The Other General

Nightmares suck... Nightmares about someone dead? Sucks even more.... Nightmares about something that happens later? Scary as hell. The nightmare I had? Ryder.... Just.... Getting cast out of the heavens for what he did for me and his sister... Though I couldnt tell if it was that or not.... it scared the EVERLOVING SHIT out of me. I woke up nearly stark fucking naked in my home and I'm lucky I live alone because I just SCREAMED. From that nightmare I just kicked out of my pants... and underwear somehow. I grabbed them and got up just making my way, tired, dazed and sweaty towards my bathroom where I just dropped my clothes on the floor.... Almost made it to the sink before I had to make a b-line for the can just to lose my dinner in it. Pop, a salad with spicy island dressing and some alcohol do NOT taste good coming back up. I was there for a good minute trying to make sure I wasnt gonna puke anymore.... Not to mention I wanted to make sure if I did heave again I wouldnt up and piss myself. I sat there for a bit trying to calm myself.... Had to grab a towel from a cabinet, wipe myself down to get the sweat off and even keep myself warm. Once I felt alright enough to get up I grabbed my pants and panties just throwing them over my arm before heading into my room. I didnt even bother putting my pants and underwear back on. Just dug under my bed for a pack of diapers and put one on.... Wasnt even half way through before I got a call. I sat up and grabbed my phone.... Was surprised to see Scootaloo's name on my screen. I answered it on speaker and I could hear crying. "Scootaloo? Scoot what are you doing up at this time? Did you uh... Have the same nightmare I did?" I asked.

My cousin sniffled a bit. "...W-Was it about Ryder....? Just.... Getting kicked out of heaven?" She asked.

"...Same one... Should.... Should we just.... Call Luna? Maybe take a trip to Canterlot? I can drive if you want...."

"...Let... Let me meet you at your place... we go from there...."

"Scootaloo, I'm not letting you drive if you're tired and crying. Give me a bit, I'll be there... Just need to get dressed. Pack a bag and be ready. I'll call when I'm coming up the road to the orchard."

"Alright but... hurry... I'm already trying not to wake Applejack or Mash..."

"I'll be as fast as I can... Up to you if you want to call Luna or if we just wanna drop in."

"Sh-She'll let us in if we drive right up to the gate in his car.... Just hurry... I... I still need to clean up..."

"Alright... I'll be there." I didnt give her a chance to answer. Just hung up and finished what I was in the middle in before hopping back up, grabbing pants, packing my backpack and even having a few spares. Grabbed wallet, keys, got dressed in something comfy and warm before heading out the door. Threw my bag in the back and just drove. Had to play some loud music to keep me awake as I drove. Took me a bit to get down to Sweet Apple Acres. Killed the music as I turned onto the dirt road leading up to the house.... I swear that day AJ called me and told me to come down here to see Ryder I just... I didnt know if she had finally lost her mind or if she was wanting to go out as a family or something but when I saw him walk out of that bathroom.... I swear my marehood just quivered more than anything and I just couldnt help but hug him... Anyhow I pulled off to the side and just stared at the dark house... Only one light on downstairs that I saw. I pulled my phone out and called Scoot. She didnt answer. Just came outside with a joggers suit on with a bag draped over her shoulder. Her mane was a mess as well. She turned off the light and closed the door making sure to lock it before hurrying over to the car. She hopped in throwing her stuff in the back. As she closed the door I caught the smell of talcum powder. I just sighed. "That bad huh....?" She blushed and nodded.

"....I.... It hasnt happened since I was a filly... I swear...." I sighed.

"Doesnt matter to me.... Lets just get going.... Want some music or something?"

"....Music is good... Just uh.... Something that isnt what he would listen to if possible...."

"Uh... Here let me just...." I dug into the glovebox for a moment and pulled out a little cable connecting one end to my phone and the other to the radio. I started driving before I handed my phone to Scootaloo. "Four, three, eight, seven, open the music app choose what you want. Fair warning, the radio is cranked up. Just wait until we hit the main road." She nodded and waited a few moments before we turned down the road. She found a set list that was some good Punk stuff. Punk covers of pop songs, rock songs, even some Punk mixed with techno sounds... Was... Weird. Worked though. We drove on for a while. I kept checking in on her, making sure she was still awake. By the time we got to Canterlot it was around three in the morning. The streets of Canterlot were lit and it was empty other than the occasional car driving through the streets. We pulled up to the gate to the castle. Still lit here and there with windows we could see. The guard just took one look at the car, called in through the radio and the gate opened up. I gave a bit of a wave before the gate opened up enough for me to drive the car on through. Pulled off to the side and parked it.

We just grabbed our things and headed on up the steps. Once inside we just.... Stood there. Looking at the foyer with steps leading upstairs. Guards patrolled not even noticing us. We just walked further in... Scootaloo just took my hand and gripped it tight. She told me once that her brother came home from the war, but she didnt know what was gonna happen. Or when. She told me the day he came home... The Princesses had to sit her down and try to muster up the courage to even spill the news of his death.... Surprise surprise that motherfucker came right through the very same doors we came through and just collapsed. She only realized what was happening when Celestia told her but that was only when Ryder wasnt around because he would've shut that down right away. We just stared at everything before hearing a gasp. "Babs? Scootaloo? What are you two doing here?" We heard a mare say. We turned to see Princess Luna coming from a side hall. Neither of us wasted time going to hug her. "...By the looks and smell of things I think its safe to say nightmares and you both need some time here.... Perhaps a relaxing spa day later... My treat." She took our hands and just started leading us upstairs as if we were just children. "You two want something to drink? Perhaps some tea to calm your nerves? You two still seem a bit frazzled by whatever happened...." She looked to me. "Tell me... What did you dream of?"

I hesitated a bit.... Just choked up seeing the scared look on his face before falling.... Scootaloo whimpered a bit. We both looked over to her. "We.... We both had the same one...." She said. "....Ryder.... He.... your mother she..." We stopped. Luna released me and just stared Scootaloo down.

"...Mother...? Why bring mother into this....?"

I huffed. "We saw her... She threw Ryder out...." I said. "We had the same dream... that's what we saw...." The Princess' confused face turned to uneasy shock...

"Same dream....? Same things happening but..." She looked to me. "Babs.... Are you able to recall your dream in full? Everyone who was there, events that happened and just.... Anything. Anything at all!" I thought back to my nightmare.

"...All I remember was.... Your mother with Ryder standing in front of her.... He had the most scared look on his face.... a look that I hadnt seen since Manehattan... I cant remember what was said.... but... What happened after? He just fell... He fell like an earth pony stepped on a cloud.... Just fell down straight through.... Didnt even scream at all....." She swallowed a bit. I swear all color faded from her face.... I just hugged her and she just started taking shuttery breaths. "Princess? Princess say something!" She wanted to talk but she choked on her words. "Alright... come on sit.... Lets sit down, breathe..... You okay to go over to the wall and sit down?" She gave a hesitant nod. She walked with me over to the wall and we slowly sat down. I looked to Scootaloo. "Go find a guard, get them over here... Have someone bring her a drink as well!" I looked to Luna. "Do you want us to get your sister up?" She gave it a little thought before giving a hesitant nod. I looked back to Scootaloo. "Have them wake Celestia as well. I'll deal with the consequences later!" She nodded just as I tended to the Princess. She threw her stuff down and just hurried down the hall. Didnt take long for a few guards to swarm our position, some with drinks, others ready with medical supplies even one with a towel which I took to wipe the sweat off her forehead. Took a bit longer before I see Celestia hurrying down the hall with a wheel chair ready. She was still in her nightgown and her mane was a bit messy but still flowing the way it did.

Celestia pulled the chair up and locked the wheels up before coming to her sisters side. She wasted no time picking her up and putting her in the chair. "Sister what happened?? I was asleep and then I have Scootaloo burst into my door crying and I have to come here to help you?"

Luna whimpered a bit. "Scootaloo.... and.... Babs.... They.... they had a premonition dream...." She said. "...It was about Ryder... and it involved Mother... I... I dont want to say more than that... I refuse to believe it...." Her sister huffed.

"I'm taking you to your room... You need rest...." She looked to me. "Get your things. Scootaloo's already in my bed so I'll take her stuff. You just stay with my sister.....At least until the morning meal if possible?"

I nodded grabbing my pack again. "Yes Ma'am!" I replied grabbing my things and then following her and her sister down the hall. "My apologies if we had to wake you up Princess."

"It's alright.... When it comes to my sisters safety I'm there for it no matter how late it is." She looked to me. "Seems you and Scootaloo are taking advantage of an open door policy.... We're glad you do use that to your advantage. Dont want anything happening...."

"I'm glad I have this opportunity Princess... With things that have gone on lately I'd rather take you up on your offer than be alone with my thoughts.... And with what we just had happen? I'd rather be tired and knowing someone can help rather than uh...." She sighed.

"You remind me so much of him.... The way he'd say the obvious thing but try to figure out something else to say but cant think of anything... and that was when he wasnt tired." She sighed.

"...He might've done some stupid shit but some of that stupid shit was the smartest thing to do.... Look at me for example.... Risked his ass- multiple times I might add- to save my ass from trouble.... Manehattan, The Castle..... Even my own thoughts before and after his return..."

"He's a hero to many.... I.... I still dont forgive myself for not trusting what my sister said about him.... The things he said.... I cant ever apologize to the Ryder that was here.... I accept that as punishment...."

"I'm sure he would forgive you Princess.... He's been dead for a while... It's understandable you didnt trust him even with that information he had gone and disclosed with Luna and myself.... Luna knew what he said.... And if I hadnt seen the damage he had caused first hand as well as wherever he got that hammer from.... I would've sworn it was a dream.... yet we're still here talking about it...."

"Speaking of him.... Its why you came isnt it? Scootaloo mentioned something about him but... I couldnt make anything out she said.... She was almost crying, she was nodding off....."

"...We had the same dream... Scootaloo and I.... I recounted what I could to Princess Luna here and.... well... here we are..."

"So.... You told my sister something about a dream you both had- the same dream mind you- and it caused her to have a panic attack.... May I ask what it was?" She glanced at me. I just looked at her wheelchair bound sister who was trying to calm herself.

"I.... I'd rather not have you like her Princess... Nor would I wanna panic her even more...." She sighed.

"That bad huh...? Well alright... I'll let you and Scootaloo get your rest but I do wanna be told later...." We soon stopped at Luna's bedroom door. She looked to her sister. "Are you alright enough to get inside and to your bed or do you want me to get next to your bed?"

Luna swallowed a bit. "Bathroom... Please...." She said. Celestia didnt have to tell me once to open her door up for her to wheel her sister in. Even had to open her bathroom door before going back into her room closing both doors for privacy. I just looked around at everything. Gaming posters, old game handhelds here and there, even a wall of figurines from games.... There was even one of Ryder as his character in the Alley Brawlers game. I still love that game but for reasons that arent Ryder related. She did have a terrarium with a few spiders in it but they died and Luna never got others. I dropped my stuff and climbed into Luna's bed and got all the way over to the wall before climbing under the covers.... I was so tired I fell asleep again. I didnt go into a deep sleep.... Just enough to keep my eyes closed while everything was going on. I heard Luna and Celestia come out of the bathroom after a while. "....Would mother do something like that sister?" Celestia huffed as she parked the wheelchair for her sister.

"I'm... Not sure on that sister...." She replied in a hushed voice. "...Perhaps later we could go and ask mother ourselves after the morning meal once those two are awake.... Its our only safe choice.... Now come on. Into bed with you. I'll send guards to wake you both for the morning meal."

"Uh... Once more for a bit of help sister? I... I dont trust myself even if I did use the toilet...."

"Of course. I still think he's made such an impression on both of us that he gets us wearing those either for relaxing or just in case...."

"Thank you sister... I think a nap and some food later will set me right but uh... Keep the chair in here for when I have to get up. Just in case?"

"Alright but I at least want to see about you using it for your walker instead of you sitting in it. Understood sister?"

"I will just...." She yawned. "...Please.... hurry..." I shifted a bit turning over. I could hear one of them shush the other. Couldnt tell which. I kept my eyes closed but the anxiety I felt just.... It just kept me lightly sleeping. I almost felt like I was going to cry at some point from how scared I was. The feeling faded when Princess Luna brought me into her bosom and cuddled with me. Even took a deep breath and uh.... wet myself..... Helped a bit. Never pissed myself on purpose unless I was drunk, know i couldnt make it to the toilet.... Okay maybe I have... even when thinking about him... Helping me change and- NO NOT THE TIME! Once I felt comfortable and uh.... wet.... I actually fell asleep. Didnt feel like I was asleep for that long.

Woke up only to a pounding on the door. "Princess! Morning meal time!" I heard Scootaloo call out. She sounded chipper like she was just racing around with Rainbow Dash and was happy to do so... Almost like she was a little filly again. Sometimes I wish I was as well... Not a care in the world, no job, nobody looks at me weird if I wet myself... He would still be here.... Playing video games, driving me in the car.... Watching me while dad wasnt there because he had business.... god someone fucking slap me. I stretched and looked to Luna who was still snoozing away.

I nudged her. "Princess... Time to get up...." I said yawning. I crawled to the end of the bed and hopped off. I stumbled a bit going for my stuff. Grabbed my bag and went into the bathroom to change real quick. Ditched my wet wear into a waiting trash can and changed into a fresh one... Even raided the Princesses cabinet for some powder because I chafe VERY EASILY! Especially after a day at the beach or in the pool.... God the rash I get is just ANNOYING. After I changed my clothes from the sweat suit I was wearing to some jeans and a Metallicolt tee. I set my bags down again after I went and just nudged Luna again who just snorted waking up. "Princess! Meal time come on lets go!"

Luna stretched as she sat up crinkling a bit. She rubbed her eyes. "...Morning General... Did you sleep well?" She asked. Still. Feels. WEIRD. I sighed.

"As well as I could for having my mind scare the shit out of me in the wee hours of the morning only to drive to get Scootaloo and then here...." I replied. "You alright? How are you feeling Princess?"

"I feel a bit better... Just.... I guess still a bit tired...."

"Feeling okay to walk?"

"Not sure yet just let me....." She carefully stepped onto the floor. I could see her legs wobbling a bit.

"Looking good so far. Need the bathroom or anything?" She stepped towards the wheel chair and grabbed on.

"No... I.... think? No accident yet but... uh... Here. Sit... My sister wants me to walk with this thing but she never said anything about you sitting there." I gave a smile.

"Alright but if you need to switch places on the way to the dining hall, let me know and we'll swap places and I can say you at least tried." I sat there and disengaged the brakes. She pushed me out and down the hall. I dont remember the last time I was in a wheel chair... Well... By myself. The last time I was in a wheel chair was after Manehattan... It was in his lap as I was recovering. Smoke inhalation isnt fun. Coughed my brains out for weeks after. I know one time he wanted to take me out on a bit of a walk, get some sun... I just sat in his lap, dressed in a gown, mask still on with the tank attached to the back... Wheeled me through the garden, the halls... Think the Garden was actually pretty beautiful at the time. Gardens making up each of the cutie marks of the Princesses. Twilight's, Celestia's, Luna's and even Cadence' despite being part of the Crystal Empire up north... Still want to visit up there sometime to take up Shining Armor's invitation. Luna did pretty well getting to the dining hall. Didnt have to switch places thankfully.

When we got there we saw Celestia and Scootaloo at the end of the table talking away. Both were still in pajamas. Celestia smiled as Luna wheeled me up. "There you two are!" She said. "Sleep okay?"

I shrugged as Luna sighed. "A nap is definitely what I needed sister... thank you." She replied. "Was Scootaloo alright?" Celestia sighed as Luna and I sat into some chairs just to her side.

"Yeah... Was very cuddly... reminded me of a time I watched over her...." Yeah... When Ryder went to war. Before Manehattan and while I was assaulted by that little creep that belonged to someone who my father was doing business with at the time. He denied any sale going on and refused to even sell him anything ever. And he made it known to the owners of the business the guy ran that he lets his son run amuck and harass everyone his father does business with. What makes this even better was that same kid actually got arrested a few years ago for multiple counts of rape, assault, even embezzlement from his fathers company. Father shut down the company, paid off his workers and disappeared off the face of the planet. And when I mean paid off I mean they got checks, some with 6 fucking digits on em! And that wasnt a bribe kind of thing. It was a sincere 'thank you for working for me for years' kind of thing. And that kid has been in and out of prison because of that shit.... Thinks just because his daddy has money means he can do anything and pay his way out of it. Heard rumors after his father passes he gets nothing from the will no matter what. Everything goes to charity. EVERYTHING. Even his shares.

"She always was a cuddler... doesnt matter on age though it seems." Luna looked to me. "I was telling our General here that it is wise to come out here and take our open door policy for her."

"Good. We'd rather help you with anything you have on your mind than not know before anything was too late... and knowing your bond with him it only seems fitting that we offer you the same things he got. A room here in Canterlot, an ear to bend if need be, Luna to tinker into your mind if need be. Anything you want to an extent.... Gifts are going to be rare. Those earrings you got after you first became General for one. Those were both a tad bit of apology and a gift congratulating you on your new title. It will take some getting used to yes but... It was the same for him. Recruit turned General all because of a fuck up... But you showed you earned that title by helping protect him in a time of need... Sure it was on my order that he be captured but if it werent for him getting word out to Twilight and showing the destruction he could do I'm sure he would've been dead...." Luna looked back at her sister.

"Celestia! Not the time for that. We know you have your regrets but now is not the time to voice them!" Celestia just opened her eyes wide as if she had just realized something and then shut them tight again shaking her head.

"...Uh... Sorry sorry.... I just.... Still Babs... I.... I just wish to tell you how important you are and what you deserve for everything you've done thus far... A bit more wordy than I would've liked but.... Still..."

I gave a bit of a pained smile having those thoughts implanted into my head. "Thank you Princess... I'll do my best to show my worth with this rank." I replied. "Now why dont we get something to eat? Food and some caffeine sounds alright right about now."

"Seems our minds think alike. Order what you want!" She clapped her hands a few times and a waiter appeared. We ordered, food was good, drinks were... Varying. I just got an energy drink from Luna's stash, Scoot got a soda and a hayburger... And fries.... Not just regular fries. GARLIC FRIES. And this was an equivalent to a McHoovians LARGE! I swear this filly.... She can eat how ever much she wants and NEVER gains weight! Like seriously. Compare her to me, she's a fucking TWIG! Anyways we split off from each other. Luna went with Celestia to make sure she was alright enough to get dressed for a day out. At least to distract us.... From what Celestia said.

Scootaloo brought me to Celestia's room. Huge room... Almost the size of my living room give or take. The bed in there was a good size as well. Its like my couch was just filled in from one end to another. I leaned against the wall as she started getting clothes from her bag. "Am I the only one who's still afraid of that nightmare...?" She asked. "We had the same one, freaked out Luna because of it and just.... Its just.... Why would we have that same nightmare?"

I gave a hefty sigh pacing a bit. "I dont know..." I replied. "I feel that as well... Its almost like they're writing it off for nothing.... Just a fluke... but with how Luna was its just getting me worried...."

"...Luna wouldnt just write it off... Did she say anything to you when you went to her room?" I had to think for a moment....

"...I remember something from when Celestia came to get Luna.... Said we had something called a premonition dream...." I took my phone out and hit the search bar. "....Let me just.... uh...." I searched it up... spelled it wrong because grammar and spelling was NOT my best subject in school. But my heart dropped about out of my ass when I saw the definition. I shuttered a bit. Just lowered myself to the ground and set my phone off to the side trying to breathe.

"Babs? Babs! Babs you good?" Scootaloo ran to my side in just her panties and her pajama top. I couldnt nod or shake my head. I just grabbed my phone and shoved it into her chest. She took it and looked at it only to see the definition I saw. "....To... Sense something bad about to happen before it happens???" I nodded. She looked to me and just gave me my phone. "Stay right here, breathe... I... I need to have a guard bring us Celestia right away!" I just sat back and just started breathing.... Feel like I spaced out. Scoot came back to my side and just sat with me until Celestia came.

When Celestia got into the room she just picked me up off the floor as if I were nothing. She sat me on her bed and knelt down. "General? Talk to me Babs. Breathe...." She looked to Scootaloo who hopped up on the bed next to me.... I swear compared to Celestia I felt like a filly again who just got into trouble and was getting put in time out. "Scootaloo? What happened?"

"She just had to look up what kind of dream we had and just.... Its scaring the shit out of us!"

"I understand you both had a dream that involved Ryder.... You're scared, I get it. But you have nothing to worry about.... Nothing will happen..."

"But how do we know that?? We had the SAME DREAM! And your mother? She can do things and I've seen it! That locket I was given? Seeing my mom and dad?! She could be planning on actually doing something with my brother and WE WOULDNT KNOW!" She started breathing heavily leaving me and Celestia in a bit of shock. She quickly broke down. "...I... I'm sorry... I.... I just dont want anything to happen to my big brother again... He died protecting us and... I...." She hugged herself. Celestia turned her attention away from me hugging Scootaloo.... Brought her into her arms like she were a little filly in her brothers...

"....Please dont cry Scootaloo.... I apologize... I.... I.... Just..." She huffed and grabbed me in her magic swapping me with Scootaloo letting her ride on her back before we all left out of her room. Neither Scootaloo or I said anything to the Princess as we rushed through the halls... It wasnt long before we stopped at Luna's door. She knocked holding me in one arm. "Sister. Sister I hope you're awake in there. We need to do something. NOW!" She didnt even wait for her sister to respond before barging in. Once inside Celestia set both Scootaloo and I down before going to her sister who was sitting up in bed scared. She was dressed in just a nightgown from what I saw.

Luna slowly shed the blankets and fixed her gown as she swung her legs from under them. "Sister? What is this about?" She asked.

"It's about mother.... She- she's going to do something with Ryder! She gave both Scootaloo and Babs visions forcing them both here.... Do you not see what's going on!?"

"Surely you've gone mad sister! Mother would've contacted us somehow..."

"She would and DID! She gave them visions, they turned to us for help... We can NOT let this go on any longer... We have to check! We have to at least do that! Do you not agree?"

Scootaloo sniffled pushing her way towards Luna. "Princess... Please.... Your mother... She's a powerful mare.... She... She can do things that I've seen and I'm not sure what she could do with my brother...." She said. "...Arent you worried what she could be doing with him....? Do you care about him as we do? I know you have to! He's done so much for you and you seem like you're just writing this off like NOTHING!" I swear Luna looked like she could've slapped Scootaloo... For a moment at least.That was before she got a guilty look like she had pissed the bed, hid it from mommydearest and she only found out after she went to school and had to sit her down with a diaper in hand and not even having to say it.... Okay... maybe that described a night in middle school when I went and saw a scary movie with Ryder and I wet the bed.... Nobody was home when I had to go to school and when I got home my mom just.... yeah.... Cant really do anything about that now herself but.... She literally padded me up as soon as I got home. Had to be that way through a nap, dinner and even to bed even though I hit the toilet before hand.... still ended up waking up wet.... Screaming.... That's what tipped them off about the scary movies.... But back to the story.

Luna gave a sigh before looking to Scootaloo. "...I.... This is my expertise and I'm just throwing it away like I did once with your brother..." She said. She looked to her sister. "Help me to my feet.... I need to open a door..." Celestia nodded and helped her sister out of the bed. She looked to me. "You and Scootaloo hop under the covers and shield your eyes! We'll say when its done!" I nodded and just climbed into Luna's bed with Scootaloo and we just hid under the covers like we were scared of the dark. I heard the magic flow from Luna... It lasted a bit before the Princess let out a bit of a scream before seeing a bit of light filter through the blankets before we heard heavy panting as if Luna was running a mile straight. Scootaloo and I looked to each other before climbing out from under the covers only to see Celestia looking a little dazed removing a pair of sunglasses having them disappear. Luna looked tired as she struggled to still stand on her own two feet.

I hopped out and helped Luna to her bed with Celestia. "You good Princess?" I asked. Luna struggled to climb into bed even with our help.

"...I... I think I may have wet myself.... Strained myself too much....."

Celestia sighed as she used her magic getting me and Scootaloo out of the way. "Possibly... But you should rest sister." She said. "I have this from here." Celestia looked to me as she covered Luna up and tucked her in. "The bathroom door should lead somewhere different. Have Scootaloo lead you through and find my mother. I'll join you after I'm done here." I gave a nod and just took Scootaloo's hand.

Scootaloo wasted no time in leading me through the door, not even hesitating. The bathroom door led somewhere that I definitely know I havent seen before. Clouds lining the floor and I was walking on em like I was a pegasus.... They were almost like I was walking on pillows but.... With not much give when pushing down on them. I couldnt help but look around at the endless view, clouds as far as the eye could see.... I didnt know whether or not I was excited or scared seeing all of this.... Maybe it was excite seeing all this but the fear was still there about Ryder... And as if we were being controlled we were stopped dead in our tracks. I looked to Scootaloo and just beyond her? I saw a large throne with a mare sitting in it. Larger than Celestia... by far. The large mare had a red mane and was wearing all white. There were golden inlays in designs that looked as if they moved and changed every second of every minute.... I had to be forced to my knees by Scootaloo getting me to bow in respect to her. The mare smiled. "This is certainly a surprise...." She said. "A filly all grown up and somepony new.... what brings you here?"

Scootaloo growled a bit. I wasted no time in covering her mouth and holding her back. "Uh... W-w-w-we're gonna wait for Celestia... Ma'am...." I said.

"Fair enough... We wait for my daughter. You may rise." I stood up with Scootaloo who smacked my hand away from her mouth. She looked at me with a look that told me she was pissed but wordlessly thanked me from keeping her from doing anything she'd regret... and she goes and does a lot of stuff when she's mad but keeps herself in check. Last time she flipped out at someone it was well deserved. Literally after we had Ryder for those few days before getting him back home, Scootaloo went and busted a guards balls LITERALLY for saying right to her face that he would've shot him point blank, no hesitation. Kicked him in the nuts TWICE, and even punching him in the face before running to Twilight... Think that was the first time I used my power as General to put him in his place.... I let him off with a warning because of that beating he got from Scootaloo. And that guard who held me at gunpoint? Dead. He handed in his armor, got taken in and within a week he was tried, sentenced to death by lethal injection... If it were up to me, I'd bring that Ryder back, tell him he could throw him from the top of the castle and see if he either dies by the sudden stop or a heart attack on the way down.... I swear I have his mentality sometimes.

As we waited and I had Scootaloo as calm as she could be without snapping at anyone. Took a bit for Celestia to come flying in and landing just between us and her mother. Even she bowed in respect to her mother briefly. "Hello mother..." She said a tad somberly. We watched as her mother stood from her throne and approached Celestia.

"Celestia! Its been some time since I had a visit from you and some guests. How are you?" Celestia sighed.

"I'm fine mother... But... I have my guests because... They're a bit... not... alright..." She gestured to us. "You remember Scootaloo? My previous General's little sister?"

"I do indeed.... She doesnt seem happy at the moment...."

"She isnt mother... As I can understand, she claims to have seen something that involved you and her brother.... Normally this is something that Luna would aid with but my new General, Babs Seed, has claimed to have had the same vision involving you and Ryder as well. Scootaloo is angered for obvious reasons... She's scared something is happening with her brother.... Same with Babs. They're both scared something is happening with him... Is there something happening with him mother?" I swear all emotion drained from her mothers face.... Made me worried... even more.... She sighed.

"...That stallion is a bold headed one.... Does things without hesitation and breaks rules I lay out for what he can and cant do..." She started pacing back and forth. "Ms. Seed... You remember after your encounter with him during a dream dont you? Meeting him in an old dwelling where he gifted you his personal tags bestowed upon him by my daughters... I looked past that... He told me he only touched your dreams because he wanted to give you strength.... When he visited a second time I took him aside and told him he shant be doing this that often.... And from what I saw he had pushed you to find that the strength you had wasnt there yet.... He admitted it was too far to do.... but that last time? When he visited you and his sister....? If I hadnt allowed him again to visit he wouldnt have tried my patience especially when it came to that unauthorized family time with his sister....."

"What about it mother? Why is that something to bring up? He should have a right to see his sister at least once!"

"He does... but that's not why I brought it up... It's because he told something to her that very well could alter the course of fate if acted upon.... I will not say what happens.... I will not say who it happens to.... Not even how.... Fate follows certain paths and if strayed upon too much... dire things follow not long after...."

We all turned our attention to Scootaloo. She grew nervous quickly. She looked to Celestia and backed away as she reached out. She backed into me and I just grabbed her and shoved her down. "What. Did you. DO?!" I asked.... Maybe a little enraged... a lot... enraged.

Celestia rushed to me and held me back... Like literally pulled me close and just held me, her fists against my chest. "General! ENOUGH!" She snapped. She looked to her mother while Scootaloo just curled up covering her head looking as if she was going to cry. Like someone just hit her in the face- which honestly I could've done but I held back because.... well.. she's family. Not by blood but with experience... and that special link to her brother and well... That he married into the family. "Mother. There has to be something to fix this. You can stop this cant you?"

Celestia's mother used her magic and stood Scootaloo up. "There is a way..." She said. "I might keep Scootaloo here for a while... Take the memory of what her brother told her.... Perhaps plant something else in its place... She'll be the same she always was. Might be a tad confused on why she was here but... I've got something...."

I swallowed. "How long will it take? I dont want to have to explain to her sister in law or her niece where she is!" I said.

"Should be until tonight. Have Celestia contact one of her friends and call her away for some time away from her work. If she asks where she is, tell her she's with you in Canterlot trying to take time away for a breather, perhaps even to have a spa day or whatever sounds like it would fit her."

"And you wont hurt her?"

"You have my word she wont be harmed. I'll send word through one of my daughters.... They'll know. As for you, go with Celestia, take your mind away from this situation and relax. Understand?" I swallowed again almost as if I was trying to keep myself from puking. I nodded as Celestia released me and just took my hand.

Celestia sighed. "....Please leave this filly the way she is..." She said. "If you change her what so ever I just.... I...."

"Celestia.... She'll be fine.... Go on now.... Look for my signal and tell your sister as well...Kay?" I looked to the Princess. She nodded and just started leading me away. I couldnt help but just look back at Scootaloo and Celestia's mother. I just saw Celestia's mother was knelt down in front of Scootaloo.... Almost looked like the mother of the kid I found lost in the mall.... Kid was crying, mother was trying to explain to them why they should stay close to her and comfort them at the same time.... Though that kid had a toy I bought em to make em a bit more calm. Even trust me to help him find his mother.

When we got back it was a long day.... Celestia took me to the mall, we looked at things and even tried- keyword tried- to set something up for me to head to see Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. But as of now they're busy... And I mean really busy.... They're supposedly holding meetings for countries leaders. For what Im not sure but hopefully all goes well. But we kept as distracted as we could be keeping our minds away from Scootaloo and Celestia's mother from doing stuff.... Oh and I guess her name is Heaven's Light? Only found that out AFTER.... and I mean way WAY after. Like.... in between lunch and dinner time. I honestly couldnt even stomach lunch all that much. Just got a small dish of salad... Not even any good dressing. Had to deal with bland salad. Barely... and I mean BARELY stayed down.... Maybe not even a half hour after I was done eating it tried getting its way out but I choked it down, had some water and dealt with it for a while and then Celestia told me. Why she didnt when I got there I'm not sure... Probably assumed we had already got acquainted. Dinner came around and I was sat at the table with Celestia. She turned our chairs to look out towards the mountains in the distance. I still remember the day of the crash. Watching TV with mom and dad, they pass the news and flip back with all you seeing is just truck after truck being loaded up with guards trapped on the mountain. Dad asked why they didnt have transports up there already and honestly? Good point there. They were all at Celestia's mountain retreat. Even remember the phone interview she had talking about the squad that rolled in to Canterlot with an emergency and was only alerted to what was going on up there when they got there because the plane took out power lines and nearly took out the radio tower there. I almost forgot about the issues we had with the sun just being set at the horizon. That was when we heard a sigh. We looked back and saw Princess Luna coming in wearing her deep blue and white Royal gown. "Evening all..." She said giving a stretch. "Everything sorted out with mother?"

Celestia sighed as she turned our chairs around with her magic. "I would hope so...." She said. "Come sister... Sit... Let us fill you in on what went on...." Luna nodded and took a seat just on the other side of her sister. She looked around and then to her sister.

"Is Scootaloo joining us? She must've fallen asleep after dealing with mother and her brother."

"She's going to be a bit late on that sister... This is something we wish to speak to you about..." She shifted in her seat. "We went in to get an answer but we left with more questions than answers.... You remember when Babs was here after she had gotten her new title that she had woken up with his tags?"

"Clearly... It just... it confused me for a time... Still does to this day."

"Well... Apparently according to Mother she allowed him to tap into your dreamwalking abilities... He used it to contact Babs and by extension Scootaloo..."

"Interesting... But what does this have to do with anything?"

"I'm getting to that.... Apparently while touching dreams and giving the gifts of long forgotten memories Ryder did something that might have gone as far as altering fate.... He let Scootaloo hear something not meant for her ears or anyone.... Scootaloo hasnt gone and released any information about that.... or... at least we hope she hasnt.... As of now Scootaloo is with mother having her memories altered to where she wont remember what happened with her encounter with Ryder...."

"What? How?"

"That's what we dont know. We dont know why mother allowed him to tap into her powers, not even sure what he told his sister or why. And how he can use it despite not being anywhere near our power of being alicorn? That's the biggest question of all."

I huffed. "And we're just waiting on when we can go get Scootaloo..." I said.

Luna got uneasy fast. "...How long has it been so far? How long did she say?" She asked.

"We dont know Princess... All we know is that your mother will give a sign to let us know she's ready to come back... For now? We wait... Lets eat something and I want you to eat as well sister. Babs nearly couldnt stomach her lunch because of her nerves and I dont want to wake in the middle of the night to know you collapsed!"

"I'll eat something but..."

"If I'm asleep by the time mothers word comes... You're going to have to do that. Stay with Babs until you get word." She nodded. Dinner was easier to be stomached. Hayburger, a little alcohol.... I swear. It was a cocktail. Two parts of two different alcohol and a bit of something else.... Cant remember the name of it. Not because it was alcohol but because Celestia suggested it. After that we went and watched another movie together and after that Celestia went to bed leaving me and Luna just to play some games together. We just messed around in a sandbox game that just made me laugh from the stupid shit we were doing. Like no joke. I grabbed a car, drove it and somehow managed to crash it so hard i ended up on top of a building, on my side and somehow still alive. That was before I jumped off and slammed down onto a waiting vehicle. Destroyed it. Yep.... Fell fast enough for it. But about... Two hours after we started playing I had the shit scared out of me. Blinding light, made me and Luna hit the floor expecting something to explode buuuuut.... Nothing happened. Just something hit the floor. We both got up and looked only to see a scroll on the ground looking as if it were made of gold.

I helped the Princess stand up a bit.... Strangely easy but it didnt really phase me because my heart was beating wondering what the fuck was going on. Luna looked to me as she picked up the scroll. "Something from your mother?" I asked.

Luna gave a huff brushing herself off. "Yes. She never can be subtle but subtlety would have you up all night." She said. She brought me over and unraveled it. She held it open and it just started writing letters and words. "My dearest Luna... If I'm right you should be awake.... Bring your General to collect her friend. Mother." ...That was all that was written. No joke.... Luna looked to me. "You up to come with me to get Scootaloo or do you wish to stay here?" I fought against the urge to stay... I really did.

"I... I'll go... I wanna make sure she's okay... Besides... She requested I be there... Would be rude not to... Should we go back to your room?" She nodded as she rolled the scroll up... The strange thing was that it just evaporated in her hands. She took my hand and we walked all the way back to her room. She took my hand not only to lead me but I guess she sensed how uneasy I was. There was time for me to say something, back out, go do something else... maybe walk outside in the garden, drop my pants and just take care of business not giving a fuck about anything other than some pics I have on my phone but no. I just kept walking with the Princess. When we got back to her room she used her magic on the bathroom door again... Luckily not putting herself out of commission again. Maybe into a weakened state but she powered through. This was the last chance I had to tell the Princess I wasnt going. But I didnt like a dumbass.

We entered, walked through the cloudy plains once more. When we got to the throne of Heaven's Light we saw her sitting there with Scootaloo passed out in her arms looking comfortable... She got up out of her throne and brought my friend to us.... She just handed her over to Luna who slowly aided her to the ground. "There... Safe and sound...." Heaven's Light said. "She got tired waiting for me to be done with what I was doing. She fell asleep and I could still safely perform the memory transplant.... She should now still remember a nightmare about her brother and coming here to see him but she cried and didnt want to leave for a while so you left her here to spend some time with the family...." I sighed.

"...Thank you Miss Light... I wish this all could've been avoided...." She sighed as well.

"I wish that as well... But now we have another issue... And I've given this much thought since you've come to me.... You've brought things to my attention and they have been fixed.... mostly.... There is still one problem to fix... and it has to do with the stallion who leaked the fate altering information...." My heart dropped as she turned back to her throne, walking to it in a huff. I fell to my knees as she sat down. She raised a hand and a pillar of clouds came up only to burst and in its place? Ryder. Cuffed. Head hung and filled with regret.

"RYDER!" I looked back at Luna who was as shocked as I was seeing Ryder there. "Princess! Do something! Please!"

Luna picked Scootaloo up... Still out of it surprisingly. "Mother! Cease this at once!" She snapped. "You've already fixed the problem! There is no need to do anymore! With him especially!"

Heaven's Light looked to her daughter. "He needs to be punished!" She snapped. "He has somehow gotten information forbidden to him and spread it amongst those who arent meant to know it! I shall not take any more of your lip daughter!" She looked back to Ryder. "You stand here today on a charge of subterfuge and threatening to change fate. What defense do you have?"

Ryder just looked to us and then to Heaven's Light. "....I do not Miss Light." He replied. "But I do have one request before my sentencing.... I think you know what I mean...."

"Be quick... Do not even attempt to run... Your punishment will be more severe if you even try...." He gave a nod and came over to me. Just gave me a look.... One I've seen when he knew he fucked up.

"Babs.... I....."

I hugged him and held him tight. "No... No this is another bad dream... I passed out and I just.... I have to be dreaming...." I said.

"...Not a dream this time Babs.... Now let go... I... I need to see Scootaloo before I go.... Tell her I love her...." I didnt even wanna let go.

"No... NO! I DONT WANT TO!" My eyes just started tearing up... Wasnt for long though... I just immediately broke down.

"Babs! Let me go NOW! You hold on to me any longer and you could be part of my punishment and I really dont think you'd last an hour where I know I'm going...."

I heard Princess Luna huff. "General. Let him go! That's an order!" She snapped. I swear... If being a guard didnt get me all indoctrinated with listening to those in charge I would've disobeyed... I would've gone down with him. I released him. He just looked me in the eye getting all teary himself.

"Babs.... I love you.... Just... When you go back..... Let AJ know I love her and give my baby girl a hug for me...." I nodded just before watching him go towards his sister. He just looked to Luna who could tell what he wanted. She pinched Scootaloo's arm making her jump.

Scootaloo rubbed her eyes waking up before just seeing Ryder. She froze as he knelt down. "...Ryder? Ryder what's going on?" She said hugging him scared.

"Scootaloo... Just keep calm sis..... Everything's gonna be alright..... You just... Just be strong.... Strong like our big brother... Okay....?" He sobbed a bit breaking his composure. "....Tell me Scoot... Tell me you'll be strong... Not just for yourself... but for Babs.... AJ.... My little bundle of joy..... everyone.... Just... Just be strong for everyone...."

"...I.... I'll be strong...." She replied.... I could tell she didnt know what was going on... She was scared, confused.... He turned his head as much as he could to kiss her cheek. He got up breaking her grip on her. He just looked to Luna.

"Princess.... It's been an honor working for you.... I.... I still hope you'll visit with me.... Or that he..... Lets you visit with me..... Let your sister know the same...." Luna didnt say anything. Just nodded with tears in her eyes. He walked back to where he stood and looked to Heaven's Light who just stared us down.... "Miss Light.... I... I'm ready..."

The large mare sighed. "I can admit... It's a crime to take someones loved one and banish them as such.... But the verdict still stands." She said standing. She looked to Ryder. "Ryder Wheeler. You are no longer welcome here.... You may no longer walk the plains of Elysium side by side with those you have lost before... you may no longer speak to...."

Things fell silent for me... I was panicking. I was crying. This was it. This was my nightmare. This is what made me nearly piss the bed.... more than likely piss myself and I wouldnt be surprised if I havent pissed myself already. I could feel- no- Hear my heart beating out of my chest. That's when I snapped. "NO! STOP THIS! ITS NOT HIS FAULT!" I screamed. Everyone looked at me, Heaven's Light stopping in her tracks. "It.... It's my fault..... He wouldnt have leaked whatever info he got if I didnt say anything about his sister.... But I shouldnt take all the blame!" Heaven's Light looked to me.

"And why not? Why shant you take the blame for what he has done? Who else besides you shares the blame?"

"YOU! YOU AND I SHARE THIS BLAME!"

Luna gasped. "Babs! Mother can not be accused like this!" She said. I looked to her, my sadness turned rage."

"BULLSHIT!" I exclaimed. "SHE WAS THE ONE WHO ALLOWED HIM TO TAP INTO HER POWER! SHE GAVE HIM THAT KNOWLEDGE IF NOT THAT BUT THE ACCESS TO SAID KNOWLEDGE!" I looked back at Heaven's Light rising to my feet. "She knowingly gave him that power. Yes he abused it. But its her fault that he came to me but its mine that he saw Scootaloo and released that information! I ask you this. Do you not see the flaws in your own actions? Do you not see the limits you could've put into place to prevent that from happening? And I do accept my part of the blame. Do you accept yours?"

Things fell silent for a time. How long that time was? I couldnt tell. I could see the look in the face of The Goddess looking for the answers everywhere.... Almost as if she was reading everything I said above. She sighed after maybe five minutes.... Hanging her head. "....I..... I do see the flaws of what I have done...." She said. "...I share if not take most of the blame.... If I hadnt given him the gift I trusted him with none of this would happen..." She looked to me. "General... I.... I apologize.... If you would be kind enough to come and release Ryder from his restraints...." I hesitated. "I promise. No trickery.... You have my word." I walked over to Ryder who just looked relieved... Almost thought he'd break out of his restraints by himself like I saw the other him do before. I looked to Heaven's Light resting a hand on his shoulder.

"The key if you will?" She chuckled a little.

"You've got the key already. Check your pockets!" I checked my pockets giving her a confused look. That turned to surprise when I pulled a key from my back pocket... The key was definitely otherworldly. Golden but old style with the part that goes in the lock looking as intricate as the keys we have now. I gave her a nod and went behind Ryder unlocking the restraints.... Again more intricate than what we have. It was holding his biceps and wrists. Once I got one side free he stretched his arm out before I released the other one. He stretched his other arm out before just hugging me. Miss Light took the restraints and key just as Scootaloo and Luna came running over hugging both of us, Scootaloo crying. Think Ryder broke down again too glad he wasnt going to be banished. "If you can get free Miss Seed... I do have something for you to show my sincerest apologies." I wiggled out of the group hug and made sure I still had my earrings. I went over to her and just couldnt help but hug her.... I felt sorry for yelling at her. She felt bad she was doing this to us as well considering she hugged me back. She picked me up and set me on her lap. "General Babs Seed... I do apologize... For the nightmare, the scare about your dear friend who saved you from certain death, the friend who saved your other friend from a life in an orphanage years ago... For this I'm going to do something.... Something I did for him and his sister long ago.... Any time you want or that my daughters wish, you can come and visit him.... And to give you a little extra.... I'm going to ask my daughters for a family dinner soon... I know not when but it will be done. I'll have my daughters invite everyone, hide it as a dinner invite to surprise them. Only you, Celestia, Luna and Ryder will know. For now.... Why dont you take something? Perhaps your own set of tags to go along with the set Ryder gave you?" She clapped her hands together, cupped them and just held them out in front of me. She took one hand away pinching her fingers together. What fell out of her hand but held up by a chain was my cutie mark on a metal tag, Ryder's on the other and then the info tag that had blood type, name and other stuff on it. She handed it off to me but I couldnt help but just grip it in my hand. "Indestructible in case anything happens to you or your home." ....Lucky the house is as safe as anything.... Celestia helped my dad hire contractors to build the house.

"Thank you Miss Light!" I said hugging her again. She giggled a little.

"You're quite welcome. Know I hold no hard feelings for making me see my errors... Now go return to my daughter and friend... I need to take Ryder soon to erase his mind of the incident.... I'm even going to alter his control on my power." I gave a nod and hopped off her lap before returning to the group hug.

Luna and Scootaloo backed off letting me hug Ryder again. "Babs you are an afterlife saver..... I could kiss you!" He said. Bad choice of words. I grabbed him by the shoulders, planted a deep kiss on him and just brought him down low like I was sucking the life out of him and he was just gonna fall asleep. I stood him back up after a moment finishing that kiss off giving a blushing grin as I backed up. He was blushing hard.... Possibly with something hard in his pants that... I'm not sure he'd be able to handle without angering the goddess... She shook his head with his eyes clenched shut before just looking to me. "Or uh... You could...." He looked to Luna. "Princess uh.... Could you.... Maybe convince your mother to let me visit your father and still return? If that's possible? I uh... I think I need to do something...."

Princess Luna gave a sigh. "Not sure what you're thinking but... Alright." She said. She looked to Scootaloo and I. "You two say your farewells and head out. Its late and you two need your sleep." We both nodded.... I couldnt help but realize how tired I actually was even with the adrenaline pumping through me still. Scootaloo and I hugged Ryder one last time... Maybe I copped a feel of what he had going on before leaving with Scootaloo in tow. I grabbed my bag and changed into pajamas again before taking my stuff with us to Celestia's room. We both used the bathroom there before hopping in bed with Celestia... She took notice of both of us but she was too tired to say anything... Just grabbed a hold of Scootaloo and passed out again. I snuggled up to her and just passed out myself. Next morning we ate breakfast together, had to contact Applejack to explain where we were because Celestia neglected to try contacting AJ letting her know we were up there but my cousin was calm, positive about everything just knowing Scootaloo was alright. When I brought Scoot back home that afternoon I spent some time at the house, playing with who I guess I can consider my niece since I'm just that close and she still refers to me as 'Auntie Babs'. But once nap time rolled around for the kid and Scootaloo considering she was REALLY tired still I stepped out with AJ and walked in the orchard for a bit.... I showed her the tags I got and told her he loved her and missed her very much. She just hugged me as if I were him. I just spent the rest of the time there.... Even took us out to dinner before crashing on the couch.... Great feeling there.