Life Anew

Alright well its early in the morning the next day after I had received my dads truck and a bit of an earful from Applejack. I was at Twilight's last night and had to wake up around five in the morning just to join Pinkie at the train station. I was wearing jeans and my leather jacket with some fingerless gloves that Twilight had Rarity make for me for when the colder months came around.... And this morning it was really cold. I was sat on a bench, hugging myself, cuddling with Pinkie who was wearing jeans, a fleece jacket and a teeshirt. Both of us had sneakers on and our luggage was waiting nearby. Pinkie looked to me giving a sigh. "Thank you for coming with me Ryder.... and sorry if I didnt ask you directly since you've got a baby on the way." She said.

I huffed snuggling up to her. "Dont mention it.... Just glad Luna decided to take my car and get it fixed up while also getting something planned for the truck... " I said. "So.... For your family... who's all there?"

"Well... There's me, my sisters, Maud, Limestone and Marble, my mother, Cloudy Quartz, and my father Igneous... He's kinda judgemental whenever I come around with a stallion.... Even if we're just friends...."

"I take it he's scared off a lot of your friends that way?" She gave a nod.

"Yeah... He's always giving them the boyfriend test no matter how many times I stress it to him we are only friends... And if he doesnt scare them off its always Limestone who does and she's like super super super super-duper serious about things around the rock farm!"

"Sounds like a drill instructor to me.... Telling you what to do, where to go, how to do it, so on and so forth..... Even though I've gotta step up and be like that sometimes I still hate it...." I shifted slightly and pulled out my phone looking at the time. Not even five in the morning. "So... When was that train supposed be here? I wanna be more warm and maybe nap for a bit.... How long is the ride?"

"Couple hours. Told Maud we'd be at the train station around 730ish or so.... Plenty of time for a quick nap and I promise i'll be awake before we get to the train station." I sighed.

"Holding you to that Pinkie.... Because I will carry you out of the train over my shoulders if I have to.... Dont care if you're wearing a diaper or not.... But since that came up... Are you wearing?"

"Havent worn for a while.... Still afraid Mr. Cake is gonna yell at me if he finds me in one again..." I sighed seeing lights down the track further.

"When we get back you and I can have a talk with The Cakes, see if they'll let you wear when you want.... Hopefully you still brought a few for our stay... I did and I really dont wanna be in front of your parents with a stain in my shorts...." I got up and stretched a bit. "Alright... Now grab your things... Trains almost here...." I reached into my pocket and grabbed the tickets waiting for the train to pull up. Twilight chipped in and got us a solo car. We carried our bags into the last car and just lied down in bed. Had to set an alarm though. Slept cuddling with Pinkie for an hour. And heres the thing.... She didnt wake up with my alarm even though it was annoying as fuck. That's what I have waking me up just about every morning. And I have it annoying on purpose so it doesnt integrate itself into my dreams if I'm really tired. and yes... it's happened before. Was supposed to take the girls to school one day, slept right through my alarm and Big Mac had to take my car to drop the girls off. Applejack just let me sleep and I apologized to Mac.... Both of them knew what I had done the other day then.... Dont remember what it was but they let me sleep.

I ended up going into the food car after I woke up. Took my phone with me thankfully because as I sat down and ordered a drink I got a call from Applejack. Ah her country guitar ringtone. Always a pleasure to hear it. I answered it as the bartender set my drink down. Just a Senor Salt to wake me up a bit. "Ay there ya are sugarcube! You alright there? Pinkie aint smotherin' ya is she?" I heard Applejack ask. I huffed.

"Nope but she is passed out in our car.... Getting something to eat before we depart.... And I hope she's gonna be awake....."

"Just so you dont have to carry her off the train on your shoulder?"

"Eeyup.... Girls just as heavy as she lets on....plus she sleeps like a rock at times.... Who knew she came from a family of rock farmers only to sleep like what they farm?" Applejack gave a sigh.

"You be nice. Farmers put in a lot of hard work, rock, apple or otherwise. And Pinkie's real sensitive when you talk about her family members bad like.... She loves em like you or I do our own. Plus.... Well... Her sisters pretty much one of her best friends next to me and the mares...." I gave my soda a sip.

"But you should know how hard it is to wake her up.... I dont really wanna have to carry her over my shoulder when we get to her stop... Rockville right?"

"Yep. Rockville is where her families farm is. I'll letcha get back to your food but if it does come to having to carry her out, be careful with her. I do not wanna get a call from her telling me she's at the hospital because you dropped her. Now just get on with your mornin'. I'll be expecting a call later after you've met with her family."

"Alright AJ... Love ya... Let me know what you, Dash and Twi have been up to okay?"

"Gotcha. I'll even throw in a hug and a kiss for your sister. Talk to ya later sugarcube." I sighed as she hung up. Just shoved my phone back into my pocket and ordered breakfast. Wasnt much. Just a quick sandwich, daisies and all that crap. I paid, went back to the car, waited for the train to stop.

When it did? Pinkie didnt wake up. Had to take her phone from her pocket, get help with our bags out to the platform and had to sit with her on a bench. It was honestly the weirdest thing for me and probably the most frightening. Didnt know if someone was gonna come around, see me with her passed out, maybe peg me for a rapist who slipped a few roofies into Pinkie's drink and then kidnapping her. No joke, the guard got a call one night from a local bar who called about a possible kidnapping. Guards go there, look at video footage of the suspected kidnappers and found where they lived. Turns out they were just taking a really fucking drunk friend home and keeping an eye on them just to be sure they slept alright and managed to not die from their hang over. Good on the barkeep to keep an eye out for some stuff and good on the 'kidnappers' on being good friends. We waited there for a while. About twenty minutes before we were approached by a mare dressed in very boring looking clothing. Dark grey coat, burgundy shirt, black pants and black work boots. Grey mane that was straight on all sides almost. "So... You must be the one my sister was coming here with." The mare said, monotone voiced. Hell a robot would have more emotion than this mare.

I gave a smile and got up giving a sigh. "You must be Maud. Pinkie never shuts up about you." I said. She doesnt. Any time you get talking about family, she always brings up her sisters, Maud being the most talked about one.

"Nice to know she tells somepony about me. And who might you be?" She shook my hand. Firm yet.... It was boring as she was.

"General Ryder Wheeler. Princess sent me down here with her. Help me get a look at other places in Equestria." ...Yeah I lied about it being a get away from a pregnant wife. So what? She released my grip and turned to Pinkie.

"Nice to meet you. Why dont you get her and I'll get the bags? You seem strong enough to move boulders."

"You can tell eh?"

"Well.... Not really but I figured it was something nice to say, especially to a guard." I huffed carefully picking up Pinkie.

"Well you'd be surprised.... Lead on." She gave a nod before grabbing both our bags and starting out of the train station. The station was something like what you would've seen around Appleoosa. Either that or somewhere down south more. Old western looking. Maybe a few renovations here and there but nothing really noticeable. As we left the landscape around looked grey and brown. Some plants but it was either desert plant or just dead. Also not many cars. Maybe a few here and there. Trucks and older model cars here and there. I followed Maud to an old van. Nothing like Pinkie's van. This one was more.... rustic. Almost like a hippie van. Opens up on the side, few seats in the back. Leather and such, shag carpeting in the back. Its where she put our bags and where I had to lay Pinkie down. Maud looked to me as we closed it up.

"You need anything before we go back home? I can stop for a snack or something if you're hungry. Lunch is a bit far off for us."

"No need here. Not sure about your sister though.... Slept the whole train ride."

"She should be fine. Pinkie's gonna wanna be hungry for lunch. Our father is making his specialty. Salt stone stew. Gonna be plenty for everyone."

"Never had it before... Hopefully its good..." I replied pulling out my phone as she started up the engine.

"No worries. Its delicious. Now hold on. Got a little ride ahead of us." I gave a nod and sat back before sending a text to Applejack to let her know I made it alright.

'Hey AJ, just got to Rocksville.... guess who didnt wake up and is now passed out in the back seat of her sisters van? Hope things are well over there.' I sent it off before shoving my phone back into my pocket and just enjoying the ride. Well.... As much as I could. This place was almost monochromatic as Maud was monotone sounding. Saw a few cool things though. Few old cars, some in better shape than others. Even saw a few buildings that are probably older than Ponyville itself. Saw some cars that honestly would be great with a remodel and a quick welding to another car or other car parts to make it look better... Dunno... I swear I'm not addicted to Nukes Galore.... I SWEAR. That ride still took a half hour. Went out of town and pulled up to an old farm house on nothing but a grey landscape. Even a chasm nearby that had a path leading down. Even saw oil lanterns hanging up on posts. The house was definitely old, hand built, window shutters.... there was even a satellite dish mounted on the roof pointing away from us. Maud looked over at me.

"Why dont you get my sister out and into the house? Our father should let you put her in bed."

"What do I say if he asks what happened?"

"Trust me. He still remembers how heavy Pinkie sleeps...."

I gave a nod and hopped out of the van before diving into the back to grab Pinkie out of it.... She fucking slept the whole time. Train station in Ponyville to the Rockville station and now from there to her home.... I carefully pulled her out. Had to throw her arms around me so she latched on and so I could pick her up out of the van. I held onto her and walked her all the way up to the door carefully kicking the door as if I was knocking on it. I waited a moment looking around at everything. Closer look where a few lamp posts were was a chasm, path leading down into it. I heard footsteps towards the door and just looked back at the door getting ready for who ever to answer... Though... it wasnt the father of Pinkie who answered. Another one of her sisters.... Grey mane, matching coat, wearing a mechanics style jump suit tied around her waist, dirty white tank top. She just looked pissed off. "What the FUCK are you doing with my sister?!" She snapped. "Get her ass inside! Dont carry her like that!".... Still not surprised she slept like a rock because SHE'S STILL FUCKING ASLEEP. I hiked Pinkie up and just stepped carefully inside and got out of the way of the door. She closed it up and just started pushing me, moving me along to a hallway. "MOVE IT! C'MON!" I huffed and looked back at her. Honestly reminded me of some of the damn instructors getting everyone in line, keeping them disciplined while I was at war. Seriously I've seen a few ponies, stressed out of their minds- mine included- break down after being away from the training.... if they went to it. Others were either on patrols or at their posts at the base.

I huffed. "Woah woah where am I taking her? I dont even know where you're even pushing me!" I said. She stopped pushing me and pointed to a door at the end of the hall to my right.

"Bedroom! Double time!" ...Yep... Fucking drill sergeant in training if anything.... I huffed and just went to where she pointed. This was a big bedroom. One bed in the middle of the room. I went to the closest side of the bed and tried setting her down. Just a growl came from the mare waiting at the door. Obviously the wrong spot. Went over to the other side of the bed. Another growl. I just stared the mare down. She huffed. "Do I have to do EVERYTHING for you?!"

"Considering this is my first time here, yes.... Now show me where to put her!" The mare huffed and just came over before pointing to the other side of the bed. I came over again. She pointed to the opposite end of the bed from where Pinkie's head was.

"Head here." The mare said. I huffed twisting around a bit laying my friend in the bed before carefully trying to move her into position. Didnt even bother covering her up. Just looked to the mare at my side who just huffed. "Good. Now get out!"

I sighed and turned around leaving the room. "...Such a warm welcome already...." I left the room and went down the hall. Looked into a few rooms along the way. Just across from the bedroom was another bedroom, smaller bed, few things hanging up on the wall, double barrel shotgun, few pickaxes, some old paintings and a few family photos. Mostly black and white. Almost like news paper clippings some of em. I went out to the main area where the front door was. Nothing much. Old looking TV, couch looked like it was from the 70's, an old arm chair and a rocking chair with a small stone sculpture in the middle on the table. Kitchen was just beyond. Hearth in the corner, kitchen with an old wood burning stove, though they had a fridge. I just huffed and went for the front door just heading out to the front. As I left I saw Maud just coming up with our bags. "Lovely family... Think I just met one of your sisters....."

Maud just stared at me a bit. "Considering the mood you're in and the yelling I heard you must've met my sister Limestone..." She said. "She's rather... Harsh.... Dad says she's the one who scares away guests.... If she's inside the rest of the family is down in the quarry. Why dont you go meet them? Tell them I sent you down to see them but.... Just be aware of our little sister. She's a bit shy. Marble is her name. She doesnt talk much but she's good for listening. Doesnt really like strangers all that much even if its a family friend." I sighed.

"Alright... I'll introduce myself to the family.... Just hope that nobody is gonna stick a pickaxe where the sun dont shine because I'm someone random on their property...."

"They shouldnt but another rule before you leave, do NOT touch Holders Boulder."

"And.... Where's that?"

"You'll know." I huffed and nodded before heading over towards the chasm. The fence blocking it off was old, hand carved and such. In the chasm were a few marked shafts, some closed off, others looked as if they were being started. In the middle was one big boulder. I looked around as I walked down and around. Rock walls were at a pretty good angle, almost unclimbable, ramp going down was pretty smooth, albeit a few pebbles and stones here and there, zero stairs or very uneven areas. Saw a few ponies coming out of a nearby shaft. Two mare, one stallion. The stallion was wearing overalls, black, grey striped shirt and a black hat. He had a brown coat and a silver mane. Mare on his right must've been his wife. Wore a long dress, black and grey, mane was a bit of a darker silver gray, she had glasses, gold rimmed but half lensed. On his left was the other daughter. Shorter than the mother and Pinkie by a little bit. Mane was a lighter black, half of it covered her face, she wore tight jeans, work boots and a tee shirt. Also black. Her coat was a bit of a light grey. I walked over to them as they stopped just at a little sitting area in the middle.

Pinkie's sister noticed me first. Hid behind her father. The stallion looked up at me and stood up. "Can I help you son?" He asked in a southern drawl that was about as boring as Maud's voice... With a tiny bit more emotion.

I gave a smile and a quick wave. "Name's Ryder. Here with your daughter Pinkie. She's up in the house sleeping... Already met your uh... charming... daughter...." I said. He cracked a smile.

"Take it ya met Limestone. She's uh.... As you said charmin' but that's how she is.... too serious about everythin..." He gestured to himself. "I'm Igneous." He then gestured to his wife. "This here's my wife Cloudy Quartz." Then gestured to his daughter behind him. "And this here's Marble. If she avoids ya, dont worry about it. Girls more shy than a flock of birds."

"Nice to meet you. Guess'n you just got done with... work?"

"Yep. Just got done with our latest haul of quartz. Gotta get it up and chiseled down for souvenirs. You the artistic type?"

"Cant say I'm that artistic.... Only time I can be is when I sit down to draw with my little sisters. Just the sweetest things.... "

"Any kids of your own?" I sighed.

"Not just yet... But for now all it is is just me trying to care for a couple of little fillies." I looked up to the edge of the chasm. "Say you folks need anything fixed while I got you here? Sort of looking to keep myself busy while I wait for Pinkie to wake up."

I could see Igneous think for a moment. That was before his wife chimed in. "Well... Aint much but maybe you could take a look at our wagon?" She asked. "Few wheels are about to fall off, back gate's loose as a whore's legs and few of the boards on it are ready to fall right off rotten all the way through!" I hummed.

"Alright.... Show me where it is so I can take a look at it, see what I need to fix it.... Also that wooden board... Dont happen to have any spare boards laying around do you? Otherwise I can see if we cant get some in town."

Igneous sighed. "Cant say we got anythin' to fix it other than tools. Was gonna go out and buy the supplies here soon. Y'all're welcome to come with if'n ya want." He said.

"Might take you up on that.... See some of the town, maybe get something myself to keep myself awake.... Had to get up pretty early with Pinkie..." He chuckled a bit.

"Yep... That's our Pinkie... Surprised she got up for the train ride... Must've been awake the entire night if she was awake at that time...." I hummed.

"Makes some sense...." I looked up at the cliffs edge. "I'll be waiting topside for ya. Might have Maud show me where that wagon of yours is."

Igneous and Cloudy gave a nod. Daughter didnt even let out a squeak at all. Fluttershy would've been a teeny bit more vocal. Anywho I flew up and out of the chasm. Landed near the front door and as if she heard me Maud was just outside standing waiting for me. "There you are." She said. "Pinkie's still asleep. Your things are in the guest room just beyond our room. I'll show you to your room if you wish."

"As for now I'm good. Your family wanted me to help fix a cart just to keep myself busy. Mind showing me where its at?" She nodded and led me around the house to a large shed that I clearly missed somehow. She opened the large door. It was big enough for a few things. One being the wagon itself and the other thing? A car. Thing was old as dirt. Older than my car. Kept in good condition. Not perfect but it was good. New wheels for off roading, humped wheel wells, long engine compartment that opened sideways, engine inside was almost new, retractable top cover and a trunk in the back as a legitimate trunk. Paint job was good but it wasnt perfect.... Rust spots still here and there, paint chipped off, leather seating on the inside. Didnt see much damage on the seats. Maybe a hole here, discolored spot there but other than that it was pretty much in tact. I whistled that stereotypical 'that's sexy' whistle admiring the car. "Well now who's beauty is this?"

"Its my fathers. He's had this car since he got it from our grandfather. Tried to keep it running ever since he got it. Been getting harder and harder to find parts for it but it still runs no matter what." I hummed taking a look at the dash. Near perfect with a few scratches, wheel was authentic and in pretty good shape, there was a radio in here but I wasnt expecting anything that wasnt garbled to come out of it. The speedometers and gauges were old but pretty up to date... Speedometer was just one big one going from 0 to 120 or somewhere around there. Fuel and coolant gauges were cold and empty but that's due to the car being off.

"Well he does have nice taste in cars.... Got a few back home.... Old rat rod and a truck that used to belong to my father. Might be a secondary truck to the family.... Wife and brother in law could use it for the crop, get more sold. My car might be only used for personal use, maybe taking the girls to school.... When the baby comes along hopefully its gonna be good enough for driving the kid around...." I sighed going over to a few crates just to sit down and hug myself.

"I take it someone's nervous about a new child coming in to the world?" I gave a nod. "I know how you feel. When our youngest sister Marble was being born we werent in the best of shape. Money was low, food was a little scarce... If it werent for Family friends we wouldnt have been here. Our late uncle helped us too. Gave us some money every pay day until his passing. Now? We're stable. Food on the table, rocks being sold to collectors and sometimes the rare gem being sold to local jewelers. But what I'm saying is it might be hard to bring another mouth to feed but there are always gonna be those who wanna help you out no matter what. I'm even sure Pinkie would help you with the kid if you asked. She knows a lot about child care since she lives with the Cakes. Like she has another brother and sister to look after while their parents are working." My mind flashed back to that day I came and there was that robbery. My breathing became a bit sharp. She grabbed my hand and squeezed. "Come on now. Breathe. No time for a panic attack." I looked at her. Still zero emotion. "If you're asking how I know you can thank Marble. She has a panic attack every so often so I help as best I can. Just breathe, calm yourself. Maybe take a bit of a nap when you get back here before you go ahead and fix the wagon. I can convince my father you need some rest if you want."

"....Please...?" She nodded and pulled me in for a hug. Gotta say.... She has some muscles on her. She hugged me tight and just rubbed my back. After a few moments I felt calm. Better. Just had to breathe. When she was done I took a look at the wagon. Wheels were all misaligned, bolts keeping them where they were were either loose or nonexistent, wooden boards were rotten here and there, some looked more sturdy than others.... Counted.... 30 rotten ones, the other ones damaged but still sturdy. I looked to Maud after checking the undercarriage. Axels and such were still sturdy. "What's this cart used for anyways?" Maud sighed as she squatted down to my level.

"My family brings rocks from the quarry and brings them up for us to chisel into art. We've been having to bring rocks one by one up and chiseling them down. Some dont make it up, others do. We try to get as many up as far as we can. Always a family effort nonetheless." I hummed and just stood up.

"Alright... shouldn't be too hard to put together.... Got all the tools to do this?"

"Father always keeps tools around just to do this stuff. The house and the wagon are by hand. Though this car? He has someone who helps with it. Power tools and the works. Father buys the parts though, goes to his friend who lets him use the power tools." I dusted myself off as I went over to the car.

"Well if your dad ever needs a hand with this thing I can definitely help." I glanced out of the barn. "Speakin of your father, here he comes." Igneous was coming from the house in new clothes. Overalls, long johns and boots. Even an old prospectors hat. Black, some worn spots on it.

The stallion gave a smile and a huff. "Sorry about that Ryder. Just makin' sure Limestone goes and apologizes for being so harsh with ya when we come back." He said. "So, you think you can fix our old wagon?" I shot a smile back.

"Sure enough. Also I'd like to comment on how good this car looks. A real beauty!"

"Why thank ya kindly. Not every day someone sees this ol' thing. She might not be perfect yet but she's on her way. Might be missing a couple parts but the engine in her purrs like a kitten." He looked to his daughter. "Maud why dont you go make sure your sister's comfortable. Your mother's makin' sure she's at least gonna be awake for lunch. You got our guests things in the spare room?"

Maud nodded. "Yes father. His things are in the spare room. I'll show him to his room once he gets back. He was telling me how early he had to be up this morning to bring Pinkie here." She said. He looked back to me.

"That so eh? Well why dont you just get on into that room and have a lie down. I can get the supplies and have em ready for tomorrow if'n you wanna start on it then."

I feigned a yawn and huffed. "I'm fine I'm fine... I'll get some rest after we get the stuff. Dont want you to be doing it all yourself there." I said. "Just let me come with you, I can get myself something to keep myself awake and help load in the supplies we need."

"C'mon now you're a guest. Maud'll show ya to your room. I'll take her to help me get them supplies. You dont gotta worry about a thing until we're ready. Go on now." I gave a huff as Maud beckoned me out.

As we walked away from the shed Maud sighed. "It was a good idea but it wasnt fool proof..." She said. "Might as well get comfy. You're gonna be here for a few days. I'll try to make it as comfortable as anything. Anything you're uncomfortable with, let me know what it is and I'll make sure its done." I huffed.

"Thanks. Hasnt been the most welcoming especially with your sister.... Limestone is a tiny bit of a loud mouth... surprised she didnt wake Pinkie."

"Please. Pinkie can sleep through just about everything other than her own bladder. Dynamite to blow a section of the quarry, everyone yelling, the occasional gunshot from a drunken neighbor but thankfully we havent had an issue with that for a while."

"Alcohol and firearms are almost never a good combo.... Cant tell you how many times I've had to go to a call where someone was drunk and fired off a firearm whether it was at someone or just to see if there was something in the clip or something. Some of those that were at someone hit their mark but they lived.... only one time we ended up finding one that hit their mark but was no saving...." Yeah... Drunk guy found a gun, looked down the barrel. All I'm saying. "Sorry if that was a bit too much... Sometimes guard life gets you to the point where you dont realize what you're saying until its too late."

"It's fine. Not like I havent seen my share of dark stuff.... Manehattan two years ago I watched as a mother jumped from a building with her baby because her exhusband beat her...." I remember hearing about that. Guards did everything they could to get her to step back from the ledge.... Threw the baby down first and followed suit.... neither were saved....

"Well... Damn... Sorry you had to see that.... You okay?"

"I'm fine... Wasnt really okay after seeing that though... had to see a psychiatrist who helped me with those memories.... makes me be glad I'm alive after hard struggles.... That and I always give someone a compliment because they may need one at any point.... Speaking of which you're definitely a strong stallion... How'd you get strong enough to pick up my sister the way you did?" I huffed.

"Long story.... Lets just say I have an interesting workout regiment that lets me protect my wife and sisters when need be even if they're not the targets of danger."

"Wife? So you're not Pinkie's coltfriend?" I stopped and looked to her confused.

"What? No! Who said that I was?"

"Pinkie. She's been telling me she has a coltfriend and that she'd bring him along some time to meet the family. Described the way you look." I huffed pinching my nose and closing my eyes tight.

"Of course she did.... No wonder Twilight asked me instead of her....." I opened my eyes taking my hand back and looking at Maud. "I wont say anything about this to anyone but I wanna talk with your sister when she wakes up.... I'll at least lie down for a half hour or so but once you get back and if she's awake I want to talk to her.... if she's not I'll find a time to talk to her and I want it to be with you as a witness."

"I will be a witness to it but please do not yell at my sister. She's sensitive." I huffed.

"I wont yell at her.... Just want her to do some explaining on why she would do such a thing... And I know she's gonna start crying even if I dont yell at her... Probably another reason you should be there just to see that she can calm down fast." She hummed a bit.

"I guess so. She cries a lot whether it is being caught in a lie, leaving family, in some sort of pain or if she wet the bed and she used to do it a lot when we were kids." I huffed and turned towards the home again.

"Still does... Hopefully she doesnt go and have an accident after I do confront her...." Think she told me at one point Mr. Cake confronted her about something and she cried and ended up having an accident during a nap.... probably about the diapers or something... dunno... Dont really remember. Maud followed me and grabbed onto my arm as we entered the house. I just acted tired as Limestone and Cloudy watched on from the couch. We passed by the room Pinkie was in and Marble was cuddled close with her sister also napping. We came into my room. It wasnt the most spectacular. There were power outlets, my bags were at the foot of the bed, bed looked neat and tidy and there was at least a TV in here.

"Alright. Just lay down here. Bathroom is across the hall, anything comes up my mother is here to help." I gave her a smile and a nod sitting down in the bed. Honestly? This bed was softer than mine and Applejack's. I just kicked off my shoes, climbed under the covers putting my jacket aside and just passed out not long after. Though... Did forget to start an alarm. I slept for a while only until I got a knock at my door. I sat up in bed looking around. Sun was more or less in the same spot. I looked to the door yawning.

"....Come in...."

I stretched my wings, arms and legs before climbing out from under the covers. Checked my phone, no missed calls, few texts and a social media notification... Gilda.... She's been teasing me online instead of just sending me texts. Why? Because her phone broke and she has to get a new one though she started one of those cam show accounts.... using Dash's laptop. Yeah.... She's been using Dash's laptop to send strangers nude pictures and others.... Who knew ponies out there liked that sorta stuff? The time was what I was after here though. Yeah. Just about an hour or so after I went down.... I think... didnt really check the time before taking that nap. As I shoved my phone back into my pocket I looked to the door only to see Pinkie coming in. She gave a smile as she closed the door behind her. "Morning there sleepyhead!" She said. Her jacket was off revealing her 'sweet as candy' teeshirt Purple, cotton candy blue lettering and some pink cotton candy on either side. "Limestone told me Maud had to show you to your room. Just came in to see what you think of my family." She gave a nervous smile.... One I knew all too well. I huffed.

"Maud here? Gotta thank her for helping me to my room... had a little headache earlier." She gave a little smile and just went back out the door. I got up and stretched more even giving my back a well needed crack... I put my shoes back on, fixed my shirt (semi long sleeve Gems shirt. Real good deal on it from Gash) and just sat back in bed crossing my arms waiting for her to come back with Maud. She came back a few moments later with her sister right behind her.

Maud just looked at me. Unsure if she had a smile on her face or not... "You're awake. Feel better?" She asked. I gave a nod.

"Yep... Feeling better but only one issue.... Anywhere we can go for a walk? I could really stretch my muscles out."

"Yeah. Could go down to the quarry. Show you all the work we do." She looked to her sister. "Up for a walk Pinkie? You might need to see the changes to the quarry and maybe get some rocks for old time sake."

Pinkie swallowed a bit. "Uh... Sure... Just uh... let me go potty first.... Havent gone since home and I could really use a tinkle..." She said. I gave a nod and watched as she went back out leaving me and Maud alone. We waited a moment for another door to close where I just sighed relieved.

"I feel like she knows its coming..." Maud said. "Now do you wanna wait outside?" I gave a nod and got up following Maud out of the room and down the hall.

Everyone was out there either in the kitchen cooking a surprisingly delicious smelling stew or on the couch. Igneous was with his two other daughters on the couch while Cloudy was in the kitchen. Cloudy turned around and smiled. "There ya are. Rest well there uh... Ryder was it?" She said. I gave a nod. "That's good. Need anythin' to drink? I can getcha a nice ice cold water if ya want."

I huffed. "Sounds alright there Mrs. Cloudy. Maud was gonna take me and Pinkie down to the quarry, see all the work you do. Maybe teach me a thing or two if you're in need of another hand while I'm here." I said.

"Well that's sweet for you to offer but there's no need. You're a guest here, guests aint supposed to help with family stuff. Besides you already offered to fix up the family wagon to help with hauls. That should be more than enough there."

"Well... Alright then.... Gotta admit when you're brought up willing to help just about everyone it feels almost second nature."

Igneous gave a chuckle looking back from the TV. Old TV, still showed color albeit a bit faded. They were watching some old cop show, nice old car but not my style. Sedan. "Well definitely a mighty fine stallion you are." He said. "What did you say you did for work?"

"Never said. Guess I'm kind of a mechanic around the castle.... I'm a Guard." He hummed and got up just as his wife set a glass of water on the counter. I just took it and gave her a silent thank you before sipping from it.

"Guard huh? Well... Maybe you can help me... Come find me after you're done looking around the quarry. Bit of a rash that just keeps getting worse if ya catch my meaning...." I drank about half the water before setting the glass down giving a huff wiping my mouth off.

"Well... Perhaps the right medicine can get rid of that rash but I gotta know what I'm working with first."

"I'll explain in a bit. You just get yourself hydrated and get on with your tour. More you get yourself familiarized with our humble home, easier time you got for finding us if'n you and Pinkie go somewhere. Either that or if somethin's going on that needs my attention." I gave a nod and finished the water. Cloudy took the glass right up and started washing it in the sink. I looked back to Maud and she was just stepping outside. I quickly followed after her. The wait for Pinkie wasnt long. Just about the normal length for her when not pissing her pants. Five minutes. Peed, washed hands and out in five minutes. Yeah. I timed it. She's got a big bladder.

Pinkie stretched and smiled. "Alright! We ready?" She asked, the nervous smile on her face turned comfortable. I gave a nod as well as her sister and we just followed behind Maud. Pinkie looked to me. "So what do you think of the family Ryder? Meet everyone?"

I sighed stretching my wings out. The cool breeze felt nice on them. "Yeah... Everyone's so nice so far but uh.... about Limestone...." I said.

"Oh dont you mind her! She's just protective over the family, making sure we're comfortable and everything. She's always yelling but she doesnt mean anything by it." I huffed.

"I'll try to keep that in mind.... she doesnt seem the nice type by any means but... I'll give her a chance.... maybe have you help me calm down if she gets me to the point where I just wanna yell back or something..."

"I'll be there dont worry." She grabbed my hand and held me close.

As we descended, Maud cleared her throat.... I swear its like she understands rocks so well she has the personality of one. "My great great great grandfather founded this rock farm years ago, originally selling rocks for cobblestone pathing and statue stone as well as paper weights started here. As time went on, we kept digging, family kept coming." She said as we were about half way down the path. "As the need for rocks for more statues and roads as well as use for clay from the dirt we've found here for walls of homes, walls of gardens, even some driveways." We got to the bottom of the quarry and started walking towards the giant bolder. "Our great great great grandfather, Holder Cobblestone dedicated his luck to this rockfarm with this boulder, deemed unbreakable because if it was broken, this farm would be nothing. Exactly why my sister tells every newcomer not to touch it."

"Huh... Such a strange history.... And thus the Pie family got its start..." I looked to Pinkie. "Speaking of the Pie family.... there's a Pie here I need to speak with about something...."

Pinkie just looked to me shocked. Her eyes quickly welled up with tears. I hugged her just as she started crying. Maud huffed. "He told me about his wife Pinkie. Probably would've happened one way or another." She said trying to comfort her crying sister.

"Come on Pinkie I'm not mad just wondering why you would say that." She just looked to me sniffling and whining. "Come on, use your words Pinkie. Whining isnt your words...."

Pinkie sniffled. "M-My parents have been writing to me... every time they ask me if I have a coltfriend or something......" She said. "...Each time I avoid the question.... last time I broke and put yes and named you and then they asked me to come by with you sometime.... I didnt wanna ask you up front because I knew you'd say no and I hate lying to my mom and dad...." She broke down more into my shoulder. I just sighed and hugged her.

"....Knew something was up when Twilight had to ask me to go with you.... Yet I just made myself think it was just because you were busy and didnt have the time." I shushed her. Her sister joined in as I rubbed the crying mares back. "There there..... Just calm down, we can think of something here... I can still pretend to be your coltfriend but when we get back to Ponyville, you tell Applejack about this okay? She can probably help you find a way out of it.... Dont wanna see you getting in trouble with your folks...."

"...Please... Dont tell my parents.... I-I'm sorry...." I shushed her holding her close. She sniffled a bit.

Maud huffed. "Pinkie, he's not gonna tell mom and dad, neither will I." She said. "Just calm down, take a deep breath and make it look like you arent crying. We can make it seem like you fell down on the way back up just in case they wanna ask why you were crying." She sniffled and looked to her sister.

"...P...Please?" I handed her over to Maud who took her aside and just started rubbing dirt here and there on her sisters face, her clothes and even took a rock scraping her arms a bit but not enough to draw blood. Just to make scratch marks. Even tossed a little dirt onto her mane and such.

When we went back up I carried Pinkie who was still a bit sniffly. I was kinda waiting for Limestone to see her sister and blame me for it. Strangely that didnt happen. I just walked right in and Maud helped me get her to the bathroom where I just stet her down on the toilet and left the sisters alone. When I went back out into the living area Cloudy and Igneous were both in the kitchen. Igneous looked to me as he started plating a few bowls of the stew. "What happened to Pinkie? Get overwhelmed and miss her family?" He asked.

I shook my head coming over to lean on the counter. "Nope. We were coming back up and Pinkie didnt see the lip of the rock ramp and fell. Nothing too bad. Just a few scrapes and a bump on her nose." I said. "Maud is cleaning her up and making sure she's alright. Didnt see any blood but lets hope there's none.... So uh... Whats for lunch there?"

Cloudy handed me a bowl and a spoon. "Salted cabbage, beet and a hint of pepper." She said. "We just call it Salt Rock stew. Its somethin we have just every few weeks or so just to not get it stale. Go on and have yourself a try! Tell me what you think!"

Hesitantly I took a spoonful not knowing what I was expecting. Honestly? It was delicious. Actually had myself two bowls. Lasted me a bit to work on the wagon with Igneous. Got pretty much most of it replaced.. Rotting wood came off easily, screws and bolts came right out. Dinner wasnt anything too impressive. Salad. Nothing special. After that I went to bed though I couldnt sleep. Something just felt off to me. Said goodnight to AJ and Scoot through text, Pinkie was in the other room with her sisters, Igneous and Cloudy were right across the hall and I already went to the restroom... Still something felt off. I just sat up in bed and grabbed my phone just listening to everyone's breathing.... apparently Pinkie's father snores as much as she does. I just grabbed some pants, my shoes and a teeshirt before sneaking outside just to sit on the porch. The cool night air met with the lack of city lighting making the sky above shine bright by stars and the moon itself. I ended up snagging a picture and sending it to Luna. Though she got back to me.... fast. Call almost right away. I answered and had to step away from the house. "Ryder what are you doing up this late?" She asked almost masking the furious button mashing on an old arcade cabinet. "Is something the matter? Someone keeping you up? Any run-ins with uh... our mutual friends that seemed a bit creepy?"

I huffed looking around now. "Something is the matter, dunno if its someone keeping me up and no but I hope not but if they're around they know what I did to the ones who decided to capture me.... Celestia tell you?" I said.

"Yep.... Seems Schrivechnya protects you as I thought.... I'd like to chat another time about that but now.... What is your issue that's keeping you up?"

"Well...." I sighed keeping a watch over my shoulder at the house.... and for the other Elites.... Dammit Luna. "I'm with Pinkie out of town at the moment. Rockville meeting her family. Guess Pinkie lied about having a coltfriend and needed a stand in, didnt even bother asking me or letting AJ know before hand.... Now we have to think of a way to get out of it to where they're not gonna be mad at her and where I'm not gonna have to explain myself when and if Pinkie's family ever makes a visit to Ponyville for what ever reason.... Only thing that could take this place out is a tornado so I dont see them having to evac to stay safe from weather any time soon.... dont know if that's a good thing or a bad thing in my situation...."

"Ah... A bit of a moral dilemma then.... It's quite a conundrum there.... Should I send guards in, tell them its you're being called in for work at the castle?" I sighed.

"No no.... Think I'll be good until I get home.... I'm just.... I dont know.... Not sure if this is regret for leaving Applejack at home or if this is something else entirely... Its just something that's bugging me."

"It's understandable with this. You have more responsibilities and you're feeling like doing this is gonna go worse for you. You worry too much but its justifiable with the way you think.... Capable of running scenarios in your head, see which plan is best to proceed with. Your plan with this, play the part until you get home, see about getting Applejack and Pinkie to figure something out so Pinkie doesnt get in trouble and you dont get unneeded hate between you and her family. Correct?"

"To the tee Princess... I just hope that what ever we think of will be believable enough for them to understand... Dont wanna do anything like 'oh caught him cheating' or 'he died' only to have them come around, see me walking about and then question it, or even 'he broke up with me because this was all some lie that was cooked up because you dont wanna be disappointed' or something like that...." Luna hummed as I started walking back slowly.

"Most times it seems like the truth is the best thing....This? Its just.... I feel you're deep in when you dont need to be. You were asked to dive down after being pushed in. Thing is you dont know when you were pushed but you know by who at this point."

"Well as long as nothing goes wrong between now and uh.... Time?" I heard the game over sound from the arcade cabinet. Something I recognized from Fatal Fighters. Still want a crossover with Alley Brawlers. Apparently Luna doesnt see the devs getting together and authorizing it because it would be as bad as the crossover with the 'Super Mare' universe. No 'killer moves' but they were still brutal as fuck. Anyways she hummed and looked at her phone.

"One Twenty Two AM."

"Thanks.... As I said... As long as nothing goes wrong between now and tomorrow we should be fine.... As long as we get home without getting yelled at or yelling at each other because someone couldnt take pressure about being asked about personal life. Now that I know Pinkie basically told her family that I was her coltfriend I cant really say anything about Applejack otherwise they'll know something is up." Just then I stopped in my tracks hearing something break over in the shed. I huffed turning back around and walking swiftly over hat way. "Princess, I gotta go. Duty calls." Didnt even give her a chance to say anything here before hanging up and shoving my phone in my pocket. As I neared the barn I saw the doors open slightly and a light coming from inside. Nothing that was noticeable from far away but up close you definitely knew it was there. I got up against the door slowly as not to disturb it. I glanced in only to see two stallions. Then I remembered.... Igneous wanted me to talk to him about something.... think this was it. Two stallions were trying to break into the car without damaging the windows.... though they did break something in here. I glanced around what I could see I could use as a weapon just in case they tried to attack. I grabbed a crowbar off the counter and cleared my throat alerting the two stallions. They were both in longjohns and work boots. "Help you boys with somethin?"

One of the stallions brandished his own weapon. Pipe wrench. "Git on outta here boy.... This here's our car! We found it first!" He said. I gave a chuckle spinning the metal and somewhat rusty bar in my hand.

"Wouldnt think of trying to take this car from its rightful owner but... gonna have to ask you boys to leave before someone gets hurt...." I took the crowbar and bent the curved end of it to where it was straight. "Unless you want your necks to be as long as this damn crowbar, you go on and get out of here and do not come back..... Wont have ANY issues shoving this thing up both your asses, pulling it out the other side. Get me?" Both stallions just looked at me. Couldnt tell if they were scared or if they were just unimpressed. I went and smashed that crowbar onto a wooden table next to me. Broke that thing right in half. "GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" Oh you dont know how fast those two stallions booked it. Fucking climbed over each other to run off. I followed them out. "YEAH YOU BETTER RUN! I HEAR YOU CAME BACK AND EVEN LOOKED AT THIS CAR YOU BET I'M COMING TO FIND YOU TO PULL YOUR FUCKING EYES OUT!" I heard them run off into the darkness unsure if I were following them or not. I waited a moment before going back inside and grabbing the crowbar again bending it back into shape kinda before setting it aside. I even turned my attention to the table I busted. Old and didnt have anything on it. Just looked like it was hastily thrown together as a small work station. I grabbed their lantern and walked out with it after checking the car see if they were anywhere near getting it open. Nope. Lock wasnt even broken. Scratched here and there but not broken. Must've just gotten there.

When I walked out I held the lantern up closing the door behind me. As I neared the house I saw a few lights on inside. As I rounded the corner to the front of the house the door opened and Igneous was coming out, shotgun in one hand, lantern in the other. He was wearing his long johns and boots too. "Ryder? What was all that ruckus son? Heard yellin, woke up everyone in the house!" He said. I extinguished the lantern I had setting it aside.

"Caught a few stallions trying to get at your car. Take it that's why you asked me to speak to you after dinner?" He nodded. "Not gonna lie almost forgot.... Lucky I was awake and taking a call from work. Nothing that needs my immediate attention but for when I get home. Uh.... Just so ya know I may have scared those guys off by breaking a workbench in there.... Sorry..." He sighed setting his shotgun down against the house.

"Dont worry none about it. Long as my car aint been damaged you're fine. Still gonna give it a look over here for a bit. Why dont you get on back inside, get yourself comfortable in bed. Might have to think of somethin' to thank ya for saving my car." I huffed.

"No need there sir. Just doing my job. Go on, check out your car, call me if there's anything else in there you want me to take note of. Dunno where you go for the law but I'd like to talk to em tomorrow."

"Alright. You get on inside, make sure the girls are safe. Anythin' happens I'll holler." I gave a nod as he grabbed his gun again going straight for his shed, lantern held out in front. I took my lantern back inside and went over to the counter setting it down. I looked closely at it in the dim light. Not much that I could see. I heard footsteps behind me. Looked back only to see Limestone holding an old revolver that needed to be loaded one bullet at a time. She and all her family behind her were in their pajamas, Pinkie hugging Maud for comfort. I sighed.

"Everyone alright in here?"

Limestone huffed relaxing her grip on the pistol. "Yeah... Just a few scared mares here...." She said sounding less serious. "What happened? Was just told to grab my gun and protect the house. I sighed as I went over to the couch leaning on it.

"Two jackasses scared off because they tried stealing your fathers car. Almost thought I was there for the car as well but I showed them I was on your side. Would've arrested them right then and there but I didnt have my cuffs. Got their lantern, might look at it before going back to bed, see if there's any markings there or something to identify the stallions who tried to take off with it."

Cloudy came up. "We already know those stallions. Came along every time, tried to take the car whether it be by stealing it, paying for it with something that aint worth it or even threatening. Sheriff aint doing a thing because they said we were lying through our teeth about em, that they've been home all night." She said.

"Well with third party account they're gonna have to do something. Attempted car theft, multiple counts of it, same with assault and what not. Put em away for a while since they got caught in the act by a guard." I looked to Pinkie. "Pinkie? You good there?" Pinkie nodded not even breaking the hug from her sister. "Dont worry there. I'm fine. Family is safe. Take a deep breath, get a drink and just relax.... Sorry if I scared you." She gave a whimper and dug her head into her sisters shoulder. I huffed. "Goes for everyone. Back to bed, do what you need to but everything is safe now." Each mare gave some sort of nod before going back down the hall, Limestone started to unchamber the bullets, one by one in her pistol as she went back to the room. I turned another light on in the kitchen to get a better look at the lantern. Usually someone would carve their initials into the base of these or have them engraved with their names but I didnt see anything. Not even a 'clan emblem' or something to identify.

Anywho I waited until Igneous came back in before turning in but when I went to my room I saw Pinkie sitting in my bed, hugging a pillow. I went in and closed the door behind me before sitting with her. "....Y-You really scared me there....." She said. "....When.... When daddy told me there was trouble.... A-All.... All I could see was that robbery you stopped.... but with my parents.... instead of the cakes...." I hugged her.

"I'm sorry... I couldnt sleep, had a chat with the Princess and I was in the right place at the right time.... Those idiots tried stealing your dads car, I saved it. There were no weapons involved other than the ones your family had.... If your father had gotten out there and those stallions were still here I'd bet some buckshot would've been loaded into them. Rather would have you not see any blood drawn by me or other family members.... I've seen too much blood in my lifetime..... drawn by others or my own hand.... its all from protecting those I care about, you included Pinkie.... Hell..... There are still times where I think if I werent there at Sugar Cube Corner that one day for some spending money, you'd probably be having a reason more to need diapers.... Rather would see you only to wear to feel as young as your youngest party goer than the party goer who goes in their pants because they got scared." She whimpered a bit hugging her pillow tighter. "....You still did didnt you?" She nodded. "Code Lemonade?" She nodded again. I sighed. "Padded up for the night just in case?" She nodded once more. "Alright... Go get a spare, come back here and I'll change you okay?" She spared no time by getting up and going out of the room leaving the pillow where it was. Small crinkle with each step.

She came back in moments later closing up the door behind her. I took her padding and the wipes she had and just watched as she got undressed. Tank top under the pajamas now surprisingly. I grabbed her pajamas and lied her down on the ground using her PJ's as a little blanket for her soaked padded butt. We didnt do much. Just wiped her down, I fingered her, she blew me and we just ended up passed out in the same bed, her just in a diaper and tanktop, me in my PJ's just cuddled up next to her. Though uh.... that was a mistake to even do.... No Pinkie didnt piss herself again and leak but it would've been perferable. Nope.... I woke up to her father, revolver in hand aimed right at me.... I kept my hands under the blanket as Pinkie slept soundly. "...I gave ya this room for a reason...." He said softly. "....So's you dont get frisky with my daughters.... Yet what do ya go and do?" I stammered a bit trying to find my words but he shoved that gun at my chin keeping my mouth shut. "...Choose those words carefully.... I'm greatfull n all that you n my girl are together- really I am... but we do things different around here.... Godess above help you.... Now you get up out of that bed.... get yourself dressed and come with me...."

"Cant I at least call my sister and check in on her?" I whispered as I carefully got out of bed, hands at my sides. "Sh-She's always worried if I dont call first thing in the morning...." I just looked on at him as he thought. I was praying albeit silently and not in the right way that she would help me out in some way... And hoping she doesnt judge me for what the wife lets me do. He huffed.

"Alright.... But if I see one of them guard trucks roll up I aint gonna explain to my daughter where her 'fiance' went...." I gave a nod swallowing the lump in my throat as I went and grabbed my clothes. Jeans, my shoes, a shirt and then my phone. He hearded me towards the bathroom. Once inside I just dropped my clothes on the sink and just started calling Scootaloo.

I waited for a moment listening to the buzzing of the phone in my ear. I heard mumbling outside the door and had to think what I say when I ask for help for not wanting a shotgun wedding. Though that thinking only lasted for a minute. She picked up fast. "Ryder! I was wondering when you'd call!" Scootaloo said. ....What? You think I'd lie about wanting to call my baby sister in the morning when I'm away? She worries about me.... Need I remind you about the war and when I got shot? Celestia told me she pissed herself scared for my safety wondering if I was gonna survive.

I huffed, stretching a bit. "And you'd think I'd forget? Never in a million years sis." I said. "Now uh.... You got a pen and paper? I kinda need a few things from the store for when I get home Want you to write em down before I forget. Just tell me when you're ready." I could hear her just going through her backpack before things settled.

"Alright! When you're ready."

"Alright.... I need... Hot sauce, eggplant, lentils, pasta noodles, mandarin oranges, and some eye drops. Now read that back to me, make sure you got everything."

"Hot sauce, eggplant, lentils, pasta noodles, oranges and eye drops"

"MANDARIN Oranges Scoot. Gotta be a specific kind. Pinkie recommended them for smoothies and I heard they're good in the stirfry I make."

"Oooooooooooh yes! I love that! Are you gonna make it when you get home?"

"Yeah I will but seriously, Mandarin Oranges, write it down because the regular type of oranges wont work."

"Got it. Mandarin Oranges. Had to squeeze that in there but okay..."

"Oh! Also write down on there to remind me to go to Twilight and get her to help me write a good first letter to Celestia..." I got closer into a corner and whispered. "I know what I said, dont question it." And then I got a bit louder. "And dont forget to circle the part about the letter just to let me know its important. You know how I forget stuff." Scootaloo hummed and I swear I started to sweat.

"Well... Okay.... Could swear you wrote to Celestia before but I'll write it down."

"Thanks. Also give that to Applejack so she can hold on to it. I gotta go now Scoot. Love ya, bye!" I hung up and just hoped that either her or Applejack gets the cry for help that I'm giving them in the form of a shopping list and the hint to get Twilight to help me out here. I didnt wanna even press my luck by trying to text. After I was done I changed into the clothes I grabbed and used the can.... Yeah I realized I could've padded up but do you know how weird it would be being somewhere that isnt near my mother or my own wife that know and could change me? Yeah.... dont know how fast someone could notice, pants me, then they need one when I go after them to kick their ass. When I came out with my pajama pants in my arms as well as the sleep shirt I was wearing. Hell stepping out? I was praying again that he didint realize what I had done.

Igneous had the gun at his side as he leaned against the wall. "You done?" He asked. I nodded. "Good.... Now... here's what we're gonna do..... You're gonna follow me out to the shed.... I'm gonna explain what happens from here on out.... Think you know what happens if you try to run. Right?" I nodded again. "Good. Toss them clothes in the room, follow me...." I nodded and did as he said. Pinkie was still asleep and here? I'm glad she's a heavy sleeper. I walked out with Igneous. Now I know I'm a guard, fast reflexes and such but this is Pinkie's family. Some stranger or someone that wants to hurt my family? You know I'd be there to put a few in em with their own gun. But here? I do NOT want to hurt Pinkie's feelings by hurting her father. That and... Well... that future where I apparently died may have scared the hell out of me making me think twice about it. I dont wanna be stupid around a firearm that either will go off killing me or anyone around me.... Scootaloo or Applejack in general.... They're the most important ponies in my life.... Yeah I know there are others that could still be there in the target but you understand what I'm saying. He led me all the way to the shed and just sat me against a wall, closed the door to the shed and just leaned against his car, gun where I could see it. "So here's what's gonna happen son. You and I are gonna visit a friend of mine in town.... getcha a suit. It'll just be for the day so it aint gonna be that expensive... We're gonna get the minister from in town and we're gonna get you and my daughter hitched so there aint gonna be nothin' wrong with sleepin' in the same bed with her."

"B-But sir i-it isnt what you think!"

"You shut your damn mouth!" He snapped back aiming the gun right at me. "I know what I saw this morning when I went to go wake my daughters up.... Pinkie werent in her spot and yet there I find her without her garments on and in bed with you. Now its either you were fooling around or you were fooling around! Now get your ass into this car otherwise I'm stuffing you into that trunk!" I may have flinched a bit here. He just kept the gun aimed a bit in my direction as I got into the car. Got into the backseat just to breathe a bit. He just let me. I lied down on the seat. Part of me wanted to reach for my phone but I didnt know if he'd be taking glances into the mirror so I just kept my hands on my chest. Here I definitely was starting to panic. Glad this wasnt something Big Mac had to do but good fucking lord above. This was frightening. I agree to marry Pinkie and then Applejack questions what the hell happened and I've gotta figure out how to divorce Pinkie.... Either that or risk some lead in me and that I survive what ever kinda ammo is being used.... Looks 44 or 357.... Either way at close range that thing is taking some flesh with it.

We got to the shop about fifteen minutes after that. It was more of an overlooked shop. Looked more for suits for what ever stallion is in a casket. Sign that said 'Tailor' in that stereotypical western font, mannequins in the window wearing black suits with a few ties. Bolo, bow, and straight.... If its a neck tie and things dont work out for me.... I feel like I should at least beg for a second chance from the goddess herself and see if she cant send me back to BEFORE Pinkie climbed in bed with me. Yeah.... getting that desperate for this shit. Igneous came up along side and started to nudge me along. Didnt realize he had the holster.... didnt think to look anywhere near the gun until we got here. As we entered the shop a bell chimed.... to him, just the bell of a shop where someone could be distracted with something they're working on. Kinda like Sugar Cube Corner. Someone is always out front working the register but in the back? Someone can be working the kitchen, baking, checking ingredients, so on and so forth. Anywho the shop was a pretty good size. Fitting rooms to the back, mannequins all over the store showing off different suits, tuxedos and such. There were even watches of all designs and necklaces and bracelets in a case against the wall in front of us, then there was the stallion working behind the counter on a suit patching it up. He glanced back at us before looking back to his work. "Help you two?" He asked, a voice so rough it could be sandpaper with an added grit of asphault at 100 miles per hour. Igneous cleared his throat.

"Need a suit for my friend here. Getting married to my daughter later and forgot his at home." Igneous said, being obviously sarcastic.

"Well you're in luck." Stallion replied. "Still got a few in for weddings. Take your pic, tell me whether you mean to rent or buy and y'all can get on your way. And if I understand the situation... Things should go as planned?" Igneous patted me on the back as I swallowed my pride and shuttered.

"Well they should considerin' this stallion, being so kind as to make the offer himself.... Just wanted to do it as fast as possible." The stallion behind the counter chuckled and just sighed. Yeah.... I knew I wasnt gonna get out easy of this. Choosing took about an hour because I didnt know what suit would be good.... I totally wasnt trying to buy time. Swear. Basically chose one that I knew I was gonna have issues with to put on to buy as much time as possible. Three piece tux and I guess this didnt come with shoes. Seems like this kinda thing happens a lot. Gotta happen with boots or sneakers or what ever. When we went back outside we had to get back into the car and go down to a chapel. Pony inside knew this was what it was. Stallion just had to ask what the occasion was, Igneous said it was a quick one and the priest just grabbed his bible and got in the car. All I could do is look at the sky, hoping i'd see a chopper cresting the sky or something saving my flank from an awkward explanation and an even more awkward divorce thing.... And possibly some family bonds being saved from being severed.

About an hour later I was back in my room pacing back and forth half dressed in the suit picked out. I was panicking bad.... And yes this time I was begging for Changelings to come kidnap me again.... God why couldnt Rocky just be here, gas the family and save me? Then I wouldnt have any issue fucking Chrysalis as a thank you if that meant I can just ejaculate and evacuate without trouble. Again... That desperate. I paced back and forth up until I heard a knock at the door making me just scramble for my pants... Yeah I was that half dressed. Top first. Tie was still half way done, Coat was on the bed, vest and shirt were on but no pants or shoes. Socks but no shoes.... "J-Just a moment!" I called out as I struggled to get my pants on. I got my pants on but didnt even bother zipping them up yet. Just tried stuffing my shirt and vest in. "C-Come in!"

I waited a moment only to see the door open and Maud coming in, wearing flat sensible shoes and a dress... not fancy but a dress nonetheless. "Easy. It's only me." She said in a slightly hushed voice. "Listen, everything's gonna be alright. Just try to get through this. I've gotten word from your wife that she's on her way soon. Just try stalling as long as you can but dont stall long enough for my father to catch on to something. I've even tried telling him about things but he refuses to listen. I'm at least trying to buy some time by talking to you here and trying to perk you up in a sense. He just thinks you're thinking you're not ready to be married yet and that I'm just giving a pep talk on why you should be married into the family. Not only because he found Pinkie in your bed but because he doesnt want his daughters to be looked on as whores because some stallion went and laid down with them." I huffed.

"Little does he know.... Too much about your own sister but it wouldnt be the first...."

"He really needs to realize that we arent gonna be his 'innocent girls' forever... And be able to choose who we wanna marry rather than who he wants us to.... He tried to set me up with someone who had no interest in me, was already dating someone and basically was suggested to him from his parents because it wasnt a mare he was dating...."

"And then ponies wonder why we get so upset when someone basically uses the good book to say a stallion dating a stallion is bad..... Dont listen to the Princess of Love or anything...." Maud came over and took hold of the tie helping me tie it.

"Alright, here. Lets do this.... Feels like I'm pushing it with the talk so just pull up your pants, take a deep breath and get out there. Just know Pinkie isnt taking this too well either.... She's almost crying to mother about this."

"Something tells me trying to not cry and be caught in the lie she got me into?" Maud nodded as she finished up tying my tie.

"There. Just get out there, try to calm down and remember your wife and the Princess are on their way." I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded before watching her leave. I hiked up my pants before sneaking my way to the bathroom and using the can before heading outside.... Yeah bladder was a little full and a little nervous... Dont worry, didnt leak anywhere.... thankfully.... But I went outside into the living room where I found Igneous waiting dressed up in a suit himself Gun still at his side.

Igneous huffed. "Bout time you got done... Was about to just barge in there and bring you out without your pants." He said. "Good thing I didnt find anything on my other daughter when she was walking out of the room.... Dont want you to choose which one gets the ring on their finger... Definitely dont want holes the size of them rings either..."

"N-No sir... definitely dont want that...." I replied. "So uh.... where uh.... where's Pinkie?"

"She's waiting for you..... Best get down to holders boulder... Faster you get down there, faster we get this done. Go on now." I gave a nod and walked out with him trailing behind me just so I dont run. I looked to the sky giving one last silent prayer to the goddess above and to keep an eye out for a chopper on the horizon. To be honest when you're at war, you learn of these things a lot.... You can tell friend from foe on the sound of the chopper and engine. We have hunter attack choppers and cargo, they've got attack choppers with miniguns on either side... You can definitely hear a mini gun spooling up from a good ways away along with the chopper... especially when the idiot behind it doesnt know what switch to use to spool it up. Anyways I made my way to the quarry just looking over the edge of it. Saw everyone down there.... If it werent for Pinkie in a wedding dress I would swear its a funeral. Pastor in his vestments, Maud, Cloudly Quartz, Limestone and Marble all in I guess their 'Sunday best' though... each dress was black or a dark grey. Pinkie was in a wedding dress, her pink mane just stuffed under a veil. The dress itself was a bit of a tainted yellow like it hadnt been taken care of all too well.

I carefully walked my way down towards the boulder. Rocks being kicked every other step as if I were trying to mimic the ticking of a clock. As I reached the bottom I felt everything go into slow motion. Brain screaming that this is just a total trap. Igneous is behind me with the gun, I know that but how good of a shot is he? Is he quick on the draw? Sharp shooter? I didnt wanna find out even though I wanted to just book it. As I passed each mare I saw the expression on their face. Maud? Stone cold and uh.... stone like but she was on my side. Marble, hiding in her mane, blushing and giving me a slight smile. Limestone..... Pissed still but less pissed? Not one hundred percent sure.... Then there was Pinkie.... Nervous, scared, the whole nine fucking yards. She was still trying to hold it together and honestly was doing fairly well. Better than me actually. I stopped just a bit away from Pinkie, the pastor right between us just a foot or two in front of us with his bible in hand. "Are we ready to begin?" The Pastor asked. Neither Pinkie or I said anything. Just stared at each other.

"I'd say they are!" Igneous called out.

"Alright... lets get this started." He started flipping through his bible trying to find the pages he needed for what ever sermon to at least forgive us for sins.... Or at least I hope he was doing that... And honestly I was begging for anything from anyone to help me out of this. Wouldnt even object to those stallions coming back with a rifle just to blow my head off. Hell maybe the huge boulder next to us is actually a giant egg that takes years to hatch.... Okay that's a stretch. But I feel like someone could even spawn a demon and gut me.... Yeah... even asking for help from him. The guy who is out to ruin my life.... Actually wouldnt put it past him for it to be his doing here. He stopped at the page he needed and gave a huff. "We are gathered here today to wed these two ponies, in holy matrimony, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in-" He was cut off by a grunt from Igneous.

"GET ON WITH IT!" The pastor sighed and closed the book glaring at the stallion with the revolver.

"No objections from anyone here?" He looked to Pinkie who hesitantly shook her head and then to me. All I could hear was the clicking of the hammer of the revolver behind me. I shook my head as well. He looked back to Pinkie. "Do you take this stallion to be your lawfully wed husband?"

Pinkie swallowed what ever lump was in her throat.... Dont doubt it was whatever was for dinner last night. "I.... I....." She said whimpering. "I.... do...." She hung her head as a tear came from her eye. The pastor looked at me again.

"And do you take this mare to be your lawfully wed wife?" My chest started to feel tight. Stomach was churning.... At this point running was an option but where would I run? Towards his family and risk him hurting one of his daughters or his wife? I'm not that much of an asshole using others as meat shields.... in real life anyways.... video games are another story. Then I looked towards the mines. Were they deep and complex enough for me to lose him and make my escape that way? No. Doing the math in my head it wasnt possible for me to even get there without being shot at. Same with the ledge and behind the rock. You can only do 'ring around the rosie' so many times before getting tired. Even a part of me wanted to at least force myself to just vomit. There even was a part of me wanting to just go up, grab the gun and just do it myself. As I stood there, my mind screaming at me to say something or run. That? And I could hear the cocking of the revolver. I honestly just started breathing heavily freaking out and trying not to scream.

Though my answer was not needed. My ear started flickering hearing something far off and the sound got closer and closer. Only looked up for moments later (or what felt like it) only to see a helicopter fly over and a very familiar one at that. It was Twilight's chopper! It turned around and hovered just over the pit. The side door opened up as a rope dropped down. A mare stepped out onto that rope and rappelled down. Blonde mane tied up, wearing boots and camo pants and a white tank top as well as some gloves... never tried rappelling but then again I just channel my inner wonderbolt blood and just start flying and 'performing'. Though that mare wasnt just any mare. It was Applejack who landed in front of us and just looked to me giving a grin before looking to the pastor. "Not sure if its time for objections but I got one considerin' this stallion's already married." She said. She looked to the family and huffed. "Y'all hear? Weddin's off! Stallion's already got a ball 'n chain and he dont need another one!" I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Igneous brandishing the weapon and coming over to us PISSED.... Hell more than his daughter. When he got close enough I rushed him, knocked him to the ground and took the pistol from him resetting the hammer. I looked over to see Pinkie hugging Applejack scared.

A shadow passed over me and I just looked up to see Princess Twilight coming in for a landing. Everyone that wasnt me, Igneous, Pinkie or AJ bowed in respect to her before she came over to me as I stood Igneous up. I huffed and held him close facing outwards. "Since you're the father of one of my friends I'm letting you off with a warning.... Easily could've charged you with assault with a deadly weapon, threatening an officer and what not...." I said. "Why dont you pick up that gun, go apologize to your daughter for doing this shotgun wedding thing and promise it wont happen again. To ANY of your daughters.... I find out, those charges can come right back around.... But hey... No hard feelings here." I released him and he just huffed before going and grabbing the gun as I turned my attention to Twilight. She was wearing her Princess gown, blue and shimmery with glitter. "Sure as shit I'm glad to see you!"

Twilight huffed. "Apologies General.... Thinking I should've done some explaining with Pinkie before sending you on this assignment...." She said. "Good thinking using a shopping list as an SOS for you. Scootaloo did say you were acting weird but when she explained it and I saw the list she had I knew you were neck deep into some trouble." I glanced over at Pinkie who just was hugging her parents with Applejack and Maud explaining what had happened.

"Nearly drowned in it not knowing how deep I was in this...." I looked back. "Y'know her father told me not to call guards.... Technically I didnt and no charges will be pressed. Though I still have to go to the sheriff about an attempted theft of a car and trespassing.... Even threatening a guard..." She sighed hugging me.

"You know I almost feel like you're always on duty even when you're not." She replied breaking the quick hug. "Alright... You wanna stay here for a few more days or are we gonna have to pull you out early?" I looked back at the group of ponies.

"Think I'll stay for right now. Maybe after I return this suit I can see about making them some hayburgers or maybe some of my homemade stirfry." Twilight gasped.

"The one with the orange slices?" I nodded. Cutting this WAY short Igneous apologized for the shotgun wedding, took me to return the suit and take the lantern to the sheriff who just up and arrested the guys who tried stealing the car. Evidence, story and all were enough. They even fessed up. Applejack and Twilight ended up getting back in the chopper and leaving.... Well... Not without me getting a little bit of an earful from AJ wondering why I called Scoot instead of her and made her panic and everything.... Moodswings suck from what Cloudy Quartz says.... I agree.... TOTALLY.....

To Be Continued....