After the carriage ride home Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo went home, I offered to walk them as it was dark out but they waved me off saying it's not the first time they have walked home in the dark. Applejack had taken Apple Bloom inside to get clean before bed, I followed after and went straight to the bedroom.

I sat on the edge of the bed holding my head in my hands. I thought about the fight in the camp and how lucky it was that none of the hybrid mares died, my hands started to shake. I felt the bed behind me compresses and then Applejack's fore legs around my neck, her chin rested on my head.

“What ya thinkin' about?”

I reach my hands up and stroke Applejack's legs. “The fight and how lucky we were.”

“Ah heard the mares that came back talk about it, they said if it wasn't for ya that they would have died.”

I snort. “I did nothing Applejack. The 'empress' and Nightstar got away.” I sigh heavily. “I need better training, I'm not good enough to do all this yet. I have the raw power but noway to effectively control it. I need focus.”

Applejack slides off my shoulders and then turns my head to face her. “Then how about you focus on me.” Applejack walks backward and lies down on her side, she pats the bed and gives me a wink.

I chuckle. “Is that all I am to you? A sex machine?” I say lowering my gaze.

“What? No I just want to make ya-” Applejack let's out a squeal as I lunge forward and grab her. “That's cheatin'” Applejack adds bopping my nose.

“Nope is called catching your mare off guard.” I reply smiling. I lean forward and kiss Applejack on the lips. “Everything that happened today has me worried Applejack, the girls could have died and I wouldn't have been there to stop it.” I roll off Applejack and allow her to snuggle in next to me.

“Ya have to stop worrying about that stuff. There ain't anything ya can do about things that are out of yer control.”

I sigh and hold Applejack tighter. “I know, it still gets to me though.” I look to Applejack and lift her head up with my free hand. “I just want to keep my family safe now I have one.” I lean down and kiss Applejack again.

Applejack moves and puts her body on top of mine, Applejack grabs my head and puts more force into her kiss. I put my arms around her body and give her a little squeeze before lowering my hands a placing them on her flanks.

“Are ya thinking what ah'm thinkin?” Applejack says giving me a half lidded stare.

“You mean this.” I say as one of my hands moves further down and rubs her folds which I realise are already getting wet. “Well someone needs attention?”

Applejack moans. “J-Just...Shut up!”

I roll my body over and pin Applejack beneath me, I rise up on my knees and remove my shirt. I remove my ring and place it on the bedside table with my magic, I then undo my belt and throw it to the floor. I look down at Applejack who had now taken it upon herself to rub her moist folds.

“Need some help with that?” I ask, smirking.

Applejack blushes as I remove the last of my clothing. I lower my upper body back down and kiss Applejack's neck, I keep kissing as I start to go lower. Applejack's hoof comes up from her nethers and places itself on my head. Her moans get louder as I get lower.

My lips brush over one of her teats and Applejack's hind legs suddenly clamp around my head. I almost choke but maintain my composure. When I brush the teat again Applejack's legs get tighter and have to stop.

“Applejack! Head...can't breathe!” I feel Applejack's legs loosen and I bring my head up. “Wow, I knew you had leg power but damn.” I rub my jaw to make sure nothing was broken.

“The sensation of ya touching my...teat, was very nice.”

“Then your going to love the next bit, just don't squish my head.” I smile and lower my head back down.

I grab Applejack's hind legs and part them more, giving me a full view of her glistening folds. I give Applejack's nethers a blow of air and I watch as she winks at me. I chuckle. I lower my head so my mouth was near her folds, the heat of her arousal was warming my face. I stuck out my tongue and licked slowly over her slit. Applejack lets out one long moan as her legs wrap around the back of my head but this time she doesn't squeeze.

I continue to lick, trailing my tongue over her folds, even teasing her winking clit by giving it a gentle suck everytime it appeared. Applejack started to tighten her hind legs as her lower body arched up slightly. I felt two hooves touch my head and Applejack started to speak but it turned out to be a scream of pleasure as she climaxed. I lift up my head and licked my lips.

“Tasty!” I exclaim as I slide up Applejack's body. I feel Applejack's tail wrap around my waist as I look into her eyes. “Even sexy after an orgasm.”

Applejack hoofs my chest. “Ya have a good tongue, ah can't help it.” I lean down and kiss her lips. “Ah need more than that.”

Applejack widens her back legs and smiles.

“Horny?”

“Ah want it.”

I position myself as I poke her entrance. I smile as I push into her folds, the warm wetness of her marehood clamping down on me. I hiss as the pressure increases.

“Applejack...not too hard!” I say, trying to pull out. “You'll snap it off!”

“Sorry, ah don't know why ah'm like this.” I feel the pressure loosen. “Is that better?”

“Thanks, I still need my little friend you know, for that young foal thing we talked about.”

Applejack's face reddens. I lean down and kiss her lips as I slid out then push back in. Applejack moans into my mouth as I increase my thrusting. Our kiss lasts as long as I did, my end was quickly approaching. I never really thought of why I don't last that long, but with the scent of Applejack's arousal and my own sweat, I never stood a chance.

I break the kiss and place my head into Applejack's neck, I inhale her scent as Applejack starts to whinny. My thrusting increases as I near my end.

“Applejack...I'm....” I grasp Applejack tighter as I feel myself release inside. Applejack follows my tightened grasp with a scream of pleasure that she muffled by biting my shoulder.

I feel both of our bodies relax as our orgasms faded, I kept myself inside Applejack as I couldn't move. Applejack still had her hind legs around my waist and her forelegs around my neck.

“Ah hope we don't lose any of this.”

“Lose what?” I ask, finally getting myself loose from Applejack's legs.

“The passion, ah just hope we don't lose it.”

“We will never lose what we have Applejack because I will fight for you with everything I have.” I roll off Applejack and lay down beside her, Applejack moves and snuggles in closer to me. I move my left wing and put it around Applejack.

“Ah love ya John.” Applejack says sighing into my chest.

I lean down and kiss Applejack on the forehead before sighing myself. “I love you too Applejack.” I hear no response, just Applejacks steady breathing. I lower my head to the pillow and close my eyes.

I wake up to the sound of the Mr Cox, the only cockerel I want to strangle. I stretch my arms already noticing Applejack was gone. I smile as I get out of bed. I pick up my underwear and put them on, just as I pulled them up Apple Bloom stuck her head in through the open bedroom door.

Apple Blooms face went red as her head darted back out.

“Ah'm sorry! Ah didn't know ya just got up!”

I chuckled as I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.

“It's ok Apple Bloom, it's not like I'm naked.”

Apple Bloom's head comes back into view and her ears perk up.

“You excited about today?” I ask.

“Yeah, ah promise me and the girls will be good for ya.” Apple Bloom looks down. “Ah just can't stop thinking about yesterday, we broke our promise with ya and it...hurts.”

I frown and walk over to were Apple Bloom was standing, I lean down and pick her up. I laugh slightly as her fur tickles my skin. I look at Apple Bloom and hug her close.

“You girls can never do anything that will make me stop loving you, got it?” I say, following it up with a bop to Apple Bloom's nose.

“Yeah, ah got it.” Apple Bloom giggles.

I drop Apple Bloom down. “Now git, I got to shower.” I shoo Apple Bloom away. When Apple Bloom runs out I laugh and shake my head before heading into the shower.

I stood on the train platform with my arms crossed and one eyebrow raised. I had Apple Bloom at my side looking just as confused as me and two other little fillies sitting in front of me and holding cards in their mouths.

“What's all this for?” I ask, retrieving the cards.

“Rarity said I should apologise properly for what I did.” Sweetie Belle says, her head hanging low.

“My mum said the same thing.” Scootaloo adds, her head also hanging low.

I look at the cards and place them in the bag at my feet.

“Aren't ya gonna read them?” Apple Bloom asks.

“Nope!” I pick up my bag and head towards the ticket booth. I hear two little gasps behind me. I approach the booth and order four tickets to Canterlot, I thank the mare in the booth and head over to the girls.

“Why won't you read our cards?” Sweetie Belle asks, her ears folding back.

“Because I don't need to. I know Rarity wouldn't let you leave the house Sweetie Belle unless you wrote something meaningful and your mother would be the same Scootaloo, so I don't need to read them.” I sit down on the nearby bench with a smirk on my face. “Trains going to be another fifteen minutes, unless you want to stand up and wait?”

The girls all walk up and jump on the bench beside me, they lie down and wait.

I looked out the window as the train was nearing Canterlot, the train conductor was nice to point out that we were three minutes out. The girls had been to Canterlot before and told me of the things they had seen. I told them the last time I was here that I turn into some glowing creature and caused some damage. I had to come here though as the royal armoury was the only ponies that could make my Nightmare Night costume.

“So? What's this costume going to be?” Sweetie Belle Asks.

“That's a surprise, it might annoy Princess Celestia though.” I say tapping my chin. “I had a drawing made for me by a talented artist in Ponyville, he was confused but I made sure there was no mistaking with the design.”

“It sounds like it will be awesome.” Scootaloo states, fluttering her wings.

“You have no idea.” I reply.

I look out the window as the train whistles, I snap my head around when the conductor comes back into the carriage.

“Next stop Canterlot!”

I stand up as the conductor leaves and lean out the window, the CMC squeeze out around me. I watch as the train exits the last tunnel and Canterlot comes into view, I whistle as the white buildings and towers of the city glisten in the sun.

“Now that's a sight, can never get bored of that!” I exclaim, wrapping my arms around the crusaders. “Let's get our bags.” The crusaders nod as we come away from the carriage window.

I grab my bag from the overhead and reach for the others as voice stops me.

“Well well, I never did get a letter?”

I look down and see a mare I haven't seen since I bumped into her on my first trip to Canterlot.

“Ember?” I say.

“You remember me, I'm flattered commander.” Ember replies with a smile.

I pull down the crusaders bags and hand them out as I keep my gaze on Ember.

“Sorry I haven't written, I've been busy.”

“I gathered that, It's nice to see you again.”

“You too, how have you been?” I ask.

“Oh same old things, my brother is joining the guard next recruitment.”

“Really? I might meet him then, I start my training in the beginning year.”

“Oh he would be delighted to hear that, he's been talking my ears off about you since I bumped into you.” Ember giggles and turns her head. “It's nice meeting you commander but I have to get back to my carriage. I hope we can arrange a meet at my home?”

I nod. “I would like that.” I hold out my hand. “Nice meeting you again Ember.”

Ember puts her hoof in my hand. “Likewise commander, goodbye for now.” Ember turns and leaves the carriage.

I pick up my bag and sling it over my shoulder, I turn to see the crusaders giving me frowns.

“What?”

“You know that mare?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“Yeah, when I came to Canterlot for the first time I knocked her over when leaving the train.” The crusaders frowns narrowed. “It's the truth ask Fluttershy and Rarity, they were there.”

The crusaders smiled and headed for the exit of the carriage, the train was slowing down as it pulled up to the station. I shook my head and smiled as I knew the crusaders were just playing with me. I walk up behind the CMC and wait as the train stops, the carriage doors open and we walk out only to be greeted by Princess Luna.

“Princess?”

Luna smiles at me. “John, I think we are pass that aren't we?”

“I apologise Luna, I was just trying to be formal.”

Luna giggles. “I know you too well John.” Luna looks down to my escorts. “Ah, these are your younger sisters are they not?”

“Yes, this is Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” I gesture to each in turn, I also notice they were trying to stand straight and not look scared.

“A pleasure to meet you girls, John speaks very highly of you and element bearers.” Luna says, bowing her head.

“Is there something you want to ask me Luna or is this a more official visit?”

“No, I just wanted to ask what you were doing on Nightmare Night? Since you were coming here I waited for you.”

“Well, I'm here because of Nightmare Night. I need to ask the Royal Armourer about a costume.”

“A costume?” Luna asks, tilting her head to one side.

“Yeah, I would ask Rarity but I don't think she's ever worked with plate metal and I know for a fact she wouldn't set one hoof inside a forge.” I laugh.

“Ok, I won't ask why you need it to be plate metal but I hope it will be exciting.” Luna states with a smile.

“Oh it will be!” I exclaim following it with a smile of my own. “But you said you wanted to know what I would be doing for Nightmare Night?”

“Yes that's true but after hearing about what your here for I can find two of my nightguard to be my escorts for the evening.”

“Oh ok, I'm sure we will see each other at the event Luna. I'm sure Applejack will be interested in seeing you.”

“I bet she will.” Luna bows her head. “I must be off John, I have a lot to prepare for.”

I bow my head. “Farewell Luna.”

Luna looks to the CMC. “And farewell to you three aswell.” The crusaders bow as Luna vanishes in a bright blue light.

“Wow! That was intense!” Scootaloo says.

“Yeah, ah've come over all tingly!” Apple Bloom replies.

“Is it always like that meeting her? I mean we met Princess Luna before at the last Nightmare Night, but this time it was different.” Sweetie Belle adds, looking up at me.

“I don't know Sweetie Belle, I've never really seen Luna as intimidating. She's just a mare to me, though I do give her the respect she deserves because of her station.” I say, picking up my bag and heading for the stations exit.

“So what now?” Scootaloo asks.

“We visit the armourer first then we grab something to eat, sound good?”

“Yeah!” The fillies say together.

“Right! Onward to the castle!” I say, striking a pose and pointing to the castle in the distance. “Sorry!” I add as the girls were giving me deadpan expressions. “Let's just find a cab.”

It didn't take long for us to find a cab and get to the castle, the girls had their heads sticking out the whole trip. I paid the cab driver and gave him a tip before gesturing to the castle.

“Have you been inside?” I ask.

“We have once, we were flower ponies for Princess Cadence.” Sweetie Belle replies with a smile.

I slap my forehead. “Of course her wedding to shining! How could I forget that!”

“That day was scary, ah didn't like those bug things.”

“The changelings.” I state.

“Yeah those.”

“Well your safe with me, I won't let any of those insects near you.” I say.

“We know.” Scootaloo states. “You'd blast them to bits!”

“Sure would.” I chuckle. “Now let's get inside, but stay close to me ok? We're going into the guard area of the castle and it might be dangerous.”

“Don't worry, we won't make the same mistake twice.” Sweetie Belle says, looking down with a sad face. “Or three...”

Me and the girls walk through half of the castle getting salutes and even bows by some of the guards and staff before we reach the forge and main armoury. I sniffed the air and smelt grease and burning coals.

“Smell that girls? Now that's industry.” I was aware of the CMC gagging behind me. “Let's go.”

We walk up to the main doors and get stopped by two Royal unicorn guards.

“Commander Core, It's an honour to see you sir.” One of the guards says, walking forward and bowing.

I bow. “I've come to see the royal armourer, may we pass?”

The guard looks at my three companions. “It's quite dangerous inside sir, shouldn't the little one's sit outside with us?”

I shake my head. “No, I promised them a look at the armoury and that is what I'm going to do.” I notice the guard give a me a look as if he was conflicted, I hold up my hands. “Their with me anyway, what could go wrong?”

The guard finally nods. “Very well sir, we'll let you in.” the guard turns and gestures to his companion. “Let them in!” The other guard opens the door with his magic and we step through. “Have a nice day sir.” The guard says as the door closes behind us.

“Now let's find the royal armourer.”

We spend twenty minutes asking ponies in the forge where the royal armourer was before one states he was in the back sorting paper work, the pony gestures when he realised I had no idea which way to go.

“This place is awesome!” Scootaloo says with a large grin as her head turns to take the forge area all in. “I never knew it would be this big!”

“Or this noisy!” Apple Bloom shouts.

We reach the back area where it was quieter and I spot a stallion sitting at a table signing papers. I walk up to the door and knock.

“Excuse me?” I say leaning in the open door, the pony looks up and smiles.

“Commander! What brings you to my forge?”

“I have a request to make, if it can be done?”

“Please come in sit down, my names Heart Hammer and if my forge can't do it no place can!”

“Then in that case...” I take the drawing out of my pocket and slide it across the table. “I need this made to spec, by tomorrow.”

Heart Hammer takes the picture and gives it a look over. He rubs his chin with one hoof before smiling.

“Hmm, It will be a challenge, but I can make it work.” Heart Hammer looks up to me with a grin. “But for it to be finished by tomorrow, it won't be cheap.”

“I gathered that, considering this is a private order.” I open my bag and pull out a parcel wrapped in green silk, I hold out the parcel and unwrap the item. “I think this will be sufficient.”

“Is that a Solar Diamond?”

I nod. “Yup, should this clear everything?”

“Clear it? You could by ten of this drawing!” Heart Hammer says. “But the question is...Do you want it as a full working set or is it ceremonial?”

I think about that, I never really considered the option of having it as a full set of armour.

“You know what, go for full working. It might be fun.” I reply.

Heart Hammer Takes the picture and looks me over.

“I need to take some magical scans to get your exact dimensions for the item in questions sir.” I nod. “Great, let me get my unicorn friend.” Heart Hammer leaves the office and the crusaders walk up to me.

“What is this item? Tell us~!” Scootaloo whines.

“Nope! Your going to have to wait.” I reply grinning.

Heart Hammer comes back in with unicorn in tow.

“Commander this is After Glow, she will take your measurements so the costume will fit you properly.”

I stand up and nod my head to the mare. “I guess you would like me to stand up?”

The mare nods. “It would make the measurements more precise commander.” The mare smiles. “Now just hold still and it won't take too long.”

I stand with my arms out as the mare walks forward and starts to scan my body, in less than five minutes the mare steps back.

“That's it commander, I have taken all the measurements we need.”

I drop my arms and nod to the mare. “Thank you, when would you like me to come back?” I ask Heart Hammer.

“The costume should be ready by tomorrow evening commander, complete with the attachment.” Heart Hammer replies.

“Then I shall return then, thank you Heart Hammer, After glow.” I smile as I gesture to the crusaders that we are ready to go. “I heard you do brilliant work Heart Hammer, I hope to say that myself.”

Heart Hammer grins. “Oh, you won't be disappointed commander I guarantee it.”

I smile and nod before leaving the office. Me and the crusaders make it out of the forge area and back outside the castle, I pat my stomach and look down to the crusaders.

“So girls, how about we get something to eat.”

“Yeah, ah'm starving!”

“I'm hungry too.”

“I could eat a whole triple decker fudge surprise cake!”

I chuckle. “I think I saw a pizza place near here, let's go.” I walk out the castles courtyard with the girls and lean over to Scootaloo. “Hey scoots, so...um...tell me about this fudge cake?”

Author's Notes:

Next Chapter - Test Flight