Life Anew

It's been about a month since I've took a trip through time... Luna cleared my mind.... Of something.... I dont know what but what ever it was she seemed a bit disturbed.... Ah well... Anyways it was early in the morning just starting to get into the winter months. Was cold as hell and I was tired as hell trudging up the stairs, jacket and sweats on, sneakers and no socks. As I got into my room I saw Big Mac standing off to the side and Applejack in bed in warm pajamas. Lucky us the lights were on and the girls were sleeping over at Diamonds.... Applebloom has been getting a little friendlier with Diamond so when they're having a sleep over there has to be someone watching them. They're getting to that 'curious' age. We're not gonna tell her not to do anything but we arent gonna encourage it either. Well... I'm not. Big Mac and AJ already agreed its their responsibility if she uh... gets caught with her hand in her pants. But enough of that. Applejack just looked at me, tired as I was and sighed. "Ry... I thought I told you to be faster than that!" She said. "If this baby were comin' tonight and you were downstairs I'd more than likely be going to give birth in that god damn truck bed like my momma did! Considerin' how it went I dont want that!"

I gave a yawn and stretched. "...Applejack you're not even that far along..." I said. "Can Big Mac and I go to bed now? Its been hours and apparently we arent getting any faster..." Yeah... Remember that plan I had? Cadence delivered. She came down personally a day after I filed that request, helped me say that I feel ready for a family and gave her the moon tea. Even kinda helped us with getting things set up with the conception. Park at night, temperature spell to not freeze, torches for mood lighting and on my god it was exciting. Filled her right up and even cuddled with her after. Cadence had to help us clean up and get dressed only for us to cuddle at Twilight's castle in what is Cadence' and Shining's personal room.

Anyways Big Mac yawned rubbing his eyes. "Yeah c'mon sis.... its nearly one in the mornin.... We got work days here soon and I'm gonna need to call in help just so Ry doesnt get into his moods worryin' you're gonna hurt yourself." He said.

Applejack looked at both of us. She then sighed. "Alright... Fine... Bed time but we're still gonna be working on this shit... Lord knows we're gonna need the practice more and more...." She said pulling up the covers. "Y'all get your rest. We'll start again after breakfast."

Big mac patted me on the shoulder before going out of the room. I sighed and went to turn to follow him. Applejack just cleared her throat. I turned back around and just saw her beckoning me closer. I walked over and sighed. "Applejack come on.... I dont need you to tell me I'm on the couch..." I said. "Just let me go downstairs and sleep...." She sighed.

"Yeah.... You do deserve the couch but y'need to stay up here tonight. Get used to bein' around because accordin' to Twilight and her book readin' its good for us to be together just in case somethin' comes up.... Not to mention the baby can sense when daddy's around." I gave a sigh closing the door and heading over to my side of the bed.

"C'mon AJ that has to be bullshit."

"If it's bullshit then why did Twilight's mother write the book? Ever think of that?" I sighed just climbing under the covers.

"Gonna have to go and have a chat with Twilight about that book.... And dont say it because I already know if I do she's definitely gonna start giving me a lecture on that boo... either that or she's gonna make me study that book and write something on it...." She sighed.

"Just get to sleep....I'll call her up tomorrow, see about that book and if I can borrow it sometime.... Maybe see about talkin' with her mother about that book...." She turned the light off and snuggled up to me. It still took me a bit to fall asleep even. Once I was out I was out. Though it was restful it still felt short. No dream, no chat with Luna or anything. That next morning I was the first one up. Applejack was on the other side of the bed snoring a little. I carefully got up and went for the closet only to grab a fresh set of coveralls. A gift from Twilight. Dark grey, cutie mark on the breast patch. Grabbed that, my work boots and a tee shirt. Had to run to the bathroom to both use the toilet and change. Once I was done I put my stuff back in the room and went downstairs. Grabbed my tools from the shelf in the laundry room and went outside.

As of late my car's been needing a little work. Had to replace filters, change the oil and everything. Today is piston work which is honestly kind of annoying... Gotta take apart the engine a bit take each piston out,find the fucked up one, replace it. Though here's the thing.... I've gotta find one that works because this is a custom made engine. Built it with my hands kinda... Each part made from scratch that my teacher designed. Though I was only given that car because I was caught trying to hotwire my teachers vehicle. I got caught redhanded but I got off free because I had to be put into his shop class the next year and since he saw me change over the year he decided to leave me the key as a gift. Well that... and apparently that class got me my cutie mark. Yeah... I was THAT late on getting my cutie mark. Dad threw me a party and everything but shit went back to normal after that. I opened up the engine compartment and got to work starting to undo bolts and such. I tried keeping this thing clean as I could. In and out. I feel like I wasnt anywhere close to my goal before being startled by a horn down the road. I looked up from under my hood and saw a guard truck escorting a flat bed down the road. I huffed setting my tools down and wiping my hands off on the sides of my clothes before walking out in front of my car, arms raised in the air. I looked back at the house and saw Big Mac coming out still in his pajamas from last night. He rubbed his eyes coming over to me. "What the hell did you do now?!" He asked. "I aint up for even enough time to use the toilet and I come outside to see a guard truck and an annoying tow truck driver wakin' us all up?"

I huffed looking to my brother in law. "Not my fault here. These guys are rolling up all on their own.... Hopefully they're not here to repo anything here......" I replied. "You stay here... I'll see what's going on." I hurried on to the guard truck as it pulled over to the side making way for the flatbed. The guard looked to me as they opened the door and stepped out. "What gives here? Pretty sure you're gonna get me in trouble with the wife just because of someone who was a bit too happy with the horn."

The guard saluted. "Sorry for the ruckus General but we've got something for you." The guard said before they handed me a small stack of paper stapled together. "Just read the report while I help unload it." I gave him a confused look.

"Woah woah what are you even unloading?"

Big Mac cleared his throat. "Uh... Ryder..." He said. I looked back at Big Mac.

"Big Mac get back inside the-" I stopped myself. The flatbed was slowly raising its bed on one end and it lowering to the ground. On that flatbed? A familiar rusty pickup truck. "...what the actual fuck....?" I quickly looked at the paperwork I was handed. A report. A very detailed one. I had to quickly read through this but apparently that was my adoptive fathers truck... they found it at a chopshop outside of town. Most of the truck was unusable, missing many parts and the doors barely could be opened without risk. One window was smashed out, and such. Ponies who took it were arrested, contents returned to owner. And they had my old address. The other documents were what was going on inside the chopshop, how many were detained, what evidence they have against them, including any weapons, other car information and if any escaped. None did. I folded the papers back up and went over to the guard seeing to it that the truck was carefully put back on the ground. "...where the hell did you find this? How did you find this?"

The guard looked to me as they took the papers. "Found a warehouse outside town. Used as a chopshop and apparently. Reports of stolen cars all over Equestria, license plates found discarded, car parts in the open either sorted or scrapped, some might've been going towards recycling yards for cash, others being fitted for other cars. Had to have multiple squads running plates, this one came back with a few hits on the previous owner for illegal drag racing, some unpaid tickets which uh... well... Princess Celestia waived so they wouldnt fall to you and Princess Twilight told us to just give the car to you. Its evidence yes but.... She figured it's best to be left to you. Any and all things inside are yours to keep unless you find something that really should be evidence." He gestured to the truck as it was unhooked. "After you sir."

I gave a nod and went for the truck. This thing saw better days. Rusted paintjob, matted red paint. Almost couldnt determine where the rust started and paint ended. More rust than paint honestly. Even the handles werent safe from that. I had to reach into a busted out window just to open the door... honestly should be wearing gloves for my own car but using gloves irritates me because I dont know if I'm moving shit or not. I opened it up and just looked in the cab. Seat was old leather, springs actually broke through the seat and even they were rusty. Steering wheel was gone, gear shifter was in neutral, and even the radio was missing. I climbed in and sat down in the passenger seat. Put down the sunshades that looked like they had knives dragged across them. Nothing on them but when I opened up the glove box there was a bunch of paper in there, a few tools and a pack of smokes. Immediately gave those to the guard since I dont really smoke. I gave the tools to Mac before looking through the papers. Registration clearly out of date, bills and such and in between all the papers was a notebook. It was about the size of my phone times two width wise. I grabbed it and set the papers down just looking at the cover. Blank, a bit weathered but intact. Big Mac knocked on the window on the drivers side. I leaned over and unlocked the door opening it a bit. He opened it the rest of the way with a loud creaking noise. "Damn Ry.... Havent seen this shit for a while...." He said taking his seat next to me. He looked into the dials on the dash and wiped the dust away carefully. "Huh... Twenty seven thousand miles..... wonder if we fixed it up if it would still run...."

I started looking through the book. "Dunno yet..." I replied. "But check this out.... It's an old journal from my dad... Havent seen this handwriting in forever...." I flipped through a few pages and just read a few entries. First one I stopped at was a small entry about how he was glad to have someone let them adopt a beautiful- yet somewhat annoying- baby boy. Yep... Sounds like me. I looked to Big Mac. "....Let me read this one." I cleared my throat. "...It's been a few weeks since someone let us adopt Ryder... He's the perfect baby experience honestly... as my wife says it, he's a 'beautiful bouncing baby boy'... Even though he annoys the hell out of me with his constant crying this is something I still love him as if my wife gave birth to him.... I'm not gonna say who gave birth to our son but we still have a letter for him to read when he's older so he may know the truth about his real mother what ever becomes of her. We only have that evidence and leave nothing more because she's training to be in the Wonderbolts... That and... Well... its something she doesnt wanna be reminded of on how she even became pregnant in the first place... I dont blame her. I really dont. Keeping this journal for my own sanity... That and... My mother always told me its good to get ideas down on paper no matter if it was good or bad..." My father signed it off with his name. I sighed leaning back in the seat.

"Damn... Musta wrote that when you were just a foal...." He nudged me and patted me on the back. "C'mon, check the rest of the inside out, finish what you were doing with your car and get your ass ready for breakfast. Gotta go pick up the girls here in a few hours." I sighed and got out of the truck just to look under the seats and even under the truck just to make some stuff isnt taped to the undercarriage. Yeah... Sometimes idiot drug traffickers dont hide it in the paneling, the seats, or even in the trunk with things covering. They tape it to some of the underworkings and most of the time catching the packaging on fire and destroying the product because it will fall off and burn in the middle of the road. Most time its weed, on the more rare occasion its the harder stuff. Yeah... It does burn a bit and might attract unwanted attention but sometimes there is still evidence leftover if the fire is put out quick enough and if the plates are caught on a traffic camera then its double the evidence. Anyways I didnt find anything. Just gave the pack of smokes to the guard and just went on my way. I honestly didnt get much done on my car. Just put it back together, didnt clean it or figure out what was going on with it. Just had that damn journal on my mind.

After I washed my hands and put my tools up I just sat on the couch waiting for breakfast to be served just looking at that damn journal on the coffee table, the TV on with the news. Weather, other bullshit going on. Didnt really pay much attention to it. I heard a door open upstairs and just looked back only to see Applejack, fresh out of the shower and changed into her normal clothing. Jeans, flannel and socks. She was just brushing her mane out. "So... What was all that shit out there earlier sugarcube?" She asked carefully making her way downstairs. "I wake up to some moron blarin' his horn, you and Big Mac out there talking to a guard, then come to find they left an ol' truck out front? What gives with that?"

I sighed looking back to the book. "It's my adoptive father's old truck...." I said. "...Apparently it was stolen, used for parts and what not... guess it slipped away while I was in a mood and wasnt even looking... Its... Pretty much the only thing I've got to remember him by..." She huffed as she sat down on the arm of the couch closest to me.

"Well dont let it getcha all emotional. We got ourselves some practicin' to do today after our sisters get back. They're gonna have a role to play if'n you aint home when I'm goin' into labor!" I sighed.

"Lets hope we just keep them asleep during the night when you do start using them.... Girls are still in school and having them tired is gonna make their grades tank and then its gonna be on us when they flunk!" She sighed getting up and going over to the kitchen.

"They aint gonna flunk and a little practice aint gonna hurt em.... Like seriously what's gonna happen if you're off in Canterlot and that baby dont wanna wait? Girls gotta be ready to help me into a car, keep me calm and help breathin' while Big Mac drives. Either that or they gotta call one of our friends, get one of em out here to help, maybe the guard just for help to get to the hospital if'n one of our friends whoever we decide is out of em is the one on call is out of town." I rolled my eyes a bit picking up the journal opening it.

"You're starting to sound as paranoid as I am sometimes.... And before you say it I know what you're gonna say. You're paranoid for good reason, seeing that you dont wanna follow your mother's path and I get that. But seriously... Calm down, take a breather and wait until we're a bit closer to the birthdate."

Big Mac sighed as he put a pancake on a plate with a stack of em already. "Yeah sis... Ever since you came home with his cutie mark on your belly, you've been keeping us up rather late most nights...." He said. "Yeah we're gonna need practice but its gonna be better if neither of us are tired out of our fucking mind...."

Applejack huffed as she grabbed a jug of milk out of the fridge. "Alright... I can see its two against one here..." She said pouring out a glass for herself. "I'll call Twilight, tell her what's goin' on and see what she recommends..."

"Make sure to tell her what time we were up last night sis."

"I'll tell her somethin' alright...."

I huffed as Applejack left the kitchen. "You two stop it now. Stress isnt good for the baby, neither is the lack of sleep AJ." I said. She sat down next to me.

"And what makes you the expert there?" I glanced at her. She sighed. "Alright.... Sleep on time but if that baby comes during the middle of the night we'll do what we can." I sighed looking back at the journal. "Guess'n that was your Daddy's huh?"

"Yep... It was in the truck...." I looked to her. "Want me to read something?" She nodded. I thumbed through the journal a few pages before stopping on one that looked good. "It's been a bout a year since Ryder was welcomed into our family. Happy to say he's got a little cousin on the way soon with my sister and her hubby. Out getting a new bed for the baby now. They dont know if its gonna be a boy or girl yet. Too early to tell but hey, things can change... hopefully because I've got a bet with the wife.... She wins, we buy a mini van and I sell my truck, she loses, we're buying a sedan and I fix my truck up. She thinks its gonna be a boy, I'm betting its a girl. She still wants me to get something a bit unisex for the kid just in case one of us is wrong. Lucky us that one family... think they call themselves the 'Shy's' .... Not what I would've picked for em but they are on toy duty which is kinda bullshit but their little filly already is about two and they have toys to spare. Nice family but I just.... Feel there's something off about em... Seem too nice but I feel like I've just been a bit judgemental... Still cant believe that asshole 'friend' I had was only trying to get close to me to steal my truck... Well fuck him. Not getting my truck no matter how many times he tries.... Things going straight to my son when I cant drive it anymore." Applejack sighed.

"Guess it found its way home somehow..." I sighed setting the notebook down and heading into the kitchen.

"Yep... Maybe not the home it left but its back in good hands. Gonna see about getting that thing back up and running best I can, maybe see about getting it totally refurbished so there's no risk to the girls getting tetnis or what ever.... Things rusty as hell...." She gave a chuckle as I grabbed a couple plates getting a few pancakes on them.

"Yeah well you go on and do that. Should probably go n' pick up Winona from Fluttershy's too...." Yeah... As soon as Winona sniffed at Applejack's crotch after she got home and immediately started growling at me, Big Mac AND the girls. Applebloom was afraid she'd bite her. Fluttershy took Winona and I think she was trying to teach her about not to bite or growl at anyone around AJ. Just hope it worked.

"So, you guys get Winona and I'll grab the girls from Diamonds after breakfast. Sound good?" Big Mac and Applejack just looked at each other as I put butter and syrup on our pancakes and brought them over to the table, forks pinned between my fingers.

Big Mac hummed. "Yeah.... Could do that... dont want Winona walkin' all over me while I'm drivin..." He said. "Headin' out right after breakfast and hope they ate??" I sighed after getting a bite of my pancakes.

"Yep...."

"Well get eatin', aint gonna get anything done on an empty stomach." I huffed and just kept eating my food. Big Mac changed the channel to something more watchable other than the news. Someone decided to just.... Well... Lets just say there was a news story that showed video of somepony running around without clothing.... Most likely on drugs. Though the food was good, TV was just shit this morning. After we were done we sat there for a while, Applejack and I cuddled before I decided it was time to head out. That took about an hour.... Didnt even bother changing out of my coveralls. Just grabbed my wallet, keys, my phone and the journal. I was just cruising buuuut here's the thing about what's been happening with my car as of late.... It's been breaking down. And I know its the pistons because something is gunking up the system. I wasnt even half way to Diamond Tiara's place before my car just backfired and sputtered to a stop. I had to pull it over to the side of the road, kill the engine and just sit there for a moment. I huffed pulling out my phone and going through my contacts. Couldnt call AJ or Big Mac because I'm not risking them getting a ticket because too many fillies are in the cab of the truck without a seatbelt, nor am I getting them a ticket for having someone ride in the back of the truck.... Shining told me AJ nearly got them a ticket when she pissed me off way long ago. Past is the past though. They were going to get Fluttershy, Dash only has a bike, Rarity has the same thing with her truck and Pinkie has too many things inside her van that could hurt someone. My only option? Twilight.

I tapped call on her contact and grabbed my keys before stepping out of my car. I quickly hurried street side. I was right by a couple shops. Coffee shop, clothing shop and a liquor store. None of which I even wanted to go into. Just held the phone up to my ear and paced as the phone buzzed. After a moment the phone clicked. "Oh hey Ryder, What's up? I was just thinkin' about you. Thinking you and Spike could go out digging for some gems if you're up for it." She said.

I huffed. The cool morning air still nipping at my nose. "Yeah sounds good but can I call in a favor please?" I asked. "I need to send a truck to the house of Diamond Tiara. You know the place?" She hummed a bit.

"Yeah. Mansion, gated off, her father a rich entitled cunt who thinks he can bribe me to move my castle someplace else because he 'thinks its an eyesore for Ponyville' ....doesnt it count that I'm a princess?"

"It should but nows not the time to worry about that. I need to get a car down there, pick up the girls and take them back home."

"Why? Something happen and you're not gonna be there in time?" I stayed silent. "Alright. I'll send a car out to the residence and go with them. Anything else while I'm on the line?"

"Tow truck maybe? Need to either get this home or to a garage to work on it for a bit. Damn car died on me here in town. Guard garage if I can or maybe inside the parking structure at the castle maybe?"

"You have your tools?" I sighed.

"At home...."

"Alright. I'll send a truck to you and take it to the house. Dont think the engineers here were happy getting their tools covered in oil last time you used the tools here at the castle...."

"You and I both know I cleaned those tools as best I could with what you gave me! I'll text you the address in a sec." I didnt give her time to answer before I hung up. Grabbed the address from the map app that I had on my phone before going into the coffee shop, getting a drink and returning to my car.... Yeah I said I wasnt gonna grab anything from any of the shops here but just so the shopkeeps didnt get mad that I was just parked here. Warm vanilla drinks are gooooooooood.

Anyways I set my drink in the cupholder as I took the journal from the glovebox. I opened it up and flipped pages until I found one that caught my eye. 'Alright... I'm gonna get the wrath of the wife about being out this late, especially with our son but he's sleeping right on my lap as I write this. He hasnt been sleeping the best, but that's only because of his teacher played a movie that scared the living hell out of him. We're just lucky it wasnt reverting him to wetting the bed.... He had too much of that around potty training. Brought it up to the principal, shut movie day down real quick. Dont know who brought out a horror movie to the class but now there either has to be a limit of movies they cant watch (anything with violence, cartoon is fine though, no blood). Should head home here soon. Gonna keep him home tomorrow, try to get him on a regular nap schedule through the weekend and get him in bed at a reasonable time.... Dont really care if I have to sleep on the couch or anything. Just making sure my boy stays asleep... Just lucky its a 4 day weekend. Also... Note to self.... the wife wants me to pick up something while out, do not leave kid in truck, otherwise he might wake up and freak out....'

I sighed as I picked up my drink and took a sip. I remembered that. My fourth grade teacher brought in a movie and I guess he thought we were gonna watch some family movie buuuuut we ended up watching some horror movie he forgot to take out of his VCR- yep. He brought in his own VCR for it- and the worst part was he forgot to rewind the tape and it made the whole class freak out. He did luckily bring the right movie and apologized with no homework over the weekend but my parents still gave him hell. Nightmares for a few days, had to sleep with dad in the room on the floor which wasnt very long because I was too afraid to go back to sleep. Mom raised hell, Dad took me out on a little calming drive and I nod off. Next thing I know i'm in the middle of a parking lot in the dead of night scared out of my mind wondering where dad was. Inside the store, picking up packaged tea for my mother. I shoved the journal back inside the glovebox and just sat there in silence, listening to the woosh of the cars passing by. Some looked like they were gonna stop, check up on the car or me or something, others honked because they thought I was in the road when they were riding the shoulder. Though those were rare. Still had a few. They're lucky I'm not in a guard truck that runs. They'd be getting a ticket for that. Yeah... Hypocritical of me to do that when I dont even have my four ways on. Didnt even realize though. It wasnt long before the guard was tapping on my window. I stepped out and he gave a salute. "Alright sir, throw it in neutral and we can get it back to your place for repairs." He said. I nodded and did as such. Even grabbed the journal again and my drink before heading to the cab of the flatbed.

Once inside the flatbed I sighed taking my phone from my pocket starting a call to Applejack. I put the phone on speaker and just glanced in the side mirror watching as the guard started lowering the bed of the truck Just then my phone clicked and I heard a sigh. "Ryder what's going on now? Work call?" Applejack asked.

I sighed. "Nope. Not this time.... Fucking car broke down, getting it towed now." I replied.

"You kiddin me? Well what about the girls? They aint staying over there all damn day!"

"I'm not kidding and I might be tired, but I thought about that. We can thank Twilight when she drops the girls off.... Gives you a chance to talk to her about her mothers book...."

"And you're gonna eat those words about her book bein a crock..."

"I swear AJ I'd rather ask the Cakes for advice on this rather than having a mother who's daughter is now Princess of Friendship lecture me on something that happened a while ago! Especially with Shining! Fuckers old as I am! A bit older in fact." Yeah. Few years and a few months older than I am. She huffed.

"Dunno why I even bothered to get you into this havin' a baby thing if'n you dont wanna listen to me...."

"Be glad I agreed to this at all! I easily could've snipped myself and you wouldnt have even known! You would've just asked why you werent getting pregnant!" I huffed seeing the guard start steering the car up onto the flatbed. "I'll see you at home. We can talk more about this then."

"Fine. I'll be talkin' to Twi about the book and if she's suggestin' it I dont want you asking a damn question to the Cakes... I hear that and I'm gonna see if Pinkie cant get them to refuse you service until this kid is born!"

"Fine. But when we talk, we do it CALMLY! Need I remind you about the stress thing?" She grunted and just hung up on me. I huffed stuffing my phone away and just opened the book to read again.

As I thumbed through pages the guard locked the wheels in. When he was done he got back in the truck and looked to me as I buckled in. "Car secure sir. Any last minute requests before we drop you and your car off?" He asked. I sighed.

"Music if you can, rock station and take a few side streets before taking me home please... need to decompress...."

"The wife sir?" I nodded. "Understood. 93.7 and taking Windrider and Cyclone because there's some road construction." I sighed.

"I'd call the wife and tell her but apparently my phone is suddenly dead..." We both chuckled as he fired up the truck and tuning the radio to the station. There were commercials at first but we managed to get some music.

I only flipped a few pages beyond where I read before. This entry was a weird one. Some of it garbled with either movement or something. It was almost uninteligible in some places but I can try to make it legible. 'FUCK! FUCKFUCKFUCKINGFUCK! That kid is just.... WHY THE FUCK DID I AGREE TO RAISE THIS STUPID KID?! Ryder and I were playing ball outside and he fucking broke my god damn prized record! He somehow managed to break a window AND STILL HIT THE FUCKING WALL WITH MY DAMN RECORD ON IT! SIGNED! Now its fucking worthless! I honestly would've loved to give him up for adoption again but the wife says we cant. I was gonna sell that thing at an auction, maybe send him to college! But no! HE'S GOTTA FUCKING RUIN IT! Wife says I'm too hard on him and that it was an accident but that little shit has been a thorn in my side lately! If it werent for the wife, I'm pretty sure there'd be a few guards knocking at my door in a few days.... Yeah... that's how fucking pissed I am....' Right there he looked as if he tried erasing it but realized he was using a pencil without the eraser.

But I do remember that one too... vaguely. I think I got hit on my head with a rock that a neighbor kid threw while I was throwing a ball, that rock ended up knocking me out and I only woke up with an ice pack on my head, mom feeding me soup and dad downstairs hammering nails into the plywood blocking the window until they replaced it. Had to ask why dad was mad at me when I asked him for something..... God how I cried that night.... Mom had to yell at him, tell him to at least act like he still cares about me, act like he still loves me and shit. That was the start of just about the rest of their lives right there.... I just sat there and sighed holding the journal close all the way until we got back to the house. First ones back but I still felt like I was just gonna run into AJ and get my ass yelled at. Just went back into the room after helping the guard with my car. Threw that thing in park and I was just done with it. I took my jumpsuit half way off and tied it to my waist and just lied in bed staring up at the ceiling. Though it didnt take that long for silence to be broken. I heard someone pulling up. I got up out of the bed only to feel relieved that a guard truck pulled up. I opened up the window and hopped out just as the doors opened up and three fillies came spilling out, bags in tow. Babs, Scootaloo and Applebloom. Babs just ran up and gave me a hug. "Ryder!" She said as I picked her up. "Thanks for convicning my dad to let me go with Applebloom to her girlfriends house!"

I gave a chuckle. "Any time Babs." I replied sitting her on my arm. "Speaking of houses, hows yours coming along?" She huffed.

"Its almost there... Dad says its almost time to get moved in but we're still a month out. He at least wants me to pick out some stuff for my room soon...." I smiled a bit setting her down just as Twilight stepped out. She didnt look happy but then again she wasnt pissed.

"Well... Maybe I could see about getting you a few posters signed by my mom... Maybe see about getting in contact with Celestia and seeing about getting some sort of extended gift from some others I've got in mind... Maybe I can tell you who as a reward for a quick height test later this week? Havent done one for a while so I think we're due for something special eh?" She just got the biggest smile on her face there. "I'll take that as a yes.... Now go on inside with your cousins. Gotta talk with the Princess here." Babs nodded and hugged me before running off inside. I looked to Twilight who had a little smile on her face. I sighed. "There's a smile... Rough day Princess?"

Twilight sighed as she leaned against the truck. She was wearing a sweat shirt and jeans with canvas sneakers. "You could say that.... Well... Last night mainly...." She said. "Was a bit late on getting to sleep... Just couldnt stop thinking about how you guys are getting on. How are things by the way?" I sighed.

"Other than the fact that she's had Mac and I up for the past... however long practicing for when that baby comes and Mac and I keep telling her she doesnt need to do that shit this early."

"Well.... You are right she doesnt need to be starting this stuff this early..... I get why she does it though. Though my mother did write the book for 'magical pregnancies'.... meaning Unicorns so I figured I might as well come to break the news about this...." I gave a sigh.

"Thank fuck.... No offence to you or your mother but I knew that book wouldnt help us..." She smiled a bit more.

"None taken. Glad I could prove you in the right I take it?" I nodded.

"Yeah... AJ and I got into an argument on whether or not that book would help us... I dont like trying to say she's wrong on this but we're both as nervous as anything.... me about having my first kid to take care of and her about uh....." I kinda averted my gaze. It was definitely something I didnt wanna think about, let alone utter from my own mouth.

"Yeah... I see what you mean. Still I guess if you need any tips on raising kids you do know a few parents who could probably help...."

"Yep. And I think The Cakes could help me with some things. Their kids are starting to walk but its more recent than our parents could've done with us..." I huffed and looked back at the house. "....There's just so much to do as well.... Gotta make sure everyone fits comfortably, nobody has to squish together because someone has to share a room or give up theirs for storage for a newborn that hasnt been yet. Not to mention how we're gonna be having to try to sound proof the rooms so nobody gets woken up by a cranky baby who wakes up in the middle of the night to be changed..." I looked to Twilight again. ".....A-Are you able to tell I'm nervous about this whole thing?" Twilight sighed and smiled bringing me in for a hug.

"Ryder, everything's gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine...." She nudged me away for a moment and looked back into the truck. "Head back to the castle. I'm gonna be here for a while." I heard the guard nod before we stepped away after closing the door and could only watch as he drove away. Twilight sighed as she walked with me back to the house. "It's your call here but I'm thinking you and Big Mac should take a break, let me take AJ off your hands for a few nights. See if she's at least willing to give you a chance to at least learn something from someone who has more recent experience. The cakes can definitely help, maybe see if I cant find a few others. I'll write down a few tips from someone if I can talk with them. Has AJ been experiencing any morning sickness yet?" I huffed as we stopped at the door.

"Not yet thank goodness.... Got a feeling that's gonna start any time now.... Already know how we're gonna deal with that. Same as when she's drunk or hungover. Hold her mane, wait until she gets it all out and try not to lose it ourselves." She sighed.

"Little much but.... Makes sense... But maybe I have something for you to get out of this house.... Least for a few days while I have AJ and Dash working on something. Maybe go through some breathing exercises and such.... Would you at least agree to schedule a session for breathing exercises and such?"

"Only if its maybe once or twice a week during the day."

"Teusdays and Thursdays alright?" I gave a nod.

"Sounds good. Now... Make yourself at home princess!" I opened the door and let her go inside first. When we entered we saw the girls on the couch watching TV, some with juice pouches in hand. I looked to Twilight. "You wanna watch em real quick while I change into something more comfortable?"

"Sure. Be quick about it." I gave a quick nod while I rushed up stairs and dipped into my room. I quickly changed out of my coveralls into jeans and a new shirt. Even put some deoderant on since I didnt even feel that fresh. Just black jeans and a gems tee shirt. Though I just didnt go back downstairs. Just took a moment to breathe and sat down with the notebook again. I just started flipping through the pages just wondering, hoping there'd be something in here to help me at all. I felt like I was flipping through the pages for only a little while before I got a knock at the door.

I looked up for a moment and saw Scootaloo coming in. I smiled a bit. "You okay in here Ryder?" She asked. Almost forgot I sent her out wearing her jeans and Wonderbolts tee with matching sneakers. "The Princess told me to come check on you, make sure you didnt fall asleep."

I gave a sigh. "Nah.... I might be tired but not just yet." I said looking back at the book. I closed it and set it down before beckoning her over to the window. "C'mere Scoot. Need to show you something." She came right over and I just pointed out the window at the truck. "Recognize that truck right there?"

"...That's.... That's daddy's truck.... isnt it?" She looked to me only for me to nod. "How'd it get there? Where was it?" I huffed.

"It was stolen but.... Guess it found its way back to us.... Would probably make dad proud if I went and restored it... maybe make it safer for you and the family... maybe alter it a bit to make it safer for the baby when it comes along...." I took her hand and led her back to the bed. "But that's not the only thing. Come here. Wanna show you something." I sat down on the bed. She hopped up right next to me as I grabbed the journal and opened it flipping through pages. "This was in the glovebox.... guess Dad had kept this to document his time as a parent.... Says when I was adopted and everything...."

"Is there anything about me in there?" Scoot asked. I hummed.

"Not sure how far he got into this yet. Lets try and find something here...." I started thumbing through the old papers, some were folded, others had frayed edges but still held together. I honestly felt if I turned the pages faster than what I was they would come right off and fall out. I stopped at a few pages and glanced at them for a bit. "Ah... Here.... 'It's finally happening! My wife is PREGNANT! This is our first child we havent adopted! We dont know the gender just yet but we're wanting to wait until it gets more closer to the birthdate. She's hoping its a little colt because she doesnt wanna have that awkward talk about heat cycles and everything like that.... Though I'm hoping for a filly because my son... even though he's a bumbling buffoon at times he's a good kid... always checking in with his mother, making sure I'm alright.... Even with how much hate I hold against him he's still my son god dammit... deserves to know he's getting a sibling. Its a wonder he hasnt gotten his marefriend pregnant yet without how stupid he is.....'" We both blushed a bit.... Me from having to read that and her having to hear it. I closed the book and smiled a bit. "Uh.... Probably a good idea to just head back downstairs, wait for Applejack and Big Mac to get back here.... And uh... AJ's gonna be helping you with the mares stuff there..... just so ya know...." She gave a quick nod. "Good.... Uh... Maybe we find something a bit better to read from dad later..... maybe even contact Luna and see if we cant get a little family visit going on.... Sound good?" She nodded again. "Alright.... Lets go and just a heads up... AJ isnt in the best of moods.... You know what to do right?"

"Stay close, make sure she doesnt yell, if she does, stay calm and try not to freak out."

"Good. Lets just get down there... Princess asks, I was looking for something." She nodded and we both got up and went out and downstairs.

Twilight was still sitting on the couch between two fillies watching TV. I went downstairs and went over to the recliner just plopping down in it while Scootaloo joined Twilight on the couch. Twilight looked to me and sighed. Didnt say anything but we just watched TV for a while. Well... Until we heard a truck pull up. Twilight looked to the girls. "Uh... Time to go upstairs girls.... AJ's here and she's not in the best mood..." She said.

Scootaloo got up and ran over to me while Applebloom and Babs went and raced up stairs. I grabbed Scootaloo and hoisted her up getting her onto my back while Twilight joined me at my side. We waited for the door to open. First one to come in was Big Mac and Winona. Winona just ran around us, barking at Twilight happily before I whistled at her and pointed upstairs. That dog didnt waste any time before running up and down the hall to Applebloom's room. Big Mac took one look at me and let out a silent sigh rolling his eyes. The 'you done fucked up now' look... I had to brace myself as he stepped aside and Applejack came in. She had that ticked look on her face but it wasnt the 'I'm gonna fucking kill you' face. "Ryder.... Put your sister down.... NOW!" She snapped. I didnt budge. Twilight stepped in front of me.

"Applejack I'm going to have to ask you to calm down.... There's no issue here...."

"There is Twilight and its with that moron behind you! Now move out of the way!"

"AJ no! You need to breathe and listen to what I have to say!" Applejack just stared at both of us. Wouldnt doubt that Applejack was staring right through Twilight at me. Twilight didnt even break her gaze. She huffed.

"Fine! But if I dont like it I'll letcha know...." She walked over to the couch and sat down crossing her legs and folding her hands. Big Mac just closed the front door and stood off to the side just waiting for something to happen. I just stayed at Twilight's side swallowing the lump in my throat. Twilight took a deep breath and sighed.

"I came here not only to help out Ryder with the situation with your sisters but because I need to talk to you about what I'm gonna be doing here. Ryder is telling me since you got him to get you pregnant, you've been running him ragged, same with Big Mac for the prepwork. I'm not saying this isnt necessary but its a bit early. Not to mention doing it in the middle of the night isnt gonna be good if Ryder is needed for guard stuff if Celestia is in town or if I need to borrow him.... Neither of us would want him falling asleep standing up or even falling asleep at the wheel..."

I sighed just carefully approaching Applejack. "And yeah... I know what you're thinking... We need as much practice as we can so you dont end up following in your mothers footsteps." I said. "You dont want that, your siblings dont want that and I sure as hell dont want that...."

"Ryder agreed we can go through a few exercises for when the baby comes. Can be one to two times a week depending on what I have going on, could have some with and some without the family just in case. Though as for the next couple days I'm sending Ryder off on a little something with Pinkie Pie. If that's okay with you..."

I could see Applejack looking at me, then Twilight. Then her brother who just averted his gaze nervously. Then she sighed. "....Well.... I guess that's alright...." She said. "....Come to think of it I have been a bit harsh with them.... mood swings got me going crazy at the moment I'm guessin..." She looked to me. "Why didnt you tell me that I was goin' crazy with y'all?"

I just looked at Big Mac. He huffed stepping forth finally. "We did try, you just didnt wanna listen! You were gettin' more stubborn than Ryder trying to butt in with every other word." He said. "Might've seen like we were the stubborn ones but y'all're the one bein' that way sis... Sorry to say...."

Twilight gave a huff. "After today, Ryder is gonna be going with Pinkie since she couldnt ask him herself..." She said. She looked to me. "Uh... You dont mind going with Pinkie do you?"

I shook my head. "Nah. Always wanna help Pinkie. What's she doing anyways?" I asked.

"We'll get into that later. For now, get Scootaloo upstairs, check on Applebloom and Babs, maybe start getting a bag ready. I'll text Pinkie you're on board and get Dash at the castle to get her ready for tomorrow's session." Twilight then looked to Big Mac. "Big Mac, you're welcome to bring the girls along to the castle, I'll even chip in for pizza and soda and I'll even let you call in a guard who's good with kids if you need a break or something. Sound good?"

Big Mac sighed. "Yeah... Guess so.... Better than nothin' I guess...." He replied. "Feels like I'm always left with the girls."

"Alright... I'll see if we can get Rarity here and then you can do what ever so you arent stuck watching them... Deal?"

"Deal." I gave a sigh and smiled as I went past Applejack with Scootaloo riding my back. She clung to me as I made my way upstairs. When we got to the top she dropped down and hurried with me to Applebloom's room.

We knocked on the door before coming in. We saw Babs and Applebloom on the other side of my sister-in-laws bed with Winona between them. Babs hopped up first. "Everything okay? I didnt hear any yelling... Even more worrying than the yelling..." She said.

I huffed. "Everything's fine girls. Go on back to your cartoons downstairs." I said. The girls both nodded and vaulted the bed slightly messing up the covers. Winona just chased them out of the room. I sighed and turned back out of the room.

Scootaloo walked with me back to the bedroom. "....Why does the Princess need to have you go with Pinkie Pie....?" My sister asked as I dug into the closet to grab a suit case out of. I gave a sigh bringing it over to my side of the dresser and opening it.

"Not sure but... It's Pinkie Pie.... She probably needs someone to help her watch over the shop while the cakes are out.... Either that or Mr. and Mrs. Cake are going out of town leaving me and Pinkie alone with the twins...." I started grabbing clothes from my drawers and putting them into the suit case. "Or maybe Pinkie is the one going out of town and she wants me to go with her... But then again when does Pinkie ever go out of town?"

"Only with her friends I guess... Last I heard Dash went with her to Las Pegasus for Mr. Cakes birthday." She hopped up on my bed. "Either that or it was Dash's birthday and Pinkie wanted uh....." She stopped herself when I looked at her.

"A piece of her pie?" Scootaloo blushed and nodded hesitantly. "...Dunno where you heard that from but there might be a couple bits in it for someone to tell me who needs to shut up."

"Dash.... You know how she is.... Always blabbing when she isnt supposed to...."

"Like you on how I peed my pants on that school run?"

"I thought you forgave me for that! Celestia was in a bad spot!" I chuckled a bit going back to my clothes packing.

"I do I do... But if I had to endure it, you do as well.... Got it?"

"Only if you got ten bits for me. Five for the info on Dash, another five for me to shut my mouth about what ever we were talking about with the school...." I looked at her. She just gave me a devilish grin.

"Ten bits it is then you little hustler.... Now I wouldnt do that too often otherwise AJ and Big Mac might get wise to your little trick there."

"Deal." I sighed and got up going for my wallet taking a couple bills out before handing them to her. Then I looked to the journal and picked it up before going back over to my sister and sitting with her giving her the bills.

"How's about we find a better thing to read from Dads old journal?" She nodded and I just started flipping through a bit past where we were. That page... no.... Dad knows what he did.... I found a good one. "Alright.... Here we go." I cleared my throat. "Well... Its a baby girl! I win! I get to keep my truck! My wife was right... writing this stuff down is wonderful. Though I do have to watch what I write because it could look bad to someone else.... Ryder's nearly moved out and he got to meet his baby sister.... Scootaloo is her name.... I just hope one day whoever finds this notebook gives this a read, maybe learn how to be a parent from one who's been one twice over... Kinda hoping we dont have another Ryder on our hands but... hey... kids will be kids.... no matter how much they piss you off... If she does end up being like her brother.... Well... At least its a second chance...." I glanced at Scootaloo. "Honestly.... they did the best with you.... Made the best little filly I could ever call a sister....." I hugged her and kissed her on her forehead while she hugged me tight. I closed the notebook and looked at it. "Hm... Wonder if I should start a notebook of my own...." I looked back at Scootaloo. "You think I should?" She sighed breaking off from me and hoppping up, stuffing the bills in her pocket.

"You should! Maybe.... Maybe tonight we ask Luna about seeing them.... Think we can?" I nodded.

"...Yeah... Give them the good news about being grandparents even though they're not here.... Try to keep em updated...." She smiled and gave me a quick hug before running out of the room and letting me get back to my work on packing.

Later that night I sent a quick text to Luna before heading to bed. Though I had to stay at Twilight's castle for the night because Twilight needed me to be ready in the morning for Pinkie doing- you guessed it- going out of town to see family! I've only met one of her sisters.... if you can call it meeting because I think it was only in that 'scare dream' I had long ago. The one where I managed to stab myself in my sleep somehow.... Yep.... Anyhow I went to sleep and was immediately met by Luna who had Scootaloo in her arms. We were both in our pajamas from Canterlot. Scootaloo even got some new ones since the other ones smelled like piss.... maybe mine did too... But yeah... We were both in our Canterlot pajamas, made of silk, mine black as the night with a white monogram on the breast, Scootaloo's were a light blue, same thing with the monogram. Luna smiled as I went and hugged them both. "There we go! Right on time." Luna said. She looked to Scootaloo. "Are we all ready for a visit with the parents?" I broke away so she could set Scootaloo down and join me.

"Yes Princess. Ready when ever." She gave a nod before readying herself. Didnt need to tell us what we needed to do. Hugged each other, eyes shut tight while she transported us. When we opened our eyes moments later we found ourselves in the clouds. Luna took Scootaloo's hand and we started walking until we came upon Heavens Light. She was sitting in her throne reading a book.... Though the characters on the book were something I didnt even recognize as a language. Luna cleared her throat making her mother jump a bit before setting the book down.

"Apologies for the interruption mother but I have a few visitors here. May we see their parents?"

Heavens Light smiled as she stood from her throne. "But of course Luna, these two are always welcome." She said. "Come come no time to waste here!" She beckoned us as she walked off to the side. We went to an open area before she raised a hand up and brought the doors raising from the ground. She swiped through them like apps on a phone before they stopped on our parents door. She gestured to the door. "After you General." I gave a nod and released my sisters hand before going to the door and giving a knock and stepping back.

We waited a moment before the door opened revealing our father. Scootaloo ran up first and hugged him. "Surprise Daddy!" She said.

Dad laughed a big hugging his little girl. "Scootaloo! Definitely is a surprise!" He looked to me as I joined the hug. "Ryder! Good to see ya son! How are things?" He asked just as Mom came from upstairs... God every time I see this place it makes me miss the old house...

I sighed breaking off. "Mind if we come in and take a seat?" I asked.

He nodded and took us inside. Luna sighed. "I'll be out here for when you two are done! Need to have a talk with mother here." She said. I gave a nod and a wave before closing the door behind us.

When I turned back I saw mom on the couch cuddling with Scootaloo. I just sat on the arm of the couch as Mom gave a sigh. "My sweet sweet children.... Thank you for visiting..." She said. I smiled.

"Always happy to visit.... We miss you as much as you miss us.... Maybe could ask Luna and Celestia for another family dinner but... Maybe it can wait for a special occasion.... Because I've got some big news." My mother and father looked to each other before they looked back at me.

"What's going on?"

"Well first off...." I looked to dad. "It seems a peice of history turned up on my doorstep quite literally this morning... That old truck of yours came right back around to me...."

Dad gave a huff. "That ol tin can lives through just about everything.... still thought you had it after we went our own ways..." He said.

"Not to be mean but that truck wasnt on my mind at the time of your deaths..... Apparently it went and got stolen and I never noticed.... But its back, might be missing a few parts but its still there. Even thought you'd like to know I'm gonna restore it in your honor... New paintjob, might have to have help with the engine and such but I want it to be something a part of the family and maybe a good secondary truck for the family just to help with somethings... Maybe even try to turn it into a family van because well... I know this doesnt mean much to you while you're here but... You guys are grandparents!" My parents just looked at each other with the most shocked look on their faces before my mother shoved my sister into dads arms and jumped up to hug me, squealing almost. Dad set Scootaloo down and got up.

"Well... There's another bet I lost.... Your mom and I were betting whether or not you'd even go through with the family thing.... But hey.... No matter what that kid does... do NOT make the same mistakes I did...." I sighed prying my mother off of me and sitting her down.

"No worries there.... I've got your notebook to remind me.... Even thought you'd like to know I'll start my own one, doccument my own experience with family matters.... Also not sure if you can but... any advice for a new father?"

My mother took a deep breath and sighed as my sister climbed into her lap again. "Well...." She started. "First off, try not to freak out. Babies are going to cry for a while and will keep you up. Coffee, energy drinks, naps when ever you can get them always help. Regular diaper checks for the first few years, try to have them potty trained by four.... and I think that's about as much as I can give..."

Dad hummed. "Well... Notebook is a little help but... Yeah that one idea with the truck on turning it into a van isnt a bad idea.... Though... I'd rather have the truck still be a truck.... Never know when you're gonna need to haul some stuff... I know you love your car but that thing isnt gonna be able to haul shit. No offense."

I smiled a bit. "None taken...." I replied. "....I feel like I should let the other party know of the new addition as well... Dunno if I wanna have Luna bring AJ and the family over to do it herself or if I should...." Dad sighed and pulled me onto the couch letting us hug as a family.

"Nah... I'd say let her surprise her parents.... stay here and just let us be a family...." I just sighed and hugged my parents and sister.... Yeah... Definitely gonna ask Luna for a family visit at the house.... Anyways from here? Its until next time.