Life Anew

It's been a week since the girls were kidnapped.... Applejack and Rarity werent to happy to hear the news.... Big Mac? Yeah if I didnt know he was going to do anything He more than likely would've caught a charge from Guards seeing him assault me. He decked me good nearly giving me a bloody nose but he apologized after a few hours.... He and AJ were pissed yes but they were easy to apologize and thank me for saving our sisters AND their cousin yet again.... Rarity on the other hand? She fainted. Had to be rushed to the medical wing of Canterlot and I had to wait for her to wake up and make sure Sweetie Belle was calmed down seeing her sister hit the floor.... Possibly actually having an accident too..... Yeah safe to say Rarity needed a diaper and new pair of pants from the local mall.... Celestia took it upon herself for pay as long as I picked out something she'd like. After she woke up she yelled at me, cried but like Applejack and Big Mac she thanked me for saving her sister. Though I accepted the apology she insisted I come by the shop for some clothes, normal or uh.... a bit revealing... Definitely going revealing and sexy.... Mostly for the bedroom or as like a joke for Dash's birthday or something..... We're gonna talk about that. As for right now? Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom and Scootaloo went back to Appaloosa for more R&R while Rarity just stayed in Canterlot with Sweetie and Celestia as a bit of a calming vacation after the troubling news. Dont blame her. Babs and her father returned to the Summer Home while things got fixed and a security system is being implimented as well as a spell similar to what the Summer Home has. As for me? I got my car back and just went back to Ponyville just to stay in the Castle with Twilight while everyone was still out.... She brought Pinkie and Dash over and Fluttershy... Cant forget her.... Gilda would've been here but she had been having gut issues.... didnt wanna crap out at any point or spread it to anyone else. But I'm kinda glad she wasnt here. I was asleep but not for long.... Nightmare woke me up out of a dead fucking sleep at midnight, wet bed, me screaming and just causing four guards to rush in, give me a medical test testing for pain or anything but there wasnt any.... Other than the pain of what I saw. Some of the guards had to help me get cleaned up and dressed in something else while others cleaned the bed but after I had gotten changed into different pajamas and taken into the kitchen and given a warm cup of tea to calm down while I waited for the Princess... The guard watching over me was sitting with me was just keeping a hand on my shuttering shoulder. "Princess should be here any moment now. Just take some deep breaths, drink your tea and just stay calm." They said.

I gave a shuttering deep breath. "....I-I... I've been t-t-t-trying!" I snapped a bit. I grabbed my tea and tried to hold my hands as steady as I could just to drink out of the cup.... I was shaking like I was being shocked perpetually.... I was that disturbed. That's when I just put it down and hugged myself. The guard sighed and just grabbed it for me having me drink it carefully. It was warm and sweet with a little honey that was put in it. They set it down a moment after letting me sigh. I blushed a bit. "Thanks...."

"You're welcome... Just try to calm down... Let me go see what's taking so long with the Princess." I nodded as they got up and rushed out. I got up and went for the sink....didnt bother grabbing the handle for the sink... with how scared I was I think I'd rip it off. Just nudged it and turned on the water before splashing some onto my face to calm myself down.

"....Ryder its not real... its not fucking real.... Just a nightmare... that's it... its just a god damn nightmare...." I looked at my shaking hands dripping wet with water.... I gasped for a second because I swear I saw red. Shook my hands dry and just collapsed to my knees just staring at my hands at every nook just to make sure it wasnt blood I was seeing.

I must've been staring at them for a while because I only snapped out of it feeling someone lift me up to my feet. It was Twilight and her guard. Twilight was wearing a nightgown that looked just like an overstretched T-shirt from her brother. They brought me over to the table again and sat me down. I couldnt find words to tell Twilight anything. She huffed as she used her magic to calm me.... The kind of magic Cadence could use. She sighed and sat down in front of me as I watched my shaking hands stop. "There.... There we go.... You okay now?" She asked. I shook my head. "What happened? Guards woke me up, told me you were screaming bloody murder with soaked sheets."

"....I... I want to.... but.... I just... I...." I started tearing up. She looked to her guard as I hugged myself again.

"Why dont you go see about the cleanup? I wanna be alone with the General." The guard nodded and saluted before running off. Twilight looked back to me. "Alright... knowing you and how your brain works... and with recent events you're afraid of something that you did and having it affect your family.... Right?" I nodded hesitantly. "Hm.... And with the way you were looking at your hands.... You could swear they were covered in blood.... Right...?" I nodded again as tears just started to stream down my cheeks. "...Alright.... Now I'm gonna ask you who you hurt..... And I want you to hold up one finger if it was them or two fingers if it was in front of them. Understand?" I nodded again. "Alright.... Applejack." I held up two fingers. "Scootaloo." I hesitated. But came up two.... I was thinking back just real quick making DAMN sure it wasnt my sweet baby sister I was hurting. "Applebloom?" Two fingers again. "Big Mac." I didnt put any fingers up. She hummed and sat with me. "....Now its either he was the one you hurt or he wasnt there.... Was he there?" I shook my head. "Alright.... So a third party that wasnt anyone of the family getting hurt.... Right?" I nodded. "Alright.... And its none of our friends getting hurt either was it?" I shook my head. "Anyone of the Princesses? Or my brother?" I shook my head again. "Alright.... So what happened the other day is just sitting in your mind just scaring you because you did something you didnt want to do... right?" I nodded. She sighed. "....Princess Celestia and Luna already said they're letting that go. You did what you had to to save the ones you loved. I know its scary having to do something you really dont want to but having to do something anyways.... I mean...Think how I felt when I had to jail Spike and had to watch you destroy guard trucks like that!"

"....But you've never killed anyone... You dont have blood on your hands! I do.... All over my hands.... ALL. OVER. If there were a bucket over me with the blood i've spilled in it, I'm pretty sure you'd be drowning in it!" She sighed.

"True I havent and I hope I never do....." I watched as she just used her magic to conjure her phone. "I'm gonna call Princess Luna to run another mind evaluation on you because of this.... This is some sort of freak out that I've just not seen before.... even from you!" I watched as she tapped away at her phone. "I've seen you freak out before.... just stop breathing right and collapse.... this? Its like you were taking drugs in your sleep and some mushrooms just got in and you just ended up seeing shit just melt together before turning into a monster that just wanted to eat you." She sighed as she just put her phone on speaker. "Want me to stay in here with you or do you wanna just be alone in here?"

"....Stay... Please.... Just dont make me talk... God I feel sick....." She nodded and sat down using her magic to raid her drawers in the kitchen for a plastic bag before giving it to me.... I honestly did feel a bit sick to my stomach just thinking about that nightmare again.... I killed someone in front of my family.... They were so scared of me.... I dont even remember if I was protecting them or what.... All I remember is just seeing Applejack's and the girls scared faces and the blood all over my hands.... I just held the bag open waiting.

After a moment i heard Twilight's phone click. "Twilight? What are you doing up this late? Is everything alright?" I heard Luna ask. "It shouldnt be anything dangerous.... we would've been hearded into our safe rooms...."

Twilight sighed. "Princess I'm here with Ryder... Apparently he's freaking out about what happened the other day and had a nightmare about him doing what he did in front of his family." She said. "Got the guards panicked, got me up out of a dead sleep and it doesnt look like he's gonna be awake for the rest of the night.... He was just staring at his hands when I found him in the kitchen trying to calm down. He's sitting down now, breathing but he looks like he could get sick at any point here....."

"Ryder? Ryder speak to me tell me what's going on!" Twilight sighed as I just swallowed a lump in my throat.

"He asked me to talk for him... He's trying not to get sick and just.... Scared.... My magic isnt even enough to calm him down all the way...." Luna huffed.

"I see.... If he's that bad this might be very serious.... Are you able to get him to a helicopter and get him out to Canterlot? If you can my guards will take over from there and I can see what I can do.... Calm him down, reduce his strength if you can and get him here... I'll get him clothes and other things come the morning so dont bother packing anything."

"Alright but I'm coming with him.... Gonna have to make sure he gets there alright and that he's not gonna just uh.... forget to fly...."

"Good idea... We do not want that." She hummed. "What about Spike? You cant just leave him alone in the castle with the guards everywhere!"

"You're right.... He's gonna wonder where we were... Not to mention Rarity is in Canterlot and he would love to see her..." Twilight looked to me. "If I get you a guard detail to lead you up to the helipad can I trust you to get in the chopper and sit there until I come with Spike?"

I swallowed. "I'm freaking out not fucking suicidal!" I said. Twilight just looked at me giving me a glare.

"You're still getting a guard detail... and speak to me like that again you're getting gagged and I dont care how sick you get it wont be coming off until Canterlot. Understand me?" My ears folded and I whimpered a bit.

"Y-Yes princess....."

"Good. Now I'm gonna go get Spike and I expect to see you in the chopper before I get up there. Understand?" I gave a nod. "Good. Now wait here for the guards. Alright?" I nodded again before she went out of the room talking into her phone. A few minutes passed and guards came in leading me out and up to the helipad. The night air was cool. Wind was a calm breeze. I just sat at the door of the chopper with one of the guards sitting with me... Cant tell if they were holding me or making sure I wasnt just gonna get sick...May have gagged slightly because of my panic but didnt really go all the way through... thankfully. I grabbed a drink from the cooler just to keep myself awake and calm. When Twilight got to the chopper I was already strapped in and ready to go, the bag still ready. She hopped in with Spike in her arms strapping him into a seat like he was Scootaloo after I had picked her up from school one day after she got sick. Anyways she used her magic to silence the chopper blades as they started to move.... We didnt hear anything and Spike stayed asleep. Nobody spoke, I just listened to music over the headset.

It didnt take long for us to land in Canterlot. Maybe about forty five minutes give or take. Luna was waiting on the roof but we had to wait until the chopper blades stopped or slowed. Once the chopper was quiet Twilight grabbed Spike and stepped out first. I hopped out next. Princess Luna just pointed to me and four guards just grabbed me, cuffed me, put one of those strength suppressors on me the Elites did and then shoved me into a waiting wheel chair. "Ryder I'm sorry I have to do this but... I cant take any risks...." She said. She looked to her guards. "Take him to the room near mine. I'm going to dream walk with him, see what's going on in there." They saluted before wheeling me towards the door Twilight was holding open. She watched as I just rolled past, a pleading look on my face feeling as if she just dismissed my look for just a normal look. We rolled down the hall with Luna right at our side.... I couldnt even lift my hand..... That's how strong this thing was.... It's needed but unneeded. Or at least that's how I feel. I could even feel at the back of my mind Schrivechnya waiting for me to say something if I needed help.... I fought every urge to say yes. She sighed. "Ryder I'm really hoping whatever I see in there isnt gonna make me have to keep you out of guard work until this is fixed.... I could swear my sister performed a mental evaluation and cleared you after that! Seems I need to have a talk with her about this after we're done...."

I swallowed a bit. "P-Please no Princess!" I said. She huffed.

"I'm sorry Ryder but I need to! This is serious! If I cant do what I have to do here, we're going to have to do something we downright refuse to do! We'd rather have you locked down like this and away from your family as to not hurt them or yourself until you're fine. And with the things you've seen? With what you can do? I'd rather keep you here. I dont want to have to raid your home only to see one of your family members on the floor and you're just sitting in the corner because an accident happened.... I'd rather not hold a service for someone you cared for with you like this in the slammer."

"....That's something I really dont want.... I really dont wanna be sleeping in bed, having a nightmare only to find Scootaloo or AJ just..." I whimpered a bit. She shushed me.

"You wont.... I'll make sure of it here.... Just breathe here Ryder... I wont be entering your mind until you're calmed..."

"....Just hit me with your powerful magic.... I.... I dont know if I can calm down from this...." She huffed.

"I'll have to do it once we're getting you in the room.... Cant risk it with the guards around you and I'd rather only have one target for a wakeup..." I gave a slight nod.... this thing around my neck was just very uncomfortable..... We went for a while.... The guards were curious about what was going on and why I was in restraints.... I mean with what the entire guard should know at this point I'm honestly surprised... We got into a room about a few minutes later. I had to be picked up out of the chair and laid onto the bed... this thing on my neck did NOT feel good at all.. I could barely move myself. Hands folded, legs one over the other but the pillow? I was still hanging on by my neck. I could even see Luna looking over me trying to find a way to make me comfortable. She sighed and just got the thing off my neck. "Alright.... Please dont make me regret this...." She looked to her guards. "You two stand at the far corners of the room and just watch. If he starts getting destructive, hit him with tranq darts. But dont go crazy with them... We want him to stop destroying things, not kill him via overdose." She looked to me. "You'll be fine.... just.... Breathe.... Alright?" I nodded still fighting tears in my eyes. "I'm going to put you to sleep now..... Do you want to be distracted while I do this or would you rather come with me?"

"....T-Take me with you.... I.... I cant face my mom or dad with this.... no way in hell I'm even having you explain to my wife or sister about this..... Your mother is probably looking at this worried for my sake......" She sighed.

"I dont doubt that. Lets just get this over with now..." I nodded just as she used her magic on me. Almost immediately I felt tired and faded fast. Soon I was greeted with Luna in a dreamscape and I was dressed in old school orange prisoner jumpsuit and shackles. She was in what she was wearing when we found her. Tee Shirt, sweat pants and slippers.... Did I not mention that? Well panicked mind does that to you. She sighed as she used her magic to unlock the shackles. "Now this is a bit of exageration here Ryder.... I know what I said about you being in prison but.... That wont happen unless you did something to someone innocent or to your own family. Understand?" I nodded and just hesitantly opened my arms for a hug. She sighed and pulled me in. "There we go... You big baby.... Now when you're done here lets get started." I nodded and broke the embrace just to sit at her side. I watched as she pulled up memories that were prominent in my mind. I saw the night mom and dad were murdered, I saw the day I got my car, the day I became a guard.... Nothing about the nightmare I had. "Alright... lets sort by most recent...." I watched as she just found a pulldown menu like we were in some sort of VR computer or something and hit sort and then most recent. My memories shifted real quick for me to see the memories of that botched time travel stuff with Older Babs and Twilight, then the moment when AJ and I started our family by having a kid and then the kidnappings.... All it showed was me and the girls at the van, the girls still blindfolded and me still with rage in my eyes. After that? Nothing. No nightmare, no blood on my hands.... She gave a confused hum. "This.... There should be something here if I'm looking in the right place... and I should be looking in the right place." She looked to me. "You did have that nightmare right? Tell me what happened? Maybe we can make this memory appear." I swallowed not wanting to. "Come on.... Just tell me... bite the bullet and tell me...." I swallowed again.

"...S-s-someone.... I just.... killed them in front of the girls.... AJ, Applebloom and Scoot.... There was b-b-blood... everywhere.... on my hands... on them.... just.. fucking... everywhere...." Luna rested a hand on my shoulder before lifting me onto my feet.

"It wasnt real but... you clearly saw it...." She looked back at my memories. "But I dont understand.... if you saw it it should've popped up.... I should be seeing it here.... But since I dont its.... confusing and a bit worrying.... I honestly dont understand... Did Twilight use any magic on you?"

"O-O-Only a calming sp-spell...." She hummed.

"And you're sure of this?" I nodded. "Interesting.... I'm gonna have a talk with Twilight later.... But right now I need to see what's causing this ghost dream you're having...." I watched as she pressed on the one with the girls in the van. Almost immediately the entire dreamscape turned into where I was the other night. The alley way in front of the hotel. I even got changed into the uniform I was in.... No weapons though. Thankfully.... Luna looked at Uncle Orange and Mythic before turning around. "Small squad..... two dead at the door.... and with the proximity of both bodies I'd say it was someone who decided it wasnt a good idea to mess with him...." She looked back at me. "Follow me please. Tell me everything as best as you can and as calmly as you can. Alright?" I took a deep breath as we stepped over the bodies and entered only to see a few more.

"The guys broke in, grabbed the girls and hit me with some sort of taser so I couldnt do anything... they easily could've killed me if they wanted to.... They even threatened the girls if we tried to follow.... we tracked em here through.... means I dont totally agree with.... but with.... the circumstances I may have to rethink and request it be done with my sister and her friends.... Just.... just in case...."

"Ryder. Breathe." I took a deep breath as we started up the stairs. This next floor had a few bodies to the left but the right? Blood trail. That's the side I went down.

"...I got a bit cocky here.... started going crazy with killing everyone in there.... Mythic and Smoke stopped me from getting in over my head and getting killed myself....they cleared the rest of the floor then we took the next floor together....." We started up the stairs again. Few blood pools dripping down the stairs. Luna avoided them. I just trudged through the somehow stagnant pools not even leaving a print in the pool or after. Few bodies at the top.

"You made good work of them.... Anyone left alive?"

"Your father met them all I bet.... if there is anyone left alive and they knew what happened here... they would either seek me out or avoid me knowing damn well what I can do to them.... We took this floor together.... Though the next floor? That was all me and Mythic would be able to do... me mostly...." We walked up the stairs only to see this single guy, dead on the floor, surrounded by money with a hole in his chest, his arms and legs busted and blood everywhere with the chairs empty nearby. "....Mythic was up here holding him there while Smoke and I got the girls out of there to deliver to you.... Thank you for allowing them in and helping them.... Even checking that they werent more than just kidnapped...."

"Of course Ryder. Those girls' safety means much to me and Celestia as they do you and their families.... Perhaps we can give you a little time at a spa with Rarity later once we figure things out here." She reverted my dreamscape to before this guy died... horribly. We stood off to the side just seeing me creep in and take to the rafters again.... Then I started dropping the bills one by one before dropping more and then just surprising him.... I held him until Mythic took my place and we started ferrying the girls out of there. She fastforwarded for a moment until I smashed the window and came back in throwing the weapon down on the floor.... Then breaking both his legs... then his arm..... I grabbed onto Luna and forced her to look away before I drove my fist through his chest and showing it to him before he died. I turned her back after I threw it down and dropped his body before looking to my visually disturbed father. She sighed. "This must've been what did it.... This man deserved every bit of this.... Extreme yes but well deserved..... But that's what had to have caused it.... the nightmare. You have to be afraid of someone coming after your family forcing you to do something like that again... but you dont want to do anything to where your family will see this and become afraid of you but you dont want to see them get hurt...." She looked to me. "Perhaps your mind is trying to block out the memory of the nightmare... but that wouldnt explain why you're still able to recall it...."

"If I knew what was going on to have that hid I would'nt have woken up Twilight and had her drag me out here!"

"True.... You probably would've came out here anyways to talk to me in Private.... Maybe with a pack of diapers just in case but you still would've wet your bed and that would still make Twilight call me and check if you were alright... This.... I feel like this is something even I havent a clue what's going on... You're obviously going through some mental anguish yet its hiding itself and with a bed soaked... She told me while she was getting Spike she found you in her kitchen just staring at your hands... Even tells me the guard had to help you drink something you were shaking so much...." She used her magic and erased the dreamscape... even put me back into the prisoners jumpsuit.

"I want to get this figured out... Is there any way to put me to sleep and just wait for me to just start freaking out?" She hummed.

"I usually do that.... That's another curious thing... I never sensed your nightmare when you were asleep.... Something to work on later maybe....." She went over to the window before flying out. I followed only for us to land just outside the bar me and Mythic stopped at. "And something tells me you were still hungry after you did that to that stallion? That's.... I'm gonna be honest a little psychotic if you still had a stomach to eat after all that killing.... Most would get sick after all this death.... You? Why not have a nice meal." I huffed.

"....With all the death I've seen? I'm honestly surprised my stomach was as strong as it was there.... Dinner should've been everywhere when the girls were kidnapped.... Guess I owe it to the meds I was pumped with that night.... Had something for the pain and something to get me back onto my feet.... mix probably wasnt good but fuck did I have the means to beat some unlucky fucker who thought it was a good idea to mess with the General of the royal fucking guard and two ponies who wouldnt take it sitting down either..."

"You're basically a secret weapon that would only be released under certain circumstances... This being met.... Perhaps this could be something still leftover in your system? Maybe the combination did something that you couldnt feel and now you're suffering from withdrawls?"

"Entirely possible.... Shaky hands, psychotic hallucinations, high anxiety? I mean.... That sounds like withdrawls to me..... Your medic doesnt happen to have some sort of detox thing does he?" Luna smiled as we went inside and sat at the bar.

"Indeed he does. We'll get you there once you wake up, get you detoxed and then take you out for a quick shopping spree for new clothes. We'll still see about joining Rarity for a quick spa day if Twilight can watch Sweetie Belle and Spike.... Maybe a little while for relaxing will help.... Maybe see how your sister and Babs are doing as well?" I sighed.

"That's a good idea.... Can we check on Babs while we're here before I wake up? I mean... if she's still asleep and not having nightmares...." Luna looked forward with a bit of a scared expression on her face.

"Funny you should say that....." She replied as her horn started glowing. I watched as the outside of the bar changed to darkness and then to what looked to be the inside of a warehouse, burned, broken and I could hear crowds yelling. Luna and I ran out just to have the crowds yelling start to fade quick. I listened closely as we stepped around rubble and ashes. "Babs? Babs sweetie come on out! The bad ponies are gone!"

I heard an echoing whine. "N-no! They're still out there! They have to be! They're out to get me!" I heard Babs say.

I sighed. "Babs! Come on out please! Any bad ponies even come near you, they can kiss their ass goodbye! Just please come out! we only wanna help!" I said.

"Th-They hurt you Ryder! They wanted to hurt us too! They could've hurt m-m-my daddy....."

Luna started using her magic to clear the rubble here and there. "But they didnt and they wont even if they try!" She said. "Please Babs just come out and make this easier on us."

"I come out, they're gonna come in and get me... Just get out of here while you can! Please! I... I dont want them to hurt you!"

I huffed. "Babs. Just come out. Anyone comes to hurt us I'll take care of them." I said. "I did it when you got taken, I'll do it again no matter what!"

"But...."

"Babs... I'm a hero yes but I'm not invincible.... Dont you remember when we were sitting at the Wonderbolts Training Facility with my mother and I had to tell you about the plane crash I was in? I nearly died, I lost a wing... I nearly bled out and froze to death on that mountain... This is scary yeah but it could've been much worse... Just come on out.... Please...." I heard a little whimpering before some stuff moved and out crawled Babs in raggedy clothing. She hesitantly came over and hugged me crying. "...There we go Babs.... I'm here... I gotcha....."

Luna huffed hugging us. "There we are.... You know you're not the only one who's scared about what happened...." She said. "Ryder here went and wet his bed and I had to bring him back to Canterlot to get him to go back to sleep.... He was scared to lose you and his sisters.... Rarity was even worried about losing her sister as well. She's still here in Canterlot making sure Sweetie is alright.... An accident during a nap but she seems to be sleeping fine right now. You're one lucky filly having so many ponies who care about you including Ryder here.... Without him I'm pretty sure things wouldnt be good...."

"Yeah.... I'd rather have you home with your family than in some creeps basement.." I pried her off me and handed her over to Luna. "....I'd do anything just to see you girls safe... I crossed half of Equestria chasing you girls just to get you back.... Those guys who took you arent doing anything anymore... they're all dead.... and everything I'd do just to keep you safe is stuff I'd rather not do but I do anyways. I've put my body on the line just to see you girls happy and alive..... I've jumped out of a burning building to save you, I've gotten cut up by glass keeping Scootaloo from getting kidnapped when I first became a guard.... I even punched one of the guards I now work over just to get Scootaloo back and keeping her from getting taken into an orphanage when our parents were murdered.... You and the other girls get that same treatment that Scoot does.... Anyone touches you the wrong way they're gonna wish they hadn't." Luna rested a hand on my shoulder and gripped it pretty hard. I knew what she meant. I set Babs down and we backed away and before we knew it there was a deluge from the roof caving in sending water everywhere.... Luna flew up but I couldnt get close and got hit with the water. Luna sighed as the water just formed stains on our pants.

"Alright... lets get you both awake and changed.... Babs honey, give your father my thanks and let him know once things are handled with Applejack in Appaloosa you're welcome to come to Canterlot for dinner. I'll be calling later okay?" Babs sniffled and nodded. "Alright. You wake up now." She looked to me. "Same with you. I'll see to it that you're changed and then we do what we must." I gave a nod and she used her magic on both of us. I watched as everything disappeared before I woke up.

As I woke up I found myself just in a diaper.... Soaked to the brim... No shirt, no pants, no guards in the room even. Just me, still shackled nearly naked. No phone so I couldnt call for anyone and I doubt guards outside the door would even listen until Celestia or Luna gave the word. Gladly I didnt have to wait long because that door opened and in came Celestia with a bag around her arm. She was wearing her regal gown and was carrying a foldable chair in her magic. She set the bag down and unfolded the chair before sitting on it. It was like a reinforced directors chair just for her. She huffed. "Apologies for the unwanted stripping General but Luna didnt wanna risk your clothes getting wet." She said. "Now... before we get you changed I wanna let you know what we're gonna have to do with you. First off, no guard stuff. I'll call you General but as for guard stuff, nothing. No saluting, no grabbing guns, no giving orders. Second after this we're wheeling you to the medical office. Our doctor will give you a quick detox shot. It'll cleanse your system, you might feel a tad groggy but other than that you should be fine. After that we're going to meet Rarity and Sweetie Belle for breakfast and then you and Rarity are going to the spa to relax. Massages, sauna and a full service manicure and pedicure. I know you might be hesitant at first but trust me, you will never regret that but dont worry we wont have them paint your nails unless you want it. If at any time you feel strange, step away, breathe, try to get my attention. If I'm not there, you just sit back, get someone to get in contact with me. I'll even send Twilight with you and Rarity just to be sure you have someone to be there for you. Alright?"

I nodded. I sighed as she used her magic making a key appear. She started to unlock the shackles I had. I just looked away. "....Princess... I.... I dont know what's going on....." I said. "It's honestly scaring me.... The nightmare was there apparently but... it wasnt at the same time... Did Luna tell you?" She nodded as she grabbed the bag. I watched as she pulled out a pack of diapers, pair of pants and a shirt, even a pack of tanktops.

"Yes she did." She said as she tossed the shackles aside and started to change me. "I do say that it's rather strange you had that and it just up and disappears from your mind.... Even tells me you've recited it as clear as you could of what you saw.... I do agree that was frightening.... I know Twilight suggested to do a mental evaluation on you but this might just be as you said a sudden withdrawal from mixing drugs that shouldnt have been mixed. It was needed yes but you didnt wanna risk your sisters lives.... I commend you for that... seeing that little filly come through those doors alive albeit scared was.... comforting a bit... I was scared to see her scared.... Poor filly was so scared you werent gonna see her again.... I dont blame her.... After Luna was done with you she checked on Scootaloo and Applebloom... Both fillies scared but glad to at least see us.... Maybe Scootaloo had a bit of an accident but she's fine now.... Would you like to call her?" I sighed as she just wiped me down with some wipes I didnt see her grab.

"No... I.... I might later but right now I just dont wanna have her know what's going on with me....."

"Understandable.... You'd rather not have her worry about you.... one of these days you might say you're fine when you really arent and then she's going to worry about you when things are going south... Always that chance you could get something that slowly saps away at you. Think you're fine and then you just couldnt be there anymore.... Nearly happened with me years ago... before you, before Twilight, well before my sister even came back.... Well before I had to even worry about my sisters return.... Had a tumor. Terminal.... You could've seen the fear on my face.... Any moment I could've just been gone... Wouldnt have been able to meet and teach Twilight, wouldnt have been able to stop my sister from existing as Nightmare Moon.... I... I even had Luna check what would happen if I did go... told me Nightmare Moon still cared for me and let the sun out for about an hour each day in honor of me" I sighed as she helped get my shorts on over the fresh diaper.

"Princess... Lets just take a deep breath, get me dressed and get me to the medics.... you can call Luna to meet us there so you can give her a big hug... Kay?" She nodded sniffling a bit.... She wasnt crying but she was trying not to. She helped me with my shirt which... honestly was a good choice. Almost like a mechanics shirt... Loved it. She had to help me to the wheel chair waiting outside... Little dizzy here I guess from experiencing the combined magic of the shackles and the neck brace.... brace was taken off but I guess it still got me pretty hard. I nearly fell out of my chair a few times as we went down the hall. I was slowly regaining my strength the longer I was without the braces. Next floor I fixed myself, at the medical wing I managed to stand up for a bit and walk around the room and when we were at the dining hall I felt as if I was back to my old self. Still sat in the wheel chair until I was led to a chair.

Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Luna were already there. Twilight was still in her PJ's from last night. Same with Spike. Rarity however was wearing a dress that actually looked inspired by both Celestia and Luna. Half blue, half red, cut in half with a sash with designs looking as if they were lifted straight from old tapestry. Sweetie was just in her pajamas from the other night. Rarity took one look at me and just looked confused. "Ryder? Ryder what are you doing here?" She asked as I climbed into a chair next to Spike. I huffed.

"Needed help from the Princess'... Twilight would've helped but it was more a job for Luna so to speak... Are you and Sweetie Belle holding up?" Rarity sighed grabbing her sisters hand.

"A little uneasiness here and there but... I'm just glad she's safe...." I sighed slumping down in my chair.

"That was a heart attack and a half.... A living nightmare for me.... I was just lucky to get em back..."

"And I thank you for that..."

Sweetie Belle took her hand back and quickly teleported over to my side of the table landing right in my lap hugging me quick. "Thank you!" She said.

I hugged her back. "You're welcome Sweetie.... Just... Just know I'd do anything just to keep you girls safe..." I said trying to stay strong. "If you girls need ANYTHING.... you know where to find me." She nodded before just reaching up and giving me a kiss on the cheek making me blush a bit as the mares around me gave an 'aww' that honestly made it even worse with the blushing. Twilight had to take Sweetie Belle from my lap and sit her back into her own chair before we started eating. Day went on like normal. Ate, ended up going shopping for a little because apparently the spas didnt open for a while.... Apparently the one Celestia and Luna use is exclusive only for them but they did pay for the one in town. Even got it exclusive access for a few hours for us and only us to be in there.... and we had to have four guards outside because apparently Blueblood frequents this place.... Four guards that have their orders from Princess Celestia to not let him in no matter what he says and if he has any issues with it to take it up with Celestia or Luna... and if he doesnt I'll make him and that's only if he gets unruly.... He's like a small child... but worse.... If he doesnt get something he wants, he gets unruly, starts throwing a tantrum, threatening to call the guard and he usually gets it..... usually... there's only been one recorded time where he has done that.... Celestia had to buy the thing for them, release all the workers and he was then banned from that store and still is to this day. Now here's this.... This wasnt the most peaceful visit to the spa. Twilight and Rarity got massages first, then I came by for one while they got their facials, then I got my mane washed with a face scrub. But then after? I was waiting outside the sauna for Twilight and Rarity's session to be done. Had a drink and everything but..... I froze feeling something crawling on my back. Like going down just below my wing. Went back to wipe it off thinking it was sweat.... I brought my hand back and just saw blood. I looked at my wing and just found one missing.... The other one tattered as if it were just fresh out of the plane crash. I started to hyperventilate as I turned back around.

When I turned back around? The crash itself.... But worse.... bodies strewn everywhere.... Though what I saw wasnt soldiers... family.... Friends.... I saw Gilda, Fluttershy.... Dash.... Even Pinkie.... God pinkie was missing her legs..... I just saw hand prints come towards me.... they painted the snow red even though there wasnt anything there.... They stopped at my feet. Then an explosion rang out sending debris everywhere.... A rock flew at my face and snapped me out of my trance when it hit me.... Found myself on the floor of the spa again with a few guards inside and Twilight ready to backhand me. I just saw her looking panicked, her towel hanging half way off her body. She looked to her guards. "I think he's coming down! Someone get him something to drink! The other get transport down here NOW!" She looked back at me. "Ryder just breathe, everything's gonna be okay." She held up her hand and put a few fingers out. "How many fingers am I holding up?" I swallowed a bit counting, recounting, and recounting again real quick making sure I saw right.

"Th-Three......" She sighed.

"Good.... You're coherant.... you can see correctly.... breathing is a little fast but you're panicking..... Spa workers told me you fell out of your chair and hit your head.... Do you hurt at all?" She started pressing on my shoulder, my cheeks, neck and around my mane at the top of my head. Nothing much.

"M-My... My wings... Th-th-they're still th-there... right?"

"They're still there. Right where you left em.... What did you see?"

"The crash... our friends.... just.... gone.....G-G-Gilda.... Dash.... F-F-F-Flut-t-t-t-ershy...... Pinkie....." She helped me up into my chair.

"Sweet Celestia... this isnt anything I've even seen... not psychosis, not a nightmare....This is something beyond my power.... maybe beyond even Luna or Celestia's...." She looked off to the side. "Rarity! Help me with him we gotta get him dressed before the transport gets here." She looked back at me. "Just keep breathing..... If you feel something coming up or another attack coming tell us and we'll drop you and get distanced. Understood?" I nodded just breathing as deep as I could... Just shakily. Rarity came over and helped me up grabbing my other arm. I walked with them to the lockers where our stuff was. At this point that diaper I had? Used. They had to just put my pants on using the towel just so nothing caught. Rarity went back after I was dressed, the guard came back and sat with me, helped me drink while Twilight waited here making sure I wasnt gonna freak out again.... I didnt thank goodness.... Once transport got there I had to be cuffed again... just the cuffs this time. No neckbrace. Rarity and Twilight stayed back to relax more... hopefully they could and not worry about me.

I went back to the castle and was greeted by Celestia who just took me up onto her shoulder being carried like a foal yet again. She didnt say anything as we walked throughout the castle. I honestly felt too scared for whatever was going on.... Was even more scared- albeit just a tiny bit more- waiting just to see what's gonna happen. We went and found Luna who was still worried for me just standing outside a room with one of her energy drinks in hand. She sighed. "Ryder.... We're gonna help you.... This isnt anything I've seen before, nor is it my sisters... Your dream may not have been a dream at all.... Psychosis would leave an imprint that I'd've detected while inside there." She said. "We're bringing you to our father. He might be the last pony you'd want to see with this but he might be able to see what's going on and if we can get rid of.... whatever this is. It's something out of reach and out of our control... Father might know something about this."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "B-But what if he's doing this....?" I asked.

"If he is, you're giving him his punishment and I'll make sure he takes it until he learns to leave you alone." She looked to her sister. "Do you think this is fathers doing? Erased nightmares, psychotic visions of dead friends?"

Luna huffed. "I dare say it might be but if not him... what would it be?" She asked. Celestia huffed as she handed me over.

"Not sure. Just let me get the door open and I'll get you in. Just keep him calm...." Luna nodded just as Celestia went into the room. Luna looked to me as I leaned into her, my arms still behind my back. She sighed.

"Ryder... you'll be back to normal... or what we can at least call normal.... after this we may have to monitor you for a few days... Food, clothing and any amenities will be provided.... Maybe I can see about rigging something just so you're not just.... bored out of your mind.... Console, maybe a computer and.... maybe a toy shaped after yours truly?"

I blushed jumping a bit. "Uh.... Princess... I'd rather not have to explain the hardon I have to your father... and knowing him he'd let me uh... force myself upon that ex of mine....." I said. "Rather not because who knows what she's got going on now that she's there...." Luna made a little noise of disgust.

"Right right... Do not want what father would give them to suffer with for all eternity.... And I dont think he'd be the type to tell you after you've gotten it or even try to cleanse his.... concubines...." Just then we heard Celestia cry out in pain a bit... it was the 'sharp headache and someone set off a firework' cry. Luna sighed. "She's done. Now come on.... Faster we do this, faster we fix you and you dont have to worry about your family or your friends dying from your own hands..... If that's what those visions meant...." I sighed as she opened he door.

"I hope not.... Hopefully daddy dearest can help sever whatever this is.... I hate it and I want it gone...." She nodded and lifted me up into her arms carrying me inside. We saw the door against the wall just... ominous.... dark, looking as if it were made of stone. Celestia was sitting on the bed holding her head and breathing. "You alright sister?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes.... Yes. I'm fine.... making one of those doors never gets easier..... Just go ahead of me.... I'll catch up." She said. Luna and I nodded before we turned our attention to the door.

We opened the door and entered leaving it open for Celestia. I wanted to let Schrivechnya stand guard just so nobody escaped but I didnt want her to accidentally hurt Celestia. Luna and I walked down a long hallway until two doors opened up in front of us.... We came into a study.... Books in a few shelves, a bottle of alcohol and a few glasses on a table between two chairs and a burning fire against the wall. I was set down but I hid behind Luna. Luna just cleared her throat alerting the shadow I saw in the one of the chairs. It peeked around only revealing Hellfire wearing a bathrobe with reading glasses on... He set a book down standing up and giving a smile. "Ah daughter! Welcome! And I see you've brought your General!" He said. He knelt down a bit. "I must say your... gifts the other day really pleased me... The look on one of their faces were priceless when they told me you told them to greet me down here..."

Luna huffed. "Father I have a question for you. Answer. Truthfully." She said. "Did you, or did you not tie something to Ryder to see visions of death and fear?"

"I did no such thing!" He replied standing again... the fire behind him burned brighter. "Last he was here I buried the hatchet with him. I gave him my word that I would not touch him or his family!"

"Good.... Now another question.... Can you sense and fix whatever is going on with him? This isnt something Celestia or myself can fix. Thought it was a nightmare but I couldnt find it, even had him explaining it clearly to me and mental distress would also leave something of an imprint that even I or Celestia would've seen but there wasnt any!" He hummed.

"This definitely isnt my doing..... Something is tethered to him definitely.... Me thinks..... This is something that feeds on fear..... Entered an old building to do some killing, may have gotten too close to something that had something possessing it.... now its trying to possess him but his will is too strong for anything.... Its like... A demon of sorts but one not under my control.... That and one that hasnt passed on and is very angry.... Maybe you killed someone it had a hold on, then it moved on to you because you were the next closest thing and fear was already pumping through you like a fountain. Wish to tell me what happened?" I was honestly just trying to breathe.... My heart sunk and panic was starting to set in. Luna sighed.

"His sister and her friends were taken from him and one of my Elites. They tracked them, found them and you saw what happened..."

"Yep... Slit throats, gunshot wounds to the head... some fell so hard it broke their necks and I could only just laugh as they stood back up freaking out." He gave a chuckle only to sigh. "Why dont you follow me and we'll get this sorted? Hm?" I swallowed and nodded just before following him as he stepped away. We walked over to a book case where he pulled out a book and the book case swung open. Hidden door. He looked back to Luna. "Coming Luna dear?"

"Give me a moment to go see if Celestia is okay. You just get on with this and please.... Dont replace that thing with something else...."

"I wont I wont! Just hurry along with your sister. I'll see about fixing your General and severing this connection with whatever this is he has on him." Luna nodded and I just went with Hellfire. We walked down a long corridor before making a right turn. He sighed. "Perhaps after this I can bring you to those men you killed.... See if they recognize you and if they do... I say give em another dose of what you really wanted to do. Perhaps as a parting gift?"

I sighed. "...Lets j-just get this over with..." I said. I swallowed a bit, my throat actually starting to feel dry. "...May I ask something sir?"

"But of course."

"...During our last encounter.... How did Berrie escape? Did you ever find out?" He huffed.

"Yes.... Seems one of my.... servants thought she deserved better..... Released her and had me distracted allowing her to escape.... You best know that servant nolonger serves me and is.... under new management suffering as well.... The way she came back... Priceless.... Just one by one.... Oh you dont know how much joy that brought me.... giving Schrivechnya a treat sending her where that whore belongs.... I am glad she's back.... The sins she has brought upon herself.... I do apologize for that moment that caused you and your sweet sister such pain."

"Apology accepted? I guess...." He turned another corner and we went through what looked to be a balcony area.... The fire below, souls screaming and the overwhelming smell of burning flesh.... I would know what that smells like considering my wings got burned along with some of my flesh on that way down and even after the fact.... We crossed a bridge into an atrium filled with... What I can only describe as trees, burned and yet still growing... Flowers that didnt even look like flowers sprouting from pots... Think I even saw a heart impaled on a stick. Soon we came to an altar..... Blood fountains running down the sides of the.... what I hope wasnt a sacrificial table....The endless fountains were draining immediately through ports in the floor. Totems lined the walls made of bones and.... living parts.... Heads without eyes that just... stared into my soul. Hellfire huffed.

"Alright... I'm going to explain something here... This may hurt slightly..... You wont die, you wont have your organs harvested nor will you have anything implanted into you.... eh... unless something is needed for survival or if you wish to do more damage but the damage you do is already enough. I doubt demon blood inside you with your strength and good nature is going to be a good combination. Do you wish to wait for my daughters or do you want to get this over with?" I shuttered.

"L-Lets just.... Lets get this over with... faster this thing is outta me, faster I can get back to just.... normally worrying about my family.... Not having to worry about ripping them to shreds just because some fucking spirit wants to feed off my fear... Who knows what else it could do once it saps my fear into me being just a sleepless shell of a stallion.... Probably just wired on coffee and such...." He huffed using his magic to lay me on the table. Restraints came around and pinned me down firmly to the table.

"Just breathe.... Now as I said this may hurt slightly.... Think of this as... Well... That moment you got glass shards pulled from you after saving your sister from that creep.... Might comfort you to know he committed suicide in jail... Came right down here and well... Lets just say there's a spot where even he regrets what he did right now... Fire around him but spikes driven into every orifice and never ending...."

"JUST DO THIS! PLEASE!" He sighed.

"Alright... Just close your eyes, think of your wife. Try to ignore the pain." I clenched my eyes shut and just nodded before thinking of my lovely wife..... her blonde mane, curvy hips. The way I could just lift up her skirt in the orchard and she wouldnt give a fuck unless she knew the girls were around and I didnt... has happened a few times and one of the times Applebloom said she saw AJ's underwear because she apparently got her skirt tucked into her panties a bit on accident. I soon heard otherworldy chanting... words I couldnt and even wouldnt try to pronounce at all. I knew the room we were in was just me and Hellfire.... But I swear it was like a crowd joining in speaking the words just.... getting me unsettled.... I just kept trying to think of AJ.... Tried stripping her down with my mind.... Tried giving her a thick dick just bulging out her shorts, spilling out from under a skirt.... Even the thought of her naked in the middle of a beach with just us... Maybe Gilda.... Our friends... all naked and just ready to go. Nothing.... Just tried my damndest to stay still. That was only until I felt a blade kiss my chest.... Just poking me. Not being dragged across my body, not being pressed deeper... Just the point sitting in one spot. "Keep breathing General. This next part is going to hurt...." And that's when it happened. That blade plunged into my chest. My eyes widened and my breathing just about stopped. My vision honestly narrowed and I only saw the roof.... Designs, runes.... all being drawn with.... blood... mine... just coming out of my body. "OUT! OUT VILE DEMON! LEAVE THIS SOUL AND REST YOUR OWN! THY REVENGE HAS BEEN AVENGED! LEAVE YOUR SAVIOR AND REST!" ....Here? This was EXCRUCIATING pain. My body started contorting where I was.... I couldnt break out of my restraints and the blade still was in my chest. All I could do is scream.

I started to hear yelling almost over mine. Celestia and Luna. "FATHER! FATHER WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! STOP IT! YOU'RE HURTING HIM!" I heard Celestia yell.

"DAUGHTERS STAY BACK! YOU SHANT GET TOO CLOSE OTHERWISE IT WILL LATCH ONTO YOU!" I saw something just outside of my vision start to emerge from my chest.... a blob of red.... it wasnt blood.... It was.... strange.... Solid yet.... transparent.... Still yet moving.... Hard to explain. "GO! FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO YOUR HOME! GO TO WHERE YOU REST! FIND YOUR WAY HOME WHETHER IT BE HERE OR THERE!" I watched as that blob contorted and formed... almost a ponylike shape.... I think it was a mare but I couldnt tell. "REST DAMN YOU! YOU'VE DONE YOUR PART!" I watched as that thing disappeared into the runes made from my blood. What happened next? The weirdest feeling EVER. My body relaxed, my muscles still hurt so much after that.... Didnt know if my bones were broken or not (well... Until after. No broken bones.) My vision returned to normal and the knife came out of my chest..... That knife was one blade but looked as if it had multiple. The wound in my chest instantly healed as all the blood came from above, congealed into one blob and just made its way back into my body. My breathing returned to normal before the restraints retracted. Hellfire sighed resting a hand on my stomach. "There.... It is done...." He said just as the last drop disappeared from my body. My clothes werent even ripped where I was stabbed. Just.... Felt weird. "Now you may feel some.... Light headedness and fatigue but other than that you should be fine.... Take it easy now and return once you're back to full strength." I swallowed and nodded still breathing slowly.... trying to make sure if I was alive or dead or.... what have you.... It was scary. He slowly sat me up... I felt like a ragdoll. Celestia and Luna snatched me up hugging me at the same time.

"Ryder.... God Ryder you're alright....." Celestia looked to her father. "....Father.... Thank you for this....."

"You're welcome.... If anyone wants to screw with your General its me... and I'll only do it eh.... Rarely.... More rarely than getting struck by lightning but less rarely than winning a lottery. Now go. Get him some rest and a drink. I definitely need a drink as well.... Come back to me when he's up on his feet again." Luna nodded and took me into her arms. Celestia undid my shackles and we made our way out.

As we came out into the room we were in the door disappeared behind us. Luna sighed. "That was.... something...." She said. "....I... I.... I nearly thought he was sacrificing you... I expected something magical to get him to get that thing out of you..... Not a sacrificial dagger plunged into your chest and you writhing in pain...." She set me down on the bed.... I only had enough strength to breathe and look at the Princesses before me. "Do you want us to bring you to our medic again? Blink once for yes, twice for no." I blinked once... slowly but i blinked.

Celestia picked me back up and sighed. "I'll handle him. You just go let Twilight know he's fine now... Maybe let her know but make sure Spike and Sweetie Belle are NOT anywhere near you when you explain." She said. Luna nodded and teleported away while Celestia just teleported with me in her arms.... Guess Alicorn magic is a bit stronger than unicorn magic. She had me admitted to the medical ward, had me hooked up to a few machines but kept watch over me as I fell asleep. It was honestly like I was under anesthesia. Eyes closed, time passes like it didnt and I woke up maybe.... I think four hours later. Celestia wasnt in the room but I had my things with a note saying they were delivered from Ponyville. Texted Celestia and she brought me to her workout room just to test me. Was a bit weird walking but I was on my feet, I could lift up to 180 pounds one handed before getting lightheaded so I know to take it easier for a few days. Could fly around for a bit before falling but I could still fly. After that we went for food and my appetite hadnt changed. Ate the same amount. Next day before we left I got a chance to go back to see Hellfire.... Thanked him for his help but told him if it happened again that I'd really wanna be warned of how weak it will make me if he knows. He ended up bringing me to the slice of hell where those assholes were.... Oh to see the demons endlessly slicing their throats. I honestly think a few of them pissed themselves seeing me... Especially the one who was in the room with the girls.... Oh he was especially afraid of seeing me..... Lets just say I gave him the Elite Special of having Schrivechnya explode out of his gut giving Hellfire a good laugh. After that I may have given Berrie a few good uppercuts to the jaw just to remind her who she messed with before returning home. May have had to spend a little time with Rarity and Sweetie Belle just because Sweetie had a little accident during a nap but other than that they were fine. Gotta say that was just.... an experience. As for now I think I'm done.... Later.