Life Anew

I fucking. LOST IT. I nearly lost something more near and dear but I just LOST IT. Worse than before. Worse than when I was 'trained' for the Elements of Brotherhood, worse than when I got kidnapped on my wedding day and certainly worse than when Scootaloo and her friends tried running away to Celestia's Summer Home only to wander into fucking Everfree, nearly get killed by whatever the fuck is out there... Fucking Timberwolves, tigers, bears and that godforsaken cockatrice..... They're lucky Daring fucking Do managed to bring them back.... I still owe her for that but this? I honestly wanted to fly to the goddess myself, ask her if she can turn back time so I can do this day differently. But this? This was hell on my mind as well as everyone involved. Lets start from the beginning. I was just dropping off Applejack and Big Mac at the train station. Applejack was definitely getting more visibly pregnant. Its been... I think about a month since we got advice from our parents and what not. Twilight got the list Luna made and just... Yeah. She's giving that to us as things go on. Anyways I was just dropping them off at the train station. Big Mac was wearing jeans a cut off tee and his work boots. Applejack was wearing track pants, sneakers and a tee shirt that Rarity made for her, both with their bags in tow. The train was waiting as the restock crew was making sure there were still food, drinks and supplies on the train. I sighed giving my wife a hug. "You guys be safe now! Dont let anyone over there in Appaloosa be an asshole to you and if they are, let Big Mac bite their heads off." I said.... What? Did I not say they were heading to Appaloosa? Right.... right...

Applejack gave me a kiss on the cheek and sighed. "Aint gonna worry too much about that." She said. "Got one of your service shirts with the sleeves cut off just to let em know who they're talkin' to if they wanna try anything."

Big Mac gave a sigh pulling Applejack back a bit. "You just get on down to Celestia's Summer home now." He said. "Dont wanna keep the girls and Uncle Orange waiting. I'll go and call you with any updates, check on the girls later." I swear I'd lose my head if it werent attached to my body. They're heading off to Appaloosa because A) they wanted to get out of the house for a few days and let me watch the girls and B) Braeburn is paying for a maternity shoot for Applejack. And the thing about Uncle Orange? Yeah. He's ready to move into his new home and he's inviting me and the girls over for a few days. They've already spent the night with Babs and Uncle Orange while we just prepped.

I gave a huff. "Alright you two, get yourselves on that train. I'm not gonna wanna explain why you two are still here and not in Appaloosa to Braeburn. Love you guys!" I said giving a wave before just giving AJ a quick kiss before watching them hop onto the train and disappear into the car. I soon left the station just before the train left. I went back to my car and pulled my bags from the trunk before hopping into the car and pulling my phone starting a call to Uncle Orange.

I had it on speaker just as I pulled out into the road. I went through one light before he answered. "There's my nephew in law.... Where are you? We're supposed to be leaving the Princess' home here soon and I was told the Princess would be here soon for a little time away from Canterlot and I've got the feeling I shouldnt be here when she gets here."

"No worries about that Uncle Orange. I'm on my way as we speak. Just dropped AJ and Big Mac off at the station." I replied.

"Really now? Where're they off to?" He asked.

"Manehattan!" I replied real fast. "Sweetie Belle's sister has a friend up there who runs a studio and she's gonna get some maternity pictures done." ... Technically not a lie as far as the maternity pics go.

"Well I hope she's got some good place picked that isnt gonna bring up bad memories..." I sighed turning down a road heading back towards home.

"Yeah... I feel you on that.... I know when I was there not too long ago with Babs and everyone else for a small vacation me and Babs went by the memorial site... Both Babs and I were strong about it but I kinda needed to take a sit down and a breather.... Even get something to drink just to ground myself just so I didnt freak out too bad and scare Babs or the Princess I was accompanying." He sighed.

"I still regret how I treated you that day.... saying you werent cut out for the guard by the way you dressed... certainly changed my mind about that... Gained trust and respect all in one go... Should say if you want anything and I mean ANYTHING.... you just ask."

"Definitely will sir. Until that time comes, just hold me to my word I'll use that favor when I can. Just make sure you got everything, the girls have everything and that they're ready. I'm not gonna go back to reclaim anything they've left behind. If the Princess finds it and returns it that's one thing but I'm not going back to get it." He chuckled.

"I'll let them know. Got some new hired help in house right now making sure everything's good and prepped for us and if you're hungry I can have em whip up a snack or we can wait for dinner. Thinkin' a beet stew?"

"If anything I can try making my home famous stirfry if you can at least provide the ingredients. No allergies to citrus or cooking oils at all?"

"Lucky the wife is out in Fillydelphia with her friends. She's allergic to peanut oils, never have any in the house. You can work with olive oil cant you?"

"Yep. That's what I use. Need onions, tangerines, cherry tomatoes, head of cabbage and some tofu with soy sauce. Think you have all that at the new house?" He hummed a bit.

"Yeah. Should have a fully stocked fridge and a food storage area. I'll phone ahead to make sure we have everything ready for you. Maybe have my chef help you and you can teach him the recipe if you're able to."

"I suppose I can... Makes sense to keep the recipe moving as long as nobody goes and tries to sell it for their own gain... Its kind of a family recipe. Dont wanna end up being sued for my own creation..."

"No worries there. I'll make sure its just used in the house. Should be interesting to eat. Now call me when you get close. I'm actually gonna make sure we have everything here..."

"Alright. See you in a bit." And here I just hung up. Just turned on the radio and jammed out on the drive out of town. After a few songs I ended up passing Sweet Apple Acres. Part of me said to stop, grab something else but.... Nope. I didnt because I knew I had everything here. Didnt question why my brain told me to stop. Just thought I forgot something for a moment. As I neared Celestia's Summer Home I decided to call back. The phone buzzed for only a moment before he picked up.

"Getting close now are we?"

"Yes sir. Few minutes out. Have the guards open the gate for me and I'll pull right in."

"On it. Just a thing.... We're getting in a transport but Babs wants to ride in your car. I'll allow it but please dont do anything crazy on the way to the new house...."

"Aw come on... At least one burnout maybe before driving off? Its just something that's safe enough to do without hurting anyone." He huffed.

"Fine. Just a burnout. No donuts, no weaving in and out of traffic. Just the burnout."

"Alright sir. Be there in a moment." I hung up again and just kept an eye out for the gate. Took me a few minutes before I was able to pull in. As I pulled in I saw Uncle Orange with the girls around him and a few guards around them as well. I pulled in and just rolled down the side window down giving everyone a smile. "Sorry I'm late! Had to drop AJ and Big Mac off at the station!" I said throwing the car in park and stepping out.

Babs ran around the car, her backpack on and wearing the shirt she got from Mama Spitfire when I tried to help get over her fear of heights and she's honestly been doing well since then. Already got her a dinner with Soarin and Mama Spitfire. Brought Scootaloo along for a thing with Mama Spitfire. Was a fun all things considering. Was even wearing jeans and her sneakers. "Ryder!" She said jumping into me. I hugged her tight just as the girls just mobbed me each having their bags on em. Scootaloo was wearing jeans, her wonderbolts sneakers and a tee she got from you-know-who, Sweetie was just in a dress that Rarity put her in and Bloom was wearing her work boots, overalls and a red teeshirt. I gave a chuckle lifting the filly up into my arms.

"Babs! You ready to see your new house?"

"Yeah! It's gonna be awesome! Dad says its gonna have a lot of cool things! Even said the Princess' helped out with somethings!"

Uncle Orange gave a chuckle as I came around the car. "That I did. Hot tub, pool, Three guest rooms, a small arcade and a fully stocked bar." He said. "Got a maid who isnt coming in for at least a week, bartender is there and even got a cook who I'm actually not having start until tomorrow. Thinking pizza tonight?" The girls cheered slightly.

"I mean... As long as they can deliver we should be fine... If not I could always drive out and pick it up." He sighed as he grabbed his suit case behind him.

"No need for that Ryder. You're a guest. A Special one at that. Think of this as one of the many things I need to do to apologize to you after the way I treated you that day." I gave a smile.

"Well... Paid off... Offer's still on the table if they cant deliver."

"If need be I'll send you out. But for now why dont you get back in your car and follow us?" He looked town to Scootaloo and her friends. "You girls get into the transport. I'll be there in a moment." I watched as Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hurried off towards a transport with the door open and waiting. I looked back at Uncle Orange as he sighed and grabbed his daughter's hand. "Alright sweetheart, you're going with Ryder just like you wanted. He's gonna have a room near yours as well so no need to worry."

Babs blushed a bit. "Daaaad! I told you not to call me that in front of Ryder!" She said. "Besides I thought we were gonna be using the living room for the sleepover for the first night! You promised movies and everything!" Uncle Orange gave a sigh.

"Yeah... I did say that now didnt I? Good thing I bought you a new sleeping bag for occasions like this...." He looked to me. "The girls have sleeping bags at the house?"

I gave a sigh setting Babs down letting her run around her father hopping into the passenger seat of my car. "Nope. Left Scootaloo's out one night and a racoon tore it up trying to find food and Appleblooms needed to be thrown away. Dont ask why there.... Pretty sure Sweetie Belle's sister has one but I dont think we're gonna be going back there to get it... She'd make me model a suit or something before I could even get out." He hummed.

"Well how about this? Maybe you take Babs with you to go get three sleeping bags, I'll pay you back on the bits. Sound alright?"

"As long as I can at least use a little bit of what you pay me back for some garlic bread when that pizza is ordered." He gave a smile.

"Fine. Paid back with the cost, and I'll get the bread... Been craving some myself but didnt know if I'd be the only one eating it...." I gave a grin and just gave a sigh.

"Sounds good. Now if I'm right.... there should be a shop just inside of Ponyville. You're good to wait a little bit? Either that or you just give me the address and I can just use my GPS."

"I'll text it to you. Just get on with the sleeping bags. I'll be seeing you soon."

I gave a nod and hopped back into my car just to hear Babs jamming out to the radio. Hard rock stuff I didnt even know. Just kept it on for her. I pulled towards the gate after making sure she was buckled up (only because her father was watching... and I dont want fines on my ass) and just played normal for a moment... Well... Until I pulled out into the road going towards Ponyville again and just burning rubber before speeding off which made the filly in the passenger seat squeal with excitement. I waited until we got a ways out just to slow down just as Babs cheered a bit. "That's awesome!" She said. "Can we do it again? Please??"

I gave a sigh. "Sorry Babs. Gonna make that a one time thing for now.... Your dad is probably a little pissed at me for doing that anyways...." I said. "So how're you doing? Havent talked to you since we did our little height training thing."

"Been good. Maybe a nightmare or two but no accidents yet." I glanced at her.

"Nightmares? About what?"

"Well... That's the weird thing.... its the same thing over and over again.... Its one where I'm just... in a place where there's just these guys.... I dont know who they are or even where I am.... Looked like an abandoned building.... Couldnt see their faces but they were all just... staring at me....." I hummed a bit as the light turned green.

"You know.... Princess Luna told me some things about some dreams.... If you're having one of those dreams it could mean that you just feel trapped kinda... At least I think so but I'll have to ask Luna about that later... Too early to wake her. Maybe its your brain just saying that you're in a new area and strangers all around... unfamiliar and possibly unwelcomed. Not really an expert but it might be something to ask Luna."

"I mean... it kinda makes sense... I did come from Manehattan and now I'm out here..... Gotta say it's just strange not being in a big city..."

"Well you're adapting pretty well... Anyone at school giving you issues?"

"Not really... Got some boys just acting real weird around me but I want nothin' to do with em."

"Just dont forget what to do if those boys try to do anything you dont want."

"Scream, tell the teacher, wait until you come?"

"Yep. Dont forget to get em where it counts but only if you're cornered. If it gets you in trouble, tell them to call me."

"I will... Lets just hope it doesnt come to that.... Dad says he wouldnt hesitate to get the guard involved again if that happened again." I gave a huff turning down a side road.

"Agreed.... And goddess help them if I come along.... You girls are my first priority if shit goes south... Definitely wanna see you safe no matter what."

"But... What about Applejack and Big Mac?"

"Big Mac makes sure Applejack is okay. Say the house burns down, I get Applebloom and Scootaloo out of the house, They grab the bags we have stashed and get out. Extends to you and Sweetie Belle if you're over. Just grab whatever you have and we get out." She gave a sigh as we turned at a light.

"Glad you'd be there to save me.... Feel like you're the only one I'd trust...."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... My dad is just too busy with work.... seemed like he didnt even care about me when he was looking for a house.... I was freaking out thinking about the heights yet he just kept looking, not even caring about what was going through my head..." I huffed.

"Trust me Babs. Your dad cares about you a lot. He'd go to the ends of Equestria for you. But hey, I got him to see reason for your new house didnt I? Rather would see you not wetting your bed or your pants because you're afraid the building is gonna fall or that you looked out the window at something.... I wanna see you happy and safe... Same with Scootaloo, same with Applebloom, same with Sweetie Belle...." I gave a sigh pulling into the parking lot of the camping store. "Alright enough talk about that stuff. Your dad loves you, he'd do anything for you, end of story. Now I'm not sure if its gonna be a good idea but I can call ahead, get some diapers your size before we head to your house. Dont want another nightmare and end up wetting your sleeping bag and being forced to sleep on the couch or something."

Skipping the store. Wasnt too entertaining. Just went in, found the sleeping bags... may have grabbed a few sodas from the cooler for myself, one for Babs and she did make the call of going to get padding just because she didnt even want an accident. I got a little sample pack for a few for me just so she didnt have to feel alone wearing them. I texted Uncle Orange after and he gave me the address and we drove back. Took a little while but we made it alright. And to be honest? It was actually better than what I saw when I got just sent through time.... Still pissed at Twilight for that and so is AJ... Still had that fountain in the corner with benches and newly planted trees, the inside was interesting. Small sitting area to the left, kitchen to the right, back area of the house were bathrooms, indoor pool, bar area connected to it and just.... I love it. Uncle Orange and I had a whiskey to share, I just had a shot, he had his mixed with a cola. Honestly everything was fun until... well... Bed time. I went to bed with a stomach full of pizza but I couldnt tell if there was something bad in that pizza or if it was something else... Learned that real quick. I was drifting off to sleep kinda feeling comfortable.... Only until I hear a loud bang and the girls just start screaming. I hopped up and ran out only in my underwear. My room was upstairs across from what was Babs' room and a few guest rooms with a bathroom. As I was rushing downstairs I saw two guys, each with one of the girls struggling in their arms but not getting anywhere. Just as I was about to take off from the stairs a guy surprised me from the side and jamming a cattle prod in my side shocking the hell out of me, locking all of my muscles up causing me to just yell out in pain when I just dropped to the ground. The stallion over me gave a laugh.... I looked up at him wincing in pain because I've felt this pain before. He was wearing a skimask.... Couldnt see anything that could identify. "Well now... Big hero trying to save those girls...." He said. "Now here's what's gonna happen.... You follow us or send guards after us.... those girls get hurt.... really bad.... Now... we know you can afford this... this is a nice and new house.... 4 million for the girls alive.... Unmarked bills bring em to Ikkebuckero.... Goldenrod Club.... Leave em in the VIP room...then you get the girls back...." I growled a bit.

"....You... are.... DEAD...." The stallion chuckled a bit before zapping me again.

"And you're a rich bastard who needs to pay up.... Now stay down.... I see you anywhere out that door.... expect a body on the side of the road.... Think that little pegasus filly would be something that would teach someone to follow the rules we lay out.... Otherwise those fillies get laid out... all the way across Equestria....Now count to one fifty, then get the fuck up...." I gave a growl and started counting under my breath. Watching as the guy slowly walked out. I waited a while before getting up. I could only muster up the strength to just clim up to the couch and prop myself up just watching as the van they had sped away.

I just started breathing heavily just holding my head trying to wake myself from this fucking nightmare... thinking I just fell asleep and didnt know I did but those shocks felt all too real.... I heard panting and someone come through the door before grabbing my shoulder. "Ryder! Ryder are you okay son?!" A familiar stallion said knocking me out of my trance. I looked towards the stallion only to see it was Mythic, in his armor, a new eyepatch over his eye and looking a bit scared. "Ryder god dammit say something!"

"...Th-They took them! Mythic they fucking took them...." My eyes started welling up with tears. He huffed.

"Ryder. You fucking listen and you listen good! Man the fuck up! We're gonna get them back. Can you walk?" I hesitantly gave a nod just holding back sobs. "Alright, cmon. Lets find Smoke, and get those girls back! Knowing him he's prepared for shit like this." He helped me up throwing my arm over his shoulder. I stayed upright for a bit with his help before he just picked me up carrying me on his shoulders like it was nothing. "SMOKE! SMOKE! Where are ya? Rush is injured!"

I heard a huff. "MY ROOM, UPSTAIRS AT THE END OF THE HALL!" I heard Uncle Orange call out. Mythic trudged up the stairs and walked over to Uncle Oranges room where I saw him messing with a small dial pad on the wall. He was wearing combat pants and boots and a tanktop. "Put him on my bed, let me get the meds for him and we're going after them!"

I grunted as Mythic tossed me onto the bed. I huffed propping myself up. "W-We cant! They'll kill them!" I said. I watched as the wall beside the keypad opened up revealing weapons, armor and other gadgets inside an alcove in the wall. He went to a medkit on the wall taking it off and tossing it to my father.

"Well they dont know who they're dealing with. Three elites, one who's a sneak, one who can rip em apart in one go and one who supplies them. Mythic, hit him with morphine, an adrenaline shot and then go get us some wheels. Nothing that's gonna get us made before we can get into wherever they are."

"Th-The fucker who attacked me told me to leave money at some place in Ikkebuckero... Some place called The Goldenrod Club... VIP room." Uncle Orange hummed.

"I'll look the place up. See if we can get a lead there on where these guys are.... I'll let you take point on that but remember, you kill them straight out, we are gonna take longer to get the girls back...." I kinda flinched a bit as Mythic stuck me in the arm with a needle.

"Isnt there an easier way to track em? They hear their pickup point got hit, they're either gonna move the girls or worse!"

Mythic huffed as he took the needle out and set it aside. "He's right Smoke. One wrong hit, they're gonna be long gone... We wanna get em all together. Don't you got some sort of chip in your daughter after Manehattan?" He asked before looking to me. "This next one's gonna be a doozy. If its too much, tell me and I'll hit you with something else to counteract the energy burst you're gonna get." Uncle Orange hummed.

"You CHIPPED BABS?!"

My Uncle in-law looked to me as he grabbed a uniform out of a side area. "It was a nessecary precaution if something like that happened again!" He said. "We track her, she's gonna be leading us to wherever she is, kidnapped or what ever. I'd suggest you do the same to Scootaloo and Applebloom after this. I know how much you care for them." I gave a grunt just as the next needle was just plunged into my leg.

"If there's a way to do it to where we can lie about it to the girls and Applejack as something medical, we can do it, otherwise hell fucking no!" He huffed as Mythic threw the other needle aside and came over with a uniform, armor and all.

"We'll think of something. Now put this on while Mythic gets the vehicle we need. We'll get your sisters and my daughter back...." I huffed.

"I sure fucking hope so... I'm not sure what I'm gonna tell Applejack OR Rarity for that matter that this fucking happened... We tell AJ, she's gonna put the girls on tight leashes, maybe switch to home schooling and make sure each and every place they go I have to be there, gun and everything at the ready just to make sure nobody breaks in like this shit again."

Mythic got up and huffed. "You'll guaruntee me being on watch. You have my word that I'll be on whoever trying to break in just to save your sister." I looked to Mythic.

"THEN WHY THE FUCK DIDNT YOU-" He cut me off shoving me back down, hand over my mouth.

"THEY HAD GUNS, I COULD'VE BEEN DEAD SEVEN WEEKS FROM SUNDAY YA DAFT CUNT!"

Smoke came back over throwing my uniform down onto the bed. "MYTHIC! VEHICLE NOW!" He snapped. Mythic huffed and just rushed out of the room. The mad stallion looked at me helping me up. Felt a little sore but other than that I felt better. "Rush. Get that uniform on, choose your weapons and we're gonna get the girls back.... I'm even cutting your leash so be as brutal as you want.... Not gonna be surprised either way if you're gonna be covered in blood by the end of the night." I gave a sigh and just started getting dressed. Combat pants and boots were a little snug but they fit. Shirt was big but fit with magic... Think this is Celestia's doing.

After that I went into the room that was hidden in the wall. Uncle Orange was already in uniform and sitting at a computer mounted in the wall. "You know.... I really wanna see the look on these guys faces when they realize we're the wrong ponies to fuck with.... A General, Two Elites, all pissed." I said.

"Keep that thought in mind but dont get cocky. Wherever these guys go we dont know if they're gonna have a full gang or if its just them and we certainly do not wanna go firing wildly and risk hitting the girls. Go on and choose your loadout while the satellite pings where they are. And dont worry.... Silencers will be provided and you wont have to carry anything that's gonna be noisy... Magic reload." I gave a nod and just looked at the wall behind me. Oh how I wanted the big ol LMG on the wall but no.. No silencer and too dangerous. Then I grabbed a combat machete... Think combat knife but.... at least 30% bigger. Still looks like a knife though. Grabbed that and a sheathe for it. Then I looked at a magnum. Powerful yet loud. SMG's, fast firing. Silencer? Yes. I just huffed grabbing a pistol and holster. Even grabbed an armor chest piece. The armor felt a little stiff but it loosened up a bit. Got to stick my wings out of some holes that appeared... Guess this Elite armor can adapt to who ever wears it... unicorn, earth pony or pegasus.

"Locked and loaded.... Ready yet or you want me to go wait for Mythic with our ride?"

"Just go wait for Mythic. Gotta write down cooridnates. Need you to call Guards to make sure the place is secure until tomorrow when I can get that door fixed."

I gave a nod and just huffed going to grab my phone before going downstairs. I started dialing just as I went through the door. Looked at everything. Gate was open, my car untouched and undamaged but I have NO fucking doubt that one of those fuckers tried something and there were tire tracks on the ground going out. As I hit the call button I went over to the gate and just stood roadside looking up and down the road. In just a moment they picked up. "Ponyville Guard, what's your emergency?" The mare on the end asked.

I huffed. "Delta Gamma Epsilon. I need three cars out here to my location now. Break-in, kidnapping and assault happened. Cant ID suspects nor can I say what vehicle they were in." I said.

"Oh my General.... Someone messed with the wrong stallion... Where am I sending the cars?"

"A ways out just past Celestia's summer home. Newly built, just past the McHoovians and the Gas Station on the left hand side if heading out of Ponyville." Now here's this... Delta Gamma Epsilon means General Calling.... This next code? I am not to be followed for any reason. Or questioned. "Gamma Beta Zulu."

"Understood sir. Sending cars out to your location now. Looks to be... 4510 Everfree Road?"

"That's the place. Now hurry on. I got shit that needs doing." And there I hung up. I just looked up the road and spaced out. Not a car on the road right now.... Just wondering where my sister and her friends were..... I didnt come back down to earth for about ten minutes before being snapped out of the trance by a horn honking. I only looked back just to see Mythic driving a van in. Work van with a ladder on top and I wouldnt doubt tools and such in the back.

I huffed going back in just as he parked the van and hopped out. "Rush. Help me unload shit outta here. Gotta have room for you and the girls." He said. I gave a nod just as he opened the back up. We put toolboxes aside, piles of wood, boxes of piping, paint buckets and so forth. I huffed.

"Hope this guy knows its needed for guard business..."

"Ryder, I might be an asshole, but-"

"I'm not an asshole? That's some shit I'd say... Now I know where I get it..." Mythic and I gave a little chuckle.

"Yeah... Definitely dont fall far from the tree... Yet this was one of the branches that threw you to another one."

"I'd say I didnt fall far from the tree, though I was given to another that couldnt bear fruit yet somehow fruit still came later... You were the one who forced the fruit to grow yet when that fruit was beared it was given to the other tree yet that tree that was made to bear fruit was scared to see the one who planted the seed." He huffed as he threw a bucket aside having it just bounce around.

"Still cant let that go eh? Cant even let it go myself... Fucking wrong of me to do that."

"WELL NO SHIT! You come up with that on your own dipshit?" He gave a huff but just shut up. Probably thinking I'm a smartass.... I am. But then again I'm on edge and pissed under the pain numbing effect of Morphine and might be running a bit high on an adrenaline shot.... Unsure what the adrenaline shot does but if its hitting me with side effects its definitely not my fault there. Anyways he went back inside the van while I just waited at the gate. Three to four guard trucks came. Two parked out front, the others went towards the door to the house and one came up to me. "I need you guys to stay here and patrol until tomorrow or until relieved from your post. If nobody returns by sunrise, call for replacements, wait until they arrive, tell them to wait until relieved either by my word or by word of Princess. Understood?" The guard saluted not saying a word. "Good. Now wait here while we give some bastards a good thrashing.... Dont be surprised if you see any news stories about bodies of a gang popping up..." The guard nodded again before heading towards the house just as Smoke came out, mask on and two weapons in hand.

I watched as he tossed Mythic a rifle with a silencer, no stock but a foregrip and a scope. He had an SMG with a scope and silencer. He tossed me a silencer which I immediately started screwing on my gun before hopping into the back closing the doors up behind me. Mythic and Smoke hopped into the front. "Alright. Tracked em to an abandoned hotel just nearing the outskirts of Ikkebuckero. No wonder they wanted money dropped at a club out there.... I'll send a raid once we're done here..." He said. "The hotel was called The Continental. Remember it... it was a hub of connections, meetings of businesses, owner even extended an open hand to others around up until he was murdered and his co-owner took over. Hotel went downhill fast. Businesses started taking things elsewhere, the regulars that came started leaving because of bad service, things started going missing and then the hotel shut down. It was left abandoned for years but now I guess its now a hub for trafficking. We're gonna break that up real fast."

Mythic huffed and started the engine. "Lets get those girls back...." He said. "That boy is gonna rip someone apart eiiter way and I'd rather not have him rip someone apart who doesnt deserve it. Boy's like a caged animal back there."

I huffed. "Just. DRIVE! And for the love of Celestia turn on some music if you can, if you cant, just stay quiet." I said. I heard the two stallions huff before the vehicle lurched forward and made the turn.It was only after a few minutes that Uncle Orange reached back and gave me a mask. I took a look at it in the dim lighting of the street lights that passed over. Just a bloody demonic grin.

Smoke huffed. "I figured I'd've given it to you before you left." He said. "This seems more of a thing you'd need it for.... Make it the last thing they see before they're thrown into the pit of hell they opened up." I gave a sigh and put it on. The drive took a while. We blew through lights, avoided other vehicles... even heard some honking. Didnt give one fuck. After what felt like an hour the van came to a stop. "Alright. We're here." Uncle Orange looked back at me. "Ryder. I know you're pissed. Trust me, I am to... but we need to work this tactically as we can. If there's a part that doesnt need tactics, you're on it but keep it quiet. If there's any left that dont get away, free range. Understood?"

"Loud and clear sir. We sticking together or splitting up?"

"Sticking together unless forced to do so... Could cover more ground but we do not wanna end up getting out numbered and cornered. We miss any shots, those shots could go anywhere or even alert others. Make your shots count. Now move!" They both hopped out leaving me to let myself out. I just grabbed my blade and just held it out as I hopped out of the back of the van. This was a total one-eighty from where we were. Where we were was on the outskirts of a small countryside town. Here? Big city, cars driving and honking, other city sounds. We were in an alley way, a hotel abandoned in front of us. There was a fire escape on the right side, two gang members patrolling out front. How could I tell they were patrolling gang members? Guns on display, similar outfits. The hotel itself wasnt anything too big yet... big enough to notice. No telling how many could've been inside. I waited until they came back around and were back together. Smoke and Mythic just watched as I grabbed them both, snapped ones neck while the other I just slit his throat, ear to fucking ear... He gurgled as I dropped both of their bodies. Smoke and Mythic just rushed over to me.

Mythic grinned before putting a bullet into each of the guys on the ground. "Just to be sure..." He whispered. "C'mon. Lets get inside. Faster we get the girls, faster we can go home." I nodded and let Smoke take point. We dipped inside and started checking corners. Power was still on but the lights were dim. Could still see just about everything. The counter had bars separating the lobby from the area and the workers area. Some bars were bent or missing, there was shattered lighting fixtures here and there, tables were covered in dust or sheets covering them. Silently Smoke tapped my shoulder and pointed to a few boxes just by an alcove for luggage. Peeked into a door and thankfully nobody in there. Just a breakroom with a busted fridge and a microwave missing the glass. I hid against the boxes just as Mythic and Smoke went and hid around the corner of a counter on the otherside. Also for luggage. I held up a hand just hearing someone coming down the stairs. Mythic nodded and readied himself. I watched him fiddle with something on his wrist before he just up and disappeared. I peered around the box just as the guy was turning the corner. Didnt take but a few seconds for me to see him start to struggle and contort before just hearing his neck crack before he just dropped to the floor. Mythic reappeared over his body and just sighed looking to me. "Bastard should've watched where he was going." I huffed and just shook my head.

"Alright... Take things one floor at a time. Anyone we find, take em out.... Leave nobody alive.... We leave one alive, we risk getting found out, targeted.... We're gonna make this a mass grave..."

I sighed and just pointed my gun down the hall. "Thought you said we werent gonna split up." I said.

"We're not if we take it floor by floor. Mythic stays here at the stairs, I'll take the hall to the right, you take left Rush. Once we're sure this floor is clear, we move up... should be four floors, girls could be anywhere in here. Not sure if there is a basement but if there is, we'll find access here. Could've grabbed some ear pieces but it would've been risky.... could be made and could alert everyone here... You already know what we're risking here. Stay frosty. Now move." I made my move first going down the hallway I was aiming at.

I made my way door by door. First two were empty....Third one? Two guys. I just sat there at the door and listened. "Four fillies? Million each from this fool? We'd be lucky even getting half a million from him... Cheaped out on his security system that's for damn sure." He said. "Gate was wide open, door came off easy and those girls were right there! Thinking of buying the white one for myself... little cutie there...." Oh that infuriated me.

I went in and just shot the first guy in the head before knocking the second guy down and then planting the blade in front of his face. "Scream.... go ahead...." I said grabbing at his throat. Gripped him pretty hard. "What's wrong? Cant say anything? Good... Now I'm gonna have you do something for me.... Say hi to the big guy down below.... He's gonna meet each and every one of your little friends... already met a few.... Say a prayer and you might be-" I stopped myself and just blew his brains out. Gave a chuckle as I got up taking my blade. "No way you're ever getting forgiven.... Still... Tell the big man I say hi... and thanks for the dog.... Lets hope your friends dont suffer like you did..." I searched their pockets... Found bits. Lots of bills. I just grabbed the roll and stuffed my pocket. I know I shouldnt be doing this but I could use a little bit of a disctraction supplies.... Anyways I left the room and continued down the hall. Just shot one more guy who was... sleeping on the job? I guess? Well he's dead now. Oh fucking well. I went back to the lobby where I see Mythic patrolling around the counter, the body now gone, hidden somewhere. I sighed. "Clear. Smoke done yet?" We looked down the hall Smoke went down. Nothing yet.

Mythic huffed. "Let me go check. You get to the next floor, wait for us. Take any of em out as quiet as you can if they come too close." He said. I watched as he took off his wrist thing and handed it over to me. "Here. Take this. Use it only in emergencies."

"How does it work?" He shook his head and huffed before grabbing my hand and putting it on. He pressed near my wrist when it was on. Heard a small click before a thin holographic screen came up. Showed a list of options. Active camo on and off, enhanced perception, heat signature reduction and a quick area scan.

"Mix of tech and magic. Just hit one of those, it'll do its thing. Turn invisible? Magic helps ya see. Anyone not wearing it doesnt see shit but you see them." I gave a hum and clicked the quick area scan. A few glimmers came up down the hall Smoke was in. One in a room to the right side while the other two were across the hall.

"Seeing three signatures down there... One has to be Smoke... Others are enemies.... Think he's to the right... Be careful though." He nodded and we split up. I slowly made my way upstairs gun drawn. Half way up I reloaded and once at the top I hid behind a few boxes before hitting the scan again. Targets to the right, targets to the left and targets above. I looked closely at the targets above.... One of the blobs was bigger than the others. The girls. I couldnt help but swallow and hope we could make it up there. I honestly didnt wanna wait for Smoke or Mythic to get up here. Rage was fueling me. I hit active camo and just went right. Didnt know if it worked because I could still see myself. Pulled my gun and just went down one of the halls. I just started dropping them one by one. They saw nothing, they heard nothing.... Other than the sound of their friends hitting the floor. One of them I just snapped their neck and held them up until their friend looked at em, asked if they were good until he just got a bullet between the eyes. Just threw the guy down after I was done there.... After that room I reloaded and pulled my blade before just getting stab happy. Slit someone's throat before impaling someone elses throat.... After another room I was done with this side and just decided to go for the other one.

As I went to the main area again. Saw Mythic and Smoke waiting for me looking around guns drawn and ready. I hit active camo again revealing myself before just flicking the blood off my blade.... Clean once more. Smoke huffed looking at me. "...Remind me to never piss you off.... Floor clear?" He asked. Shook my head before hitting area scan again and looking down the other hall...

"Seven to eight hostiles down that way... I just wanna keep going floor by floor until I get to the girls... make sure there's no backup when we show up to take the girls back."

"Rush, I understand how you're feeling but you cant get cocky. Getting cocky means missed shots and more chance of alerting the entire place and losing the girls!"

Mythic huffed. "Smoke. Lay off. He's pissed. This is different than getting cocky." He said. "Let him get upstairs but he waits for us before entering the room. He can wait until we clear this floor before moving up and then when we get to the next floor, we split and he waits upstairs while we clear the next floor.... Sound good?" He huffed.

"Fine. But he needs to wait until we make a plan on how to get the girls."

I gave a huff. "Agreed there. I already got something here as a plan..." I replied. "Might involve you guys staying back but we'll get him... as long as I can do the honors."

"Follow the rules we've set out, then you can... Just stay calm for now."

"Yes sir. Now you wanna deal with those guys before we're made? I'll keep tabs on the stairs." The two stallions nodded before going down the hall guns aimed. Now I know I said you dont really hear the shots but you can unless you listen for it. Tchat Tchat. Kinda like that. Other than that? Just sounds like a car driving by up the road really fast... unless you're the target. Then you dont get to hear the sound of it firing... all you need to listen to is the blood rushing out of the hole the speeding bullet just made in your head. Too sadistic? Yeah... too sadistic. OH FUCKING WELL! I have the right to be when its towards these guys who just fucking kidnapped four fillies I care too much about to see anything bad happen to em!

Anyways After a few minutes of me watching the stairs both up and down (pretty sure if there were someone downstairs they'd let everyone know but you never know.) Mythic and Smoke came back and we moved to the next floor. Hit the scan, before reaching the top just to make sure nobody was coming out.... Two made the mistake there.... Dropped em both. One didnt realize what was going on until he accidentally slipped and broke his neck after looking around a hundred and eighty degrees. Oops. Smoke and Mythic went to each side clearing the rooms while I did another scan and just looked at the floor above. Big blob and then one moving around it. I just stared at them... Thinking I could just kill the fucker just by looking at him.... Once Mythic came back to my side he nudged me breaking me from my trance. "You see em dont ya?" He asked. I nodded. "Got any ideas how to go about this?"

"Yeah... Wait until Smoke gets back.... I'll let you know...." I dug into my pockets before handing my phone over to Mythic. "Here. Hold this.... Dont want to get any blood on it....." He nodded and took it shoving it into his own pocket.

"Alright.... Something tells me after you're done with this guy its gonna look like you just rose from a lake of blood eh?"

"You know it.... Just gotta get the girls out first.... but you'll know when to come in and subdue... just listen for a loud thud...." Mythic nodded and we just waited for Smoke to return. He did a few minutes later. I looked to him and huffed. "What took you?"

Smoke sighed. "Needed information... told them if they squeal they live.... lets home we didnt both lie...." He said. "This apparently is the start of a filly sex slave ring... From here, they go somewhere to be auctioned off... Gonna send a squad there to infiltrate and clear out... Just gotta stay out of Fillydelphia for a while. Now do we have a plan for the girls?"

"Just wait... You'll know..."

"Rush.... If anything happens to my little girl I want you to pull the trigger yourself... I wouldnt have the strength after beating the shit out of you for letting anything happen to her...."

"You better take care of mine in case that happens.... now just wait at the level between... I'm going in quiet." He nodded and they both followed me up until the half way point where I hit the active camo and just entered the attic.

In the attic was just a big desk facing a window.... Scootaloo, Applebloom, Babs and Sweetie Belle.... all blindfolded, gagged, tied together... Thankfully still in their pajamas.... I could hear their sniffles as I flew up to the rafters just to sit on one, pulling the money from my pocket. I saw the fucker who took them just walking around them.... gun in hand... High caliber revolver. "Times a ticking.... Who knows if daddy will pay up?" He said. "....You fillies will get a better price from the right buyers.... Got someone who loves little unicorn fillies out in Vanhoover.... Loves to use their horns as plugs for them after he's done...." Oh god I just wanted to be sick here.... just held it down as I unfurled the bills and just started dropping them... one by one.... one flew in front of his vision... then another one caught his eye before I dropped five.... Ten... Forty... then the rest. I dropped down fast and just watched as he aimed the gun upwards. "WHO THE FUCKS THAT?!" He yelled cocking the gun. Just as he was about to aim it I grabbed his arm forcing the gun from his hand. I caught it before it hit the ground and just put the hammer back in place before sliding it across the room with my foot.

"What's wrong? You got your money! Now I'm gonna take the girls...." I hit the active camo again before just picking the guy up and slamming him down. The girls grunted and sobbed hearing me, all struggling one by one to try to get free. "Oh yeah... I'm pretty sure I said something last we met.... Does the words 'you're dead' ring a bell? Because they should....." I looked to the stairs just to see Mythic and Smoke rush up the stairs guns drawn. I slowly got off him as they surrounded him, Mythic putting a knee in his back. "I'd stay right there if I were you... Otherwise my friend has someone you'd wanna meet...." I looked to Smoke. "Help me untie the girls and get em down to the van."

Smoke nodded and just pulled a knife from his boot putting it between Babs and Sweetie before giving it a quick tug snapping the rope binding them together. I pulled Babs mouth gag down (was more like a bandana tied into her mouth.) just as her dad cut the rope binding her hands. "RYDER! RYDER I WANNA GO HOME!" She yelled hugging me.

"You will... Now dont mess with that blindfold.... Dont want you to see anything you dont wanna.... Understand?" she nodded into my shoulder. Smoke cut Scootaloo's ropes, then Applebloom's, then Sweetie Belle's. "Same goes for you girls... Do NOT mess with your blindfolds... just get the ones out of your mouths and just hold onto us." Smoke grabbed Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hoisting them up into his arms and they just hugged him scared and wordless. Scootaloo just sobbed in my ears just like Babs did. Smoke and I managed to make our way all the way downstairs just holding the fillies in our arms until we reached the van. Honestly nearly forgot about the two fuckers at the door... Stepped in ones- if not both of theirs- blood. Washed it off quick in a roadside puddle. I had to move Scootaloo to my back just to open the back of the van just to put the girls in. Smoke put AB and Sweetie in and he had to help me with his daughter and my sister. "Alright girls... Wait a little bit before taking off the blindfolds.... You're gonna go to Canterlot... I'm gonna call ahead and have Luna waiting for you girls.... Be brave and I'll see you later.

"W-Wait!" Babs called out. "What about my daddy?! Where's my Daddy?! Is he okay?!"

Smoke sighed. "...Fine Babs.... Who do you think came with Ryder to save you girls?" He asked. "Now hunker in... We got a bit of a drive to do...." We closed the doors up and he just looked at me. "That's another one I owe you.... Now get back up there and give that guy what for.... See you later." I gave a nod and grabbed a brick piece from the alley and flew upwards towards the window. I watched down below as the van pulled out of the alley and started driving away. I turned my attention back to the window and just threw the piece of brick right through it. Glass splintered and shattered falling in and out, glimmering in the city night life. I landed inside walking towards Mythic and the jackass kidnapper.

Mythic gave a huff grinning. "Certainly know how to make an entrance there.... Now... What are we doing with our friend here?" He asked.

I huffed and just started walking around them. "Well..." I started. "First off I'd say we at least give him a head start to run for it..." I stomped on the guys legs one by one breaking them instantly having him just cry out in pain... wouldnt doubt this is gonna cause some calls to the guard. Mythic got up off the now struggling stallion.... I couldnt help but laugh a bit. "What's wrong? Doors right there! Go on! Run away! Maybe even try calling your friends!" He couldnt muster any words with the pain he was in. Just yelled and screamed. "Aw... Looks like even his friends ran away! All the way to hell with a little help from yours truly...."I stood on his shoulder before giving his arm a good kick breaking it as well. "Oooh! We got someone who hasnt blacked out from the pain yet! Here! Let me help!" That's when I picked him up by his neck and just drove my fist through his chest, heart in hand on the other side. I pulled it back and just showed it to him only to crush it right over his face getting his blood everywhere before he just died in my hands.... I dropped him, heart and all before huffing and looking to Mythic. "Come on. Lets go before the guard shows up..." I started wiping my hands on the dead guy below me before walking off with Mythic who was... Honestly disturbed by what I did... dont blame him. As we came down to the second floor he sighed.

"Alright... definitely dont ever wanna piss you off like how that guy did.... Pretty sure we classify that as torture..."

"Fucker had it coming.... Now I need you to do something for me... Still got my phone?" He pulled it from his pocket and showed it to me. "Good. Call Luna. Number should be in there, code to get in is-"

"Your birthday?" I nodded. "C'mon lad that would be the first thing anyone tries!"

"I dont hear Luna being called! We can talk security later!" He huffed and typed in my phone as we hit the ground floor and walked towards the door. He put it on speaker just as we walked outside.

I heard the buzzing just as we turned the corner and started walking. Soon the buzzing stopped and I heard a sigh. "Ryder? What is it? You wouldnt be calling me this early if there wasnt any issues with you sleeping." I heard Princess Luna say.

"There's no issue with my sleeping.... What we do have is four scared fillies and a worried father on the way to Canterlot." She gasped.

"WHAT?! What happened? Why are they scared?!"

"They were kidnapped Princess. I handled it though.... Exposed something more with this.... Had help but I just....."

"Ryder... Ryder?"

Mythic huffed as I fought back tears. "Echo Charlie Delta." He said. "Your General's a very capable stallion.... Guess he regrets not being able to do anything faster having to let these fuckers take his sister... When those fillies get there, question them, ask them stuff about what they did, what they were gonna do.... And be easy on the stallion deliverin em to ya.... He had to reveal himself to his own kid."

"Alright.... I'm going to wake Celestia and have her ready... Might have to tell her before I wake her up because I know she'll faint if I tell her after she wakes up... No trouble for any of you just..... Be strong Ryder... You saved them from a worse fate."

"Alright. Mythic over and out Princess. I'll bring the General by later." He hung up stuffing my phone back into his pocket before looking at me. "Ryder.... I know you're feeling like you could've done more but your instincts told you to not put your sister into any more danger than she already was. We got her back, we got the other ones back, nobody's hurt."

I sniffled. "....We got them back... but it doesnt help the fact that scares me telling me I nearly lost her...." I said looking at my bloodstained hands. "I just.... what would I have done if I did lose them? Would I have done something similar to what I did in there to innocent ponies who didnt deserve it? Would I have just blown my own brains out hoping wherever I went I'd meet Scootaloo there and just hug her for the rest of eternity? ...If I kept on living I know there would be more blood on my hands even if I didnt do anything... my wife could take her own life... Sweetie Belle's sister would do so as well.... I'd probably have a target on my head and wouldnt do anything about it... I would just sit there and take it because... I just... I'd deserve it.... I'd deserve it because I didnt save the ones who I love...." Mythic grabbed me and pushed me up against the wall.

"LAD! Listen to yourself! Yes I know that you're freaking out because you nearly lost your sister but you got her back and she's alive! It wont happen again because I'll step in and I honestly cant give a fuck about the rules anymore seeing my own flesh and blood be tormented by his own mind!" He started breathing heavily looking me dead in the eye. "Ryder I've seen ya do the shit you do and I honestly dont wanna see you ruin your own life or others just because you came close to losing your sister. Why the hell do you think I've been coming to you to help you when you're freakin' out the way you do?!"

"IT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE TRYING TO GET ME TO FORGIVE YOU FOR RAPING MY MOTHER AND MAKING HER HAVE ME!" Mythic backed off grabbing at his gun. He released it a moment after realizing what he was doing.

"Ryder. I do not give a fuck if you forgive me or not.... Dont think of me as your father... I couldnt care less if you wanted to think of me as your father. The father you had is dead, the guy who I was is dead. We are not the same. The father who raised you was your father. I'm just a guy who saves your ass from yourself. Perhaps even your second in command. Trust me not as family but as a guard." I stayed silent. "C'mon. Lets just get you cleaned up and we can go get a drink. On me." I gave a hesitant nod as he led me down another alleyway and down another street. He huffed as we entered the next alley. "I swear you need to warn me when you do that shit again.... Nearly got sick seeing you rip his heart out.... and I've seen ponies get blown sky high by explosives strapped to their bodies."

"I've just never done that before... Is it wrong to say it felt satisfying?"

"With how pissed you were to break his legs, his arm and then rip his heart out? I'd give it a pass this time but next if we're with anyone else but Smoke? I'd plead with whoever not to get you court martialed." He turned down another street before we stopped in front of a house with some guy power washing the steps. Mythic pulled a badge and flashed it to the guy who noticed us. "Why dont you go back inside and take a break? No questions asked. Got me?" The guy took one look at me and nodded before just handing over the hose and dipping inside his house. "Alright. Arms out." I nodded sticking my arms out as he changed the nozzle on the power washer and just started rinsing my arms off. The blood surprisingly washed away not leaving a stain on my coat. He huffed. "Honestly convenient he was washing his steps this late.... I was trying to find a fuckin' public bathroom... this works just as well...." I huffed flipping my arms to have him wash them all over. Water was cold.

"Please tell me this stupid device isnt gonna short out and taze me or blow my arm off."

"It wont. Worse it does when it gets wet is just shut down your active camo. We're working on ones that let you hide underwater."

"Hope you have a rebreather that wont make bubbles... Otherwise that active camo is all for not."

"No worries there. It'll come." He huffed and just made sure he sprayed all the blood off before washing what fell to the ground away into the gutter. He turned the water off and set the hose aside. "There. No evidence for ya.... Now c'mon. Lets go get a drink and some food... We can drop our weapons somewhere, have em returned to Smoke." I nodded shaking the water off my hands and patting my pants down. He sighed handing back my phone. "Here. Take this back and look for a place we can go. I need to find a payphone and get us a ride and maybe a change of clothes for us both so we dont draw any more attention to ourselves." I gave a nod and just followed him down the street again. I looked to my phone screen... Just a smiling picture of mine and Applejack's wedding picture.... Something gnawed at the back of my mind as I pulled up the map app and just searched 'food' before looking at a bunch of places scattered around for the next few blocks. Most three stars or below... Closest one was maybe a half hour out. We walked for a while cutting through alley ways and such. Think I disrupted a mugging or something because there was a guy following someone and we just stopped walking and he just turned the opposite way. We soon came to a small park and he made the call. Used code phrases I had zero idea of but we soon got a truck that came for us. Not a transport truck. A moving van. Kinda... The guy opened it up, me and Mythic crawled in the back only to find weapons, clothes and such. We left our weapons and uniforms and grabbed clothes. Kept the boots I was wearing, got jeans a jacket and a shirt. He just grabbed a partial suit. Button up and tie with jeans and sensible shoes. He even grabbed a wad of bills similar to the one I had used to distract that guy.

He stuffed those bills into his pocket and after we made sure we had everything we needed we hopped out of the truck, told the driver to deliver those weapons back to Smoke after cleaning and disinfecting them and what not... Gonna cut this short because the walk was boring. We got to the restaraunt. Tall zebra stallion with an eastern steuropean accent... St. Bleetersburg accent to be specific. Yelling about this place we were going to eat at. Canterlot Carrots. Place was night... dead at this time of the day. Only us, a waiter and a bartender there. The bartender took our order for drinks and food. I just had a few sliders and a soda, Mythic had a salad and a beer. After that the Bartender sighed and lit up a cigarette.... His mane was so close to mine. Dirty blonde, maybe a little bit darker with me and he was an earth pony. There were ash trays on the bar so I dont think I should've interviened. "So," The stallion started as he leaned on the bar a few seats down. "You two really dont seem the type to come out here just to eat."

I huffed. "Yeah... bad string of luck brought us out here.... Car got stolen and we're a bit stranded... Lucky we got away with a phone, the clothes on our backs and a bit of cash to get us through to our next meal before we call a taxi for home." I said.

"Yeah... You'll get a lot of that out here.... Gangs running amok and they go after whoever.... Four out here.... Red Squares, Yellow triangles, Blue Belts and The Bits... Three are easy to spot.... The Bits? Could be anyone... Never know until you get contacted or attacked.... And if its not them its a headless griffon on a crotch rocket.... Some nights you listen close enough you can hear the tires, screeching like a pissed off griffon... You hear it, you pray its not after you.... Some say it kills trying to find a head to fit on its shoulders... other times it could be killing just for fun." I swallowed a few bites of my sliders... warm with the barbecue sauce dripping out of it back onto my plate. I sighed after getting a drink of my soda.

"The gangs I can believe... a headless griffon? You're really screwin' with me now." The bartender chuckled.

"Believe it or not. Just dont say I didnt warn you."

"Well thanks for the warning I guess...." I looked to Mythic. "After you're done, see if you cant find us a ride back to the hotel." And just as I was about to take a bite of my food my phone started to ring. I checked it under the bar real quick. Celestia. I huffed. "Gotta take this.... the wife...." Mythic nodded and I got up before hurrying out of the bar and outside.

I had to walk a little bit away from the guy at the door yelling about the place and handing out menus and such before answering the phone. Immediately I heard sobbing from Scootaloo. "Ryder... I'm going to ask you this once so you better listen GOOD...." I heard Celestia ask... she was definitely pissed. "Why was I woken up out of a dead sleep only to find out I'm having to question four fillies, scared out of their mind about what happened just to know they were kidnapped?! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!" I huffed.

"All I'm gonna say Princess... Babs' new home needs a better security system... I tried getting them before they got away but some idiot blindsided me... Not sure if there's call into the guard out here but there's an abandoned building with bodies piled high.... Didnt want to do what I did but when ponies out there mess with my family? My loved ones? I gotta do what I have to... I had help though.... couple of pissed off stallions who wanted to keep me alive and in check... they did for the most part... Think the only thing that died other than the fuckers who did this is my own trust in myself...." Celestia sighed.

"....I got that report from Babs' father.... The girls are scared.... Thankfully nothing more than a little rope burn from struggling.... I want to see you later... Get a full report from you and your other helping hand..."

"At least promise me right now that whatever I say will not come back to hurt me... Details are... a bit much even for the first hand experience...."

"....I'll let it slide considering the girls are safe... Next time you might not be as lucky...."

"Understood.... You trying to calm Scoot down? Can I talk with her?"

"Sure... a moment please." I heard her starting to fiddle with her phone before putting it on speaker. Only knew because Scootaloo's sobbing got a bit louder. "There we are.... Go ahead. She can hear you now." I huffed feeling my heart sink a bit.

"Scoot are you alright? C'mon speak to me sis!"

I heard her sniffle. "Ryder... P-Please.... I.... I...." She said through her sobs.

"I get it... You're still scared... I'm not there when I should be.... I'll be back I promise..." I replied. "....I wanted to keep things like this from happening to you girls.... But this shows there's stuff even I cant stop.... But that doesnt mean I'm not gonna do everything I can to save you girls.... I traveled half way across Equestria just to get you girls and bring you home.... You were scared yeah but... Me? I was even more scared thinking I wasnt gonna be able to see my baby sister again.... to hold you or anything...." I started tearing up a bit. "Scoot.... I love you and I always will... No matter what.... I dont care if I have to run through another burning building to save you, I dont care if I have to cut off my wing again or just be at the wrong end of a gun.... if it will keep you safe I'll do anything just to see you safe and sound...." I sniffled a bit letting a sob escape. "....I'll see you later.... Please... just try to get some sleep...."

"....O-Okay..... I love you...."

"Love you too sis.... Just please get some sleep...."

I heard Celestia sigh and mumble something as Scootaloo's sobs faded a bit. "Alright... I'm sending her out with a guard to find her friends and Luna... Luna is taking on responsibility for them for the night to make sure they sleep alright the rest of the night...." She said. "...I'm not gonna lie Ryder.... when I got word from Luna the girls were kidnapped I was about to put all of Equestria on alert... I had the same thoughts you did.... You were afraid you werent gonna see your sister again... as was I.... That filly just..... She means as much to me as she does you... If it werent for The Pill.... I'd probably end up having a heart attack..."

"I nearly did.... If it werent for Uncle Orange or uh.... You know... I probably would've been hospitalized just worrying, waiting until I heard news.... But here I am... On my feet and a hero yet again...."

"That you are.... Anywho I'll see you later for a report.... Let your contact know his input is needed as well."

"I will Princess. We'll be calling for transport after we're done here. I'll see you when I see you. Ryder out."

"Stay safe Ryder... and if you do anything stupid again I swear..." I gave a chuckle.

"Got it. Dont do anything.... I'll still somehow stupidly screw that up as well." She snickered a bit.

"Yeah... you will.... See you later...." She hung up allowing me to just shove my phone into my pocket. Just as I walked back towards the door I heard tires screeching. Though the tire screeching didnt sound like rubber against pavement. Sounded like one pissed off griffon.... I shook my head just thinking I was just tired as hell... I pretty much was. I went back inside, joined Mythic, he paid and we went along our way... I didnt say much the rest of the night.... Didnt even sleep... Just grabbed an energy drink once we got to Canterlot, stayed up with Luna who just was watching over the girls inside of a bedroom.... I surveyed each filly, each one with dried tear marks on their cheeks, tired eyes and padded bottoms. Luna was wearing shorts and a teeshirt just watching worried over each filly.

I sat against the wall and just looked at them, staring at the fillies. Princess Luna came over and sat with me giving a sigh. "They're sleeping well.... My magic is giving them sweet dreams instead of nightmares.... Cant say the same for later...." She said. "Are you alright...? Need to vent a bit?"

I gave a sigh. "I'm not gonna lie... I'm not looking forward to telling Rarity or Applejack what happened... Applejack and Rarity are probably gonna be screaming at me, asking if its a fucking joke or something...." I replied. "I'd be surprised if Rarity even lets me watch Sweetie Belle after this...."

"I know this is gonna scare Big Mac and Applejack, Rarity will probably faint and you may get yelled at but the girls already know to tell them you were the one who saved them... Even had to have them promise to keep quiet about Babs' father but they'd stick up for you... Sweetie Belle especially... If worse comes to worse I'll step in, try to reassure Rarity that everything will be fine from here on out..." My ear flickered a bit hearing one of the girls start whimpering. Zeroed right in on Babs. Luna and I got up and went over towards her bed. I knelt next to her bed and just rested a hand near her as Luna used her magic on her again. She sighed as Babs calmed once more. "...She was the last one to get to sleep... Poor thing's been through so much.... Terror attacks, sexual assaults and now kidnappings? She's as much as a magnet for bad luck like you are."

"...True but... I wish it wasnt..." I looked to Luna. "...What do I have to do to get these fillies some self defense classes?" Luna looked to me as she stepped away from the bed.

"Not much..... But something tells me you'd want to do more just in case you arent near your sister or her friends in a situation like this... Correct?" I nodded. She hummed. "Well... We dont have much now but I'm sure in the future there will be something... I can assure you that much at least." She sighed looking at the fillies. "....Speaking of something I might have to do a little dream walk just to check on Babs, make sure she's okay...." She looked back to me. "Why dont you go get yourself some fresh air and I'll send for you when I'm done. Alright?" I gave a nod and just went out of the room and just walked around the castle until I found the dining hall. I pulled up a chair and just sat there staring out the window into the fields behind Canterlot.... Saw fireflies glowing here and there and I wouldnt doubt there were wolves or coyotes wandering about looking for a rabbit or two to eat. Just had someone bring me a drink that I could just enjoy waiting here... Guards came in, checked on me, made sure I was alright, some sat with me during a break and tried to make conversation... I responded very little when they asked me things... But they understood what was going through my mind... mostly about the worries about how I'm breaking the news to Applejack and Rarity about Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.... More AJ than Rarity because those baby hormones are gonna be sending her through the wringer. Luna never did really call for me.... or if she did I was so spaced out I couldnt even respond or even say anything. I didnt even say much until Celestia had me brought in for a report after the sunrise. Told her how the kidnapping was pulled off, how they stopped me from saving them, how we did end up saving them.... Who I was with and such.... Celestia even wanted me to go through a mental evaluation. I was fine. Fine under the circumstances even if I was tired. We spent the day in Canterlot... Had to lie to AJ and Rarity, say Uncle Orange had to do business up here because he forgot he had a meeting today.... Girls just wouldnt leave my side all day... Even while I was napping.... I laid down for a bit. Babs and Scootaloo were cuddling with me and I could hear and feel their movement... I slept albeit not that well.... Goddess help me with breaking the news....