Life Anew

It's the next morning after I was rudely awakened by a mare who apparently got thrown out of a portal she had gone through, not to where she wanted but somewhere in between. I arrested her, nearly hurt her, scared out of my mind because of my wife giving birth any fucking day now, my sister is off with Uncle Orange and I had to haul two drunk mares- one being the mare who fell out of the portal, named Sunset who I risked my job over just to get Twilight to see reason to trust a random intruder into her castle. I honestly didnt sleep well. Woke up a few times... Once because Sweetie Belle needed a toilet, another because she just kept shifting in bed and the last was because I needed the toilet.... and Sweetie Belle was hogging the covers a bit. When I woke up in the morning I got dressed and had to wake Sweetie to have her get dressed and walk her down to the kitchen before having to head to find Rarity and Sunset and make sure they were alright. Didnt have to go all the way to the room because I found a few guards outside the bathroom closest to their room and I could hear groans and heaving. I sighed looking to one of the guards. "How long have they been up and in there?" I asked.

The guards looked to each other before the other looked at me. "About a half hour." They said. "One woke up grabbed a bucket, the other ended up nearly losing everything and we had to carry both mares here." I huffed.

"May I enter?" They both nodded and stepped aside. I knocked on the door only getting a loud whine from one of the mares before hearing them heave... I gave it a moment and looked to the guards again. "Get water. Have someone even make them something light for their morning meal." They nodded and started hurrying away. I looked back at the door before slowly entering. I saw Sunset huddled by the toilet with Rarity holding her mane, both mares looking a bit worse for wear. "Morning you two. Sleep okay?"

Rarity sighed a bit fixing her mane. "Ryder darling... this isnt the time...." She said. "Sunset here may have had a bit too much and neither of us are feeling alright.... Some not feeling at all well than others..." I huffed.

"Apologies for that but it was an honest question. And considering your answer... I'm gonna say no, you didnt sleep well... Any reason other than being drunk?"

Sunset gagged a bit. "...I... May have knocked the bucket near my bed over waking us both up.... nearly... p-pissed myself again and..." She said covering her mouth.

"...Nausea?" She choked it down and nodded before it came right back up and she lost it again. I sighed. "Well that's what those buckets were for.... Need some anti-nausea meds?"

Rarity groaned a bit as she hesitantly flushed the toilet. "...Would you kindly? I still want to shower and do my mane before breakfast or uh... Maybe... Lunch... if I can stomach it..." She said. "I dont think Twilight would like it if I was at the table still smelling of Cabernet..."

"Could say the same for our friend here.... Could see if we can get her some deodorant, clothes to wear and.... maybe a little protection... just in case.... and I suggest you wear some too Rarity. I remember when you have wine you could drink yourself under the table and right into your own pants even if on accident." Rarity sighed.

"Go to my room, make my bed if Sweetie used it and I should have a pack under my bed that are.... discreet but extra absorbent for these emergencies. As for deodorant.... I think Dash has some in her room. I'll see if I cant get her to stand long enough to get her washed up but uh... Maybe not before the medication for our stomachs...." I gave a nod and just went for the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Always a tidy stash of whatever to fix your pain or your gut. Grabbed some nausea meds and left them to get reacquainted with being on their own two feet. Hurried back to raid Rarity's and Dash's room for what was needed, even found the room we gave Sunset and grabbed some clothes for her... and yes... I brought Rarity her clothes as well. Luckily both of them were waiting until I brought what was needed before getting their shower... That and they were making sure they werent gonna puke in the shower... Even made sure they had empty bladders before that.

After that I told the guards to bring them to the dining room after they were done. I wanted to get at least something to eat before they got there... or ruined my appetite.... When I got there Spike was in the middle of cooking and Sweetie Belle was sitting at the table sipping some juice with Twilight. Twilight looked to me as I went for the fridge. "So hows Sunset and Rarity doing?" She asked.

I gave a sigh grabbing a seltzer water. "Getting better. Still not feeling too well after last night but then again... who would?" I asked.

"Figures. Everything covered with them just in case?"

"Eeyup... Just like Scootaloo with apple juice." Sweetie Belle kinda snickered a bit. I'm not gonna snap at a filly but at least she knows.... Scoot has some accidents if she drinks apple juice that isnt watered down. Happened one night before mom and dad died. Way before I even came back home. Mom gave her some juice one day, went down for a nap, wet the bed, washed up, drank some juice later and pissed herself while watching TV with dad and she said she didnt know she needed to go. Yep. Mom learned after a few times not to give her apple juice until it was watered down a bit. Still unsure what in the juice causes it but... yeah.... Weird it doesnt happen when she eats apples or apple sauce, pies even.

"Good. Dont want any more ruined clothes... Speaking of which I need to get Sunsets back from the laundry room." She looked to Sweetie Belle. "You have clothes here right?" Sweetie nodded. "Alright. After breakfast I want you to go get ready. Might see if we cant get you over to Babs' place so your sister doesnt have to help you while not feeling well. Gives her some time to rest." She looked back to me. "You wouldnt mind calling ahead and seeing if its alright would you?"

"Dont mind at all. Gives me a chance to check on Scootaloo."

"Alright. Can you wait outside and do that? Spike is almost done with pancakes and we have muffins in the oven as well."

I gave a nod and went back out to the hall.... Though I realized I forgot my phone in the room. Had to hurry back, grab that and on the way back I called. Called Big Mac straight away and he answered FAST. "Ry what is it?!" He asked sounding panicked. "AJ going into labor already?"

I huffed. "No not yet... Trust me I'd let you know if she was." I said. "Just calling to see if we'd be alright dropping Sweetie Belle off over there. Had to get Rarity from her place when she was drunk with an unexpected guest Twilight had and now we have two hungover mares and a filly with us and I dont think Sweetie would wanna be around Rarity post wine drunk...."

"I'd say yeah but... It's Uncle Oranges place for that answer... Lemme ask him..."

"Alright. How's Scoot doing while I got you on the horn?"

"She's good. Just nervous about being an Aunt while 'Bloom is just going off about how excited she is."

"And are you nervous about being called 'Uncle' for once?"

"Shit... Probably gonna be as weird as someone calling you and AJ daddy and mommy.... Hold on here." I heard him take the phone from his ear. "Scoot! C'mon over here. Got your brother on the phone! Gotta ask Uncle Orange somethin'."

I heard the phone shift for a bit as I turned the corner heading towards the kitchen. "Ryder? Am I an aunt yet?!" I heard Scootaloo ask.

I gave a sigh. "Not yet. Just checking on you, seeing how you're doing." I said. She sighed.

"I'm alright... Just... Nervous? I'm just.... I'm not sure."

"You and me both sis.... Hopefully we still get that house rebuilt soon... Celestia says she's gonna get us some help with that so we're not the only ones helping rebuild that house..."

"And I hope we get it soon... Starting to feel like I'm living with Celestia again... minus all the guards around...."

"Well dont worry there. Should only be for a while longer. Might see if I cant get you guys together over here for dinner one night but uh.... If AJ asks for a bit of whatever you're eating.... Tell me and I might see about giving you a bit extra... she ate what I was gonna eat last night."

"Again?"

"Yep... didnt have a choice in that matter and couldnt exactly argue with a pregnant mare.... How's Applebloom and Babs doing over there by the by?"

"Babs is alright. Still waiting on her new phone to arrive. Applebloom is just napping again today because apparently the bed she has is making her feel weird. I get that feeling. Like when you and I had to live at Sweet Apple Acres after our house burned down. I slept in the bed but it didnt feel like mine... You get used to it."

"Yep. Gets easier when there's someone close to help you get used to it.... That or a stuffed toy. Either works as well." I huffed as I neared the kitchen a bit and heard a bit of laughing and some good smells coming from it.

"Is Big Mac done talking to Uncle Orange? I gotta go here soon."

"Uh.... Yep he's coming. Love you!"

"Love you too sis. Talk with you later."

I heard him take the phone and tell Scoot something before he got more clearer. "Alright Ry, just asked and you're clear to bring her over. Only gonna be for the night right?" He asked.

"Yep. Rarity's gonna rest up for now and we're gonna try to get everyone else here to make our guest a bit more comfortable with her situation...."

"Whos this guest?"

"Better if I dont tell you... Lets just say magical bullshit."

"Got it... You just get on now. See ya soon Ry." He hung up as soon as I got into the kitchen.

There I saw Twilight sitting with Sweetie Belle, Rarity and Sunset with Spike sitting on the counter munching on a muffin. Sunset and Rarity were dressed but uh... Could kinda see what they were wearing a little bit with them being a discrete size. Sunset looked to me as I grabbed a muffin and took a bite out. "There he is...." She said still sounding tired. "You good sir? Thought you got lost getting back here."

I huffed swallowing my bite of muffin... blueberry and chocolate chips.... Yum. "Nah. Forgot my phone." I said. "Had to call up someone, see if we cant drop Sweetie off so she isnt here bored out of her mind or annoying you two after last night."

Sweetie stopped sipping on some juice and looked to me. "Heey!" She snapped.

Rarity sighed. "Sweetie Belle please.... He doesnt mean it like that but... I'm still not feeling well and Ryder is on duty so there would be nobody to watch you and you do get bored easily. At least with what I assume is his plan is that you should be with your friends for the night tonight."

I took another bite of the muffin. "Exactly!" I said with my mouth full. "After breakfast we're gonna get your stuff together and I'm taking you down to Babs' place until your sister gets better." Sweetie nodded and just started eating... Two muffins. She ate two muffins. Everyone else ate and blahblahblah do you really care what happens between here and anything else? I took her, got her dressed, grabbed a bag of clothes for her and just drove her to Babs' place. Everyone was happy to see me, dropped her off and came back. Though on my way back I got a call... Pulled over and checked.... Celestia. I huffed and killed the engine before answering. "Yes Princess?" I asked.

Celestia huffed. "Ryder. I want to know who this guest is and how they got there. NOW!" She snapped.

"Uh... everything alright Princess...?"

"General.... Do NOT! Make me ask you a second time! WHEN I SAY NOW I MEAN NOW DAMMIT!" I almost fumbled with my phone here dropping it almost.

"Its a mare. She goes by Sunset Shimmer. She fell out of a portal and she's not even from here!"

"And did you see her fall out of this portal?"

"No but-"

"But NOTHING! Ryder. I want you to arrest her and hold her somewhere until I get there. Unless there's proof of this, Twilight will not get that book.... If I dont see that mare in cuffs when I get there you'll both be spending a long time in Tartarus..... Do I make myself clear?" My heart dropped. I swallowed a lump in my throat and I swear almost as immediately as she said that I started sweating. "General... DO I MAKE MYSELF FUCKING CLEAR? DO I NEED YOUR UNDERLINGS TO CAPTURE YOU AND HER?!"

"No no nononono! I understand Princess!"

"Good. Go. NOW!" She hung up before I had a chance to ask why. I quickly turned the car back on and started calling Twilight.

"C'mon! C'monc'moncmon PICK UP!" I floored it peeling out before racing towards the castle.

The phone rang for a bit more before it went to the voice mail. "Twilight here! Leave a message please! Probably engrossed in my reading here!" I heard her say before the beep.

"Princess! We have a huge huge HUGE fucking problem! If you hear this before I get back to the castle, wait for me on the helipad. I'll be up there as fast as I can. Send all guards there inside and for fucks sake PLEASE DO NOT ANSWER CELESTIA! Just.... Pretend you were actually reading! PLEASE!" I hung up and just focused on driving. Weaved in and out of traffic, blew through lights and it maybe took only at most ten minutes before I got to the castle. Slammed on the brakes stopping right in front of the castle. I hopped out and raced for the front door. "CAR PARK IT! KEYS IN IGNITION!" I yelled at the guard before taking off in front of him flying as fast as I could going all around the castle and up to the helipad.

There I saw Twilight pacing back and forth on the helipad. I landed and just wheezed trying to slow my breathing... Just collapsed to my hands and knees. She rushed over to me and looked me over real quick before using a calming spell on me just laying me on my back. "Easy EASY! What is going on?!" She asked. I started breathing more slowly and coughed a bit.

"P-Princess Celestia.... PISSED...." Her eyes sunk back in her head. "Sunset.... She wants her arrested..... Dont... Dont wanna go to Tartarus....."

"Wait wait... Did.... Did she threaten to send YOU? To fucking TARTARUS?!" I gave a nod. "Why the fuck does she wanna do that?"

"I... I have to arrest... S-Sunset... Otherwise.... that...." Twilight sat me up.

"Did you try to tell her she came through a portal????" I nodded again.

"She... She didnt believe me...."

"Did you tell her about the evidence we had that she did???"

"She wouldnt let me.... Just... Ordered me to arrest her or else I'm thrown into Tartarus with that motherfucker that destroyed half of Ponyville and your home...." Tirek.... I was hiding in a tree in my jumpsuit for the garage at the time.... I was lucky enough to not get blasted or my cutie mark magic taken away. Seeing everyone get theirs taken and all that shit blasted? I was expecting dead.... Lucky he was... merciful in that department.... Maybe a few dead because of the panic... dont remember.

"If you get thrown in with him, show him you're not his bitch but that he's yours.... Not that you will get thrown in there but we have to do something!"

"Sunset... She has to know why Celestia would be pissed at her! We need to speak with her before Celestia gets here... and I'm not sure how long it will be before then...." She helped me to my feet. "Go to your room, I'll go get her and explain the situation, even see what she wants to do about this..."

"No... She- She might panic...."

"She's gonna panic either way... What do you propose?"

"Just... bring her to my room... a-and a water.... we might need to cuff her and use an anti magic ring on her just so we can sit her down and ask her some questions before then... Maybe see if she has any input on what we can do.... And why Celestia is wanting her arrested...." Twilight nodded and helped me towards the door. Had to hand me off to another set of guards to help me to my room.

Once I got to my room they gave me a water and stood outside waiting for Twilight and Sunset.... I almost didnt want to ask for cuffs or the ring... I did anyways and just hid them in the drawer next to my bed. I sat there. Staring at the crib.... imagining my wife crying, the baby screaming, wanting daddy to calm them.... I was scared.... I didnt wanna lose the trust of a new friend who we're trying to get home... nor did I wanna be sent to Tartarus.... It's where the most dangerous magical creatures and ponies are sent.... Tirek being one of them.... Not sure what else is there and do I wanna learn? No. No I do NOT. I was only snapped out of my trance by a knock at the door. The door opened and in came Twilight and Sunset. Sunset was wearing her leather jacket again with her tanktop and jeans and boots. Still saw a bit of the diaper. She gasped and just came to my side. "Ryder! Ryder you... You look scared.... You alright? What happened? Was there a spider?" She asked. I shook my head and stood up. I gestured to where I was sitting before drinking a little more water.

"Sunset.... Please sit.... We... we have some questions to ask you...." Hesitantly she listened and sat where I did. I looked to Twilight.

Twilight met my gaze and sighed before looking to Sunset. "Sunset... We need you to stay calm right now...." She said. "We want you to answer each of our questions truthfully.... Calmly. Do you understand?" Sunset nodded. "Alright... First question... Is there any reason that Princess Celestia would want you arrested?" I saw her face turn from confusion to shock. Shock like what Twilight gave me when I told her Princess Celestia wanted to throw me into Tartarus if I didnt follow orders. Sunset took a deep breath and sighed.

The unicorn mare stuttered a bit as if she was choking on her own words trying to force em all out at once. She stopped for a moment and just huffed. "...Years ago.... Not sure how long at this point I was a student of hers...." She said. "Celestia's school for the gifted..... Taught all the fillies there magic and she decided to teach me personally.... I grew, I did more and more magic but when I asked if I was ready she told me I wasnt.... Told me all my magic use was sloppy and dangerous.... I went through hell trying to prove to her that I was ready, that I was what she was looking for.... I wasnt.... That's when I flipped out, used my magic to attack her.... That's when she sent me to the world where I took that picture with my friends.... I figured out how that portal worked.... Snuck in to listen in on everything every so often... And when I heard she was talking about a 'princess of friendship' I knew what I would do.... Wasnt the right thing now that I think about it but I stole that crown, brought it to my world... I was pursued by that Twilight who I was going to see.... Lord you should've seen the destruction I left at the school...."

"You attacked Celestia?"

"Yes... I regret it.... But... in the universes I'm from? She knows I regret what I did.... She missed me and she just... admitted she should've taught me better... I wouldnt have been a Princess of Friendship but... She said I could've taught some magical things to the new fillies...."

I huffed. "So... That's why she wants you arrested...." I said. "...Well.... In your universe... But now... the question is... where would she put you if not in another universe....?"

Twilight sat on the bed. "Yeah.... I never had my crown stolen by you or anyone for that matter... Unless you count my brother but that's a different story all together..." She said. "And you seem like you do regret it.... I've heard that tone too many times... Spike, my friends... my idiot General...."

"HEY!" She looked at me.

"You know its true!" I blushed and averted my gaze. She looked back to Sunset. "We have two options.... One? We have you cuffed and explain to her how you're here and show what evidence we have.... Or uh... the option that sends you AND Ryder to Tartarus...."

Sunset swallowed a lump in her throat.... She even tightened her legs a bit... maybe peed a bit. That's when she got an idea. And I know the look of that... Any time I do something stupid in a game or decide to jury rig something together. "Maybe that's what we do then...." She said. "It's a stretch but.... I think I know where I've been sent here.... I havent taken your stuff because there was no way I could escape.... The only place you cant escape from is the exact place you can think of!" ....Yeah try telling that to fucking TIREK.

I was looking at Twilight as she started putting pieces to a puzzle together. "No normal pony could escape there.... especially with restraints, anti-magic cages and a battalion of guards ready to pounce at any moment to anyone who tried...." She said. She looked at me. "And I think we know just how to do it....."

My heart dropped. "NO! NO no way in HELL am I doing this! Can we just cuff her and show Celestia the evidence?!" I asked.

"She might dismiss that evidence as faked knowing what we know about Sunset. This is a huge risk I understand but when it comes to friendship, and especially inter-dimensional ones? I do NOT mess around!"

"Twilight... I'm risking my neck for this.... If Sunset from our world isnt there you better hope that whatever Tirek did looked worse than what I can do to this place otherwise its gonna look like a fucking playground pants pissing!"

"If she isnt there, I'll do whatever it takes to get you back. Money, revoking my Princesshood whatever. And if she is, anything and everything goes. I wont ask questions, I wont tell you to stop, I wont even say no even though you know I hate saying it!"

"Vacation, paid, foal supplies that last me and AJ for a while and that replenishes until its not needed and maybe some private time depending on what's going on. And if I get stuck in there, take care of AJ, give my family whatever they need and just brace yourself. Now go. Get an ETA on Celestia and let me know before she gets here.... I... I want to spend time with AJ...."

"Unfortunately I'm gonna have to bar you from seeing Applejack until we're done... I dont want you getting distracted and having Applejack see you get arrested.... Just go to my throne room, grab a beer or something from the fridge before heading up if you wanna calm your nerves. Just... No contact with AJ... Dont wanna have her panic and put your foal at risk... We're so close and if something happens now...?" I huffed.

"....Alright.... I wont see AJ... Just... If Sunset isnt in Tartarus and I get stuck there.... Try to convince Celestia to tell her something comforting until the foal is at least a year old.... Scoot? Just... Do what you must...." She nodded. I looked to Sunset. "When Celestia gets here... stay near Twilight, dont fight and dont run.... Understand?" She hesitantly nodded. I just drank the last of my water and dug into the drawers grabbing the cuffs and the anti magic ring. We all left and went our separate ways. Once I got to the throne room I just set the cuffs and ring on the map... table... thing... its still weird for me even though I only saw the map once. I walked over to the balcony and just leaned over.... Looked at everything... Mostly at the street below. Dunno if I was trying to make a plan for attack, plan of escape or just checking the road for a convoy.... To know what I would be doing once Celestia got here... I even got on my knees and just said a quick prayer that would somehow let Sunset- the one from our universe- be in Tartarus and have me walk free after this... I went and sat down in Dash's throne and just carefully hit my hand on the arm of it. My luck was a cooler popping up right next to me. I grabbed the first drink I saw.... Tea.... Flavored with cherries and hibiscus.... I drank it slowly just.... staring at the cuffs and the ring.... Wondering how I could use them... Should I just leave the cuffs and take the ring to the nearest guard? Do I fake like I was going to get Sunset? Lure her into a trap somehow?

I was honestly lost in thought for quite a while. A bit... too long.... I thought I had time and went and just picked up the cuffs but as I was about to leave the throne room... It was too late. I already saw Celestia coming my way, squad of guards and Sunset already with restraints, a ring for her horn and a bite guard.... Not like a mesh mask. Like.... Something that looked like one of those psychological horror movies has with some serial killer. Sunset just looked as worried as I was. I just started backing away slowly before just falling back and just kept trying to scoot away. "RYDER WHEELER!" Celestia yelled. Before I had a chance to react I already had several guards pile onto me.... Didnt even see where they came from. I was forced into restraints both for my arms and for my wings, even had a strength diminishing collar.

"P-Princess! Please! Listen!" I said as the guards stood me up.

"Listen? To what? Your cries will fall on deaf ears... I gave you an order... You disobeyed a specific instruction... She escaped from her prison and fooled both you and Twilight.... My only regret about this is leaving your sister and wife without you and your foal without a father.... As of now you are both terrorists, an affront to my power and leadership.... a mark on Ponykind and that of my guard for you specifically.... I hope you have come to terms with this.... You are going to Tartarus for life however long that may be...." I could feel Schrivechnya white in the recesses of my mind, wondering what to do.... wordlessly I told her to stay. Tears building up in my eyes, scared, not knowing what awaited me. And here? Something i never wanted to see.... Not with Celestia just showing it off to me, Celestia pissed beyond belief with her mind clouded by 'Daybreaker' or even what's happening now.... Her horn glowed red before shooting a beam at a wall... That beam flattened into a strip that opened up and... God it was horrible... Red rock lined floor, darkness... It was almost like she was sending me straight to her fathers domain with death still being inevitable. I looked to Sunset who looked as if she was worried too... We were pushed to follow Celestia through the portal. I could swear I even caught a glimpse of Twilight in the hall before being led in. "Assassins, creatures of power, terrorists like yourselves.... All here serving their sentence, some with an end in sight, others with an end that is forever prolonged... Most faces are unknown both to you and those not destined for here.... You'll get acquainted soon though.... And then there are those that you know all too well... Faces that are logged into our history books.... Tirek, the magic sucking centaur.... Multiple attacks, and we still prevailed over him... He wasnt ready for the amount of magic that Twilight had stored within her... She handled it pretty well. Understood what it meant to be a Princess of Equestria.... Something you two lack the understanding to listen to...." We stopped at an intersection. "Now... Where can I put you two...." I looked around.... Cages lined the walkways and it smelled like a mare in heat was sitting in a septic bath full of shit and piss and even someones rancid vomit. She looked to one of her guards. "How about we take them to where Sunset is going to be staying...? I know someone around there that would LOVE to see me.... and a fresh new face to terrify...." She glared at me. I swear I almost pissed myself and puked.... I was panicking but it was a silent panic.

I heard one of the other guards gasp. "You... You dont actually mean him do you?" The guard asked frightened... Probably about as much as I was... Maybe less... Dunno...

"Yes. HIM." Celestia replied. "My presence would only taunt him.... And with him seeing fresh faces? Would only piss him off more...." She continued walking down towards the left... We went down a ways, made a right, walked down steps, each step feeling like I was about to take a flying leap. That's when the panic attack set in.... I started struggling and crying choking on my words trying to say something. The Princess looked to me as the guards struggled with me trying to get me back on my feet. She grabbed me with her magic and brought me over to her. She said nothing as she threw me over her shoulder. We kept walking downstairs. She held my legs together and my hands to my side as we descended. I could see Sunset get more worried and it was like a balloon filled to the point of popping with air but it needed that one last push to blow it. "You know... Never in my life time would I have had to place an escaped Tartarus convict who managed to fool a Princess and my General.... and when my General refused orders? He bought himself a ticket straight here.... Let this be a lesson to the rest of you. Follow orders, do as you're told." We reached a plateau and came into a large room... It was only lit by torches... There was even a large metal doors. Celestia set me down and just made sure I stood on my own two feet. The guards stood Sunset next to me. She just turned about and looked at us. "Welcome home you two... Maximum security...." She zeroed in on Sunset. "....I do not understand how you escaped but you're going right back in! This time you're being chained to the ground!" That. THAT! That was the answer I needed. My fear turned to excitement and I just grinned. A very devilish grin.... One Celestia's father would be proud of. Speaking of which, Celestia looked to me. "And what are you smiling about? You're going to be chained down too!"

A guard gave an uneasy cough. She looked to him. "Ma'am... Shall we get tranquilizers ready?" They asked. Celestia looked to me.... A bit worried.... Then back to the guard.

"Yes.... Do not fire unless he makes a break for it." A moment passed and I heard four or five guns cock. One then three then a few more.... She looked to a guard that didnt have a gun trained on me nor had us being held where we were. "Open it." The guard nodded and rushed to the door grabbing a few small handles and then prying at them... The doors moved slowly but gave a loud creak as they opened. We waited. Light came through the door. Sunlight. Maybe more fire. I wasnt sure until it fully opened. Sun. But just enough to shine through the room a bit showing dozens of empty cages... One being occupied by Tirek... Old and weak looking... not like how he looked when attacking Ponyville all those years ago. I looked at the other cages.... Empty one after another until my eye caught a glimpse just beyond another in a corner.... One with a mare chained to a wall by one arm, her red and yellow mane a mess.... Celestia didnt notice her at all. Just kept eyes on Tirek who stared right back. That weird Centaur he was.... Magical and just.... that dangerous even looking like a frail old man from a tome of fantasy. Celestia glanced back at me. "Ryder... I'll be generous and allow you to pick somewhere to stay considering you'll have to share this place with a few others.... You'll have to wait until we get Sunset back to where she-" She turned her head towards the cage with the mare inside and stopped. Frozen as if she had just been caught in a picture. I could see Sunset looking at herself all chained up.

The Sunset in the cage glanced up for a moment and froze.... Both from Celestia and seeing herself. "P-Princess..... I....." She mumbled a bit.

I cleared my throat. "Permission to speak Princess?" I asked. I felt a gun push into my back. Celestia looked to me and then to the guards giving a hand signal. 'Back off'. She then looked back at me giving a nod taking a quick glance at Sunset next to me. "....I've heard what she did from who had caused herself great trouble.... I risked my ass to show you it was true what I said, her coming from another world. I tried telling you about evidence we had but you wouldnt have it.... And think of it this way.... Do you think finding out that you messed up by not listening is bad or would you rather tell a certain filly and a pregnant mare that the stallion they love was hauled off somewhere he may never return from?" I could see her think for a moment. Maybe not even half of a moment. She looked to the guards.

"Release them... I.... I've changed my mind about these two...." She looked back at us tears welling up in her eyes. "...I... I apologize... I am deeply... DEEPLY.... Sorry you two.... I...." She choked up a bit. I waited for the cuffs to get taken off me. I just hobbled over and hugged the Princess... Same with Sunset joining in on the hug.

Sunset sighed as the guard around her face was taken off. "...It's alright Princess... I forgive you...." She said. "...I... I just wish I was a better student... Listening rather than doing.... Something I should've done... and look where I ended up?" She glanced over at the caged Sunset. I saw her too. Standing up. Holding the bar and just.... she had that longing look in her eye. Sunset looked back at Celestia as I backed off and had the collar removed. My strength just came pouring back... Something I saw Tirek take notice of. "I think you owe someone else an apology.... Maybe accept that you could've been a better teacher to her...." Celestia looked back at the Caged Sunset. Then to a guard.

"....Please... Release the one in the cage.... I... I need a moment....." The guard nodded and rushed over with a few more to help Celestia and be there just in case. Sunset looked to me and just hugged me. I hugged back.

I heard a growl... A pissed one. "Of COURSE! Release HER!" I heard Tirek say.

I nudged Sunset off and looked at Tirek. "Oh SHUT UP!" I yelled. "Your mother was a fucking goat and your dad was a monkey! Now button your yap or I button it for you!" Tirek got a grin on his face as the other guards just started getting scared.

"By all means... Come shut me up then!" I grinned and cracked my neck. I grabbed a bar of a cage and broke it off, twisting one end before throwing it like a javelin at Tirek's cage. It missed him by a bit but I could tell he got scared.

"NEXT TIME I WONT FUCKING MISS! AND IF I EVER SEE YOU ATTACKING OUR WORLD AGAIN YOU BEST KNOW TO FEAR ME!" I looked to Sunset who had that snarky grin staring down Tirek. "C'mon... Lets go see if Celestia is alright." Sunset nodded and we both hurried over to Celestia.... When we got to her she was just sitting against the wall just cuddling with the Sunset from our own... Both happy to feel each others embrace. I sighed kneeling down by their side resting a hand on Celestia's shoulder. "...Seems someone has learned their lesson... Dont you think Princess?" Celestia glanced at me and nodded just keeping a tear filled eye on Sunset in her arms. "How's about we take her back, get her some clothes and get her used to living somewhere that isnt a cage? I could use a bit of a drink here... Not to mention someone else here needs to go home...."

Celestia sniffled before cuddling up with Sunset.... She was wearing a torn jumpsuit it looked like. Old, frayed on the pants and the arms. The shoes were boots looking older than I was... Still had the magic ring on her horn almost looking rusted. Hard to tell. Everything she wore looked old and used. At least they bothered to feed and clothe them. "...I agree.... Time for all of us to go home..." She said. She slowly got up carrying Sunset in her arms and we all walked back together through what felt like hell.... I may have squared up to Tirek actually getting a laugh out of the guards as he cowered a bit. We walked all the way back.... Got more of a look of everyone in there... Ponies, some looking older than Equestria, other strange creatures... Some Minotaur, some.... I didnt know what to call them... demonic creatures almost. All envious of us walking free even though they saw us walking in chained and bound. When we got back to the portal the guards there just looked at us shocked while I saw Twilight just curled up in her throne.

I gave a whistle which made her jump a bit. She looked over obviously crying. She quickly teleported over to me and Sunset hugging us both. "Oh... FUCK! YOU'RE BACK!" She yelled breaking down more. "...I... I thought you w-were-....." She cried, not even being able to hold it together. Celestia set the other Sunset down... The mare stumbled a bit only to be helped by a guard lowering her to the ground to sit.

"Twilight.... I'm sorry I worried you so much..." She said joining in on our hug. "Endless and deepest of deep apologies.... I... I didnt know what was happening... I just heard from you that you needed a book and when you said who I just.... I.... I didnt know what to think.... And when Ryder just...." She stammered a bit.

I huffed and wiggled out of my spot in the hug and huffed. "You three talk it out and calm down... I'm gonna take our friend here to get a proper meal." I said. Twilight gave a thumbs up. I walked over to Sunset and knelt down. "Hey there.... You good there Sunset?"

The previously chained Sunset looked to me a bit surprised. "You uh... Know my name?" She asked. I gave a nod.

"Yep... Just uh.... Found out from you back there having a moment...." I glanced back at the Two Princesses hugging the weird clone. I looked back at her. "Names Ryder by the by and I think we're gonna have a little chat... Hungry at all? Food's on me." She gave a nod and I helped her up before we went out to get something for her... Oh she just ate like she hadnt for a while... Two combos from McHoovians. Even told me she was just... Surprised to see everything the way it was. Glad to be out of Tartarus.... That she regret what she had done all those years ago and even went on to say the same thing that the other Sunset said. That she wished she had listened rather than done. Refreshing to hear. Once we got back Celestia left with Sunset, told her she would continue to teach her, maybe get her a job around her castle as well as catch her up to speed on everything that happened since she left....

When I got back to Twilight she was inside her library with Sunset and two mirrors. One red, one blue.... I swear I've seen this before somewhere but I dont remember. Twilight looked to me and smiled. "There you are!" She said. "Hows the other Sunset?" She asked.

"She's fine. Just... Happy for food that isnt served in a trough or a bowl... And something with flavor. and our friend here?"

"We were just talking about what happened after you two were taken in. I owe you a week off and foal supplies... Celestia will pitch in as well and she's gonna have something cooking for you as a special gift. But while we're on the topic of you... Sunset tells me you decided to do something about a certain creature that went on a magic stealing rampage years ago... WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO WITH TIREK!?" She grabbed me and pulled me in close to her.

"Okay in hindsight... what I did may not have been smart... but if he does escape again somehow, he's got a reminder not to mess with the Elements of Harmony OR the General of the Royal Guard! Any closer and I either A) could've clipped him or 2: Broke the cage.... My aim is getting better though..." Twilight huffed and nudged me back as she went for the book.

"Try telling yourself that when you need to use the toilet rather than your pants!" I blushed as Sunset giggled a bit.

"Well here I thought I was going to apologize about threatening a rampage... For all I know is it could've been with Tirek but him teaming up with anyone? That's a fucking dream!" She rolled her eyes and flipped to a few pages while having her horn glow.

"Fine fine... Now shut up... I need to concentrate for a moment..." She silently read from the book... runes started forming and I honestly didnt like that.... I blame my bachelor party. The runes burned themselves in the air but these runes? Actually something I recognized. I remember when Twilight turned me into a foal... She understands them because... well alicorn who practices magic. I brought Sunset back a bit before the princess shot out two beams of magic at the mirrors for a few moments.... After those moments she looked as if she strained herself a bit... Grunted and groaned in pain. Once that magic stopped flowing she collapsed a bit. I went to her side trying to keep her upright.

"Easy easy princess.... You alright?" She nodded taking a breath.

"...Fine.... I'm.... I'm fine... I... Over did it a little....." She looked to me as she sat down making sure the book was alright. "You uh... Wanna test it? Just uh.... Stick your head through if you dont wanna go all the way through. Bonus if you jump through and jump back." I huffed looking to the mirrors....

"The things I do for you.... Surprised I'm not a millionaire by now by all the stupid shit I've done.... Just uh.... Stabilize them for me....? Dont wanna knock into em and knock em down.... Or break them for that matter... Just uh.... Why not use a spell that prevents destruction?"

"Just get in there.... If it does break, find me on the other side and she'll get you back here...." She replied a bit weakly. I gave a sigh just as I saw the mirrors glow a bit red.

Wasnt Twilight doing that. It was Sunset. "I gotcha General. Just choose one and go for it!" She said. I gave a nod and just looked at either mirror. I made sure my pockets were empty just in case... I took aim at the red mirror and then just looked to Twilight. She just gave a nod before I looked back at the mirror and just rushed through... Oh... My.... FUCKING.... Goodness... I swear its like someone hit me with some psychedelic drug and pushed me.... The colors and just the rapidly approaching light.... I flew out and almost immediately hit a wall.... I felt dizzy and just stumbled a bit before falling to my side pinning my wing under me.

I groaned as I just rolled over... I felt.... Weird... "Who put that wall there...?" I asked in a bit of a joking mood... Still in pain. I tried getting up but... I heard clicking and couldnt move my hands.... I tried standing up only to fall back again... And what I saw when I fell back? Twilight... Quadraped alicorn.... and naked.

Twilight looked to me confused. "Uh... Ryder? That you? You alright?" She asked. I quickly covered myself up and blushed smiling.

"You uh... You missing a guest here?" I asked. "Mare named Sunset? Says she was supposed to be here the other night?"

"Yeah...? You should know unless...." She looked up at the mirrors... One was purple and the other was orange here. She looked back down at me and sat me up with her magic. "You must be from the new portal.... I was actually just about to go through to see if the other portal still had Sunset there... Guess we found her?" I nodded.

"I should get her for you... You mind telling me what portal I came out of? I'd guess but I'd rather not get further down this rabbit hole this way and end up lost...."

"Orange and uh... Send Sunset through and maybe we can try getting together to talk about how your world is? By the looks of things you're used to wearing clothes rather than strut around naked.... Or be on all fours... Do you at least know how to use your wings?" I nodded and flapped them getting off the ground. I flew over to the mirrors and just looked at myself. Cutie mark on display, naked, no hands or feet.... Still recognized my ugly mug. I did a quick flight through the room before flying back through the portal... Same thing back on the other side.... Thrown against the wall.

Once I was back in my universe I saw Twilight and Sunset looking a bit surprised at me before coming over to my side sitting me up. I felt better now that I had pants on. "Ryder!" Sunset said. "You.... are this Twilight's Ryder right?"

I gave a nod and rubbed my head. My aching head... "Yeah... Thank fuck.... And I believe I found your intended destination... Red portal and... Go slowly..." I said. Sunset smiled.

"Thanks. And uh... I can tell you're a bit uh.... Hard from the way you're sitting.... Wouldnt worry though... You get used to it... trust me..." I gave a nod. Sunset sighed and looked to Twilight. "So.... Guess this is it.... Princess... Even though my time here was short I really do hope you come to visit every so often... Same with your General here. And after what he's been through? I think he deserves the night off."

Twilight sighed as she used her magic on me standing me up and clearing the pain I endured. "Agreed." She said. "Tartarus, hitting his head and among many other things its a surprise he still works for me and the other Princesses...." She looked to Sunset. "I hope that our Sunset will adapt well to everything. Maybe the other me will work together with me to try to find a way we could keep our forms of how we are when traversing through these portals. Might help." Sunset giggled a bit.

"Yeah. She might." She hugged Twilight.... Almost felt like this was just a 'goodbye' hug or one that basically said 'I dont wanna leave but I have to' without saying anything. I only watched as she made sure she had all her things before just looking at herself in the mirror and back to us before stepping through. Twilight looked back at me and... I swear she learned this from Cadence... Just teleported her clothes off and just stood there naked. Lucky us the doors were closed.

"Think of this as an invite for whatever at any time General and I wont hesitate if you wanna be the mare for a bit... Lucky you I'm not putting you through Poison Joke but magic will still be involved."

I gave a huff as I uneasily grabbed her hips... Feeling her thighs and then up to her breasts. "As long as I still have my parts... Th-that's fine...." I said. She snickered a bit as she took my hands with her magic, pulled me closer putting one hand on her crotch and the other on her ass.

"I swear you're like a virgin.... Keep acting like that and we go right here right now!" I huffed taking my hands back.

"Horny Princess... Got it... We can do something later... Just right now... I think I need to go spend some time with Scootaloo...." She sighed and just teleported her clothes back on.

"Fine... But you better be in my room to accept this apology later... Understand?"

"Understood just uh... Be gentle...."

"Got it... A good dicking and maybe a little extended stamina spell as well as-"

"I swear to Celestia if you say orgasm denial, you better just get that vibrator warmed up and just pretend its me.... NEVER. AGAIN."

"....I was gonna use a spell for hyper sensitivity and a temporary sterilization spell but.... Alright nothing more!"

"...That's.... Too late to take it back?" She gave a grin.

"No but... You may have to beg for it to happen.... Now go. Rub one out and head out and be back before dinner." I gave a nod before doing as such.... Found a pic of Gilda in my photos, went to the bathroom and rubbed one out... Did you know how cute she looks in a pissed diaper and a skirt with a hand in there fingering herself? Like... I wished I was there to change her. From there, washed hands and went to go back to Uncle Orange's. Spent time with everyone, Scoot, Babs, took a little nap, woke up, played some games with them, had a small drink with Uncle Orange and just headed back to the castle. We ate dinner and contacted Celestia, check in on her and Sunset. Luna was surprised yet scared about her but... She was willing to accept it as long as things dont go down. I get that. But Celestia? She was glad she was back. That Sunset was actually reformed after her time there. It honestly was nice seeing that big of a change. After I came back from spending time with Uncle Orange and the girls I hurried back to the castle... Still stayed away from AJ but I couldnt get her off my mind.... Not during dinner, not during my uh.... 'apology' from Twilight... Not even during the cuddling after. I was scared... Worried. I just got as comfortable as I could and passed out.

As I slept Luna met me in a dreamscape. We were dressed in work clothes, me in my jumpsuit I use to work on my car, her in a construction uniform. I sat in a crib with the side dropped down in the middle of the Orchard and our house half built, my car broken down and dads truck on cinder blocks. She sat with me and hugged me. "...You'll be fine Ryder...." She said. "Yes you have so much on your plate but you can do this...." She looked back at everything before us. "I'm handling the truck as we speak. Celestia and I have also called in the contractors to help you build the house. We have the PERFECT design that doesnt differ too much from what you know now of that home. And your car? Take it to a shop. Dont bend your brain over everything. Only thing you should be bending over something is Gilda and this would be a perfect time for that."

I sighed just laying back in the crib. "....Princess... I just.... I'm scared... not only of all the shit that I have to do to be ready for my family but.... its the thought of leaving AJ and the family alone is what scares me...." I said. "Your mother... She said AJ would be alright and that I would be as well but.... Your sister nearly threw my ass in Tartarus today.... The plan went exactly as planned but... I was scared it wasnt gonna work... That... I was just gonna be caged, never to return...."

"Celestia feels really bad about it.... She told me how hard you cried and how you resisted.... She was so used to it she paid no mind...." She stood up taking my hand and bringing me into her arms, carrying me as if I was a child she just took from the crib. "She did however tell me on your way out you decided to scare a creature of destruction...."

"He was being an ass and deserved it! If he does end up escaping again, I'm tying him up and using him as a mount..." She snickered.

"He would love that... But seriously Ryder, Celestia will do anything in her power to get you to forgive. Moving crew to get things out of the house, demo crew for the destruction of the house... We're already going for the construction crew for your home. Get things built fast and get you back into your home where you're comfortable. Where you know your family is gonna be safe...." I huffed.

"...How am I gonna know its gonna be safe? I've still got so many unknown guns pointed in my direction.... all its gonna take is one pull of the trigger and there's destruction because someone couldnt leave well enough alone...."

"Ryder, there will always be danger around every corner. And if the Elites know what to do to keep you and your family safe, do it. Call upon them, have them patrol the orchard at night. We can spare a few to keep watch. And we already know what you can do to those who do disrespect your family.... My father is having a grand time watching a replay of what happened by the by.... Ripping his heart out... Perfect for someone who is only there for the love of money rather than a living being.... Or what they do to that living being.... But with that incident? It was a mistaken identity... They poked the Deaf Jaw the wrong way. Didnt know what had happened until it poked right back." She looked to the broken down house. She just used her magic to fix the crumbling building to a new state. "Your mind might say there are weapons pointed at you but you know the weapons that point back. What goes off first is left to fate. But you know once that weapon goes off, you know who to go for. The others that still have theirs trained on you? Hopefully they know to back off... Either that or pray they do take you down before you take them. You understand?" I gave a sigh as we leaned on the wall to the house.

"...I guess? I'm still just... I guess... Scared to be a father?"

"Ryder... You've had all the practice you needed with Scootaloo, caring for her as if she were your own child. Padding her up, cleaning her up, making sure she's sleeping alright.... A foal might be a tad bit more work but you'll be alright. Pinkie will foalsit if you and AJ need a break, Celestia and I will watch your sisters if need be, and I'm sure all your friends would aid you as well. Now rest up. You have a big day ahead of you." I gave a nod but before she had a chance to make me wake up I just rushed her and hugged her.... This wasnt the 'never let go because i'm scared' kinds of hugs. Wasnt the 'I love you, just hold me' kinds of hugs. Was just a wordless thank you hug. Building me up, holding my hand the entire way. For the help with Scootaloo, the help with just keeping my head on straight when it could've flown off at any point. She hugged me and I swear she was just going to drag me into that house and just go at it with me with how she held me to her.... almost smothering me with her breasts and I could tell she wanted to shove my hand up her dress and into her panties.... If she was wearing any... Either way it just meant a whole lot to me that she just gave me a wordless 'you're welcome'. We just sat there... hugged for a few minutes before she woke me up.... Though I didnt wake up in the morning... Dead of night still, ran to the bathroom before getting dressed and not going to my bed, but I snuck my way into AJ's room.... It was surreal just seeing my wife in a hospital bed, snoozing away with machines beeping away tracking her vitals and such. I just got onto the couch and passed out again. I guess until later?