“Take your time. No rush.” Celestia said.

“Well okay… I’m ready I guess.” Pinkamena said glancing over at Star.

“It’ll be fine.” Star said grabbing her hand.

“Ya I’m ready too.” Lemmy said.

“Glad you decided to join us.” Star said.

Star and Pinkamena set Sarah and Serena on the floor. The two stared up at Star then back to Pinkamena.

“Ready?” Celestia asked.

Star pulled Pinkamena close and nodded.

Celestia cast the spell and there was another flash of light. Sarah and Serena were sitting there, now looking about the age of Scootaloo, Emile and Ethan. The two of them looked up at Celestia before standing up.

“How do you… Feel?” Star asked.

Sarah and Serena smiled and ran over to Star, jumping onto the couch and clinging to him.

“Don’t forget about me!” Pinkamena said as Serena jumped off him and onto her, nuzzling herself against Pinkamena.

The front door opened up and a very tired looking Ethan stumbled in. “Oh… hi.” He said as he looked up at Sarah and Serena.

“Hey. Just in time.” Star waved. Serena and Sarah gave Ethan a look before going back to cuddling each other.

“Dad collapsed outside…” Ethan said as he slumped to the ground asleep.

“Hey… Why don’t you two bring Ethan to his room.” Star said. “I’ll go get J.”

Sarah and Serena looked at each other and shrugged before jumping off the couch. They grabbed his arms and dragged him up the stairs.

“Uh… Maybe be a bit gentle?” Star said as they ignored him and continued on to J’s room.

“Okay.” Star said heading outside and putting J over his shoulders.

“Ah… pain… trees hurt…” J groaned.

“Yes… Yes they do.” Star said leading him up to his room.

“What are you two doing?” Star asked. Sarah and Serena were staring at Ethan, watching him sleep.

“Well… It’s J’s bed too so. Scoot.” Star said as the two moved over. Star set J down next to Ethan. Sarah whispered something to Serena causing the two to giggle before running out of the room.

“You… Rest. Come down when you’re feeling better.” Star said covering the two up and heading to the door.

----------------------

“So did you two want anything to eat?” Star asked.

Sarah and Serena looked at each other, whispering something to the other before looking back up at Star and shrugging.

“You don’t talk much do you.” Twilight said.

“I think it’s cute.” Celestia said.

Ethan yawned as he woke up, “Wha…” He mumbled when he looked up at Celestia he blushed intensely. “O… oh…”

“Morning.” Celestia said rubbing her hand through his hair. “How’d you sleep?”

Ethan gulped a little, “G… good…” He mumbled.

“Is that a… Yes?” Star asked.

Sarah shrugged.

“You’re not helping.” Star said.

J’s bedroom door opened and he walked to the top of the steps.

“Good morning.” Star said.

“Yes… Ethan I just wanted to say. You’re really improving!” J said as he walked downstairs.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little rough for the uh… ‘Training’?” Star asked.

J looked over at Star, “Nope.” He said.

“I wanted to push it up…” Ethan said.

“If he wants to tone it down then I will.” J said. “And you heard him… he wants it like this for now.”

“Oh… So he likes it rough.” Celestia said softly kissing Ethan on the top of the head.

Ethan froze up again.

“Star can we talk?” J asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“Sure.” Star said following him in, Sarah and Serena right behind him.

J shrugged, “Star I’m going to have to ask you not to ask about our training.” He said leaning against the counter.

“Why not?” Star asked.

“Well… be warned… if you do you’re offering yourself up as a training partner.” J said. “And he’s only getting stronger.”

“Alright…” Star said, “Well what abo-” Star was interrupted as Sarah pulled on his pant leg. He leaned down and she whispered something to him. “Oh alright. Sure.” He nodded.

Sarah smiled as the two ran back into the living room and headed upstairs.

“You were saying?” J said.

“Nothing. You deserve your privacy don’t worry I didn’t ask how bout some coffee?” Star smiled.

J cocked an eyebrow, “Star. Explain yourself.” He said.

“What do you mean?” Star asked.

“You were saying, well what about and then Sarah interrupted you. Finish what you were saying.” J said.

“I did. What about coffee?” Star said quickly, “Don’t you like coffee? Stop hating coffee it’s very rude.” He turned around and walked back to the couch.

“Ethan… you feel ready?” J asked.

“Yeah!” Ethan said quickly.

J smiled. “Good… Since you feel ready. Who wants to see what we’ve been practicing?” He asked.

“Sure why not.” Celestia said setting Ethan down.

“I’ll take them to where we’ve been practicing you go get set up.” J said as he leaned down to Ethan. He then whispered something into Ethan’s ear.

“Got it!” Ethan said as he opened the front door and rushed out.

“Are we supposed to follow him?” Star asked.

“No.” J said, “I’ll be taking you to where he’ll be going.” He stepped back towards the front door, “On your feet… we’re leaving now.”

Sarah and Serena quickly ran down the stairs and clinged to Star.

“Kay.” Star said.

-----------------------

“Ah… we’re here.” J said as he stopped.

“Good…” Star panted coming to a halt. Sarah and Serena on his shoulders as they giggled.

“We’re not… All… As in shape…” Twilight panted heavily, falling to the ground.

“Well that’s why you aren’t part of t-.” J stopped himself, “That’s why I’m not training you.”

“I don’t know what you are all whining about.” Celestia said.

“We don’t… have wings.” Star said.

“WHAT!” J shouted, “YOU FLEW?!?”

“Um… Yes. I do that quite frequently.” Celestia said.

“Drop and give me two hundred.” J stated.

Celestia just stared at him unimpressed.

“You’re on MY training grounds you abide by MY rules.” J said.

“Okay. I’ll just leave then.” She shrugged.

“Go ahead.” J said.

“Well have fun you guys.” Celestia said flying off back to the house.

J looked around at the rest of them. “That include you both Fluttershy, and Dash.” He stated.

“Yessir!” Dash said saluting and dropping to the floor.

“Um… Okay.” Fluttershy said going onto her hands and knees and doing push-ups.

“J…” Star said.

J ignored him and turned to Ethan, “Is everything ready?” He asked.

“Sir yes sir!” Ethan saluted.

“Fluttershy you can end at twenty.” J said.

“Thank you…” She said quietly.

“Sir! What should we begin with, sir!” Ethan said.

“The basics.” J said.

“Basics?” Star questioned.

“Private Ethan, did you just hear the wind?” J questioned.

“Sir no, Sir!” Ethan said.

“Funny I did.” J said.

Star sighed, “Sir… What are the basics… Sir.” He said.

“I’m glad you asked Private.” J said turning to Star, “The basics are fighting technique and the… unfinished obstacle course. Be happy that it isn’t finished. Any other questions?”

“Sir no sir.” Star said.

“I can only do 15… Can I stop?” Fluttershy asked starting to sweat.

“You may.” J said.

“Thank you…” She said climbing to her feet.

“Any volunteers to help with the demonstration?” J asked.

Everyone remained quiet.

“Good. I love choosing.” J said with a smile.

“Sir I’d love to sir!” Rainbow Dash said jumping to her feet and saluting.

“Good you’ll be Ethan’s first opponent.” J said, “Anyone else feeling brave?”

Sarah whispered something to Star.

“No we’re good.” Star said.

J’s eye twitched, “Private… did you just disrespect your Senior Officer?” He asked looking right at Star.

Serena whispered something to Star.

“Sir no sir.” Star said.

J turned to face Star, “Keep it that way.” He said. “But I still need one more person to spar with Ethan.” He slowly scanned over everyone. “It can wait until after the first match then.” He said turning around and facing Ethan and Dash.

“The rules are simple. No deadly blows, no flying, no magic of any kind, no scratching, no biting, and if you do gouge out any eyes return them at the end of the match.” J stated. “Do you both understand?”

“Sir yes sir!” Ethan said.

“Sir yes sir!” Dash said.

“Good.” J said, “Begin.”

-----------------------

Dash was laying flat on the ground twitching a little bit.

“The winner is Ethan!” J said.

Two changelings dressed as medics rushed out of a nearby tent and hauled Dash off towards it.

Serena whispered something to Star and Sarah.

“I know right?” Star said as the three started laughing.

J stiffened up and turned around facing everyone else. He glared at everyone slowly scanning across them.

Star nudged Twilight.

“What?” She said quickly.

J’s eyes snapped directly to Twilight. “We have a brave soul!” He said turning to Twilight.

“God damn it…” Twilight mumbled.

“Get into position private.” J stated.

Twilight moved forward to the spot he directed her to.

“Hey… Go easy on her okay?” Star whispered in a serious tone.

J chuckled, “THERE IS NO MERCY IN THIS DOJO!” He shouted, “FIGHT!”

Ethan tackled Twilight with in a second.

------------------------

J turned around and glared angrily at the rest of them, “For her cowardice you will all pay.” He said.

“Can we go home now?” Sarah asked.

“I’m bored.” Serena said.

“Sure.” Star said turning around and walking away.

“Where do you think your going?” J questioned.

“Home. Where do you think?” Sarah said.

“Yeah piss off.” Serena said.

Ethan stood up and faced them.

“No.” J said putting his hand down to stop Ethan. “You entered my training grounds. You will leave when I say you can leave.”

Sarah looked back at Ethan with a smile and winked.

“You will return to rank or you are banished from these grounds.” J said.

“Did… You need me to do anything?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

J turned around, “Ethan go retrieve the stock.” He said.

Ethan turned around and sprinted for a nearby tent.

“Is… Stock good?” Fluttershy asked.

“Since you’re the only one left along with Dash. Yes it’s very good.” J said.

Ethan came rushing back out with a small box.

“You may pull something out of it.” J said.

“What’s in it?” Fluttershy asked.

“The Stock is how I reward anyone who stays through a session of training.” J said. “Just slips of paper with things written on them. All of them give you the choice of what you want your reward to be.”

“Okay…” She said.

“Go ahead and grab one.” J said stepping to the side, “You’ve earned it.”

Fluttershy reached in and picked one, showing it to J.

“I guess I’ll be paying for a shopping trip.” J said.

There was a short pause.

“Yaaay….” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Now… it’s down to Dash.” J said. “But… after that beating she’ll be unable to move for another twenty minutes or so. Why don’t we head home and get something to eat?”

“That sounds nice…” Fluttershy said.

--------------------------

Fluttershy, J, Ethan, and Dash walked into the house.

“Hey we’re almost through with dinner.” Star said.

“Yep.” Pinkamena said.

“Mmhm…” Serena mumbled.

“Hm too bad you didn’t stay another five minutes.” J said as he sat down on the couch.

“Whatever.” Sarah said as her and Serena continued helping Star cook.

“So when are we doing the shopping spree?” J asked looking back at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy looked at J before taking the piece of paper and putting it in her pocket, “You’ll know when we’re doing it.” She said before sitting down and flipping on the TV.

“Wh-” J was cut off when Dash kissed him.

“Tonight.” Dash said.

“Dad… can I get a drum set?” Ethan asked.

“Sure.” J said with a smile.

“So how did training go?” Star asked.

“We only stayed until Dash was ready to move again.” J said, “After you left nothing else happened.

Sarah walked up to J with a plate of food, handing it to him as the chef’s hat she was wearing fell forward to cover her eyes.

J smiled a little bit, “Thank you Sarah.” He said taking the plate.

Sarah’s other hand pulled the hat back as she smiled, running back into the kitchen.

There was a quick scream from the kitchen.

J was on his feet in seconds and turned around looking into the kitchen.

Serena had cut her finger and had quickly put it in her mouth. Her eyes widened as she pulled it out and looked at it. She waited a moment before licking the blood off.

“Uh…” Star said.

Sarah came over and took her finger, looking at it curiously as she licked the blood too.

“Did you um… Need a bandage?” Star asked.

“No we’re fine.” Sarah said.

“Mmhm…” Serena mumbled, her smile growing as she licked a little more of the blood.

J set his plate down, “I’ll… go get some incase they’re needed afterwards.” He said as he walked upstairs.

“Aww… They’re growing up so fast.” Pinkamena said leaning her head onto Star’s shoulder.

“Oh haha.” J said from upstairs, “Very funny.”

“What?” Star shouted.

“One of you emptied the contents of my chest onto the floor!” J said.

“Um…” Star said.

There was a short pause upstairs before J slowly walked to the top of the stairs. “I can take… emptying the chest onto the floor.” He voice was so calm it was becoming scary. “But… this…” He held up the broken remains of what appeared to be a mask, “Is too far…”

“Blame Pupa!” Chrysalis shouted from the guest room.

“Um…” Star repeated.

J turned to face the guest bedroom door. “Then… pick my room up now.” He stated.

“Did you need any help up there?” Star asked.

“No.” J said, “I’m going to eat. Take Ethan to AJ’s so he can spend time with his mother and sister… and go see Rarity.”

“Alright. Come on girls le-” Star said as he turned to see Sarah and Serena had pushed Ethan up to the wall and were kissing him.

“Ethan you doin okay there?” Star questioned.

Ethan was unable to respond.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Star said.

------------------------------

“Emile!” AJ called.

“She’s in the kitchen…” Big Mac said.

“Come on it’s time to get ready for bed.” AJ said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Okay.” Emile said putting down the apple she had and walking up to AJ.

“Hey I’m sure J will be coming to see you tonight…” AJ said as she lifted Emile up.

Emile smiled and hugged her mom tightly.

“And you get to spend all day with him tomorrow…” AJ said as she kissed Emile’s forehead..

“I wanna take a bath tonight.” Emile said.

“You take one every night sweetie.” AJ said with a laugh as she carried her upstairs.

--------------------

“Alright I think it’s time for bed.” Star said.

“Will you tuck us in dad?” Sarah asked.

“Of course.” He said walking them up to his room.

“Ethan… let’s get going.” J said.

Ethan snored a little bit.

J smiled and lifted Ethan up cradling him closely. He walked to the door and opened it up.

--------------------

J opened the door to AJ’s house and walked in. He carried Ethan upstairs and walked into the twins room.

J gently set Ethan down in his own bed and tucked him in. “Good night…” J said quietly as he leaned down and kissed Ethan’s forehead.

J stood up and walked quietly out of the room. He walked towards the bathroom and quietly peeked in.

AJ was still helping Emile wash off.

J blinked inside the bathroom and quietly kneeled behind AJ. As he slid one hand up the side of her body is other hand covered her mouth. He kissed her neck and nuzzled her.

“Mom… when do you think Dad will be coming?” Emile asked.

“Soon…” AJ said shooting a smile at J.

J motioned for her to move away. AJ moved to the side and J took her spot.

Emile stiffened up a little as her Dad’s hands rubbed her back a little.

After a few seconds J poured some water down her back and rinsed the last of the soap off. He leaned in and kissed Emile’s cheek, “There all done.” He said as he picked her up out of the bath tub.

Emile tightly hugged J. Applejack handed J a towel and he wrapped Emile in it.

“Come let’s get you into your room.” J said standing up.

Emile nuzzled J’s neck.

J laid Emile down in her bed. “Get ready for bed okay? Once you’re done come get me… I’ll tuck you in and read you a story.” He said.

Emile nodded and hopped out of bed.

J walked out of the room and stepped into AJ’s.

AJ was laying on top of the blankets in lingerie. She smiled as he entered and spread her legs apart. “So… ya coming to tuck me in too?” She asked innocently.

J climbed over top of her and kissed her, “Not tonight…” He said sadly.

AJ wrapped her legs around his waist. “Well… that doesn’t mean you can’t stay a little bit longer…” She said kissing him.

J continued making out with AJ until they both felt someone else get on the bed.

They both stopped and looked at Emile. J smiled, “So… did you pick out the story?” He asked.

Emile nodded.

AJ let go of J and gave him one last kiss as he left with Emile.

Emile laid down in her bed and J laid the blankets over her.

J smiled as he sat down beside the bed, “The Tree, which should have been brown and green, was purple and pink and blue, instead. Wizard Muddle scratched his head worriedly…” J started.

----------------------

J shut the book and lightly kissed Emile’s head.

As he left the room he turned off the lights and shut the door quietly.

He quietly walked back into AJ’s room to find her asleep on the covers.

J gently pulled the blanket out from under her. He laid it over top of her and gently kissed her forehead, “Sleep tight Applejack…” He whispered as he walked out of the room.