The Other General

I couldnt sleep. Been a few weeks since Ryder made me look like a slut in front of Gilda, his sister, my cousins and Princess Twilight. Was it embarrassing? Yeah. Was it hot? Fuck yes. Would I do it again? As long as Gilda is there for Ryder and I to call her mistress or mommy I couldnt care less. But that's not what this is about. Today I was at Sweet Apple Acres. Ryder was the only one here since Applejack took the rest of the family to help Big Mac gather all his stuff. Yeah. He's moving back in now that his best friend is back. Just made sure my brother was alright with it.... I offered to just pay to have his stuff moved out here but he said he'd get it himself. Yeah my brother is alright with it... Cant say he isnt gonna be lonely but he's been looking at maybe moving somewhere closer to family.... He's always loved our family... Me, our mother and dad... Even despite dad's bigotry for years he still loves him. Our mother even though she's divorced from dad still comes around, sends us Hearths Warming gifts and cards. Anywho... its just me and Ryder at the orchard. It was snowing and Ryder and I were just walking out in the orchard. We were both in our winter clothes, me in my winter guard coat, him in just a puffer coat, jeans and a beanie. I sighed just giving off a puff of steam from my mouth... Something I've always done since I was a kid. Watched the snow plows drive up and down the road sometimes pretending I was a dragon... Dad always thought it was cute. "...I'm glad I could be over here...." I said. "...Keeps you company and just.... keeps me away from the house... Might be my own but... Feels a bit lonely there...."

Ryder gave a sigh too. Just grabbed some snow from the ground and balled it up before throwing it at a tree across the road. Knocked all the snow off the dead branches. He chuckled. "Surprised you dont have Gilda move in with you... Might help get her out of Twilight's hair." He said. "Got to talking with Twilight last few times I was with her just to see what happened before my return.... Told me Gilda's been a bit of a thorn in her side. Told me Gilda's a great room mate but.... Just.... I guess she doesnt feel alright with her around."

"How so?" I asked as we walked. Snow just crunching under our feet.

"Its like.... She's getting antsy, a bit nervous... She's been tested for drugs but... Nothing apart from her medicinal stuff.... You noticed anything?"

"I dont think so... She's always so lovey dovey with me.... Guess me being with her is triggering something.... Probably both maternal and something else. Probably the need to make sure I'm alright...."

"Sound like anyone you know?" I just stayed silent. He just huffed. "Up for a trip to town? Might be able to grab Gilda and head out if you wanna have a day out with us."

"And do what?"

"Certainly not enjoy each others company with our pants off." I just blushed a bit hiding my face a bit. "Aw c'mon... I'm not mad about your little stunt the other day... Made me realize sometimes you gotta show family how much you mean to em... even if it does mean showing some things that family shouldnt see but.... Scoot really did love that. Now we doing something outta town or what?" I huffed.

"As long as we stop by my place so I can get a bag together sure. You able to get things from the castle when we get there?" He gave a nod and we just started for the house.

"Mind if I drive? Been a while since I drove my car...."

"Did say you could have it back whenever Ry. Dont mind if I gotta get myself a new one."

"That's sweet of you but no.... Now if you wanna get me a car or something... that's another story...." I just gave a smile and grabbed some snow quickly throwing it into his face. He just brushed it off before tackling me into the snow. We both laughed as we traded handfuls of snow until he just grabbed some snow and put it into my pants. I screamed a bit before just tossing him off and getting up.... I'm lucky I'm wearing a diaper because I immediately just started pissing my pants.... What? Did I not mention the extra warmth around my crotch? Easier than taking off two layers of clothes just to piss. I blushed just glaring at him. "...Too far?" He asked as he got up brushing snow off himself.

"....Next time you wanna put a hand in my pants you better have a toy or explicit permission...." He huffed.

"...Yep... Too far... sorry...." He slipped a bit trying to get up. I went over and helped him up. "...Alright... lets get back to the house, get you changed and then get to the castle.... Can I still drive?" I just rolled my eyes as I started pulling him along back to the house.

The change was... somewhat quick.... Somewhat because I may or may not have kept something in the tank to try and hit him with it.... Missed and pissed on the floor. He was a bit too far away... Just though he was close enough when he was coming back.... Lucky we had a towel ready. Anywho we changed, got in the car and yeah... I let him drive because I love him. And maybe because pissing myself in front of him got me a little hot under the collar and I cant focus on driving when I can only focus on wanting to fuck myself or him.... and there's no way I would give him road head while he was driving... Especially on icy roads. We got to the castle and hurried up stairs after leaving our coats in the car. Once we got upstairs I had to start asking guards left and right if they've seen Gilda around. Took five guards. The one who told us had to get on her case about something the Princess allowed her to make.... I only found out when we found her. Cookies! Oh you bet your ass when we found her in the kitchen I went for those. She just grabbed me and smacked my hand. "Hey not yet! Still warm and they're for guests!" She snapped. I took my hand back just as Ryder stepped forward pulling me away.

"Guests? Princess having someone over that we havent caught wind of?" He asked. I went over to the fridge and ducked inside. Grabbed a water for myself and Ryder. She sighed as I tossed the water to him.

"Yeah... Apparently Twilight's been chatting with Celestia for some reason. Not sure what but I think its gotta do with the dweeb who put this entire castle on lockdown and almost the entirety of Equestria..."

"Me? What the hell did I do this time?! I just got back!"

I huffed sipping my water. "Not you right now Ryder... The you that got shot forward in time." I said. "The Ryder who protected me, his family... even let me show my appreciation to him... the fuckin' pervert... but not much difference from you." He huffed.

"...Ah... makes sense but... Why me? I mean why him?"

"I think I know why... Before your return and after I was pissing my bed because of that stupid fucks gun to my head Celestia told me she regrets not apologizing to the Ryder that was here before he left. She agrees it was a fitting punishment for her but... I just.... I have a feeling she's being tormented by her inner demons.... Wouldnt doubt it because some inner demons tormented each of us... why not a princess?"

"Ah... Yeah... And its probably something she'd rather not have Luna help her with... either that or Luna thinks things are fine because I've returned...."

Gilda looked to me as I went and sat down. "It... makes a lot of sense...." She said. "...He comes around after being dead for years, he does something stupid that makes himself known and trusted by many yet she thinks its not him, and goes all fucking nuclear only to find out he had the balls to bite back like he usually does yet when its time for him to go she doesnt get the chance and he just flips her off before fading off into the god damn oblivion of time space..." Both Ryder and I looked at Gilda just... confused. She huffed. "...I blame my love for time travel movies..."

I huffed. "...Yeah... Could tell by that quote there Gil...." The movie she referenced is a reboot of an old movie... the reboot sucked but that didnt stop a sequel from being made of that.... But yeah... Story goes that the main character is sent back in time, tries to fix what he accidentally fucked up, pretends he's someone else before fixing everything he needed but to the one person he had issues with- or at least his father who had problems with this fuckwit- caught him time traveling, flipped him off and just transported out. When back in his own time, his fathers bully went off about the kid flipping him off and just disappearing... which gets a call to the looney bin which he escapes in the sequel to get proof of the time travel... Main character has to go back to stop him from getting things, fails the first time and it basically ends the world, the guy goes back again, learning from mistakes he made and boom. Things are fixed, main guy brings back something for the fathers bully when he's back in the nuthouse and now there's a third movie in the works.... anywho I sighed. "...So I'm guessing Princess Twilight isnt here is she?"

"Nope... Not even Spike so I'm stuck baking cookies on my own just to have some treats for Celestia. Right now its been... I'm gonna say a few hours since the Princess and Spike left? She just told me to bake these cookies before she left and so far I've only made a few batches.... Four dozen cookies is enough... right?" I huffed.

"....If you're up for a trip we could go meet Princess Twilight in Canterlot... No use in staying here.... Nothing to do nobody to hang out with who isnt busy..."

"Alright... Give me a bit to package these cookies up, get a bag together and lets go... Just... Gotta make sure that we're not gonna go out there for nothing."

Ryder pulled out his phone. "Leave that to me... Make sure she stays in Canterlot. Might have to tell a little tale but... Might be good enough to just roll up in the car." He said. "You girls do your thing, I'll make sure we can keep her there." We did just that. She gave me a cookie as soon as he left the room, I ate it and helped her start packing them up in some tupperware, got em down to her room where she got her bag together and a bag to carry those cookies down to the car and we got in. She was fine being in the back with the four bags after we had to go to my place just for me to rush and get a bag... and maybe a few spares to give to Gilda. That ride definitely took a while. Two hours when it usually takes an hour all because of the weather. Snow all over, some iced roads that were being plowed still and we had to use a back road just to get to Canterlot proper. Hell Ryder was so annoyed at the exit we usually take he was gonna get out and FLY us the rest of the way. You dont know how fast both Gilda and I told him no... I nearly pissed myself again. This time on accident. But yeah... we got to Canterlot still in time. Pulled up to the gate and went on in... Though of course the first stop was the bathroom after dropping off our coats and winter wear. Fuck it was nice in here. I mean I could take my jacket off and roll up my sleeves up on my shirt... Even though I'm still the size of a cow- and still trying to bring it down but considering my strength being several times what a normal earth pony like me should be able to lift I cant really lift weights to help bring weight down... I've actually been trying to go on runs with Ryder when he's not with his wife or daughter.... or sister... Speaking of did you know she kinda blacked out after he started fucking her? She didnt remember a damn thing but when she realized she was creampied oh you bet your ass she freaked out. Thought her own brother knocked her up. Applejack, the Princess AND I just had to sit her ass down while she was pissing in her panties- LITERALLY I might add- and just give her a rundown on pregnancy and how it worked for us... Did she not see her brothers cutie mark on her abdomen? What about Big Mac's on AJ? Oh you bet she was embarrassed.

But anywho enough of that. We went and found Twilight and Spike just sitting with Princess Celestia in her throne room. Celestia... She just looked a bit worse for wear. Night gown, ice cream stains, mane a mess.... Tired as all hell as well. Twilight wore her regal gown and Spike just had a polo and some jeans. Twilight sighed as we all did our bows for Celestia. "Thank you for coming you three." She said. "Maybe some friendly faces might make her feel better... That and not having to leave the castle... Though why Ryder had to say that there was a problem with the castle but couldnt elaborate because it was just that bad I have a feeling this was to keep me here...." He gave a huff rising taking the bag of cookies from Gilda.

"Guilty. Now if court is adjourned I'd like to question someone." Twilight just sighed.

"...I swear one of these days you're gonna say something stupid to the wrong person again...."

"It was a lesson I learned too late but I still learned it."

Gilda huffed. "Dweeb shut the hell up and just give the Princess the cookies before-" She said before he cut her off just glancing back at her.

"Yeah yeah yeah shut up before your boot goes so far up my ass I'll be tasting leather!" He sighed just as I held Gilda back from actually fulfilling her promise. He approached Celestia and just opened the container handing it to her. "Apologies Princess... Just.... Can I just ask something Princess?"

Celestia took the cookies just taking one, inspecting it closely. She just took one and took a bite. She sighed and swallowed. "...I suppose... Is it something to do with what's on my mind...?" She asked. He just looked back to us and I just nodded along with Gilda. He looked back and just gave a nod as well. "....I.... I cant get it out of my mind... The way I nearly got two of my Generals killed.... Careless of me and... Now that Ryder's back I just... I feel like there's just something nagging at me... just... pulling at my heart, asking to be rectified.... I think I know what it is... Its... You... Ryder.... Not you as you are right now but... the one who was here.... who gave himself up just so Babs could go free..."

Twilight sighed as she brought us up. "...She's feeling guilty about not being able to apologize to him...." She said. "...She called me last night, scared out of her mind about the event.... She thought.... She had that nightmare that Luna saw... about the event going differently... Ryder getting killed because the guards didnt stand down.... everyone hating her for it... Even Babs going and helping Luna take over Equestria, overthrowing her, banishing her to Tartarus for that..."

I huffed. "...That is honestly fucked up...." I said.

"...It is but she just cant shake the feeling... It didnt happen but she still feels that Ryder- not ours- still holds some hatred for her for making the call for the code black and not going for the standard changeling protocol..."

Ryder huffed looking at Twilight. "She was scared that some changeling impersonated me... and they knew why that was a bad idea in the first place!" He said.

"Yeah... Fucking changelings tried to impersonate you after you died and guards had NO restraint on loading a round or two into them. Still kinda hurt to hear them they had to pull the trigger on their superior for years. Though I kept having to reassure myself that it wasnt actually him and that he was buried and we all saw it. I may have cried a time or two with that but those times it was still a bit fresh in my mind..." I just kinda hugged myself. Gilda just brought me closer and gave me a kiss on the cheek. And that was only one of the things that happened. Weeks passed, someone saw Ryder walking around and then he had the balls to try to approach his family.... Applejack tied him up, called the guard and put a gun to his head, told him if he tried anything she'd do it... she.... she did too.... Guards rolled up, she had blood on her face, the gun was nearby and there was blood and chitin around the body. Her and the family had to be brought out into a guard truck where they were brought to the castle, AJ had to go to therapy.... Oh it hurt to see. That was maybe a few years after Ryder passed. After that they stopped for a while before that day I got to tell A Ryder how I felt... not THE Ryder....

Gilda huffed. "...Yeah... And you already know what I do to protect you and your family..." She said. "Why dont we just all put our stuff away, get dressed and go out somewhere? We can figure out what to do about that Ryder later... Just gotta take a deep breath and maybe later we can do a deep dive in the library for something to find him."

Twilight sighed. "That sounds like a good idea... But I honestly cant just go out while there's no way of trying to help her...." She said. "Like actually helping her and not distracting her..."

"Ah c'mon Princess. You need to relax right now too. I dont want you stressing out but if you can, ask guards to check the library for the books you need. If anything wait for Princess Luna, have her aid you." The Princess just thought for a moment. Then just took a deep breath then sighing.

"...Fine.... I'll let the castle librarian know what books I need... While I do this I need Babs and Ryder to get Celestia to her room to change.... You can follow me Gilda." Gilda smiled and just took my bag.

"At least let me get a guard to take our things to a room for later." Ryder huffed as he handed Twilight his.

I just watched as she took it and threw it over her shoulder. "Yeah... Seems like a great idea for the time being...." He said before I looked back to the Princess on the throne. "Alright Celestia... Lets just get you to your room.... Can you walk?"

Celestia gave a hesitant nod as she tried to stand up. Used both Ryder and I to use as supports as we brought her down to the floor. Her throne is raised up with a few steps just because if anyone tried to rush her throne, she could jump back and the assailant would be slowed down. Of course... That was in the old days before firearms.... If they got in to the castle with firearms- and it was done before... ask Scootaloo- that turns into a whole different ball game. We actually had a little training about this. Us guards have access to a paintball building that is can just give us anything we want for training purposes. All the civilians get is video game levels, shit like that. But us? We get a one to one recreation of this floor of Canterlot just to practice. There are teams of guards that know placements, those doing the training arent told anything other than find the 'princess' and get her to safety. There were recruits that snuck their way through somehow but still failed because they ended up getting hit as well as the 'Princess' And yeah... the test princess was actually a random guard. The guards who did make it got promoted based on their performance. If they were hit in the legs or the arms, they could still pass but anywhere in the torso or head... yeah game over. I did decent. They didnt say anything on taking other weapons to shoot faster. No rule against it, no rule breaking. Anywho we brought Celestia all the way to her room. I sat on her bed while Ryder helped her get dressed. It was... Strange seeing a Princess stripped down to her underwear. She sighed as Ryder set her clothes aside. "...I thank you for the help Generals...." She said. "...I just.... I'm fine walking on my own... really." Ryder huffed.

"Yeah... The slow walk up the stairs putting all that pressure on our shoulders really shows it...." He hopped up on the bed next to me just as the Princess went over to the wall having a panel open up revealing just... a nice roundabout of clothing ranging from dresses to shirts, to pants, shorts, other pairs of underwear... Grand selection. She started looking at her gowns.

"...Alright alright... I'm not that alright.... I havent actually eaten anything since lunch yesterday.... I was too worried... scared even of just... everything unraveling before my eyes... The love of my friends, my sister turning against me... I just refused to eat anything thinking it would've been poisoned.... I know my sister is too good to do anything to me.... but... I just couldnt help but think it...."

I huffed as she picked out a gown and just started putting it on. This one was a violet color with gold and white accents. "Things are fine Princess." I said. "Those thoughts... They're gonna be normal after what happened... I remember hitting someone in the face during my high school days... broke their nose and got suspended... I was afraid I'd be expelled but my dad kept me in there through persuasive means. After that I was afraid of the kid I punched getting back at me.... Never saw him around school but I was scared he was just gonna corner me, jump me... I barely ate lunch, tried to get my dad to call the school, have me stay home a few days and I've tried to get out of school early... Came to a head when I passed out after not eating for a while... Only found out later in the hospital that the kid I punched was also there... Asked the doctor if I could talk with him, told him I knew him.... That kid got a bit scared but I told him I wasnt gonna harm him... Just wanted to talk, see why he did those things... turns out his asshole friends wanted to play a joke on him and told him to kick my ass.... I apologized to him, asked how long it would've been until he got back in school and asked him to have lunch with me, even I'd bring him anything he'd want...."

"But that's different General.... You could apologize... I couldnt.... Right now I just bet that Ryder is already sitting on my throne with Luna being his queen...."

Ryder huffed. "Calling bullshit once again Princess. If he and I are one in the same, he wouldnt do anything to you no matter how bad! and even if he did do something it would've been around the same thing as the beating you got when I heard Scootaloo was put in danger by you!" He snapped. "And if its the same case of us being one in the same, there is absolutely, positively NO fucking way that he'd leave Applejack just to marry your sister! Maybe bed her because we're both perverted assholes but there's no way we'd leave our wife after so much!"

The Princess just froze with her gown half way up. Ryder and I walked over taking her arms and slipping them into the gown sleeves. He just pulled it up and onto her shoulders where he helped her put her wings through the holes. "...Princess... Deep breaths.... Please? Dont want a medical emergency to happen." I said just taking her hands. She just looked at me, tears in her eyes. She took a deep breath but... a few tears already started just streaming down her cheeks. I honestly saw the pain she was in because of this. Ryder huffed as he zipped up her gown.

"There we go... All we need to do is preen your wings and get shoes on and we should be ready to go. Need help?" She just nodded a bit. "Alright... Lets have you sit down on your bed, let me get your brush and I'll help you." She gave another hesitant nod before walking with us over to the bed. This was over pretty quick. Ryder just brushed her wings, I just sat there with her helping her breathe.

After a while we were down in a transport heading somewhere to get some food... I was honestly starved. I just sat there with the Princess and Gilda. Ryder, Spike and Twilight were in another transport... cant have two Princess and four others in the car... As we rode I had the Princess drinking a bottled smoothie to keep her energy levels up. Gilda sighed. "Good to see you at least getting out Princess... Rather we get out there, have a nice day out than stay inside afraid of your own shadow." She said. I just gave her a quick nudge. She looked to me. "What gives?!"

I huffed. "She's got some real worry to this Gilda!" I snapped. "It's good she's getting out but do you know how it feels to regret something only for you to think its gonna blow up in your face?" She just huffed and looked away.

"...Alright... Sorry Princess...."

Celestia sighed as she capped her smoothie drink. "General... Its fine..." She said. "...Its only been a few days but... It still just... I feel like I'm scared for good reason... but it could be just... nothing... my own shadow as she says...."

I looked to the Princess as Gilda just moved to the other side of the truck. "Its not fine Princess. She knows she shouldnt be bad mouthing royalty!" I said. "It might be something to worry about, it might not be but its mostly the might not be part. If we do that later and pull the Ryder I saw back for you to apologize and he tries to do anything you bet your ass I will not hesitate to throw him back!"

"....I would expect you to... He just.... He's good but... piss him off and... bad things..."

"Yet if he wanted to hurt anyone that day, he would've but he chose not to. Doesnt mean he would. Could he have been pissed off? Yeah but he seemed pretty happy that everyone was safe and that Twilight took the risk to send him home. He risked his ass to defend me and get himself home. He may panic in situations like that but he knows if its worth fighting for or not. And going against you? He'd have to go through the entire Equestrian guard, me AND himself. Just deep breaths Princess..... No need for a panic attack." She just started breathing... I wish she was like Scootaloo or Ryder... apparently they have a thing where you can see their emotions with their wings... Frizzed out they're pissed, shaking, they're scared, tight feathers, anxious, the list goes on.

Anywho we arrived at a restaurant. Ryder had to run in first, ask for a private section if available. We got a room all to ourselves and were still served as if it were still open to everyone else. Of course the Princess barely ate. I made sure she at least had a goal. The guy serving us was a bit worried and stopped me when I went to the bathroom, asked if everything was alright with the Princess. Just told him she's getting over a little bit of a stomach bug so she's taking it easy on herself. Not a total lie. We paid and just went for the nearest mall for a walk to get things moving. Twilight took Gilda and Spike leaving me with Ryder and the Princess. She was looking better but we knew what hid behind he smile she used to greet the public. Ryder looked up to the Princess as we walked. "How are you feeling Princess?" He asked.

Celestia looked down at him. "...A bit better... more energy but still on edge...." She said. "Are you two doing alright?"

I huffed. "We're fine Princess. I'm a little full from breakfast but I'm glad to see you out and about." I said. "You're doing good so far. Not too cold?" She shook her head. Yeah... Forgot to say we did have to grab our coats, Celestia did have to have us go and get her a coat that went with her dress... Neither Ryder or I are anywhere near Rarity's fashion knowledge.... We just got a picture of her dress, took it to a shop, asked the attendant about what would be good for her dress, bought the one they suggested and brought it back. Anywho I sighed, a puff of steam coming from my mouth. "Good... If you get too cold, let us know and we'll find the nearest coffee shop for something warm." She grew a bit nervous looking around almost paranoid.

"...Uh... M-Maybe a warm drink will help steady the nerves... Actually dont know if its the cold doing this or my nerves... I just... I just need to breathe..." I grabbed the Princess hand before looking to Ryder.

"Ryder, look where we can find a coffee shop, once you find it take us there." I looked to the Princess just as he nodded pulling his phone out. "Alright... Steady breath's Princess..." Celestia looked to Ryder.

"...R-Ryder... When you find one just go there, order us drinks and let Babs know where it is.... I just... I need to... To...." She looked to me and immediately got green in the face. I just started looking around before just pulling her towards the first trashcan I saw. She just leaned on it as I rubbed her back. Nothing came up even with the dryheaving.

"Easy easy.... You're too tense... Just need to breathe Princess.... Just breathe, keep things from coming up..." She just kept hold of the trashcan... I slowly nudged her off the can and carefully embraced her. I just patted her back and just started leading her in the breathing. That went on for a few minutes until I looked up at her. "You good now Princess?" She hesitantly nodded still breathing. "...Alright... We're gonna find a convenience store real quick, find you some nausea meds to help you keep everything down... Rather you not lose your breakfast...." I started leading her down the lane a bit. "You feel something coming, tap me and do what needs to be done... Just try to keep it down if you can." The princess kept breathing but nodded. We did find a corner store, the clerk offered a chair for her to sit down while I grabbed a drink and some medicine for her. She took the medicine and sat there drinking just breathing. That lasted about ten minutes before she was grounded. After I paid for the drink and meds we left. I looked to her. "You alright Princess?"

"...Yes... Now I am... Thank you General." She said.

"What made you start panicking like that? Just started thinking about that Ryder you nearly hurt?" She nodded.

"Yeah... I just.... I dont want to say it out loud but... I just... I feel you have the need to hear it... I feel that by Ryder being back its punishment for me for what I did with Ryder.... It may have been a gift for you and your family... but.... just to show me I made a wrong move..."

"I asked your mother Princess. She said there was no catch. I honestly believe her. If she would lie straight to my face, I feel like we would know. Right?"

"...Its my mother we are talking about... She could lie but her good nature and where she is would make us believe her..." I sighed feeling a bit uneasy myself.

"...How about this? After we get back to Ryder and get your drink we head back to the castle? You might need some rest. We could have Twilight get you prepped and help you get some sleep... Worse comes to worse we use your sisters magic to keep you asleep and we do a little dream walk to help you. Sound alright...?" She stayed silent for a good minute thinking as we walked before giving a sigh.

"....I... I suppose.... Sleep is needed...." She yawned a bit.

"Alright. Lets go get our warm drinks and get back to the castle. I'll call Twilight and let her know the plan. Just continue breathing and let me know if you're gonna get sick." She nodded and we went to find the coffee shop. On the way there I called Twilight and told her the plan. After about fifteen minutes we were back in the transport and on our way back. This time Twilight and Celestia were alone leaving Gilda, Spike, Ryder and I in the other.

Spike huffed. "I'm honestly glad to get back to the castle... Fucking FREEZING..." He said. "I'd rather spend time in a lava bath than outside in the freezing cold..."

Ryder huffed. "Dude, you can survive in one of those.... I'd rather be in the cold than one of those dude...." He said. "Look.... We're gonna need to do something with the Princess. Gotta make sure she's comfortable, make sure she's calm and even make sure if she does panic she doesnt do anything that gets me hurt."

Gilda huffed kicking back as I sipped my fruity tea. "What can we do? I'm not really in the best shape to fight a Princess..." She said.

"That's a last resort Gil. What I really mean is I've just got a bad feeling right now... With what she's scared of is me- mainly the fact that she thinks the past me that was thought to be a changeling is now plotting against her... You already know I wouldnt ever."

"Yeah you might be an idiot but you're not that much of an idiot to take on the entirety of Equestria and the Princess. But what does that have to do with what we're gonna do?"

Ryder looked to me and I leaned forward. "Alright... With everything we know there might be a chance she freaks out and has Ryder detained on grounds of conspiracy to commit treason... If she does things wont be good." I said. "I looked to Gilda. "Spike already knows as well as Ryder but if she does do something, we have the power to stop her in her tracks. Any one of us could call Rogue Princess if there is immediate danger. In that moment, you're in control, guards will listen to you no matter rank and the royal its called on has no power to do anything other than run or fight if worse comes to worse. What we're gonna do when we get to the castle is get Luna to get her sister to sleep while we try to find a way to get the other Ryder back here so she can apologize."

Spike leaned back laying his head down on Ryder's lap. "And if we cant?" He asked.

"We'll figure something out. The royal librarians are looking for time travel spells right?"

"Yep. Twilight and I made sure of that before we left. I wouldnt mind texting Twilight to go check while you escort her back to her room."

Ryder moved him off his lap and sat him up. "Sounds like a good idea." He said. "Gilda and Babs will escort the Princess, I'll grab Luna and have her meet us at her sisters room and you and Twilight will make sure to find that book. Anyone catch wind of anything going down, call it. Can we all agree on that?"

I looked. Everyone nodded and then it came to me. "We're all on board here." I said. "Anyone has any questions, talk to Ryder or I about it." Both Gilda and Spike nodded. I'm not gonna lie the rest of the car ride felt slightly tense. Stress mixed with a little anxiety.... Most I felt that was coming from Ryder. Once we stopped Babs and Spike hopped out leaving Ryder and I inside. I stopped him from moving.

"Everything okay Babs?" He asked as I shut the door for a moment.

"Uh... I'm not sure.... Just.... Something the Princess said got me thinking... That you're only back to be a punishment for Celestia... I'm honestly hoping it wasnt that... or that there's some catch that none of us know.... Last thing I would wanna know is that you're immortal, forever to watch your loved ones die time after time...." He huffed.

"Trust me Babs... I've had that thought.... I asked Heaven's Light and she told me there was no catch to it, I'm back to live until I die again. Trust me when I say I've had Luna connect me to her mother after I was brought back to tell me if there was something I should know."

"...Alright but... she could've said something then erased your memory of it... We have to at least ask her!" He sighed.

"...Okay... We'll ask Twilight to help us with that... Get Luna to put her sister to bed, after that I'll ask Twilight... Lets just go out there and get to work." I gave a nod before I went for the door. He stopped me. "...Babs... Just remember... Whatever she tells us... I will always love you and everyone else in our family... If she does tell us something like that... we keep it secret from EVERYONE...." I gave a nod before blushing a bit looking at the door before just going and giving him a kiss before jumping out. I swear if we werent on the clock I'd want this truck put somewhere nobody could bother us.... Gilda allowing of course.... She's a bit of a strict mommy... Babs likes.... We got out and hurried over to the Princesses. Gilda and I immediately took Celestia's hand and started leading her back up the steps. Ryder took off while Twilight grabbed Spike and teleported out of there. I'm not gonna lie I've kinda wanted to be either a unicorn or a pegasus. Well.... Maybe more unicorn than pegasus after Manehattan. Still would kinda like to be either of those... Would just love to use magic to levitate stuff around... maybe pull someones pants down or something as a joke but its alright just being an earth pony... Hellofa lot more damage with strength than Ryder but we can talk about that later.

As we were about half way to Celestia's room she looked to me. "...Thank you for that medicine Babs...." She said. "...I... I honestly feel a lot better...."

I huffed. "That's good Princess." I said giving her a smile. "Lets just get you to your bed for some rest. I'll have some guards outside your door to help you with whatever you need. Still would need to get you some protection... no wet beds for you." She shuttered a bit.

"....As much as I wouldnt want that... I think its needed.... I'm honestly a bit too tired for anything...." She gave a yawn.

"I'd offer to cuddle but eh.... Not really that tired yet..."

Gilda chuckled. "Plus I might wanna see more of Canterlot outside of the castle and who better to spend the day with other than my baby girl?" She said. Oh my face burned when I blushed. Gave Celestia a chuckle though.

Celestia sighed a bit. "...I'm sorry but it tickles me so to hear of such things... You two make a great couple..." She said.

I just looked to Gilda as we started approaching Celestia's room. Even felt my marehood quiver a little. "Gil... Not the time..." I said. I was just silently hoping that she wouldnt say anything more... Especially because Ryder was coming down the hall with her sister...

Luna was still in her pajamas as she was walking with Ryder. She sighed as she met us at the door. "Sister, finally feeling good for some sleep?" She asked hugging her. Celestia nodded.

"Apologies for waking you Princess. Just need to get her prepped for bed and I dont feel comfortable with getting her prepared myself..."

"It's fine General. Better for family to do it... I know you're good but I'd rather no funny business goes on with any guards no matter the rank." She looked to us. "I'll take things from here. You go on and do what you need." I gave a nod and just started down the hall with Ryder and Gilda in tow.

Ryder sighed once we were far enough away. "Great... we got this..." He said. He looked to us. "You do NOT know how long I had to wait outside the window for Luna to open it up... Definitely colder while flying..."

Gilda chuckled. "Be glad you were still covered in that stuff.... Think you remember my dare with Dash that one time...." She said. She looked to me. "Dash dared me to streak from her place to Sugarcube Corner only being able to fly a block or two and I hated it. Lucky me there werent that many eyes on me until I got to Sugarcube Corner.... Had to make up a lie to Pinkie for her to cover me up while Dash brought me clothes. Of course she had to run back home to grab my car but still cant believe she bought the lie about my clothes getting torn up by me flying through trees." Ryder looked to Gilda.

"That must've been a sight to see... Happened after I died?"

"Yeah... Next year after that... But seriously, I dont wanna talk more about that. More important shit going on and the more we talk, less we hear." I gave a nod before we just kept on walking in silence. We just kept our ears up and our heads down just in case Celestia gave word on trying to take Ryder down. Guess anxiety ran high with him.

After a while of nothing we arrived at the library. I wasnt really partial to the libraries in my youth. Most I came to one for was mostly safety. Thought guys were following me, went in there, called my dad on a payphone and he'd send one of our workers to get me. Other times I had a book report, the fuckin teacher wouldnt let us take the books home because the same book was also being studied by other classes and just... yeah not fun. Anywho we found Twilight just going through book shelf after book shelf quickly looking over each with a few books in hand. Spike was with the librarians just putting books that werent needed back onto carts to return. Twilight flew right over us before just doubling back to land right next to us. "Good you're here! I need one of your guys help with something!" She said just handing the stack of books to Ryder who passed it off to me who just gave it right over to Gilda.

"Uh... Alright but uh... Just before we do there's something we need to do first." I said just as Gilda went and set the books down on a table next to us. Twilight looked at us curious.

"Whats up? Is Celestia doing something?" We shook our heads.

"Thankfully no not yet... Yet being the key word... But what I wanna do is at least speak with her mother about Ryder. Just wanna keep this off the record before we finish this." She hummed.

"...Alright but someone needs to stay back to keep an eye out just in case guards are mobilized. Dont wanna be surprised here...."

Both Ryder and I looked to Gilda. She just huffed knowing she wasnt gonna get out of this. "Alright... Fine... I'm gonna go and be the watch... Anything happens I know what to do." She said. Twilight huffed.

"Alright. That settles it. Gilda stays back, keep watch for guards acting weird. Lets go somewhere else for this." Ryder and I saluted before we followed her deeper into the library. We found a silent reading room just closing the door behind us, even telling a librarian we're not to be disturbed. Didnt know how many librarians Celestia and Luna would have but it would make sense if they have guards or students coming around to borrow books. Once inside Ryder and I shielded our eyes in the corner while Twilight used her magic. She strained slightly but after a flash of light she huffed heavily breathing a bit. "Alright... its done.... Lets go so you can ask your questions." We turned back just to see her just wiping her brow as a large ornate door sat against a once blank wall. Ryder and I opened it up before going through with Twilight following.

Last few times I was here.... I honestly didnt like it... Sure its everything everyone wants it to be but.... I had friends here.... Or who I hope would've been here. Manehattan. Yeah. I had to take Ryder's hand just.... scared of what we were doing.. We werent gonna back down. As we came upon the throne of Heaven's Light we stopped just seeing her dismiss a few small children into a nearby door. Once the door closed it disappeared as Heaven's Light rose. She sighed as she walked over to us. "...Too young.... Apologies you had to see that..." She said. "...Murdered by their own father before he took his own life... He would stay at the worlds in between but he deserves punishment.... But enough about that.... I assume you're here for something and not just a visit?"

Ryder sighed. "No ma'am. We just.... We have some questions...." He said obviously trying to ignore the thought of kids dying. "It's got something to do with Celestia and I.... Specifically the me that randomly appeared." She hummed.

"I've been thinking about that as well... His life is different and somewhat better now because of it. What do you want with him?"

I sat down on a chair that appeared from the clouds. "Apparently because of what happened with me and him has Celestia afraid of Ryder and not only that but also afraid of what he could do all because of the order she had done." I said. "When Ryder revealed himself to Luna to get me help, Luna told her sister, Celestia freaked out, called the code black resulting in complete lockdown, no chance to talk to Celestia and even if we did we couldnt talk her down from it. Even then it would've ended poorly if we had gotten Celestia to listen... But as for right now we have questions about the Ryder we have here... We just have to know.... Other than giving him his life back, making everyone elses lives better... is there ANY catch that we should know about? Like.... Is he immortal, is he unable to have another kid or from what your daughter thinks.... is he a punishment meant for her for what happened...?" She sighed just going back to her throne. Its like it got closer without us even moving.

"Time and time again these questions were asked but that last one I've gotta say is one I didnt mean to have asked.... Celestia perceives it as a punishment to know she messed up.... But the answer to all those questions is a big no. He isnt immortal, he is going to be able to have more children if he so wishes and he isnt a punishment for my daughter. I keep my word that he is a gift to you. Nothing more. No catches... If there was a catch it would've been from my husband but since you knew where he resided there was nothing for that. No tricks. I hope that answer suffices?" I sighed standing again.

"...That's good to know... Last thing I want is for his family to see him stay the same age only for them to just-" I stopped myself.

Twilight nudged me to Ryder to hug him. He just patted my back. "Seems that thought was deep rooted." Twilight said. "Apologies if it felt as if we were accusing you ma'am."

Heaven's Light smiled. "It's alright. They were curious." She said. "But... Perhaps I could aide you with what you're trying to do."

"How so?" The Princess asked.

"Well..." Heaven's Light started as she rose from her throne. "...Ive seen you picking out books that may hint to time travel or something. You have one such book at home in your castle. Though I'd rather you not rush back home to find it but instead I bring him to you."

"I... Dont know how that would be possible..."

"To you it may not seem it but I am a goddess. I can see timelines, old and new, some where worlds have ended, others to where worlds still go on for years. I would just need someone who was close to him to sense memories and simply borrow him from his timeline." I blushed as Twilight and Ryder looked to me. "Miss Seed? Would you care to tell me a memory you shared with him?" She extended a hand to me.

I huffed just not seeing any way out... I know Applejack and Scootaloo would've offered but... I was the only one here with close contact with him.... I hesitantly stepped forward. "...Alright but.... What I got to say may- WILL.... What I have to say will make you uncomfortable...." I said taking her hand. She took me and sat me on the arm of the chair holding me up. "Well.... I got the call from Applejack, just said to come down to the orchard for a surprise.... When I got there she told me she had Ryder but told me it wasnt her Ryder.... He was panicked and apparently got sick and when I got there he was showering. When he was done I saw him and... I just got excited. AJ told me to take him home and keep him comfortable.... I did so and it broke my heart to see him the way he was... fearing his own death. I...." I swallowed a lump in my throat. "...I got comfortable... maybe a bit too comfortable for him but.... I needed to show him how I felt after all the years after he's saved me.... We.... Oh we made sweet love.... He made me feel like it was a dream I didnt wanna wake up from..... Even got a little cuddle session after he finished.... It was amazing..." I blushed and just hid my mouth squishing my legs together... just feeling that tingle remembering that moment in time.... I looked to Heaven's Light. "....another question before you bring him... he doesnt.... do anything bad to me in his time line... does he?" She shook her head as her horn started to glow.

"No he doesnt. He would rather die before he does anything to you or his family. But... After that memory I think I have him... One moment and...." The glow on her horn became slightly brilliant before a portal opened up. It was up high and facing downward.

Didnt take but a second to hear yelling before I saw a younger Ryder fall from it and hit the ground. He was dressed in a mechanics jumpsuit. He groaned as he propped himself up. He saw the ground and just looked around seeing me, Heaven's Light, Twilight and even himself. He looked back at me as I hopped down from the arm of the chair. "...What uh.... what's going on...? Do not tell me Twilight fucked something up again..." I rushed over and helped him up before hugging him.

Twilight huffed. "Not this time but... Glad you're here..." She said joining in on the hug. "Are you doing alright since we last saw you?" We released him and he brushed himself off.

"Yeah..." He replied. "Guess memories caught up with me, fear of death and all that... Stepped down from being General but... Princesses thought it was time for me to step up as a Prince.... So you're looking at a newly crowned Prince by bestowment!"

Our Ryder- I'll just call him daddy... yeah... I'm.... I'm sorry but cant tell them apart if they're both Ryder now can you? Anyways... Daddy just chuckled. "Well shit... And here I thought I was in a good timeline..." He said going up to him. Daddy was a slight bit more muscular and rugged looking than the long haired mechanic we saw fall from nothing a moment ago. "So you're the Ryder that made Celestia go berserk. Good to finally meet me." Ryder shook his own hand and sighed.

"Yeah... guess I am... Hows uh... How.... Wow this is hard to ask..."

"Dying sucked, watching my family grieve sucked more, but I got a little bit carried away with some things even after death... Though I was given a second chance and... Gotta say its strange knowing I died and came back."

"So you're alive again??" Daddy nodded. "That's.... Wow... Are you and AJ-"

Twilight huffed. "Can you two just stop asking questions for a minute so we can get out of here?" She snapped. "Longer we stay here, the more chance there's gonna be a battalion of guards ready to put our Ryder under arrest for absolutely nothing!" Ryder sighed before looking back at his counterpart.

"We'll talk along the way." Daddy gave a nod and we just looked to the goddess. "Thank you! We'll bring him back soon... Hopefully you can put him back at the same place you grabbed him from."

Heaven's Light smiled. "Dont worry about that. I'll handle it when you get back." She said. I gave her a wave before following the Ryder's and Twilight out of here. We closed the door and just kept it up.

Just before we left the safety of this silent room, a thought came to me. "Wait!" I said to Twilight. Twilight looked to me. "We gotta hide the Ryder we pulled! Guards see him, they're really gonna panic and think theres a fucking changeling again and its really gonna send Celestia into having a heart attack!"

Daddy huffed looking to himself. "Yeah... He's the same as me but with a slight difference..." He said. "...That difference is still big enough to see.... We gotta hide him if possible. And last I experienced a perception spell it didnt go so well when I sneezed.... Guards nearly slapped me..."

Ryder huffed hopping onto the table. "Well... What've you done to try to find me other than snag me from my shop and my family?" He asked. "Sorry about this.... None too happy about leaving a job half finished...."

Twilight hummed. "....Well I tried finding books and bring you here myself." She said. "...Now that I think about it I'm not sure even if I found the book- which... honestly would've taken me a day to figure out was at home....- I dont know if I'd pull the right you... But... I guess thanks to what you and Babs did we got the right you..." I blushed hard as Ryder looked at me.

"Ah.... Yeah... Cant say I'm too proud of fucking someone who is still a filly from where I'm from but... I did have a talk about stuff that I really tried to not make awkward... Just asked her dad if she felt she thanked me enough for saving her, she ended up having her dad take me out to dinner so she can give me a gift of a watch she picked out.... with her fathers money of course..." Daddy and Twilight gave a little 'awww' making me blush harder. "Buuuut... since all things considered... hormones and an absence may have gone and made that 'thank you' a bit more special."

Oh my face was on fire but I just sighed waving my hand to my face trying to cool off my heated blush. "....Alright.... Enough embarrassment otherwise I'm pissing someones pants by pinning them down!" I snapped. I looked to Daddy. "Just... Go get some guard armor for him to wear and get a book to make it look like he's important and helping us!" He gave a nod before sneaking out the door. Even heard him fly away.

Twilight sighed and grabbed a chair. "...Yeah.... That's probably best to send him... Last thing I want is to find you naked with them just..." She said just stopping herself blushing. She looked to Ryder. "How well are you under pressure since we last saw you?"

"Considering I've been kidnapped not even a week after being a prince and was gone for a couple weeks before inciting a riot caused by two lieutenants of a shadow faction dying by my hand and one being a signal to cause said riot for me to try to take down the main guy.... I'd say very well. Then again I've had to distance myself from my family to keep from accidentally hurting them... Got bad but I went to therapy instead of having Luna see to it.... rather face the demons i've seen rather than let them nag at me until my time came.... Plus I've gotten a few new powers and toys at my disposal..." He just snapped is finger and its like he lit his finger on fire for a moment before blowing it quickly out. We both looked at him surprised.

"...I'll have to ask about that later... Just keep your voice down. We need to wait and for Celestia's sake if you start feeling panicked or something just take Babs hand and breathe!" He nodded.

We waited for a while until there was a knock at the door. I went for the door and cracked it open seeing Daddy out there and... Luna.... He huffed. "Sorry... This was my big mouth... Luna saw me, asked me what's going on and I told her we found him..." He said.

I sighed opening the door. "Its fine... She's trusted..." I said.

They both entered. Luna just looked to Ryder and smiled. "So... You're the one I talked to that long ago.... I do apologize for the trouble that followed that fated call." She said.

Ryder hopped off the table and took his armor. "If the guards had questioned me and did the changeling test, I wouldnt have done what I did after but if I didnt do what I did? Yeah... I dont think I'd've been walking out of there..." He said.

"And yet here we are with my sister panicked but thankfully asleep... for how long is another question..."

I huffed helping him get the armor on, helmet included. "Yeah... and I'd rather she not wake up until we want her.... So no being seen by anyone other than who's here." I said. I looked to Luna. "Anyone asks, he's a recruit you're showing around and decided to introduce him to me." She nodded.

Once he was suited up and ready to go we moved out. We grabbed Spike and just took a random book and started walking. Ryder stayed between us. Luna and Twilight in front, Spike in the rear, and.... Yeah me and Daddy in the middle... Fucking hate this.... I looked to him as he gripped the book to his chest. Twilight looked back. "You alright?" She asked Ryder. Ryder nodded. "Good. Just say nothing, remember what to do if you start feeling panicked." He nodded once more.

"Princess Luna, how long is your sister believed to be out? Any alarms set?"

"Three hours. That's if my magic doesnt wear off.... And considering how Celestia's sleep has been these past few days its possible it may...." I sighed.

"Guards at her door to notify you if she does awaken?"

"Always when Celestia is laid up with either a stomach bug or something. Should at least stop and check..."

Ryder huffed. "Would NOT wanna sit around and do nothin' and end up in trouble..." He said with a slight Manehattan accent. Even tweaked his voice enough for it to be nowhere near his normal voice. Gotta say, slightly impressed.

Daddy looked to him and smiled as we passed guards. "Considering this is your first day we're gonna go easy. You get breaks and easy tasks. Be lucky I'm at least here to train you." He said.

Luna looked back at us. "You take him to his assignment area around the entertainment room." She said. "I'll meet you there once business I have is attended to." I gave a quick salute before she teleported out. Lucky we had Twilight with us. She had to lead us to the entertainment room. Of course Ryder knew what to do. Sat in one of the front most seats, got a drink and kept his helmet mask ready just in case.

Lucky us nobody came in and saw. Twilight requested that we just watch a movie for a distraction to Ryder and to kill time while we waited. Though when that time came it kinda frightened Ryder. He got out of his chair and immediately got to the wall fixing his mask. We all looked to the guard who thankfully was looking at a clipboard. "Apologies for the intrusion Princesses but Celestia is awake and requests Princess Luna's help." The guard said.

I got up and looked to him stretching a bit. "Anything keeping us with her?" I asked.

"Dont see why not. She seemed pretty panicked when she asked... Could've been a spider for all I know..."

Luna sighed. "Lets hope its nothing more..." She said before looking to the group around her. "Come along now." The guard stepped outside and we followed. Ryder stayed close to me trying to act like a nervous recruit and.... honestly I feel his nervousness was legitimate considering we were going straight to Celestia herself. That who knows what situation we were walking into.

We kept the same formation. Royals up front, Generals in the middle, miscellaneous in rear. Ryder grasped my hand and just started breathing. Hopefully no guard who walks by and sees me holding hands with a recruit. They'd make fun on him SO hard... Then again if they said anything if this were a real recruit, I'd let em have it. Once we were at Celestia's door Luna poked her head in just to make sure we werent gonna go into anything that wouldnt be fun. "Sister! Good you're here!" I heard Celestia say. "Come in quick! I need you!"

"Alright but... I have our friends here. Can they come in?"

"Yes yes but hurry please!" Luna turned to us and waved us in. I just put Ryder near the door as everyone else filed in just so Luna could close the door. Inside Celestia was just in her bed, mane looking a mess and her just looking panicked as her sister went to her side.

"What's wrong sister? Did you have a nightmare?" Her breathing was shakey but she nodded. "What happened? Apologies if I didnt catch it sister I thought my magic would've helped you rest some." Celestia swallowed just removing her blankets and fixing her gown.

"...I just.... I just dreamt that.... Ryder... Just... rolled up to Canterlot... all the guards at his command... he just... burned and took everything for himself...."

Daddy gave a huff as he approached the bed slowly. "I wouldnt dare do that." He said. "Trust me, even if I wanted to the guards would stop me before I could do anything, and Babs would have to hold me down and cuff me! And trust me after what she went through it would just bring back bad memories... and I would know bringing back bad memories." She looked at me.... Past me actually. At Ryder. The past one.

"...Does... Does he need to be in here hearing all of this?" I looked back at him and I could see the fear in his eyes. "You! In front of me at once!" Ryder hesitated but he walked forward and stood within about four feet of Celestia. "I want you to promise me that this wont leave this room! I need nobody finding out!"

Ryder obviously choked on his words. Just trying to get something to come out but not tip her off it was him. That's when Gilda huffed. "Alright enough!" She snapped. "I'm gonna call Rogue Princess on you Celestia! This is fucking ridiculous!" Everyone looked to Gilda a bit shocked. "You fear something, its understandable, it was because someone we knew died, mysteriously came back and got you panicked because you couldnt be sure and wanted everyone to be safe! But here? We want you to just face your fear and do what you need to fucking do!" She walked over to Ryder and just took his helmet off leaving Celestia to just look on in fear.

Ryder smiled nervously as she threw the helmet aside. "Uh... H-Hi Princess...." He said nervously. I just looked to her just seeing her eye start twitching.

I hesitantly approached. "Uh... Princess? You okay...? Its just Ryder... The Ryder that came to us that day.... Are you-" I said. I was quickly cut off by her letting out a just... BLOOD curdling scream. Oh I just got between her and Ryder just as she started throwing pillows and just scrambled to the other side of her bed.

Guards at her door ran in panicked, tasers at the ready. "CODE BLACK! CODE BLACK!" Celestia screamed. Immediately Daddy and I got into position ready to protect.

I growled. "STAND DOWN! ROGUE PRINCESS WAS CALLED! I REPEAT STAND DOWN!" I yelled. The guards aimed their tasers. Guards funneled in behind also getting their tasers ready. I looked to Ryder- Our Ryder. "RYDER! LUNA! GRAB CELESTIA!" He nodded and immediately Luna made a magic supressing ring appear before Daddy grabbed it and flew right at Celestia, slipping that ring just on her horn before just grabbing her arms and forcing her forward. Celestia looked at her guards as Ryder cowered behind me.

"Y-YOU IDIOTS DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!" I looked at the guards.

"REMEMBER YOUR GOD DAMN PROTOCOLS! ANYONE FIRES I'LL HAVE THEIR ARMOR AND BADGE! WEAPONS. DOWN!" The guards hesitated but threw their tasers down. Some holstered, others tossed them to the floor away from them and us. "Good!" I looked to Celestia. "Now here's what we're going to do... You're gonna sit on the fucking bed and we're gonna perform that changeling test you failed to take into account the first time! Do. You. Understand?" Celestia nodded just having tears stream out of her tired eyes. "Good. Now sit and breathe. I dont like having to yell at you Princess but I'd rather not have another gun pressed to my head because of your antics!" I looked to the guards. "Run Changeling Protocol Theta fifty five!" The guards saluted and most of them rushed off. Two stayed just waiting. I looked to Ryder as I pushed him into the corner away from everyone. "You good?" He nodded breathing. "Good... Now you're gonna sit here, I'm gonna go to the other side of the room with everyone else. Just dont freak out... or change into a changeling somehow..." Yeah... I dont know how that made sense.

We had to wait for a good while before guards came in with the concentrated love magic and papers with the questions. We all waited in silence before the guard walked over to us. "Alright... Yeah... He's the General alright..." He said. "...Not sure where you found him but.... I... I almost think we should test everyone else here." I huffed.

"No need for a full test. Expose us to the love magic and be on your way." He gave a hesitant nod before doing as such. We were exposed to it for a while longer since I said to not do the questions. Only to make sure. After that he left and Ryder ran over just to hug me. I brought him over to Celestia and just sat him in her lap. "There we are! See Princess? Real deal right here. Now dont you have something to say to him?"

Celestia sniffled and hugged him. "...Ryder... I... I'm so sorry... I'm sorry please dont hate me..." She said breaking down again.

Ryder sighed returning the hug. "I couldnt hate you Princess... You were just afraid someone was tricked into believing me alive when I've been dead for so long...." He replied. "....I forgive you for that Princess... But even if someone does pass... My friends, family, your friends.... Just dont go all crazy and call code black...."

I'm honestly gonna call this cute here. Celestia cried and just was holding Ryder close. I looked to ours and... He was just sitting against the wall just smiling slightly, all the stress from the situation and today just taking off all at once. We sat there for a while before Ryder easily worked his way out of her arms before laying her down. He looked to Luna as she came over helping him down off the bed. He pulled her down a bit and whispered just making her look to us. "Alright everyone out." She said. "Babs, take him back to mother and have him returned to his timeline. Twilight, go with her and everyone.... Well done..." We all smiled and just left the room.

Once we were down the hall I sighed looking over at Ryder as he handed off his armor to a guard. "What did you say to Princess Luna?" I asked.

He huffed. "...Not saying much but... I think Celestia got a bit scared...." He said. "Lets just get me back home. I got some cars to work on." I gave a nod and on the way back we asked him what else he'd been up to since he left. Other than becoming royalty. Told us he was kidnapped, nearly left AJ because of it, bought the garage he was fired from years before and lives in it. I think our Ryder was impressed... And surprisingly he had a little toy with him that he showed us hidden up his sleeve. Course he had to get a leather strap on his hand to do it but it was kinda cool. I wanted one but when he said its a finger filet-er blade I decided quickly against it. We all got to give him a hug before Heaven's Light opened up the portal for him to go. Oh he had to tease Gilda by doing that 'soak it through' bullshit... OUR RYDER GOT SLAPPED FOR THAT and I was fucking DYING! I'll admit its cute to see her flustered but... .eh... I think thats enough for now...