eyes. “For a millennia I waited for my sisters return, I looked to the moon every night I raised it. I regretted everything I did, but I knew that sending Luna to the moon was the right thing, even if it meant I would rule alone.” I see Luna come out of the boutique and hold up my hand before she could speak.

“So? Why this contempt for her? I will follow her orders without question but you don't see me hating her.”

“I know and that is what scares me, you are an enigma to me! I can't read you, but Luna can....It just frustrates me!” Celestia replies, tears falling down her cheeks. Celestia suddenly lunges forward and grabs me. “You promise me, that my sister will be safe. You are her champion, you are her friend more than me.” Celestia lowers her head and cries into my shoulder. I didn't know what to do. I had the most powerful being crying into my shoulder and I just froze. I finally raise one hand and placed it on the back of Celestias head, my other hand I placed on Celestias back.

I turn to look at the ponies gathered near us, most were crying too but others just had shocked expressions. 'Guess they never saw Celestia cry before' I think to myself. I steel my gaze and pull Celestia away so I could stare into her eye's.

“I promise you as Luna's champion, as her friend, I will protect her even if it means my own death!” Celestia sniffs back a few tears, nodding.

“Thank you John, I haven’t cried like that for centuries. It felt good.”

“Though I am Luna's champion, if you need somepony or someone to talk to, don't hesitate to contact me.” I hug Celestia again. “Just because you are the co ruler of a nation, does not mean you don't have feelings too.”

“Thanks....I should get back to Canterlot now, I have some more research to do.” Celestia walks backwards, her horn a glow. “Why don't you come to Canterlot again? Steel Wing would like to meet you again, in a more friendly atmosphere this time. I think he wants a rematch.”

“Tell him I would like to spare with him sometime, he might teach me some new things.”

“I will.” Celestia turns back to look at Luna. “Sister, I will meet you back at the palace, we have much to talk about.” I one flash of light, Celestia was gone.

“John, I never knew my sister felt that way.” Luna says, sitting on her haunches with her ears folded back.

“Celestia is a powerful pony and she has ruled alone for centuries, she needed a release. I gave it to her.” I reply.

“Wonder what your marefriend would say if I worded it like that, you giving my sister a much needed release.” Luna states, grinning. “It might go down quite well don't you think?”

“You wouldn't dare!”

“Watch me!” Luna suddenly bolts towards Sweet Apple Acres direction.

“Hey wait!” I shout, legging it after her. “Luna don't you dare say anything to Applejack, that mare Is scary!”

Luna laughs as I continue to chase her through the town, ponies stop and stare, some with grins others with looks of confusion. I almost caught Luna when she stops dead, causing me to slam into her backside. I go to say something when Luna points ahead, I look up and several griffons are hovering above us. Two griffons were holding the unconscious form of Rainbow, I growl and walk forward. A griffon flies down towards the ground and stops in front of me and Luna.

“Greetings human, or should I say John?”

I clench my fists. “Varala! Give me Rainbow, now!”

“Oh and what makes you think your in a position to demand? I have your friend, I hold all the cards.”

“You are a spineless bitch! Always hiding behind your men or some hostage! Why not face me alone or are you a coward!” I say, throwing a pointed finger at Varala.

“What did you just call me!?”

“I called you a coward or are you deaf too?” Varala walks closer. “You want me Varala, your going to have to fight but drop Rainbow first.”

“Why not make it interesting.” Luna finally says from behind me.

“How interesting?” Varala asks. “And how do I know you ain't going to interfere? Princess.”

“This is your and Johns fight, I will not interfere.”

“Fine! How about this? If I win John you come back with me and be my little pet but if you win, I leave and never bother you again. How does that sound?”

“I can accept that, but how do I know you will keep your side of the bargain?” I reply.

“You don't.”

“Then no deal!” I say.

“Fine, but dear Rainbow Dash here will pay the price for your forfeit.” I see one of the griffons hold a silver blade to Rainbows throat.

“No!” I shout, stepping forward. “I agree, let her go, Luna can take her.” I notice Varala hesitate. “You have your fight, now let Rainbow go.”

Varala nods her head to her griffon followers and Rainbow is lowered to the ground. Luna strides over and carries Rainbow in her magic, as Luna walks away she turns back and smiles. Mouthing 'destroy her' before flying away.

I turn my gaze back to Varala, my expression hardening. “So? How long until your lackeys join this time?” I ask, twirling my arms around.

“They won't, this time it's just you and me.” Varala Replies.

“Oh good, wouldn't want it to be unfair now, would we?”

“Just shut up and accept your fate, you'll never beat me. You didn't in the Colonies and you won't here!” Varala states, lowering down into a combat stance.

I lower my head, closing my eye's. I feel the town around me, the buildings, the sounds. I feel the energy rise in my body, I smile as I open my eyes and see my hands start to glow. I tilt my head up slightly and grin at Varala.

“I hope you made peace with everyone back home Varala, because you won't be leaving here alive.” I state, before launching myself forward, my wings flared and an almost primal scream of rage leaving my lips.