The Other General

It's been... what? A week since Scootaloo and I went to Canterlot because of that fucking nightmare? And when we left Cantrerlot I went back home and she went back to work as well. For me? I've had to get used to my new found strength which apparently the tags keep suppressed... Princess Twilight let me use the gym in the castle to test it.... Four. Hundred. Pounds AND FUCKING COUNTING! ...I really hope this helps with weight loss rather than hinder it... Otherwise I'm pretty screwed... Twilight was honestly a bit confused on why I had the strength but was glad I had it. She just told me not to use it unless I REALLY REALLY needed to. Like even gave specific scenarios. But as for now I was on a train early morning bound for the Crystal Empire.... Princess Twilight actually accompanied me on the train. Spike was here too but... he was just passed out in the bed car.... Where I wanted to be but Twilight wanted me awake for a little while at least.... We both sat in the food car having ourselves a drink. I had some warm tea while Twilight was drinking an espresso coffee.... She sighed. "I swear its been ages since I've seen my brother and sister in law..." She said. "I just hope they're well even with the information they know of the friend they watched grow in the guard then off in a pine box...."

I sighed. "....Just hoping everything is okay there...." I said swirling my drink. Sweet tea, warm honey taste... Tasted great. "...Just... Is everyone gonna be alright at home? I've heard something from Scoot since she went to visit with her mother and Dash with Gilda.... She told me Ryder visited her.... and.... I know Dash came back with Gilda and everything but.... Just... Gilda.... She.... She seemed so sad when she called me that night when she came back.... told me she couldnt stop thinking about him.... she just sounded like a little filly who just went through a break up of someone who she truly loved....." I looked off to the kitchen area. The chef there was making something for us to snack on.

"Babs... I made her go to Sweet Apple Acres before we left. Made sure Applejack texted me that she was there and that Scoot will be watching her every move." She sipped her drink. "Give your cousin a call once we get there... Or once Celestia raises the sun or so.... Gonna be hard to tell which comes first...."

"....Yeah...." I looked into my cup... just saw my reflection from the dark liquid in it. Twilight gave a hefty sigh.

"If you want to sleep go right ahead, find somewhere comfortable and get some rest. I'm too nervous to sleep right now.... And excited I guess... Excited because I always love seeing my brother.... Nervous because... Well... last I heard from him he chewed me out for taking the pill after Ryder passed.... Got so scared of my own mortality I just.... I took it without even thinking.... about my friends... my family.... It would be the only one I take and if I wish for another I fight for it because Celestia under a strict word of my brothers will not allow her to give me another and neither will Luna.... I'm just... glad that he still cares enough to listen to me about what we went through...."

"Did he have any comments on Ryder's sudden reappearance?" She nodded.

"Told me it had to have been a changeling impersonating him... but you and I saw first hand that it wasnt that... Just... Scares me that he just.... Knew he was dead... I just hope when he went back that his timeline diverted from ours without screwing anything up for us..."

"If he has.... I wish him well.... Though I hope that I'm able to tell him how I feel before he goes down...." She sighed.

"I know you've shown him after the fact but... I REALLY hope that its just staying that way..." She sipped the rest of her drink and set the cup down. "...For now why dont you just get somewhere to sleep? I'll wake you when we're getting ready to stop."

"Are you sure Princess?"

"Very sure. Just get some sleep so you dont have to be carried to the castle... not that I wouldnt mind but its an experience walking through the streets to the castle itself.... Especially for the first time. I remember my first time.... It was after Shining and Cadence' wedding... They were having a blizzard but when we got into the protective barrier around the city it was just... Beautiful. But seeing it after? A real first walk up that wasnt greeted by snow and a paranoid older brother... Yet he was right to be paranoid that day..."

"What was he paranoid about?" I asked.

"Sombra.... Apparently the Crystal Heart in the middle of the city went missing and Sombra was slowly gaining power to come back... I ended up following clues he had left to find the heart and return it to its rightful place where its been ever since... Yet Spike had all the love there since he was the one to return it while my friends and I were almost too late."

"I heard of Sombra.... He used to reign over the Crystal Empire with an iron fist and slammed it down on anyone who dare betray him, putting its citizens in slave shackles and forcing them to mine the crystals in the area that make the citizens glow in true happiness."

"The very same... And I'm surprised you actually know about the crystals seeing as you've never been up here before."

"And I think you'd be proud that I actually did a bit of research before we got on the train." She gave a giggle smiling.

"Well... Not proud but you definitely got some brownie points because of that." I sighed sipping my drink. "Just get on to rest General. Finish your drink, toilet is in the corner, then get some sleep. And.... If you see.... well... him.... tell him I miss him and let him know what we're doing... maybe have him tell something only he and my brother would know.... y'know... just so he doesnt think we're crazy or we've been infiltrated..."

"That's if I do... Sometimes I wish he'd manifest himself in front of me... talk to me like he's there while I'm awake and I'm not dreaming..."

"Well if he ever does.... Dont go trying to fuck him please.... dont need to explain to anyone why you're just masturbating in a hallway or something..."

"Trust me... If I ever get to that point, I'll excuse myself... Just.... Lets just stop talking about this. I need to get some sleep.... This is starting to sound like a talk from my mother about adult things...."

"Uh... Yeah.... Carry on." I gave a nod and drank the rest of my drink before heading towards the corner. You know these 'bigger on the inside' spells just amaze me. That and sectioned perception spells. Hide in plain sight and nobody would ever know unless they already knew. I know of a few in Ponyville Castle but I only used it for training purposes. I was acting as a high value target in the exercise. Applebloom and Scootaloo agreed to help with the exercise. I was put near the library, Scoot was near the dining hall and Applebloom was... I actually forget where she was. But we got the alert that the castle was on lockdown, we had to think fast to hide in the safe spots and the training guards were tasked with finding us with one hint each group. Applebloom was found the fastest after one of the guards tripped over her. I was next but the guards needed to be helped to find Scootaloo. Safe to say that group was a fail and needed to retrain on where the hiding spots are.

Anyhow I just did my business and just went to the couch in the same car and just lied down for a bit of shuteye. As I slept I just.... Well... I was just sitting on the balcony of the throne room in Twilight's Castle. I just overlooked everything... Sunset, I saw Sweet Apple Acres on the horizon and just.... I loved the view. I heard a sigh behind me and footsteps coming up next to me... then just an arm around my shoulder. "....Sometimes I wonder.... where would I be if I were still among the living?" They said. Looked over and just saw Ryder.... Cant say I didnt get a little tingle in my pants seeing him.... He just was looking out at everything with me.

"....Probably at home, with your wife and daughter having a merry old time..... Maybe having a drink with me, your sister.... Maybe Big Mac would still be in town.... Helping Applejack out with everything..."

"Yeah... but then you wouldn be a guard.... or even General in fact.... But... If I knew you'd be a great guard or even General...? I'd've stepped down to give you my spot.... Princess allowing of course."

"....But then you'd have my dad breathing down your neck about talking me out of being a guard.... Dunno what I'd do then.... Cant do anything except feed off daddys paycheck then.... Glad I'm independent enough to have money just in case.... y'know...?"

"Yeah.... Totally understandable there." I sighed.

"....Princess and I are heading up to visit her brother and his wife.... I've never met em before but.... they've heard stories... about us meeting the way we did...."

"Shining.... Goddess knows i miss that son of a bitch.... Basically got me my title nearly dethroning him as captain but... I'll take General over that.... Yet he still outranks me as a Prince... Good guy still before and after what the asshole did..... Do I still harbor some feelings bout it? Yeah... But... I mean.... It was something that gave me hope, strength.... Even have something for Scoot to fall back on incase I didnt live long enough for her to take care of herself... But I did.... Still glad I did what I had to...."

"Yeah.... But... What do I say to him and have him believe us about you being seen and visiting me like this... and he even thought the you that... uh... did me.... was a changeling...." He sighed.

"...Many did. Though when my existence was felt by the Goddess... She thought she was going mad.... She called me to her side that showed her I was still where I should be but we watched as much as we could of my other self being in a familiar yet unfamiliar world... I saw the destruction he had done, the sadness he had felt, the pain knowing I was here.... There are still days where I wish I could just break through these clouds and just see my family once more.... Yet the goddess only allows me to touch dreams..."

"I know.... And it pains me to see you every time like this.... What I wouldnt give for you to just...."

"....Well... If we're lucky.... but back to what we were saying so you're not toying with yourself?" I gave a sigh blushing. Still might do that later.

"....Right right.... Shining.... how can we convince him I saw and talked with you....?"

"You have my tags with you?" I shook my head.

"Nope... Left those at home hanging on a hook above my bed... Forgot to grab em before I left."

"Those would've been a mind blower for him...." He sighed climbing up on the balcony railing.... I got uneasy fast and I guess he felt it. "...Dont worry... I do my best thinking when flying... And its not like I could get myself killed twice.... I dont think...." I watched as he just dropped off the edge and fell a bit before taking flight. He hummed and it still felt like he was just there next to me. "....What can I tell you to convince Shining that I wasnt a changeling.... Or the fact that I'm communicating with you like this....?"

"Couldnt you... Just... wait until he falls asleep, meet with me and maybe go over into his dream?"

"Nope.... After I visited with Scoot, Dash and Gilda I was kinda forbidden to have more than one at a time... Blame Gilda for that one.... Though I still have to ask if I can do more than one.... Goddess said so...."

"...Alright.... So that's not there.... Maybe I could tell him something only you'd know?"

"....I mean... The guy pretty much knew everything about me... I mean since day one of my guard time everything I did had been documented and some shit I've done is known to just about everyone.... He knows I nearly killed myself multiple times.... He knows I went to war and just.... Hm....." He stopped flying and just stopped on a cloud that just appeared out of nowhere. He sighed. "...I'm gonna have to think on it.... Just sell it....Do what ever you can to convince him.... Guys my best friend next to Big Mac.... I might be only able to do this once today just.... Might see if I cant at least influence a little bit out there, give you little hints here and there.... You're gonna need to wake up soon but just.... look out for something.... Take in the sights and see something you wouldnt normally see..." I gave a nod.... But just opened my arms for him.... He landed next to me and hugged me.... And maybe I planted one on him before I ended up waking up.

When I woke up it was to the train whistle.... And it was still loud. I sat up stretching.... Just looked around the car. I was alone.... No cook in the kitchen area, no Princess at the table.... Not even Spike. I got up and just thought to myself on what I could try to think what Ryder would do to just make me know he's there.... I went from car to car trying to find the Princess.... As I passed through the car I felt the chill of the wind and combined with the cool morning air with clouds above? Yeah... Rain expected.... either that or snow.... Princess didnt really know but never got confirmation. When I found her she was just sitting on the bed in the rearmost car.... My cousins told me they rode this train long ago.... Slept in it a bit on the way up as well.... when Applejack was madder than a hornets nest you just threw a rock at.... I learned that the hard way with a few stings... Thankfully that's all I got but I had to go to the hospital to get treated because it hurt so bad. Spike was asleep in a bed just a few feet away from the bed she sat on. Twilight smiled as I walked up. "Sleep well General?" She asked in a hushed voice.

"...As well as I could until I woke up.... Our mutual friend contacted me again.... told him we were meeting your brother..."

"He say anything about how you can get my brother to believe us about him?" I shook my head hesitantly.

"...Nope..." I sighed sitting next to her. "...I dont have his tags, he's a bit restricted at the moment and when it comes to what your brother would know about him, everyone already does." She sighed.

"...Not gonna be easy...." She threw an arm around me. "...We're gonna have to try to convince him somehow...."

"What about the destruction we saw that day?"

"He doesnt believe it... just thinks we're crazy, says we're seeing things because someone mentioned something.... Tells me he's seen car wrecks that look like he's been there...."

"....I shouldnt speak bad about your brother but just.... How would he explain your saferoom door being destroyed the way it was?"

"Tried that.... He just said it was a probable assassination attempt with explosives.... Even told him to take guard witness accounts but he wanted nothing of it!" I sighed.

"Well he's gonna have to listen to something...."

"But he wont. He was replaced by changelings when Ryder decided to propose to Applejack and he wanted it to be a surprise.... He went on this very train with your marefriend and they didnt even know they got duped by Chrysalis and Rocky.... Rocky you'll meet soon but she's trustworthy compared to her former leader.... But from the beginning they were there and if Shining didnt get a hold of me to authorize Manehattan guards to send a bullet train to get them to the Crystal Empire as fast as possible.... When they got there they had to act fast because changelings had definitely been evident in the castle because Ryder went missing, pheromones were there and several guards were knocked out as well. When they found where the changelings were they thought it was too late.... Next thing I know I get called by my brother telling me that Gilda and Ryder were safe, jammers were taken down stopping all communication in the castle and Ryder is being iced and caged until further notice and that they had a changeling that.... Well... I'll save that for later.... But since then he's been weary of ponies coming in from outside the empire.... I didnt say anything here but Cadence told me that my brother had implanted secret love exposure sentinels in the train station. They've already caught changelings who werent expecting it but it works." The train horn went off once more. She sighed. "....You go make sure we have our bags and prepare to depart. I gotta wake Spike up and make sure he hits the toilet and gets something to eat as well."

I gave a nod and got up from the bed before just going back another car. Our bags were separated from us when we got on so it didnt feel like a weird stay in a fancy hotel... That and I guess they didnt want us to lose items if we were going from car to car. I had a suitcase full of stuff for myself, Princess had two for herself and one for Spike. I grabbed my bags making sure everything was zipped up and just strapping it to my back as I got the Princesses bag and started to bring it up a few cars. Had to go back and get the rest but it was a fast process. When the train stopped I was left there waiting with the bags, waiting for the Princess and Spike to join me.... At this point I honestly wasnt sure whether or not to wait here or if I should've gone and waited on the platform. I waited a few minutes before the doors to the train opened up to the platform. Almost immediately I was greeted by four guards and a changeling.... And this changeling? Wearing armor... She was shorter, had a green mane that hung over her eye.... though her mane... it was something I could call a mane but wasnt really a mane.... Almost mimicked my manestyle from when I was a filly. Still kinda that way now but not as annoying to deal with. She entered just stopping before me. "Well.... You must be the new General.... The one who claims to have seen an old friend...." She said. Her voice was a little raspy like she hadnt drank anything for a while. She held out her hand. "I'm Rocky.... I assume the Prince's sister told you about me?"

I huffed trying to ignore the blatant disrespect against the Princess by not calling her as her title but I guess she's just always heard Twilight being referred to as 'sister' or something. I shook her hand. "A bit..." I replied. "....Can I ask something?" She sighed.

"I once served with the old General in his war time under a different form..." Green flames suddenly enveloped her which caught me off guard. Had to block my eyes before they faded. Looked back and just saw a stallion in front of me, just a little taller than I was. Long grey mane, wrinkles here and there. "....I was to follow him, stalk his every move and upon return I was to alert the queen about the love he carried. But when the queen brought me along to go and capture him I didnt wanna go along with it.... Though like I listened to him I had to listen to the queen... Otherwise I were to be dispatched for being disobedient.... But the queen listened to me to get him calm, get him to listen... but if I hadnt shown I cared for him like he did for me... or well... the stallion who never existed.... then I wouldnt be greeting you here today...." The green flames came once more and she turned back to the changeling before my eyes. "Forgive me for that but.... Its what would've been asked.... correct?" I hesitantly gave a nod. "Good.... Now allow my protection to handle your baggage. We must find the Princess and lead her to the castle." That honestly surprised me there.... Guess my assumption was wrong.... She's so trusted I guess calling someone by their title is optional for her.... Anyhow I nodded before having the guards enter the train and strip me of all our bags. Once they had all our bags I went from standing there to following Rocky through the train.

When we found the Princess she was in the bedroom just.... holding Spike.... Just like she was holding a stuffed toy. Spike was awake yeah but... he was just hugging her looking a bit worried. Spike looked to us as the Princess just stared off into the corner of the room. "...She's scared of talking with her brother...." He said. "...She hasnt talked to him since he chewed her out after uh... you know who passed...."

I gave a sigh. "Princess.... Princess come on! Trains arrived and we're expected." I said. "Longer we stay here, more trouble your brother is gonna think you're in." I honestly would've threatened to carry her but I honestly do NOT trust myself in even touching anyone which she says is fair because he was the same way. I rested a hand on her shoulder... its almost like she was in a trance and I just broke it. "Princess.... Everything will be fine.... This visit is more about me than it is you.... sorry to sound so egotistical about it but I need to stress that."

Princess Twilight took a deep breath. "...Right right... Sorry.... I'm just...." She said just hesitating.

Rocky took her hand having her release Spike. "The Prince is scared as well." She said. "He's been scared for your sake... and from what Cadence says he's been just.... distant.... and when he does talk he's always looking at old photos... talking about old things you've done together.... Just please.... come with us.... talk with him over a drink.... maybe a meal if you want."

I sighed. "I think some sleep after a meal would be good for her... she's been up since we had to get on the train in Ponyville.... Least as far as I know...." I said. I looked to Rocky. "You wanna see about getting her out?"

"I'll do as much as I can. You just get on up to the castle. We'll bring the bags. Bring Spike with you." I gave a nod and just looked to Spike before we left the car. I only looked back once to see Rocky hugging the Princess.

Spike and I left the train and we just... Well we just walked but I couldnt help but just act like my dad just took me into a candy store and told me I could get something. My favorites are the rock candy and those gummy worms that are like multicolored. Just the ponies walking around, not a car in sight, and EVERYTHING made of some crystaline wood material and it was BEAUTIFUL. When we got to the castle which was a prominent center sitting monument we were greeted by Princess Cadence. She was wearing a royal gown, pink, purple and yellow matching her mane which was put up in a ponytail like Applebloom likes to do every so often. Both Spike and I bowed in respect to her. She gave a little laugh. "Well hello you two! Welcome!" She said. "I trust the train ride was alright?"

I gave a nod. "Yes ma'am." I said. "Princess, my name is Babs Seed, I'm the newly appointed General for Princess Celestia and I'm currently accompanying Princess Twilight with the trip." Her face lit up like it was a Hearths Warming tree.

"Twilight's here?! Where is she?!"

Spike cleared his throat. "She got a bit scared getting off the train because of her brother.... Rocky's back there trying to get her out...." He said a bit nervously. Her face went from happy to worried.

"Oh the poor thing! You two just head on up, ask guards to point you towards Shining! I gotta go make sure she's alright!" She quickly flew up and over us. I looked to Spike.

"She really loves Twilight like she was her actual sister. I mean... She watched Twilight a lot growing up so they have a special bond."

"Makes sense... Lets just find the Prince so I can introduce myself." He gave a nod and just started leading me to the door.

We walked in and just.... The castle looked a lot bigger than it was inside. Climbed some stairs and just walked with Spike having my badge out just in case someone questioned me. Nobody batted an eye. But seriously when it came to these guards here? Silver armor with little crystal gems on the chest plate. Awesome stuff. Spike stopped to ask where Shining was and the guard just took us right to him. He was sitting in a den area... bar in the corner where he was at with a soda in hand, TV on with a movie going and an arcade corner as well as a lounge couch taking up one half of the room. Hell with the lounge couch there were consoles that I hadnt even seen since I was a filly! Shining himself had a silvery mane with some blue in there, beard as well. His mane was a bit longer than mine and he was wearing a tank top and pajama bottoms. Shining looked over at us. Spike happily waved while I just kinda.... clammed up a bit... Shining sighed giving a smile. "Spike!" He said getting up. "Good to see you dude! How's things? Bring a friend with you? I dont mind just uh.... Rather you ask than surprise me like this...." Spike gave a chuckle as I stepped forward.

"Spike and I are friends but uh... I'm the new General Celestia appointed sir. General Babs Seed. Your sister gave you my number?" He thought for just a moment... almost wistfully as if he were remembering Ryder for a moment just by me calling myself General.

"Oooh right! Right right right! Its you! Sorry if I didnt recognize you there Babs. Just havent been myself lately." He motioned to us to follow him. "Get you guys anything? Drink? Some food maybe?"

"Drink for now I guess... Still waiting on the Princess to join us."

"Guessing Celestia or Luna here with you?"

I stayed silent.... didnt know if it was good to say anything but spike gave a sigh. "Not really Shining.... Twilight's here with us..." He said. "She's wanting to come along just for Babs here... That's pretty much it. You wanted to meet Babs, Babs wanted to stay up here for a few days, maybe learn some things from you or something." I just watched as he sat down and reached over the bar getting a few cans of soda ready for us.

"...Twily.... I just.... I hope she's alright.... I'm just... still in shock that she took the pill..." He looked to me as Spike took my hand and brought me closer. "...You know what the pill is right?" I sat down and shook my head. "Well.... just think of injuries you could get.... Broken bones, lacerations, dislocations and such.... All gone.... One miracle cure for anything... Yet in doing so it extends your life a fair bit.... Twily told me she wouldnt take it.... but once.... He.... passed.... She got scared.... weak.... took the pill and when I had heard.... I just lost it..... I know it would've been far off for her going the way I will but.... its like she would've been here until everything ceased to exist around her.... I yelled at her.... Made her cry... my mother and father.... our... mother and father.... they told me I was too hard on her... that everyone is scared of their own mortality... Him? He was but... He just gave death the finger every time until death had enough...."

I sighed as I sat down next to him taking my soda. Cold cola. I cracked it opened and sipped. The bubbles felt good on my tongue. "...You know he was the inspiration I had into becoming a guard.... Built me up to be strong not only for myself but for others..." I said. "...Do I know how dangerous it is? Yeah.... I've already had a gun to the back of my head from someone who didnt respect the title. You heard about that?"

"Report read as such. Alleged changeling disguised as my best friend gained entrance to the castle, castle guards oblivious to it all as well as everyone around him believing it was him... Destruction was reported, multiple injuries, nobody seriously hurt, one guard detained and fired. Luna told me that you were near him.... right?" I nodded. "Tell me about him..."

"Well first off.... He wasnt a changeling... believe me or not when I say a changeling couldnt do the shit he did.... nor perform like he did..."

"...Ah... so you got a really good look at him...." I nodded blushing.... Just the thought of his 'performance' that night... How he felt just got me wanting to find a nice quiet spot to handle business.

"I mean... he was scared... he just found himself outside of where he shouldnt have been... where he couldnt have been.... I had to do something to distract him from his situation until your sister could come back from what she was doing..."

"Always did freak out.... Especially when its something out of his control.... Hell I remember before Ryder went off to war he and Celestia were having a slight prank war to basically get him in a good mood... she went too far, made him freak out and Cadence and I had to coax him out of the room, make sure he got some sleep and even have Luna dig around in his mind to basically wipe that from his memory. I took him out for drinks, dinner.... next thing you know he's stable enough and I get the call he's gotten the call to war.... Thought it was a joke until Celestia told me it was true... Distracted myself until I ended up getting all forgetful until I saw Scootaloo with Celestia one day...."

Spike coughed a little drinking his soda. "C-Can we please stop talking about him? Please!" He snapped slamming his can down. Both Shining and I looked at him scared. I saw the pain in his eyes though... I just set my can down and hesitantly got up... I went around to Spikes side. Shining sighed.

"...Yeah... Yeah we can stop.... Sorry Spike.... its just... been so hard without him..." The Prince sipped his soda while I hesitantly rested my hand on Spike's shoulder. He just let it happen as he sipped his soda.... Guess he still needs time to just get used to his friends death... even though he died a while ago....

I sighed. "...Shi- Pr-.... Sir... could you.... maybe go and wait for your sister? Make sure she's alright?" I asked. He chugged the rest of his drink and nodded before teleporting out of the room leaving me and Spike alone. I just sat next to him. "....Spike.... You need to talk dude? You're not normally this short with anyone... Even when we do talk about him...."

Spike drank his drink.... Just stared down at the bartop like he was drinking his sorrows away. "...I just... I cant help but just... think of him... what we could be doing together..." He said. "....Last thing we did together was go digging for gems.... Mostly was for Rarity but.... When I got greedy he snapped at me, made sure I didnt go and start taking everything for myself... I got a bit mad at him, hit him... he hit back and just... neither of us spoke with each other after that.... the day I was gonna apologize for getting like that... hitting him.... He was already gone.... I guess I'm more angry with myself than anything... and hearing his name? It just.... It makes me mad.... that I couldnt apologize... that I cant ever apologize..... I was an asshole and that's basically what he left this world thinking of me...." I saw tears well up in his eyes... I just took his drink from him and hugged him.... He had no issue latching onto me.... I sighed.

"...Spike.... I know how you feel.... He might've saved my life but... he never got to know how I felt for him after.... I guess you heard about the day Twilight had to send the Ryder we saw back?" He nodded in my shoulder. "....He didnt know you feel this way... I admitted to him how I felt and... things just went on.... But after that I started having dreams... dreams that involved him.... Told me how I was a good fit to be the new General.... To at least carry on his legacy..."

".....I just.... I wanna.... I just wanna say I'm sorry to him...." I sighed as he sobbed into my shoulder.

"....Maybe after the Princess gets here we go out.... try to find something to do.... To honor him maybe.... show him you're sorry.... Anything you wanna do is fine.... On me.... Could even ask the Prince if there's a spot we could go Gem hunting.... Maybe something to give to Rarity, have her make something for him and we could lay it at his grave.... Would you like that?" He gave a nod. "...Alright.... just breathe dude.... breathe nice and deep dude...." He did breathe albeit shakily. I hugged him for a few minutes before he was calm enough to drink his soda again. After he was done I herded him to the couch and sat him down on it before going out into the hall to see where the Princess was. And lucky me she was rushing down the hall with Cadence and Shining behind her.

I quickly stepped out of the way giving her enough room to head into the den. I went back in just to have Princess Cadence and Shining Armor stop behind me. I just saw Twilight sit on the couch hugging her uh.... I'm... not sure what Spike is to her to be honest.... Assistant I guess? Anyways she hugged Spike. "...Oh Spike.... I gotcha...." She said.

Shining stepped forward. "That's.... Kinda my fault Twily...." He said. "Started talking about you-know-who and just.... Got to reminiscing and Spike just.... yeah...."

I gave a sigh. "...Guess I'm fuel for that as well..." I said all guilty.... I mean I pretty much was...

Princess Twilight looked at us. "You kinda should know better Babs... Shining didnt really know...." She said.

"My apologies Princess.... But... May I talk with you and Princess Cadence....? Please?" Princess Cadence and Twilight looked to me.

"Everything alright?" I just stayed quiet as Shining went over to Spike just leaning on the arm of the couch. I just slowly turned around and walked out. Walked down the hall a ways before stopping and leaning against the wall. Twilight and Cadence walked out together just kinda looking to each other... Cadence gave a shrug. They walked up to me looking worried. "Babs if this is about making Spike feel bad its not your fault... Shining took full responsibility for it." I sighed.

"Its not that.... Just.... I just wanna ask something.... First from you Princess Twilight and then something from Princess Cadence."

Cadence gave a huff. "You know General... Babs was it?" She asked. I nodded. "Well... You know Babs now that you're General you are given the option of not calling us by our titles in private. I know he had that option before and we might as well pass that on to you. Might make it a bit easier to address us." I gave a little bit of a smile.

"Thank you Princess.... I just asked both of you to come out here because... Well... I found out from Spike that he's kinda beating himself up over something that happened before Ryder passed... told me he went digging with Spike, Spike got a little greedy and Ryder snapped at him yet Spike snapped back and didnt speak with him for a while.... basically was gonna go and apologize the day Ryder passed and just feels bad he never got a chance to do so.... So I suggested we do something to remember our friend... do stuff he would do... and maybe later we take Spike digging for gems if there's a place out there where that's possible and not vandalizing homes and such.... Maybe have Shining make a list since he was one of Ryder's best friends? Do things that he'd do with him that we all could do?"

Cadence and Twilight looked to each other. Cadence looked back at me. "That sounds like a WONDERFUL idea!" She said. "I actually know of a place to get gems for when Spike visits and he's deserving of it. I can bring Rocky along so she can at least pay her respects."

"I dont see why not." I replied. "She told me how they met and what he did for her.... Does.... everyone know she's a changeling?"

"Yeah and she's trusted considering she's our new Captain of the guard so technically you answer to her. But as for now you have been relieved of duty for your stay. Twilight and I thought it would be a good idea to not think of this stay as work but a little vacation and family time. And we wont mind including you in on any fun and to get to know you better. I already know you're the little filly that he had saved all those years ago but.... I still wish to know more about you so just in case you're out here we dont do anything that makes you uncomfortable. We knew how Ryder worked.... Lot of anxiety in that one but for fair reason.... But enough talk about him for now. Would you care for a drink? Maybe something to eat?"

"I mean... I could eat.... didnt get anything on the train over here."

"Say no more. Its about breakfast time here so I think its safe to say everyone here should eat if they havent already."

I gave a bit of a smile. Skipped things here beause it was boring... Just ate, Shining and Cadence talked about things Ryder would do... Lots of gaming and fucking.... But a few things Ryder would do.... especially for his friends... us... Spike wanted to shop for some games, specifically for the Alley Brawlers Ryder was in, Shining wanted to just go for a drink but we'll do that later after we go digging for Gems with Spike, Twilight wanted to shop for some music stuff because.... I mean the guy loved his Gems n Tulips and Metallicolt. Cadence is gonna buy something for Applejack and me? ....I guess a few things.... Maybe get something for Gilda that basically says he's always in your heart or some sappy bullshit like that.... But.... The other thing? I just wanna get a toy made of him.... And yeah that's asking for something HUGE.... But... Cadence said Rocky would be available to do that because like me she's seen him REAL well.... Hard for her to forget the details. Anyhow we were all walking outside.... Ponies just stared in awe at the two Princesses, the Prince and about five guards not including me or Rocky. Spike and Shining were talking, Cadence and Twilight were talking but Rocky and I were just staying silent.... I just took in the scenery. Rocky sighed. "....I hear from Princess Twilight that you've seen him.... Correct?" She asked.

I nodded just checking out a cafe menu board. 'Coffee and Crepes, 5 bits!' "Yeah... but it was a situation even I wouldnt wanna be thrown into." I said. "...The Ryder I saw? He was younger.... Maybe about as old as he was when he saved me give or take a few years... my cousins told me they attacked him but when he said something only they'd know they felt bad and when it came to me...? I swear I just was so glad to see him... but to know he was nearly stuck here? I was kinda feeling bad for him... he had known of his death, scared he wasnt gonna make it back... but if he didnt.... what would've become of us? Would our fabric of space and time just cease to exist?"

"You watch too many time travel movies... But... I cant help but know he was here... Shame I couldnt salute him one last time... Shame I couldnt be around to save him the way he saved me."

"...He saved himself... Yet I nearly died when he did.... All I remember from that day is the panic of running through the halls, dodging guards left and right until I stumbled when Ryder was running out to the helipad..... One of the guards grabbed me and held a gun to my head.... Told me to not move... not run, no screaming.... Almost like I was gonna be kidnapped...." I started tearing up. "....He was using me... as... as bait to arrest him... But then.... I guess in a crazy way I had to arrest him... save him and myself... but when I did... I just... I thought I wasnt gonna be any good... that I was gonna see him either locked away or executed right then and there...." A sob escaped as tears rolled down my cheek. Rocky quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a hug. I had no problem on latching onto her.... Her chitin felt weird.... but... it was comforting.

"Princesses! Hold!" She called out.

Twilight and Cadence looked back at us and gasped. Twilight hurried to our side and joined in on the hug. "Babs? Babs are you good?" She asked a bit panicked. "Oh no she's freaking out!" She looked to Cadence who was already charging her magic. Twilight quickly backed away and both Rocky and I were shrouded in pink magic with little heart embers.... basically what I could describe it as.... I immediately calmed down... didnt feel like I wanted to cry but I didnt feel happy either.

Cadence sighed. "There.... Crisis averted..." She said just as Rocky released me with a bit of a smile on her face. "Definitely a fitting replacement for him.... Take a few deep breaths.... We can stop for a bit if you want...." Twilight looked to Cadence.

"We'll stop.... You, Shining and Spike go on ahead and we'll catch up." Cadence gave a nod before hurrying off with a few of the guards. Twilight and Rocky took my hands and just led me over to a table outside the cafe and sat me down. Twilight sat with me while Rocky just stroked my hand. "What happened? Something tells me you were remembering something and Rocky caught you before you had a bit of a mental breakdown... right?" I hesitantly nodded wiping my eyes. "...Thought so... he did the same thing before...."

Rocky sighed. "No offense here Princess when I ask do all your Generals do this?" She said.

"Nope... Only the two most recent.... Mind enlightening me what she was talking about?"

"Well... When she met with the old General... I trust you already know the full story?" Twilight nodded just resting a hand on my shoulder.

"Yes.... I saw it towards the end.... The field day I had stripping that guard of his job and arresting him gave me some sort of settling with that... He is remaining in maximum security without being sent to Tartarus... But Babs... I just felt so bad for her... being in that situation.... Something Ryder would've done and I wouldnt doubt has done a few times just to save himself and family.... Probably has without my knowledge but.... I just..." She huffed. "....I guess both you and are magnets for trouble... Yet you've got more of a mind on you than he does.... Though I cant help but miss that negative IQ stallion.... Might not've been the smartest but he was great...."

"Would you like a drink Princess? Something to steady your nerves?"

"Nothing for me... The General maybe. I say something fruity... always see her drinking some juice around the castle." Rocky nodded before looking to a guard at our side just keeping watch out.

"You there! Go into this shop and get the Equestrian General a smoothie or a juice drink!" The guard nodded and saluted before heading into the cafe. I sat there just breathing... just to try to keep myself calm. As I sat there a breeze had a napkin hit me in the face. I took it off my face and just looked at it making sure it wasnt used... still was kinda disgusted by it but it had the logo of an 'R' on it. Rocky sighed taking it from me. "I swear some ponies just cant keep the streets free of garbage... have to ruin the empire that way..."

You know... if that wasnt a sign I wouldnt know what was. I waited there until the guard came out with a drink. Strawberry Banana smoothie... fucking DELICIOUS! After a few sips I insisted we catch up to Spike and the Royal Couple. We ended up finding them just inside a local game shop that really isnt seen in Equestria unless you know where to look for it. Inside was just.... games from old stuff, consoles looking restored to brand new condition, games from new stuff and even what looked to be some concept art from games hanging on the wall for sale. Dont think my dad wouldnt mind me getting a Bass Villain character sheet for Scoot. She just loves that game. Anyhow I went and wandered looking at the collection of board games.... I actually used to love playing board games. Especially with Ryder... I swear the look on his face when I rolled a twelve on the game where you just have to upgrade hotels in each lot? Oh he was about to lose it because I landed right between his highest paid places and ended up winning because it was always the draw spot and four times out of ten he manages to pick up a card that makes him LOSE money. He bet me fifty bits one time.... I walked away with my own money to buy myself a new game that Dad wouldnt buy for me. Anyways Spike was just looking all over the game section while the Prince was just checking out comic books. Twilight and Cadence went over to another shop across the way with the guards. Now the worst part about this store? It was just a starter store so there werent fancy display cases, no register and no security cams. Shining and I were near the door while Spike was on the other side of the store around the register. We were all just doing our own thing.... Well... Until one guy burst into the store with a gun. "YOU TWO DONT FUCKING MOVE!" He yelled. Shining and I just looked back as he aimed the gun at the store clerk keeping Spike within easy range incase he charged. I motioned to just stay still and lucky Spike knows hand signals. The guy robbing the place was a pegasus.... And a noob robber at that.... No mask, no gloves just.... All awful.... didnt even check if there was anyone else besides the cashier and Spike... Shining and I crept closer from different sides. Lucky me I still had my drink. I motioned to Spike to be ready to tackle the cashier and then to Shining to distract.... Shining whistled getting the robbers attention and just as he did that Spike rushed the cashier while I blindsided the guy with what was left of my drink and quickly wrestling the gun away from him as Shining took him down pinning him with his knee.

Shining huffed. "Hostile down, disarmed." He said almost like he was talking to other guards that werent me. He looked to Spike. "Spike! Get over to the guards with the Princesses, tell them we have a situation over here!" I dropped the clip and cleared the chamber of the gun. Full clip, 9mm, Semi auto.... Gun could've been automatic if given a longer clip and the right attachments.

I set the gun down just as Spike ran out. I replaced Shining to hold the guy just as the clerk sighed with relief. "Perfect timing for the guard... any longer and who knows how that could've went." He said.

I looked up at him just holding the guy down. "Sorry about the floor with the drink... Kind of a waste if you ask me... just like this fucker here... waste of space." I said. The clerk huffed.

"Nothing I cant get cleaned up. Better than blood...."

Shining huffed. "Yeah.... I can definitely tell you that its not easy to clean up... Gotta use special chemicals and- you dont really wanna hear it." He said. "You alright? Nothing that needs to be attended to?"

"Uh... No no... I will get to cleaning once he's out of here... Just uh... Just so you know for you guys and your little friend who ran to get guards get anything you want at a discount for the save! Even for royalty, and apologies Prince... still need to make a living." Shining gave a smile.

"No worries there. I was gonna pay for everything here. Not even like that. But maybe while I have you.... Got anything related to Alley Brawlers with the Equestrian General in it? Game or some marketing stuff?"

"Actually yeah I do. Nobody's wanted them for a bit so I had to keep em in the back to make room for more stuff. Once he's out you're welcome to come back with me." We both nodded and waited for the guards to just come clean up, take the report and what not. The guy basically gave me some paper towels to clean up some of my drink from the floor a bit before they took him away.

After we were done with that guy the clerk locked the door, mainly to clean but it just left me and Shining in there. Guess Spike was so freaked out he stayed with Twilight... Either that or Twilight made him stay next to her after telling the guards. Both answers I was accepting.... But the clerk took us to the back and we started looking around. Just saw a lot of stuff that hadnt hit shelves yet, piles of boxes and garbage and even some weird anime body pillow covers being hung up on a rack. I sighed as we looked around. "Any idea where it is?" I asked.

"Its around here somewhere... Where? Its just.... here?" Yeah... that doesnt sound promising at all.

Shining huffed. "After we're done here I think I'll send some guards down here to help you clean this place...." He said.

"After that guy I might close up for the day... get things all cleaned up and take the rest of the day for myself.... Not every day you stare down the barrel of a gun wondering if you'll see tomorrow..." He looked to Shining. "Why are you trying to find stuff relating to that Equestrian General anyways?"

I sighed. "He was a friend of ours.... The Prince and the dragon were closer friends to him than I was and he saved my life at one point." I said.

"Ah... So more personal reasons for this.... Fair there..." He started going through a box with a lot of mixed material in it. "Reminds me of a time where I lost my brother.... he always wanted a good collection of games and stuff like this. Guess I do this to just.... make sure he's happy where he is.... seeing me living on his dream...."

Shining started looking at the wall, seeing if he couldnt see any boxes that were marked. "He was the same way...." He replied. "Any time we'd get together whether it be here, his own place or my sisters castle just to play games. He was a major fan of the Nukes Galore series as well as the Alley Brawlers series. Got his own character in one, then a terminal entry in another.... I still couldnt believe I was the one to have to type that out like he would..."

I started to tune them out to keep my emotions in check.... Felt something coming on. Just took a deep breath as I came looking around a table with leftover lunch on it.... It was something from the place with the R on the napkin....One of the napkins was just on the table, crumpled but.... in a way that looked just... TOO SPECIFIC. One half was crumpled but there was a corner just pointing to a corner. I slowly wandered that way and just looked at everything here. Saw games, movies, posters and such.... But a little thing creeping out from behind a box... The box was marked 'unsellable'. I looked into the box and saw copies upon copies of games. Games like Morning Catz, early Nukes Galore stuff and just the game we were looking for. Alley Brawlers 5 Definitive Edition Ultra Deluxe.... Yeah... I dont know what they were doing with the naming either... like some idiot said it in a board room and just said 'YEAH THATS IT!' But anyhow... behind the box? Martketing material... Specifically a few posters advertising the DLC and a cutout of Ryder! I looked back to the Prince and the clerk. "Found it!" I called out. Shining teleported over to me while the clerk just ran over.

"Awesome! Spike's gonna be so excited!" He looked to me. "Good eye Babs! How'd you know to look here?" I sighed as the clerk grabbed the game and then the advertisements including the cut out. I just smiled.

"Had a feeling... Lets just get this and make sure Spike's okay... Might need to rush the Princess back to the castle if they havent started going back already..." He gave a nod and we paid for the drink... Maybe I picked up a few games and a console for myself before we headed back to the castle. Surprising we were right... or at least I was.... Princesses headed back to the castle, Spike included.

When we got back both Shining and I were brought in front of Cadence and Twilight.... And honestly Twilight didnt look at all happy. She wasnt mad just.... scared looking. "Babs thank you for your service out there today." Cadence said. "Does remind me of our friend.... There at the right time without even meaning to be...."

"Just doing my duty ma'am." I replied.

Twilight sighed. "....You sound like he did...." She said. "He'd get himself into a situation, get out of it and next thing I know he's either injured due to his own stupidity, someone else is injured because they did something to piss him off and he broke his arms...."

"Are you alright Princess? How's Spike?" She just looked away.... as if seeing someone off to the side....

"Spike's fine.... Told me it was like... when you saved him... it was like he did... But me...? I just...." She stayed silent.

Shining sighed. ".....I take it he was the first one you thought of.... the one you wanted to yell at...." He said. "....Am I wrong?" She just.... stayed quiet.... I knew tears were coming. I just nudged Shining forward... He knew as well... Just hugged his sister. She latched onto him..... Then came the water works. Not only from Twilight but from Shining as well.... "...There we go... its okay Twily..... Its okay... big brothers here.... I gotcha...."

"....Shining... Oh Shining.... I.... I'm sorry..... I'm so sorry......."

Cadence looked to me. "...They havent hugged like this for a while.... Its..... Honestly amazing to see them together like nothing ever happened between them...." She said. "...Why dont you go find Spike? Last I checked he was gaming in Shining's den."

I gave a nod just giving a bit of a smile to the siblings. Pained but heartfelt. I looked back to Cadence. "Drinks are on me later if we're still up for that. Let me know where and when." I said. Cadence nodded before I started walking away.

I walked all the way to the den... with pointers because foreign land.... Actually wondered how far north the Yaks are from here.... And what I'd need to make that trek. Anyhow when I got to the den I just saw Spike sitting there but.... I felt something... something a bit more. Like... Someone else was there... and it wasnt just Ryder's cut out standing by the bar. Went over to the couch but.... had to go sit on the other side. Sat down and just watched Spike play his game. "....Guess you know he's kinda here too... right?" Spike asked without even breaking his gaze from the screen. Prison level, Ryder and The Orange Hurricane fighting.

"....Yeah.... and something tells me he's chilling with us... watching you play...." I sighed. "....You alright Spike? Didnt expect you to be so calm with what just happened."

"...I've been through worse." He replied. "I've had to go and face down Discord, Sombra, even Nightmare Moon.... Heck even Tirek was scary." I actually remember my encounter with Tirek.... Went throughout Equestria taking all the magic he could.... he even got me and my dad... mom too.... Wasnt until the magic returned we knew what happened.

"...That was kind of a first for me having to save someone like that.... Wouldnt be the first time I'd be around chaos but... just never gets easier for me."

"Might not ever will Babs... I seem calm right now but I wont doubt that later I'll be trying to sleep but freaking out because I had a nightmare or something..." I sighed.

"Been there.... Hell after I became the General I went to Canterlot, freaked out during a nightmare and ended up pissing the bed.... Not the way I wanted to welcome in becoming the new General but... Cant get everything I ask for...."

"If I remember right Ryder ended up pissing himself around the time he became General as well so.... I guess its an inherited tradition?" WE both kinda chuckled at that. I sighed.

"...You know Spike.... I'm not sure if I'm just saying this or if its from him but.... I wanna say Ryder forgives you.... that he regrets not being able to apologize for what he did.... definitely feels sorry for not doing anything before he passed to get your apology...."

"Guess you got that feeling too.... I actually feel at peace with that... Could accept it like that.... And what you and Shining got me? Feels like a gift from him.... like he wanted me to have this stuff. Sure I have you guys to thank for this stuff... but it feels like something he'd give me...." I looked over towards the empty spot on the couch.... past that was Ryder's cutout in full view. Then back to the TV.

"The Prince have another controller? I kinda want a few rounds with this game!" He gave a nod and went to grab another controller. We just played for a good while.... and I mean a good while. The only thing that basically stopped us was Shining and Twilight coming in with Cadence and Shining wanting a turn.... Who knew there was a detail in the game where he commented on himself being a changeling.... Like no joke. Basically says 'Hey handsome.... Here to talk or fight' the other replies 'Talking sounds good but I did hear there was a changeling pretending to be me.... Seems like I found him.' and then the original says 'Well fuck, and here I thought I was gonna share a beer with myself.' Kinda like that because well... he has had runins with changelings before and Rocky could attest to that.

Anyhow we went to the bar later. Cadence actually requested for us to be the only patrons. Just me, Cadence, Twilight, Shining, Spike and Rocky. Even though along the way there were some assholes that Rocky had to put in their place and holy fuck I thought one of em would've up and pissed themselves right then and there but Shining just stood there, watched as I did. Cadence let em off with a warning but told em next time they talked like that to the captain of the guard, boy-howdy would there be some trouble.... I'm talking like my cousins now.... fuck.... But anyhow we were at the bar and along the way we had to try to remember what Ryder's favorite drinks were other than Senor Salt. We settled on a shot of whiskey for everyone.... even ordered an extra to just give him something, to show he's always with us when he isnt... Though when everyone was ready to leave I just couldnt help but stay there... drinking another drink with the shot still next to me.... The only ones who didnt leave were Rocky and Shining. Shining sat right next to me, Rocky next to him. He looked to the Bartender who was just trying to figure out what to replace soon. "Another whiskey shot for me, water for the Captain... Maybe a soda if she wants." He said. The bartender nodded before Shining looked to me. "So... You good?" I sighed.

"Yeah... Just.... I guess I just dont wanna leave yet.... Mostly because I just feel like this remembering of Ryder.... Its just making me miss him...." Shining sighed.

"...Yeah... I feel that...." He replied. "...You know... after that takedown today.... Actually reminded me of him.... How he'd distract an idiot with something before taking them down...." The bartender set a few glasses down on the counter for Shining and Rocky to enjoy. Shining grabbed his shot and quickly downed it like it wasnt even there. He set the glass down and gave a hefty sigh. "Ohhh.... that burned.... Dont drink that too often.... Fuck...." He gave a quick shake of his head before looking back to me. "But yeah.... That was something he'd do... Guess it was just to embarrass them before taking them out.... Very few times they'd piss him off so bad he'd kill em.... But they'd've had to do something so bad to have him do that..."

"....And with the stuff I saw the day he returned... I wouldnt doubt he'd be doing anything he could to get home...."

"...Wanna tell me what you did see from him...? I mean... Other than the whole nine yards?" I sipped my drink. Tasted sweet but burned the way down.

"Well... If you know how he works in uncertain situations he starts to freak out.... wonders if he's gonna get into the castle without being detected or questioned by guards.... Scootaloo tipped me off from that and I had to pull off so he could get out and breathe.... Scoot got him a drink and we ended up going to Rarity's... and from what Applejack, Scootaloo and Rarity said is that they were told things only he'd know... If that didnt basically say he was who he was when the lockdown happened he had me running through the halls after knocking out a guard to make sure he didnt hurt him or anyone else.... Guess it was mostly to make sure his daughter was okay... But we had gotten to uh... Sector Theta where the nest is?"

"Close.... Sector Delta. Theta is the kitchen area. I'll give you points though for secrecy."

"Thanks... But... When we got to Delta he didnt even bother doing any code breaking.... just physical breaking.... moving things by himself that even I couldnt move myself.... Just... destroyed the door like it was a crumbling cookie.... hell during the escape he just... had this sledge hammer that just.... didnt even have anywhere to hide on him.... With what he was packing he couldnt have hidden that in his pants."

"Sledgehammer? Last I checked my sister doesnt have a sledgehammer in her room...." I just looked over to the shot left untouched.... like I was just waiting for him to pick it up, down it and tell me what to do next. "Huh? Uh... Babs you got a napkin on your back looks like.... That's like the second one you've had on you today...." The napkin. I glanced back at Shining.

"Uh... Dont take it off me... Just tell me where it is and I'll get it off..." He poked at my back just between my shoulders. Felt weird but hesitantly I reached back and grabbed the napkin.... Though I felt something more solid in my hand before hearing a few gasps.

"Uh.... Dont do anything just yet... I need to uh.... Here... Just try to keep your arm like that and stand up... I'll back you away for a sec...." I gave a nod and slowly got up trying to keep my arm where it was. He pulled me back a few feet. "Now just... bring your arm slowly over your head and try to keep what you got down until it gets in front of you...." I did as he said.... Whatever I had felt weighted on the other end.... Heavy like a weight but slender as a grip to a bat. When I brought it around and it came into view I had to hold it up in my hand. A.... Sledgehammer... the exact one he held. Rocky and the bartender were both looking at me surprised. "....So.... You really did see him.... Didnt you?" I nodded just admiring the grip.... Looked old and worn but felt tough still... The hammer part was larger on one end, glowing almost with red as if it were on fire and the smaller end looked somewhat sharpened like you could drive it into the ground and have it stick if you did it right. "...That actually used to be his.... Used to because... well.... yours now... and I guess it was either him bestowing it upon you to have you carry on his legacy as General.... or Heavens Light passed it on since he cant use it any more...."

"How do you know that?" I watched as he crossed his arms grabbing at his waist before pulling two daggers flipping them around so the points went straight down. Both worn, looking as if they were made of the crystals that make up the land around us.

"I too have weapons like that.... Just appearing out of nowhere. Big Mac and Soarin have theirs as well..." He put the daggers to his side and they just disappeared. I put the hammer back on my back being careful as to not break anything. Sure enough that thing disappears out of my hand and I just have a napkin stuck there... with the same monogrammed R on it. He gave a smile resting a hand on my shoulder. "There.... You're learning.... actually a good pick for a General if he thinks you should have that stuff.... Why dont we finish our drinks and get back to the castle?" I gave a nod as he walked me back to my seat. He looked to Rocky. "Pay the barkeep.... Least uh.... 200 for the drinks and to keep quiet about what he saw here tonight?" Rocky gave a nod sipping her drink. Didnt hesitate on putting the drink down, whipping out a bit bag and paying. While we drank I just sat there with Shining on one side of me, Rocky on the other side of him and then the other side of me? Ryder.... He might not have been there physically but I felt like he could've been there.... Even felt like he was resting a wing on my back like he was proud of me for getting his friend to believe me about him. Honestly couldnt have done that any better.... But yeah... after that we went back to the castle, I had to get some sleep, share a room with Spike to make sure he slept alright but uh... that didnt stop me from using some padding as a toilet during the night.... Only had to because Cadence insisted on it after drinks.... even if I did use the can. Not saying if that was the right call or not but.... you could probably guess. For right now we just relax and just... enjoy time away from home.