Calcifer.

Apple Jack laid her head down on on the soft grass under her favorite apple tree.  She'd always went here for her

after-work naps, ever since she was a young filly.  She tipped her hat over her eyes, and blew out hard.  A few cracks across her spine sounded as her back expelled the soreness of manual labor, and she began to relax.  It was around 5 o' clock, according to Celestia's sun.  Big Mac called from across the field, his figure nearly completely hidden through the trunks of the trees.

"A.J., ah'm jus' gonna store these baskets in the cellar, and then we can call the season over!"

"That's great Mac, we had a good year this year huh?"  The Earth pony called back.

"Eeyup!" A deep voice responded.

Apple Jack blew out another hard exhale and drew her mind into a state of rest.

Another apple pickin' season completed.

Daddy, you'd be proud. Were the only thoughts she could process.

Her relaxing slowly turned into slumber.

"Well, somepony looks rather comfy." He spoke boldly.

Apple Jack woke up with a start, but all she could see was tiny white spots and near complete blackness.

She recognized the voice though.

Her cheeks felt a bit hot, although she was under the sun for who knows how long.

She gave a quaint smile and said smugly, "Ah reckon ah rather am."

She kept her hat above her eyes, mostly because she was a bit in shocked by being caught off guard under her tree.

A large presents was felt taking a seat quite close the her, skin brushed past her left shoulder.  Out of the corner of her eye could see a part of a blue-jay bird cutie mark, and a sun tanned hide.

"So you finished your season yet?"  The colt asked.

"Eeyup!  Jus' finished it today.  I reckon we're ready for a good Nightmare Night this year."

"Uh... We're?"

Apple Jack winced slightly.

"Ah mean me and my family."

"Ahh, okay."  He was obviously covering up the blunder he committed.

Apple Jack smiled under her hat.  He was cute when he screwed up.

"So..." She cleared her throat, "What brings ya around here?  And ya got any plans for the holiday?"

"Oh, uh... I was coming to buy some apples and make some chat.  As for my plans in the next two nights uh... don't know."

Apple Jack got an idea.

She pulled herself up and sat hide by hide next to Jaybird.  She lifted her hat to the crown of her head and looked into his emerald green eyes.  His blueberry mane was banged over his emeralds in the way she found most fascinating about his features.

The bright orange sky, and the setting sun mixed.  It looked strange though, she never seen the orchard so fragrant in color.

So beautiful, yet not her center of attention at the moment.

"Mah family's hosting a haunted house during Nightmare Night, Jay.  How would you like ta be a ghost or somethin'?"

Jaybird looked at Apple Jack for only a second and said, "Absolutely."

***

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I'm sure that you were expecting a letter from my sister, but she hasn't been feeling quite well for awhile now.

Do not worry yourself though, she's not grave.  She speaks only of nonsense.

I fear she's getting tired.

I shall tell her personally any messages you wish her to hear in the letter back.

On a lighter tone, I' am overjoyed to bring you good news.

I shall be attending Nightmare Night Celebrations in your humble town this year for the second of events.

I have been looking forward to such fun ever since last year's festivities.

I ask you to please not tell anypony in Ponyville about my comings on Nightmare Night, for I wish it to be a surprise.

Lastly, and most importantly.

My sister wishes you to wear this necklace of sorts on your person at all times.

I asked her why and where she acquired such artifact, but she said it was for protection and nothing more.

She thinks you need protection, but whatever from is nothing you'd need to worry about it.

The creatures she speaks of are only in folklore anyways.

I ask that you pray for my sister Twilight Sparkle.

I shall see you quite soon,

Luna.

Twilight smiled at the good news of Luna's return to Ponyville.  Yet she was upset about her teacher's illness.

"Spike, what do you think would make a good "Get well" gift for the Princess."  She asked her companion who was standing atop a high ladder placing books back in their homes.

Spike mulled it over for a second, "Plants!"

"Plants?" She asked.

"Uh, I meant flowers.  The good smelling ones.  I love Lilac, get her some Lilac."  The dragon said pushing a book in the bookcase.

"Spike, you eat Lilac."  Twilight said sternly, observing the necklace Celestia gave to her.

"Your right!  Get me some too!  Fluttershy grows Lilac in her garden, I'm sure she'd give you some."

Twilight giggled a little, and wafted the necklace around her neck, it fit perfectly.

Spike slid down the ladder and landed on his feet with a thud.

He turned to Twilight and noticed the necklace.

"Hey!  Cool necklace Twi.  Who gave it to you?"

Twilight turned to Spike, "The Princess.  Luna says she wanted me to have it for protection from something."

"Protection from what?"

"She said Celestia never specified.  The least we could do is give her something in return, something nice.  You really think Lilac would suit her Spike?"

Spike went back into the recesses of his mind and pulled out a different answer, "Roses would be nice I guess.  We could stop by Rose and pick some up , but could we stop by Fluttershy's and get some Lilac too?"

Twilight soft a small laugh, "Sure Spike."

"All right!" He cheered.

Twilight and Spike stared at the letter pinned to the cottage door in confusion.

Twilight, Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow.

I need you to look after Angel and the other animals for awhile.

Don't worry, I'll be back by Nightmare Night.

There's somepony you all need to meet.  You'll meet him soon, He's a very nice guy.

Don't worry about my safety, I'm completely sure I'll be fine.

Stay away from dark colored ponies with a "6" as their cutie marks.

-Fluttershy <3

"What are we going to do Twi?"  Spike asked.

Twilight mulled it over for a minute, then came to a conclusion.

"Go find Pinkie and Apple Jack, I'll go and get Rarity and Rainbow Dash, we'll meet back here and search for her."

"... Could I get Rarity?"

"SPIKE GO!"