It took me and Applejack a further 30 minutes before we finally made it out of the bathroom. I was currently standing on a cold floor with only a towel around my waist, I bent down to put back on my clothes from before.

“Don't put those things back on!” Applejack says to me, reapplying her mane and tail ribbons.

“Well, what am I supposed to wear then? All my clothes are at Twilights.”

Applejack blushes and hoofs the floor. I deadpan.

“You brought them here didn't you?” I ask, pointing and narrowing my eyes at Applejack.

“Ah thought it would be better that way, ya don't mind do ya?”

“No, but I would like to have thanked Twilight for all she has done.”

“Ah think that gem ya brought back for her more than says thank ya.”

I nod. “Maybe your right, then again it's not like I won't see her again. She is my sister after all.”

“Yeah, now let me take ya ta your new room.”

I gesture ladies first as I open the bathroom door, I give my wings a quick flap to make sure they don't drip water. After I was satisfied I left the bathroom, only to run smack into the CMC.

“See! Told ya he was muscled.” Apple Bloom says, gesturing to me. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo just stare wide eyed, I notice their gazes fall on my scars. I facepalm.

“What's going on?” I ask, pinching the bridge of my nose. I look up and see Applejack just sitting near by, a large grin on her face.

“Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle didn't believe me when ah said ya were as muscled as Big Mac. So ah brought them here first ta see ah was right.” Apple Bloom replies, clearly unaware of the awkwardness of the situation.

“And?” I ask, the three fillies.

“And what?” Sweetie Belle asks, finally breaking out of her stare.

“Am I as muscled as Big Mac or not?” I flex an arm. Scootaloo walks up and eyes my arm.

“I'm not sure, what do you two think?”

“Ah would say yes, though ah think we should test both of them.”

“Great idea!” Sweetie Belle shouts. “We could be judges or umpires.”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER STRENGTH TESTERS YAY!” All three shout in unison.

“Strength testers?” I started to get worried.

“Yeah! You and Big Mac will get put through tests, and we will be the judges. The pony with the most wins is labelled the most muscled pony in Ponyville!” Scootaloo replies, jumping up an down. “It will be so cool!”

“Girls! Can I stop you there? I haven't tested my strength for a long time, even when I was away. I held back my abilities and only used them when I really needed to.” I kneel down, making sure I wasn't exposing myself. “What I’m trying to say is, I don't know how strong I have gotten. I could end up doing something bad.” I stand back up. “Until I can safely test my abilities, I won't put anypony in harms way.”

“Ya can do those tests here on the farm.” Applejack adds, I give her a stare. “We have plenty of room and besides mah brother ain't gonna back down from a challenge.”

I sigh. “Fine! Tell you girls what, we will set up these tests tomorrow if, and I stress that point. If, Big Mac agrees too.” I fold my arms.

The three fillies squee in delight and hug my legs, I grab my towel before it falls off. The three terrors run off down the stairs probably in search of Big Mac.

“You really want me to compete?” I ask Applejack, as we continued to my new room.

“Sure ah do! Ah want ta see if mah stallion can beat mah brother.”

“I don't know, Big Mac is pretty strong, he could beat me. Then again, I haven't really opened up my strength. This challenge will show me exactly what I can do.”

“And ah'll be right there cheering ya on.”

“Not your brother?”

“Your mah stallion.” Applejack replies as we come to a stop outside....

“This is your room.” I state, gesturing to the Applejack sign on the door.

“Ah know, if we are a couple, ah thought ya would like ta sleep in the same room as me.”

I bend down and kiss Applejack's forehead. “I have no complaints.”

Applejack pushes open the door, and steps inside. I step in behind her and survey the room. The room was quite basic, apart from the new looking large bed to the right and a new wardrobe to the left. I spotted a dressing table topped with a brush and one large mirror. Applejack walks over to the new wardrobe.

“Your clothes are in here.” She states, opening the wardrobe doors. “Ah didn't know what ya wanted ta wear, so ah put them all in by colour, is that alright?”

“It's fine.” I reply, walking up and pulling out a t-shirt and trousers. “Uh Applejack? Where's my underwear?”

“They are in the last two drawers of the dresser.” Applejack calls back, as she leaves the room.

“Where are you going?” I ask, looking away from the dresser as I take out a pair of boxers and a pair of socks.

“Ah have ta help get dinner ready, it shouldn't take too long, just come down when your ready.”

“See you at dinner then.” I say, removing my towel.

Applejack smiles and walks out of sight, I hear her hoof steps go down the stairs. I put on my clean clothes and stare out the bedroom window, the sun was going down but there was probably still a couple of hours daylight left. I smiled to myself and headed out the room, closing the door behind me.

When I finally made my way to the dinner table, Big Mac and Granny Smith are already sitting down, Applejack was handing out plates of food.

“Where's Apple Bloom?” I ask, looking around.

“She's out at the Clubhouse, said she'll meet ya there.” Applejack replies, after putting down a plate in front of me.

“So the CMC is not staying in the house then?”

“Eenope!” Big Mac states. “They stayin out in the Clubhouse tonight.”

“So I’ll be?”

“Foal sitting them out there.” Granny Smith adds, cackling.

“Great....” I mutter.

“It ain't gonna be that bad, think of it as a camping trip.” Applejack says, sitting down at the table next to me. “Besides the crusaders are really looking forward ta it.”

“Will the Clubhouse be big enough? I know I’ve seen it in passing but not inside.” I say.

“That Clubhouse can withstand anything, ah know, our pa built it.” Big Mac says.

“Oh well, in that case I shouldn't see a problem.” I lean forward smiling. “Unless we start to have some fun.”

“What kind of fun?” Applejack asks, narrowing her eyes.

“The kind of fun that keeps foals entertained and stops them bothering any pony nearby.” I reply, laughing. “Seriously though, nothing bad will happen, you have my word.”

“That's ok young'n, we trust you.” Granny Smith states, yawning. “Now if you'll excuse me, ah need my beauty sleep.”

“Good night Granny Smith.” I say.

“Good night young'ns.”

Granny Smith makes her way slowly up the farmhouse stairs, her bones creaking with each step. I finish the apple fritter on my plate and stretch my arms.

“That was a great fritter Applejack, as always. Now I think I better go and introduce myself to my younger sisters.” I chuckle as I stand up.

“Ya want some company?” Applejack asks, putting our empty plates in the kitchen sink.

“I wouldn't mind, it is getting dark outside, I might get lost.” I reply.

Applejack smiles and walks out the main door, I wave back to Big Mac.

“See you in the morning Mac.”

“Eeyup!”

Me and Applejack head out into the south orchard, I had an unusual spring in my step, something Applejack was quick to notice.

“Ya seem unusually happy tonight?”

“I am. I finally get to spend some time with crusaders.” I sigh. “It seems I haven't been giving them my full attention.”

“What do ya mean by that?”

“I spent more time with you girls since I got back, I just think I haven't made the effort to find out really what the crusaders are like.” I look to Applejack. “You don't think the crusaders think I’m ignoring them do you?”

Applejack stops causing me to halt aswell, Applejack frowns at me.

“The crusaders would never think that, they know ya have been gone for a long time. They understand if ya have priorities.”

“But that is what I mean Applejack, are my priorities wrong? I have so many things I want to do now I’m back.” I walk over and lean against a tree, I rub my temples. “Everything is happening so fast, I can't keep up with it.”

“If something is bothering ya, talk to me, ah can help.”

I smile. “I know you can Applejack but I think for me to come to terms with what I done, I need to explain it to somepony or someone.” I push off from the tree. “When tonight is over I think it's about time I told you girls exactly what happened to me over there.” Applejack goes to reply but I hold up a hand. “Before you say anything, this is my decision, I need to do this.”

“Ok, if that's what ya want, ah'll gather the girls tomorrow.”

“Thanks Applejack, now let's get going shall we?”

“Yeah.” Applejack replies, walking up and pressing against me.

“I hope the crusaders won't be unhappy.”

“Why?”

“I said I would do the challenge with Big Mac tomorrow, I hate to see young fillies cry.”

“They'll understand, besides ah know Apple Bloom won't be sad about it. Though ah can't say about Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo.”

“I really wanted to test myself but then I’ll be in Ponyville for quite some time, so I'll have plenty of chances.”

“Ya sure? Ya could tell us about the Gryphon Colonies anytime, Ya don't have ta rush it.”

“I know but I’m sure, I need to tell you girls. If I don't, it will eat me up inside.”

“Ok.” Applejack replies, nuzzling my hand.

We continue through the orchard, until I hear the faint sound of fillies giggling and the light glow of the clubhouse.

“I never realised how far the clubhouse was from the main house.” I say.

“Ah loved it when ah was a filly, ah could come out here by myself and whittle away the hours.” Applejack sighs. “Ah was so care free back then.”

“And now?” I ask.

“Ah have responsibilities, ah don't have the time ta be care free any more.”

“Could have fooled me on that.” I reply. “You girls are always ready to help a friend in need, anytime, anywhere.”

“That's because friendship is a powerful thing, ya should know that.”

“Come again?”

“The ponies that fought along side ya in the Colonies. They are your friends are they not?”

“Well yeah! They helped me through everything, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them.”

“There ya go! Your friendship was strong and it helped ya return ta us.”

“I guess you could see it that way, I just thought it was our combined skill that helped.”

Applejack snorted. “Yeah keep thinking that...Flightless!”

“Oh, your so getting had for that one!” I state, picking Applejack up and kissing her repeatedly.

“Stop! Stop! Ah'm ticklish!” Applejack's eyes widen. “Oh buck!”

“Too late!” I say, wrapping her in my arms and tickling away.

“Ok! Ok! Ah'm sorry, please stop! Ah can't take no more!”

I smile and stop my attack, letting Applejack back onto the ground. I turn my head towards the now visible clubhouse.

“Better go introduce myself I guess.”

“Ah need ta get back, see ya in the morning John.”

“See you Applejack, and thanks for everything.”

Applejack smiles at me before turning around and heading back towards the farm house. I swallow hard and continue my trek up the path, stopping short as I hear the three fillies talking inside. I slowly and quietly make my way up the wooden ramp and position myself outside the window. I catch the conversation mid flow.

“Scootaloo, John will love ya, why do ya think he won't?” Apple Bloom says.

“I just think that because you two are his sisters by Rarity and Applejack, I just don't think I fit in anywhere.” Scootaloo replies, I can hear the sadness in her tone.

“That's not what he's like, he'll love you just like he love's us!” Sweetie Belle adds.

“I guess, I just have doubts.”

“Well, you'll find out soon, John will be here any minute now. Then ya will see, John sees ya as a part of his family as any of us.”

“Yeah, I just don't want to disappoint him that's all.” Scootaloo states.

“What ya mean by that?”

“I can't fly, what if he sees that as a failing on my part?”

“So what! John can't fly either, he never learned. So you two can train together!” Sweetie Belle squeals.

I decided that I needed to make myself known, I slide back from the window and stand up out of sight before knocking on the door. I take a deep breath as I hear the occupants rush to the door. The clubhouse door flings open revealing two beaming fillies, the third sitting back with a small smile.

“Hi girls! Or should I say sisters!” I kneel down as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle hug me. I look up and see Scootaloo rubbing her right fore leg with her left hoof, her cheeks were red. “What's up Scoots?” I ask her.

“I..I...” Scootaloo stutters.

“She's afraid she ain't your sister.” Apple Bloom states. “But she is, ain't she?”

I stand up and walk over to Scoots. I kneel down and place a hand on Scootaloo's shoulder, I smile.

“Of course she is.” I say, getting Scootaloo to look up at me, her ears perking up. “You are my sister Scoots, why would you think otherwise?” I knew the answer but I had to play coy.

“I'm not related to any of the element bearers, so why would I be.” Scootaloo looks away from me.

“That's not true, you are Rainbow's sister, are you not?” I ruffle Scoots mane.

“I guess.”

“No guess, yes or no?” I say, folding my arms.

“Yes.”

I jump to my feet. “Then that settles it! You are my sister Scoots, and I'm proud to have you as one.” I bow to Scoots. “Now I thought we were going to have fun? What's on the agenda?” I ask, clapping my hands together. Apple Bloom jumps up and proceeds to show me tonight’s entertainment.

The mare flaps her wings hard, the stallions close behind. They have been chasing her since Canterlot, 35 minutes flight, constant. The stallions would get close then they would fall back, waiting for her to run out of breath, her wings haven't got much left.

“Come on! Just give up already!” One stallion shouts.

“Yeah! You won't have any energy left to feel the fun!” Another adds.

“Come now fellas, she's a mare, can't expect her to have the stamina of a stallion now can we?” The final stallion states.

“Why can't you leave me alone!” The mare shouts back.

“Because your in heat! We can sense it! Just land and we can help you!” The first shouts again.

“No! I don't want your help!” The mare replies.

“Aww! Now that's not nice! After that wonderful time we gave you in Canterlot!” The stallions laugh. “Now just land and we can solve all your problems, and you can solve ours too.”

The mare shakes her head and continues on, her body slowly giving out. She had to find a place to land a safe haven to escape them. A town comes into view just under the cloud cover, the mare smiles and heads for it.

“Hey! She's heading for that small town!” The mare hears a stallion say. They were so close now.

The town appears to mare and her smile grows, but at her speed she'll over shoot, they were too close to slow down. The mare spots a small farm and heads for it, as she flies over head the mare sees the name 'SWEET APPLE ACRES'. The mare flies low over the trees surrounding the farmhouse, her speed was too great still and she flies into one of the orchards. The stallions still shout and curse behind her, their voices getting ever louder.

The mare looks back and then around but too late to see the tree in front. The mare braces herself and hits the tree, a blinding pain surges through her body, her wing broken and ribs cracked. The mares momentum carries her damaged form until she impacts something hard, the mare slowly looks up as a voice inside the small wooden house speaks up.

“What in the hell was that!”

I was sitting down playing a pony version of trivial pursuit, I was doing badly.

“So Question 22 John! What was the name of a famous pony that created the anthomorphic spell?” Sweetie Belle says, narrowing her eyes in my direction.

I slap my leg. “I know this one!” I exclaim. “Give me sec.” I tap my chin. “200 years ago, wizard guy. Starswirl the bearded!” I shout. Sweetie Belle nods. “Finally! I got one!”

“Well done brother!” Scootaloo shouts. “How did you know?”

“It was in the last book I read, before I left.” I reply, smirking.

“Good memory.” Apple Bloom says.

“Thanks Apple Bloom, I do try.”

Apple bloom giggle and goes to reply, but a loud thud was heard, like something heavy hit the clubhouse. I jump up.

“What the hell was that!?” I say, heading for the clubhouse door. I turn back. “Girls! Stay here!”

“We want to see!” The three fillies say.

“Stay here!” I open the door and close it behind me.

I press against the clubhouse wall and slide around the edge. I flare my right hand, ready for anything, I swallow and step out. I stop short as I see a pegasis mare lying knocked out on the clubhouse balcony. I quickly reach down and shake the mare, when she doesn't respond I go to pick her up.

“Hey! She's ours!” I turn around, and see three pegasi stallions land near the clubhouse.

“Find your own mare, bucker!”

I go to respond but one of the stallions catches my eye, I frown.

“Wind Weaver.” I state. “What are you doing here? Tormenting others again?”

“You!” Wind Weaver shouts. “You live here!?”

“I do! Though I guess my night just got interesting!” I vault the wood railing on the balcony and land with a thud. I get up and walk towards the three stallions. “It's nice Weaver that you come with goons, makes the butt whooping more satisfying.”

Weaver look to his buddies then to me.

“You really want to fight us? You can't take us!” Weaver states, flaring his wings.

I laugh. “Nice wings you have Weaver, mines bigger!” I flare my own wings, causing Weaver and his goons to back up. “Now that I have your attention, let me direct you to my hands.” I bring up both glowing hands, forcing Weaver and his partners back into a tree and pinning them there. I walk towards them, lowering one hand but keeping my right raised. Weaver tries to move but one quick push of my hand hits him against the tree again.

“What did I say last time we met Weaver? Let me refresh your memory. If you harass any pony again there will be consequences!” I lean forward, inches from Weavers muzzle. “My only problem is what to do with you? Clearly you didn't believe me last time.” I look to one of his wings. “I know! This will serve as a reminder.” I reach up with my free hand and grab one of his wings. I lean further in. “This might hurt!” In one movement of my hand I break the wing, Weaver screams.

I drop my glowing hand and all three pegasi fall to the ground. The two goons look at me, the fear evident. Weaver screams on the floor, holding his broken wing.

“You two! Take Weaver and go back to were you come from, and don't come back!” I say, flaring my hand again. The two goons nod furiously and pick up Weaver, they take off, Weaver still screaming in pain.

I turn back to the clubhouse as I see my younger sisters crouching by the mare. I walk back up the ramp and join them.

“I thought I told you to not come out?” I state.

“Ah know, but we couldn’t just leave her here!”

“She looks really hurt!” Sweetie Belle says.

I crouch down. “Look like she's broken her wings, and judging by the bruising, I’d say a few broken ribs too.”

“Can you heal her?” Scootaloo asks.

“No, these are too complicated for me. Best bet would be to get her back to the main house, and call a doctor, I can carry her.” I reach down and pick the mare up, as I do the mare stirs. She opens her eyes and looks up to me. “Don't move.” I say. “I'm here to help.” The mare smiles and passes out again. “Let's go girls, she's in really bad shape.”