The Return

Confusion here, sweating there.... anxiety more here. Pretty much what my day was. Maybe these past couple days. Hid most of it well with Applejack... the anxiety.... harder to hide. Kept saying I saw a spider. Didnt see where it went. But today I aim to get away from AJ.... Even while I'm under Big Mac's watch. It was early morning. I was getting dressed with Applejack sleeping behind me. Reason i'm getting dressed? She wants someone to keep track of Big Mac and stay with him while he's out in Appleoosa and I dont blame her. He's been drinking lately and nearly started a fight at a bar we were drinking at the other night. If it werent for my dog tags both being intimidating for ponies not to hit me and having them also dilute my strength tenfold so I dont go crushing, breaking or lifting anything. Twilight enchanted them herself after I showed her my strength more fully. Lifted a truck, held it up one handed and set it down. Even had me lift weights and have more weights put on it more and more, even stacking stallions on it. I can lift a hell of a lot. But I'm getting off track. I got into my military garb. Lunar republic pants, black combat boots and a black shirt under my matching jacket. Even stuffed a bag full of clothes and even tied my now somewhat long mane (since Applejack made me cut it a bit after our manes got tangled together when we were cuddling). I turned back to Applejack and was about to kiss her goodbye but... crying started. But this wasnt Applebloom or Scootaloo. I sighed as AJ stirred. "Dont worry AJ... I got it...." I said. I slung my pack over my shoulder and walked out of the room into the dimly lit hallway. The only light that was on was the kitchen light downstairs where I saw Big Mac wearing a leather jacket, white shirt and jeans as well as his work boots.

I walked over a few doors to Appleblooms room only to open the door and turn on the light only to see Babs sitting in the middle of Applebloom's bed crying. I set my bag down and approached. She was wearing a long sleeve pajama top with little lightning bolts all over it and was wearing a very soaked diaper. She just sprang up and jumped onto me hugging me scared. "...D-dont let daddy die... I dont want daddy to die..." She said. I shushed her patting her padded bottom.

"Hey hey its okay! It was just a nightmare! Nothings gonna happen to your dad... He's gonna be fine..." Right now her dad is out looking for a new home. They've been in and out of fancy hotels for about half a year now. Maybe less. Time flies when shits hitting the fan. I shushed her lying her back down. "Now look...I'm gonna get you changed and put you in bed with Applejack so you can get back to sleep... Sound good?" Babs sniffled nodding. "Alright... sit tight... I'll be back in a sec okay?" She sniffled and grabbed one of Applebloom's stuffed toys to cuddle. I walked out, grabbed some diapers and some powder from the cabinet and just peek in at Scootaloo and Applebloom sleeping in Scoots bed since it was big enough for both of them. So cute.

I heard a sigh behind me and jumped. I looked behind me and there was Big Mac at the top of the stairs. "What's she crying about now?" He asked. I huffed.

"Nightmare about her dad... Must still be a bit freaked out from what happened...." I held the powder out. "You wanna change her? I always feel like someones gonna yell at me cuz she isnt my sister..."

"Ry your fine... We trust you, her parents trust you and even she does. Hell pretty sure Winona would just sit by and bite anyone who didnt trust you!" I just gave him an uneasy look. He sighed and took the powder and diapers from me. "Alright... I'll change her... Just at least sit in there with me, talk with her. Ya dont gotta look. Just be there for her okay?" I nodded and pulled out my phone and we walked back in together. I went and sat next to the bed while Big Mac started to change his sniffling cousin. "There we go... Somepony have a nightmare?" Babs sniffled a bit with an audible 'mhmm'. "Well... its okay Babs... we gotcha here... Your safe, your daddys safe, and your momma is too..."

Babs sobbed a bit more. "...I... I want daddy...." She said. Big Mac shushed her.

"Dont worry... he's coming by later to see ya...." Big Mac looked to me as I was screwing around with my contacts, deleting a few that I knew I didnt need. That and texting Luna telling her to check on Babs in a bit. "Did ya want Ryder to call him? Make sure you know he's okay?"

"...Please?" I kinda rolled my eyes here.

I gave a bit of a chuckle. "Sure. I'll call but... I'm not sure if he's gonna answer. It is pretty late..." I said.

"...Ryder... please... please call him... I wanna talk to my daddy... please..." I went and found uncle oranges contact and tapped the call button. I got up onto the bed as Big Mac tabbed the filly up and sat her up as I put my phone on speaker. It buzzed a few times before it clicked.

We heard a grumbling and a huff. "...Wh-who's ziss....? Callin' me this early in the mornin..." Uncle Orange said.

I looked over at Babs. "Hey Uncle Orange. Ryder here." I said. "Sorry for calling you like this but Babs woke up crying from a nightmare and she wanted me to call you... Poor thing had a bit of an accident too." He gave an aw.

"Babs its alright honey... I'm okay... Everything will be alright my dear sweet daughter...Just go back to bed... We'll see if we cant find you a therapist soon for all these nightmares..."

Babs sniffled. "...O-okay.... I.. I love you daddy..." She said.

"Love you too sweet pea... Just be good for your cousins until we come by later tonight..."

"I will... see you..." Big Mac grabbed Babs and started out of the room.

I sighed. "Hope you find a place soon Uncle Orange... It's good seeing Babs but I'm sure she doesnt wanna live on a farm for a while... Maybe you could see about getting a place somewhere in town? Might not be a pent house but there could be something out here that you'd be able to call home." I said. "I'd even offer my services to help you guys. I mean... you've stayed at Canterlot Castle while only having it be for a few nights while we celebrated, Twilight's until some of the guards started threatening to boot you out and here while I was a bit unpleased by the neediness... No offense."

Uncle Orange yawned audibly. "None taken Ryder... I admit I was a fool for using a hero as a butler..." He said. "I appreciate the offer but I'm not sure if I could live out in Ponyville... I've got friends in places where Ponyville to them seems like an ant hill.... Maybe we could look out in Fillydelphia or maybe something south of Las Pegasus..."

"As nice as those places are you gotta think about things... Some places in Fillydelphia might be nice but the rich are targeted by gangs. And do you really wanna see Babs growing up around slot machines and card tables? Ponyville might be the closest thing you have to a safe place, having a happy daughter and still be able to conduct business. I mean... hell if your friends see you here what are they going to say? Its a trash town with farmers, princesses and a fucking guard general about? Anyone does anything here, we've got guards on em in a matter of moments. And nopony dare goes for the rich if they want to get caught with their pants down coming off of their spiked fences." Yeah. Happened one time. Late night, around the home of Filthy Rich, someone tried to break in and ended up getting them a wedgie where they dropped their gun, dropped their sack and even phone... some of that out of the huge hole in his pants. Lucky him he nearly got penetrated. Uncle Orange sighed.

"Alright... I'll talk with the wife later... as for now just.... lemme sleep... Night Ryder..."

"Night sir. Sleep well. Sorry again."

"Its fine... Babs was scared about me... needed to talk to me even this late in the morning... You know that isnt the first time she's had a nightmare where she needed to talk to me this late.... Happened a few days after what happened.... We were still freaked out over the thing.... had her inside the Princesses castle to recooperate from the smoke inhalation and she finally got to sleep after you went off to spend time with your sister... About an hour after she started screaming like a banshee, sitting in a puddle and reeking of something most foul....The Princess herself came in and washed her personally and lulled her back to sleep for us.... To this day it hurts to even hear her crying... my fault for leaving her at the house when both of you should've been taken with us... I dont think I'd ever think of a way to repay you...."

"Well... No need to repay me... seeing her alive and happy... thats enough for me...."

"Oh come on now... There has to be something that you'd want.... money for me isnt as much as I'd want after that... penhouse went down with everything.... dont want as much anymore... Dont want to be a simplist either.... so what ever you want, any time you want... just ask... please...." I smiled.

"I will... Now if you'll excuse me I've got a train to catch... Sleep well sir." The phone clicked and I stuffed it away in my pocket. I sat there for a moment. I dont want this filly to go down a dark hole... one that I went down. I wanna see her happy... Something better than where nopony wants her to go. Especially the stallion who saved her life, risking his own for it... I got up and grabbed my bag, slinging it back over my shoulder and shutting the light off.... felt bittersweet... as if I were turning the lights off in this room for the last time. I dont know why. I walked over to my room door and peered in only to see Big Mac tucking Babs in next to Applejack.... Poor thing didnt wanna go back to sleep but she was losing the fight to stay awake. Applejack flipped over to her and threw an arm around her cousin and just like that she was out. I sighed looking to Big Mac. "Come on. Transport should be here any minute to take us to the train station."

Mac sighed. "Alright... Just give me a minute... need to leave a note... Want em to call one of us when they wake up... maybe give us an hour after they wake up..." He said going for my side drawer. He opened it and dug into it. He grabbed a pen and note pad out writing on it quickly. Too dim in the room to see a damn thing but I could see him writing. As soon as he finished he placed it on Applejack's side of the bed and came out to me. "Ojay... lets go." I nodded and just paused at the door as he walked out. Just followed him after a second and went downstairs. He grabbed his bag and flipped a light off in the living room that he had to turn on after he was done in the kitchen I guess. I followed him outside and locked the door behind us just looking back at the orchard. The sunrise was nearing the horizon but it was night that still ruled the skies. The air was cool but somewhat thick with morning fog. Barely could see the road past the sixth and seventh tree. I looked to Big Mac as we started for the road.

"You think Applejack's gonna be okay alone with the girls? Even for a few days?" He sighed.

"Yeah. She's gonna be fine."

"...What about Babs? Think she's gonna be okay?" Silence. Just the dirt crunching under our boots. "She seemed pretty freaked out when she woke up crying... Went to the room and before I knew it she was on me more than Winona was on a bug flying through the air." Yeah... Winona likes chasing flies around the house... Caught one or two the other day...

"I dont know Ry... She's just a filly... she went through something just so scary she didnt think she'd see her father again..." He glanced at me. "I mean... stuff like that aint easy when it comes to having something like that happen... Scoot and AJ watched the building go down... Think how they were? Scoot just pissed, shit and puked all over herself before just passing out, Applejack had to try to be strong but ended up going the same way your sister went...Betcha remember both them just pissing the bed after that..."

"Yeah... Luna woke me up one night when I was still watching Babs as she slept and both Scoot and AJ had to be moved to different rooms along with having a new change of clothes brought in for both and some comfort.... They had to share a bed next door to where Babs was and when they were back to sleep Babs woke up and just.... Ugh... That night was hell for me but Luna understood, Celestia did so as well... But it left me tired and I had to sleep for a couple hours into the morning... even lay down with Babs for a nap..."

"...Well she's definitely got an imprint on you Ry.... Just help as much as you can... dont go crazy giving her and my uncle every bit you have for her happiness."

"I wont... Just offering my services for a family pushed out of their home..." I looked around as we came out to the side of the road. I put a hand on his shoulder kinda feeling uneasy. Didnt know where our transport was that I requested. Plus my mind went back to that zombie thing that we did in order to be 'EoB' stuff. Wasnt foggy in there but one of the games I played after that was set in fog, with zombies... freaked me the hell out. Gave it to Button who had to have his mom clear it first... Lucky him he and I are good friends when gaming online. Little bit of a trash talker but hes fun to play with. I had to call the local guard depot only to find out the gate for the transport trucks is jammed. Sooooo.... We had to go back and grab my car... After I had to sneak in through a window upstairs. The only window that can be jimmied. Need to fix it but Applejack said as long as nobody saw it, we're good.

Big Mac and I both took turns driving going towards Appleoosa. Stopped for gas once and food for a few times. Didnt wanna drive but I didnt exactly wanna take a train either. Big Mac convinced me a bit. Driving was better, he said hed take over for a few hours. I drove the first stretch, when we stopped to get gas the sun was rising and Big Mac drove the rest of the way. Took a bit of a nap for maybe an hour. And holy shit did heads turn when I was awake. We were stopped at a light in a small town between the rest stop and Appleoosa. Woke up a bit just to see where we were and I saw ponies taking pictures of my ride. Luna did a damn good job with this... I went back to sleep for a little while longer until I feel us stop. Thought it was another light so I just kept my eyes closed. Wrong. Big Mac honked the horn (I forget this thing has a truck horn legally put in) and I jumped. He laughed a bit as I panicked looking around. We were in a desert town. Small in size but with a very large population. We were just outside of the train station where we saw a stallion pacing back and forth. Yellowish coat, brown cowboy hat, long mane, wearing a brown tank top and jeans as well as some work boots. Big Mac honked the horn again getting the stallions attention. He had a shocked look for a moment but then looked releived as he ran over to the car as Big Mac rolled down the window. "Dammit Big Mac this aint the first time ya left me waiting here panicking!" He said. "I told you to text me next time you aint taking the train!"

Big Mac huffed. "I did text you Braeburn!" He said. "I texted you about an hour ago! Check your damn phone next time!"

"Look my phone died! I tried calling but you never answered!"

"Must've gotten us going through that tunnel!"

"Why didnt you take the train anyways? And who's ride is this?" Big Mac pointed to me.

"Those questions you'd wanna direct at this feller over here?"

I looked at him and smiled and honestly... his eyes grew wide and he just had a look in his eyes I gave somepony a lot. "Nice to meet ya Brae. I'm Ryder." I said. "Reason we didnt take the train is because we had a bit of a bad experience with trains before the Manehattan attack..." The stallion sighed.

"Well I'm sorry about that. It sucks that even happened... lucky my family got out of there alright..."

Big Mac looked back as a horn honked behind us. He then looked back at Braeburn. "Why dont we get back to your place and talk?" He asked. "Gotta get set up for our arrangements cuz." Braeburn nodded and just hurried around the car going to an old jeep. Looked military, doors were painted over. Even had a canopy made of reinforced fibers. All a desert brown. We just pulled out of the other side of the parking lot and waited for Brae to pull out. Followed him all the way to his place. Just outside of town there was a house just off the beaten path with a small orchard of Apples outside as well as a fenced off pool area. We drove up and parked in a large two door shed filled with different stuff. Some car parts and tools on one wall, pictures and news papers on another and a dirt bike on the other side of Braeburn's jeep. As we got out I felt the heat just hit me.

Honestly felt good considering we were cold back home. But as we started unloading our luggage it proved to be too much for me. I took off my jacket and slung my pack over my shoulder, folding my jacket over my arm. "Damn... How hot is it out here?" I asked. Big Mac took out his phone and looked at it.

"...Hundred and two... just the last damn weeks of spring.... Dont even think I brought my damn swim trunks either..."

Braeburn giggled a bit. "That's fine. Pretty sure you left your other pair here." He said. "I aint sure what Ryder there's gonna wear but I aint gonna mind if he wants to do it naked."

I blushed a bit. So did Big Mac but he kinda made an audible noise of disgust. "As fun as that sounds Brae... Id prefer to not do that in front of Mac here." I said. "Besides. That stuff I'd usually like privacy."

Big Mac huffed. "Well if ya do do something.... Just be careful." He said as we exited the shed. "He's gonna be marrying Applejack soon and we dont need him walking funny up to the altar." I looked to Big Mac.

"Now who's saying I'll be the one walking funny? I think I know a stallion who takes it as good as he gives it when I see one." I glanced to Braeburn shooting him a grin. He blushed a bit smiling right back. Big Mac groaned a bit and just walked on with us.

When we got inside it was a nice place. Living room was very nice. Flat screen TV mounted on the wall, fireplace against the wall, couch and coffee table in the middle. Kitchen was just off to the right, fancy fridge, and surprisingly a wine fridge in the corner. "Okay unfortunately I've only got one spare room open since I needed to redo the entire wall paper and fix some leaky piping in the wall and its still kinda broken up." Brae said. "One of ya might either sleep out on the couch or you'll just have to share a bed." He glanced back at me. "Course I dont mind if someone wants to share a bed with me." Cant believe I got a stallion hitting on me. Yes I have a fiance that is his cousin but I dont mind.

Big Mac huffed. "You do that ya'll better get him some diapers so he doesnt piss all over anything!" He said giving a chuckle. I blushed a bit. Braeburn chuckled a bit too.

"Big Mac be nice. Aint like you shit yourself when we were out on the town last time you were here. Not to mention the smell I had to deal with after you 'cleaned' yourself up in a bar restroom. Lucky you didnt leave any permanent smells in my car." He looked to him as I set my stuff down by a wall.

"Brae! Dammit that was supposed to stay with us! And besides you know what your damn chili does to me!"

"Well dont eat it if its too spicy for ya! And if you do dont trust any gas. Now come on, show that boy around while I get changed. Damn near sweating...." He walked off down the hall in front of us and into a side room. Big Mac looked to me as I looked around the living area some more. Saw a door on the other side of the kitchen, and a large double door at the end of the hall.

"Well... Up to you where ya wanna sleep but... I guess you and I gotta be getting the layout here...." He sighed. "Here ya got the kitchen and living room, careful about his wine, ask if ya want some, no wine anywhere near the pool or by the trees." He grabbed his stuff, I grabbed mine. "Also... try not to help yourself to his food... Always wants to make his guests some food if they're hungry. Even if it means having to run to the store for whatcha need. Boy does everything himself, even built this place up and dug his own pool... Took a couple years for that to take hold and a few tents to cover the hole he dug." He started leading me down the hall. Three doors, one on the left (The one Braeburn went into.) and two on the right. "That one there on the left is Braeburns changing room... boy has so many outfits its basically his own walk in closet, and these rooms on the right are one of the bathrooms and his room. Again. Dont go in unless you're invited." We started walking forward again and came to a split with the large double doors in front. "Got a porch off to our left if ya wanna sit and gaze at the stars through his glass ceiling in there if ya cant sleep and to the right is a more closed off dining room and that's attached to the kitchen back there." He turned to the door. "And here... Just past here is what he cant admit to my uncle and made me promise not to tell him next I saw him."

He opened it up and walked in. I walked in after him and I just... Inside was a large stallions den. Large Screen TV mounted over a fire place, pool table in the middle of the room and a stocked fridge filled with Soda, cider, even some cold snacks. Cabinets around that fridge probably filled with dry goods. Decorating the place were Equestrian flags coming down from the ceiling, gaming posters along some of the walls that include Nukes Galore (That post apocalyptic game I play), Honorless, Bass Villain, World At Arms and even Right to Die (one of my favorite zombie games). Even had a few game shelves full of games for what consoles that were on the side of the TV. And... Something I saw in the corner that just sent me into just fangasm. An exact replica of Bounty Hunter armor from the second Nukes Galore game. EVEN A SIGNED COPY OF THE GAME INSIDE THE CASE IN THE HANDS OF THE THING. "No fucking way! NO FUCKING WAY!" I said dropping my shit and rushing over to it. I kept my hands off the glass and just saw it in its beauty. "Braeburn is the luckiest guy EVER!" I looked to Big Mac. "What do I have to do to let him take a pic of me with this thing? Suck him off? Because I will!" Big Mac smiled a bit and sighed.

"He'd like that buuuut you'd have to ask him about that. One reason he doesnt wanna let anyone mess with his things without someone asking is because he's kinda paranoid..." I looked at him confused.

"Why?" He huffed and pulled me in close.

"Because..." He whispered before looking over his shoulder. He looked back at me. "Because he got into a huge fight with my uncle when he kicked him out and he even threatened to kill him and its been getting to him ever since. Hasnt even told him where he was nor his mom or his sister. Only reason he fought with his father is because he uh.... Does what you wanna do to get that picture.... a lot..." I blushed a bit. I knew he was gay but that just made me scared.

"..Who's uh... Who's his father?"

"My uncle who'd ya think? And that means Babs is his sister!" I gasped a bit.

"Babs! Shit we forgot to call her!" He huffed grabbing my stuff.

"Rooms on the left and right. Middle is the bathroom! You go left I go right? Said one of these rooms is under construction and its time to find out so we can call her!" I quickly rushed to the room on the left and just jiggled the knob a bit. It opened up and I looked in only to see it torn apart. I closed it and ran over just as Big Mac opened it and went inside. I dipped inside as he closed the door. Inside was a pretty standard room. Large bed, a few end tables and a vanity on the side of the room. We set our stuff aside and sat on the bed as I pulled out my phone. Few texts we missed apparently. All from AJ. Mostly wanting a sitrep on where we were and what we were doing. I just started calling her and sighed as it buzzed. "...Oh shit I hope we arent too late..."

"I hope so too Mac... Cant believe it we almost forgot!" We waited for a moment as the phone buzzed.

I honestly was anxious to hear Babs. Part of me really really hoped it wasnt too late to say good morning. That was when the phone clicked. It rustled a moment before we heard the tail end from a yawn. "...Morning sugarcube. Just was about to call ya...." She said. "You guys get to Appleoosa alright?" I sighed.

"Yeah. Had to take my car because we werent gonna wait for another transport or bug anyone for the train station. Better do it ourselves than wait for a train a few hours away." She sighed.

"I'm sorry sugarcube. I know you dont like taking your car anywhere that aint protected or hidden away."

"It's fine... Gives me a chance to show it off... Especially to Braeburn who's got one of the most iconic sets of armor sitting in his house."

"Oh that old thing? Almost forgot he loves that game as much as you do. Coulda sworn I said something about that to ya but... guess not..."

Big Mac chuckled a bit. "Guess'n I forgot too sis..." He said. "But uh... telling you about that aint why we're calling."

"Ah yeah... Babs. She's just cleaning up after another accident this morning. Wasnt what I needed to smell when I woke up but I guess she had a bit of a tummy ache. Should be out in a minute or so... Should probably check on her.... Wait a tick here guys." We waited hearing the sounds of rustling, doors opening and shutting and some mumbling. "C'mon now. Ry's on the phone for ya. Got it on speaker. Just say something sugarcube."

I couldnt help but give a slight smile. "Babs? You alright over there?" I asked.

I heard a whimper. "...Uh... Yes and no...." She said. "I had another accident... In the bath right now...."

"But you're not scared anymore right?"

"Not really.... but... I just... Dad keeps saying we're gonna find some place new to live... its been a while... are we really going to find somewhere to live...?"

"Yeah... yeah you are and I'm gonna help Babs... I dont like seeing you and your family coming in and out of a hotel only to go back in, or move to another one. If anything try to convince your dad to be out there near us... It'd be near to the ground, you might have some high end home and you'd be able to visit every now and then if your dad wants to let you. He doesnt wanna but... I'm sure he'll listen to you... Right now you're the most important thing in his life. Now get clean and go play with Scoot and Applebloom. I'll call your dad later and say goodnight to you okay?"

"Alright... And Ryder?"

"Yeah Babs?"

I could hear her hesitate a bit. Applejack snickered a bit. "Go on Babs. Tell him. It's okay!" She said.

Babs hesitated again but took a deep breath. "... I... I love you Ryder...." She said just starting to break down. Applejack, me and even Big Mac gave a little aw.

"Hear that? You've made an imprint on her sugarcube. Thank ya for being part of this family sugarcube... Love ya..."

I sighed a bit. "Love you too AJ... you as well Babs..." I said. "You guys have fun at the house. Me and Big Mac will keep in touch."

Big Mac laughed a bit throwing an arm over me. "Yeah sis I'll call ya later." He said. "Brae and I are gonna make this stallion of yours relax and learn to have a little fun that aint guard fun."

Applejack chuckled. "Alright. You boys have fun now." She said. "And Ry... Please if you're gonna drink make sure you hide your phone. Last time ya drunk dialed me your words were a bit too colorful... Not to mention... Big Mac if he gets drunk at all make sure you're sober enough to not let him use your phone... Dont wanna get some uh... pictures of my fiance's stuff from my big brother... Okay?"

"Gotcha sis. I'll make sure if drinks are involved we'll do what we can to prevent those things. You're safe from us."

"Alright. But I dunno who it should be just... try to be safe.... I dont wanna hear from Brae that one of ya got arrested because you both got drunk... I'll be seeing ya both." And just like that she hung up. Didnt even give me any time to update Scootaloo which I know she'll hate. That and doesnt like it when someone else has to tell her stuff that I could've. Kinda trusts my word more than Applejack's even though she's honest as anything. Guess she doesnt trust anyone to tell her anything unless its me or Celestia... probably on the counts that... someone... someone lied to her or something I dont know why she doesnt trust anyone but me or Celestia for truth. Big Mac sighed just patting me on the shoulder.

"...Think of what would happen if you hadnt come to us in our time of need... one of us coulda been with our parents, the other not knowing what to do..." He brought me in and hugged me. "Glad you're marrying AJ... Glad to call you kin."

I smiled and bushed a bit. "...Thanks Mac...I just..." I said, hesitating. Why? Not sure. "...My mind is still stuck on Babs..."

"Hey now. Today is a day to relax, no worries." He released me and got up taking my phone from me. "Ya need a nap? Kinda looks like ya need a lie down from the bags under your eyes." To be honest I felt tired but I didnt want to sleep. I fought it tooth and nail against the feeling of tiredness.

"Cant I just get an energy drink? Does Braeburn have any?" He huffed.

"Afraid not. Doesnt want 'liquid crack' as he calls it in his home. Only natural energy. Says them energy drinks are gonna give ya something bad... dont remember what so basically its either take a nap now or get cranky later. Pick your poison and live with it. I'll give ya a few minutes to think on it. I'll come back and check on ya alright?" I nodded and just watched as he left. I sat there, looked at my phone for a few minutes, lied back in bed and just got comfortable.

And wouldnt you know before I knew it I was out like a light. Worst to say I fought it a bit but lost that fight. As I slept I found myself starting to dream. I found myself in a suit just outside of a church. The suit was black and red, nice black tie, comfortable looking dress shoes and a limo sitting right in front of me. I looked back at the church hearing songs being played on the pipe organ. I hurried up the steps to the church and opened the door slightly slipping in. I looked around and i saw a wedding going on... my own... Applejack was at the altar, Big Mac standing just off to the side of her and waiting in a beautiful dress just behind Applejack was Princess Celestia. I hurried a bit in my walking as I came to the altar. Saw Mama Spitfire and the wonderbolts on one side, Uncle Orange, Babs, and a bunch of other of Applejack's family on the other. Even saw Aunt Misty and Uncle red sitting with Dash on my side. Celestia smiled as I approached. "Thank you for being so kind as to join us Ryder." She said.

I blushed a bit. AJ gave a sigh. "Thought you'd never show up." She said. "What took ya?" I honestly stammered on what I could say.

That's when Luna appeared. "Come on now get on with the ceremony! We've been waiting forever!" She said.

Then some random stallion joined in. "Come on! Get em married or send em packing already!" He snapped. I honestly started to grow nervous.

Big Mac looked to me from the other side of Applejack and her smiling face. "You love her dont ya? Go on! Get er done!" He said.

Mama Spitfire spoke up. "That's my baby boy! Marry her and bring me some grand foals!" She said.

Soarin chuckled a bit. "Yeah dude! Get me some nieces and nephews!" He said. Yeah... he's like a brother to me.

Then Gilda appeared just as I noticed them all starting to crowd around me getting me even more nervous. "Keep going with this and my legs are closed for ya!" She said.

Then Shining appeared. "Do this or you're gonna piss off Cadence! AJ looks pissed enough as it is!" He said. I looked to Applejack and her smiling face turned into a disgruntled look.

With each pony adding in to my panic her face grew more and more pissed until she reeled back with the bouquet of roses and before I could react the roses came around not as flowers but as a metal mace that hit me hard waking me up in a panic and in pain. I found myself half naked, tangled in a blanket, sweating and even breathing heavily. I scrambled out of the blanket and went for my pants just hanging at the end of the bed. I put those on as fast I could and even got my boots back on. Why did i wear my uniform? Celestia gave it to me for a reason. To show I was someone who fought and won... but then again at the moment... I didnt feel like I wanted to win here.... The thoughts going through my mind raced as fast as my heart. Couldnt think straight as I threw my clothes on and just rifled through my bag for my cap. Yes I didnt wear it the entire time while out on the road but I had it with me. I just threw those clothes on and ran out the door and not even a few steps out I ran into Big Mac bouncing off him back into the wall, he just fell on his ass dazed. Braeburn was over at the fridge with a pudding cup in hand wearing a tank top and short shorts... Holy shit he looks hot... especially with a bulge. He just watched as Big Mac got to his feet while I had to recooperate for a moment. Big Mac held out his hand and tried helping me up. I just slapped it out of the way and scrambled past him charging through the door and through the hall, to the living room and out the front door. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!" I yelled. I honestly wanted to go for my car but I realized I didnt have the keys... Just flew up and out of the area...

My heart rate slowed down as I was leaving the homestead. I could hear Big Mac and Braeburn yelling for me to come back... But right now... I didnt wanna face em...Tears started flowing from my eyes as I flew.... I was beside myself. Was I about to hurt the mare I love and her family? Biggest part of me wanted to keep running while the other said to go back, breathe and apologize. Fight or flight? My body chose flight... flight away from where I was. I found a tree a ways out. Landed in it for the shade and sat down... Realized I had my phone in pocket even when I dont remember getting it before leaving. Felt it press up against my leg as I brought my leg up. Where I was? It was just on the outskirts of town. I was maybe a few meters from where the nearest building was but still hidden from the main road. Felt it start vibrating. Heard Big Mac's ringtone. I took my phone out and just rejected it. Tried a few more times. Rejected those times as tears started pouring down my face. It didnt ring at all after the fourth time. I choked back sobs as a notification came to my phone of a missed call and new voice mail. I just went into my voice mail and just gave him the courtesy of listening to it. "Ryder what in sour apple hell is wrong with you?!" He asked. "I go to check on you after hearing you fall outta bed, next thing you know you're running out of there, slamming into me and just scream at me telling me to stay away from you? If it's a dream ya had just come back, talk with me, tell me what happened. I aint gonna be mad!"

I heard a bit of a struggle with the phone before hearing some frantic breathing. "Ryder you get that cute ass back here!" I heard Braeburn say. "We're worried sick about you! Just werent no warning before ya ran out! You best be answering us! Just c'mon back! Anything ya want its yours!" Another short struggle before hearing Big Mac sigh.

"Just get your ass back here and it wont be dented and imprinted with the bottom of my boot!"

My phone went silent for a moment. Then the automated message asking if I wanted to call them back, delete the message or just skip it played. I just hung up. I sat there and just stared at the sky. I sniffled a bit. "...Mom... dad... I... I'm sorry..." I said. "....I... I cant do it... I cant go through with the marriage.... th-there's too much pressure... to many variables.... I could piss myself at the altar, have a heart attack having sex with her, crash my car and be unable to walk or fly... I... I cant do it..." And right there I just started bawling. I've never felt so crushed in my life... not even when I have Pinkie, Applejack AND Big Mac piled on top of me.... You dont know how badly I wanted to just have a gun fall from the tree next to me and blow my brains out when it hit the ground... it hurt that badly. I cried for a few minutes before my phone started ringing again. I didnt even check who it was before answering. Barely could hear the ring tone over my sobs but I did feel the constant vibration of it. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?! CANT YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?!"

I sniffled for a moment having my phone up to my ear... then I hear a slightly familiar voice that I havent heard for a while... since the plane crash. "...Uh... General? Is this a bad time?" A mare said. I recognized this voice. I looked to my phone and saw a photo with the name Pepper under it. The photo? Me and Pepper posing with what once was my prosthetic wing.

"...O-oh... Pepper... I... I'm sorry..." I spat off to the side and wiped my eyes. Yeah I know. Phone call but still.

"It's okay... have you been crying? Is everything okay?" I had to think of something fast.

"I... I have been crying..." I replied. "...It's just that... I... I got into it with my fiance's brother... and... he chewed me out in front of his cousin and... he just... I'm sitting under a tree outside of Appleoosa.... crying my eyes out in this fucking desert heat...."

"Huh.... I thought that might've been you...." I made a sound of confusion. "Look behind you. Towards the road." I did as she asked and looked towards the road. There I saw a beautiful car. Cherry red, classic, rag top with the top down, and a familiar looking mare walking my way. Brown coat, white mane now with a red streak through it. Pepper. She was wearing camo shorts and a black tank top showing off her cleavage... Didnt really notice her bust size during the war but... damn... I got up hesitantly and just started walking towards her, head hung. When we met in the middle I just couldnt help but hug her, resting my head on her shoulder. Still had our phones in hand. "...Hey... I gotcha... You're alright General..." She broke the embrace and took my hand returning my phone to my pocket as well as her own phone to her pocket. "C'mon.... lets get back to my car and listen to some music... kay?" I sniffled and nodded letting a sob or two escape. We walked over to the car together. Slowly heard power ballad from Raging Bull, hard rock/metal band of the eighties. Dont remember their name off hand. Pepper sat me in the passenger seat and helped me buckle in. I just listened to the music as she walked around the car and got into the drivers seat. I sniffled and looked to her as she started driving into town.

"...Wh-what are you doing here...? Arent you M-Manehattan based?"

"Yeah... I nearly shit myself when those bombs went off... Seeing the building come down and everyone around us screaming... What scared me more? To know that my partner drove you to the building that went down... Clean up is still going on and my partner is seeing over some groups of the recovery teams for remains... The depot put me on leave because my partner rushed home to find me barricaded in the bathroom, soaked in my own piss and smelling of vomit." She glanced over at me. "...Can... can I ask what happened when you were in there? It's fine if you dont wanna say..." I took a few deep breaths feeling my heart sink lower. Wiped my eyes on my sleeves.

"...I was.... watching my... sisters friend... She was napping upstairs and once the first bomb went off I had to hurry.. She pissed herself... had to get her changed quickly so she didnt get a rash, had to pack some clothes for her and have her bring some stuff along so she'd at least have something after the fact... didnt know if this would've been something we could go back to... Second bomb goes off and we're trying to keep our footing... Third we were half way down the stairs in smoke... forth went off when we had to jump from a broken window... I.... Oh my god I was freaking out.... like I was jumping from the plane again.... jumping out of my own window to escape my burning house.... we landed and we had to find cover fast.... Wall of dust hit us hard... lucky we got picked up by a medic heading to the scene... shit... That filly didnt wanna let go of me.... we were lucky it was only us there... sister and my marefriend were out getting food with my friend I just fought with and his uncle.... I.... I just..."

"General. Deep breaths. I can feel another break down coming... panic attack maybe..." I started to breathe a bit.... It was shaky... remembering all of that... reciting it word for word... remembering like it had just happened yesterday.... "Okay... I'm sorry for even asking that. Obviously hurts you very much so... but... I'm glad you're okay... you made it through the war, survived a plane crash, didnt bleed out thanks to some field medicine and saved a filly from a burning tower during a terrorist attack..." She turned down a few side streets. "You hungry? We can head to the bar around the corner from my hotel. Drinks and food are on me okay?" I kinda hesitantly nodded. I admit I was hungry. A few drinks wouldnt have been bad either... We just kept driving for a few blocks. Saw folk walking down the streets left and right... Few cars parked on the streets... maybe a county sheriff's vehicle or two. Guards and sheriff work together at times. Most of the time sheriff work on their own for small town justice. We just ask for the details for the reports.Even have someone looking for certain things that dont make quite a lot of sense.

Caught a few things a few months ago. Sheriff arrested a zebra on drug charges, had him list some drugs and asked a few friends and family about the stallion in question, mother said he was a straight A student, had a dog sniff about his room, his vehicle and even friends rooms. Nothing. Stallion set free, sheriff given strict sanctions and let the guards run things for a while, keeping an eye on making things a bit easier. I guess... Making sure they did thorough investigations. But anyways it took maybe a few minutes to get to the bar. In that time I got a few texts. Both from Braeburn and Big Mac. The one from Big Mac said: 'Ry I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt here... Get on and calm down, if you see this I aint mad, what ever nightmare you had scared you away from me. I'll give you until tonight to come back here. You dont come back before then we're sending the local sheriff after ya.'

Braeburns? His was more... more of what Applejack would've texted. 'Ryder please come back! If it was something I said I'm sorry, what ever it was it has to have been my fault! Didnt like that you had to share a bed with Big Mac? You can have mine! I'll sleep on the couch! Didnt like my outfit? I'll walk around stark naked just please come back!' ...okay maybe not like what Applejack would've said but she'd be as frantic... but... I just didnt listen to em. When we got there Pepper had to help me out of the car. I didnt wanna do much of anything. I honestly wanted to take her keys and take her car as far away from here as possible the way I felt... make myself go missing in a sense... As we entered we saw it was an interesting place. Small saloon but had some gambling tables upstairs as well as a fully stocked bar and kitchen. Patrons were everywhere enjoying food or drinks and maybe even a few games of darts. Some stopped to look at us- me most of all- whispering to each other. We sat down in a booth in the corner. I took my cap off and had it set down at my side. My long mane fell into my face but I knocked it back a bit getting it out of my face. We sat there for a few moments before a stallion came to us with menu's. He was wearing just jeans and a button up shirt. Nothing special. He looked to Pepper. "Welcome back Miss. Might I say you're looking nice today." He said.

Pepper gave a sigh. "Thanks but uh... can we get a few moments to pick what we wanna eat?" She asked. "Just bring us some water to start." The stallion nodded and walked off for the bar. Pepper looked to me. "You doing okay there General?"

I huffed. "Just call me Ryder please..." I said. "General is fine when we're working but while civilians we gotta just stick to our names.... or... rather I'd like to stick to mine if that's okay..."

"Sure thing Ryder. Now... about what you wanna eat? Maybe a drink or two? I dont mind sharing if you wanna share something. Hell get a soda if you're not feeling up to alcohol." I scanned the menu a bit. Saw a hayburger with spice on it and a Dodge City Daquiri. Ordered those from the stallion and waited. Yeah. Boring.

A drink or two later on my part (since my drink was mixed and Peppers was straight whiskey for two drinks) a stallion approached us. Black trucker cap, red cut off flannel shirt, jeans. Earth pony with a dark red coat, even darker mane. "You two aint soldiers are ya?" He asked Pepper. "Only ask because your friend here's got his uniform and it aint every day we see em out here." Pepper smiled as I was about a few bites into my burger. Jalapeno's, pepper jack cheese, crushed red pepper just... yes.

"Yeah. Just got back from the war not too long ago." She said. "Took a toll on all of us. Even my squad leader right here." She gestured to me.

I swallowed my food and huffed. "Yeah... Wasnt fun for most of us..." I said. "Fucking nearly died to a plane crash, I narrowly died from blood loss after my wing got lopped off and almost froze to death after one of our squad mates fucking left us to fend for ourselves. But lucky me, I got connections that made this prosthetic look like the original!" I extended the wing that I had to cut off but was later turned real by Hellfire who I'm pretty much at war with now... asshole...

The stallion huffed. "Bull shit. Wing looks like the real thing to me!" He snapped.

Pepper laughed a bit. "Really? You're gonna doubt a guy who suffered just about anything the enemy could throw at us and a downed plane in the Foal Mountains?" She asked. "He might've been napping but this stallion is telling the truth. That plane went down and we were forced to bail. He nearly died if it werent for something hitting him in the face and having to cut the straps holding him in. He had to get that chute on and run for the exit. Just made it out before the plane blew burning his parachute and singeing his wings. We got split up and he fell so fast he couldnt catch himself yet only the snow softened the fall. When we found him we thought we'd be pulling a recovery operation but when he woke up when we tried to move him oh the scream he let out... Had us take a look at his wings, low and behold one was busted too bad to even fix. He even had us salvage parts of the plane to help amputate. Had to make makeshift bandages out of his clothes. Only place we could get to safety was outside of a ski lodge, part of which was owned by Celestia herself." So on and so forth.

I just kept eating my food. Listened to her babble on about that day... I didnt stop her. Nor did I have to correct her. Guess it sat in her mind the same way it sat in mine. But We kept strong through the retelling. Hell. Couple of the guys that listened bought us a few more drinks, bar tender got us a drink more on the house and holy shit... we... were... DRUNK. I havent been like this since.... shit when was I last drunk? Nevermind. Story. One of us might've been really drunk but the other was good.... But neither of us were good to drive. I had to take her keys and hold them until someone had to take us back to her hotel room. We went a few blocks in a taxi someone called for us. The guy inside even helped us to our room, said he used to be a bouncer for a club back in Vanhoover. Dealt with drunk guards too sooo.... yeah... we're not the first for him. When we got in to her room we had a look around. A couple bags set up in the corner, bed neatly made, small TV on a wall unit on the other side from the bed. Pepper went towards a door towards the back of the room on the other side of the wall unit- most likely the bathroom by how frantic she was. I didnt have to go that bad but I'd certainly try once she got out. I just sat on the bed as she slammed the door. Just as I did my phone started to ring. I took it from my pocket hearing the ringtone I have set for those who I dont have numbers for. I answered it and all I heard was grunting and crying. "D-Dammit Brae! I told you not to call him!" I heard Big Mac say. "He's gonna come back on his own! Give me the damn phone!"

I heard Braeburn's grunt and a smack. "No! He's gonna come back even if I gotta bribe him!" He said. "Seein' his cute bottom fly way aint good if he was cryin! Tears coulda blocked his vision! He coulda crashed!"

"No he wouldnt! HE knows how ta-" I just ended the call hearing them fight. I wanted to go back to stop it but... I just couldnt.... With as much liquid courage as I was fueled with I still couldnt face them... couldnt even talk, telling them I was there... I couldnt even call AJ... tell her what was going on... what I was feeling.

I sighed getting up from the bed. "Pepper!" I called out. "I'm gonna take a short walk. Just stay inside and get comfortable after youre out of there!"

Pepper said something but I couldnt make it out through the walls. Sounded like she was alright with it. I went to the door fixing my cap. Opened it up and walked out just to lean on the railing outside. Look at the stuff across the street. Why she was up three floors on this hotel.... well.. small motel I guess... I dont know. There was a bank across the street, few restaurants, a realty place and even a pawn shop. Local hot spot right there. But the street side wasnt supposed to be in my sights. I just looked to the sky, blue as can be. Sun shining, and birds chirping... all telling me to leave my life behind... start new... fresh... maybe fake my death but... then Scootaloo's name screamed out in my mind. That's one filly I couldnt disappoint. Or leave behind. As I stood there I felt like... like someone was watching me. I just held my hand out to the side, snapped my fingers a couple times and glanced over. Just in the corner blocked from the view of the streets appeared Mythic. The cloaking field he had hid him but not his presence. "Huh... Thought I woulda caught ya off guard this time lad...." He said. "You've been a piece o'work lately.... I still cant believe I had to watch you do something that hurt everyone around ya... Wont say what but... I have a feelin' you know...." I sighed as he joined me looking over the ledge.

"Yeah... I know what you're talking about... Kinda... Luna... she erased most of that from my mind...." He huffed.

"I almost wanted to step in... was hiding in the rafters above ya... I didnt because of your mother and everyone else..." I looked to him fully.

"Why were you there anyways?" He sighed. Stayed silent for a moment looking at the sky and then to the ground.

"...Well... I just... I wanted to try to apologize... she aint gonna take it lightly... not even my presence... if she had a gun... probably would blow a hole right through my head..."

"Yeah bullshit. Why were you really there?" He looked at me.

"...Ryder... I'm bein' as honest with ya as ever... I wanted to talk the first time we met... You attacked and I felt threatened but I was in territory of the lions pride. Alpha away from his pack, lioness and cubs vulnerable... I get it. But I really was there to talk... you talked with me that second time... let me explain myself. Thought I'd even give your mother a chance but... I just..." He looked away. "How can I face the mare I did wrong and have her freak out, send her own son after me...? She aint gonna listen... no amount of what ever alcohol you got on your breath is gonna change that..." He glanced back at me digging into his pocket pulling out some breath freshening tabs. "Seriously son ya smell like a washed up drunk who just spent the night in a pub's urinal. Take these. Gonna help." I huffed blushing taking the tabs. Popped a few in my mouth. Powerful.

"Okay... So maybe you were telling the truth. But now... why are you here? Daddy just making sure his drunk baby boy isnt gonna fall?"

"Sorta... but.. Dont take this the wrong way but... I've been followin' ya today... Desert heat is hell on me but I saw you run off from your house... nice car by the by, aint touchin' just admiring there. But I saw you run from the house cryin.... Sit under the tree outside town and get picked up by your squad mate in there. Looker she is. Tryin' ta get frisky without the fiance knowin'?" I looked back at the door and back to him nodding towards the walk way away from the room. He nodded and followed me as we walked. "Somethin' on yer mind? Think you'd just say it outright... guess not..." I sighed.

"...Guess there is something wrong... I'm just... I'm afraid to go through with this marriage... So many things could go wrong between now and the wedding.... Dont even know who's gonna officiate this wedding..." We turned the corner and started down stairs. About half way down we stopped and stepped on the ledge of the railing overlooking a wall. Both of us jumped and landed on the wall landing on the other side when we jumped off. "I've not made many friends doing guard work.... Only ones I have made were my squad mates during the war. Those who I've made enemies with have connections... some have seen me take their friends away... since they did nothing wrong in what ever crime was committed I couldnt take em in, cut the word from being spread. I've just... I've got a bad feeling about things...."

"Ryder. If you'll listen I'm gonna give ya some advice." Mythic replied as we just started walking down an alley. "Might not have been the best father, raping your mother and leaving her alone with you but... I wanna say your thought process is an interesting one. Things go right for a while, a bunch of paranoid thoughts ensue. Find a bag of bits on the ground, someone could jump ya, rob you, someone could peg you for a thief, that bag could have a bomb in it in the shape of a bit. You dont know until ya know you're safe. This wedding? I see how things could go wrong. Bad blood between families, someone could object at the last moment, the wife could leave ya at the altar, that sorta thing is common. Your thoughts? Maybe a bit uncommon but with some high profile targets, being princesses, you and your mother, other problems open up, same with those problems and it just starts multiplying." We walked out onto the road on the other side of the buildings. Had some stallions walk past us, not even bat an eye. "Hell from what I've seen ya could piss yourself at the altar trying to say your vows. Worst comes to worse ya can take precautions if you get nervous or those thoughts. In my field, seeing things and creating the problem algorithm in your head is a good thing, you just have to counteract that algorithm with solutions based on what you've thought. Gonna piss yourself nervous? Go before the ceremony or diaper yourself. Ya. I saw your griffon friend doin' that before ya had your breakdown. Lucky her she's got someone who's got an open relationship." I blushed.

"Oh real fucking great... pervert peeking in at his own son and his friends.... You watch us fuck too?" We turned a corner.

"Nah. Not that nasty but I've seen her handle business outside in the open. And it takes a pervert to know a pervert ya wee shite.... But in all seriousness once those problems come up, counteract. Give ya a few things. If you think someone's gonna bring a gun into the wedding area, have guards around, pat em down and give clearance. Need a quick slap in the face or calming? Bend that griffon over the nearest table and rail her until you're calm, dont have access to her? Just breathe or find something to do that'll calm ya until the ceremony. I just dont wanna see ya ruin your life because something you started thinking of. That mare of yours has powerful friends that can ruin your life if you ruin hers." We just started walking somewhere after taking a turn left... just spaced out after that.

"....I've been so paranoid on what things could happen ever since I was in high school.... Bully said he'd get me after I snitched on him. Never happened but I've been watching over my shoulder, thinking where he could've been. Even when I went back to the house that was burnt to a crisp charring all the memories I had.... I could've died in that house, my sister could've been there and she could've gotten hurt... could've ended up like me when the plane crashed..." He huffed.

"Y'see there ya go doin' the overthinkin. She wasnt there, you got out alright. Sure, your shit burns but are you putting that shit over your own life?" I didnt answer. "Fine. Seriously dont go and value an object over your own damn life. Your life is important, you're meant to do important things. Not lose it because you left your phone in your pants during an earthquake or storm. But that overthinking crap has got to stop. Now what I want you to do for when you get back home, make a list of things you think could go wrong and send it to one of the princesses, asking them to see if they cant make precautions for things but not to make it over dramatic. Make sure things are fixated in place, exits secure, weapons stay sheathed on guards and if you feel the need, keep yourself armed but i'd highly advise against it. That dance at the after party isnt gonna be fun if you forget you had a gun and it falls out trying to do the worm." This was something that happened a while back. Guard had to be at a wedding after work, went mostly in uniform minus the armor and forgot he had his gun holster somehow... thing went off as it hit the ground. Grazed a party guest, was almost covered by the music.. Exactly why we now have a policy to keep guns secure in E-Z snap, strong hold holsters. Those things can take a beating and cant fall out or go off and only who ever pulls the snap can release it. Gotta be a certain way. Unless the enemy knows how to do this when trying to steal the guards weapon to use it on him he's gonna fuck up, get caught... and in most cases... shot... I sighed.

"...O-Okay... but what about who's going to officiate the wedding? I... I cant choose, AJ cant choose.... I'm kinda overthinking this stuff now too..." Mythic gave a sigh and smiled.

"Lad... The choice is obvious. Love's got your side, let love speak on your behalf. It's the best choice you can make when its such short notice." I looked at him confused. "Just look to the skies boyo... Let your heart do the talking." He kinda nodded one way. I looked the way he nodded and found myself back at the tree and when I looked back he was gone.

"What the.... Mythic! Son ova...." I kicked the dust swearing under my breath like anyone would hear it. But... That's when my ear caught the sound of a helicopter. I looked to my right and I saw a familiar looking chopper. Cadence's chopper. "...Let love speak for me..." I walked out from under the tree and started waving my arms around waving it down. I saw it turn about real quick and just starting to lower about ten yards away. As it lowered it kicked dust up everywhere. I dug into my pocket and took out the breath freshening tabs that I didnt exactly give back to Mythic. Popped a few more just as the doors opened up having Shining jump out in full armor.

I approached him and he drew his gun aiming at me. I just jumped back a bit getting a bit scared. "RYDER! HANDS UP!" He yelled over the chopper blades.

"Shining! What the fuck!"

"HANDS UP! COME ON RYDER LISTEN! I DONT WANNA HAVE TO TRANQ YOU! YOU KNOW I WILL!" My hands went up and I just dropped to my knees, heart racing. He approached me and forced my hands to my back. "You are SO lucky I found you.... Otherwise Big Mac would've had to call Applejack and she would've had a fucking heart attack!" He shoved me to the ground knocking my cap off and cuffing me. "What do you have to say for yourself?!" I sighed as he stood me up grabbing my cap.

"Sorry for making my own friend panic and call my other friend who puts a gun in my face and cuffs me knowing damn well what I can do if I didnt have these tags on?" He huffed shoving me towards the chopper.

"I'll take it but do anything like that again, those tranquilizers wont stay in the gun. Got it?" I nodded. "Good. Now go. Cadence needs to have a word with you..." I swallowed and huffed as I walked with Shining back to the chopper. Last time I was in cuffs was.... th-that night... so this wasnt a good feeling.

I had another guard help me in and sat across from Cadence while Shining climbed in and buckled me in. Cadence didnt look happy but more worried than anything. Shining undid the cuffs and let my hands free. Even put my headset on for me. For a moment all I could hear was the chopper blades. As we took off Shining closed the door. I heard Cadence sigh. "Ryder... Shining tells me you had run off from your soon-to-be brother in law and his cousin. Is this true?" She asked. Without a word I nodded. "You gave them quite a scare. Lucky you Shining and I were in Manehattan overseeing the rest of the clean up, and so Shining could give back to the families of those who fell with the building that was bombed... lucky you werent caught in it..."

I huffed making a noise that sounded unsure of what to say. "...Pardon me Cadence but... Didnt Celestia and Luna tell you?" I asked.

"Tell me what?" She gave me a confused look.

"...I kinda was in that building... Visited AJ's uncle and her little cousin who I had to fly out a broken window away from the building just to get her to a hospital..."

"That was you?!" I nodded. "Shining told me that someone else made it out while you were trying to get folks off the streets!"

"Well Shining can just learn to tell the truth once in a while." I glanced at him giving a pissed look.

"Ah... I'll see to it that he does be a bit more truthful.... As for other news... Luna showed me a little snap shot of a dream you had earlier..." She pulled her phone from between her breasts and started to tap away at the screen before showing it to me. My heart dropped seeing the chapel in my dreams and the ponies crowded around a cowering me. "Does this look familiar?"

"...Uh... Y-yes Princess.... How did she...?" She took her phone back and shoved it back where it came from.

"That isnt important... I'm guessing this is why you ran?" I hung my head... nodded. "Ryder...Tell me... is everything alright between you and Applejack?" I sighed.

"Everything is fine... but... just...so many things could go wrong at this wedding.... I'm nervous... I dont wanna feel as if i'm throwing my life away or that I'm making the wrong decision..."

"Ryder its okay to feel nervous. Shining was a nervous wreck before our wedding.... even if the changelings tried to steal him from me. But it's as nerve wracking as it is for you as it is for Applejack. I feel as if she could be having the same thoughts. Both are afraid to say what's on their mind, fearing they will hurt the other. We wont delve into that but I will talk with her. As for now why dont we take a breather. Maybe start talking about the officiate of the wedding. If this is something you want to leave well enough alone just tell me and I can ask later after you've had a breather." I took a deep breath and sighed.

"...well... I ran into a squad mate here... Talked with her a while and it kinda made me come to a conclusion on who to choose with this problem... took some thinking, alcohol and a sudden realization that the choice was as obvious as anything... Why make it a hard choice when I should choose the mare that helped me set this up, to make sure I had what I needed and who stayed with this nervous wreck of a stallion through it all, greeting him with a smile every time...." I looked to Cadence. "I choose you to officiate my wedding Princess... if you will I will be forever grateful for this. Joining me and my fiance with what you speak and preach about love." She looked at me a bit shocked, blushing a bit. That shock then turned to happiness. She sighed.

"Well... I'm glad to be a part of this.... Choosing me over Luna and Celestia, who had more of a hand in your development as a General... its an honor." I bowed in my seat.

"The pleasure is all mine... Now... if you could tell the pilot to hover a bit? I think this is my stop." I unhooked myself and took my headset off as Cadence told the pilot to start hovering. They knew what I was gonna do and let me do it. What did I do you ask? I opened the chopper door by Shining, looked him straight in the face giving him the two finger 'see-ya later' send off salute before just falling backwards out of the chopper going into a dive in which I pulled up just feet from the ground and just started flying fast back to Braeburns house, just a football fields length out. I dodged a bird a few bushes and pulled up just to land outside the fencing just at the side of the garage. I put my back up against it as I saw the chopper fly low overhead and hover slightly before Shining dropped down from it now wearing what was under his armor. Jeans, his boots and a semi long sleeve shirt of Tumbling Rocks with their logo- wings of bones and flowers- on the back.

That's when I saw Big Mac run out as Shining straightened himself up dusting what he could off. I just hid against the shed. Big Mac looked to Shining and then up at the chopper as Cadence waved before teleporting down. The chopper quickly flew off and I looked back at the trio. They were talking a bit. Shining was kinda distracting Big Mac by trying to keep him calm. I just crept over to the side of the house and slipped into the side door in the dining area. Why Brae had it unlocked I dont know but it made for easy and undetected access. I slowly made my way over to the halls and stopped just before the doors. They opened a bit and Braeburn walked out a bit, whimpering.... He was scared. I quickly grabbed him, threw my hand over his mouth and dragged him off to the side putting him against the wall. I shushed him. He just latched onto me a bit but I pushed him off again shushing him again. He nodded and wiped a tear from his eye. I kinda rolled mine giving something a quick thought... then followed through. I took my hand away from his face and quickly kissed him having him just follow into bliss... I broke it and he looked at me. "...Th-thank you..." He said whispering. I smiled a bit.

"...Wanna help me here? Open the front door, but quietly... kay? Maybe you help me here... I give you something else to kiss...." I could see him blush HARD. He nodded and took a deep breath starting to take his shoes off, starting to sneak through the hall and up to the front door.

When he was at the front door having it wide open I saw Shining looking at me and Big Mac hugging him looking the opposite way. I got myself ready and pointed to him and motioned him to split off from Big Mac and Cadence and stay clear. Shining gave a quick thumbs up as he patted our friends back before backing away. "W-wait... y'gotta find him! I cant think of what trouble he's getting in!" Big Mac said trying to get Shining's arm. Shining pushed him back with his magic and pulled Cadence aside. I grinned and just broke into a full sprint.

"BANZAIIIII!" I yelled charging him. He turned and I made contact tackling him to the ground. He pushed me off and scrambled to his feet hiding behind Shining and pointing at me.

"TH-THERE HE IS SHININ! GET HIM! GET HIM!"

Shining hummed a bit turning around throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Nah... Guard time is out, friend time is in..." He said. "Besides. No crime in surprising his friend." He looked to me. "You sure he wasnt hiding around here the whole time when you called me Mac?" Big Mac shook his head scared. Shining nudged me aside and good fucking god I nearly shit myself when Big Mac grabbed me.

"WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU AND DONT GIVE ME THAT 'AROUND' SHIT!" I pushed Big Mac back with my foot.

I huffed. "You touch me like that again and I'm kicking your ass!" I snapped. Shining hummed and looked me in the face.

The stallion brought me over and faced me towards the sunlight and looked me in the eyes, even going as far as opening my eye lids more. He hummed. Even smelled my breath when he was close to me. "...Huh... knew I smelt something...." He said. He looked to Big Mac as he dusted himself off with Cadence and Braeburn helping him too. "Yeah... he's been drinking."

"Have not!" And I couldnt lie my way out of this... not even after I let out a loud burp. Smelt of whiskey and perhaps a bit of vodka... okay a lot of vodka. Drinks I had were two parts vodka, one part whiskey and some parsley and others... Shining looked to me.

"Where were you drinking?" I blushed a bit.

"...I... met with a friend in town and we went to a saloon a few blocks from her hotel.... She's more blitzed than I am to be honest...."

"Who was it?"

"Pepper. One of my squad mates who helped me after the war... She was one of the ones holding me up I think...." I could see him think.

"Oh her. Think she's been discharged after something happened in Manehattan. Should at least let her know you're back where you need to be if you havent already." And I havent at all. But... something tells me I wasnt going to be able to do that. Something in my stomach... lucky me... it wasnt coming back up. I grabbed my phone and shoved it into Shining's stomach.

"Password is my birthday, I gotta go! NOW!" I looked to Braeburn. "Bathroom?!"

Brae looked to me still helping his cousin dust off as best he could. "Just right across from my room! Be sure to light a match after you're done!" He said. I just started running back into the house and just hurried to plant my bare ass on his toilet.Okay... Guess it's been so long I forgot some alcohol is like a laxative for me. And with a spicy burger...? Asshole: On fire. Might as well be wearing a hazmat suit with a flap in the back while I'm in here.... But that would do a lot worse. Gas mask maybe? Yeah. That bad. I lit a match, a candle and even sprayed outside the door with air freshener spray. Later that night Cadence stayed with us as well as Shining.... though... they took the room... Big Mac slept on the couch and I took up a bed net to Braeburn... he was a bit grabby but... he's a gentle cuddler... even if I was padded next to him... Had to be considering Shining had to cast an anti-hangover spell that reduced headache, but still kinda weakened me also cutting back on nausea once it hit. I felt it still, but said everything should be okay once I'm passed out.... Okay maybe I didnt sleep for a bit.... had to give Brae a 'helping hand' if you catch my meaning.... he was grateful. Loved every minute of it.

As I slept Luna came and visited me. I was in my full Solar Empire uniform, cap and all. I had myself sitting over the Rainbow Falls with the lake far below made into a large heart. Luna sighed coming to my side. "Finally made your choice havent you?" She asked. I nodded. "Well... Cadence was a fine choice to be your officiate. Celestia and I would've just envied each other, begging to do it instead of them but this saves us the guards fearing one of us would start fighting the other which has happened when things werent going our ways."

I sighed cuddling up to her as she sat down. "....To be honest Princess... I got scared.... did you see my nightmare?" I asked. She nodded. "...I didnt want to say anything but... I can see how silly it was in the past... Just needed someone to give me a push forward and in the right direction... didnt think it be an unlikely ally...." She looked at me confused.

"And who might that be?"

"...Well... i... I honestly dont wanna say but... I guess he's seeking redemption after years of thinking and regret. Does he deserve that forgiveness? I can make that decision given the time..."

"Ryder... I want you to be honest. No trouble will come to who ever this is, nor will it come to you. Take thine word to heart? Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye?" Pinkie Promise... not to mention she was giving me a little puppy dog face.

"...Princess... You're curious yes but... I just... I dont know how to put it without giving away too much....But... It's someone I just... Well... I've got mixed reactions about him right now...." She hummed.

"Is this who I think it is....?"

"Probably... But yeah.... He just helped me make this decision... felt right to listen to him... talked some sense into me...."

"Perhaps it was wise to listen to him... maybe forgiveness can be earned in this case.... anything happens let me know. News of this will be kept hidden from my sister. Agreeable?" I nodded. "Good... Now... Suppose Celestia and I forget a bag of bits somewhere near the orchard... think you two would have some fun in different places? I can tell you I can get the ladies around for a bit of a Bachelorette party while Shining can get everyone you know for a Bachelor party. Probably have it somewhere close to home and under watch of someone trustworthy as to not see anyone stripping naked or something in that nature."

"Dont worry. If anything we can get ourselves a hotel room in Las Pegasus and maybe invite one of the Wonderbolts who dont drink. Gotta have Big Mac, Shining and Soarin there. MAYBE Uncle Orange to have a little bit of fun too. Same night AJ and the girls can have their fun and perhaps you and Celestia could have a sleep over with the fillies? You guys alright with that?" Luna chuckled a bit.

"I'd be more than happy to speak for both Celestia and I that we'd love to have your sister and her friends over at any time." I smiled at her.

"Thanks Princess... I... I dont think I can thank you enough..."

"Trust me... you thank me enough every day...." She sat me up a bit and kissed my forehead. "Why dont you just rest up now? I'm gonna check on Scootaloo and Babs, see how they're doing." I nodded sitting all the way up.

"Make sure that you help Babs with some things.... I'm worried she's still going through things... another accident last night and her dad is being a stubborn ass.... Maybe you could try getting him to decide on having a home near Ponyville... Y'know... For Babs' sake."

"Are you sure it isnt for your sake?" I gave a bit of a groan.

"Princess... It's for her sake. Honest. I think last time we visited Twilight she had a bit of a freak out moment when she went out on her balcony. Didnt have an accident but it did make her freak out slightly. I honestly wanna find her close to the ground and close to her friends... It would break my heart to know she would wet herself every time she looks out a twentieth story window, in a city she doesnt even know anything about..." She sighed.

"I'll see what I can do with this Ryder. Babs does need all the help she can get. Especially with what she has been through it would help... You're her hero after all... they should take your word."

"Thank you Princess... Apologies if this seems more forced about that..."

"It's alright... I get you want whats best for Babs and her family as well as yours...." She stood up on the cloud. "Now really General... Let me get to work with Babs and her father and see what's happening with your sister as well. The night doesnt last forever you know?" I nodded just not breaking my gaze from the heart below as it gained other colors. Golden circle in the middle with AJ's cutie mark in it... My heart was set on it. I glanced up for a moment to watch Luna just fly out over the rainbow falls and disappear behind a cloud. Dream lasted longer after she left....

I got up to try and fly around but I froze.... dark storm clouds circled around me. "...You're almost mine...." A disembodied voice said. "...Memory of this incident- wiped.... cant say a thing about this.... will wake up just fine...."

TO BE CONTINUED.