The Knights Trinity

Chapter Eleven: Love in the Air

Dustin walked down the street of his hometown. It was eerie to see the place void of any life. He know he could bring it to life through his memories but he wanted the quiet. He sat on the porch swing in front of his childhood home lost in thought.

How long had it been since he saw Luna and Rainbow Dash? Hours, days, weeks? There was no way to know. How much longer was he going to be unconscious? What if he’s in a coma for years? What would happen to his friends. What if the war started and that’s why Luna and Rainbow Dash hadn’t come back? The more he thought the more upset he became and the color started to drain from his surroundings.

“Good evening Sir Dustin.” came a soothing voice from his right.

Dustin jumped to his feet and ran to Luna throwing his arms around her neck. Luna jerked back from the sudden movement then rested her head on Dustin’s shoulder..

“Is everything alright in the real would? Is everyone okay?”

“Of course, all is well.” replied Luna a hint of confusion in her voice.

Dustin released his grip from her neck and stepped back.

“I’m sorry, Being here had my thoughts wandering into a dark place. It’s really easy to get feeling down when your alone.”

Seeing Luna’s warm smile Dustin couldn’t help but smile himself causing the color to return to the scenery.

“It has been over a week, and your body is recovering nicely.”

“With out you here Luna it feels like an eternity.”

Luna smiled as she looked around.

“Where are we?”

“This is the town I grew up in. This is actually my old house.”

“Do you think you could show me your dream house again?”

“Sure.”

The town they were in faded away and was replaced by the building image of a very nice modern home.

“Would you like a tour?” asked Dustin gesturing towards the front door.

“Please lead the way.” replied Luna with a slight bow.

Dustin showed Luna the layout one room at a time. He stood in a bedroom doorway as the room was decorated before their eyes. Then two girls appeared on the floor playing with dolls.

Dustin shook his head and the world went black.

“I am sorry Dustin. I didn’t intend on raising difficult memories. I am sure you miss them dearly.”

“That’s the worst part of being stuck here. My memories wander and there they are right in front of me. I can touch them, talk to them, but I know they are just an illusion from my dreams. It’s maddening to have to relive these moments over and over knowing I will never see them again.”

With that Luna lost her usual composure. Tears welled in her eyes as she remembered her time alone imprisoned on the moon.

“I understand more than you will understand. The pain of loss is truly hard to face. It may diminish but never fully disappears. Just know this, here in Equestria you are also loved. If you would allow this great love that you possess inside you to be shared with others, I feel you will find happiness once again.”

As Dustin stood silent the blackness was replaced by the Canterlot throne room. Luna saw her sister and herself seated on their thrones. Looking around she realized it was the day the humans met the rulers of Equestria. The image then zoomed in on Luna’s face. She was scowling deeply. Dustin chuckled at the sight.

“You know even though I could tell you didn’t approve of us being there, you certainly could my attention. Your eyes and mane drew me in, they are entrancing.

Luna blushed and cursed herself silently for her behavior that day.
….….

Adrian pushed the castle door open and looked inside.

“Hey Anthony you up yet?” he shouted.

Spike came out of the main hall carrying a tub of ice cream.

“Him and Twilight already left. They were headed to the Castle of the Two Sisters to go through the library.”

“What in tarnations was she thinkin headed there with out a few extra ponies.” scowled Apple Jack suddenly serious.

“Its okay Apple Jack, Anthony took his rifle and stuff with him. They’ll be fine. Won’t they?”

A worried look crossed Spike’s face as the panic started to set in.

“Don’t worry Spike Adrian and I will catch up to em.”

“Come on Adrian I hope ya don’t mind a little gallop.” said Apple Jack as she turned and ran down the road.

“What’s the big deal with this castle.” asked Adrian as he caught up.

“The big deal is that its the ruins inside of the Everfree forest. It’s dangerous out there.”

“Anthony will keep Twilight safe AJ. I promise that.”

“I’m sure sugarcube, but I’d just feel a bit more comfortable if I was there too.”

“Okay then, which way.”

As they neared the edge of the forest they spotted Anthony and Twilight walking up the path to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“There they are, lets go.”

Apple Jack picked up the pace and caught them just before Twilight could knock on the door.

“What in the samhill do ya think your doin headed to the forest without us.” she yelled as they approached.

“It’s alright Apple Jack we were just going to look for a few books and then we are coming right back.”

“Listen hear sugarcube, you should know better then ta go gallivantin into the forest by yerselves.”

“Since the two of you are already here, why don’t you come with us then?” said Anthony trying to calm everyoney down.

“Darn straight.” replied Apple Jack with a huff.

“I-is everything okay out there?” came a meek voice from the other side of the door.”

“It’s fine Fluttershy we just stopped by to talk to you for a second.” said Twilight as the door slowly opened.

“Are you really going into the forest.”

“Yeah we are.”

“Oh my. Aren’t you worried about Cockatrice, and timberwolves, and manticores?”

“Exactly my point, here ya go Fluttershy.” said Apple Jack as she sat the saddlebags by the door. “A fresh load a vegetables for all yer critters.”

“Oh thank you Apple Jack. They’ll be so happy.”

“Excuse me, but what the hell is a cockatrice or a manticore?” asked Adrian.

“Oh, a cockatrice is a flying lizard with the head of a chicken.” replied Fluttershy as she visibly shivered.

Adrian chuckled at the mental image.

“Really. Whats so scary about that?”

“If you look into a cockatrice’s eyes it will turn you to stone.” replied Fluttershy.

“Oh I guess that could be a problem. Is there anyway to turn somebody back if that happens?”

“Why yes there is. The cockatrice can change them back. You just have to convince them that its the right thing to do.”

“And a manticore?”

“They are these lions with dragon wings and a scorpion tail. They can be really mean if your not careful.”

“Right so lets hope we don’t see any of those today.” said Anthony.

“So what did you want to talk to me about Twilight?”

“Well Anthony mentioned he might be interested in getting a pet and..”

“Really!! The animals will be so excited to hear that. I can have them ready this afternoon.” she replied flying up into Anthony’s face. Any idea of what your looking for in a pet?

“I wasn’t wanting to get one right now, I just though I could set up a time to come see what you had.”

“If you give me a few days I can have them all cleaned up and ready for you. I’m sure I have something here that you will absolutely adore. Do you wanna get a pet also Adrian?” Fluttershy asked expectantly.

“I’m staying out at AJ’s and I wouldn’t be comfortable bringing a new pet out right now. But, as soon as I get my place built I’d be glad to come take a look.”

“Oh that’s simply wonderful.”

A little white bunny walked out the door and tapped his foot on the stone step impatiently.

“Oh dear, I really must let you all go. I promised Angel I’d fluff his tail today.”

“Okay Fluttershy, I’ll see you in a couple days.” said Anthony as they started back to the forest.

“We all look forward to it.” she replied with a wave.

Anthony looked over to Adrian and laughed.

“I think that’s the most excited I’ve seen Fluttershy since we met her.”

“Ya want interestin wait until somepony pisses her off.” said Apple Jack.

“Can Fluttershy even get mad?”

“OH yeah, and ya don’t want it to be at you.” replied Twilight.

They walked and chatted as they made their way though the forest until the castle ruins came into view.

“Wow that’s kinda creepy.” said Anthony as they drew nearer.

“Yeah but the library is amazing. Just make sure you stick together. The castle is full of traps and secret passages.”

“Seriously, and you thought coming here was a good idea.” commented Adrian.

“They won’t hurt you, its more like a fun house. It can just get a little confusing. Now if you all just follow me we’ll go straight to the library.”

Twilight led the group though the corridors of crumbing stone to the castle library. Adrian wandered to close to the wall as his face was wrapped up in a rather large cobweb.

“Oh Shit.” he yelled startling the rest of the group.

He jump over flailing this arms around his head in an attempt to rid himself of the web.

“Is it on me? Are there any spiders on me?” he said trying to shake the mass of sticky string off his hand.

“Calm down sugarcube its just a star spider web. They get alittle thick out here this time a year. It won’t hurt ya.”

“I hate spiders okay.” he replied with a shutter.

“So ya can fight changelings and timberwolves, but yer scared of a little spider.”

“I didn’t say I was scared of them, I just really hate them.”

“Okay sugarcube. Just try stayin in the center of the hallway and I’ll protect ya from those big bad spiders.”

“Shut up AJ.” said Adrian giving her a playful smack on the flank. He left his hand there as they walked and pulled her closer to him. Apple Jack leaned in against his leg as they saw the hallway open up into a large room.

Twilight ran into the library and turned back to the other three.

“Some of these books are thousands of years old so please be careful.”

The four of them spread out around the library and started looking over the large number of books.

“So what exactly are we lookin for Twilight.” asked Adrian.

“Anthony and I are trying to find information on the humans here in Equestria.”

They continued looking through the books for a few hours with no luck. Adrian was about to give up as he skimmed through the J’s. A tattered green book caught his eye so he pulled it out and read the title again.

Sir Jaunt’s Roll of the War

He opened it up only to find the pages were all blank.

“That’s weird.” he remarked as he flipped through the pages.

“What is sugarcube?’

“Well I found this book over here but the pages are all blank.” he said showing the book to Apple Jack.

“Who in the hay is Sir Jaunt? We should show this to Twilight, maybe she’ll have some idea.”

Adrian walked over to a rather frustrated looking Twilight and dropped the book on the table in front of her.

“Any idea who this Sir Jaunt is?” he asked. “I can’t figure why anypony would hold onto a book with blank pages.”

“What?” said Twilight as she looked the book over.

As soon as her aura surrounded the cover the book began to glow. They all watched as it started to transformed. The green cover melted away to a bright red with golden inlay as the letters of the title started to move. Twilight’s eyes grew as large as saucers as she read the new words that appeared.

The Journal of StarSwirl

She grabbed the book and held it up to her face to be sure she was reading it correctly.

“Adrian this is amazing.” she said holding the book tightly against her chest. “We have to get back to Ponyville so I can start reading this. I have to let Princess Celestia know about it too.”

“So who is StarSwirl.” Anthony asked.

“Just the wisest and most powerful unicorn that ever lived. He was Princess Celestia and Luna’s teacher, and he wrote more spells then I can even comprehend. So lets get going they’ll want to know about this journal as soon as possible.”

Adrian walked back over to the bookshelf where he had located the journal and browsed through the books again. Apple Jack joined him as he looked.

“Did ya see something else?”

“No I just thought I’d check if there where anymore books that appeared out of place.” He ran his fingers across the book spines until one caught his eye.

Nature of Fear

He grabbed the book and pulled. There was a click and the bookshelf spun taking him and Apple Jack with it.

“What the hell.” yelled Anthony running over to the now stone wall.

He searched it over but couldn’t find any trigger or panel to turn it back.

“Adrian, Apple Jack can you hear me?

“Yeah we can hear you we’re okay. It looks like we just got taken to a different room is all.

“Try doing whatever it was you did before.”

“Already tried and it didn’t work. We’ll just find a way out of here ourselves.”

“Okay, but be careful.”

Twilight walked up to Anthony’s side.

“If you want we could go look for them.”

“Where would we even start. From the looks of this place its huge.”

“Their just on the other side of the wall. Maybe we can find another entrance down the hall.”

Anthony took the journal from Twilight and put it in his hip pouch.

“Then lets get going.”

Twilight and Anthony headed down the hall side by side looking for a doorway. They rounded a corner into a stair case. Anthony started down the stairs as he heard a stone slip behind him.

“Watch out.”

Twililght came stumbling down and crashed into Anthony.

A bundle of boots and hooves rolled down the stairs and hit the floor.

Anthony opened his eyes to find himself touching nose to nose with Twilight. They sat their staring at each other in awkward silence.

“Are you alright.” asked Anthony as he brushed a piece of Twilight’s mane out of her face.”

“Yeah I’m fine.” she said as she started to untangled herself from Anthony. “Maybe we should just head to the entrance and wait.”

They both got up and headed back for the door.

......

Adrian and Apple Jack looked around the dimly lit room. It was covered in old tapestries and a few old paintings. Adrian saw a torch on a nearby table so he started checking his pockets for his zippo. He pulled it out of his breast pocket and flicked it open. There was a click and the room lite up causing Apple Jack to jump back.

“I thought you said humans couldn’t use magic?”

“It’s not magic its a little device that makes fire.” he replied lighting the torch.

He put the lighter back in his pocket and held the torch out for a better view.

“It looks like some kind of private study.”

“Don’t ya think we should be tryin ta find a way outta here?”

“I’m not in any hurry. I couldn’t ask for more beautiful company. Besides, I never actually tried pulling the book again.”

“You what?” asked Apple Jack in shock.

Adrian placed the torch in a holder on the wall, and sat down.

“Look AJ I wanted to talk to you about the other day.”

“I’m sorry sugarcube I didn’t mean to push things like that. If I made ya feel uncomfortable I understand. Its just...”

Adrian reached up and pulled Apple Jack to him giving her a kiss. Her eyes went wide and then slowly closed as she kissed him back.

After awhile Apple Jack pulled away and looked at Adrian.

“What was that for?” she said dreamily.

“For you being you. I know we just met a few days ago but your beautiful, friendly, caring, and honest, I like that about you. In fact I think I may be falling in love with you AJ. You care about your family, you aren’t scared of hard work, and your not afraid to be yourself. That makes you pretty special in my book. When I’m around you I just know I can be myself and your not going to judge me.

Apple Jack threw her hooves around his neck and pushed him back against the wall. As they kissed again AJ’s mouth opened allowing Adrian’s tongue to push inward and meet hers. He ran his hands up her sides as they pushed into each other passionately. A small string of saliva connect to their lips as they slowly pulled apart.

“So what was that for?” asked Adrian this time.

“For seein me as I really am and not runnin for the hills. Most stallions are only interested in me cause of the farm or what I can do. When they meet ma family or start ta really get ta know me they high tail it outta there. Your the first one ta admit you like everything about me.”

“Then those other stallions are idiots for not seeing how truly beautiful you are inside and out.”

“You planned this out didn’t ya? Gettin me alone out here.”

“After I heard this place was full of secret passages and traps I kinda figured there’d be one in the bookshelf somewhere. I kinda lucked out that I found it.”

“Just what would you a done if ya hadn’t?”

“I’d have figured out another way to get you alone.”

Apple Jack kissed him again as she sat up.

“As much as I’m enjoyin this we really should see bout gettin outta here. I think we could continue somewhere a little more comfortable.”

Adrian let go so she could stand up and then pushed himself up off the floor.

“Hey AJ, do ya think you could not say anything to anybody about this. Not yet anyway. I’d like to do this right. So I should probably ask Big Mac and Granny Smith for permission to be courting you. I’d also like to have a talk with Anthony about it first. I’m not sure how he’ll react. I’m not sure how any of them are gonna react for that matter.”

“What are ya gonna do if they don’t like the idea.”

“I don’t really care whether they like it or not. I’d just like to talk to them.”

“Okay sugarcube, but just ta warn you, secrets don’t stay secrets fer long in Ponyville.”

“Thanks AJ I’ll discuss this with them tonight.”

..........

Anthony and Twilight found the entrance and sat down on the remains of an old bench.

“I packed a little food if your hungry.”

She pulled a small pouch out of her saddlebag and set it between them. Anthony opened it up and looked inside. There were two sandwiches and two little packages of what looked like potato chips.

“A picnic for two?”

“I actually planned on sharing it with you in the library while we were looking though the books. I just got side tracked and kinda forgot about it.”

“I guess we could have found a little more romantic spot for a picnic then the Everfree forest.” said Anthony with a chuckle.

He handed Twilight a sandwich and started to eat his own. Twilight took a few bites and placed the food back into the pouch.

“Anthony can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead ask whatever you’d like, but depending on the question I can’t guarantee you’ll like the answer.”

“Did you have a special somepony on earth?”

“A special somepony? Oh no I didn’t. I was always to focused on my work. I just never really put much time or effort into relationships. Having one as a soldier is already hard because we are gone to train and fight so often. It takes a very special kind of mare to love stallions like us. We see the world differently then others and our views of life and death bother people. We come back home from war to be shunned by some and honored by others. War takes its toll on our minds and bodies and effects us for the rest of our lives.”

“Dustin seems to have a family so it can’t be impossible.”

“He does or did. His wife was already talking about leaving him, so it wouldn’t have surprised me if she was gone when we got back from Iraq. He knew that, but he loved her anyway. The hardest part for him is losing his three children. They meant the world to him.”

“That’s terrible. How could she leave someone that would do anything for her?”

“Its complicated Twilight. So what about you. A smart beautiful pony, I’m surprised the stallions aren’t beating down your door.”

“Being Princess Celestia’s personal student I spent more time studying then anything. I just didn’t want to let her down. So until I got to Ponyville I didn’t even have any real friends. I learned the value of friendship, but I still stay pretty busy with my royal duties.”

“So you haven’t even looked for a special somepony then?”

“Well I uh um, if you were interested, uh maybe you .”

““Howdy you two, we ain’t interruptin anything are we?”

“Uh no of coarse not.” stammered Twilight.

“If ya’d like we can go lock ourselves back in that room.” said Apple Jack with a sly smile.

Adrian reached over and pushed he hat down over her eyes. She tipped it back and looked up at him seeing an equally large grin on his face as well.

“What are you two so happy about?” asked Anthony as he watched them closely.

“Just happy we’re out and on our way home is all.” replied Adrian.

“Are ya all ready to head out?”

Anthony wrapped up what was left of the food and put it back into Twilight’s saddle bags. Then he lifted the bags off her and tossed them over his shoulder.

“Allow me.” he said offering his hand to help her up.

“Why thank you kind sir.” she said with a giggle as she took his hand with her hoof.

As they walked back into the castle Spike came running up and hugged Twilight’s leg.

“Thank goodness your all okay. I was so worried.

“So worried you had to eat an entire tub of ice cream I see.” said Twilight looking at the empty container on the floor.

“Uh you know me, a nervous eater.”

Anthony pulled the book from his hip pouch and placed it on the table. It had reverted back to its former sorry state. Again as Twilight touched it with her magic it transformed.

“I don’t know how Celestia and Luna could have missed this. That reminds me.”

“Spike.”

“Yes Twilight.”

“Take a letter for Princess Celestia.”

Anthony watched as Spike pulled a paper and quill out of seemingly nowhere.

Dear Princess Celestia,

While we were searching your old castle library for information on ancient humans, Adrian located an odd book. When I applied my magic to it the book was revealed to be The Journal of StarSwirl the Bearded. I wanted to inform you of our discovery, as I felt it is something that may hold great interest for you as well. I was also wondering why you hadn’t told me it had been in your possession?

Your Faithful Student

Twilight Sparkle.

Spike rolled the letter up and blew his flame, allowing the letter to float away as it burned.

“So now what?” asked Adrian.

“Now I start reading and we wait for a response from Celestia.”

“Anthony would you mind if we talked in private for a minute.” asked Adrian as he gave Apple Jack a wink.

“Sure we can go to my room.” he replied leading the way.

Once they got to his room Anthony walked over and dropped his gear on the bed. He pulled a couple chairs to the balcony doors and had a seat. Adrian joined him and sat quietly as he tried to figure out what to say.

“So whats on your mind.”

“Ya know how you said things kinda got personal for you when we got back yesterday.”

“Yeah.”
“Well things have sorta become personal for me as well.”

“Oh boy this I’ve got to hear. Who made you swear to do it?”

“I did.”

A puzzled look appeared on Anthony’s face.

“Does this have something to do with why you and Apple Jack were so happy today?”

“I know this is going to sound weird. Hell, the more I think about it the weirder it gets for me, but I’m falling in love with Apple Jack.”

Adrian looked at the floor waiting for the reprimand he was sure to receive.

“Congratulations Adrian that’s great.”

“I know its not natural and WHAT!”

“I said congratulations. Is that so hard to understand.”

“You don’t find that odd in the slightest?”

“The only thing I find odd is to hear it from you first. To hear it coming from Dustin wouldn’t have shocked me, he always seems to just adapt and roll with his environment. You on the other hand were ready to take hostages and seize control of the land.”

“I just got told we were stuck here forever, I was a little upset. But, the more I thought about it the more I realized this wasn’t such a bad place to be stuck. Then Apple Jack and I spent the morning together bucking apples and I just felt it. This is where I belong and she welcomed me in. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind all day, so when we were trapped in that room I told her how I felt.”

“What did she think about it?”

“She said she feels the same way. Only now I have to talk to her family about it and I’m not sure what they’ll think. I was expecting you to tell me I was fucking crazy.”

“I had a chat with Celestia while you were with Dustin at the hospital. She asked if I was interested in a relationship with Twilight. She even encouraged it saying true love was something Twilight needed to learn.”

“Are you? Interested I mean.”

I don’t know. Celestia understands we are three humans trapped in a world of ponies and she wants us to be happy. She mentioned that part of the change we experience coming here would allow us to see ponies as they really are. I think that means as friends, family maybe even wives. So as long as you and Apple Jack feel the same way towards each other who am I to judge. Maybe Twilight and I will figure something out. I mean obviously, Rainbow Dash has taken a liking to Dustin. So go for it, I’ll stand by your decision one hundred percent.”

“Thanks man, I really mean it. That is a huge weight off my chest. Do you think you could keep it quite though. I promised Apple Jack I would do this right and speak with her family first.”

“My lips are sealed, though I would like to hear their opinion on the situation as well.”

“After I talk to them we’ll let you know.”

They joined the two mares in the library and found Twilight with her nose buried in the book. Apple Jack sat idly with her hat pulled down over her eyes.

“Find anything interesting yet?” asked Anthony as he pulled up a chair next to Twilight.

“This entire book is interesting.”

Spike sat up and burped flames as a letter appeared in front of him. He grabbed it and ran over to Twilight. As she took it he burped again as a second letter appeared.

Twilight opened the first letter and read it out loud.

My Most Faithful Student,

Your discovery of StarSwirl’s journal is as much a shock to us as it was to you. We both wish to see it soon. However, the King and Queen of Saddle Arabia are here for several days on royal business. So I will write you when they depart, this well allow us time to discuss your findings. In the mean time keep the book safe. There are many who would seek the knowledge in that book for evil purposes.

Princess Celestia

Twilight sat down the letter and took the other from Spike. She opened it and started to read to herself. Her face blushed as she quickly rolled the scroll back up and resealed it.

“Spike if you would please, see that this letter gets to Rainbow Dash immediately, I would be grateful.”

“What does it say?” asked Spike innocently.

“That is between Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna, now get going.”

Spike took the letter and ran out the door.

“It was a private letter, I should have looked who it was for before I read it.” said Twilight looking at everypony else.

“What did it say?” asked Anthony giving her a nudge.

“Their happens to be two ponies with a similar interest, and we’ll just leave it at that.”

“Ah come on.”

“Nope, not gonna tell you.”

“Well guy’s I think AJ and I should be getting home. Oh yeah Anthony here are those papers you asked me to fill out.” Adrian said pulling them out of his cargo pocket.

“Thanks for coming along we’ll catch ya later.”

Anthony watched Twilight start back into the book. He saw the one she had given him this morning still on the table. He scooped it up and started to read, enjoying the calmness of the castle.

Apple Jack and Adrian headed back to the farm discussing the conversation with Anthony along the way.

“So he didn’t even freak out about it. He said he would stand beside our decision one hundred percent”

“Well I’m glad ta hear that sugercube. It would have been mighty difficult ta do this if’n he’d disapproved.”

“It’s not like he could stop us or anything. If he would have gotten upset I’d do it anyway. Its just there is only us three and we’ve been friends for a long time, I’d hate to see that fall apart.”

“Now we just gotta worry bout Big Mac and Granny Smith. Maybe it’d be best if we divide and conquer. You talk ta Big Mac and I’ll talk ta granny.”

“No, I told you a want to do this right and I meant it. I’ll talk to Big Mac first though. Brother’s have a tendency to get a little protective of their little sisters. If they agree you can tell Applebloom and we can go spread the word to your friends.”

“Mah friends will figure it out quick enough. If they agree I’d like ta continue what we started in the castle earlier.”

“What if they don’t? I think I could be looking for a new place to live.”

“We found a way ta be alone together today didn’t we. I’m sure we c’n figure somethin out.”

They walked through the gate together, and saw Big Mac headed to the barn. Adrian put his hand on AJ’s shoulder.

“Here we go.” he said giving her a reluctant smile.

He walked in and cleared his throat. Big Mac stopped and sat down the bucket he was carrying.

“Hard work, buckin them apples isn’t it.”

“Eeyup”

“Listen Big Mac, can I ask you something?”

“Eeyup.”

“Would you object to me courting your sister?”

“Nnope.” was all he said as he pushed the bucket into place and started back across the barn.

“That’s it?”

“Eeyup.”

“Not even a threat of hurting me if I break her heart.”

“Nnope.”

Big Mac walked over and spit out the piece of hay he was chewing.

“Ya break her heart it ain’t me ya gotta worry about. It’s her. I just want my sister ta be happy and if she wasn’t interested, you wouldn’t be askin.”

“Thanks Big Mac.”

Adrian walked back out of the barn straight faced and serious. Despite the voice in his head jumpin up and down yelling yeppie.”

Apple Jack galloped up to him as a look of concern then anger crossed her face.

“That good fer nothin, low down...” she mumbled as she started towards the barn

“He said yes.”

Apple Jack shook her head at Adrian’s comment.

“Are ya kiddin me. I was gonna go in there and give him a piece a my mind you Jerk,” she said hitting him in the leg.

“Sorry I couldn’t help myself.”

“Okay now lets go talk ta Granny Smith.”

They walked across the yard and into the house. Granny Smith sat in her chair gently rocking as she watched them come in.

“I reckon ya got somethin ta ask me.” she said to Adrian.

“Yes ma’am I do.”

“Ya have my blessin, but if’n you screw this up the timberwolves’ll be the last thing ya gotta worry about.”

“How’d ya know granny?” asked Apple Jack.

“Ya’ll forget I c’n see the back of that barn from ma window.”

Apple Jack and Adrian both blushed brightly at the realization.

“I’m sorry ma’am.”

“Ya just focus on treatin my Apple Jack right ya hear.”

“I certainly will ma’am.”

“Apple Jack, goin fetch yer sister its time fer supper, I’d like ta chat with Adrian fer a minute.”

Apple Jack walked to her sisters room and knocked on the door.

“You in there Applebloom?”

“Yep.”

AJ walked in and sat down next to her sister.

“What would ya say if Adrian stuck around here for awhile?”

“Whatcha mean by awhile?”

“Depending on how things go maybe forever.”

“Does that mean your his marefriend now? That’s great I can’t wait ta tell the other crusaders.”

“I take it you don’ mind then.”

“Not at all. How cool is it that ma big sister is datin a Knight of Equestria.”

“Okay then lets get goin and wash up, Granny says suppers ready.”

They all sat down for supper and talked about the days events. Applebloom told Adrian that she and the other crusaders we meeting tomorrow and invited him to come along. He told them that as soon as Dustin got back they’d both go. Applebloom couldn’t wait to tell Sweetiebell and Scootaloo. After they finished eating Adrian gathered all the plates and started to wash the dishes. Apple Jack chased Applebloom off to bed and said good night to Granny Smith and Big Mac. He finished cleaning up and went back to his room disappointed that AJ had forgot her earlier offer. He opened his door to find Apple Jack stretched out on his bed.

“I bet ya though I forgot didn’t ya.” she said with a smile. “Just a little payback for the barn.”

Adrian took off his uniform top and t-shirt and laid down next to her. AJ leaned over him and kissed up his chest to his neck.

“Did ya really think I’d miss out on this.” she whispered in his ear.

Adrian wrapped his arms around her neck, and pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. Their tongues danced together as they held each other tightly.

Adrian finally broke the kiss and looked into Apple Jack’s big green eyes.

“I could stay like this forever. I love you AJ.”

“I love you too Adrian and don’t you ever forget that.”

“I never will if this is how your gonna remind me.” he replied leaning in and kissing her again.

After nearly an hour of passionate kisses they snuggled into each other and drifted off to sleep.

........

Anthony awoke with a start as he didn’t immediately recognize his surroundings. He looked around as his vision began to clear. The sleeping form of Twilight slowly came into view. He rubbed his eyes as he stood and walked over to her. She truly was a beautiful mare. He closed StarSwirl’s journal and put it in his cargo pocket. Gently he picked up Twilight and carried her to her room. He laid her against her pillow and pulled the blankets up around her neck.

“I love you Anthony.” she moaned as she rolled over.
Anthony stood watching over her wandering if that was really how she felt. He ran his hand down her mane and across her back.

“Goodnight Twilight Sparkle.” he whispered as he left her room and went to bed.

The next few days seemed to fly by. Adrian continued to help Apple Jack with the apple bucking and chorus around the farm. He even let Applebloom convince him to check out her clubhouse. The construction forepony arrived one afternoon as they sat and discussed plans for Adrian’s new home. Granny Smith offered to sell him a small flat not far from the farm house. With the location and plans completed it was only a matter of time before the construction would begin. They had been so busy between the orchard and each other the new couple hadn’t even been to town to share the news with their friends.

Anthony spent most of his time with Twilight asking questions about different events and creatures he read about. He was rather shocked at just how evil Nightmare Moon really was compared to the princess he knew. After reading about Lord Tirek he became a little concerned about what challenge he and his friends could be facing. It seemed to him that since Nightmare Moon’s return the princess’s magic was weakening. With the exception of Twilight who seemed to grow stronger with each encounter. Twilight took her time reading the journal as she would often reread a entry several times to ensure she didn’t miss anything.