The Return

Y'know I can say I've been scared before... but never like this... I woke up... My head was pounding... Like... Like I'd been drinking heavily but without the nauseous feeling. I felt cold but I was sweating, wings were shaking vigorously as if I've been scared shitless- which I kinda was- and I just... I honestly felt the need to piss. Badly. I opened my eyes and coughed alerting someone to my presence. What I saw? Scared me even more... gladly didnt piss myself. Gash standing over me, bat in hand being held back by guards. "Dammit let me go! He'll hurt EVERYONE!" He snapped at the guards. He shoulder checked one and hit the other in the face with the end of the bat sending them both off before readying himself over me. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!? NOD YOUR FUCKING HEAD IF YOU UNDERSTAND ME!" I kinda stammered a bit. "DONT FUCKING TALK! NOD. YOUR. FUCKING. HEAD! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!"

Scared I just nodded and he threw the bat down. Just as he was about to kneel down the guards rushed him and I started to struggle but I couldnt do anything. I was cuffed, shackled, and stripped to my underwear which didnt look like they were going to cover much if I started walking. Though I did have my tags on... glad they respected those... otherwise something would've broken but... question is why was I bound like that? "L-Let him go!" I snapped, my mouth feeling dryer than a cat box. "Th-That's an o-order!" I started hacking and coughing badly. Shit if my bladder wasnt feeling like iron lately (due to a week long temporary test spell from Twilight that cuts back on accidents and strengthens the bladder muscles) I'd be pissing everywhere. The guards stopped struggling with the rocker and let him go looking to each other confused. "Few questions... First off... Something to drink please? And second WHY THE FUCK AM I CUFFED AND HALF NAKED?!"

The guards huffed a bit. Both unicorn guards. Silver armor. They looked to each other and one nodded towards the door. Gash went off to sit to the side with the baseball bat in hand. Closer look at him revealed he was wearing his signature fedora, his sunglasses a black jean vest and skinny jeans with his canvas sneakers. The guard that remained looked to me. "Sir you're being detained on the grounds of causing thousands of dollars in damages and endangering citizens of Equestria!" My heart dropped.

"Wh-what?! I could never do that! There must be some mistake!"

Gash huffed. "Believe it asshole...." He said. "You fucking destroyed our new venue, scared the shit out of Jax and Spark and you nearly killed your friends with that shit you pulled!" I gave him a confused look.

"You gotta be making this shit up! I havent done a damn thing!"

The guard huffed. "That's what they all say." He said kneeling down. "We have Celestia on her way to let us know what to do with you.... Orders are listen to an extent but we keep you detained." I huffed.

"Well someone's gonna have to help me to the bathroom then. Maybe something to cover my ass up! It's cold in here... where are we anyways?" I looked around closer at the room we were in. Door behind the guard, clothing rack on the wall next to Gash, a mirror opposite them with makeup, open alcohol bottles, pictures and even sitting nearby Gash's signature guitar but... it looked busted... Strings snapped, head of the guitar taped on and having it burnt here and there looked like.

"Shining Armor had to Tranquilize you with four darts. Amazing you didnt overdose on it but it was the only way to get you to go back to normal! We're still at the Mega Sound Amphitheater in Las Pegasus. Streets have been blocked off and all the citizens know is that it was a malfunctioning generator to cover this up and any workers inside the Amphitheater are not to say anything about this incident." My heart jumped a bit having just remembered something... Shining, Big Mac and Soarin were with me....

"Wait! Wait where are my friends?!"

"Dont worry. They're safe. Being questioned as we speak about the incident. Each is giving a consistent story from what I've heard."

"Alright. Now about my naked and needing a bathroom situation?" The guard huffed and undid the shackles on my legs before helping me up. My legs buckled a bit under me but he kept me upright.

"Hold on there.... You're gonna be a bit woozy here but you should be fine if you stick with me."

"Well alright... just hope you know you're helping me with this more than just helping me get to the bathroom." He rolled his eyes. Lucky us the bathroom was right across the hall. My vision went dark a bit while walking but I kept my composure. The guard didnt mind helping me take a piss... Guess he had to help a lot of detained folk who were detained for reasons and if they were reasonable with things being done. Was there for a good few minutes draining my aching bladder... Certainly wasnt awkward when he shook and stuffed me back in....

When we got back into the room the guard uncuffed me but kept at the door as Gash gave me clothes to wear... Worst part was... I... had to get naked in front of Gash... i was fucking blushing embarrassed that i had to strip down in front of him.... yeah... embarrassed about that but not about my guard underling grabbing my dick. I had to get into some boxers that Gash had the other guard bring in from his stuff personally (freak out moment a bit) and also got some jeans, socks and a long sleeve Gems shirt from their merch. Though after I was done being dressed up I had to be recuffed... and to a chair in front of me as I sat back on the couch I woke up on... The guard basically trusted me enough to stand outside and wait for Celestia to arrive. Gash sat in another chair facing me with his bat ready in his hands. "So you really dont remember anything that happened yesterday?" He asked. "I've done some hot shit in my days being just a garage band but I never seen anything like that in my highs." I huffed a bit.

"What did I do?! How much did I drink? I have so many questions we could be here for hours for me trying to figure out what i did! Did I get a hold of a bomb somehow?!"

"You honestly might've done less damage than that with a bomb. Fucked up my guitar nearly blowing out the amps... hell you blew a hole into the roof of the place.... Surprisingly perfect from stage view... You dont remember all of that?" I glanced at his guitar... for some reason.. it... it sounded as if it called to me... I shook my head and looked at him.

"I did THAT to your guitar?!" He nodded. "Oh my fucking... I ... I..." I swallowed a bit. "I swear what ever that guitar is worth to get fixed I'll pay it, hell if it cant be fixed I'll buy you a new one!" He huffed.

"That guitar was actually a replica believe it or not... never let the fans touch the real one and you're lucky about that... But dammit that guitar was one I tended to myself when the strings did break, I even fixed the hardware on it and even made the stock! And fixing that? It's not worth anyones time to try and fix! Not even yours! And yes- I saw the cutie mark..." He looked away. "Hope Celestia gets here soon... Need to go cool off..." I just leaned back as best I could on the couch.

"...I... I'm fucked... Celestia's not gonna care what I say and just fucking jail me... My fiance... my sister.... all... all of that's gonna be gone... all that is just... its going to ruin me.... Why does this shit always happen to me?!" I kicked the chair forgetting that I was cuffed to it only to have me lurch forward. Gash fixed it and huffed.

"Calm down there. Dont go hurting yourself. Things should be fine... hopefully... Lucky nobody was killed or injured... just scared the shit out of us..." I had tears well up in my eyes... damn heart beating out of my chest. "Come on dude... deep breath..." He reached over and grabbed a water bottle from a nearby desk and cracked it open. He got up from his chair and put it to my mouth. "C'mon. Drink slowly." He tipped it back and oh my goodness it was amazing... it felt good as I swallowed quenching what ever fucking thirst I was experiencing. I ended up drinking the whole bottle not even giving it up until it was empty. Had to catch my breath after that. Took a few deep breaths just to gain it back. "Alright... You good now?" I nodded. "Good... now just... sit tight dude. Everything should be fine.... I'm gonna see where Celestia is. Maybe could see if you cant be uncuffed for a little bit.... I trust you enough to not threaten me with the bat like I did you." He tossed the bat aside. "....Scared the shit outta me when you did what you did... Almost thought I had to put you out again just to keep everyone safe...." He got up and kicked his chair aside. "If you do get out of this without getting arrested... come see me." I gave a nod and watched as he walked through the door behind him.

Yeah I was scared and confused but... Still wondering what I did to deserve the cuffing and the tranquilizing. How my friends were? Were they okay? The questions piled up as I sat there... had to move to my side and topple the chair to its side to be somewhat comfortable. But I only lied there for a few minutes before Celestia came in with the door guard at the side... as well as Shining. She was wearing her white and gold dress and Shining was in jeans a white cut off Gems shirt and he just looked a bit frightened. I sat up and just hugged my legs hiding my face in my knees. I was scared shitless. "Ryder? Ryder come on... talk with me! There's no trouble!" Celestia said. I didnt look up... nor did I acknowledge her. I felt the chair move a bit as well as someone sit at my side. "Ryder look at me here! Please?" I hugged my legs tighter... the cuffs digging into my wrists... I heard a huff. Next thing I know I feel someone grab my wrists and yank me forward a bit... extremely strong... Celestia. I wanted to take them back but I just kept my head in my knees. I felt one of the cuffs release and I quickly took my hand back holding it back... I thought they were gonna take it back and cuff me again forcing me to the floor or something.... But no.... instead the other cuff was released but... my wrists were grabbed before being forced around someone... Celestia... I just went face first into her breast. She shushed me and stroked my mane a bit. "See Ryder? I'm not here to hurt you at all... Neither is Shining...."

I heard Shining huff, feeling him put a hand on my back. "Ry come on... deep breather... your wings are all frizzy dude." He said. "Come on... Deep breath in..." I took that deep breath... smelt of perfume. "And out..." I exhaled as best I could... shaky... Had to tilt my head a bit to not breathe right into my boss's tit. We repeated a few more times.... my god this feeling sucked... I was confused, panicking, near to crying and just... I almost couldnt get a grip on myself. I calmed down as much as I could... still was a bit shaky and panicked. After maybe about a few minutes Shining and Celestia lied me down on their laps, my head on Celestias side. "There we go... I... guess...." Shining looked to Celestia. Seemed a bit uneasy. "...A-are you sure it's wise to even show him the damages...? He doesnt look stable...."

"He needs to see it... He's stable... If you dont think he is let me cast a spell I learned from Cadence... Only had one successful cast... Others... Well... Lets say the teddy bears burst into flames..." My heart jumped a bit and I scrambled out of her lap and onto the floor just to cower by the door... Lucky I had already gotten to the bathroom.... Probably would've shit myself.... Or pissed myself... didnt shit.... what ever. Shining huffed getting up from his seat, hands where I could see them.

"Woah woah! She was kidding Ryder.... You need to calm down... Otherwise you're gonna get sick... Get me?" He knelt down next to me and held his hand out. I took it and got up with his help... But once on my feet... I just hugged him. "There we go... I gotcha... See? We arent gonna hurt you...." Celestia looked at me... worried but...I felt more trusting.

"Now Ryder.... Tell me.... do you remember anything from yesterday?" I thought for a moment as Shining hugged me tighter... stroking my wings. Then I met her gaze and shook my head. "Nothing at all? Not even arriving here?" I shook my head again... "Huh... Deleted day for you... Well... If you can please take a walk with us... We can explain everything." She got up and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Will you please come with us?" I hesitated a bit. Just tried to breathe keeping myself from crying. And trying to calm myself down. It wasnt easy to do with everything going on... me not having any idea what happened and having woken up cuffed and scared.

We started walking I just couldnt help but hold myself next to Shining who had a hand on my shoulder nudging me along. I glanced at Shining. "... Wh-what the fuck did i do...?" I asked. "...I-is everyone okay? Any exterior damage?" Celestia huffed

"Well... The damage that you did did kinda get to the outside.. mostly cracks in windshields and such... Surprisingly what you did was so powerful it basically disintegrated any debris that basically could've done a lot of damage or even killed someone... but it made it into a fine dust and small rocks a few passersby who breathed it in are in intensive care but are expected to survive. No charges will be pressed because of the 'malfunctioning' generators. You have nothing to worry about because any and all security footage is destroyed."

Shining glanced over at me. "Well... Not all of it but we're deleting it after we show you." He said. "Mac has your phone and he recorded the whole thing and swore not to tell Applejack about it. Only that you're okay and went to bed after you met with the band at a restaurant. She's none the wiser there. Soarin and I even vouched for you."

I took a deep shuttery breath. "...G-good... th-thank you.... I hope sh-sh-she isnt too worried about me..." I said. I looked to Shining. "...m-maybe after we survey what the fuck I did... can.. can we get something to eat? What time is it?" I watched as Shining took out his phone and checked it even showing me.

"It's... just about three in the morning... This happened last night around... I dont know sixish? You didnt even eat dinner... hell some of us couldnt even stomach dinner worrying about how laid out you were when I hit you with four fucking darts... You took two times the dose thats enough to kill you! You should be dead but here you are walking around next to me! And before you ask how you know you're not dead..." He then proceeded to smack the back of my head, pinch my arm and flick my nose... all of which kinda hurt. "So you have anything to say?" I huffed.

"Asshole... I wasnt gonna ask that... I.... I just need a little something to eat... maybe to get back to sleep?"

Celestia sighed as we turned the corner to a backstage door and stopped in front of it turning back to us. "That can come in a bit. Right now we have business to get to." She said. She turned back to the door and opened it ducking inside and holding it open for me and Shining to come on through. We came out to the stage area... There was a breeze coming through. Next thing I know more memories come rushing back. Seeing the band on stage, practicing a song and Gash offering to have me play guitar... Then nothing.

I kinda collapsed into Shining but he kept me upright. He huffed. "Woah! Woah woah you okay? Need to sit down?" Shining asked. I nodded. "Alright... lets get over to the edge of the stage... I'll hold on to you okay?" I felt light headed again. Felt myself breaking out in a cold sweat. He aided me over to the side of the stage and sat me down on the edge as he sat next to me, holding me upright. "You're good... Everything's alright..." I looked around... Some of the seats had lights from above smashed into them, broken glass here and there... even smelt something burning. When I looked up I just grabbed onto Shining. "Woah there.... You good? Not gonna pass out or anything? No sick feeling?" I shook my head. I stammered a bit pointing at the roof. Huge. Fucking. Hole. Round. "Yeah... that's what happened... Lucky nothing was beyond that... freaked out some ponies but you're good! I swear!"

I shivered a bit taking a deep breath. "...H-how did I do THAT?!" I asked. I looked to him.

"Well uh... it's a bit hard to explain...." He looked away. He looked to Celestia who flew off the stage and landed just before us. "Princess... Can you maybe get Big Mac to send that video to me and delete it off Ryder's phone after he does? I wanna see to it he calms down." Celestia nodded and teleported away leaving me and Shining alone. He looked to me. "There... Was Celestia making you nervous?" I shook my head. "Well.. just take a deep breath... You fall asleep we'll get you to the nearest room to sleep for a while longer. Okay?"

"...I.. Fuck what I said about going back to sleep...."

"Dont make me hit you with darts again. I'm not even sure if one is gonna OD you or what...." He thought for a moment. "Dont you calm down by flying around a bit? Or... was that Dash?" I sat up on my own.

"...N-no that was me... A-a-and Dash I guess...."

"Alright. If you're feeling up to flying around thats okay. Just... Please dont do anything to cause us to panic okay?" I nodded and carefully got myself to my feet. I glanced at him.

"...Uh.... any chance you can hijack a speaker to play some music? That helps me calm down too yknow..." Shining smiled a bit and stood up. Just as he started to go backstage I just heard the strum of guitar strings.

We both looked behind us and there we saw Gash strumming away on a guitar with a smaller speaker on his hip with his signature guitar... which... called to me for some reason. Almost like what was happening with the busted guitar... whispers of some kind... I shook my head and just started to fly around. "CONSIDER THIS A FAVOR!" Gash called out over the guitar... he was playing Paradise Island. I just flew around listening to what he was playing, imagining more stuff in my mind since I've listened to the song so many times. I swear once that solo hit I turned over onto my back and just did a little air guitar trying to mimic the buttons I hit on Bass Villain. They always give us choice on if we wanna play lead guitar or bass guitar which it started out with originally. Oh well.

Once I calmed down to where I felt comfortable I landed and sat in a seat in the front row. Yeah not like these things will get use when Gems is around. Shining hopped off the stage with Gash on his heels. Shining huffed as he grabbed a seat next to me. "There. Feel better now?" He asked. I nodded. "Same song I would've played if this werent a guitar only version." He looked to Gash as he took a seat on the other side of me. "Thanks for that." Gash smiled a bit.

"No problem. Anything for the guard... That and Celestia. She was the one who told me to come play for ya... Saw how distraught our friend here was." He playfully nudged my shoulder. I just blushed and smiled.

"Ah good. She can read him like a book and knows every which way to calm him down, even his sister."

"Well she does a good job. He definitely looks better then when he woke up..." He looked to me. "Again sorry about greeting you with a bat when you woke up."

I huffed. "You're good... Judging by the damage that happened it was really needed for your own protection." Just then Shining's phone got a notification. I looked to Shining. "And judging by that... Something tells me that's what happened to this place.... Right?" Shining pulled his phone and looked at the screen... just a picture of him and Cadence. And the notification that came from my phone with the caption saying 'Ryder sent a video!' Shining nodded. "Alright just... Just play it, lets get it over with."

Shining nodded and opened up his phone and went to his messages and went to my texts pulling up the video. He looked to me keeping what was on the screen to himself. "Alright... When I do show you this I want you to remain calm... Okay?" He asked. I nodded.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye." Gash made a noise of confusion. I glanced at him. "Best not to ask." He shrugged and Shining put the phone in front of us.

The video started out a bit shaky but I could hear everyone laughing and having a good time. Next I saw me next to Gash who was making sure the guitar was ready for me, tuning it, turning knobs on the amp and what not. I heard Big Mac give a chuckle. "Look at this lucky sum'bitch! Getting to play one of his favorite band's guitarists guitars!" He said. "Shit dude I'd consider this a damn honor! How you feeling Ry?" I looked to the camera.

"Nervous as hell but excited this is happening!"

I heard Shining laugh a bit. "So you're Nervouscited?" He asked off cam. Next thing you know a bit of a roar of laughter from band and friends alike. Then I looked to Gash.

"Is it ready? Can I play yet?"

Gash laughed slightly. "Hold on there dude... Aaalmost done..." He said strumming a string on the guitar. Once it was tuned he huffed playing the first few chords to Paradise Island. "There! All good!" He took the strap off and readied it. "Alright... Hopefully you know how to at least strum..." The others laughed at me. I just blushed a bit. Then I saw Gash put the guitar over my head and as I gripped the neck and readied my hand near the strings.... My face... it lost all emotion, embarrassment, happiness or anything else. It was just neutral... I allowed Gash and everyone else to back away as I started to strum... but then my eyes widened... glowing white and the guitar I played did a solo and I shot runes around my feet... burning runes. Then I started chanting something in like.... a demonic voice... I heard nothing from the others. I had to grab at Shining's leg to contain myself. I saw my wings extend, before I just just started playing something that it was like... charging up a weapon... Shining and Soarin charged me but... they were forced away by some sort of force field before I aimed the neck of the guitar and strummed a chord firing off the blast... I heard screams, lights flickered and everyone was yelling... I started charging up another blast before hearing Shining's dart gun fire off a few times... I slowly lowered to the ground and passed out.

Shining rushed me again, now lying passed out on the ground and looked back at the camera. "MAC! STOP FILMING AND HELP ME!" He yelled. Then the video cut.

I slumped back in my chair breathing heavily. "...H-holy... shit... I dont remember.... ANY of that...." I said. Shining huffed putting his phone away.

"You should've seen me after! I could swear I killed you with those! I didnt know what to say to Celestia when news broke out. We kept it secret from Applejack and everyone else back home... I dont even know if anyone can take another scare like after that plane crash... Did I mention during clean up we found something of yours?" I... I understood what he was referring to.... I huffed.

"Well... Hopefully they knew it wasnt of use to me any more..." I huffed getting up. "...Can... can I just take a walk please? Gotta... gotta clear my head...."

"Sure thing Ry... Just uh... try and find your way back to the stage. Might have a guard patrolling here incase someone gets a bit snoopy. Can probably point you in the direction of a room to sleep in... Probably to where we'll be. Okay?"

I gave a nod and just started heading towards the side of the stage and flew up onto the stage going out the opposite way we came in. Actually caught a glance at the runes peppering the floor where I once stood.... Passed through the door just to see more of back stage. Just grabbed my neck and started breathing as I walked. Maybe a few doors down I felt something... as if someone was watching me... I looked around... No doors opened... The one I came through just closed... I shook my head shaking off that feeling but it just wouldnt go away. I thought I was just getting paranoid. Continued walking. I kept walking down the hall breathing.... I stopped just near a room and leaned on the door. Looked to be a sound studio from the sign. I sighed and just as I was about to get up and go back, the door opened behind me and I stumbled back with a yelp before having it closed behind me. I fell back onto my ass saving my head with my hands. As I scrambled up I found myself in a tight embrace but... something that felt more loving then dangerous... I felt a tough material between me and the tight feeling... felt military-esque. Then a very feminine shushing... Someone stroking my mane too. I was lead over in the darkness to a chair before being sat down and having a sigh come to my ears.... Thats when a light turned on and I was surprised to who I found. Daring Do! She was wearing a black beanie, a black military style service shirt, and combat pants and boots. She gave me a smile. "Surprise! Sorry for that scare general." She said. "Just... Just wanted to ask why you're here."

I huffed. "I should be asking why you're here!" I snapped whispering. "This place is crawling with guards! You're gonna get caught, in trouble and exposed!"

"Please. I've gotten myself past guards in places I didnt think would have them. Not to mention its easy when you can hide in shadows and still go incognito when walking through streets from your hotel." She helped me up. "I'm tracking the cause of that strange energy blast... had the soundwaves of a guitar but the look of a super powerful weapon. Now... tell me why you're here?"

"Well uh... this is... it was supposed to be my bachelor party... meet a band, have dinner with em and be back for the show the next day.... Maybe greeted as a guest and as a guard to thank for everything.... and... That blast? Apparently that was my doing and I just didnt realize it until I saw the video." Her eyes widened in what little light we had from a desk on.

"W-wait wait wait that was YOU?! And you have video?!" I nodded. "Can I see it? Please?"

"By now they probably deleted it off my phone... I dont even have much of a place to sleep or charge my phone. Had our bags sitting inside of a nearby hotel and we dont even have our room yet. Celestia even said we'd get our rooms paid for but we havent found one." She huffed.

"Why dont I handle the hotel rooms? I've got a suite in the Rock's Rolling hotel. Casino is shit but they're having a convention where I have a booth. Convention is over but I'm willing to stay another night for you and your friends safety. Anyone curious could come waltzing in and know what happened."

"Like you did?" No reaction from her. "Alright... You get out of here and I'll convince the guys to go to the Rock's. Hotel we picked sounded like shit anyways... If not I can try to convince Celestia to let me go with you if you want me to risk it for you... Maybe make up a story?"

"But what would we tell her? From what I saw on the outside there are guards running around on patrols, making sure nopony is coming anywhere near this building! I was only lucky enough to get in because a guard stopped to piss behind a trash can. Lucky it wasnt the bush I was hiding in.... I'd've cause a red alert and gave him a bloody nose." I gave a bit of a chuckle.

"Would've been a lucky guard...." She huffed.

"Alright yeah I get it, you have your fantasies but this is serious business! Just.... Help me get out of here, find a way to get to the Rock's and I'll be in the lobby in my normal attire. Or... what you consider normal. Now think and dont give yourself a headache!" I huffed and leaned against the door. Thought for a moment. I looked to her.

"What about something like what you did when we met up in Canterlot? The little ring around the rosie you did?" She thought for a moment and huffed.

"How would that work? Where would I even do that at? I'd have to alert the guards in order to do that and this whole facility would be on lockdown! We'd be back at the hotel, your friends and Celestia would be trapped here thinking there could be an assassin and you'd be gone which would raise alarms for your fiance if word got out." I huffed.

"Then do you want me to get Celestia here to have you escorted out under secrecy? Because I do have an idea!" She huffed.

"Alright... I'll fucking humor you... but if we get caught I'm telling them you let me in... Got it?" I nodded and got up off the wall.

"Just follow my lead. Everything will be alright. You get caught? I call the shots still even though I'm the one who broke this place up."

"Then again it will be on your head for letting me in... need I remind you?" I rolled my eyes and huffed opening the door. I just looked around outside before nodding out. We came out and walked down the hall from where I came from. As we neared the door Daring grabbed my hand, holding it scared. I just let her. We stopped at the door and I looked to her.

"Stay here, get ready for the disappearing act. Shining told me there would be a guard waiting for me here."

"With Canterlot it was doors that swung either way.... These only go one way...." She pushed on the door. "Can you check on the other side, find me a place to hide? Maybe distract who ever was there so I can sneak out once you leave?"

"I'll try but... Let me see what was left for me and where we are..." I opened the door and looked out... Stage in front of us and standing in the middle of the stage was Shining and Celestia. I huffed looking at Daring. "Shit.... Celestia is out there.... I... I might have to pull out a distraction with something big... but... Ugh I dont know! Just... Just slip in, wait until I have something...."

Daring nodded and followed me in ducking behind a nearby crate in the shadows. I let the door close behind me, alerting Celestia and Shining. Celestia sighed smiling as I approached her. "There you are General!" She said. "Come along now. It's time to get back and get your hotel room."

"I uh... I would but... Can I speak to you? Alone please?" She looked to me curious.

"May I ask why?" I stayed silent.... Looked to the left and back at Celestia just kinda giving her a worried look. She looked back at Shining. "Shining. Leave us at once. We'll meet you at the transport." Shining nodded and teleported away... He gave me a worried look as he did. Celestia looked back at me. "Is something wrong General? Worried about something?" I kinda nodded. "...Well if its about what happened here you're forgiven... No word will get to Applejack or anyone unless you say... But you have to know you trust them enough with said information...."

"...Well... Its a yes and no there... I... Kinda do wanna tell someone... but... this pony is trustworthy and maybe she can help me out... figure out what's going on... but she kinda needs to get out and... Just.... Can you please help me get her out... Maybe look the other way while she makes her get away?" She gave me a confused look.

"...What do you mean by this...?"

"...Well... I'm... This..." I grunted and kicked the stage a bit. "G-give me a moment please?!" She nodded and just watched as I went back to where Daring was and just leaned back against the wall and slid to a sitting position.

Daring looked at me a bit worried. "Well? C-can I go?" She asked whispering.

"N-no...." I whispered back. "I... I cant say anything without revealing who you are... My marefriend and her friends know but... I... I cant do this... not to Celestia..." She huffed.

"...You're kidding..." I hugged my legs scared. "...You arent..." She looked away from me... "I..." She looked back. "...J-just do it... make her promise not to say a THING!"

That's when we heard a laugh that scared the living hell out of us... had to hug each other and hold tight we were that scared... "I can promise if you ask nicely!" We heard Celestia say. We both looked up and saw her standing over the crate. "General would you introduce me to your friend here?" I stammered a bit... scared... She came around and knelt down in front of us. "I recognize the face... but... something tells me A.K. Yearling needs her glasses... Did you wander here seeking your hotel or are you just someone who acts like Yearling in disguise?"

Daring quickly pushed me off and tried to scramble away. I grabbed at her. "I swear I said NOTHING!" I said. She struggled a bit trying to get away from us. That's when Celestia grabbed us both with her magic and pried us apart. She brought Daring over to her and hugged her shushing her.

"Hey hey! It's okay! I know who you are but I've always known! Even when I invited you to the castle." That's when Daring started breaking down crying. Hesitantly I got up and hugged with them. I shushed Daring as she sobbed, tearing up myself. Celestia pried us both off. "Here.... why dont we just get to the transports? You and Ryder can have your own if you'd like... I wont tell a soul about this.... I promise... Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye..." I kept a hold on Daring as she sobbed. I looked up to Celestia.

"Princess... Why dont you get the transport ready...? I can go with our guest here... If you can... Get our bags, meet us at the Rock's Rolling hotel... And... Can I get my phone back please?" She sighed.

"You can get that back after I have Shining wipe it clean..."

"Wait! Please! Do not wipe that phone, I need the video on it! You know... For... Reasons!" I rolled my eyes towards the sobbing mare on my arm. I looked Celestia deep in the eye. I could see her piecing things together. She sighed.

"Okay... I... I see... you just wanna make sure you dont do that again... and remind yourself what cause it..."

"Good... Now... Can we go?" She nodded.

We followed her through the door as she cast a spell that hid me and Daring's presence, even though Daring was crying. She told Shining that I'd be on the next transport because I had a stomach ache. And that I would be given my phone back with the reasons I 'gave' to her. He agreed hesitantly from what I saw... Once they were gone Celestia revealed our presence and I said my goodbyes to the band... Jax was a bit hesitant to say anything but... I had to apologize profusely, on my knees, promise some time with Scootaloo and a meeting with my mother to get Sparkplug to say anything... Gash just acted as if nothing happened. When we were in the transport we got in with Celestia.... Daring and I both kinda cuddled on one seat. She was a bit shaken by what Celestia had said. Daring glanced over at the princess who sat across from us. "...I... How... How long did you know...?" She asked.

Celestia sighed. "Well... I've had the feeling when your book series started but only figured it out around when my faithful student let it slip but please dont blame her for this. I'm trustworthy with this.... Please forgive me for scaring you miss Do..." She said. Lucky us, we had a sound proof window between us and the driver.

"...I... I forgive you but... if you know... dont do that... it scares the living hell out of me... what if my enemies found out? I'd be dead...."

"Your enemies, if anything happens, I'm sure my general would make them pay for doing anything to you. That and his marefriend as well as her friends.... You've got some helping hands with us."

I shushed Daring as she broke a bit. "...It's okay... you're tired... If its okay... I'd like to be in your room with you... make sure you're comfortable..." I said.

Daring looked to me... I wiped a tear from her eye. "... Please?" She asked. I nodded. "...Thanks... I... I just... I do need some comfort at the moment... I've been up for maybe a few hours of sleep... got too excited for this to see what went down... that and... I saw a spider trying to get into the amphitheater... sucker was a big one... got away without startling the guards or pissing myself..." I honestly shivered.

Celestia kinda cringed a bit too. "I understand... Those things are eight legged demons..." She said. "I can tell you many times I've had run ins with those things I've had to have my sister deal with them and two times out of ten, a guard to clean up a puddle I've left..." She blushed a bit. "...Lucky me my guards know to keep quiet... I trust you two can do the same."

I looked over at the Princess. "We wont say a thing... You can count on that...." I said. I glanced out the window. The large Rock's Rolling casino and hotel loomed over us as we pulled up to the front. "...We should get out and get into the room.... get rest..." Celestia nodded and got out with us.

There were still ponies milling about in the streets. They just looked to us but Celestia ordered everyone to ignore us, Even used a bit of a light spell that kinda made it hard to look at us. I admit it was mean but she did everything she could to have them not notice Daring. We broke off and made a break for the elevator and made our way up to her room... seventeenth floor, room number 1705... Inside we basically just ditched our clothes.... Sat on her bed in our underwear with the shades shut and a do not disturb sign on the door. Daring sniffled a bit as she fell back onto the bed in the dimly lit room. "...I... I... that scared... the living... shit... out of me..." She said. "...Happy that it was metaphorical.... and not literal.... I dont want to make an embarrassing panty run and a hide in an alley way with napkins to clean myself..." I huffed.

"On behalf of the princess I'm sorry about that...why dont we do something to calm you down?" She looked to me.

"...Wh-what did you have in mind?"

"Well... This is only if you wanna... I'm not making you do this.... But... to calm myself down I just like to uh...." I kinda mumbled to myself. She got a bit closer to me as I blushed.

"Say again?" Again... I kinda mumbled. "Come now Ryder... Speak up. What ever it is I'll try it... Deep breath and just say it alright?" I just grabbed Daring's shoulders and took a deep breath... I blushed hard... "Ryder.... Is this something lewd?" I nodded. "...Come now... I wont be mad if it is what ever it is." I closed my eyes and gave a huff.

"....Well... I... I like to.... wet myself when I'm panicked.... it... calms me.... forces me to relax.... It's an idea but... you dont have to do it if you dont wanna...." I could see her blush.

"... If I understand you.... you just want me to wet myself to get off dont you?" I blushed harder.

"...Well..." I averted my gaze. "...Y-yes and no? Again you can choose not to do it... I'm just suggesting..." I looked back to her. She kinda gave a smile.

"Heh... cant get those images of me out of my head.... Can you? The way you wanna hand off to my books and me in particular.... What would your fiance say?" I gave a nervous smile.

"Well... Sh-she wouldnt say no..." She took my hand and got up from the bed and started walking towards the bathroom.

"Well... I'll honor your wish... But if i were you i'd get out of those boxers... dont want those smelling like another mares piss. Should be enough reason for me to get rid of mine too...." And just like that I was rock hard. When we got into the bathroom I scrambled to take my shorts off and I just watched her slowly strip her underwear off... shoving a hand between her legs, teasing herself.... Then took her bra off, squeezing her breasts as she pulled it off.... Just seeing those black lacey panties and matte black bra hit the floor and the mare above them... Just sexy. The bathroom we were in had the walls just covered... No windows... Toilet was off to the right, bath and shower in front of us with some towels on a rack nearby. Best thing about this bath was the size. Big enough for a few ponies, shower head over the bath and a faucet off to the side that was somewhat adjustable. Somewhat being it only moved enough to still get water into the bath and not be rigged for some sort of prank someone could pull. Daring looked at me and beckoned me over.... I hesitantly came over and she held my hand as I helped her into the tub and she helped me in after..... She sat me down on the seats in the tub and just put a leg up spreading her pussy.... I just brought my hands up hesitantly and squeezed her breasts just as she started to relax and just started peeing on me.... It felt so warm and just the look on her face said it all... The way she pissed was as if she just holding it for hours... She sprayed it all over me, my cock and even got some on her leg.... I just watched the whole time as she just drenched me... I could tell when she was almost out when she started dribbling to a stop giving a sigh. I gave her a grin.

"Feeling better?" She sighed and nodded. "Wanna wash off and get more dirty or just wanna relax and wait until we get in bed?" She grabbed at my dick.

"Why dont we just shower up... I gave you a show... And I'm sorry but this stays until we wash up... Okay?" I gave a little whimper like a puppy. She rolled her eyes. "Okay fine.... I'll give the puppy his treat... But you just make sure you wash my mane okay?" I nodded and she started teasing her own pussy with my cock before turning the water on.... But of course it was freezing cold and it kinda ruined the mood... We both kinda scrambled out of the shower and waited for it to warm up. Pegasai are the worst with cold water. At worst the water has to be luke warm. Best? Warm enough to not burn our feathers off.... Not like I've felt my wings actually burn off or anything.

After that we went and cuddled in bed.... Maybe I copped a feel when we got under the covers and teased her but that was until we fell asleep together. When I fell asleep I came into a dream world... hearing voices whispering but I couldnt make out what they were saying. Then I found myself on stage... the whispers continued... as quiet as they were it sounded like a crowd cheering. There was nobody in the audience. I wandered around on stage just looking at everything.... I stopped at the side of the stage seeing a fire sprout up in front of me and slowly burn around me leaving some rapidly changing runes in the burn marks.... I honestly didnt get much of a look at em to be honest. Just as the fire finished a breeze whipped through and the whispers stopped. I heard a sigh and turned around to see Princess Luna in sweat pants and a teeshirt as well as slippers. "Good... Just caught you before bed... Both Shining and my sister said not to enter your dreams until given the okay." She said walking up to me. I stepped out of the circle of runes and hugged her. "Glad to see your mind is still in commission..." She held me tighter but... I felt her chin kinda dig into my shoulder... Weird having this be a bit of a dream. "....But... something has a hold on you but... it doesnt look anything underwordly..." She broke the embrace and nudged me aside before kneeling near the rapidly changing rune circle.

"...It's what happened when the uh... thing happened..." I turned and walked over to her. "I dont accurately know what the runes mean... I've got a bit of a.... Lets call her a specialist... who probably could translate them but... I need pictures of the runes for the help." She hummed.

"And who is this 'specialist' you have?" I honestly hesitated. But I took a deep breath and looked to her.

"Well uh.... If I tell you... can you please just... feign ignorance and say you've either always known or that Celestia told you and you wouldnt say ANYTHING about what I'm about to tell you...."

"Okay... Well... Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.... I guess...."

"Well i uh... well.... She's...." Again I hesitated... started stammering. She just looked on a bit confused. Curious almost. I stopped trying to talk and huffed giving up on speech. Then... I just... started to think... That thinking put a poster on the floor in the middle of the runes... It was rolled up but I picked it up and unrolled it... On it? Daring Do... Yet she was stark naked covering herself with leaves.... Luna blushed a bit as I showed her... I blushed too and got a tad hard too.

"This? She's your expert? But... this is Daring Do... a fictional character!" I averted my gaze. "Wait... you're serious so... she's.... Sweet mother in heaven.... Where is she?! Can I meet her?!" I huffed.

"Well... You kinda already did... In uh... Canterlot when I was there meeting Yearling..." I looked back to her and she was stone faced.

"You... you mean that... Daring is...?" I nodded. "...Shit.. she... she hides it WELL.... What was your reaction when you found out?!" I blushed harder rolling up the poster.

"I... I may or may not have had a waking wet dream..."

"You came in your pants?" I nodded. "Oh... Oh my... I hope she didnt notice..." I gave a little yelp. "... She did didnt she?" I nodded. "Ah... and the result?"

"Surprisingly the opposite of what you would think... most mares would be disgusted or laugh but... she felt for me and helped me clean up... even uh... well... made dreams come true...."

"Ah... No wonder Dash was pissed off... I thought she was spouting nonsense when she called me late at night yelling... I thought she was sleep talking or drunk... But you are a lucky dog for that...." She took the poster from my hand. "And perhaps... I can see about making a more... safe version for you... possibly with 'Yearling's' permission." I took the poster back and ripped it making it disappear.

"As much as I would like that, it would leave evidence about her real identity for her enemies.... and I dont think we'd wanna see Ahuizotl or Dr. Caballeron breaking down the door to a farm house for a poster. I mean... If she's real, they're real too."

"Hm...." Luna turned her attention back to the runes. "Has anyone else seen these runes?" I hummed.

"Maybe Shining and the guys did... I'm not sure though... I was passed out most of the time... maybe awake for an hour and a half... Just got back to sleep not too long ago..." She huffed getting up.

"I'll have my sister send me a picture of said runes as well as you so that 'specialist' can help with your findings." She gave a wink smiling. I smiled back.

"Thank's princess... I'll be sure to give you an update. Just... wake me up please?" She nodded and gave me a hug before her horn started to glow making everything fade.

When I woke up I found myself still cuddling the naked Daring. She was snoring slightly but she was just out of it. I carefully got out of the bed and went straight for my clothes putting them on. I sat on the bed after I was done. Kinda glanced out the window, through the shades too without revealing too much of the room. City was beautiful even though the sun was just rising and yes I did feel well rested (probably because the tranquilizers I got hit with). Just saw ponies and cars on the street... Come to think of it how did we get here again? Think we had a guard truck take us here... Either that or limo... Oh well. I basically just stayed around the room for maybe ten minutes before going into the bathroom. A strange sight... my phone was on the floor in front of the toilet and I dont remember doing anything with my phone last night... or the toilet even.... Just as I got close it started ringing... Loud guitar in a slightly echoey bathroom? Not a good thing when someone in the next room is sleeping. I quickly grabbed it and answered it with a 'tired' hum. "Ryder? Ryder this is Celestia. You okay over there?" She asked. "My sister said she talked with you... What did you ask of her?"

"I didnt really ask of anything Princess." I whispered. "She came into my dream and checked on me, I'm grateful for that but she saw the runes and I'm a bit scared of what those mean... She wants to see them better."

"She told me. Again this is up to you, to move on with this. Reveal only to who you trust though."

"I understand. But is anyone- even our guest- allowed back into that site? It's going to be a target for news reporters and others if they see guards coming and going from that site... And what of the band? They were gonna play there! Are they gonna have to move venue? Are they still gonna go with that?"

"They're going to have to go through with this. I paid for this venue for them giving your sister a special show of her own for her birthday. I'm not paying to relocate them. Apologies for that but.... perhaps they could do something with said hole..."

"Can you think about that later Princess? Right now we need to conduct an investigation on what the actual fuck went on! I'm sorry if i'm being rude princess but I dont wanna get in trouble nor do I want our guest to be seen. Please just... help me think of a way to get in and out of there without questions being asked."

"Right right... It's fine that you were getting snippy I'm just afraid of that being pinned on ME! The owner of said Amphitheater is wondering what's going on and why security tapes are being replaced. I'm trying to pay to have that fixed after the concert but the guy wants an expansion!" I huffed glancing back out at the bed. Daring was still sleeping thankfully.

"If by expansion he means he wants a boot up the ass I'll gladly make that request a reality- and yes I know, I'm a general of the Celestian guard yadda yadda... but this guy is a jackass! Tell him you're paying for the hole and that's it! If he doesnt go for that tell him you'll pay for something like new lighting or something reasonable. Just do what you can, assert yourself as a princess and dont let him take you for a wimp! Now idea's. Please?" I heard Celestia huff.

"Alright. Wake 'Miss Yearling' and bring her up to the penthouse. Hotel owners gave it to me after I told them I was trying to keep everyone from taking pictures. It was awkward but they were okay with it, even had my guards check those affected by my light... Lucky some only had temporary spotty vision... I apologized profusely to everyone in the lobby." I huffed.

"Alright. Meet you up there in a few Princess. Any specific elevator we gotta take?"

"Yes. The elevator you take is down in the lobby. I'll give word about your arrival for my guards and possibly have one of them meet you. You can get her down without being seen too much cant you?" I thought for a moment going out into the room looking around. Her clothes were strewn about but she had a few bags stowed in the corner.

"Maybe... Hopefully she has a disguise that doesnt raise questions... Why would AK Yearling meet with Celestia?"

"Perhaps because said princess is a secret fan and you were sent as an envoy to meet Miss Yearling and bring her to the princess. I'd suggest you get dressed and get our guest up so we can chat about what was seen. I'll even have breakfast ready for you when you arrive. See you soon."

"Oh and where was my bag? Did the guys get it?"

"Oh silly me I forgot to give it to you! Just get ready in what ever you need and meet me upstairs and you can change into what ever up here."

"Got it. See you soon." I quickly hung up and shoved my phone back into my pocket and walked over to Daring sitting on the bed again. I nudged her. "Hey. Hey wake up! We gotta go soon!"

Daring grunted slightly and shifted in her sleep. "....N-nah now mizzur teddee.... i... I jus..... gotta.... swim'cross diz river...." She mumbled. I gasped a bit and started shaking her.

"Wake up NOW! Dont go swimming what ever you do! Build a bridge and go over! Head for the door in the tree! Just wake up!" Daring snorted waking up as she sprang up and had her wings puffed out. She panted a bit looking around. I shushed her holding her. "There... It's okay... I gotcha... You didnt go swimming did you?" She pushed off me and looked at me.

"N-no... I... I was about to but... W-w-what would've happened if I did?" I averted my gaze.

"Well... I guess the hotel staff wouldnt like to clean that up.... Lets just leave it at that.... Now... I'd suggest using the restroom and getting dressed. We need to meet Celestia upstairs in the penthouse." She looked around and huffed.

"Alright just... let me get ready.... Maybe help me to the toilet? I feel like I'm about to burst...." I nodded and carefully grabbed her picking her up. I carefully made my way over to the bathroom. She gave little whimpers here and there and I honestly wanted to just stop in the middle of the room and make her walk the rest of the way just to see her wet herself but I had my fill of her piss. I helped her over to the toilet and just listened at the torrent she let out.

After that I helped her get into her AK Yearling costume by tying her wings down with bandages and I maaaaay or may not have teased her slightly when helping her into her panties... She didnt mind though. After that we started for the lobby. Few fans noticed, she signed a book or two, I was asked a question of who I was. Just a guard bringing her to Celestia- because at this point EVERYONE kinda knew that Celestia was here. When we got to the lobby more ponies coming and leaving here noticed us but we went straight to the front desk where we were met by the concierge. Told him I was requested to bring AK Yearling to Celestia. They had gotten word quickly apparently and we were escorted to the private elevator. Guard met us in the elevator and rode up with us. I... I kinda grabbed onto 'Yearling's' hand feeling something spark in me... memories of when I saved Babs... I was visibly disturbed by how high we were going up in the elevator... I even had to sit down and breathe a bit though Daring knew... The guard not so much but he knows the stresses I've been through. Once we got to the top I just didnt wanna get up... Daring had to get the guard to get the Princess while she tried calming me down. My breathing was heavy, uneven at most points and I was shaking.... vigorously at most. When Celestia got there she took me off the ground with her magic, and lied me in her arms, shushing me. "It's okay Ryder.... I gotcha..." She said softly in a motherly voice. She looked to Daring. "Follow me Miss Yearling. I've got a place we can talk."

Daring nodded and followed us around an elegant looking penthouse suite. Fully stocked bar, flat screen TV with a few guards watching a crime show and we just walked up a small set of stairs into a bedroom fit for Celestia herself. She carefully lied me down on the bed, lying down with me. I saw her wearing sweats, a teeshirt and socks. She used her magic and closed the door behind Daring locking it. Daring huffed. "Princess.... Is he gonna be alright?" She asked.

"He should be alright.... Just needs some calming down... this is the worst I've seen him but... it's understandable why he's like this.... long elevator ride to a top floor... its Manehattan all over again for him... but everything will be fine...." The princess cuddled up with me as I just whimpered scared. Daring huffed.

"Thought so.... I know he was involved in it but... he didnt specify what happened I dont think.... Alright to ask for a small version here?" The princess looked to me... I gave no form of confirmation or even deniability for said info release.... She huffed looking back to Daring.

"Well... I... I think you can help him... He was in the penthouse of his fiance's rich uncle and apparently there were terrorists on the train he was riding that bombed the building... He had to jump from the window to save himself and his fiance's cousin... he managed to only to get out just as the building was collapsing... to think he nearly died in that... as well as that plane crash and getting shot...." Daring sighed looking at me as I teared up.

"You poor thing... Scared shitless and just... wow... so much...." She wiped a tear from my eye and brushed my mane back. "I think you should stay here with the princess...We can investigate later tonight when you're calmed down... I can wait as long as they dont clean everything up." I wanted to say something but I couldnt... I was choked up on my own fear.... that and the sobs that were coming out when I wanted to. Celestia sighed.

"I can send his friend in to take pictures of the destruction and anything else needed in this investigation including these... runes my sister saw in Ryder's dream. And perhaps we can meet later for a meal? We're just gonna try to let Ryder relax for a couple more days... get his mind off work and get it onto having fun... Perhaps later we can swing by the booth at the convention you were at?" Daring gave me a smile.

"Sure... I gotta get some breakfast here soon anyways... Maybe look to get some new clothes for me to walk about in still being yearling and hiding myself whilst still being able to do my thing.... Maybe get something for you you'd be able to get from me before I leave..." She looked to Celestia. "You have my contact information just in case anything comes up alright?" Celestia nodded and held me close as I broke a bit. Daring kissed me on my forehead. "I know you hate this Ryder.... but... I'll see you later.... You can see me later once you calm down... might have something for you then okay?" I nodded and hesitantly she started off... Stopped only for a moment to glance back but still left anyways. I was left along with Celestia now... sobbing, scared...

"I got you Ryder.... You're safe...." Celestia shushed me... I didnt know what was going on with what happened... I hadnt spoken to AJ since who knows when, my fears kicked in hard and crippled me a bit. I was just a broken stallion beyond repair here at this moment. "Do we need to call Applejack? Your mother?" I hesitantly nodded.... hesitantly being a minute of dead silence... then a whimpering nod. She took her phone out and hummed. "...Perhaps we shouldnt really bother Applejack with these things... especially when she's with the girls and my sister.... lets just check in with mommy okay?" She cuddled me close showing me on her phone. She scrolled all the way down in her contacts for Spitfire and tapped the call icon.

I sat there for maybe a few minutes, less than that even. I turned over and cuddled up to the princess nestling myself into her chest... Princess didnt mind. I just listened to the buzzing. Then it clicked. "What is it?! WHAT DO YOU BILL COLLECTORS WANT?!" I heard my mother yell.... kinda flinched a bit.

"Uh... Miss Spitfire? This is Princess Celestia... Are you free to talk for a bit?" I heard a gasp from Celestia's phone.

"Oh! Oh princess I am so sorry! Of course I have time to talk!" We heard something kinda hit the phone. "THUNDERLANE! TELL THESE RECRUITS WHAT TO DO!" I clutched Celestia more when my mother yelled. She just stroked my wings and shushed me. "Apologies about that. So do you need us for an event or something?" Celestia huffed.

"At the moment no. But I've got Ryder here and he's a mess... Should probably get him out of the penthouse soon... Perhaps you can talk to him, try to get him on his own feet? He had to be carried to my room in the hotel."

"Oh dear... not again... Ryder? Ryder it's mommy are you okay?" I wanted to respond.... I couldnt. Flashes of explosions, crumbling buildings... I just started muttering things about my family, babs and just...

"Ryder? Ryder come on say something!" I just looked up at Celestia and whimpered. She huffed. "I'm gonna get him down from here.... he's too scared to move, too scared to talk... maybe his next visits with you are more closer to the ground... I'll call you back in a couple minutes when we're out of here... He should be more cooperative when we're street side."

"Okay.... Ryder if you're listening dont be scared. You're going to be okay... you're in the Princesses hands and she wont let anything happen to you! Take a deep breath sweetie!" I did just as my mother told me and started taking deep breaths. Did it after Celestia hung up, did it while Celestia was helping me dress, and even whilst i was clutching her legs as we went down the elevator. She got me all padded up with diapers I had in my suit case, dressed me in jeans, my sneakers and with my Celestian guard jacket on with the sleeves rolled up. We got to the bottom and I just stepped out of the elevator and collapsed onto my hands and knees breathing somewhat regularly now.

"Feeling better now that we're down on the ground?" Celestia helped me up. I nodded. "Good... Now lets call your mother back when we get back into the transport."

I nodded and walked out with the princess. Ponies left and right bowed in respect, some were a bit sauced and most were nice and just gave us room... possibly because they were nervous with Celestia with us. After we got in I just sat next to Princess Celestia a bit misty eyed and all around embarrassed. "...Princess?" I asked. She looked down at me as she pulled her phone back out. "...dont you hate me for being like this? Breaking down like a child, crying, not speaking when scared and even being scared?" She sighed.

"I dont hate you Ryder but honestly I'm worried... I've seen the stuff you've been through but its these things that make or break you... they do a little of both but the broken side is shown more than what strength it has given you... all these things you survived were scary... both for you and loved ones knowing you were in those..." She glanced out the window whilst we drove down the road. "What that was? It was that burning building... the terrorist attack in Manehattan... The elevator ride up, the memories flooding back crippling you... I feel like we might have to send Luna back in to help you with this..." I grabbed Celestia's hand.

"I'm sorry Princess.. but I dont want your sister to feel like she's becoming my personal therapist for things... I just... I just need a helping hand through these things...No medication, no magical lobotomy, just some grit that can help me but I cant do anything without some help... Just... Just like stage fright but with high buildings and stuff like that...."

"But Ryder this is really bad... I dont want to see you broken like this and my sister can help!"

"She can help but she stays out of my mind... unless its for a dream visit but.... I wanna do it without magical help... these are hurdles I can get over but with some help... not some magical cheat code as Luna would put it... and that's what it feels like to me.... Like i'm using a cheat code just to get through life.... I appreciate all you do but... I just feel like I'm abusing your power..."

"Well you arent General... Its of my own and my sisters will to do these things for you, your sister and other members of your family. But if you really feel like this is something you want I wont stop you but it's always open for you to do... Now about your mother?" I nodded and released her hand so she could dial on the phone. I put up the barrier between the driver and us just as she hit call.

We waited a moment before the click was heard. "Princess? Princess is my baby boy okay?" I heard mom ask.

I sighed. "Yeah... Yeah ma I'm alright..." I said. "Just... Just had a moment... I... I'm sorry if i didnt say anything last time..."

"Ryder it's okay... Does mommy need to come keep her baby boy company? Make sure he's okay in the high buildings?" I blushed a bit.

"Thanks but... no thank Ma... I think I'll be fine as long as I stay on a lower floor... I was fine in another room with friends... I... I guess the elevator and the high floor just scared the hell out of me more than you'd think...." My mother sighed.

"Well... lets hope we dont have to have Soarin come and help you with heights again..."

Celestia huffed a bit. "I'm afraid that's what it might come to Miss Spitfire..." She said. "...He's denying any help from me or my sister in search of more physical help rather than magical and I'm willing to accept those parameters. And I know what you're thinking. This is your child, you dont want to see him scared and you want what's best for him. He wants whats best for himself but this is the best he wants that isnt magic of any kind. Not any spell that erases memories from his mind, magic that puts him in sedation. Maybe even magic to calm his nerves but I'm not sure..." Mama Spitfire gave a little moan.

"Ryder... Why dont you wanna let the princess help you?"

I huffed. "I dont wanna have them feel like they're being used! I'm not that kinda guy to use someone with power for my own advantage!" I said. "They've done a lot for me yes but I just... I just feel like I'm getting too much from them...."

"Ryder I want my baby boy to be okay and I am ordering you to let the princess do what they want!"

"Mom... Let me do this... Please!" For a moment we heard silence. A bit of a whimper as well.

"...Princess.... I-if he does want to go through with this... please just... keep an eye on him and his mental health... I... I want to be able to hug my baby boy.... he's... he's...."

Princess Celestia huffed. "Spitfire... I'll be sure he'll be fine..." She said. "Your son wont have another episode I'm sure of it... Perhaps I can meet you in Canterlot and we can plan something out for Ryder and his sister to have a family day including you. As for now just sit down, have a drink and try to get back to your recruits. We can contact you later about this."

"...O... Okay... I... I just dont want another scare..."

I huffed. "Ma... I'll be fine... I love you..." I said. She sniffled and a sob broke out a bit through the phone.

"...I... I love you too sweetie... just... please... d-dont scare mommy..."

"Mom... please... calm down... I promise you I'll be okay... I'll send you a text or even call letting you know I'm good... Okay?"

"...Please....?"

"Yeah... I will... Now I gotta go Ma... Me and the Princess gotta find somewhere to go to eat... Maybe meet the guys to keep going on this bachelor party... You and some of the other Wonderbolts are coming to my wedding arent you?"

"...Yeah... Yeah we are... just... go do what you can... Love you Ryder.... See you soon..." And with that the princess hung up. I looked to the Princess. She gave me a smile and threw an arm around me. Just made me cuddle up to her. Comforted me. That said not much happened from here on out. I got together with the guys, Celestia took us to the convention, I got some 'private time' with Daring, and we did end up getting pictures of those runes and the destruction. Sent em off to an Email and marked it as urgent for 'Yearling' to see and 'Yearling' met us for dinner at the hotels restaurant. Stayed for a few days more, gambled a bit, won a couple hundred bits surprisingly and spent some of it on some souvineers... apparently a few shops out here had some stuff from the games I play with post apocalyptic shit. Nukes Galore. Play so many post apocalyptic shooters i almost dont remember em all... Maybe I bought myself a case or two of the sodas that are in the games as well as a shirt or two... or four... Celestia got me those.

When I was back home I was the only one up. Applejack was asleep in bed, smelling of half a bottle of whiskey, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Babs were over with Sweetie Belle, Shining and Big Mac just gave me and AJ the house. I had my phone and I was sitting in my pajamas downstairs playing a game trying to get myself to fall asleep. But a phone call interrupted my game... was kinda pissed but surprised at who the caller was. Daring. I answered it but before I could say a word I herd a huff. "Ryder. Daring. These runes are very archaic... something nopony has seen in years nor do they know what they mean... I have a contact that I'm guessing you heard speak to me when we were in Canterlot that might know something but they've gone dark for a few weeks." She said. "And that hole? Facing due east, southeast. Something tells me theres something off that way but there's no telling what... Might need some time to map out things... The video didnt help much but I can try analyzing sound waves and what not. If you're ever near Vanhoover find 'The Divide' dive bar. Use the phrase 'Time's up, Drop off'. Keep this in mind."

I sighed. "Definitely will." I whispered back. "Please keep in touch with things. Text, email or something... If you need to speak with me personally you have my number, you also know where I am if things need to get physical with tests." She huffed.

"Ry... keep your dick in your pants...And you're getting married soon. I dont think your wife would appreciate it if you kept fucking other mares...."

"I'm actually serious. If you need to test things on me for something like... I dont know anything you think you need to test on me... like..." I started to think... The whispers from my dream, the guitar calling to me. "...Like... giving me a guitar and seeing the effects of what's going on... when I woke up from being tranq'd I heard the guitar call to me... like... it wanted me... to use it as a weapon... or... something..." I heard her type a bit on a computer.

"Noted... Wish this would've been there earlier.... Something else to work off of... I've gotta get on this on camera myself if I want to see these things... possibly in containment with contingencies about this... I'm gonna have to do somethings to prepare... I'll contact you in a week or so. I've got to research stuff."

"Alright. Night. Study well I guess..." She didnt say another word before hanging up. I saw my game for a split second before it crashed sending me to the home screen. I just huffed and went back upstairs just to go back to bed. Cuddled up to AJ, maybe putting a hand on her breast and giving it a slight squeeze as I drifted off to sleep. I cant tell if shit is this way because I'm special or that I'm just a target big enough to shield others from this shit. But all I knew that this was only the beginning.