I strode up to the Town Hall and pushed open the door, I took the time to take in the interior. I had never really been into the Town Hall even though it was a prominent structure in Ponyville. I looked myself over and brushed off some of Applejack's hair that had stuck to my shirt.

I spotted a mare sitting at a desk not several feet from me to my left, she was giving me a raised eyebrow. I chuckled and headed over to her.

“Excuse me miss, I was wandering if Mayor Mare was in today?” I asked casually.

“She is yes.” The mare replied in a somewhat bored tone.

I gave the mare a narrow stare. “Is it possible if I could have a word with her about some financial business?”

“I'm afraid that the mayor is very busy today, I could take your name and make an appointment if you would like?” The mare says, the bored tone was still evident.

I sighed. “Very well, it's John Core.”

The mares eyes suddenly widened and she scrambles from behind her desk.

“Mr Core! I-I'm so sorry! Please forgive my unpoliteness! I have never seen you before!”

“Wait!” I put up a hand. “You didn't know me? If that's true then your the first pony to say that.” I laugh. “Everywhere I go ponies know me.”

“Please don't mention this to the mayor!” The mare was pretty much grovelling, it was quite funny really.

“It was an honest mistake, I hold no grudge.” I say.

The mare straightens up. “Thank you! Oh thank you! If you wait here I'll go get the mayor, I'm sure she'll make some time to see you.”

Before I could respond the mare gallops away and up a flight of stairs, leaving me standing in the main reception area. While I wait I take some time to walk around, I find a board full of pictures from Ponyvilles founding and various times in it's history. I turn as I hear frantic hooves running down stairs. I smile as the mayor comes trotting up to me.

“Mr Core, It's so nice to see you in one piece, I heard all about your work in the Crystal Empire!”

“Miss Mare, it's good to see you personally and not from the back of a crowd. If I do say you look lovely today.” I state shaking the outstretched hoof of the mayor.

The mayor blushes. “I bet you say that to all the mares.”

“Only one's that deserve it!” I reply smiling. The mayor's face goes redder as she looks away.

“W-What is it that brings you to my Town Hall?” The mayor asks, looking back to me.

“I have a business proposition to discuss with you.”

“Of course, if you would like to follow me we can talk in my office.” The mare turns to the receptionist mare. “Ruby, could you fetch some refreshments for me and the commander please?”

Ruby nods. “Yes mam!” And runs off.

I follow the mayor up the flight of stairs and down a corridor, we come to a door with the mayor's name and she pushes it open.

“I'm sorry Mr Core, if I knew you were coming I would have tidied up a bit more.” The mayor states moving to a desk covered in papers.

“It's fine, I kind of wanted my visit to be anonymous anyway.” I reply sitting on a chair in front of the mayor, I adjust my wings to fit over the chair.

“I assure you, any business conducted here will remain between you and me.”

“That's good to hear.” I was stopped by the door behind me opening and ruby entering with a tray on her back. Ruby places the tray down on the mayor's desk and trots back out after the mayor thanks her.

“Would you like some tea commander?” The mayor asks, gesturing to the tray.

“Please it's just John, and yes I would like some tea.”

The mayor smiles as she pours some tea into a cup.

“Milk? Sugar?”

“Yes to both, and two sugars.”

The mare Finishes off the tea and slides the cup over to me, I reach over and smell the tea, I instantly knew the brew.

“Camomile?”

“You don't like it?” The mare asks, looking worried.

“Actually it's one of my favourites.” I state.

The mare blows on her own cup and settles into her own chair.

“So? What is your business request John?”

“I have come to buy Sweet Apple Acres.”

The mayor spits out some of her tea. “W-What!?”

I laugh. “I have come to buy Sweet Apple Acres, it is owned by the town is it not?”

“Yes but...You want to buy it? If you don't mind me asking, why?” The mayor asks, putting down her cup.

I place my cup on the mayor desk. “During me and my marefriends last time together, she stated that the farm was in trouble and the Apple family was finding it very difficult to keep up with the payments on the land.” I kept out that Applejack was my marefriend. “The Apple family have helped me a lot since I arrived here in Equestria, they gave me a job and a friendship that no pony can replace. There I nothing I can give them that can repay their kindness, however I can do this.”

“To buy their farm would be a major thank you, considering the remaining cost of the lease.” The mayor states. “But by doing this John, you become the owner of the farm and not the Apple family.”

I put up a hand. “I know but I have worked this out and I have made up my mind, which is why I want the buy to be anonymous.”

“I see.” The mare stands up and walks over to a cabinet, pulling it open she looks through several files before saying 'aha!' And pulling out a very old looking folder. “Here it is!” The mayor puts the folder onto her desk and opens it. Her eye's widen slightly and look up to me. “Do you really want to do this?”

I nod. “Yes, please? What is the remaining lease going to cost?”

The mayor closes her eyes. “one point two million bits.”

“And that is everything?”

The mare opens her eyes again. “Yes, that is for all the land and the house.”

“I thought it would be more.” I state, shrugging.

“More!?” The mayor asks, clearly I had said something shocking.

“Yes, back where I come from a farm would go for a lot more than just one point two million bits. In some places farms or holdings would go for four or even seven million complete.”

I stare at the mayor as her mouth hangs open. I chuckle and snap my fingers, the sound causes the mayor to shake her head.

“Sorry John, but seven million? That is very high!”

“I know but those farm or holdings are extremely large and encompass hundreds of acres.”

The mayor leans back in her seat. “H-How are you going to pay?”

I reach to my belt and pull off a small leather pouch.

“With this.” I open the pouch and take out a glowing gem, it was only a couple of inches big but judging by the mayors expression she knew what it was. “I take it you know the gem?”

“Know it.....” The mayor gasps. “If I'm right that's an Orion gem.”

“And you would be right, I acquired it in the Griffon Colonies after some great effort.”

“I would expect so, this is the rarest gem in all of Equestria, you could mine gems for generations and never dig up one.” The mayor leans in. “But you do know I have to get this gem checked? Just to make sure?”

“Of course, call anypony you like! I'm not going anywhere.”

The mayor nods and heads out her office door, a few minutes later she returns with a pony I knew.

“John?”

I turn around. “Sparkler! How are you?” I stand up and give Sparkler a hug to which she returns gladly.

“I'm fine, mum is getting better but she still would like a visit from you.” Sparkler says walking up to and standing beside the mayor's desk.

“And I will, actually I might go and see her tomorrow if she's free?”

Sparkler nods. “Yes she is and she will be home, however Dinky will be there too.”

“Fine by me, haven’t seen the little terror in ages!” Sparkler and me both laugh.

“Now Miss Mayor, what is this gem you wanted me to check?” Sparkler asks turning to the mayor.

“This one.” I say holding up the glowing gem.

“Oh my!” Sparkler says. “Is that an Orion gem!?” Sparkler takes the gem in her magic and holds it up to her eye, she hm's and gasps a few times before giving it back. “Miss Mayor...It's real.”

The mayor almost collapses as I place the gem on the desk.

“Thank you Sparkler, you can go now.” The mayor says gasping for air.

“Nice to see you John and I'll tell mother of your visit.”

I hug sparkler again. “And I'll look forward to it.”

Sparkler leaves the room and I turn back to the mayor.

“So, the gem will be acceptable I take it?”

The mayor clears her throat. “Yes, but the gem is worth a lot more than the farm. Is there anything else you would like to purchase?”

I tap my chin. “Actually, yes there is. I would like some land to build a house, I do like the dwelling here in Ponyville but none of them speak to me ,if you catch my meaning.”

“Of course, we all have our preferences.” The mayor stands up and walks over to a chart on the the far right wall. “This is a chart of all the land currently on the market, green is land owned by the town and yellow is land being sold by a private seller.”

I stand up and walk over to the chart, I give the chart a once over and rub my chin. I spot a piece of land near Sweet Apple Acres, I point to the green section.

“That seems like a lot of land.”

“Ah yes, that was owned by a lovely earth mare, but I'm afraid she died two years ago. I haven't been able to sell the land, you see she had no relatives or family to give it to, so it fell into my hooves after she passed away.”

“How much is it?” I ask. “In both size and bit terms.”

The mayor reaches into the cabinet below the chart and pulls out a piece of paper.

“The land is over thirty two acres and it costs two hundred thousand bits. The land is quite fertile and very level, so if your interested it would be great to build a house on.” The mayor states, smiling.

“Then add that to the list Miss Mayor, and I tell you what, why don't you just use what's left of the gem after these items to use on the town.”

“T-that's very generous of you.”

“Ponyville has been my home, I would like to give something back to it.” I reply, smiling.

“I'm grateful for this.” The mayor sighs. “Ponyville hasn't been doing great as of late, our tourist levels have dropped and now with the Crystal empire coming back, they've all but gone. The town is losing money and fast, but with your purchases and this gem, we can finally rebuild.”

“If you need anything Miss Mare, just ask and I will do my best to help.” I reply.

“Thank you John, was there anything else you would like to discuss?”

I walked back to the mayor's desk and placed the Orion gem back in it's pouch, I placed the gem on the mayor's side of the table and the mayor slid over the deed to the land and the deed to Sweet Apple Acres. I nodded to the mayor as I folded up the deeds and carefully placed them in a large pouch on my belt. I held out my hand.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you Mayor Mare.”

The mayor places her hoof in my hand. “Like wise John, I hope we do not become strangers.”

“Not in the slightest.” I say, taking back my hand and walking out of the mayor's office.

I leave the Town Hall in high spirits, I have just completed the biggest act of thank you anybody could do, and I loved it. Patting the pouch containing the deeds I looked to the Town Hall clock, I saw it was almost quitting time for the school. I thought that it might be nice to pick my little sisters up, I was saddened a little by the fact they couldn't make it to the empire. I turn on my heels and briskly walk towards the direction of Ponyville Elementary.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie belle all sighed as their greatest nemesis decided to gloat at them again, however this time Diamond Tiara was going to go too far.

“....And that new brother of yours, he's nothing special. My daddy says he's all tricks and silly little light shows, like that Trixie pony!”

“You take that back!” Sweetie Belle shouted. “John is the best brother that anypony could have! And his magic is more powerful than even the princesses!”

“Ha! I doubt that! No pony is better than the princesses!” Diamond Tiara laughs. “He's just foaling you! Have any of you seen his magic up close? Has he even showed you what he can do?”

“Well no, but our sisters have seen him use magic and we believe them!” Scootaloo states.

“Yeah! Mah sister would never lie ta me! It's not in her nature!” Apple Bloom says.

“Well of course YOUR sister would say things like that! She is his whorse!” Before Silver Spoon could add anything, Apple Bloom snaps and charges Diamond Tiara, the two fillies barrel role down a small hill and land in the middle of the road.

“AH WILL NOT HAVE THOSE THINGS SAID ABOUT MAH SISTER!” Apple Bloom screams, hitting Diamond Tiara around the muzzle.

Diamond Tiara growls and kicks Apple Bloom off her, she then follows up with her own charge and series of blows. Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all watch in horror as the two fillies go at each other.

“I WILL SAY WHAT I LIKE! I AM BETTER THAN YOU LOW LIFES!” Diamond Tiara shouts as she hits Apple Bloom more. “I AM DIAMOND TIARA! NOT SOME LOW BORN EARTH PONY!”

“What is going on here!?” Both Apple Bloom and diamond Tiara suddenly find themselves lifted in a yellow magic field.

Scootaloo turns and sees John with his hand raised, a slight yellow glow coming from his finger tips.

“Brother!” Sweetie Belle shouts as she runs up to John.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stop as John turns his gaze down on them, his anger evident.

“I will ask again! What is going on here!?”

“We-”

Scootaloo was abruptly interrupted by Silver Spoon who feel to John's feet and sobbed.

“We didn't mean it! Diamond Tiara said some bad things about your marefriend! We're both sorry! Please don't hurt us!”

“Hurt you? I saw my sister fighting and wanted to know why, why would I hurt you?”

“Diamond started it! Please let her go!”

John turns his gaze to Diamond Tiara, who just squirms in his magic. John then looks to Apple Bloom who looks down shamefully.

“Fine.” John lowers his hand and drops Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom to the floor. “But in future I don't want to see this fighting again, or there will be consequences. Am I understood?” Diamond Tiara nods. “Good, now go Diamond.” John says pointing away.

Diamond and Silver Spoon run off towards town, John turns to the C.M.C and cracks a smile.

“So? How did you do?” John asks Apple Bloom.

“Ah gave her some good hits.” Apple Bloom says smiling only to wince. “Though she got me good too.” Apple Bloom rubs her muzzle.

“You don't think Apple Blooms going to be in trouble do you?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“No, I don't think her father or her family is going to want anything to do with me.” John says, as he starts walking towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“Why's that?”

“I'm a very powerful creature who is going to be the personal commander of Princess Luna.” John smirks back. “Do you really think they will try anything after hearing that?”

“I guess not.” Sweetie Belle replies.

Me and the girls manage to reach Sweet Apple acres in record time, probably due to our conversation.

“....so you killed the changeling queen?” Scootaloo asks, jumping around me excitedly.

“Yep, I caught her by surprise with my magic and there was nothing she could do.” I state.

“Do ya think ya'll see her again?”

“Most likely, it's just when and where.” I say.

When we reach the farmhouse I hear shouting coming from within.

“HOW CAN THEY DO THIS? FORECLOSER? BUT WE'RE PAYING THE FARM OFF AIN'T WE?”

I tell the girls they should head to the clubhouse for now and come back later, they all agree and head off. I stand outside and take a deep breath. I walk forward and open the front door.

“Hey everypony how's it-” I stop as I duck and narrowly escape a flying cup. “Not so good then?”

Applejack was sitting at the large table in the kitchen, her face was matted due to her tears rolling down her face. Big Mac was nearby trying to calm Applejack down, I looked for Granny Smith but couldn't find her.

“John...” Applejack croaks. “...I need you right now.” I walk over as Big Mac stands up. I sit down beside Applejack and held her close, her tears soaked my shirt as I stroked her mane. “The banks foreclosing, we're losing the farm.”

I lift Applejack's head up and smile, I was going to wait to tell them but I guess now is as good a time as any.

“Applejack I have something to tell you, but I want all of the apple family to be here.”

Applejack wipes her tears away. “What is it?”

I look over to Big Mac. “Can you find Granny Smith, she'll want to hear this.”

Big Mac nods and turns into the living room, several minutes later all four of us are sitting down at the table. Applejack had stopped crying, Granny Smith was looking very sad and Big Mac was just looking his stoic self.

I let Applejack go and reached into my deed pouch, I pulled out the deed to Sweet Apple Acres and in the most calmly voice I could muster I pulled open the deed and said.

“I have some very good news for all of you, your not losing the farm.”