Author's Note

Not gonna lie here I have NO clue about Yak dialogue or ANYTHING. I'm just kinda going off what I've kinda seen in like comics of fan art and such.

Drink to Forget to Remember

You ever have those dreams where you were apparently naked in front of strangers for what ever reason? That's pretty much been my entire night. No fucking joke. This honestly scared me a bit.... I dont know what happened.... One moment I'm with Scootaloo and Silver Spoon- Diamond Tiara's friend- at a bar in Ponyville and next thing I know I'm out in the middle of nowhere, my head pounding and I'm butt naked. I dont know where I am.... Just... In the middle of a field. No lights for a city or town for as far as I could see... Didnt help that it was a tad foggy..... I got up from the dirt patch I was in.... It was cold, I felt like shit... Hungry, thirsty and hung over.... Didnt know how long I was out.... I just got up slowly, coughing my brains out from the dust and how dry my throat was..... "Hello!" I called out. "ANYONE?" I heard nothing except the wind in my ears and rustling bushes around me. I looked around only seeing what I could in the moonlit terrain. No phone, no keys- thankfully because I dont trust myself when drunk... yeah I'm a guard and I should know better but I've done some stupid shit when drunk. No phone because I've sent nudes to someone who thankfully knew how to handle those situations and no keys because.... I'd rather not crash a car that more than myself hold close to our hearts. Nor do I want to be robbed like what happened here... and good fucking lord was I hoping I was just stripped down and dumped out here to die... Neither thought is comforting. I started walking... well... kinda hobbling and limping through the cold night air. "...Doooont panic Babs.... dooont panic.... You just gotta find a road or a-a town.... even an abandoned homestead maybe? Anything to get your ass home... And hopefully in tact...." I shivered feeling the cold air touch my streaking body.... didnt feel good on my crotch and my nipples? You could cut diamonds on these things.

I walked on feeling like at any point I was gonna find something or someone. Stepped on rocks, dirt, grass and even brushed up against a few sticks I couldnt see even with the moon light. I walked for what felt like forever but I really couldnt check what time it was. No phone and no watch... still had my earrings in that the Princess bought for me... surprised they didnt take those... I dont wear a watch but it would be good to have in case I dont have my phone. Even made sure I had my sights set on something in front of me so I wasnt just walking in circles. A certain constellation in the sky. Had to make sure it was in the right orientation the entire time. Something I learned way back when. Dad always told me if I ever got lost to find a landmark, follow it and find help. Told it to me after the Manehattan attacks and I was pissing myself scared every time I was up more than two stories in hotels. I walked for maybe... An hour or so until I saw a fire going in the distance. I jogged a bit but my body didnt like that... Just walked more actually starting to tear up. As I got closer I saw who was in the camp. Yaks. They were playing instruments around their fire... Saw... Two adults and a few younger ones. Nobody noticed me until I had felt some of the warmth from the fire... A mare saw me.... She was just a bit smaller than one of the adults but larger than... well me.... They were all dressed in some thick tribal looking clothing.... Thick but it didnt seem to matter to them. "Father! Quick! Visitors!" She said rushing over to me. "You hurt?" She asked.... clearly lacking in grammar but... still gotta respect them. I just... shrugged a bit. "What your name?"

"B-Babs.... Wh-what about you...?"

"Yona. Why you out here naked?"

"...I-I dont know.... I just woke up out here... and... naked..." A few of the adults moved around.... One ducked into a tent for a moment before coming out with a blanket. He came over and laid it over my shoulders. Heavy but bearable. Warm too.

The other pulled up a log that was off to the side. "Here. Sit. You want food?" He asked. His voice? About as deep as the crevice out in Griffonstone. If not deeper. Still lacking in grammar but these yaks are more brute than brains at times.... Piss one off and you might as well ask someone to drive a tank through your living room. They're that destructive when mad.... Seen the facts myself. I gave a slight nod. They had a little kettle on the side of the fire. Probably still keeping whatever was cooking in it warm. He took a wooden bowl from a tent and brought it over dunking it in before bringing it over to me. He handed it to me and it smelled so good.... Despite it being cabbage soup. "Here. Eat." I gave a nod and took the bowl. There was just cabbage, some other veggies all in a broth looking like it was tomato or something. I sipped it.... So warm and good.... Still feel like I needed a drink of something.

Yona sat down next to me on the log.... Kinda felt like I was just going to be launched off if one of the other yaks were to sit next to me. "Yona thinks you need help?" She asked. I nodded just... trying to enjoy the stew. "Babs needs help getting home?"

I swallowed a bit of the stew... So good. "Yeah... Just.... How long have you guys been out here?" I asked. "Also... Anything to drink? I feel like I've been licking a salt lick for a few days...." She nodded and looked to one of the other of her... Clan? I guess? Not a hundred percent on the yaks culture.... and I know Twilight would make me study if I even ASKED about yaks.... Anywho she looked to the other yak that was sitting in a tent just watching us....

"Uncle. Drink for friend please?" He nodded. Didnt say anything as he reached behind him and tossed something our way. Yona caught it and handed it to me. "Here. Pony sports drink. Drink slow?" I traded the bowl for the drink. Cracked it open and just... glorious tasting fruit punch. Not that cold but it tasted gooooood... I closed it after a few gulps and set it down before taking the bowl back. "So... You ask how long we here?" I nodded. "Camp here since... two nights ago? Feels like longer." I hacked a bit as I swallowed more of the stew.... Think I caught a hidden pepper.

"...Have any of you seen anything strange since you got here besides me just waltzing in here."

Yona hummed trying to think. Her father huffed. "Last moon, saw strange shadows in the dark, heard laughing and such." He said. "Yaks normally like loud. We here for peace and quiet. Quiet good but not when idiots loud when time for sleep. Nearly charged.... Yona stop me when she woke."

"Hear anything other than the laughing?" He shook his head. "Another question.... Anything you can spare for me to wear other than this blanket until I can get to a town or something? Kinda feeling weird walking around naked here...."

Yona gave a nod. "Yona can give clothes and share tent. Want Babs to be warm and comfy!" She replied. We sat there for a while and we just..... I honestly wanted a second helping of the stew. But with my stomach? Didnt wanna risk it. Yona ended up bringing me into her tent, set up the blanket I was wearing as a bedroll, even gave me a garb of hers that fit me like a dress. Even had to tie a shirt she apparently got when she got into Equestria... had to use it as underwear or at least the closest thing I could as underwear. Promised her a new one after we got my ass back to civilization.... But I couldnt sleep... Just sat up at the tent opening looking at the smoldering embers of the fire. Going through the events of what happened before I woke up but my mind was scrambled. I remember leaving the house in my car, left my keys and phone with Twilight at the castle.. same with the car and we took a guard transport- with permission from Twilight to use one as our personal limo for the night but... not much after that. What scared me even more was for the safety of who I was with... Scootaloo and Silver Spoon... Were they alright? Were they even touched? Were they in the same predicament I was or worse...? Scared the shit out of me honestly.... I didnt wanna get somewhere, end up finding out that they found one of them dead or something... I looked behind me as a lantern squeaked on illuminating the tent. Yona was just sitting up turning it on and looked at me. "Babs cant sleep?"

"Nope.... Cant... Just because I dont know what happened.... I dont even know if the friends I was with are okay...." Yona crawled over with the lantern and set it in front of us outside the tent.

"Yona think friends are alright. Maybe looking for you?"

"...Best case scenario... worst is they're in a shallow grave somewhere or in some pervs basement chained up... I know I skirted death and everything with that but... what was stopping them from just... violating me? I was out cold... I couldnt fight back... I couldnt have escaped." I just shuttered... Both from a cool breeze and my nerves. She brought the lamp back in and closed a flap, fastening it before setting the lamp against the wall of the tent.

"May Yona check you for a moment? Yona promise nothing weird. Yona can tell if someone has.... had uh...." She blushed a bit averting her gaze. I sighed and just started undoing the shirt covering me.

"...I suppose.... Just.... tell me what you're gonna look for before you check...."

"Yona check for injuries. Yona sometimes help with doctors to help with fixing Yak. Sometimes doctor not strong enough to set bone of yak who went on rampage. And.... Yona see lots of stuff when it comes to uh.... Unwanted sex.... Yona not get that thankfully but... Yona knows other yaks and some pony that had that happen to them.... Mostly had to be there for good feels and make sure doctor not do anything more." I gave a huff.... This was the best I was gonna get for a bit.... Definitely getting a quick check after I get back too just to be EXTRA sure..... I spread my legs and she brought the lantern where she could see me clearly. I saw her reach for my crotch and just.... spread me... I bit my tongue trying not to moan as she fiddled around with me. "...Hm... Yona no see any white.... no blood either.... Yona think Babs good...." She handed the shirt back to me and I folded around my ass again covering myself up. Wasnt the best underwear but it still made good for me feeling not so exposed. "Babs want to cuddle with Yona? Make Babs feel better?"

"Sure... Just.... If I start thrashing.... Dont worry... Just hold me tight until I calm down.... Okay?"

"Okay... Babs have bad dreams a lot?" She asked. I nodded as we went back over to our little comfy corner. "Bad dreams no good. Yona have some but very rare... usually when Yona feel sad." I huffed.

"Well... Lets not talk about anything that gets you sad.... just get some sleep...." Yona nodded and just started to cuddle up to me.... Made sure I felt safe and secure under her watch.... Kinda did considering I fell asleep right away.

As I slept I fell into a dreamscape. This one was.... Empty almost... almost being for a couch which I sat down on. I kinda waited and looked around. It was only a moment before hearing a relieved sigh behind me. I looked back and... Honestly with all the Ryder that I saw lately I was surprised actually to find Princess Luna with a little bit of a smile on her face as she approached. She was wearing a regal gown, stripes and stars even making up constellations in the night sky. "Good... You're alright... sleeping at that....." She said. "Where are you Babs? Are you alright?" She asked. I just vaulted the couch and hugged her.

"Y-Yes Ma'am... a little confused and scared but.... I'm alive... Found some yaks around where I woke up and they said they heard laughing last night... Other than that nothing really... The daughter of the yaks who own the encampment even kinda.... checked me out a bit making sure nothing nefarious went on... Thankfully I'm intact and not expecting...."

"Good.... I have to say Celestia and I had about a heart attack when Twilight called up telling me that your cousin-in-law and her friend didnt find you anywhere after your trip to the bar.... Tell me... Do you remember anything?"

"Other than going to the bar and waking up in a field in the dead of night? Not a fucking thing.... More or less was a date rape drug and I got fucking robbed of my clothes and my wallet.... Hopefully my two-step verification on purchases is still active.... Otherwise my dad is gonna be PISSED...." Yeah... Dad always has me have that on just in case my cards get cloned or some shit and then I gotta shut that down, get new cards... the whole fucking process.... Works on anything thirty bucks and up so small shit aint gonna kill me... even works for when I wanna pull actual money out but I almost never do that... Still gotta cancel them and get new ones....

"If you want I can dig through your mind, see what I can find.... Maybe something you heard while you were out....? If you dont want to accompany me while I do it you're welcome to a distraction... Maybe connect you with Scootaloo or something?"

"Please? I want to make sure she knows I'm alright!" Luna nodded and held me close to her draping me in her wings as she went and changed everything around us with her magic. When she uncovered us I found myself at the Rainbow Falls in Cloudsdale. They were always so beautiful... Sometimes I'd take a drive just by there when I'm bored.... Even went to a car meet there and showed off the car. Ryder always loved it when ponies commented on his car... Me especially.... It was then I kinda realized.... well... I was still kinda dressed in the dress Yona gave me to wear. Was better than nothing. She looked around and hummed.

"...Alright... Scootaloo should be around here somewhere...." She looked back at me. "You mind waiting here for a moment?"

"Go for it."

"Alright... Just.... Please try to stay out of the falls... Dash fell in to them during a dream once.... You remember what happens when you touch the falls dont you Babs?" Yeah... One good reason to wear diapers to bed... especially when I'm drunk or something.... Cant tell you how many times I got drunk at home alone and had to do my laundry with a hangover.... The bedding was the worst part because while I was trying to set it back up I ended up getting sick on it for a moment, had to finish up in the bathroom, take the covers off my bed again, carry them outside, hang em on the clothes line and hit em with the hose.... The sun that day was BRIGHT..... But yeah... Wasnt a fun day for me..... I just found a rock and sat down just kinda making sure it was A) Stable and B) not near any of the rainbow water. I just took in the view. Yet as I sat there I felt someone just kinda.... There... I looked around. Nobody that I saw. Even just kinda made sure I wasnt on anyone. I kinda just... wrote it off as a feeling from outside the dream.

A few moments later I see just a trail of thunderclouds just start from a cloud with Princess Luna flying just behind. Those thunderclouds came to the ground fast and out of them came Scootaloo in a Wonderbolts jumpsuit just running at me. I got up and just met her in the middle hugging her... She was crying. "...Babs.... Y-You're alright!" She said.

"Yeah... I'm alright... just scared and kind of in need of a shower... maybe a fucking hayburger but just.... Did you notice me acting weird when we last saw each other?"

"N-No.... Just.... one moment me and Silver are dancing with you at the table, next thing you know you're not even there.... Thought you went to the bathroom, outside, even back to the castle but NOTHING! Asked the Bartender if she saw anything, asked the bouncer and not even the guard who took us saw anything but put out an alert about you going missing! They pulled car after car over with checkpoints all over Ponyville and there was NOTHING!" I huffed.

"Fuckers must've went off road.... Far enough to go off road and get back to the main without drawing attention.... Fucking smugglers routes...." I looked to Luna. "When we're done here can you put out an alert to anywhere in Equestria to keep an eye out for me? I'm.... I feel like i'm somewhere in a desert... Just keep everyone on alert, patrols until I get somewhere..."

Luna sighed. "Will do General..." She said. She huffed. "...Just... still feels strange to say it than to hear it right Babs?" I nodded as my cousin cried on my shoulder still scared for my safety. "Well... I should have you two wake up now... As much as I hate to say it.... Scoot, do let your friend know you found her safe. Oh... And by the by... Both of you are cordially invited to Canterlot for a dinner, celebrating your status Babs. You may bring anyone within reason. Friends and family only with.... Some exceptions I suppose.... You understand dont you?" Both Scootaloo and I nodded into each others shoulders. She pried Scootaloo off me and just started using her magic making everything- even her and Scoot- fade away.

As I woke up I felt a bit warm... Opened my eyes and just saw Yona turned over away from me. I sat up and just kinda looked around. Lantern was out, tent flap still closed. I opened the flap and stepped out without waking Yona. Sure enough I looked out at the morning fog and what I could see were desert plants. Some cacti, mostly dead bushes and such... Mostly shit found in South western Equestria in fact..... I went back over to the log and just sat back. Waited for a while trying to keep an eye out for anything strange, maybe a chopper to flag down or maybe a break in the fog to see things clearly. Nope. Just cool and a tad muggy. I waited maybe ten minutes before one of the elder yaks woke up. He stretched as he sat next to the burned out fire. "Sleep well friend?" He asked.

I sighed. "...Yeah... Thank you for letting me stay at your camp...." I said grabbing a piece of bark off the log and drawing in the sand.

"Yak happy to help."

"Can I ask something?" The yak elder nodded. "Did you guys come from a town somewhere close by? I know your country is north a ways, even past the Crystal Empire..."

"Yaks take train. We ride long time, brought tents and such. We stop in Appleoosa and hike long way." I gave a smile.

"Had a feeling.... Would you be able to take me back that way? I have someone there that can help me."

"We eat then walk. No eat, no walk."

"Totally fine. Just.... Really.... Anything I can do to repay you for your help and hospitality just... Please let me know."

"Yak ask when time comes. For now you want to help cook?" I gave a nod and walked over to help. It was some more of the stew. Added some other things that wasnt cabbage. He just had me add everything to the pot while he went out to find logs and what not. The stew was good. We ate again, I helped pack everything up and we just went to walking after we made sure we had everything and.... If you think Ryder was strong? These yaks would've given him a run for his money. One of the yaks carried two tents, the other carried another tent while Yona carried the bed rolls and the cauldron. The fog kinda burned off as we ate. We walked for... honestly a few hours. They were nice enough to stop for me to rest so I wouldnt get left behind. One even offered to carry me but I was good. I honestly almost wish I had my phone. Some of the stuff we past was kinda cool to see. Few cacti patches, some old bones from a wolf (I recognize a dog skull when I see one) and the sun shining through a still foggy area.

Yona sighed as we walked along. "Babs doing alright?" She asked.

I huffed kinda wiping my brow because I felt like I was sweating. "I'm fine... Just... Happy to be getting back home...." I replied. "Do you guys have phones or do you yaks prefer to write letters?"

"Letters always good. Yona like to write." I smiled a bit kinda looking out to the landscape.

"Good... Just thinking maybe after we get to where I hope we're getting I'll give you my contact info, address what ever. I wanna keep in contact after this because of your hospitality. Maybe at one point come visit if the Princess sends me up to Yak country. Maybe meet me half way somewhere and go camping again." And with my own pants....

"Yona like that. Definitely want to keep new friend."

"...Good friends are always a good thing to keep around... Never know when you're gonna need one... Even never know when that friend might need a hand.... Pick you up when you're down and vise versa...." Yona looked to me.

"Babs sure she's okay?" I sighed.

"....Physically? Yeah... Mentally? Not really.... Had a friend who pulled me up from a dark place... Only thing is he... passed away recently and I've just been missing him lately..."

"Yona knows loss. Yona lost mother years ago. She only caretaker for long time. After that Yona live with village elder and Elder take good care of Yona. Even we do things like this. Yona know things like that hurt... even way after... But friend help a lot. Yona friends in village are nice, let me stay over sometimes, feed Yona when with them and Elder away."

"...Well its good to have them beside you.... give you somewhere to go if things dont go right and you need a shoulder...."

"Babs welcome to come stay with Yona if you need."

"Thanks... Same for you if you're ever down this way."

One of the elders stopped and pointed. "Apple trees ahead! We're close!" He said. I got excited because if I knew there were apple trees there's at least one part of the apple family nearby! The elder looked to me. "How far you need to go?" I looked to the Elder.

"Not much further! Family is nearby!" I kinda started rushing up a bit with the yaks following close by. We quickly came upon a fence that was honestly thankfully not finished because those Yaks were in a charging state almost. We ran for a few minutes before we came upon the house. We stopped and I just couldnt help but shout. "BRAEBURN! BIG MAAAAAAAAAAC!" I had to wait anxiously for a moment before I saw the front door to my brothers home swing open and out came both Big Mac and Braeburn running out both still in their pajamas.

I ran up and hugged my brother. He was wearing shorts and a tanktop that... honestly looked really tight on him... Would make it look like a skimpy bra on me to be honest. Big Mac was wearing a Gems tee that looked as old as his niece. Even was wearing sweat pants and some slippers. "Babs? The hell you doing here sis?" Braeburn asked.

Big Mac got between us and the Yaks. "And uh... These your friends here?" He asked.

I broke off of my brother and looked to him. "Braeburn do you have your phone on you? If not can you get it for me so I can make a few calls?" I asked. He nodded and rushed back inside. I looked to Big Mac and pulled him back. "Easy Mac. They helped me. But... While I make some calls with Braeburn can you go out and grab me some clothes from in town? Just need something to wear that's a bit more comfortable until I get back home. Borrow money from Brae if you need to! I'll explain later!"

"W-what? Why? What happened?"

"No time! Later! Got calls to make, you remember what size clothes I wear? Double X shirt, thirty eight waist, size 9 shoe, what ever works as long as those are the sizes you get!" Big Mac nodded and just hurried back in. Braeburn ran out a bit soon after and handed me a phone. I looked to Yona and the other yaks. "Give me five minutes and I'll give you my contact info." Yona gave a nod as I started a call to the local guard depot.

I'm gonna cut that short because it was a whole lot of heart wrenching boring and just.... yeah... Heart wrenching because Yona was a bit sad to see me go but she had my address for letters, my email (if she has access to a computer) and even my phone number if she wants to talk. I'll admit it was kinda hard for me to leave too but... we both knew what we had to do. And that call to the guard took a few minutes tops. Idiot who answered the phone didnt know the codes I gave him, had him pass it off to someone else who knew the codes, then send word through to guard depots in Canterlot and Ponyville, and make sure they tell at least two other depots. Even have them send me a transport in a few hours to get me back to Ponyville. In that time Big Mac got me my clothes while I showered up and spent a bit of time in my older brothers house- really nice since the remodel a few years ago. Added another floor and even converted one of his downstairs rooms into a pantry for food storage. And yes, Yona got her clothes back- even with Braeburn washing the shirt. But after all that and Big Mac came back with my clothes we were all just sitting at Braeburns dining table. Managed to cook me a hayburger and holy FUCK it was delicious. I was wearing just a plain tee, a pair of jeans and some boots that... Honestly? Really nice. Hiking boots. Anyways as I ate I was talking between bites. "Alright so... You were drinking with your friends.... and you just ended up waking up in the desert??" Brae asked. I swallowed the bite i had and chased it with a soda he gave me.

"Yeah. Didnt drink much for a hangover so... Thinking maybe I got date raped and I have NO fucking clue how it happened because I never left my drink for a second!"

Big Mac huffed. "Did you look away at all? Them fuckers are getting fast...." He replied.

"Nope. Didnt look away for a fuckin second! Scoot and Silver were dancing and next thing you know I'm just in the middle of nowhere and just fucking naked."

"And how the hell do you know you werent raped or something?! They coulda raped you and just left you out there to die and not have to deal with the consequences!"

"Yeah... They could've but they didnt. Just took my clothes and robbed me.... Now if I can get footage from the bar I was at- which really should already be in progress for investigation..... We should catch the fuckers who did it..." I bit into my burger again.

Braeburn gave a huff. "I swear dad will just fucking hit the roof when he hears about this...." He said.

Big Mac got up just as I sipped my drink. "Knowing Uncle Orange he probably already knows..." He said starting to pace. "If you were with Scootaloo, she told Applejack or didnt say shit and she freaked out which tipped AJ off to something that was wrong and just read her like a book.... Hopefully she aint freaking out either...."

"And if your sister knows what's good for her heart she really doesnt need to be freaking out a lot.... Poor girl is gonna give herself a heart attack one of these days from all the stress she's got going.... Single mother, losing her hubby and having to run that farm almost all by her lonesome...."

"I swear Brae dont make me end up having a heart attack about my sister...." I shoved the rest of the hayburger in my mouth and just downed the rest of my drink as they started to argue.

I just set the glass down and huffed. "Both of you are gonna give yourselves heart attacks!" I snapped. "Calm the fuck down, I'm fucking fine, pissed but still in one piece!" I looked to my brother. "If dad finds out, he'll act the way he always does trying to keep me here on the ground." I looked to Big Mac. "And if Applejack is freaking out she should be calm now because Scootaloo knows I'm alright and now the fucking guards all around Equestria know I'm back. And if those fuckers who drugged me and kidnapped me dont yet, they fucking will...."

"....I swear you're more and more like that boy every time I see you.... Almost expecting you to just get so pissed off when you find those assholes who done ya wrong and just go and drive your foot so far up their ass you basically split em down the middle when you pry it loose..... Shits like something he'd do..."

"Yeah well dont be surprised if one of these days I do end up splitting someone down the middle because they did me wrong...."

"I wont be surprised for that but what I will be surprised about is that you just getting yourself hurt like he did!" He walked around me as I grabbed my dishes and brought em over into the kitchen. "That boy was cocky, he got himself hurt all because he was thinking he was invincible. You? You aint invincible! None of us are! We might feel like we are but we aint!" I huffed just looking at him.

"I KNOW I'M NOT FUCKING IMMORTAL." I snapped. "I'm a guard yes, I have to do what I have to to keep ponies safe and yes I know what I'm getting in to! So why dont you shut the fuck up and sit the fuck down!" Both my brother and cousin looked at me kinda scared and worried. I just sighed and started for the door. "...Brae, I'm gonna lie down in your guest room for a bit... Too stressful right now...."

Brae got up as Big Mac wanted to come after me. But he stopped him. "Y-You do that sis! Just uh... Feel free to listen to some music or something if you wanna trying to calm down." I just waved and walked out and then upstairs. Just went into one of the rooms upstairs and just collapsed onto the bed. Loved the feeling.... The sheets, the softness under me that wasnt directly on top of a tent floor with the hard ground under it. Covers, mattress, box spring even a bed frame made this feel so comfortable. And with each room my brother had to add a radio in each room to act as an alarm clock for those who visit.... I turned it on, listened to static for a bit before fiddling with the dials before finding a clear radio station.

I laid back on the bed and just started listening. "Aye what's going on Equestria?" The DJ asked. Deep voiced zebra that used to play for one of the bands I grew up with but once they broke up he went on to share his love for music and song. "You're listening to the Burning Stone Rock station. What we got next up is a classic from the Tumbling Rocks... With a little twist from some online fool who TR says actually goes on to say it improved the song... Here we are with some Kindess for Tirek..." And right there.... The bongos with a techno beat.... Guitar almost being matched up with piano. But my head started to hurt REAL bad.... It hurt like I was hungover at first but it turned into a grenade just going off into my fucking head. I just grabbed a pillow and hugged it, covered my face with it and couldnt even help but fucking SCREAM. Like it hurt THAT bad. Just... Memories came flooding back... Hurt like HELL.... Didnt even take a minute or two for Big Mac and Braeburn to just bust in. Big Mac just started checking me while Braeburn just turned off the radio.

I just broke into tears with how bad I hurt... and what I remembered. "Babs? Babs what happened? What's wrong?!" Brae asked.

Big Mac took the pillow away and I just hugged him. "...Man I havent heard a shriek like that since....." He said only to stop and just think... I could tell who he was thinking about. "Shit...." He looked at me. "Something musta reared its ugly head for her to see.... or remember at least..." He pried me off and lied me down. "....Seriously is something out of a movie.... and you know me and my movies Brae.... Definitely got a case of shit coming back all at once... Cliche yeah but just.... Its gotta be what happened here."

I swallowed a lump in my throat.... Just grabbed the pillow again and curled up with it... "...I... I remember.... e-everything...." I mumbled through my tears.

"...Yep... Exactly what this is...." Mac looked to me. "You want me to get the guards over here for that fucking report?" I just gave a nod. "Alright... You just stay right there.... Just try to calm down...." Braeburn sat in bed with me while Big Mac walked out. I didnt wanna remember this... goddess help me with what would happen if I saw it on the video from the bar.... About a half hour later I was downstairs back at the table with guards. One had a recorder ready while the other one had a camera all set up.

I just had a blanket covering me and a cup of tea... Brae made it just to help calm me down... It was warm and sweet. "Alright..." One of the guards said. "...Slowly... What do you remember from the time you went out and the time you got here..."

I just swallowed.... Sipped my tea a bit more. "....I.... I left my house.... came to the Castle in Ponyville...." I said. "....Dropped my car off, my phone and went out with some friends.... I got to the bar... Only had a drink or two before I woke up in the desert.... I.... think the bartender may have drugged me that night... I didnt leave the table, didnt leave the drinks alone.... Just drank my drink... ended up passing out... I remembered the song that was playing.... Tumbling Rocks.... Remix.... I dont remember leaving the bar but... I remember waking up sometime before the desert.... I was in the back of a van.... Two stallions... one called me a slut, the other was going through my wallet....Didnt even have my badge on me.... Dont remember their faces.... Just... calling me a slut and thinking about where to dump me... Guess they were strong enough to carry me because they carried me through the desert dumping me far enough to get lost.... That's when I woke up, found a group of yaks who led me here...."

"Have you contacted your friends who were also at the bar? Were they alright?"

"As far as I know yeah they are.... Mostly just scared of me going missing...."

"Alright..." The guard at the table clicked the recorder next to him. "...We're going to add this to evidence of a possible kidnapping ring as well as robbery as well as some other possible charges. We'll radio the Ponyville UFG and get them to get the surveillance footage from the bar. And if possible question your friends." I sipped my tea and set the mug down just holding the blanket to my body.

"...The ones who were at the bar with me were a mare named Silver Spoon and then there's the... old generals sister... Scootaloo... She works a garage in town... Talk with them, find out anything they know.... And maybe comb over the desert looking for other possible victims that werent so lucky." The guards nodded and saluted as they grabbed their equipment.

"Understood General." I could only sit there for a while after they left. Drank my tea before it got cold but.... still didnt make me feel any better. I stayed with my brother and cousin who kinda made sure I was alright... Talked with them, Mac called Scootaloo just to make sure she knew guards would come to talk with her and even told her to tell her friend. A few hours later I had to leave.... It was good to see my family despite the consequences. Though I just had a slow ride back home to just think... what else could they have done? They could've raped me yeah but... maybe they just copped a feel... They could've killed me but didnt. Almost wondering if they thought I OD'd on whatever was in my drink. That was another possibility that could've happened. Bartender- who I'm DAMN sure spiked my drink with something- could've poisoned my drink, then could've killed me or something. But nope. I'm alive. Scarred again... but alive... That ride took a few hours. Had a few drinks from the cooler, had to stop off to piss a few times, even give the guys driving me a break for food if they needed it but they went right back to driving.

When we got home I was immediately taken into the castle. I had to be walked up by wheel chair because I started feeling dizzy. All the panic and worry made my legs just feel a bit numb... that and probably whatever was left over in my system reacting with the food I ate... Not sure how that shit works. Dont ask. But they wheeled me all the way to Princess Twilight's room where she was just pacing back and forth still in her pajamas. Guess once she heard her door open she just looked over and gasped seeing me before rushing over and just picking me up out of the chair hugging me. "You're okay!" She said. "Luna was telling the truth... I should've listened... My mind was just so panicked I thought it was just playing tricks on me..."

I sighed. "Stress induced psychosis. No need for that with you Princess..." I replied. "Is everything okay with you other than that?"

"A little panic induced nausea and just... memories... crawling back..." I hugged her again knowing what she meant. Guess after the war back when I was just a filly dealing with some fucked up kid who molested me while our fathers did business, Ryder's plane went down and he ended up going missing until he showed up to Canterlot with one wing and his team all beaten, battered and just looking glad to be in the warmth... At least that's what Celestia told me. Actually got to meet one of em during recruitment. I havent lived in Manehattan for years but I went back and rented out a hotel for a few days. Mare who went by Pepper. Or at least that's what Ryder called her when he knew her. She told me about her experience.... Both with the crash and the shit show that happened after with the Manehattan attack... Lord knows I know how that feels.... Told me she was holed up in the bathroom of where she lived during Manehattan attacks and while she was shitting herself in panic from her time during the war, I was bailing out the window with a hero who also pissed his pants just about as much as I did after....

"I... understand Princess.... I guess I know how he feels kinda with being out in the middle of nowhere being threatened by death...." I felt her shutter. "...It's okay Princess... I'm back... nothing is gonna keep me down...." She sniffled a bit before breaking down.... I just held her close. I brought her over to the bed and just lied down with her. She was scared. Scared for my safety.... even scared for herself.... I lied with her for a while until she fell asleep... Covered her up with a blanket before making my way back to the door. I sat back in the wheel chair and sighed.

The guard looked to me as he closed the door. "Orders ma'am?" They asked.

"Take me to Gilda's room if she's here... I.... I think she's got my stuff...."

"Right away." The guard saluted and started wheeling me down the hall. I'm honestly wondering if she was alright hearing I was kidnapped and left for dead... or if she even knew.... She knows i left my stuff there, she said she'd look after it. Maybe my phone was going off after I was taken and it kinda made her uneasy or maybe she knew.... Didnt know until we got to the door. Didnt even open the door before hearing music. Loud music. Drowning out something. "She's been in there blasting music for a while.... Lucky these doors are sound proofed up to a point.... You want me to go in and get her to come out?" I sighed getting out of the chair.

"No... I got it... Just uh.... leave the chair by the door.... Not sure how this is gonna go...." He nodded and I just looked at the door and took a deep breath before opening it and ducking in. The music was loud. The only thing giving light in the room was a speaker glowing red brightening and dimming depending on the beat and that thing was almost a perpetual glow. I saw Gilda just laying in the bed facing away from me. She was hugging a pillow and just staring at her phone. I made my way over and just sat down in the bed. She didnt budge. Then I just lied down next to her and hesitantly put an arm around her. She jumped and just turned over getting her phone ready before shining the light onto my face from her screen.... She still had him on her screen... At least.... an old one... He was dressed in a... partial suit.... even a showy uh... Underwear bottom? And he was just holding up a string on one side of it just giving the camera a seductive look. She sighed and flipped over hugging me and just planting a kiss on me. I could feel her fiddle with her phone over my shoulder before the music started turning down before it was barely heard. "...I'm here.... I'm okay...."

Gilda just sobbed on my shoulder lightly.... obviously trying to hold it back. "...Y-you fucking scared the shit out of me...." She said. "....I j-just... just.... I saw you off after you gave me your stuff.... but... only Scootaloo and that other mare came back.... Th-they were freaking out and just.... Twilight told me to go back to my room but... I just... I didnt wanna believe that you went missing..."

"...I know... I didnt know what to do.... didnt have my phone or my stuff.... Not even my clothes... I was just lucky to have found someone out there to help me...."

"....Th-the dweeb..... it was him all over again...." She just sobbed a bit more. "...I... I was out waiting in Cloudsdale for his plane.... Celestia and... Luna.... and Twilight spread word about his homecoming... I was the only one out there but I had to be rushed to a hospital.... saw... his plane... fall from the sky... just.... explode and just.... I pissed my pants and fainted.... Doctor said I passed out from stress and just..... I had to call Dash to come pick me up and have someone drive my bike back.... Didnt say anything to anyone, just told Dash I fainted because I hadnt eaten that morning.... She took it and just... an hour later she got a call from Twilight about Ryder and just.... oh god....." She broke down. "...D-Dont leave me... DONT YOU FUCKING DARE LEAVE ME!"

"...Promise I wont...." ...Honestly it broke my heart to see her cry. We both ended up falling asleep there... her from her crying and me just trying to console her.... At least I turned off the music.

After I passed out i started to dream. I was in the middle of a desert but.... It was snowing. I didnt feel cold. I was just dressed in what I was wearing when I passed out. I looked around but heard a huff. "....That day was making me freak the fuck out...." I heard someone say. I turned around and saw Ryder. He was wearing a winter jacket, jeans and boots. "....You were lucky to have found help... and that it wasnt much worse than being stripped naked and left to die...." He took my hand and we started walking through the snowy desert only to have it start going uphill and getting more craggy, losing its desert plants. "....I was trapped on a mountain.... Gilda told you already.... I know.... Just... it still sticks with me... even after all these years..... I was asleep when my plane started going down.... Engines gave out and two pilots gave their lives to save ours. I felt guilty knowing I survived.... that I couldnt save those two pilots from that crash.... Adding on to more of the bodies I hadnt been able to save... to the ones I almost lost... it stressed me out.... and when I saved you from your home that was bombed...? I swear I was jumping out of that plane again.... That plane crash sent a fireball of jet fuel up into the air where I was just in range of getting my chute burnt.... Once I ditched the chute I tried to fly but my wings were burning too.... I managed to slow myself down enough but... hit some branches and then flipped onto my back into the snow..... Wouldnt doubt there's a universe out there where that killed me instead of a bullet and my dumb antics.... But at least now you know you're not invincible like I thought I always was.... Hubris gets the best of you.... You get crazy with the power you have, the role you lead. Sometimes the shit you've been through and survived. Next time you might not be as lucky."

"....I wish I could bring your sister here to see you... She just... Last I told her that I talked with you like this she got jealous.... She wanted you to talk to her and just.... she misses you.... Only reason we went out drinking is because.... we kinda wanted to give a toast to you... to show we love you and that we miss you.... Hell... even had the bartender who drugged me pour a drink for you...." He smiled a bit.

"...Thank you Babs...." He averted his gaze a bit looking off to the darkened sky.... Could almost see the sun rising. Cept this was Manehattan facing and yes I could see a red glare off in the distance from a memorial tower put up years after the disaster. "...I'll admit I've wanted to talk to Scoot... tell her I love her... miss her... and to be strong for my wife and my baby girl.... but I've been afraid to be brought down with Heavens Light just to see my sister weeping because she took her own life... I dont want you or her trying to take your own lives because of me.... makes me feel like I've got more blood on my hands even though I wasnt holding the blade or pulling the trigger...." He looked back at me. "...But you've been strong... kept a level head through what you were going through.... kept your mind off trying to hurt yourself. You've gotten stronger since last time Babs... and... I'll admit throwing you into that wasnt the brightest idea I've had.... Though those thoughts are still there and they need to be overcome.... When you want to try again, look to those tags I gave you.... You still have them dont you?" I nodded.

"Yeah... I had to keep Applejack and Scootaloo from stealing them.... Give them something more to gawk at and cry over.... not see them and give them strength because they know you're with em..." We came upon a wall of rock.... Ice was almost making a waterfall frozen in time.

"...I'll let you in on a little secret.... Heaven's Light lets me at least channel some of Luna's powers on my own. I'm basically an alicorn without the horn and.... Well... You know... She knows I've been contacting you but... I wanna try getting Scootaloo or AJ in.... I wanna see them so badly...." He felt the wall. "...Been so long... I just... I wanna hug them again... let them know I love them so much." He looked to me and nudged me away. "...Babs... Stand back... I wanna try something but...Just.... Just know if you dont see me again.... Get Luna or Celestia to take you to me.... They'll know what to do... What I'm about to do could get me into a LOT of trouble...." I gave a nod before stepping away. He reached for his back and from out of nowhere pulled out the sledge hammer he gave to me when he went to go tell me to make it so my thoughts wouldnt hurt me. He held it with one arm like it was a five pound weight. He grabbed the other end and just took a deep breath before winding up and just driving it into the wall breaking chunks of ice off. He wound up again and just smashed at the wall again. This time chunks of rocks and they werent even pebble sized. They were about the size of a softball and a few melons. He took that hammer, wound up again and this time took a few steps back before following through. This time nothing but dust. He quickly sheathed the hammer and flapped his wings sending the dust away only to reveal a dark cave.

"...A cave?" I said approaching him again. He looked to me.... a pained look in his eyes.

"...A path to my sisters dreams... I tried not to do this.... I dont want to anger anyone but... it still hurts thinking about you guys.... My sweet baby sister... my beautiful wife... loving daughter and just...." I hugged him and shushed him.

"I'm sure if given a chance to explain... just... say something.... help always is needed no matter where you look... even if its from someone you dont really know all too well..." He sniffled.

"...Y-Yeah... You're right... Lets just.. .just get this over with..." I gave a nod and broke the hug taking his hand. I started walking into the cave and just watched as everything faded into darkness. I felt like I was gonna run right into something... almost like I was blindfolded. We soon came upon a house... nothing I recognized. Everything was burnt, there were pictures of Scootaloo, Ryder and two other ponies hanging on the wall damaged by the fire.... There were even bars over the windows as well. "...Oh my... Not this place...."

"You know this place?" I looked to him. He nodded.

"...This... this used to be our home.... Before we moved in with Applejack.... I just got home from the war, Celestia still had Scootaloo in her care to give me time to relax.... Splashed some water on my face, called up Gilda, asked for a bit of help getting to sleep.... Just.... Went and fell asleep on the couch, outlet sparked and next thing I know I'm bailing out the window in my pajamas and just.... yeah...." He looked around. "...Scootaloo cant ever forget this place... whatever happened here is what stuck in her mind... might even be her safe place as well....."

"...You wanna stay down here? Think she's upstairs." He nodded and released my hand just going to look at everything. I carefully made my way upstairs. I took a look into a room as I came to the top of the stairs. Think it was Ryder's the way it was decked out in band posters and a game console melted to shit... I walked a few doors down to another door cracked open and just listened. Sniffling and sobbing. I knocked a bit before opening the door. Just saw Scootaloo there on her bed.... Though she didnt look how I know her right now... she was how she looked when we were younger. She was in a dress that had flowers.... blue and white yet it looked singed by the fire. She looked to me just as I came in and sat down on her bed. She hugged me. "....You okay cuz?"

Scootaloo shook her head before she grew to her adult size. "....I... I'm just scared.... I thought I was alright knowing you were but.... It still scared me... made me remember the time where I was with Celestia... our house burned down and I was so scared for Ryder...." She said.

"...No need to worry about me... I'll be alright..." I broke the hug and stood up. "You wanna get yourself into something better than that dress? Looks... kinda small on you...." She blushed looking down at herself. Dress was very tight and short... could see her underwear.... She nodded and I went out of the room and leaned on the wall. She came out moments later in a wonderbolts jumpsuit with a name patch that read 'Pvt. Wheeler' on it. I looked to her. "...No... Do NOT tell me you're thinking of joining up...."

"I'm not! It... just.... Well... it was the only thing I kinda wanted to wear." She fixed her self a bit... adjusted the suit in places. "So uh... How are you in my dream...? Is Princess Luna here?"

"Weeelllll.... Not really... Just... I got someone here who really wanted to see you... Now what I want you to do is close your eyes and keep em shut." She looked to me confused. "Just do it..." She huffed and just shut her eyes. I grabbed her and turned her around and started walking her towards the stairs. Ryder made his way half way up. "Alright... stairs coming up.... just go slow... make sure you have your hand on the railing...."

"Okay... Just... .I swear if I wake up because I fell on my face I'm pushing you down the stairs next...." ....Yeah that was an idea. I just motioned him to get ready. He stepped up a few steps before I just faked losing my balance and just pushed Scootaloo into his arms. He quickly turned her around and I swear I saw the fire in her eyes. "YOU BITCH YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!" I sat down on the steps.

"So what? Got a better surprise holding you there!" She looked at me confused, then down at her waist seeing Ryder's arms wrapped around her. She took his hands off her and turned around and I swear she screamed so loud the glass holding the windows broke.

"RYDER! HOW?! WHY?!" She wanted to ask more but she broke down... HARD.... Same with Ryder.

"...See Scoot? Told ya I wasnt lying when I said that he was talking with me... We thought you might want a little time with your big brother...."

Scootaloo just kept sobbing even though she was trying to say something.... Couldnt make it out. Ryder sniffled a bit. "...I-It's okay sis.... Its me... it's your big brother... the same one who raised you when mom and dad couldnt.... the same one who had you adopted by his real mother.... the same one who even wet his pants during the school run...." Both Scootaloo and I had a little chuckle.... Got her to stop crying for a second.... Got my waterworks starting up too having a tear scroll down my cheek. "...Scoot... Just... just because I want you to know... I can only do this so often and so long.... I'll tell you the same thing I told Babs.... If you start missing me, go hug someone who cares about you.... Dont go hurting yourself, dont go trying to off yourself and just.... Promise me you'll not do anything stupid.... I dont wanna see my sister or anyone I love gone before their time.... Promise me.... please...."

Scootaloo sniffled a bit. "...I.... I cross my heart... hope to fly.... stick a cupcake in my... my..." She said starting to kinda sob again.

I sighed... "...Ryder... if you can do this without breaking this... Can you wake me up? I dont wanna ruin your guys time together...." I said getting up. "Also... if the goddess herself asks you what you did.... explain it to her... if possible see if Luna or Celestia can contact me so I can... if... if that's possible...." He just gave a nod as he tried consoling his sobbing sister... I could only watch as things faded away.

When I woke up I was still cuddling with Gilda who was just passed out.... I checked the time and it was just nearing three in the morning. I carefully got up... maybe copping a feel along the way before leaving the room, phone in hand. Went down to the kitchen and just grabbed stuff to make a few sandwiches and a soda. Just sat there and ate. Well... Only until my phone started ringing. I checked it and saw it was Scootaloo. I hit the button and just put it on speaker only to hear some sniffling. "...Babs.... Sorry if I woke you but... we... we need to talk..." She said.

"You're fine... I was up anyways... Happy you had some time with your brother?"

"Yes.... Thank you.... Just... I'm honestly just..."

"Breathe Scoot... take a step outside if you need to.... Dont wake AJ or your niece...."

"Alright just.... give me a sec...." I heard her open a window and then grab her phone again before a few flaps from her wings.... I swear when we were younger she could not fly worth of shit... like if she tried by jumping off the slide or the treehouse someone would need to go to her mother or Big Mac to either rush her to a hospital or help her clean off her skinned knees. There was one time she actually jumped because she thought she could really fly and ended up getting a concussion! The worst part was the guards were called to the hospital because her dad thought Applejack or Big Mac beat her or something because of the bruising. They swore up and down, left and right she was trying to fly which got her grounded for a while until they figured out why... never did but... she's flying now. Anyhow I heard crickets and the deep breath of my cousin.

"...Any time you're ready Scoot... Ears open...."

"....Sorry... its just... I... cant help but miss him.... Seeing him? I feel great... like.... it was when he came home after the war.... Sure he might've been battered and missing a wing but... it was good to see him.... We talked for a while... he managed to talk to me about his car, the shop... god I felt like a filly again trying to show him the drawings I always drew for him... Excited... just... wanting to let him know I care... still care.... even if he's not around anymore..."

"....Yeah... But you gotta remember... do NOT... I really wanna force this home... Do NOT! Absolutely under no fucking circumstances am I to see you cut up, strung up, malnourished or scarring your own family because you missed him that much.... I dont want you to go through the pain I did.... It hurt then, still hurts now... If you need an ear to bend or a place to stay the night to get away from the house for a bit my phone is always on, doors always open to you."

"...Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.... I'm not gonna do that.... I'm not putting Applejack through the stresses of losing someone else she loves.... and there is no way in hell I'm gonna make my niece have a mind like her mothers... all the death she's seen just.... I dont wanna put that little filly through that...."

"Good... we dont need her to go through that.... she doesnt really remember her father because he passed when she was still young.... we dont need her to know the feeling of losing someone... like that especially...." She sniffled a bit.

".... I hope one day the Princesses can help him see us all again.... a night for dinner, movie.... I'd even go as far as sacrificing my wings to see him again...."

"Dont say that Scoot.... You know he'd honestly hate it if you told him you lost your wings.... I mean.... He taught you to fly for fucks sake.... Last thing you wanna do is give those up...."

"I know its just... metaphorical... how bad I want him back...."

"Metaphorical or not... Do not think like that...."

"Sorry...." I huffed.

"Scoot... Go into AJ's room, climb in bed with her... I wanna see you here at the castle later.... You can bring AJ and your niece as well.... might see about going out to dinner.... And obviously somewhere that isnt even that bar. Got me?"

"...Yeah... Just.... After can we just go back to your place....? Mash doesnt have school for a week and... I think AJ needs a little bit of a break from work... give her old bones a rest."

"As I said... doors open to you any time. Same for AJ... and help me if Mash ever needs to be here alone with me.... For what ever reason.... But seriously... get some sleep, meet me at the castle and I'll take us out to dinner.... May have to borrow some until I get a new card from my bank but... still I wanna give you guys a break from cooking and from that house... I know AJ still sees that little shrine she's got of him.... Sits by it every morning and such.... I just wanna see if I cant put a smile on that mares face."

"...She'll appreciate it. Maybe see if we cant bring Big Mac and Braeburn down.... Just for a good family dinner."

"Yeah... I can see about having them come for a visit... Make it actually feel like a family dinner...." I sighed and got up with a piece of sandwich in my hand. "You just get on back to sleep... And remember, phones on, doors open, always available. No hurting yourself.... Now get to bed."

"Night... And Babs?"

"Yeah Scoot?"

"Thanks...."

"Any time cuz.... And see if you cant get Applebloom in on it. Dont care if she brings her marefriend. I just want her with you guys."

"Got it.... Night...." She hung up just letting me finish my food and drink my soda. Honestly slept a while but you know I'm gonna try to pull a twenty four hour just to get my ass back to sleep on a right schedule.... Did I feel uncomfortable about me being violated like that? Yeah. I did. Actually had to call Luna to distract myself, ask for a little help, distractions since TV definitely wasnt the thing to watch... especially this fucking early in the god damn morning. Luna said she'd help me with that stuff. Even give me an advanced on my check for tomorrow. Actually get cash rather than direct deposit. May have took a nap with Gilda.... and.... gave her a little tease while she slept.... Next morning Spike made breakfast, called my brother, invited him and Mac out here for dinner, went back home, grabbed a shower and changed clothes, even stopped the card from even trying to be used- despite being locked already. Like seriously after the fourth or fifth failed transaction my accounts get locked until something happens. Ordered a new card- should be here within a few days. That night we had dinner, AJ and I had a bit of a talk about what I told Scoot, even offered to come by and help with the harvest if needed so she doesnt hurt herself. Oh and when Big Mac showed up at the restaurant we were at AJ nearly lost her shit. Even had Braeburn and Applebloom with them. You could tell they were all happy seeing each other.... Even though Scoot was the outlier she's still an apple through and through. Well... Next time.... Later.