The Rise and Fall

Luna brought me and Scootaloo to Canterlot to see if we couldnt get Celestia under control, Celestia caused Scootaloo to piss herself and caused me to call in Rogue Princess and talk and beat some sense into her and by her mothers order she was stripped of her magic and was pretty much forced for a beach day. As for now its around midnight and something didnt really sit right in my mind. I had watched Scootaloo throughout the day as she and the others had fun. I'd be having fun but my gut was telling me Celestia wasnt exactly done with her bullshit. She stayed well away from Scootaloo. Scoot even avoided Celestia at all costs. Through lunch she sat by me and Babs away from Celestia and for dinner she sat with Cadence and Shining since Applejack and Babs took up spots near me at the bar since that was the only place we could even eat here at the beach house. I was in my PJ's that AJ had packed for me. Sweats and a tanktop. I had all the fillies behind me fast asleep, each cuddling a stuffed toy Cadence went out and bought for them at a local toy shop. Nopony got bears for Scoots sake. Scoot got her wolf, Sweetie got a cat, Applebloom had a creature from one of the creature battling games I swear i dont play.... and Babs? Babs got one of my favorite creature from that creature battling game that I've only seen Luna play.... Anyways I was standing at the window looking out at the moonlit ocean. Watched as some of the waves rolled to shore and the palm trees sway with the gentle breeze. Yet even that calmness couldnt soothe the uneasy feeling. I looked back at the fillies making sure each of them were content before going straight for the door. As I went out I looked to the nearest guard in the halls. I beckoned him over. He nodded and came right to me. "Need you to stand guard until I get back. Nobody in other than me and if someone starts crying go find my wife. Should be a few rooms down on the right hand side." I said. He nodded. "Also... Is Luna still here?"

The guard nodded once more. "Yes sir. Should be down at the bar having a drink. You're welcome to join her if you wish." He said. I nodded before heading down the hall and downstairs. This place was pretty big even though its a beach house. I came outside to find the air cool. I heard the bustling of the city behind us but it barely ruined the sound of the waves rushing to meet the sand. The bar was still lit with Luna sitting there sipping on a martini.

I gave a huff as I sat just a seat away from Luna looking out at the beach. Luna looked to me. "Something the matter General?" She asked.

I gave a huff and looked to the bartender. "Lemonade if you've got it please." I said. The bartender nodded and went around the counter while I looked to the Princess. "Guess its no surprise I still dont trust your sister." She sipped her drink licking her lips a bit.

"I take it you're getting the feeling I'm getting... The one where she's hiding something until she gets that ring off her horn hm?"

"That feeling exactly and then some.... I could tell all day she's been wanting to try something but with everypony else around she knew everypony would be there to pin her down... to say something and even to ruin what trust is there with her. That trust with me? Burned it up like a gasoline soaked piece of paper with all the good shit she's done making that trust." The bartender came back around and gave me a bottle before I gave a hand signal for 'break time' or 'important info' which... to this day I still forget. Luna waited until that bartender was a ways away producing a pack of smokes and a lighter from a little locker just off to the side.

"She's a crafty one I'll give her that. Pokerface like someone who had a stroke... cant tell if they've got a winning hand or not... I'm at least seventy percent sure that she's up to something but what is definitely unknown...."

"I'm thinking maybe we could just send Scoot back with everyone when we stop back in Ponyville for obvious reasons. Dont want her to feel too uncomfortable while we're on the train so I'm gonna have to keep Celestia in her car with guards on watch. If she argues I'm extending the time with the ring on and so far she's acting like shes been doing alright... keyword being acting..." I sipped from the bottle. Luna sighed swirling the olive around in the glass.

"She knows very well what you can do when you're pissed off... She told me about what you and Schrivechnya did to those two elites... I'm surprised you were okay with killing them...." I gave a devilish smile looking out at the beach.

"Yeah... I would but threaten my family? Nah... You deserve what ever I throw at you even if its your own entrails..." I sighed a bit sipping from the bottle more. "Should've seen the one guys face when Schrivechnya burst out of his stomach..." Luna chuckled a bit.

"Straight out of a movie... I think it was good Schrivechnya took a liking to you... otherwise I'm pretty sure your body would've been dumped into a field and Celestia would have a day dedicated to making those elites wish they hadnt gone and screwed you like that.... ball wrung to burst, cuts along every orifice and rat poison laced salt and apparent suicides out in the furthest reaches of Everfree..." She drank the rest of her drink and picked the olive off the pick eating it before looking to me. "Care for a stroll on the sand? Maybe a quick flight around?" I sighed.

"Maybe good for a quick flight.... Gotta get back to the girls soon just to make sure everyones sleeping okay... Two or three of em for obvious reasons...." She nodded and took my hand before we both took to the air. We flew around feeling the ocean breeze, smelling the salty waves from above and seeing the still bustling city beyond a tree line. It was a nice flight, very calming hearing the wind rush past my ears as I broke away from Luna and started doing loopdeeloops and a few rolls before landing back at the bar and grabbing my drink. Luna landed next to me and sighed smiling.

"There we are... Good flight always gets me nice and relaxed... Even if its a solo flight above the gardens in Canterlot or with a guard detail around the penthouse of a busy city. Wouldnt you agree?" I gave a nod stretching.

"Yeah... Always good... next time lets do this in Cloudsdale if you ever wanna come down and visit with my mother... Maybe I get to see those Rainbow Falls at night too... Heard they're beautiful in the moonlight." She giggled a bit.

"Perhaps I will when you get that moment. For now lets get you back to bed for a good nights rest. I'll have you woken up for breakfast." I nodded and walked with the Princess back up to the room. From there we split off. Actually climbed into bed with Babs and just passed out. Didnt really hear a peep from the girls all night which was a good thing. When we got up it was to a knock at the door. I sat up in bed just as Babs propped herself up rubbing her eyes. Looked across the room and saw Applebloom and Sweetie moving their manes from their face and Scootaloo just pull the covers over her head.

I huffed as I heard Shining's voice come from behind the door. "Alright everyone up! C'mon c'mon outta bed you buncha lazies!" He said. I huffed rolling out of bed, stretching as my feet hit the floor.

I even stretched and flapped my wings a bit before setting them back in place. I looked to Applebloom as she went for her suit case grabbing some clothes out of it. "Bloom... Get your sister outta bed..." I said going for my bags. I looked to Babs who was still stretching a bit herself. "Babs if you need it you should go to Applejack for a change." I looked to Scootaloo too. "You too sis. I gotta get dressed and report for duty to Luna." They all nodded and I went for my bags grabbing jeans, teeshirt and a service jacket Applejack had brought me. Threw those on making sure I wasnt accidentally mooning anyone or scarring anyone before throwing on some sneakers and stepping out into the hall.

Out in the hall I saw Shining coming back down dressed in jeans and a cut off Gems and Tulips tee. As he came back down I saw doors at each side open. Fluttershy and Dash coming out of one, Rarity and Pinkie from another, Twilight and Cadence from another one, Applejack and Big Mac as well. Once he was at my side we walked as one. When we got outside we saw Luna wearing her royal gown and Celestia sitting beside her looking as if she hasnt slept at all. We both approached Luna and saluted. She sighed seeing us. "Good morning you two." She said. I took a closer look at Celestia. Sweats and a bathrobe. "It seems Celestia awoke from a nightmare last night and had a rough time sleeping.... She's been up since three in the morning and has had a few drinks to calm her nerves but thankfully not enough to get her inebriated in front of the fillies." She looked to me. "Everything alright with you Ryder? Sleep alright last night?" I nodded.

"Yes Princess. Slept alright... Babs was a bit stubborn trying to get to sleep with some padding but Scoot had to wear some as well... both for the obvious reason...." She sighed.

"Understood there... Good thing they arent too scared to even set foot in the city after what happened...." She then looked to Shining. "And you Shining? How did you rest?"

Shining huffed. "Well with Cadence and Twilight talking to each other about some new spells to try out I got to sleep pretty quick." He replied. "Just dont let them know I said that... Twilight would test those spells on ME if she heard." Shining looked to me. "You alright Ryder? This place aint bothering you is it dude?"

I shook my head. "Nope. Only thing bothering me is what caused us to come out here." I said glaring at Celestia who didnt even want to look at me. "Well... that and Babs... I'm just hoping she's not gonna have any nightmares after this...."

Luna huffed smiling a bit. "I wouldnt worry about that Ryder." She replied. "I'll check on her for a few nights after this. Make sure she's not experiencing any nightmares or accidents." She looked to her sister. "But as for plans, I'm going to stay here with Celestia with a few guards to be sure that she wakes up. I'll give Cadence the money to buy everyone some breakfast at the local pancake house. I'll even make sure that everyone has their things before we meet back at the train station. Sound alright?" I huffed lightly.

"I'm good with that but are you sure this is even wise?" Luna nodded.

"I'm sure of it. You'll still have say on what is done but considering how tired she is I'll see to it she's loaded safely onto the train and put right to bed. Not to mention it will put your mind at ease knowing you're not going to have to watch her around your sister. Without her being near you can relax and not feel like you're going to accidentally yell at a filly for something small. Make sure you have everything you need on you before you leave on the transports on their way. Understood?"

"Yes Princess." I replied.

"Good. Now grab things you need, check on everypony and be ready for things." Shining and I both nodded before heading back inside. He and I split off. Grabbed my phone, wallet, checked on Babs and Scootaloo after they changed, Scootaloo being very tired still from yesterday. Babs was still padded when we left, luckily getting a change from AJ into something dry. Glad she's not like Scootaloo and fighting it but hey... what can I say? My sister is a fighter just like her brother. She still needs to buck up every now and then. I'll get her tough enough one day. Applejack told me when I had to be hauled off to Twilight's castle, the girls were crying hard on the way to Fluttershy's and she had to at least comfort them somewhat from that fact by putting some of the strongest and fastest animals on guard for a while. Of course it had to be lions and a few wolves, one of which Scootaloo was apparently cuddled up with to try to feel more comfy. She did feel a bit comfortable but didnt really sleep. I still kinda somewhat remember the night that shit happened.... Hell before I turned into that Timber Wolf that fucking hurt like a motherfucker changing into that thing. What hurt even worse? Daring telling Big Mac I had a bit of a misfire when I first met her. He teased me a bit after I got back home but what ever.

Not long later it was Gilda and I with the girls in one transport, Scoot laying down on my lap, Babs and Gilda across from us with Applebloom sitting next to them. Sweetie Belle went to a transport with Rarity and Twilight when they rode with Cadence and Shining, while the rest got the last transport. Scootaloo looked up at me. "Ryder?" She said. "...Is Princess Luna giving Celestia nightmares?"

I huffed. "Nah... She isnt... Those nightmares come around on their own...." I replied. "Hopefully they're teaching her a lesson on what she's doing wrong... By the by.... You seem a bit tired... You sleep alright last night? Leftover fatigue from yesterday or are you still scared of Celestia coming in to take you away from me?" She nodded. "Well that's not gonna happen... She lays a hand on you before she's back to herself, I'm gonna make sure she knows doing that is the worst idea ever. You can hit her and scream and I'll be there faster than you can even say my name. But just so you know, I'm gonna be going back to Canterlot, make sure that I've got everything from there and to stay an extra night because I really really wanna make sure that she's not gonna pull that again. But once that is done I at least want you to listen whether you want to or not to her apology and she will have gifts for you. I'll make sure of it." My sister huffed.

"....Okay... They better be good after that... I really dont appreciate being made to wet myself like that...."

"Trust me, nobody here would... Not me, not Applebloom, not even Gilda...." I sat Scootaloo up and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Now do you wanna try sleeping on the train or do you wanna try staying awake until you get back home?"

"No promises but I'll try to stay awake on the train... but if I do... Are you gonna make sure Celestia doesnt try anything while I sleep?" I smiled and just patted her back.

"Guards and maybe Luna if she wants to watch you or help you sleep." Just then I look across just in time to see Gilda holding Babs close. "Everything okay over there?"

Gilda glanced up. "Yeah... She just got a bit scared... Thought she saw someone who was gonna hurt us...." She said. "No worries. Just a guy pulling a cellphone out of a coat pocket. Everything alright with you?"

"Yeah. Just a tired filly and a hungry belly here." I kinda patted my stomach before looking out the window. Traffic, ponies crossing the streets at crosswalks and some just darting between cars. "Think we're still gonna be there on time for breakfast? Traffic looks a bit heavy..."

"Breakfast or Lunch its still food. You wanna trade fillies here? Think she'd be more comfortable with you." I looked to Scootaloo. She didnt really mind. She went over and helped Gilda get Babs over to me. I held her, had the driver turn on a bit of music to distract us. Drive took about fifteen minutes because one of the guards didnt realize the sirens in the first truck didnt work and couldnt tell anyone because the radio was busted. The truck I was in had to merge forwards a bit just to set up some sirens. Apparently there was a crash blocking most of the traffic and it was there for about ten minutes. Nobody hurt from the looks of it but they were arguing in the street before we had to call some guards to block off the street and deal with it.

Pancake place was interesting. Sports on TV, movies on others and even some weird games I've never heard of. Babs and I played a bit of an overhead airplane bullet hell. Loved it. Cutting that short because nothing really interesting happened. Drive back to the train was quicker than the drive to breakfast. Scoot didnt even make it to the train before falling asleep. I carried her into the train car, lied her down in the bed car. Told the few guards in the car to watch her and come for me if something goes wrong. After we left the station I went to Luna who was in the entrance car where all our bags were. She smiled making sure our bags were just put neatly aside. I cleared my throat alerting her to my presence. She turned to me and smiled. "Ah Ryder. Here to get a bit of an update on my sister?" She asked. I nodded. "She seemed normal. Tired mostly but went down easy. Guards are on watch making sure she doesnt try anything and that she sleeps well. My magic aids that. How are things with you? Was Babs alright? Scootaloo?"

I huffed. "Both were fine. Scoot had a little trouble sleeping last night." I replied. "Surprised she didnt try to crawl in bed with me or at least try to have me take her to you for help. Babs however... She's really grown strong visiting here... Definitely stronger than me when we visited the crash site..."

"Well its not easy for anyone to visit a tragic site for them but I'm glad she had little trouble. I was expecting her to stay with me in the transport when we visited her home... Lucky it was an accident and not a full on fainting spell with bruises acquired through that... 'fainting'... You did better as well General and I'm proud you did this the way you did." I sighed looking out the window at the city as we turned away from it.

"Yeah... Fate takes you for a ride, sometimes through hell and back.... My fate came through hell a few times.... Now? I'm wondering where its gonna take me..."

"It can take you anywhere from here.... Can take you high in the clouds, could bring you down to the ground.... Never can tell...."

"Very true... Only thing I can tell right now is everyone gets dropped off in Ponyville and I'm coming back to Canterlot for another night just to make sure its safe to take that ring off and to get my car back. Mostly for your sister though because I still cant shake that feeling something is going on in that head of hers..."

"And I suspect you will have something to do to get Scootaloo to accept an apology from Celestia? We've already decided on gifts for her but with the circumstances it might be a tad hard to get her to listen..." I looked back to Luna.

"Yeah. Should do a video call, make Scootaloo sit with Applejack and listen to what she has to say." Luna sighed.

"And I'll be there for my sister to make sure she says the right thing. Now why dont you go watch a movie with the others? I might see if I cant take a nap for a while.... I'll have an alarm set dont you worry. Should be awake to see everyone off at Ponyville." I gave a nod and went into the entertainment car.

To be honest this movie wasn't my cup of tea. This one was an animated movie of one of those new shows the girls like.... Couldn't exactly slip away since Babs sat on my lap the whole time....Only times I got away from her was when I was going to the bathroom and when I had a few drinks at the bar. One alcoholic but the others were just lemonades. When we got to Ponyville, Luna was still asleep... surprising but not really considering she was up for a day and a half or so just for Scootaloo's sake... Anyways I stood outside the train, making sure everyone had everything and everyone was comfortable with splitting off for a while. I told the guards to hold the train while I helped with the bags out to waiting transports. Twilight, Shining, Cadence and Rarity went first heading off towards the castle, Sweetie Belle went with Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Babs, Pinkie and Applebloom went off for a sleep over at Fluttershy's... Though Fluttershy was still here with Applejack, Big Mac and me with the families baggage. Applejack looked at me as I loaded my bag and loaded it in to the back of the transport. "And you're sure you wanna head back up all the way to Canterlot? Cant your damn underlings get your car out here?" She asked.

"Yeah I could but I still need to make sure Celestia is actually in the right mindset to even be around Scootaloo... If she is I'll be home in the morning. If not I'll let you know. I just hate seeing Scootaloo afraid of someone who cared for her while I was away... Who she willingly went to when she was scared..." I grabbed Big Macs bag and shoved it in to before looking to my wife. "Cant you see why I gotta do this? Its like if your mother scared you so badly you had to go hide behind your father and every time your mother did come around you'd be standing in a puddle! You wouldnt want that would you?" She just looked to me with a questioning look on her face. A look that both questioned my logic but knew this was the best course of action. She huffed.

"Alright but if anything goes wrong with Celestia head straight for Luna and I dont care how tired she is, wake her ass up, tell her what's going on. Dont be takin nothin' into your own hands unless she forced your hand. But even then don't hurt her to the point somepony's gonna wonder why you did it in the first place."

"Technically I can only go so far even with Rogue Princess... Inflicting damage is only needed under very descriptive circumstances. She'd have to come at me with a weapon and injure me first before I even do anything." I did a quick inventory of the bags in the vehicle before looking to her as I closed the back up. "Now go home, I'll call you when we get to Canterlot alright?" She sighed and hugged me.

"Alright sugarcube... I'll see you in the morning..." She broke the hug and backed off. "Also... Maybe along the way home you can get something for Dash to wear. Werent supposed to say nothing but she went and made a dumb bet with me while we you and Babs were off doing your own thing and guess who lost? Make it something cute, pink and hell... Maybe pick up a small pack of diapers for her.... Gonna pull what I did to you that one day.... Maybe get your Mama and Soarin out here to make it even more embarassin' for her..."

"I'll see what I can do. Just get going now. I got whats left from my bag from the other day." She nodded and I helped her into the truck before hurrying back up the stairs and back onto the train. I went and sat at the bar with one of the other guards who was just watching over Scootaloo for me. I sighed as we felt the train start pulling off. "Status on Luna and Celestia?" I asked.

The guard grabbed a bottle of water in a waiting ice chest from behind the counter. "Both still asleep. Princess Luna has an alarm set that should be going off soon. No stops makes the time go quicker..." He replied handing a bottle to me. "Should we have woken her up sir?" I huffed.

"Let her sleep. I'll tell her what was going on. She'll understand." I looked over to him cracking open my water. "Why dont you take a little break here, go relieve someone else for a quick break and cycle through. Just be very aware of Celestia's tricks... She must be watched at all times." The guard nodded and got up leaving me at the bar alone. I went and sat down on the couch waiting for a while seeing guards swap out one by one. I watched a bit of TV, waiting on our arrival to Canterlot. Took a bit longer than usual because apparently there was an accident at a crossroads that needed to be cleared.

When Luna woke up we were about twenty or so minutes from Canterlot and I was sitting at the bar once again this time having a Senor Salt with vanilla. She came out of one of the rear cars stretching and rubbing her eyes only wearing a crop top and some yoga pants as well as some sandals I guess she had packed away. "Ryder? Where is everyone?" She asked. I sipped my drink and looked to her.

"Dropped everyone off in Ponyville. I know you wanted to see them off but you were awake for a while Princess. Best to let you rest for a while." I replied. "I wouldnt worry too much though. Scootaloo was comfortable sleeping on the way to Ponyville, she's with Dash and her friends now and everyone else is alright but AJ is worried I'm gonna hurt Celestia." Luna sat next to me and used her magic to grab a bottled water.

"You had every opportunity to hurt her if you wanted to. When she was restrained for the most part and you got all your rage out when I pulled her in through a dream. Other than that you've restrained yourself from even doing anything out of your own volition. Especially just for being within eyesight of your sister. I still fear she's still unstable.... yet in what way I can not shake the feeling..." She looked to me. "Should we... walk amongst her dreams once we get back to the castle? Make sure she's alright?" I nodded. "Good.... Cant bear to think of what could be going through her head.... Could be normal, could be going insane and she's just acting normal... Sound familiar?" I nodded sipping my soda.

"Yeah... Sounded like me after I got home from the war... Acting normal yet my mind is just going insane..... wondering if everyone was gonna be safe... wondering if anyone was gonna be after me after that..."

"Yet it wasnt. Finish your drink and gather your things. We might have to carry my sister to a transport... Perhaps even an ambulence if we cant fit her cake eating flank into a seat..." I gave a nod snickering slightly before going to finish my drink.

When we got to the station there were transports all ready for us. Had to keep Celestia asleep to load her into her own with a few guards to make sure she'd be fine how she was and Luna and I went into another. When we got to the castle we had to carry Celestia to her bed. While Luna used her magic on her sister to keep her asleep I turned to the small platoon with me. One of them stepped forwards. "Orders sir?" They asked.

I huffed. "Luna and I are going to go on a dreamwalk." I said. "Everyone here needs to remain in this room, keep watch over Celestia. Under no circumstances is she to be awoken. Not by you, not by anyone else. If you have to tell anyone, let it be a warning. If they try to do it again, do what needs to be done. Detain them, let me deal with them after. Understood?"

"Yes sir!" The guard replied saluting me. I looked to Luna.

"Almost ready Princess?"

Luna looked back at me. "Just about. Few seconds and we should be good...." She replied. "Guards! Form a perimeter around my sister now. General and I will use a room across the hall and deal with this." The guards nodded and quickly formed a quick perimeter around the bed as if there was an attack going on. Lucky there wasnt anything like that going on. After they were in place Luna and I headed out of the room and into a room across the hall. I covered my eyes just as she started making one of those doors. "Alright... When we get in there be ready for anything...."

"Understood.... Let me know when and we can do this thing...." I waited just a moment with my arm over my eyes facing a wall.

"Aaand.... There... Ready when you are General." I took my arm from my face turning about only to see a door shimmering slightly with the princess standing nearby. She sighed staring at the door. "Am... Am I the only one here who's sorta nervous on what we're gonna find in my sisters mind?"

"Nope... Better get it done and over with...." We both hesitently approached the door giving each other a nod, looking each other in the eye. Luna opened the door and all we saw was darkness. We both stepped inside and closed the door behind us. It was silent for the most part. Only thing we could hear were our foot steps. As we continued on buildings started popping up around us, fires started burning and the sky.... Red and filled with soot and ash, the sun looking as if it were boring a hole through through to the ground. Not gonna lie it started feeling a bit warm really fast. Luna used her magic on both of us and I started to feel cool again.

"There.... Keeps us from just...." She swallowed a bit feeling very uneasy... Not gonna lie I was uneasy as well looking at everything. It was a version of a destroyed Manehattan. Cars destroyed making barricades, rivers of lava and buildings, skyscrapers just halved and smoke pouring out windows. I huffed.

"I understand Princess... Just stick close to me and we'll get through this." I started looking around as Luna put a hand on my shoulder. "So... where do we think Celestia is....? A dream wouldnt just spit us out somewhere she isnt... would it?"

"No... This isnt some last save you made where you're a ways away from the objective.... Even dreams have spawn rules... Trying to think of where shed rather be in Manehattan... She doesnt like to sit inside anywhere.... At least for not that long... In Manehattan nonetheless...." She hummed seeing everything around us. "Perhaps we should... I.... Check the park? Its the only place I can think of other than the seaside cabana....." I gave a nod before breaking off from her and taking flight. She flew right behind me but stayed as close as she could. As we flew I saw more destruction. Trees along the streets were burned, and that building.... Babs old home... it stood still in Celestias mind.... Still bisected but it stood.

"Princess? Need an ear?" I could tell she shuttered.

"...I guess we knew that Celestia did have something going on in her mind... Didnt think it was this dark...." She flew a bit closer hugging herself. "...Please... After we're done here... I'm cuddling up with my sister no matter what... to mother I pray I never witness this again...."

My ear quickly flicked hearing something... Moving fast and on fire... I heard that fire crackling and almost thought it was a building we were passing. Nope. I looked over and quickly grabbed Luna before doing a quick nose dive narrowly missing the couple fireballs that were heading our way only to hit a building behind us sending debris everywhere! Then we heard laughing. "Pray to mother? Please!" Someone said.... Sounded like Celestia but... There was something strange. I released Luna as we landed on the ground and looked to the skies only to see Celestia but she was wearing scorched gold armor, her mane on fire and her eyes... almost like looking at the sun in the night sky. "You should be praying for your own life dear sister.... and my 'faithful' general... you have the gall to keep your princess away from what she wants? What she desires?"

I growled. "GOD DAMMIT CELESTIA YOU ARE NOT TAKING MY SISTER FROM HER LOVING FAMILY!" I yelled out. She laughed... It echoed slightly.

"You really are an ignorant fuckwit.... you dont even know who i am...." She quickly landed on the ground, slamming down on top of a car crushing the roof in like it was a tin can getting stepped on. "I am not your Celestia.... I am Daybreaker.... Empress of the royal Solar Empire... Only the strong survive here... this city was weak.... just as you are...."

"Funny you're calling me weak.... Where is Celestia then Daybreaker? What have you done with her?" She stepped down off the crushed and rusted out car onto the pavement.... Her heels sizzling as she set foot on the ground.

"Celestia is no more... Only I remain..."

Luna nudged me out of the way. "LIAR! MY SISTER IS STILL HERE SOMEWHERE YOU HEATHEN!" She yelled out. "MY SISTER IS STILL IN HERE! GIVE HER UP NOW!" Daybreaker laughed slightly. I stepped forward just as she did, getting closer to Luna.

"Sister.... I give you this one chance to stand down... Either back off or face a total war.... Your choice...."

I got between Daybreaker and Luna. "You need to stand down..." I said. "Otherwise that armor is gonna get ripped right off...."

"The only way this armor comes off is in victory to claim my prize. Ownership of your sister..." And here I didnt even hesitate grabbing Daybreaker and chucking her into a wall. Went and even picked up the car she smashed before launching it into her. Didnt really help much since she teleported just before it hit her. She flew right at me, grabbing me by the collar. "...I forget you're feisty like that... No matter... More feisty you are... the more strength you'll have to tell your sister you've failed...." I spat in her face. Evaporated almost immediately upon contact. She looked to me and before I even knew what I did she slammed me into the ground. "YOU LITTLE WHELP! YOU DARE SPIT AT ME?!" From my position I saw her horn glow. I braced for what ever she was cooking up. I counted a few moments... or what felt like moments before hearing a magical blast and feeling myself get yanked off slightly.

I opened my eyes only to see Daybreaker knocked back, Luna standing over me with her horn glowing. "He spits in disgust seeing what you've become.... You're not my sister.... You're a monster... wanting to kidnap a filly, to hurt the ones she loves...." She said. "You're a corrupt entity... Clever enough to hide deep within my sisters psyche as to not burn entering the heavenly realm..... You're not one to hide unless you're of our fathers creation... used to take over her mind.... hiding her own real feelings somewhere in the walls of this city... Now dont make me bring Nightmare moon out.... She wouldnt like her night time being challenged...."

I propped myself up. I was sore and I felt dusty all down my back. "Princess no! Please do not let Nightmare Moon bring her ugly face around!" I said. Luna glared at me picking me up with her magic. This glare basically told me to stand down... and that she wanted to do this...She looked back to Daybreaker just as a shadow started forming at her feet. I backed away just readying myself for what ever Daybreaker could throw at me.

Daybreaker only laughed. "That whore.... You cant bring her here or even control her.... even if you could she's better off servicing me...." She replied. "Either bow down to me or be eradicated where you stand!" I huffed looking to Princess Luna. Then to Daybreaker.

"Fine... Then you've left us no choice...." I quickly flew at her grabbing hold of her tightly, denting her armor around my arm, the metal that bent into sharp shapes dug into my arm. "LUNA! NOW!" I could only watch as the shadow under Luna expanded, her eyes glowing white as the moon. That shadow quickly enveloped her like a tornado of fire. Soon after in her place stood none other than Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon grinned evily, her eyes now dark as the night sky, her pupils, a waiting star set to be in a constellation. "Ah... Daybreaker.... You dare ruin the night? Burn your subjects what which still enjoy the darkness?" She said. I gripped Daybreaker harder, the armor cutting both myself and my captor up. The more the pain, the less concentration a unicorn- and Alicorn- has to teleport away. Even then I was limiting myself. Keep myself from crushing her. Didnt know if this was even her and if it was gonna wake her. "What's wrong? Does this little foal have your tongue?" I growled.

"JUST BLAST HER! PLEASE! I CAN ONLY HOLD ON FOR SO LONG!"

"Do not command me like you own me swine!" I yelled out in pain feeling the armor tear at me as Daybreaker tried to hit me off.

"I'M SORRY! JUST.... PLEASE DESTROY HER!" Nightmare moon growled as her horn started to glow before a powerful ray of magic hit both of us.

There? I dont remember much after. Honestly thought I was dead and I was waiting to wake up either on the floor of hell under their fathers foot or on the couch of my parents slice in heaven. Neither was the case. I woke up and it was dark. I was stripped and put in a hospital gown, hooked up to an IV and a few other machines keeping track of my breathing and my heart rate. I looked around. It was a hospital room... same one I woke up in when I was back from the war. I flipped on the light from my bed and took a better look around. Saw a note left on the table beside me. I grabbed it and read it.

'Ryder,

It's Luna... I'm sorry for what happened.... Nightmare moon doesnt like to be ordered around like your guards... she knew you were helping but didnt care... I'm back to normal but your clothes were destroyed in the fight and you sustained an injury I healed. I'm not sure when you're waking up but... I'm going to rest... when ever you wake up call the Nurse and they'll bring you your phone which I'm glad is unable to be destroyed no matter how hard you try.... Your clothes on the otherhand.... I've had to call Rarity, see what size your pants are, same with underwear and I've even had a brand new Gems teeshirt from the band. They send their regards by the way. Also... For all your family knows you're fine and went to bed a bit early. If you do wake up during the night I'll be around... Come find me and I can apologize another way if this note doesnt suffice....

-with my best intentions at heart, Luna'

I gave a sigh hitting the nurse call button. I surveyed the note for what felt like forever, reading and rereading making sure I didnt miss anything. That there wasnt anything sitting in plain sight, erased or smudged. Didnt really see anything but it left me confused. That door opened and all I could do is just stare at the note even holding it every which way to see if there was something invisible written.... Dont judge me my brain just is like that sometimes... "Just.... Leave my things and go... Trying to wrap my head around this...." I said.

I heard a sigh. "....So I guess you dont want your true apology now?" A familiar voice said. I quickly looked over and saw Celestia wearing her night gown, her mane flowing but a mess and looking extremely tired.

"Uh... Princess.... I...."

"Its fine..." She replied setting my clothes down on the bed. "...I've hurt you and your sister... I dont remember anything... Luna told me.... But now you do know that wasnt me in control.... It wasnt what I wanted to do but... what ever... who ever possessed me.... I just... I'm sorry for what ever harm I have caused you.... and Scootaloo..." She dropped to her knees at my bedside. "...Please... forgive me.... if you dont forgive me.... I... I understand...." I heard the weakness in her voice as she bowed her head. Kinda whimpered slightly trying to hold back tears. I rested a hand on her shoulder and she just jumped flinching. She looked to me and just sighed relieved.

"....I do forgive you Princess... its not gonna be easy for Scootaloo as you know..."

"...Yeah... I may not have been consious for most of everything... but I saw.... I saw everything that was done.... tearing guards and others apart with my words... forcing others to do things they didnt need to do.... the way I scared Scootaloo.... the beating I even took from you and your sister.... Even... That one thing I did on the train... I'm definitely not proud of that.... You definitely didnt like that.... and you did the right thing... Calling 'Rogue Princess' and putting that anti magic ring on though uh....." She tilted her head a bit and a glint caught my eye in her mane. "Only you could remove that..." I sighed and slipped the ring off showing it to her in my hand. "Good... Now are you able to get out of that bed and move or do you need a bit of a hand?" I huffed sitting up and trying to move my legs from their position. They were stiff and extremely sore. I winced in pain. She sighed. "Alright... Let me help you get dressed and get you into a wheel chair..." I nodded.

The princess carefully dressed me but had to request a diaper from the cabinet in her room. Had to wait a bit for that but she carefully massaged my muscles and even requested a bottled water to help ease my tension. Drank that bottle down within a few minutes.. Kinda cold but I didnt care. Brain didnt... Brain freezes hurt. After I got padded and dressed Celestia loaded me into a wheelchair only to wheel me out and to Luna's room. We carefully entered her darkened room, only lit by her handheld game. I heard her sigh. "....Oh Ryder... why lay yourself in the line of fire like that...? Piss off a powerful being.... please awaken soon...." She said. Celestia silently shushed me before picking me up carefully before setting me in her sisters bed. She gasped looing over casting a light spell, illuminating the room. Luna saw me and just held me close. "Ryder! Ryder dont you ever do something like that again! Nightmare Moon could've killed you!" I nuzzled up to Luna.

"He did what he had to sister..." Celestia replied. "...I'm glad you had me wait for him to wake up... I wasnt sure what I'd find but... he's whole... Guess I have to credit Nightmare Moon and Ryder here for my saving...." Luna sighed.

"....At least I could still control myself while channeling Nightmare Moon.... Its always a risk especially when she's pissed off beyond belief.... How about we go get something for you to eat and contact your family?" I nodded and Luna helped me back to my wheel chair before wheeling me out. They both walked side by side, each taking a turn pushing for a few minutes.

When we got to the dining hall I sat with Luna while Celestia went in and started making some food... didnt realize until now she could cook. I pulled my phone out and checked the time. Almost eight at night... Swore it was later. I went to my video call app and started a call to Applejack. I propped it up as Luna got close to the chair I was in. Soon the video turned on showing me and Luna in the corner with the rest of the screen being emblazened with my beautiful wifes face. She sighed looking a bit tired, her mane a bit messy and wearing what I hoped was her tank top. She smiled as she lied back in bed. "Hey there sugarcube... thought you went to bed early... Y'all okay?" She asked.

I sighed giving a nod. "Yeah... Just... Had the munchies... Forgot to eat any dinner..." I replied. "Hows everything at the house? You check on Scoot and the girls at all?" She nodded.

"Yeah. Girls are fine. Scoot had a nice long nap with Dash. Babs was easier havin' to be padded while bein' watched by somepony that aint you or me... Wanna get them in on the call? I can add Dash if she's willin' to answer." I glanced over and saw Celestia coming with a tray of drinks. I looked back.

"Yeah. You dont mind?" She smiled and shook her head.

"Nah. 'course not. Just give me a minute and I'll get her right in." I nodded just as Luna silently shushed her sister as she set down the tray at the end of the table. Set out a few bottles. Soda for me, Luna's energy drink and for her a bottle of sparkling water. "Alright...Should be requestin' in a minute... How're you doin' Princess? Aint heard a word from you yet."

Luna sighed. "Just a bit tired.... Had to rest a bit when we got back to the castle but other than that nothing really much... Still just was worried about my sisters mood but she's fine now." She said. "She gave the chefs the night off and tomorrow. Same with some of the cleaning staff as well as changing the guards for a day as consolation."

"She apologized to Ryder yet for her actions? I aint gonna accept any apology unless he did."

I saw Celestia look to me worried. I just held a had up a bit before looking at my phone. "Yeah. She apologized. Actually believable this time. Broke down, cried almost and not those crocodile tears." I replied. "I accepted that apology and just felt bad for her honestly... Kinda hurt seeing a Princess on her knees crying her eyes out...." She sighed.

"That's good... Glad I dont gotta come and slap a Princess.... I'd be hesitating but if given the word that pushed me over the edge I wouldnt care how bad of a print my hand left." She hummed. "Alright Dash is ready to come in. Anything on your food yet or you able to talk now?"

"Just get Dash in here. Food can wait for a few."

Applejack nodded and started messing with her phone before the screen split in half and Dash's face faded in. She was just sitting on the couch at Flutters place. All I could see was her wearing a teeshirt and her mane in a ponytail. "Hey AJ, Ry. What's going on? Planning another day at the beach?" She asked.

"Nah." I replied. "Beach day can come another time. For right now however is Scootaloo awake? Babs too?" I saw Dash look over to the side and hummed.

"Well... Babs is completely out of it but I think Scoot is in the bathroom... Think Pinkie was giving her a bath last I checked. Let me check...." She grabbed her phone and just held it up a bit. She let it pan around Flutters dimly lit living room with a few sleeping bags attatched together, with Babs, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle snoozing away cuddling with their toys, one spot left for Scoot with her stuffed wolf there. She dipped into the hall stopping at the bathroom door knocking. "Pinkie? You and Scoot almost done in there? Got Ryder on the phone." Heard Pinkie calling out a bit but couldnt make out what she was saying. Dash looked back to the camera. "Just give her a sec. Just got her out of the bath and getting her dressed."

"Speaking of Scoot, she okay after we got back to Ponyville?" Dash nodded.

"Yeah. Woke up about an hour after we got her inside, small accident but she's fine."

"And Babs?"

"She was alright... Applejack had to give me her uncles number just in case she needed it."

Applejack chuckled slightly. "Even let him know I gave it to ya. She at least call and say goodnight?" She asked.

"Yep. Called, said goodnight to him, even I told him about how strong she was from what Gilda told me."

"Good. Gettin' stronger every day...." I saw Dash's ear flicker before looking at the door.

"Ah hold on. Think she's done!" She opened the door still pointing the camera at her face. "There we go. C'mon squirt, got Ryder on the phone."

I smiled as Dash knelt down only to have Scootaloo join her wearing her silk pajamas from the Crystal Empire. "Hi Ryder! Hey Princess!" She said smiling, her mane still a bit wet but looking combed.

I chuckled a bit glancing at Celestia... she was obviously in pain and wanting to apologize to my sister. "Hey sis... How you doing? Everything okay?" I asked looking back at my phone. She nodded.

"Yeah. Just getting ready for bed here. How about you? Are you okay?"

I nodded as Luna sighed. "We're fine over here... Managed to get into Celestia's mind, see what the root of the problem was and... Well..." She said trying to find the words. I huffed.

"It was a bit deeper rooted than we thought.... I can honestly say she's back to normal now and.... She's very sorry..."

My sister crossed her arms turning her nose up at me. "I dont believe you.... How do I know she didnt offer you money to sell me to her?!" She said.

Luna huffed. "Scootaloo now you listen good! My sister and I are not one to buy or sell ponies especially when it means stealing someone away from their family! We are NOT like that." She said.

I sipped at my soda giving a huff. "And no matter how much money someone offered me for you, I'd tell them to take their money and shove it." I replied. "Now if I bring Celestia over here to apologize herself are you going to listen or not?" I watched as she just didnt even move from her 'snobby screw you' attitude stance. "Scootaloo! Answer me! Do I have to start taking stuff away?" Again she didnt move.

Applejack huffed. "Dash, I think you know what to say to her.... Just know Spitfire aint gonna like hearin' she's grounded...." She said. I honestly forgot she was even in the call...

Dash huffed. "Squirt you better listen and listen good! Otherwise you arent spending any time with me for a week, your mother wont take you anywhere fun and I'm sure Ryder will even talk Soarin into not getting you anything for your birthday! And I know he's got something special planned!" She said. She doesnt know what Soarin would be doing. Neither do I for that matter. But... If I wanted to scare her I could talk him into lying about things.

I sighed leaning back. "Yeah... I mean.... He was really thinking about making it a big surprise...." I said still watching for any twitch in movement... Her cheek twitched a bit. "Yeah... Shame.... Heard he was gonna plan something with Spitfire and Thunderlane... Should ask him what he was gonna do when I break the news.... Might just cancel your whole party all together... Even thought about seeing if I could get Sparkplug back... Oh well...."

Luna decided to play along a bit. "Oh... she would've loved my gift..." She said. "Deluxe Preorder of one of her favorite games when she was staying with us.... Pixel Power 8-bit! Supposed to come with a wearable helmet of one of her favorite characters!"

"What was that character again....? Something.... Blast? I just still cant believe she's not gonna-"

There. That made her snap. She's always wanted to dress up as this character. "HER NAME IS DRAGON BLAST!" She snapped looking at the camera scared. "SHE'S MY FAVORITE CHARACTER AND I WANT THE GAME SO BAD AND I WANT SOARIN TO DO WHAT EVER HE HAS PLANNED JUST PLEASE DONT TELL HIM NOT TO DO ANYTHING I'LL LISTEN I'LL LISTEN!" She started to break down hiding her face into Dash's shoulder who immediately went and started comforting her. I huffed.

"Good... Now I'm gonna hand the phone off to Celestia and you're gonna listen to her while she apologizes... Alright?"

Scootaloo nodded and sniffled as Dash motioned to Pinkie trying to get her outside the bathroom. Thinking she may have woken up someone... I handed my phone to Celestia who almost immediately snatched it up aiming the camera at her face. "...Oh Scootaloo please dont cry.... I should be the one to cry...." She said. "...I hurt you so much... my favorite little filly... just..." At this point I looked to Luna.

"Wheel me to the kitchen? I think I might be able to whip something up myself if given the right ingredients...." Luna nodded and wheeled me around the table, Celestia hiding me by turning to the side a bit as she started breaking down holding my phone apologizing to my sister. Luna actually helped me make some pasta for us. Spaghetti, some garlic bread and tofuballs. So good. After that there wasnt really much to do... Asked Luna to hit me with a sleep spell to sleep for the rest of the night. Even cuddled up with Celestia to show I really did accept her apology. That and... well... to make sure she slept alright... Apparently a nightmare did happen the night before and basically scared her awake trying to make sure that the evil didnt take control. When the morning came, Celestia, Luna and I went out to the mall, picked up a few things and only Celestia and I- with a set of guards in a few transports - went down to Ponyville. I swear when we pulled up to Sweet Apple Acres it took maybe a minute or two for Scootaloo to rush out to meet Celestia and.... Honestly it was a heartwarming reunion. Almost like she hadnt seen Celestia for years.... Celestia bought her a portable game console, a few games and even got a little something for me just as a little extra something. Just a money card for my console. Nothing more. Well... I guess until next time.