The Return

Oh my stars... this day... I just.... One minute we were walking around, happy as can be next I'm shitting myself and just panicking... Well... Let me just.... start from a couple minutes before the blast... We were just out runnin' around. Uncle Orange had to stop by a small toy store for Scootaloo. Poor thing was crying a bit over momma n daddy... Course Uncle Orange didnt know when he was spouting off to Ryder. Uncle Orange was holding Applebloom's hand. Scoot was in Big Mac's arms enjoying her new little toy. A cute little stuffed dog, wearing a guard uniform like her big brother would wear. She loves him so much... maybe more than I do at times but hey... cant beat family love. Applebloom got a little somethin' too. A little stuffed yellow thing. Lightning bolt tail, black pointed ears and little rosy red cheeks. Didnt know what it was but it was cute. I was in charge of looking out for a place to eat since Uncle Orange doesnt eat out much. He does however know to accept when he wants some food that isnt cooked by his servants. "How about here?" I asked pointing to a tucked away sub shop.

Big Mac and Uncle Orange looked up and hummed. "Place should be good. Wasnt feelin' like a hayburger anyways..." Big Mac said. Sarcastic ass.... sarcastic fat ass more like it. I took a deep breath and sighed. Kinda enjoyed the city even being on a farm for lord knows how long.

"Ya know.... I think I'm gonna wait out here a bit...." I looked to my brother. "Get me a spinach and tofu bacon sub on wheat, with spicy mayo and honey mustard. Maybe get me a little baggie of apples too." I looked out into the hustle and bustlin' city. Ponies going every which way, cars and trucks going back and forth. "I'm just gonna stay out here.... get some fresh air.... maybe plan what we can do in these next few days. Today is just gonna be us relaxin..." He huffed as Uncle Orange went into the shop.

"Alright sis... Think I should get Ryder a sandwich for later?"

"Nah..." Shook my head. "...He has his salad. Could get something later as a family... Maybe before the concert..." I kinda trailed off in my thoughts for a while. Wondered if I'd get some time alone with my sugarcube.... visit with Uncle Orange and spend time with the girls... see Babs and how she's doing... My uncle tells me one of his clients kids wronged her.... pissed me off just hearing about it. Told me Princess Luna showed up with a couple guards, scared the shit out of the kid and made him confess his sins.... Uncle Orange closed the deal without agreement and nearly sued his ass... Woulda done it if I were him. Someone did that to my little sister, that parent or caretaker would get their ass handed to them, the kid might get their ass handed to them by 'Bloom or Scoot if they fought. I know them fillies got some fight in them. Hell Scoot busted a bullies nose a few weeks ago. She was sent to the office but thanks to yours truly she got off with a warnin'. After a bit I glanced into the shop. Was a bit busy. Line to the door, tables were somewhat packed. I just sighed and looked back out into the city.

We walked slow coming from my Uncles penthouse. Stopped at a few clothing stores, let the girls see a tech shop where Scoot messed with a virtual Reality game for a bit. She had a little fun with it. Applebloom had a turn with another game, kinda scared her when an enemy just ran up to her. Had the clerk change the game to a drawing game and she had her little fun making rainbows and such. Ten minutes for each filly and then we just came over here. After a bit we started eating. Only had a small sandwich while my uncle and Big Mac ate like hogs who hadnt had slop for weeks. Scoot and AB just had their little foal meals. Came with little toys. Scoot got a bouncy ball, Bloom got a little doll. After I finished I just went back outside... something didnt sit right. Next thing I know... my whole world changes. I hear a loud explosion ring out. I look over feeling a shockwave rumble everything around us. My heart stopped when I saw where it was coming from... my uncles building... I froze and watched as ponies rushed past me running away from everything. Some had children frightened by the blast. Few minutes go by, another explosion happens. Another side of the building. Next thing you know another... and another... Then what takes the cake... the building bisected itself... where the explosions were... then it collapsed. I saw a wall of dust rush out of the streets down the road. Tears built up in my eyes and I was just pulled in by Big Mac. "BABS! BABS NO! NOT MY LITTLE GIRL!" I heard my uncle cry out. I shook my head, ridding myself of the shock... most of it anyways. I looked to my brother... He was scared, shocked and worried.... Most of the other patrons had their bodies against the door blocking it keeping the debris cloud from getting inside.

Big Mac looked to me... "Sis..." He said. "...D-dont tell me what I think I saw...." I couldnt speak. Tears built up more in my eyes. "...Dont tell me I just saw a building where our family was just..." He couldnt even finish the though before just starting to break down. He hugged me, lowering his head onto my shoulder. I looked around, saw families holding each other close as they watched the chaos outside. Then my eyes locked to somepony near the window. Scootaloo. She watched the whole thing go down. I pried my brother off and handed him off to my screaming uncle just next to the door trying to claw his way out and went to Scoot... Applebloom was trying to get her friend to move away but... I just nudged her towards her brother and uncle. That was when I grabbed Scootaloo. It took her a moment but... She realized what happened and just started screaming, wailing and crying loudly. She struggled but I held her tight letting her cry into my shoulder. I held onto her tight.... she was struggling hard and I just took every kick, every headbutt and short punch she threw.

Even though she was hitting me... I hugged her tight, fighting off my own tears, still shocked on what I saw. What she saw.... What everyone saw... It hurt... not only to see my families home attacked but... to see where my sugarcube was just... vanish... I could only hug Scoot from behind as she thrashed. She was almost a lead dead weight when I picked her up... now a live wire... She only stopped when she started gagging badly. I carried her over to a trash can and it didnt take long for her to take aim and lose her lunch.... Lost it all, almost like a projectile. Even voided her self in her pants... Shit full force, pissed herself too. "I-it's okay... I gotcha... I gotcha Scoot... I wont let you go..." I said in an effort to calm her. She whimpered and mumbled to herself. Couldnt make out what she was even saying. She gagged again and puked more into the trash. "..C-calm yourself Scoot... Everything.... everything's gonna be okay.... I gotcha...." She spat into the trash can and all I could smell is piss, shit and her meal... Had to get a soda and spicy foods. I turned her around and held her the best I could without getting her more dirtier than she was. Her eyes were teared up but still in shock. "Scoot...? C'mon... c'mon talk to me girl!" She looked as if she was gonna speak but she just.... Her eyes rolled back into her head and she just went limp.... Think pissing herself again. Slowly I kinda lied her down getting more scared. "Scoot! Scootaloo! C'mon wake up! WAKE UP!"

I started hyperventilating something fierce... I saw Applebloom run over and kneel down by her friends head starting to shake her before seeing Big Mac lie Uncle Orange down against the wall before pulling Applebloom away. Barely heard it but... I heard Applebloom screaming a bit. "SCOOTALOO! SCOOTALOO!" She screamed.

Big Mac shushed her and nudged her to her uncle where she just collapsed onto him and cried into his shoulder. He went to Scootaloo and picked up her head just looking back into the shop as I just covered my mouth, feeling as if I were gonna puke as well. I choked it down. "Need a medic over here! Anyone here a doctor?!" He snapped. I felt myself just getting light headed and started swaying. Had myself propped up on my hands and knees.... Collapsed and fell onto my side and just as Big Mac came to my side I passed out.

I started to dream... It was something scary... I was in a maze... Fire down one way, crumbling in another... all roads led to my Ryder suffering... maybe with Babs.... I just heard some... distorted screaming.... Sounded like Ryders but... distorted... demonic like.... I was just wearing tattered rags... Just ran through the maze scared beyond belief... walls collapsed behind me, roof in front of me but I pulled a Daring Do and broke through it.... Daring Do... He just loved her books... Dont think he met A.K. Yearling yet... would've just went crazy. Now he cant.... I kept on taking turn after turn in this maze... the screams got more distorted. That was until I came to an intersection in the halls... All paths on fire... even the one I came from... That's where I just fell to my knees and started crying.... I covered my eyes and just bawled like a baby... that.... was until I felt someone rest a hand on my back. I looked up and saw Princess Luna... she had tears in her eyes and Scootaloo in her arms... Scootaloo was also wearing tattered rags. Luna was wearing black sweat pants, bunny slippers and a long sleeved gaming shirt. I quickly sprang up and just latched onto both of them. Luna shushed me as I cried into her shoulder. "...Applejack.... It's okay... you're okay...." She said.

I sniffled and broke off Luna a bit looking at her. "...I... I am not okay!" I snapped. "I just... I just watched my cousin and my fiance get crushed under rubble...." She shushed me more as Scootaloo cuddled up to her...

"Applejack... Listen to me... I felt your cousins dream presence during a nap... I was going to see how she was but... she woke up before I could get to her dream... and from what Scootaloo tells me.... he was in there watching your cousin while you were out getting food.... if I remember correctly he wasnt going to let anyone keep him down... he's as stubborn as a mule if my sisters words were correct." I honestly gave a little smile despite my sorrow... he always was a bit of a stubborn ass... More stubborn than Cranky.... When he turned into a mare he was kinda cute... Didnt stop him from being an asshole to the guards who gave him shit for looking the way he did. Pretty sure he hit one of them pretty hard for.... suggesting things.... I would've gotten him to. "...What I'm saying there is a chance he's still alive... but... I could be wrong and... I just hope I'm not..." She sat me down and put Scootaloo in my arms. "...If he is... come to Canterlot if you can.... If not... um..." She averted her gaze. "...My sister and I... might be taking guardianship over Scootaloo..." Both Scootaloo and I gasped. "I know... it's... it's something you dont want to hear but... Ryder and I agreed upon this... yes she has been adopted by Spitfire, and you're with her but... if something happened to Ryder- which we hope not- Celestia and I are to care for Scootaloo, give her a life worth living.... He wanted the best for her and we've grown attached to her.... we just wanna see her grow up safe and in good health like he wants!" I held Scootaloo closer.

"....Wh-what makes you think I cant give her that? I can be a good caretaker for my sugarcubes baby sister! She can b-be near her friends, Dash, I can take her to school, feed her and... and...." I just started whimpering a bit as I held Scootaloo close. Luna sighed and knelt down resting a hand on my shoulder.

"...She'll still see her friends... I just... I hope you'll... you'll...." She stopped. Her sad expression turned to a bit surprised... it was... like she just realized something. She looked to us and used her magic putting something over our eyes. She shushed us and we heard everything shift around us. Rocks fell into place, trees sprouted and the leaves formed.... even felt our clothes change... felt weird feeling my jeans kinda grow on me- literally grow. Didnt feel Scoot's clothes weird enough. But anyways we felt the world change around us. After it was done I felt Luna pull me yo my feet before taking Scootaloo from me.... Didnt wanna let her go but... She did take her whether I wanted to let her go or not. She took my hand and just walked with me.

"...J-just what the hell do ya think you're doin...? I cant see..." She shushed me and just let me go. I kept walking forward hesitantly... I didnt know if she wanted me brain dead walking off a cliff or what but... I was kinda scared not knowing what I'd walk into. Now I know what you're thinkin': Why didnt I take my blindfold off? I dont know. Wasnt the first thing I thought of. But as I walked I felt there was something in front of me. I put my arms in front of me so they could just feel my way to what I wasnt looking at. Next thing you know I feel something wrap around me making me jump, yelp a bit and kinda struggle as it pulled me close and held me tight.... even... felt a head rest on my shoulder.... I reached up and took my blindfold off and.... lord above I just about shit myself... I was... I was being hugged by my sugarcube... Ryder!

I was speechless as he hugged me. Got all teared up looking at his... burnt clothing... favorite shirt, eaten by flames, mane singed a bit and his wings almost charred.... He shushed me as I started to cry. "...P-Princess... whats going on...? Why is Applejack crying....?" I heard Scootaloo ask. I looked back and saw Luna take Scootaloo's blindfold off... Little fillies jaw dropped when she saw us... Flew out of the princesses arms and zoomed right for us. "RYDER! YOU'RE ALIVE!" She screamed. He tossed me aside and took the full force of Scootaloo to his chest and fell back. As he hugged his sister, both breaking down I looked around us. The orchard. Home. Few burned trees here, large scorch trail there... smoke in the sky there... Damaged but mostly okay. I was back to wearing my clothes I passed out in while Scootaloo was still in her rags. Guess'n Luna caught a whiff of what she dropped in her trousers. Diapers until further notice for her. Luna came over and helped me up as she teared up with this reunion... she looked relieved too. I went back over to Scootaloo and Ryder, helping Ryder up... I took Scootaloo out of his arms and she just flew around all excited and back into Luna's arms to hug her, still bawling. Looked back at my sugarcube and you know what I did? I went and grabbed him by the collar with one hand, back handed him with the other and when he looked at me scared I pulled him in and kissed him. Tongue and all. He was shocked at first but he fell into a bit of bliss. He backed away and I looked at him more mad than a bull in a red carpeted china shop.

"WHY THE HELL DIDNT YOU CALL AND MAKE SURE WE WERE OKAY?! YOUR SISTER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND I PASSED OUT! EXPLAIN! NOW!"

Ryder sniffled and averted his gaze. "...I'm sorry I didnt AJ... I just... I wasnt thinking..." He said. "...I had to rush to get Babs out of her room and stuff her a bag of clothes she could wear and get her the hell out... Knew it wasnt gonna last long, the building.... I was... even having a few freak out moments... saw my house burning... the plane crash that nearly killed me... But... Your cousin and I made it out alright.... doctors had to pry us apart to get me into a hospital gown... she didnt wanna even go to another bed away from me she was so scared..." He looked back at me. "...I did try for a moment... nobody answered... straight to voice mail but... I left a message... Just... please forgive me..." I sniffled a bit.

"...I.. I do forgive ya.... Just... please... dont scare us like that again... Did you even try Big Mac?" He nodded.

"Same thing... Phone lines were clogged up with calls... Couldnt even get a call out to Twilight but... I just... I wanna let you know... Babs is okay, I'm okay... we're just gonna be hospitalized for a bit... Doctors said mild smoke inhalation for me... Babs? ...She was crying and panicking... I tried to protect her from the smoke but... she inhaled a lot of it... she's alive and she'll be fine... At the moment I've got her cuddled up to me.... getting ready for a scrub down to get all the soot off of us... I just couldnt stay awake long enough.... fell asleep and... here I am... talking to you, seeing Scoot... I was scared i'd lose you for a bit... are you guys okay?"

"...Other than being scared n sick.... I think we're okay..." I looked to Scootaloo. "You... You gonna be okay over there Scoot?" The little filly nodded still wiping tears from her eyes. She was excited... happy that her brother was alive... she deserves more time with him than I do...

Luna approached and gave a smile handing Ryders sister over to me. "General... I truly thought you were dead when I found Scootaloo...." She said. "...My sister and I were herded into a safe room here in Canterlot once the first bomb went off... Terrorists from the army you defeated wanted revenge... hidden among the ponyfolk... guards are investigating... hopefully we leave the safe room soon... might be in here a day, maybe a week... this is just so sudden and so scary... your funeral would've been paid for by my sister and I personally... you'd've been given a lot.... plot beside your parents... maybe even a crypt... but... you're alive... all is well and...." She looked at me. "...I... Apologize for this Applejack but..." She turned back to him and pulled him in kissing him deeply... looking as if she was enjoying it too... had to cover Scoot's eyes not knowing if she'd just drop his trousers and go at it with him. He was shocked... looked a bit scared too. Once she broke off she hugged him tight and cried a bit.

Ryder looked to me stammering a bit. "A-AJ! I can explain!" He said. "I-I didnt- I didnt want this! She just- you saw it!"

I gave a sigh smiling a bit. "...It's okay sugarcube... not every day someone gets to smooch a princess..." I said. "Princess... Why dont you wake me and Scoot up? Keep this one for yourself for right now... Just run it by me if you wanna talk in private with him." She gave a smile. Ryder did as well.... blushed a bit too.

Luna sighed looking into Ryder's eyes... "I'll call for you later... for now... Just wake us up." I said. Luna gave a nod not even breaking from my sugarcubes gaze...

I watched as Luna's horn glow a bit before making everything fade. As things darkened I heard beeping. Felt cold. I groaned a bit. "Hey! Hey she's waking up!" I heard my big brother say. My eyes just fluttered open and I found myself looking up at Big Mac... My chest was colder than anything but... I was covered up by a blanket and I had a bit of pain in my arm. I looked around and I was in a hospital room... I sat up a bit but Big Mac eased me back down. "Hey... easy there sis... you feel okay?" I hesitantly nodded even though I felt a bit sick to my stomach... more thirsty than anything....

"...What... where are we...?" He sighed.

"Hospital.... no matter what we tried you and Scoot passed out and we couldnt wake you up... had someone in the sandwich shop get us here.... Had to wrap both you and Scoot in trash bags, make sure you didnt piss yourself or something..." He averted his gaze over to a bed next to me... a bed where I saw Scootaloo lying down just sipping on a juice box with Applebloom and Uncle Orange nearby. "...I had to be in the room with Scootaloo when they were cleaning her off... just in case she woke up and freaked out... she didnt... woke up before you though... poor filly... started talking about her brother, saying he's alive and well... I just... I cant help but feel sorry.... just... had to go with it and make sure she dont scream and cry again..." My eyes widened and I sat up again.

"R-Ryder! I gotta find him!" Big Mac shoved me back into the bed and held me there.

"Dammit sis! Dont make Scoot panic!" He snapped whispering. He looked back and smiled nervously. "Yeah sis you should go look for Ry but uh.... I think I'll go look for him! You just stay here!" I get it he thinks we're in denial and are confused. But he's the one who dont wanna believe us. I grabbed him by the shirt and pushed him back into a couch at the side of the room before feeling around my chest. Still had my bra on but my shirt was wide open. Had a heart monitor hooked to my chest and it was kinda going a bit high strung. I removed them, ripped one of em off my chest and it stung a bit. Didnt care as i heard the machine flatline and I got out of my bed. Even yanked my IV out flinging it.

Surprised they didnt take my shoes or pants off or anything... glad they didnt... I hurried to the door but immediately a few nurses grabbed me. Two big earth pony stallions both in blue doctors scrubs. I struggled seeing everyone around me looking scared. "Miss! Calm down! Get back in your bed!" The one to my right said.

I looked to him. "OH PISS OFF I GOTTA FIND MY FIANCE!" I snapped. I kept fighting even with them just trying to get more nurses onto me.

Oh I busted one right in the balls before Big Mac rushed over and grabbed me, forcing the other nurse away. Didnt even bat an eye.... Kinda was tearing up. "God dammit stop this!" He said grabbing me by the shoulders. He turned around and closed the door real quick before grabbing me again. "Your fiance is dead! My friend is dead! He aint coming back, there's no lookin' for him! WE WATCHED HIM DIE IN THAT FUCKING BUILDING COLLAPSE!" He stayed silent as everyone around us did... the nurses that tried to get me hobbled away and just left us there. "...And our cousin... barely thirteen... gone... she went with him... prolly holdin' his hand walkin' into those pearly gates to see his momma and ours... I just.... I hope they didnt suffer..." He brought me in close and just broke down. I turned him around and hugged him shushing him.

With my back against the wall... I see a few nurses eye us... some worried, others just... looking on in horror at what he said. I honestly couldnt say anymore to Big Mac.... one because I knew he was gonna yell again and two because he was holding me tighter than Dash's first time. Guess who that went to? But as I hugged him... I saw something that just made me smile. I saw a stallion in a wheel chair, oxygen mask hooked up to his face rolling up from around the nurses desk dressed in a hospital gown. His face was a little dirty but looked recently cleaned off somewhat. It was my sugarcube... Ryder. He gave a smile. I thought about shushing him but hey.... gotta hear his voice ASAP. "...Think you can yell any louder dude? I dont think they heard you back in Ponyville!" He said with a laugh. And oh my lord the way Big Mac jumped I thought he was gonna turn and beat the shit out of him. My brother bounces off of me, looks straight at him and just stares. Mouth open, tears still streaming from his eyes. Ryder rolls up to him, pulls him down a bit from his standing position and closes his mouth. "Careful. You'll catch flies that way you big lug."

"....Uh... I... You...."

"I'm alive, I'm a ghost, I'm something that cant be killed... Not while I have you guys." Oh I just couldnt help but bring both him and Mac in for a hug. Mac just grabbed both of us and just squeezed. Didnt say a word. "Careful there Mac! Dont pinch my oxygen tube!" When he heard that he dropped him like he was Winona obeying us... sorta... dog lately has a bit of trouble with commands but nothing time cant fix. Ryder looked to me. "So... Wanna take me in to see my baby sister? Gotta see what I nearly lost...."

I couldnt help but give a smile. I got behind Ryder, his bare back poking through the gown, wings looking a bit dark from the soot... could definitely smell it. Big Mac opened the door back up and walked in before us. Didnt say anything... just went and sat on the couch. Almost hesitated on rolling in just wanting Ryder for myself but... I couldnt. Not after everything. I rolled him in and I just saw Scootaloo's face light up. "RYDER!" She yelled.

Before he could even answer my uncle rushed him and grabbed him my the gown lifting him out of the seat. "YOU! YOU BASTARD YOU BETTER NOT'VE LEFT MY FUCKING DAUGHTER IN HER GOD DAMN ROOM!" He yelled. I grabbed at my uncle and pulled him off shoving him back into his seat, narrowly missing Applebloom who just climbed into the bed with Scoot, both of which looked a bit scared.

I huffed. "You need to SHUT UP!" I snapped. I looked to Applebloom. "Bloom, go close the door. I got some words for your uncle nobody else needs to hear...." Applebloom nodded and hopped from the bed carefully before running to the door shutting it... Ryder wheeled over around the bed and held his sisters hand noticing the IV in her arm. I kinda held my wound.... Bled a little. Wasnt worried. I looked back to my uncle as Applebloom went to her brother. "Now you listen here and you listen GOOD! My fiance isnt incompetent! He's smart, he's handsome and he aint gonna leave a filly behind!"

"THEN WHERE IS SHE?! WHERE IS BABS?!"

I heard Ryder huff before he wheeled around the bed up next to me. "She's lying in a fucking hospital bed, scared, tired and having a hard time breathing from her panicking in a smoke filled building that we had to jump out of!" He snapped. "WHY ELSE DO YOU THINK I'M WEARING THIS MASK! From fucking smoke inhalation! I got off easy because I stayed calm, held my own in something I've gone through before. My house burned down and I had to jump from a window to save my ass, hell I nearly got my wings burnt to a crisp and almost died falling from a drop plane. But yeah your daughter is getting herself cleaned off a bit, she's constrained to a bed, scared, breathing through an oxygen mask and wondering where you are! AND if you're okay! Now are you gonna keep bitching or are you gonna apologize and go find your daughter?" I looked to my uncle keeping my wound from bleeding any more than it had... went from my wrist down my hand... may have dripped a bit.

Uncle Orange didnt say a thing. I sighed. "We're gonna go see her whether you're coming or not." I said. "If ya dont wanna come, at least be useful and get us a nurse to patch up my arm and get Scoot out of her bed. Not gonna leave her here with her brother and certainly not leaving her here alone. Get me?" Uncle Orange just nodded and got up hesitantly before walking around us and straight to the door. Just looked to Scootaloo as he opened it and went out. "How you feelin' girl?"

Scootaloo smiled. "I'm alright... just a bit sick... I'll be fine if we cant get something to eat soon..." She said. I smiled.

"...Yeah... could get some food as well... feels like I lost my meal..."

Big Mac sniffled a bit getting up from the couch. "They uh... they had to pump your stomach when you got here...." He said. "You were gonna throw up but... it was all dry heaving the way you were laying and they didnt want you to get a bit stuck in your throat and stop your breathin... So.... I just... Hopefully we can getcha something to eat soon." He came over with Appleblooms hand in his. Ryder turned around and he knelt down. "...You sonova bitch... you dont cease to surprise me... You're a fuckin' hero!"

Ryder huffed. "...Dont feel like it...." He said. "...I might've saved one pony but... I couldnt save the others...." He just hung his head.

I took his hand and sighed but... before we could say anything we were interrupted by some footsteps coming in to the room. "Even if you couldnt save others Ryder you're still a hero!" A familiar voice said. We looked over and there was Princess Celestia, fully armored. Golden and white chest piece, matching arms and legs with solar empire engravings everywhere. Had a couple guards flanking her on either side, both heavily armored. Couldnt tell if they were stallions or mares. Both golden. She smiled as we all kinda bowed in respect to her... kinda being Scoot and Ryder as the exception. "Just give us a few minutes, we'll get you out of here. Luna told me about your heroism and it was confirmed by your chat here. And no matter how many times you say you arent you are truly a hero Ryder. Doesnt have to be about how many you've saved but just that you've saved. Agreed its a tragedy and many were lost but you got out alive with somepony your family cared about. Speaking of her where is she?"

I huffed setting myself upright still kinda holding my IV spot. "She's off getting what ever cleaned off of her and resting in a bed getting oxygen..." I said.

Ryder sighed. "Bad smoke inhalation... panicked as we were running down stairs..." He said. He averted his gaze coughing a bit. "...Why didnt we just break out a window up top? Would've saved a lot of stuff... Less health risks... maybe a few more ponies...."

Celestia came in, knelt down an lifted my sugarcubes chin making him face her. "Now listen Ryder... You acted on your instinct here...." She said. "But think of it this way... if you had done that where would you have left Babs? On a nearby building? She could've gotten hurt or worse. On the street below? Again she could've gotten hurt.... maybe she would go missing... but you saved her, got her to a hospital as safe as she can be. She can continue to see her family, and you can see yours... You ARE a hero!"

Ryder kinda smiled a bit.... Kinda being I could see in his eyes he was still tired... kinda bummed out. I knew what it was something on his mind. But before I could say anything I could hear my uncle call out. "Applejack! Can you tell these guards to let me in- or rather your fiance? Please?" He asked. Celestia looked to me.

"Someone you know?"

I sighed. "My uncle." I said. "Just let him in. He went to get us a nurse to get us all cleaned up, patched up and out of here...." She looked back at her guards, one of which blocked the way while the other still watched us.

"The nurse and her uncle are cleared for entry. Code delta niner foxtrot." I watched as the guards stepped aside and let my uncle in with a nurse mare at his side. They both stopped and bowed in respect to Celestia as she stood up. "Apologies for my guards what with the situation going on. Carry on your duties as normal but know I wish to have a few patients moved to Canterlot."

The nurse gave a nod and went to the sink to wash her hands. After she did she came over to me and started patching me up without saying a word. Ryder looked to my uncle who was just sitting back down in his seat before I had him get the nurse. My uncle huffed. "....Ryder... I... I would like to apologize..." Uncle Orange said. "I shouldnt have said you were incompetent... you're a good guard.... better stallion.... Shouldnt have said those things... shoulda kept drinking..."

Ryder huffed. "Yeah you shouldve!" He snapped. "Yeah you made the right call of leaving me in charge. But know if I was the man you said I was your daughter could've been dead without my help." My uncle said nothing as Ryder looked to his sister. Doc even just finished bandaging me up. "Guess you got really scared about me huh Scoot...?"

I looked over at her. She nodded a bit.... Looked a bit sad too. "Yeah..." I replied. "... Girl passed out right in my arms just voiding herself... Lost her lunch, had an accident... Thought the shock just... took her from us... 's how I ended up in here... passed out scared...." I knelt down next to Ryder. "....I just... I cant believe we nearly lost ya again...." I hugged him, resting my head on his shoulder... Just teared up fast and just let a sob out. He shushed me as I cried into his shoulder. Ryder looked to the nurse as she was tending to Scootaloo.

"Miss? Is there any way we can get some waters and an escort back to the room I was in? Should be three o'two or something like that." The nurse nodded as she took out Scootaloo's IV and patched her up. She winced a bit but didnt cry. Good girl. Not long later we were rolling down the hall, guards and princess at our sides. Ryder had Scootaloo on his lap cuddled up to him, diaper peekin' its way from under her hospital gown and Big Mac, Uncle Orange and Applebloom were right behind us. Uncle Orange pushed Ryder while Mac carried our little sis. The other patients were either shocked, smiling or afraid. Saw a little filly who just hid herself away as I walked past her holding Ryder's hand. Hell some folk thought he was in trouble or somethin. Few whispers here, some there. Celestia even had some guards patrolling the hall.

We stopped in front of a room. Three twenty four. "Alright. I checked with the nurses and your room should be this one." She said. "Other nurses should be finishing up now. Want me to check?"

"Yes please. Orange filly, purple mane. Just wanna make sure she's decent." The nurse smiled and slipped inside. I looked to Big Mac who was just joining us. He smiled. Ryder sighed. "...Swear you should've seen us... bailing out a window I had to break open... I honestly thought I was dead... like... My wings were just gonna stop working and we'd just hit the ground...."

Celestia put a hand on his shoulder. "Ryder. Stop talking like that... You're gonna scare somepony!" She snapped. Ryder's eyes sorta snapped open a bit and he shook his head.

"Ah... Sorry... I just... I had a freak out moment...." He hugged his sister a bit. "...Maybe Luna can do a little dig through my mind.... Fix some things..."

"If you think you need it we'll see what she can do... but... remember she wont do this often... I'm there for you as well if you wish to talk... Call me, come to Canterlot or even meet me half way at my summer home... I'm here for you. So is everypony else here." She rustled his mane and Scootaloos as well. She's caring I'll give her that... Luna I'll look the other way on if she wants some private time but when it comes to Celestia... Joining in. No questions asked.

Anyways the nurse came back out and smiled as other nurses came out, buckets, sponges and gloves in hand. "Alright you're cleared to go in now." She said. "Anything else you need?" I looked to Celestia as she hummed.

"I wish to acquire a few medical choppers for flight to Canterlot. One for me, my guards and my general here, the other for the filly in this room and her family. Would you think that can be done?" She hummed.

"I'm sure it would be done for you but... you might have to talk to the hospital administrator about that."

"Well if you can, take one of my guards here to meet with them, see if they cant spare a couple for transport. I should be fine surrounded by my other guards." The nurse nodded and one of Celestia's guards followed her away as we all went in.

As we walked in we heard whimpering, shushing and small sobs. "Dont worry... you're okay...." A mare said. "Got someone here to see you." We rounded the corner of the curtain just hidin most of the room there we saw Babs curled up in nothing but a hospital gown and a diaper, both Ryder's clothes and hers in plastic bags next to each other. Sitting in a chair next to Babs bed was a nurse trying to console her. The nurse glanced up for a moment and backed away. Honestly looked a bit scary. Babs was on her side sure but... I could see the IV feeding into her arm and an oxygen mask wrapped around her head covering her mouth... breathing sounded bad.

Uncle Orange pushed around us and rushed the bed. "Babs!" He said just hugging her.He was minding her IV and the mask... I could tell he was scared by the way he was breathing...

Babs rolled over and she looked like she was about to cry... but she was a bit weak. "Daddy...." She said. Ryder rolled up on the other side of her bed and rested a hand on her stomach.

"...Your m-mothers probably panicking... scared.... Wondering if we're alright...."

Celestia went by Ryder's side and Babs looked up at her. Tired and shocked. "... Hey there.... Babs right?" She asked. Babs nodded slowly. "...You're a lucky filly to get out of that... Luna's a bit worried about you..."

Babs grabbed Ryder's hand, squeezing it... Scootaloo and Applebloom were digging their heads into their brothers shoulders. "....P-princess.... I'm... I'm...." She said.... She tried saying she was scared but she coughed a bit... hoarse. Celestia shushed her.

"Dont speak... you're okay now... You're gonna come with all of us to Canterlot and stay with us... gonna make sure you're all better.... and if your dad will tell us your mothers name we can have her contacted, let her know you're okay...." She gave a smile as she met my uncles gaze.

I just approached the bed in Celestia's spot as she backed away. "...We're here for ya Babs... we all are...." I said.

Maybe about an hour later I was in the chopper with Scootaloo, Celestia and Ryder still in that gown of his. Ryder was strapped to a stretcher on the floor of the chopper, which then was also locked in to the floor. I sat by his head, Scootaloo across from me and Princess Celestia next to her. We all had headsets. Even Ryder. He looked to me best he could. "You alright there Applejack?" He asked. I looked down at him and gave a smile.

"Yeah... I'm good.... Cant say the same for Babs and my uncle... Hell... Big Mac is probably trying to keep Applebloom calm in the other chopper." I looked to the princess. She was just staring out the window at the city below... dust cloud of rubble, ash and still filled with screams... Heard some as we were on the roof surprisingly. "You good over there princess?"

The princess shut her eyes and shook her head, snapping her out of what ever trance she was in and looked at me. "Yes I'm... I'm fine." She said. "...Just... so shocked this happened... all those innocent ponies..."

"...I'd be careful whatcha say Princess..." She looked back and I pointed at Scoot who was kinda... Just trying to be ignorant what we were saying... "But uh... while we're on the topic... Is somepony gonna bring our stuff to Canterlot?"

"We had someone go find your hotel room and get your stuff. Your things should be in Canterlot by tonight and Luna should meet us on the roof and see to it that everypony is comfortable and not scarred in any way." She looked down at Ryder. "Ryder if you wish... We can put you and Babs into a room with a gaming console or two, maybe with a bed for loved ones or you can be put into separate rooms with beds for your family members. It's what ever you need...."

Ryder huffed a bit. "... Well... I just... I wanna be with my family but... I wanna make sure the filly I saved sleeps well..." He said. He averted his gaze to me. Then Scootaloo. "...I should be there for family... but... Babs was scared...."

"Well we cant have everypony in the room. It's either one per family, or both victims in the room."

I huffed. "Ry... Why dont you just spend time with Babs... she could use someone other than her father smotherin' her..." I said. "Mac can take care of the girls and if anythin'..." I glanced at the princess. "...I could be there with ya... make sure you two are comfortable... keep my uncle from getting too crazy with our cousin.... if my uncle and I could be near our loved ones..." I could see Celestia think for a moment. Putting numbers together in her head, changing rooms around. What ever the hell she was doing up there we could see in her face.

Just as she was about to answer we heard Scootaoo whimper a little bit. Just looked over to see her have a hand between her legs looking embarrassed. Ryder sighed. "Just go Scoot... Gonna be a bit before we get to the castle..." He said. "Yeah I get you wanna try to use the toilet but seriously it'll hurt more if you keep holding."

Scoot whined a bit. "But... I... I already went... and... i think I might leak..." She said.

I looked to Celestia. "Anythin' you can do?" I asked.

Celestia nodded and used her magic on Scoot. "Here. Found this out myself." She said. "This spell should make it more absorbent even with a little drawback...." We looked to Scoot and saw her sitting a bit higher blushing a bit harder... Her diapers just got a bit thicker. "...Just go slowly Scootaloo... This should work but I dont know how much you've already gone. I'll change you once we get to the castle!"

Even though Scootaloo went along and just went she started to cry. She took her hand from her thigh and just hid her face. Come to think of it she was doing good until today... I watched as Celestia reached over and grabbed her from her seat bringing the crying filly into her lap. Even swapped channels so we didnt have to hear her cry. Ryder sighed. "....I hope Scootaloo sleeps okay tonight after what happened...." He said. I looked down at him. He was just staring at them. "....I remember coming home from the war... My wing just chopped off by my team... Trudging through snow covered mountains to come to The Princess's snow lodge... next thing you know I'm coming through the doors to Canterlot.... I see... Scoot with Luna... Cadence and Celestia... then nothing..." Ryder looked up at me. "...knowing that i nearly died... she didnt know I was alive.... it hurts.... it really does..."

I sighed seeing him tear up a bit. "...Sugarcube... It'll be okay... Everything's gonna be okay...." I said. "But... Question... are you padded up at all...?" He blushed and looked to the seat where Scootaloo once sat.

"...Y-yeah... Had to convince the nurse it was for Babs to keep hers on... plus she... kinda pissed all over me inside the ambulance.... lucky the medic helping us understood how scared she was...." I gave a smile...

"Just take a deep breath sugarcube... I'll give ya a hug and... maybe a little something if i can change you..." He gave a nod and just started breathing. I looked over at Scootaloo. Saw her just cuddling up to the Princess, big poofy padding on her bottom and Celestia, arms wrapped right around her tight. "Give me a minute sugarcube. Gonna switch channels, see how your sister is doin..." I heard him break a bit sobbing. I just reached over and flicked my little switch a few times until I heard Scootaloo sobbing a bit and Celestia shushing her. "Just me here you two... Everyone okay over here....?"

Celestia sighed. "...Yeah... just somepony a little embarrassed, scared and a bit tired...." She said.

Scoot gave a little sob. "...I... I want Ryder...." She said.

"Dont worry... Ryder will be all yours after tonight... I'll have Luna do something special for both of you tonight... Make you feel okay.... Right now I think Babs needs him..." The Princess looked to me. "If anything I'll take on the responsibility for Applebloom and Scootaloo, make sure they do okay while you are with Ryder and your cousin and your uncle... Big Mac can do what ever he needs to relax. My spa will be open to help anyone relax. Even will hold a meditation session if anyone wishes to join." I sighed looking out my side of the chopper. I was looking away from Manehattan. Saw parts of the country side in what was now near sunset light. "Are you alright Applejack...?"

I shrugged. "I dont know... I'm worried about Ryder, Ryder's worried about Scootaloo and Babs... Just a lot of worry..." I said. "...seems like Ry's just got a string of bad luck... makes me think..."

"Well I wouldnt do much thinking... thinking like that can lead down a dark paranoia filled path... some of our guards got paranoid after certain things happened...." Celestia looked down at Scootaloo. "...Why dont you talk to your brother...? Make sure he's alright." Scootaloo nodded and Celestia went and changed the channel before putting the filly back into her seat, buckling her up. She looked to me and sighed. "...The guard we had go insane from paranoia went and shot himself...Body was found by his wife and... it wasnt pretty... Double barrel and both shells went off when nobody was home... nobody even called the guard..." She looked to Ryder. "... I wouldnt think about things like that... even if my life was in peril as it was sort of. Positive minds help even in the gravest of situations. Ryder... He knew they would get out and survive while Babs panicked and thought that she was gonna die... Luna and I are grateful that she isnt as well as Ryder..."

"Princess... Do you need to talk...?" I saw tears quickly build up in her eyes and heard her sob before looking at me.

"...I... I dont want Ryder to die... I just... he's... he's one of my best friends next to Twilight... and my sister... I just...." I shushed the princess.

"....You up for a little nap when we get to the castle...? Think everyone needs some rest... even me...." Celestia nodded. "...Alright if bunk with ya too? ...I... I want someone to cuddle but... I know it aint gonna be my Ryder..." She sniffled.

"....I... Normally I would allow this to Scootaloo but... I... I trust you so... yes... cuddle with me..." I gave a smile. After we got to Canterlot Celestia met up with Luna and passed Scootaloo off to get her changed and clothed with some spare clothes they have for her and left me and Celestia alone... We were in her room on her bed. I... I felt a bit awkward but.... we were tired... Very.... very tired. Celestia looked at me kinda... weirdly. Embarrassed but... loving. "...AJ... as much as I hate to ask this can you... uh... diaper me....?" I blushed hard kinda shocked. "...I only ask because.... Scootaloo has kinda grown on me... and I sometimes just.... relax with a diaper.... its embarrassing to even ask and reveal... but... will you please do this... for your princess and a close friend...?" I swallowed and blushed a bit feeling my bladder kinda... tighten a bit.

".... Only if you can pad me up.... I... kinda dont trust myself sleeping without protection..." Celestia smiled and got up from her bed.

"If it's to get you to feel comfortable... Consider it done." I watched as she got up from her bed and knelt down at my feet.... And honestly? I was just hot under the collar... almost begging for the princess to pry my legs open, take my pants off and just lick me into submission. Why was I this horny...? I just kept my composure and that thought in my head as she pulled out a chest and opened it. Inside I saw nothing but diapers, huge pacifiers, powder, wipes and what not. Some diapers huge, others Scoot's size. She grabbed one that was Scoot's size and put it in her magic and make it grow. She set it down and got back up but... I just did the unthinkable. I just pulled her in and kissed her on the lips! Oh god when I realized what I did I quickly broke off and hid my face.

"SORRYSORRYSORRYSORRY!" I fell back narrowly missing the princesses face as I tried to back away. Kicked and struggled a bit but curled up scared like Applebloom like she was gonna get a spankin'. Just as I was about to just scream and run out of the room, pissin' myself I heard a giggle.

"Applejack! No need to be scared!" I just sat up and looked at the princess, tears streaming down my face. She just sat there with a bit of a smile on hers. "You heard me. It's okay! Come here!" She opened her arms wide. I hesitated a bit. Was this a trick? I didnt know but... I kept crawling to her.... when I got close she grabbed me and startled me.... I... May have just up and soiled her sheets.... and my pants... pissed full force. It took her a second to realize it but when she did she held me away from her like Winona was puking. I just turned away even more embarrassed. "You poor thing... I'm sorry if I startled you like that but... how could you think I was mad about that kiss?" I sniffled and sobbed as she dried my pants and her bedding.

"...I... I didnt wanna do that... I dont... I dont know what came over me...." She shushed me as she started stripping my pants off... Panties were still soaked... Not just with piss though. I could even tell she caught a whiff of my juices...

"It's okay... i'll let it slide but next time ask... I'll be more than happy to oblige... As for your other problem... are you sure you still need the diaper? Or do we need to keep talking?" I didnt know what to say. "...I'm gonna say keep talking.. you obviously want something.... Is Ryder not being good enough in bed for you?" My heart skipped a beat. "What- or rather who has he been doing instead of you?" I whimpered a bit.

"...G-gilda... but.. for good reason... he's been having violent fits and... Gilda can handle him... he... he doesnt wanna hurt me.... but... not only has it been keeping him from getting in my pants... so has work, our sisters and even Rarity... She's been having him model suits and some... swimwear.... and few of those times I thought of just ruinin' those articles and pay for new ones...." She got up all the way and helped me out of my shirt, taking my bra with it... Now I was just bare chested with the princess. Then she was just stripping herself down... (Yeah she was out of her armor at this point. Down to jeans and a tank top.) She dropped her trousers revealing her pink panties and lifted her shirt letting her milk makers fly... not even a bra holding them up... And if I had a dick that thing would be putting some eyes out... She smiled as she crawled onto her bed and lied next to me.

"...Seems like he's doing okay.... as long as he isnt hurting you physically I see that as fine.... To you it doesnt seem right but... Think of Gilda as his stress ball... He lets out his anger and stress into her and keeps him from doing anything that'll get him thrown out of the guard, and into jail... you get his love while he hate fucks her... Do you want me to be your stallion or do you just want me to have my desert?"

"D-do you know those spells...?" She gave a bit of a nod. "...Cast it and take me Princess...Toys aint a thing compared to the real thing!" She gave a giggle as she took off her panties... Never have i thought I'd be fucking the princess... as well as Ryder getting it on with Luna... One minute I see her horn glow, next I got something poking me in the thigh. I looked down and see Celestia's big old dick... My heart skipped a beat and I just wanted it... I just rolled to my side and kissed her grabbing her breast. I squeezed it, just pinching her nipple. I felt her hand just travel up my leg and pull my panties aside and slip a finger into my soaking pussy. I kept kissing her until she pushed me off shushing me and just started to go to town with her fingers right on my gspot! Like right on it without needing to search! I covered my mouth as she snuck a second finger into there and started her digging.

"Goodness Applejack.... You're soaked! It really must have been a while since Ryder- or anyone for that matter- has touched you... Now tell me... how bad do you want it?" God I couldnt open my mouth... When I did the slightest I let out a moan. She gave me a smirk.... "I'm not hearing anything on how bad you want it! If you dont tell me you might as well show me! I grabbed her hand and brought it from my insides up to my mouth only to lick my juices off... I tasted sweet. Sweeter than Rainbow Dash after Pinkie poured honey on her ass... Blame Dash's bets on that. Loser ate something off the others ass- regardless of washing first... Honey off her sweaty, non wiped ass... Lucky it was cheek and not crack.... I would've gone and just thrown up on her, forced her to shower and I'd scrub the hell out of her ass. Steel wool, acid and even a bit of salt to help dry. Anyways Celestia hiked herself on top of her bed and just lied down on her back. "Come. Ride me like the little pony you are!" If i werent so horny I'd've told her off for a comment like that but... I was dying for a dick. Badly.

"Y-yes princess..." She grinned and licked her lips as I straddled her and started to tease myself with her cock.... Right before just slamming down hard onto it just losing myself. I covered my mouth and just before I started to ride her. I saw on her face how much she wanted me to scream and moan. Her horn glowed and she gave a little smile pinching my nipples with it.

"AJ... I know how much you wanna scream it out... Would it make you feel better if I put on a temporary noise canceling spell?" I gave a nod. Her horn glowed even brighter before having the magic disperse. "There... Room is sound proofed. Scream to your hearts desire, hell, suck on my tits if you want some of your princesses milk...." I just slammed down on her bringing my hands to her breasts and just grabbed one and started sucking, screaming and just falling into ecstasy as I rode hard and fast. Celestia even started thrusting and moaning a bit feeling my insides grip her tighter. I started to sweat from how much I was riding her... hell even felt my stomach bulging out while I was fucking her. We went at it for a few minutes more before I was at my limit. I came four times as I rode her... When she was about to blow she gritted her teeth and looked me in the eye. "...A-Applejack.... I'm... I'm going to.... To...." She didnt have time to finish her sentence before just grabbing my hips and holding me down as she just blew like a volcano filling me up... Like no joke, she was more pent up then a national park Geyser! Made my stomach just bulge out like I ate too much. My eyes just crossed, went back into my head and I just collapsed backwards onto my back letting her cock slump right out of me and disappear. She sat up and grabbed the diaper quickly taking my soaked and cum stained panties off before padding me up. "...Th-there.... I... wow... you really needed it didnt you.....?"

"...E-eeyup... It... it was so good... the ride... the sucking... fingering... and..." I gasped sitting up. "THE CREAM PIE! SHIT!" She pushed me back down and shushed me.

"Relax Applejack! You're in heat! I know that was a bad idea but it's sterile, no foal will come from it. I'm sure of it." I just started to breathe heavily.

"...H-how did you...." She raised my panties in the air before tossing them aside. "...R-right... but... how do I know your stuffin' aint gonna stuff me....?"

"Dont trust me on that? It's fine. How about we get dressed again, I can loan you my bathrobe and we head to my personal doctor to get you cleaned out?" I nodded. "...Oh and by the way.... check your stomach..." I looked at my bulging belly. "Do you see my cutiemark anywhere? It would've happened by now to indicate you were pregnant." Well... She is right... I've seen pregnant mares left and right with someone elses cutie mark on it. Hell... If I remember right my daddy's was on mommas stomach when she was havin' AB.... I looked to Celestia as she taped up the rest of the diaper on me.

"...Can... can we still get me cleaned up....? Please...? I... I dont want Ryder to think I'm screwin' around behind him without his knowin...."

"Sure.... dont trust yourself from this?" I shook my head. "Why not? You let Ryder stick it to who ever he needs but why not yourself?"

"...I... just..." I didnt know what to say.

"You're afraid to let your body wander... let someone in that takes advantage of it and tries to make you theirs... correct?" I nodded. "Who made you afraid to do this...? No trouble will be found but... just in case they do it again..."

"...M-my brother... he.... he forced himself on me... I... just... he felt like Ry and I were teasing him... and... he just... snapped.... groped me while Ry was out.... slipped a finger and I just...." I started to whimper a bit.

"...I hope you showed him what for then. Possible that Cadence can help him find someone? Maybe find something in himself he needs to let out. I can contact her after this if you'd like?"

"NO!" I looked away. "No... Just... My brother wouldnt trust me anymore if anyone said that! It's exactly why we didnt call the guard! I dont wanna lose my brother! I dont wanna lose my sugarcube! I... I just...." She grabbed a hold of me and shushed me.

"We can confront him without the guard being in play. I promise you if we can do this- with your permission of course- we can do this without him being arrested." She lied me back down. "Until that time, think about it, rest and we'll get you cleaned. Wont even know it's going on." I sniffled and nodded. Hell even with the shit I've seen today... I went down easy... passed right out. Slept for about an hour with Celestia in her bed, woke up to me just cuddling her, I woke her up, found my suitcase in a room the family was assigned to and changed into jeans, long sleeve and just checked in on Ryder... Fell asleep with Babs in the room, uncle passed out on a cot... Babs and Ryder both pissed their diapers, Babs was still breathing rough through the Oxygen mask and Ryder was still breathing a bit rough. Kinda. I just let them all rest in the room they were in. Flat screen on the TV, Babs and Ryder's bed next to a table with a game console on it and a couple wireless controllers, cots on either side for me and my uncle. Even a little call button for anyone who needs something from a guard. Even checked on Scootaloo and Applebloom... Both fillies still a bit shaken but... we're good... all fine...