I rejoice as I reappear by Sweet Apple Acres. I look down to the gem in my hand and note that the blue glow has gone and the gem looks dull and empty.

“It worked!” I exclaim and put the gem in my pocket. “Now...” I say holding up the small box and gold shaft, “...To put you somewhere safe until tonight.” I look to the farm and notice Big Mac pulling a cart of corn, the last harvest stalks before winter.

I walk up the main path and give Big Mac a wave. “Hey Big Mac, Applejack around?”

Big Mac turns his head and smiles. “Yup, eastern field, though ah warn ya. She ain't happy.”

“Why not?” I ask.

“Harvest is coming up short, bad soil this year.”

“I'm sorry to hear that, I have a surprise for Applejack which I'm sure she will enjoy.” I give Big Mac a grin. “You won't miss Applejack for a while will you?”

Big Mac shakes his head. “Ah can handle the last rows of stalks, it's no problem.”

“Thanks.” I say and with a little run up I open my wings and take off, chuckling as I see Big Mac's eyes widen.

I fly above the farm fields looking down, I was still a weak flyer but in time I know my wings will get stronger. First though I might need some flying clothing, it was colder up here.

I keep looking over the east corn field until I spot my target and just like Big Mac said, Applejack didn't look happy. I circle her and watch her movements, I pick my moment when Applejack stops to wipe sweat off her brow and dive for her. Applejack looks up too late and I grab her around the waste and head back for the clouds, I laugh as Applejack screams.

“What's going on!? Why am ah flying!?” Applejack turns her head to see me smiling down at her. “John? Y-You're flying? How?”

“Well, having wings is a start!” I laugh. “Then having a good teacher helps too.” I fly higher and spot a cloud that looks big enough to hold me.

I fly to the cloud and with a few flaps I drop on to it, the feeling of softness was relaxing to me. I drop and fall on my back. I smile as Applejack was holding onto me with all her legs, she was literally wrapped around me. Applejack looks to me with fear on her face.

“You don't have to be scared. I won't drop you.” I say.

“Ah'm not sure what to say! Yer flying or ya was!”

I chuckle. “Yeah, Rainbow's dad taught me. Apparently I could always fly but my fear of heights was holding me back.”

I feel Applejack relax slightly as she drops her head to my chest. I could still feel Applejack shivering in my arms and realised it was probably colder up here for her too. I bring my wings around and cover Applejack with them.

“Ah'm sorry.” Applejack says.

“What for?”

“Shivering, ah guess it's much colder up here than we earth ponies realise. We are just not build for high altitude.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” I ask, leaning in to Applejack's ear. “I'm cold too.”

“Then why did ya bring us up here?”

“Because I wanted to show you something now that I can fly.”

“Show me what?”

I sit up and point behind her, smiling as Applejack turns her body around and her eyes go wide. The sun was lowering behind the horizon as the days were getting shorter. The sun was creating purple and yellow hues to dance across the clouds that pegasi were pushing into place. I hold Applejack tighter as the the colours change and contort in the sky.

“It's beautiful...” Applejack whispers. “Ah didn't know the sun could be like this...”

“When I was in the Griffon Colonies they had some floating towns like Cloudsdale, I went to a few when I was trying to earn my way back here. I saw a few sunsets at these towns and they were spectacular, the colours and hues mixing with the clouds made me think of you even more. Something to show you when I got back.”

Applejack tears her gaze from the clouds and turns her body back around to face me. I stare into her eyes as the fading light reflects off them, I lean in and give Applejack a kiss.

“It's getting dark, I think we should head back. We have to get ready for tonight.” I say, breaking the kiss.

Applejack smiles at me and nods. “Ah guess yer right.”

I grab Applejack and hold her close as I unwrap my wings and walk to the clouds edge. I tighten my hold and leap off the cloud opening my wings and heading back to the farm house.

It takes me a few minutes to reach the house and I land near the front porch, just as Rarity comes out the front door. I drop Applejack to the floor and greet Rarity with a wave.

“Hey Rarity.”

Rarity jumps a little and then smiles. “Oh hello John, Applejack. Where did you two come from?”

I point to the sky. “Up there.”

Rarity looks up. “The roof?”

I chuckle. “No, I can fly now.”

Rarity squeals. “Oh how wonderful! Though my previous question still remains.”

“I wanted to show Applejack a sunset from a pegasis point of view, so I flew up to a cloud and we both watched the sun go down.” I reply, placing my hand on Applejack's head.

“That's so romantic, I wish somepony would do that with me.” Rarity lowers her head before raising it again with a smile. “Oh well I better be off, got to get my costume ready for tonight!” Rarity chirps before trotting passed us and heading home.

I watch Rarity go before turning my head to Applejack. “Wonder what she was here for?” I shrug. “Oh well never mind.” I gesture to the door. “Shall we my love?”

Applejack laughs a she heads inside, my gaze lingers on her flank for a few seconds before I follow her in. I turn back sharply though as I feel something with my senses. I narrow my eyes as I try to read what I was feeling. It was familiar to me yet strange as it kept distorting when I tried to focus on it.

“What is that?” I ask myself. “I felt this before, but where?” I couldn't place my finger on the magical signature but when Nightmare Night was over I was going to talk with Luna, perhaps she could shed some light. Applejack's voice breaks me out of my thoughts.

“John! Are ya coming in or what?!”

I turn back to the front door and head inside.

I sat on the edge of the bed with ym gold box by my side, I heard the faint sounds of grunting coming from behind the bathroom door.

“Are you ok in there? Need some help?” I say, smirking.

“No! Ah'm fine! Just gotta get...this...button in!” Applejack replies.

“I told you the shirt looked a little small, you are muscled you know.”

The door to the bathroom swung open. “Is that yer way of sayin' ah'm fat?” Applejack ask as she sways out of the bathroom. Applejack stops in front of me and gives me a twirl. “So? What ya think?”

My eyes travel over Applejack and take in every aspect of her costume. She was wearing a red and white chequered shirt with blue shorts that gave the appearance of denim. Her mane was tied into braided pony tails and her actual tail was also braided. The outfit was finished off with brown cowgirl boots and her Stetson. I let out a whistle.

“Wow...I like the full cowpony look, makes me want to tear things off...With my teeth.” I say the last few words while leaning towards Applejack.

“Stop it, yer gonna make me let ya.” Applejack looks to my box. “Are ya gonna show me yer costume?”

I shake my head. “Nope, this baby is going to remain in this box until later. I have a faint feeling I'm going to need it.”

“Fine! Ah'll wait. But it better be good!”

I laugh. “Oh you bet your sweet ass it will.”

“Will ya stop betting my flank, ya might lose it one day.”

I stand up and grab Applejack's butt with both hands. “This shall be mine! Now and forever!” I say, following up by planting a kiss on each side of Applejack's flank. “Still tastes like honey to me!” I add, before grabbing my box and running out the door.

I hear the sound of hooves chasing me. “Hey! Ya come back here! Ya don't kiss a mares flank and don't follow up!”

Me and Applejack run down the stairs and out the kitchen door, bypassing four very confused and shocked looking ponies.

“Uh? Big Mac, what was that about?” Sweetie Belle asks, still trying to figure out what she just witnessed.

Big Mac sighed and shook his head. “Sweetie Belle, ya really don't want ta know the answer ta that question.”

“Oh...should we get going? The festival will be starting soon.”

Big Mac nods and leads the fillies out, only to here more shouting in the distance.

“AH'M WAITING FOR MY FOLLOW UP!”

Big Mac sighs again, this was going to be an interesting night.

Twilight trots through Ponyville town centre, her gaze casting over the decorations and games set up for tonight.

“Isn't this great Spike! The festival is almost under way and even the princesses are coming tonight!” Twilight was grinning and almost bouncing with excitement.

Spike rolls his eyes. “Twilight, you need to calm down. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are coming tonight because and I quote Princess Celestia, 'My sister and I have not had fun in years and this will be a glorious opportunity for us to unwind!'” Spike smirks as Twilight glares at him.

“Spike that was not funny. Secondly Princess Celestia doesn't sound like that.” Spike shrugs. “Now let's just finish up our inspection, the princess will be here any moment now.”

I had managed with some luck to lose Applejack in Ponyville. I now sat in an alleyway looking over the gold bracelet sitting in it's box.

“You my friend are going to be epic!” I say, lifting the bracelet out the box. I place the bracelet over my arm and watch as the metal bends around my wrist to secure in place. I chuckle. “Fits perfectly.” I look to the sky as a shadow passes over me. “Right on time!” I grin and press the back of the bracelet, I glow gold for a few seconds as the armour activates.

Twilight stares at the carriage as It descends. The carriage was bright white with gold highlights. Twilight tried to hold her nerves in check as a royal guard dressed in bright white armour jumped down from the carriage.

The guard look over the crowd of gathering ponies and spoke in the best voice he could muster to carry over the town square.

“Mares and Gentlecolts! Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” The guard opens the door to the carriage with his hoof and the princesses step out.

“Evening our subjects!” Celestia says with a smile. “We are happy to be part of Ponyville's Nightmare Night and look forward to the festivities!” Celestia and Luna step away from the carriage and approach Twilight, Twilight quickly bows. “Rise Twilight, Ponyville has done a grand job of making Nightmare Night special this year.”

“Yes, even though the festival is to mark a dark day in my past, I to can see the towns ponies have gone all out.” Luna adds.

“T-Thank you! Everypony would be happy to hear you say that.” Twilight replies. “Would you like to try some of the games?”

Celestia grins. “I would like that very much!”

Luna goes to reply when an object hits her in the head causing her to turn around. In an alleyway John was beckoning her over.

“Sister, Twilight. If you would excuse me I have somepony I would like to meet.” Luna says with a smile before trotting off.

“Hmm, wonder who that could be?” Celestia asks, bringing a hoof to her mouth in thought. “I'm sure Luna will be fine, she needs to unwind.” Celestia finishes.

“Well princess I can recommend some games?” Twilight asks.

“That would be good, I don't know most of these.” Celestia answers.

Twilight grins before gesturing for Celestia to follow as Spike tags along.

Luna walks into the alleyway but could not see John. “John? Hello?”

“Hey Luna!” John calls from the shadows.

“John!” Luna shouts getting startled. “Why are you in this alleyway?”

“Well I got some neat new armour for Nightmare Night and was going to prank Celestia with it. I just however found a tiny little flaw with my plan.”

“That is?”

“I kind of need a Guinea Pig.” John replies.

“A...Guinea Pig?” Luna asks, with a look of confusion.

“Yeah, I need somepony to act as a victim for my plan to really take off.”

“Then why are you asking me?”

“Because you're perfect!” John answers gesturing to Luna.

“I still don't understand.”

John smacks a hand to his face and sighs.

“I want you to play a victim of an attack, so I can hold you above my head and gloat about how I beat you.”

“But it won't be much of a plan John if everypony out there knows it's you.”

“And that's why a had this armour made, watch.” John picks up a helmet on a nearby trash can and places it on his head. Luna watches in seconds of doing so John's eyes glow bright blue and his skin changes to a more darker tan colour. “See...” John says pointing to his mouth. “...It changes my voice too.”

Luna was taken aback. The armour John was wearing turned him into somepony completely different. Luna thought about his plan and grinned when she made a decision.

“I will help you. So what do I have to do again?”

“All you have to do Is make it look like you got hit out of the alleyway and into the crowds of ponies outside, when Celestia comes running you put on some show of being hurt and unable to move. When you have Celestia's attention I'll walk out and make a show of knowing her and make it seem like a despise her.”

“That seems a little harsh John?”

“Nah, she's a tough pony. I just need to do one thing...”

“What is th-” Luna gets cut off as John let's out a roar which shakes the walls of the alleyway.

John smiles after completing his roar and looks to Luna. “Now the fun begins.”

Celestia and Twilight fire pumpkins at painted targets and cheer as they hit both squarely.

“I have never had this much fun!” Celestia exclaims throwing her hooves into the air. “What's next?”

Twilight lifts up her hoof to respond when a loud explosion is heard across the town square. Twilight and Celestia run towards the sound and find ponies gathered around a figure lying on the ground.

“Luna!” Celestia cries out when she sees Luna lying on the ground. “What happened?”

“Tia...Run...Too strong...” Luna passes out and Celestia tries to shake her awake.

“Luna! Wake up! Luna!”

“CELESTIA!”

All the ponies turn their gazes toward a figure standing on the roof of a town house. The figure was wearing gold armour and holding a long handled mace in its right hand.

“Is that John?” Twilight asks, squinting her eyes. “He looks bipedal.”

“That's not John!” Celestia answers. “His magic is different, I don't know who that is.”

The figure on the roof jumps down causing the cobble stones to crack. The figure walks over to Celestia and stops, raising its mace again the figure speaks.

“I have finally come to end your lies princess!”

“Lies what lies? I do not know you!” Celestia replies standing up and protecting Luna on the floor. “Why have you attacked my sister?”

“She tried to stop me, it was foolish of her to try. I did not come from the heavens to argue with lower lifeforms, but I could not let your false title ruin and beseech my name!” The figure states.

“What are you talking about!?” Celestia asks, her voice raising in anger.

“Your false title of Goddess of the Sun! I watched this world for many millennia but to hear the creatures of this world call you by that title and even state that you move it yourself is the last straw. I have defied my brothers and sisters by coming here in person and confronting you for this blasphemy!”

“Who are you?” Celestia questions her stance and anger not wavering.

The figure bows and smirks. “I am Apollo, Olympian God and wielder of the sun. It is I who raise and lower the sun, I am the god who brings the sun about everyday not you!” The figure turns to the ponies gathering and gestures with his arms out wide. “I am your sun god!” The figure points to Celestia. “Not this false idol you worship!” The figure smiles and licks his lips. “There's only one punishment for a being who falsely claims to be a god, do you know what that is princess?”

“What my little ponies call me or my sister is none of your business, I have protected these lands from abominations for many centuries. I will continue to do so.” Celestia says, her eyes becoming stoic. “I do not know of this punishment but it will not happen as long as I draw breath.”

The figure start to slowly clap. “Bravo princess, very brave of you. You have strength and to think Zeus and Poseidon both thought you as weak creatures.” The Olympian god clips his mace to his belt and in one movement is face to muzzle with Celestia. “Yes, I see it in your eyes. The power and anger seeping through.” Celestia shudders as the figure puts a hand on her cheek and starts to rub it affectionately. “I see your beauty princess but alas you were not born a god so I cannot have you.”

Celestia keeps her eye on the god Apollo as he turns to walk away only for him to stop and put up a finger.

“I almost forgot! Your punishment, it would have been silly of me to leave without performing my duty.” Apollo walks back to Celestia and grabs her head, Celestia tries to pull away only to have Apollo's lips meet hers. Celestia was stunned for the length of the kiss, her wings unfurled and went stiff much to her dismay. Apollo broke the kiss after several seconds as the rest of the element bearers arrived on seen. The Olympian god gestured to them with a wave of his hand before crouching to Luna. “I think I broke her don't you think?”

Luna lifts up her head and with a slight grunt stands up. “I would say that you have.” Luna giggles as she notices Celestia was still standing with her wings out stretched and her eyes wide. “But a kiss? Really?” Luna asks, looking to Apollo.

The Olympian god sniggers. “Well she would never have expected that!”

Twilight walks up to Luna. “Luna? What is going on?”

“Don't be afraid Twilight, this isn't what it seems.” Luna replies before turning to the golden figure beside her. “I think you should remove your helmet now.”

The Olympian god chuckles as he reaches up to his helmet and pulls it off his head, seconds later the magical enhancements deactivate and ponies around gasp.

“John!?” Twilight shouts.

John waves. “Hey Twilight, fancy meeting you here.” John laughs before turning his gaze back to Celestia. “Um...Celestia? Are you ok?”

Celestia's eyes move to look at John before a scowl comes over her face.

John looks to Luna and hands her his helmet and mace. “What are these for?” Luna asks. John gestures to Celestia who's eyes had taken on a slight burning effect. “Oh?”

Minutes later ponies from all over Ponyville could hear the raging voice of a sun goddess calling out to her prey, some even say that years later the echo of obscenities and promises of burning for all eternity still linger in dark corners.