Family and Friends

Chapters

Time Will Tell
Headed Out (Part 1)
Headed Out (Part 2)
Gallus Greivances
Manehattan Fashion
Bird In The Air: Canterlot (Part 1)
Bird In The Air: Cloudsdale (Part 2)
Bird In The Air: Ponyville (Part 3)
MIA (Shining's POV)
Everfree to be Themselves (Ryder's POV)
Flying High
Mythic and Legend
Shade of Crimson
The Break
The Day The Music Nearly Died (Pt. 1)
The Day The Music Nearly Died (Pt. 2)

Time Will Tell

It's been about three days since my foal- Apple Mash was born. She's a cute little filly who I'm just.... I'm still just surprised that she's mine.... Bright Mac and Pear Butter have been helping Applejack with things while I was helping out Twilight with things that came up... With Gallus especially. He's been tasked with getting things here and there to clean and what not but he gets to cleaning but when unsuprevised for maybe ten minutes he's always found in the entertainment room watching TV or playing video games.... So we basically had to move the game consoles into Spike's room and to implement curfew and rules about what should and shouldnt do with this in here and- do you even care? No. No you dont. But yeah... Spike will get in trouble if he lets Gallus play before his chores are done, Gallus is in trouble if he slacks off from work without a good reason to be doing so or if he isnt finished but to even verify he's not faking injury or sickness he will be taken to the infirmary and examined.... Also the day of the foals birth? May 7th. Twilight made sure i burned that into my brain several different ways because she knows I forget a LOT of birthdays.... hers included.... I dont have Pinkie's mindset to where she can remember EVERYONE's birthday in town or outside of town that are friends. But yeah... Today I was woken up EXTRA early.... Not by the foal, not by Gallus, not even the girls, Mac or even Spike... Nope... Another guard. I sat up in bed after being startled by the knock... Lucky I was wearing pajamas because the last few nights I've been in almost the bare minimum.... The door opened as I flipped the light on. The guard came in and saluted. "Apologies for the rude awakening sir but Princess Twilight wants you." They said.

I grabbed my phone and checked the time. Four thirty in the fucking morning... at least two hours before my alarm. I looked back at the guard. "Is it important?" I asked stretching.

"Yes sir. Said she needs you on your feet and in her study immediately. Also told me to provide you with something to wake you up." I huffed.

"...Give it to me and leave me to get dressed.... This is gonna take a while me thinks..." They gave a nod and handed over a can of my energy drinks... These damn things will kill me but hopefully I wont need them every day... and I wont drink them every day... naps if possible. I took it and set it on my nightstand and went for my clothes. Grabbed some blue jeans, a white teeshirt and my Celestian military 'vest' .... Service shirt I've had since I got back from the war and that Celestia had replaced. Made sure I even had my wallet because I didnt know what I was getting myself into.... Didnt know if we were leaving for something or what not. Even grabbed some running shoes. Went from my room with the drink in hand to her study... Drank it along the way... Twilight doesnt like drinks or any food in her library or her study... Library because she had a meal delivered while she was placing all the books back and she accidentally knocked her drink over onto a book.... a Daring Do book.... She wasnt too happy. Lucky her she's got connections to get a replacement. I knocked on the door to her study and stepped back a bit as I sipped the luke warm fizzy drink. The door opened and Twilight poked her head out. She looked a bit tired but more awake than I was. "...You called Princess?"

Twilight opened up the door more. She was still even in her pajamas but her mane was straightened and brushed... mine.... not even.... I could straighten it a bit if I ran my hand through it but it wouldnt do me any justice. She sighed. "I am SO sorry I had to wake you up like that." She said. "Now I know I said no more spells that have to do with transporting you somewhere in time or other dimensions or what have you but I just wanna do this just once more!"

"....If I wasnt drinking this I would've just turned around and went back to bed... Why in the hell do you wanna do this again?"

"Look... I got curious about something.... I've been thinking about the other spells that dealt with time.... I've changed your age and sent you forward in time... this will be the LAST ONE. I swear. I understand these last few weeks were everywhere ranging from getting your parents back to help you build the house, to nearly getting thrown into tartarus and even having your foal come but you're already getting a paid vacation from Celestia and Luna. I dont know what else I can offer other than more time off, free meals or even something for your family." I sipped the drink.

"...I'll do this but next you hear of a concert or band I like, let me know, I'll say whether or not I wanna go and then you get the tickets if I do. Deal?" She gave a nod. "Good. Now... What were you curious about? Making me a foal again but send me into the past to grow up once more? Send me back in time to snag something for you or to subtly remind you of something you know you're gonna forget sooner or later?"

"Nothing like that. Sending you back in time yes but with the added trouble there? No. No thank you. And I dont want anything from the past because of your stupid time travel movies I'm starting to be afraid if you took something and ended up ripping a hole in the space time continuum or something!" I huffed.

"...True... True.... And I really dont wanna break my trust with Celestia's mother if I revealed something that wasnt meant to be learned this far ahead.... Shit I'd really love to say stuff about but... Nah... Not going to even ATTEMPT..."

"As much as I'd hate to disagree with that... probably for the best... No telling what could change if one thing stops... Manehattan for instance... if that never happened what would've become of your family?" I shuttered at the thought... Uncle Orange would be pissed at me for even being a guard and acting the way I do.... Wouldnt even be as close as I am to Babs and just.... I dont wanna think about it.

"...Just let me finish my drink and then we get started.... And please have a date that I might know what's gonna happen and wouldnt mind remembering.... I do not wanna do anything between the time my parents died and now...." She hummed.

"Understandable.... So much pain in the years since that happened... its been... what? Five?"

"Somewhere around that.... Lost count to be honest.... Just get some ideas on big important days that probably wouldnt have me end up crossing paths with anyone we know...." She huffed.

"If so... I think I have the perfect day but neither of us will cross paths with anyone we know... well before any trouble with you and way before I even became a Princess." I sipped my drink getting that last bit out.

"...Enlighten me.... Because that is some history that really doesnt help me much..."

"I'm thinking.... We go back to the day Nightmare Moon escaped from the Moon.... I was off helping my new found friends find the Elements of Harmony so I know I wont be seen at all.... You remember where you were?"

"Unfortunately...." I replied crushing the can into an aluminum pancake. "....At the time I was locking down the garage so everyone inside could take refuge from Nightmare Moon... Got up early enough to not realize what was going on until like... Nine in the morning...."

"Which was somewhere around the time I woke up the morning... I think.... I saw it was dark outside and just got a bit scared but went to find my friends and well.... Yeah..."

"So... before we get to this... Is this gonna be instant transport? Also how does it work?"

"So... Luckily I've gone and studied up on this spell before this and this was a spell that Starswirl himself created and vowed to never use and just like the dimensional doors you have to think of what you want to see but this is just a portal that can bring you to anywhere you can think of time wise."

"Is it gonna be a door or portal that might suck us in?"

"Portal. Tested it out and its stable until penetrated."

"And how did you test it?" She started silently counting before hearing some weird warping sound happen before something hit me in the back of my head... and pretty hard too. I looked back at the ground rubbing my head and there was a small plastic puzzle cube toy that Twilight likes to fiddle with every now and then... She picked it up with her magic as I looked back at her. "....Alright... Good way to do it... Not sure how you managed to time this but... Good job..." I watched as she quickly fiddled with it and solved it.

"There's a preview before the teleportation occurs once the portal is broken. I had to choose a time, watch a bit before throwing it." I shrugged.

"Fair.... And since this is just a temporary portal that you can observe and without the other side seeing you unless they observe it closely.... But my question is... Did you have to do the portal out here in the hall or were you messing around in your study?

"Good question... I was actually in my room when I found this spell and tested it with the toy again. Tossed it through the portal back onto my bed just a few minutes into the future and then came up with the plan to do this. Worked perfectly!"

"Follow up..." I replied going into her study just pushing past her. "...Do I need to wear anything as to not fuck things up?"

"After your last instance with a portal I dont think this one needs any special armor or tight fitting clothing... Though I really should change into something that isnt my pajamas....." I sat in her chair.

"Why dont you go get ready for our test? I'll be here. I'm awake enough to be here by myself and not fall asleep!" She crossed her arms giving me a questionable look.

"You sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure. If I do fall asleep here, go ahead, do something to make an example of me." She sighed.

"Alright... Just write down the time, I'll open a portal and when I get back we go through together... Got me?"

"Yes ma'am. Now hurry on. A princess needs to be presentable. Incognito if possible." She gave a nod and used her magic to open up a portal.... Didnt even take but a moment. She even grabbed a pen and paper for me to use. Took my phone out and recorded the time... was about ten minutes after I woke up. After that she teleported out and I just put my feet up... Just took out my wallet and threw it next to my phone before putting the paper with the time and date on it in my pocket all folded up. And by now you're probably thinking... Something's gonna go wrong... You'd be right... Something and I have no fucking clue what, just threw me out of the chair and through the portal. I caught myself mid air only to see the portal just snap shut I huffed looking around where I was... I was way above Ponyville....No Castle... This was weird. I just huffed as I looked around. "...No phone, cant talk to Twilight or anyone I know.... Could head to Canterlot but... Dont think that's a good idea... yet at least.... Should at least check what time it is...." I looked around... Tried finding the town hall. I flew down and landed just starting to walk the dark streets. It really was hard to tell what time it was just by sight... and I honestly doubt my phone would actually go and adapt to the time.... As I landed I didnt really recognize anything. Almost.... Homes looked different, buildings were still being built and just.... Everything looked so different and yet so similar. Streets were dead.... I didnt see anyone driving, didnt see anyone walking about... Even all the street lights were still on. I looked to the skies and just saw the moon high above as if it were midnight.... Nightmare Moon's image still burned into the moon.... It honestly felt good to walk but I've just... I've been feeling eyes on my back for a while... all up until I got to the town hall. Just stood outside and looked up at the clock, still lit.

"Alright...nearing six in the morning so sunrise should be soon... Maybe I could see about getting to Canterlot, see about convincing Celestia to see if she cant send me back... that is IF I can get an audience with her.... Now... How am I gonna even get there... No car, not gonna fly and no chopper for easy transport...." I started walking off and looking around starting to get a little nervous. "...No money so cant call for a taxi.... Do I dare go and hotwire a car...? Steal from someone?" I shuttered remembering the time Twilight wiped everyones mind.... Just... I went fucking crazy there and I'd rather not end up hurting someone but I knew I had to do something. I started flying around trying to see about a car that would work but nobody would bat an eye with.... Or if they do they dont realize its stolen... That's when I zeroed in on a near empty parking lot... Grocery store I used to frequent.... Just started looking for something... anything. An early hybrid, few SUV's for parents and a few sedans... One sports car though.... Cobalt blue, white stripe, carbon tires (could've done without but... yeah... No like) and a ... drift wing... Yeah.. NO. BIG NO.... Gave a fuck but not to pass up on it. But the worst thing was I hate destroying nice cars... No matter if it has something I hate on it... This is why before I got fired, I insisted on working on the nicer cars alone because I didnt want the corrupt dickhead that was my boss... who was actually at work at the moment and just a block or two away... to destroy anything on them.... But that's when I got an idea... Karma. I flew back up after admiring the car and started flying towards the garage. Why Karma? Before we figured out Nightmare Moon was back, he got his car stolen... I guess we know who stole it.

I landed just around the corner from the garage... It was weird hearing the work in there.... everyone giving a laugh because someone made a trashy joke or they were swapping stories about bar hops and what not. Though again... didnt wanna destroy nice cars and his? I could give him at least some credit because he actually had good taste. Cherry red, white flake inlay, white racing strips, no spoiler but beautiful white wall tires.... And the thing is HE TOOK CARE OF IT. Unlike everyone elses car.... Worth it here... Now the biggest issue on how his car got stolen was that he always kept the key on his desk from what I remembered... Though until it did, there was a window wide open in his office because it was always warm in the garage because of all the bodies in there and all the work. I went over to the window and just hid out of view. BIG blindspot. I had to hide out there for a big. Heard him walk in, sit down and huff. "Alright..." My old dickhead of a boss said. "...We got Wheeler going on break, after he gets back to work on the Ninety Seven, then I'm sending Chainlink, and then I'm heading out to lunch.... Brick will be in charge and once I'm back then the new guy goes...." He mumbled a bit more trying to figure out who goes to break. And this was gonna be a while.... But i knew I wasnt gonna be caught by anyone, myself especially. I usually made snack runs for everyone since I went to the mini mart just next door they gave us discounts... usually a two for one with drinks and half off on all snacks. I had to hunker down a bit.... Just wait... For what? His lunch. That's when he got it stolen... He usually walks a few doors down eats at the local hole in the wall southern equestrian place. And when I say Southern Equestrian I mean they mostly use peppers in their stuff... Think I went there a few times for a burrito. Ground fried hay, tofu, some hot peppers, salsa and even some fries.... SO GOOD. But I sat there for about a half hour just enjoying the night air... or morning air... Once he was ready I knew... He literally just got out of his chair, went to the door and gave a loud whistle. My only window to just climb in a bit, grab his keys off the hook on the desk and duck out. "ALRIGHT Brick! You're in charge while I'm on lunch!" I heard everyone cheer a bit before I heard him walk out. I hurried over to his car and hopped in... Wasnt much for leather seating or the smell of stale cigarette smoke but I went with it as I kicked on the engine. And it was loud enough in there where they couldnt hear me peel out.... Yeah... Once Brick was on we kicked on the radio and blasted loud music. I huffed having my heart race.

"Would apologize but hey... I was at the garage the whole time... Dick...." I kicked on the radio as I drove down the road.

I made sure to follow the rules of the road as to not draw attention to myself but... I still felt like I had eyes all over me.... More than The Elites watch me. I adjusted the volume on the radio a bit to hear what was on. "Gooooood MORNING EVERYONE!" The DJ said. "You've got Plasma Flash here! Celestia's a little late on raising the sun but we should see a beautiful sunrise in Ponyville! Should have some clouds and showers planned for the next few days but we are READY! Here's some Metallicolt to wake up to!" ...Yeah... by this point you think it would've gone and realized that its the day Nightmare Moon returned but I'm still half asleep even though I'm wired on caffeine and I had just stolen my boss' car. So my mind was just on getting to Celestia and getting home because Twilight hadnt even tried to find me yet... Or even let me know she was here if she was. I huffed as I started turning down the road heading for the freeway towards Canterlot... At least the closest one to where the Garage was.

"...Alright... Good time to think about how to get into Canterlot.... Celestia at this point shouldnt have that many guards to account for her or her sister but just enough to keep Canterlot Castle safe... I cant very well just walk up to the door but... It's an emergency... Fuck... gonna be harder than I thought." Once I hit the freeway heading north I just gunned it. Though maybe.... forty five minutes up the road .... the car died... Ran out of gas. I huffed slowing the car down and putting it in park.... Though I was in range of Canterlot... I could see it even though I was still a ways off. I hopped out and flew up and over the car just looking out over everything.... Still nothing because... thinking at this point ponies knew what was going on and stayed home? Never really knew that. Why were they home? I soon found out. I started flying away but maybe not even a few minutes after I started towards Canterlot... I heard it... A familiar sound that I KNOW where it was from exactly! A screech of a griffon, pissed and on the attack. I dove down and just before I touched down I was knocked out of the air from behind. We hit the ground and rolled a bit, me breaking out of their arms during one roll and just skid to a stop. I groaned a bit as I got up only to see the glowing white eyes of a griffon and a blade shining in the moon light.... I immediately pulled my hammer out and readied it spitting off to the side... dirt tastes bad if ya didnt know and coming from someone who's eaten shit multiple times? That says something. "Drop your weapon! Now! I dont wanna fight you!"

The griffon raised the blade... and this wasnt just a dagger... it expanded into a fucking scythe. "All those who do not serve Empress of the Night must pay for their arrogance or give in and serve." They said... Feminine voice. Before I could even answer she took a swing which I dodged out of the way before charging her and checking her to the ground. Almost immediately she disappeared and I swear I saw where she went down... There wasnt a hole but I heard wings flap behind me. I quickly turned around swinging the hammer nailing them.... But now I hit them directly in the neck. DECAPITATING HER. She was even so close she still got me with her talons! Drug her talons across my chest, ripping my shirt and cutting into my flesh. I grasped my chest and looked back at her.... To my horror she struggled to get up, smoke pouring from her neck hole almost as if it were her blood... But she still moved as if this were just a flesh wound... her head just lay off to the side, eyes closed, but just... Oh god it was crazy. She went and got up. I just got near her head and started swinging my hammer.

"FUCK OFF! GET OUT OF HERE! YOU STAY HERE I'M FINISHING THE JOB!" I could see her hesitate before letting out a spectral screech and flying off. My attention turned back to the head.... I put my hammer away and grabbed it... had some weight to it but I just flew up and kept flying towards Canterlot.... I ended up dropping the head before entering the city limits... was losing the battle with adrenaline... I landed and I could hear ponies in houses panicking, asking why the sun wasnt up... The moon was still in the sky but Nightmare Moon's image had disappeared... Never saw how it happened but from the book Twilight read about it, the Stars helped her escape... Not sure how but... I'll believe it. I hurried as fast as I could clutching my chest towards the gates of Canterlot. The guards at the gate saw me and rushed to me before I collapsed. "....The Princess... SHe's in t-trouble.... Help her!" The guards looked to each other and then back to me. "NIGHTMARE MOON YOU FUCKING IDIOTS! GET ME TO A FUCKING DOCTOR AND HELP HER!" And right here? I overexerted myself.

I literally passed out right there. Only woke up a bit of time later feeling some stinging in my arm and a tightness around my chest. I opened my eyes and looked around.... Few guards here and there and a doctor at my side injecting me with what I hope is antibiotics because I do not know if that.... thing... that attacked me was clean. The doctor looked to me and sighed. "Good... You're awake..." He said. "I dont know what the hell happened or where you came from but you're lucky the guards you came to got you some help... You could've died!" I shifted a bit but the doctor pushed me back down. "Easy there! From the damage you look like you got into a fight with some kind of animal...."

"...But... Princess... She's-"

"I appreciate the concern but the Princess is safe. She's just very tired and we're going to try to wake her in a little while." I grunted and forced myself to get up pulling wires from my body sending machines going crazy. Even took the needle from my arm that the doctor was injecting me with and got up.

"...Adrenaline.... Morphine... Th-The Princess is in trouble!" I looked down at myself. Only in my underwear. "Gimme some clothes... Faster we do this faster we can save her!" The doctor tried pushing me back down. Didnt even do anything. I just got out of the bed and just made sure the bandages were holding. I looked to the doctor wincing... he just looked at me a bit worried. "So... Morphine and adrenaline please? Or are you just gonna look at me like I'm crazy."

"I uh.... G-Give me one second sir.... Just... Sit back down please?" I huffed.

"Fine... Get me something to drink.... tasted dirt on the way over and I still feel like that someone fed me a fucking mud pie..." He nodded and hurried out. I looked to the guards. "You two... Help me get dressed... I gotta help Celestia...."

One of the guards came over. "Sir that is unnecessary." They said. "We're looking in to your concerns with the Princess but you're in no shape to do anything let alone be walking about the castle. Why dont you just lay back in bed, just give us an idea on what you think is happening with Celestia and we'll decide if its worth our time or not."

"Its dark at nearly nine in the god damn morning, The Princess has a sister who she imprisoned in the moon a thousand years ago AND GUESS WHO'S FUCKING BACK!" They jumped back because I yelled.... They did look to each other and did the math.... Took the puzzle I put in front of them and they were putting it together. The guard looked back at me.

"Okay uh... L-Lets say we believe you here... What do we do?"

"Get me dressed, make DAMN sure that doctor isnt gonna give me something to knock me out and for fucks sake, listen to my orders!" I huffed hoping this worked. "Gamma Virgo Thirty Two." They just sighed.

"Yes sir. Right away." The guard said before they both split off. One helped me get dressed while the other went out the door. I was lucky this guy knew what he was doing. Pulled the IV out of my arm, had me put pressure on it and bandaged me up real quick. Sadly the shirt I had was destroyed but the 'vest' was alright... maybe a little speck of blood here and there but thankfully they got it off knowing its worth. The other guy came back with the doctor. Got me with the painkillers and the adrenaline. Once I was on my feet the guards followed me through the hall and every other guard we passed they basically had stack on us. Once we got to Celestia's room I looked to everyone.

"Alright! Keep your wits about you! NOW GO GO GO!" The guards at her door let us just burst into her room and yep... Too Late... God damn Nightmare Moon, dark armor, her mane just flowing as she held her sleeping sister in a shadowy ball.

The guards gasped as Nightmare Moon looked to us giving a laugh. "Silly silly fools!" She said. "You're too late! Bow to me! THE NIGHT SHALL LAST FOREVER!" I flew up at her yet she just grabbed me out of the air. "My my... You're injured yet you still rush me... You're strong... I like that in a minion.... She threw me aside onto Celestia's bed.... I DEFINITELY felt the pain here... Landed on my chest and rolled right into the pillow. She hummed as I groaned and clutched my chest. "You wont do to me injured...." The other guards rushed her. She grabbed all of them in her magic shoving them all out the door, locking it with a shadowy lock that just just... covered the whole door in shadow... I couldnt even react before being put in restraints and healed with her magic. "....Be grateful I let you live.... You easily could've gotten yourself killed rushing me like that.... Thou hast been spared... But as for now you're my prisoner... I shall return once I've taken hold of the Elements of Harmony and you have until then to accept your fate... and so you dont run....." I floated up in the air before everything went dark... Darkness... Nothing but darkness. I struggled.... Couldnt even break the restraints but... I felt myself panic myself into passing out.

I honestly didnt know how long I had been in there.... Didnt know when I came out.... All I know was I had one hell of a panic nap... I woke up still in the Princess' bed.... Guess it was so soft I stayed out and combined with the panic and how tired I was? Yeah... Yeah that kept me out for a while. I woke up to the window broken, glass everywhere... Sun was shining through but I wasnt seeing the shadow ball Celestia was trapped in. The fact the sun was out was made me feel even better before I got up... I checked my bandages... no pain what so ever. I got up and flew off the bed and quickly out the window going straight for the front door. Guards were setting up scaffolding to fix the broken window and nobody even minded that I was there. I entered and just had everyone moving all over the place doing patrols and such... Some noticed but nobody cared I was there.... Like word spread of me and that they knew I was alright despite not knowing who I was... yet at least..... I stopped and waved down the nearest guard. "Yes sir?" He asked.

I huffed. "Point me to Princess Celestia if you could and... About the guards who aided me in getting me medical attention?" I asked. He waved me along and huffed.

"I'll be honest here... You're a rogue variable that came at the right time..." He said. "Those guards who let you in said you were trapped inside something Nightmare Moon trapped you into for purposes unbeknownst to the rest of the guards or even the Princess... And with Princess Luna back Celestia has been asked to be left alone but... She does wish to meet with you for your attempted heroism..."

"Good.... but... Despite my heroism I'd rather not be named or have it made public...."

"Might I ask why?"

"Well... Just.... I'd rather not put my face out there for those to use it against my will... Had friends who had their pictures taken and random mares took their pictures and plastered it all over the place for things they never did.... One committed suicide while the other left the area. No clue where he went.... just... up and left, no trace... Wouldnt be surprised if he killed himself as well...."

"My condolences sir.... As to your wishes we shall keep your name and face out of the public eye." We turned towards the throne room.

"Thank you... Just.... Another question... Why did nobody think to even come to find me?"

"That's uh... A little embarrassing.... We honestly thought you had died when Nightmare Moon captured you but when we went to go retrieve your body we found you were alive and well but just decided to leave you be because you looked tired... Be lucky you were in the Princess' bed. Not many lay their heads where a Princess does. We still can have you checked medically if you wish to make sure you're not hurt." I sighed stretching.

"I'm... Fine actually there... Princess' room could use a little clean up... glass all over the floor..."

"I'll get someone on it right away. As for now remember proper etiquette when addressing a Princess and... please be nice to her sister no matter what she has done whilst not in control. They're a bit emotional and Princess Luna is a bit... hesitant to speak to the guard because of her past atrocities that her sister said to drop completely." I sighed.

"Things like that... they stick with you for a while.... Trauma is hard to shake... I had my parents murdered but I was too late to warn them it was coming.... I had to rip my sister away from the door and just... hold her close.... We had to go to therapy for a while to get the nightmares to stop... Princess Luna? She'll be back to herself in no time."

"You've certainly been through the wringer so far.... You're still on your feet so that's good..." We stopped at the door to the throne room. I felt tense... How am I going to show Princess Celestia I'm from the future and convince her to send me back... let alone find the spell that Twilight used... I took a deep breath as the guard opened the door. I followed him in and didnt take but a few steps before kneeling to the ground, fist to my chest and bowing in respect. "Princess! I present you the stallion who alerted us to your trouble." I looked up a little bit... I just saw Princess Celestia sitting with Luna, both in gowns, Celestia her royal gown, mane flowing but looking content with her sister cuddled close to her. Luna was another story.... Her mane was short, not flowing and she was dressed in rags compared to what Celestia was dressed in. Both Celestia and Luna rose to their feet and walked over hand in hand... A closer look showed dried tears on their faces....

I didnt wanna stand up... Acting as if this were my first time meeting them. "Rise stallion." Celestia said. I stood up slowly. "What is your name?" The guard at my side stepped forward.

"Ma'am... He told me on the way over that he doesnt want his name or face given to the public because of prior experiences he's had."

"Fair enough. Only we will know this... And judging from what you're wearing you either willing to serve more or you had this custom made because I do not recognize you as one of my Generals..."

I looked down at my breast... Yeah.... Forgot this thing had 'Gen. Wheeler' on it.... I looked back to Celestia. "Uh... Maybe in time but... As of now I'm just a stallion who is in need of a little help..." I said. "If I may just.... ask for your assistance because uh... Well.... You just met with your star student Twilight Sparkle and her friends after they defeated Nightmare Moon... Twilight is brilliant and she... Well... She's going to go on to do great things and one of those things just uh... landed me here I guess...." She looked to me curiously. She looked to the guard.

"How long has he been here?"

The guard hummed. "The whole time.... Why?" He asked.

"Take all the guards out of here. I trust him and by this he needs a private audience...." She reached into her dress and pulled the revolver she usually kept in case of trouble. "I'm armed if he tries anything.... and if he does you take the wrap for him... understood?" He huffed.

"Yes Princess." The guard looked to the other guards. "Everyone! On me! Outside the room!"

I stood off to the side and watched as all the guards went for the door hustling. One went for the Princess and offered to take Luna out. "You can leave her." I said. "She needs to be with her sister and see how she handles things." The guard hesitated but looked to Celestia. She nodded staring me down. I watched as the last of the guards funneled out and the door closed leaving us in there. I kept my hands up and where they could see them. "Thank you Princess.... I... I understand I'm taking a risk on this.... asking for help when you have no clue who I am but you will... I got trapped here when it came to a spell that your Faithful Student found that was from Starswirl himself. It had to do with opening a portal to a point in time, future or past but to get back you'd have to have the day and time you came from..." I hesitantly reached into my pocket and pulled out the note I wrote before handing it over to Celestia. She took it out and read it. Luna just looked to me curiously. I just kept my hand extended towards her. Hesitantly she took it... I hugged her. She was a bit hesitant at first but... She just loved it. It only lasted a moment before she was ripped away from me and I was held down to my knees with Celestia's magic.

Celestia aimed the gun at me. "How DARE you touch my sister!" She snapped.

"P-Princess please! Just... Ease off the gun please! I only hugged her because she's scared! She needs to feel accepted by someone! She was just thrust into a new world with everyone hating her for what she was! She needed this!" I felt the barrel push up against my head.

"You insolent BRUTE! I should execute you right here for this!"

I felt the gun quickly get taken off my head and I heard a grunt. "Sister! Hold thy tongue!" Luna snapped. "...This... This stallion shall be let free by my decree! He is in need of help and did you not see there was no hesitation with his affection? Release him THIS INSTANT!" Celestia looked to me... then her sister and then back to me huffing as she set the safety back on her gun and putting it back into her bra.

"....You are lucky my sister is right in this case but you do NOT touch anyone... Understood?" I gave a nod before she released me.... I just quickly stood up and just hugged myself. "So... You say that its something Starswirl knows?"

I nodded again swallowing. "Y-Yes Ma'am." I replied. "Twilight... She's not quite there with her magical skill yet but he is a big inspiration to her but at the moment you are the only ones I can go to for help with this... Its a big risk, I know but... Would I be here if I didnt think it was important?" She huffed.

"I guess not.... Now... What I'm about to show you is top secret....Nobody knows about this at ALL! Understand?"

"Yes Ma'am!"

"Good. Now.... Cover your eyes because this will get bright...." I nodded and covered my eyes with my wings. But to my surprise Luna hugged me covering my eyes with her chest.... Not awkward at all. I heard Celestia huff and give an annoyed sigh. I just couldnt help but just hug her back. I heard the magic from Celestia start before hearing a magical burst moments later. Luna broke the hug but kept a hold on my hand which... I felt a bit scared holding because Celestia was looking right at me. "...Now.... You're getting a peek into the after life.... I dont know your alignment but to me it seems you might meet my father sooner or later..." ....Yeah been there, done that, beat the shit out of him multiple times but... we made up and we're pals... somehow... WHY AM I FAVORED BY DEMONIC DIETIES?! "...You follow me and do not speak to anyone unless spoken to." Celestia turned to the door and we followed her. I looked to Luna... Just a smile on her face as she held my hand and pulled me along...

We went through the door into the cloudy fields of the heavens... If time still flows right here... which may or may not I have ZERO clue... my mom and dad arent dead yet- I mean... of course they arent but... few years that's gonna change and my dumbass will be hated by- OOOOOOH. I just fucked up and realized WHY she didnt want me to become a guard.... BECAUSE SHE KNEW ME. FUCK. She just didnt say it! AND THIS IS WHY LUNA PRAISED ME INTO BECOMING A GUARD! ....So many answers to so many questions. Anyways soon we came to Heavens Light who noticed me instantly. I just made a slight 'ex-nay on who I am and do not ask what I'm doing here'. She smiled as we all bowed. Luna just rushed her mother and hugged her leaving me back with Celestia. "Oh! My baby moondrop is back!" Heaven's Light said. "Oh its so good to see you daughter!" Celestia sighed.

"Mother... Could you fetch Starswirl for me please? We need to borrow him for a moment because of this stallion and his claim...." Heaven's Light looked to me and hummed.

"But of course. Give me a moment and he'll be with us in a little bit." I saw she gave a little smile before freeing her arm from hugging her daughter. She brought it over to the side and raised it up getting multiple ornate doors to rise from the clouds. She swiped at the doors and they just shifted before stopping at a door, more ornate than the others. Obsidian with golden inlay and the bluest of Sapphires as part of the handles. "There we are... Celestia? Couldst thy get him? My arms are a little full right now..." She looked down at Luna. Celestia looked to me.

"You stay here... Mother will be watching." I gave a nod and just looked to her mother who just smiled nodding. I nodded back feeling reassured.

Luna sighed. "Mother... Tis good to feel thy warm hugs again...." She said. "...I just.... I hope I didnt lose your love...."

Heaven's Light sighed. "....You didnt Luna...." She replied. "...I had waited for this day for a long time.... thy mother will love you always... Do visit your father as well after your friend here is dealt with... Though why Starswirl needs to be involved is beyond me..." She looked to me. "Couldst thy tell me what is needed from him?"

I swallowed a bit. "Uh... Well... Lets just say someone messed up a spell and I really shouldnt be here... At least not yet..." I said nervously.

"That is very true.... Once you're back to where you came from, do come for a visit." She looked down at Luna. "Please do not speak a word to your sister... This very well could throw off fate itself...."

That... That actually made me feel better. Maybe about a few minutes later Celestia came back with Starswirl The Bearded. He was dressed in blue robes with stars all over it.... Even a pointed hat but his beard was as curly as Rarity's mane when its done well and it was as white as the snow on the mountain I crashed into. He looked to me. "So... You're the one who claims to have had one of my spells performed and it went awry?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes sir." I replied.

"Well... Someone who has a deep understanding of my magic can only do that... and thus far nobody I or Celestia know has that power... Not even Celestia herself could perform any of my spells without straining herself. And one involving time portal no less...."

Celestia looked to her mother. "Sister, come along now." She said. "You'll have time to visit with mother later to catch up. We have more important business to attend to...." Celestia scowled at me a bit. I just swallowed a bit and watched Luna give her mother a kiss on her cheek before heading for her sister, taking my hand and pulling me along. I just looked back at Heaven's Light and mouthed 'thank you' to her. She just gave a smile and waved nodding slightly. We all walked out of the door and it closed behind us. Celestia looked to Starswirl as Luna and I sat on the steps to the throne... Though i was just between her legs being hugged from behind.... a bit awkward but it felt nice. Celestia held the paper I gave her up. "So... Our mysterious stallion here gave us this letting us know when he needs to be sent...."

I broke myself away from Luna for a moment. "Uh.. If I may speak out of turn Princess... Perhaps I can be sent back maybe a little bit earlier than the time written there?" I asked. "Maybe give or take a half hour or more because I know at that time I was getting ready to come here. That half hour before I was still asleep. I'd rather not rip a hole in time because I met myself and fucked something up!"

Celestia was ready to chew me out but Starswirl sighed. "Thy worries are valid but unnecessary." He said. "Ponies think time is like a thin cloth... one thing moved or touched, everything falls apart. I've had a chat with myself before testing this spell but nothing came of it.... Tell me a good reason that you should be sent back before."

"Well... Sir... Considering before I came here I never saw myself but... I think I do have an idea on why I wasnt seen.... But... Another question.. this time for you Princess...."

Celestia huffed. "Ask." She said.

"...You wouldnt happen to have a map of Ponyville would you?" She shot me a questioning look. "I know I keep telling you strange things but... I need to get as close to my origin point as anything.... Think of it as a strategic drop for troops in St. Bleetersburg back in 67...." She hummed a bit.... The gears were turning.

"...Very well...." She replied. I watched her horn glow before a map appeared from thin air in a flash. She took it and unrolled it in front of me. It was very detailed. Showed everything from streets to town hall, the Treebrary and the big open fields where Twilight's castle was. Even had Sweet Apple Acres on there. I pointed right at the open fields. Streetside actually.

"Right here. This is where I need to be."

Starswirl came to my side and hummed stroking his beard looking at the spot where I pointed. "...My my... I've been gone for very long.... Naming roads now are we....?" He said. "So... You wish to be sent to Ponyville, May 10th, at four in the morning and on.... Wyld Avenue?"

"Yes sir." He hummed more.

"Very well. Just stand back and I'll do the rest." I gave a nod and went back towards Luna. Celestia stepped towards the door making the map disappear. I watched in silence as Starswirl's horn started glowing. A magical ribbon stretched from his horn going around him before shooting a few feet in front of him forming the portal. I rushed after his horn had stopped glowing. I looked into the portal... Twilight's castle, night time... Precisely... I looked to Starswirl.

"Thank you for this...." I looked to Celestia as well. "And to you as well Princess. Thank you for helping me with this.... You wont regret this!"

Celestia groaned a bit. "I already do... Just go and if I ever see you again I will not be as trusting!" She said. I huffed.

"Oh trust me... You will... I gave a quick two fingered salute before diving on through. When I got through I landed onto my back, on the street nonetheless. Did I feel like an asshole doing that? Yeah... Was it worth it? YEP. I got up and looked to the castle. The guards at the door looked at me perplexed as I dusted myself off and flew up. "Dont ask. Someone wake the Princess if she isnt awake already!" They nodded before I shot up towards the helipad. I landed there and the guards didnt question it... never did." I went into the castle and hurried all the way to Twilight's room just to see her waiting outside rubbing her eyes.

Twilight huffed. "Ryder... What gives?" She asked. She looked surprised seeing the bandages. "...And... The hell happened to you?! Why are you all bandaged up like that?!" I took her hand and pulled her into the room getting her back on the bed.

"Wanna take a guess? Its basically something we need to do NOW!" She looked to me and huffed.

"...I fucked up a spell again dont I?"

"Yea and no... Yes because I keep being the target for bullshit but no because I think I'm the one who caused my own dumbass for getting trapped with it as well!" I looked around. Her light was on and she had books piled aside, one being marked with stars. "You have a book of Starswirl the Bearded spells right?" I looked back at her. She nodded. "Starswirl has a spell that can open a time portal. I fell into one later and I know how!" She just looked confused and worried. "Princess. Trust me. Just look in your book and if I'm right, I want you to open one right here." She nodded just keeping an eye on me as she grabbed the book with the stars and started flipping through. She read for a few moments before looking surprised and then just looking to me.

"I uh... How did you know this?"

"If I told you, you wouldnt believe me. Now open up the portal... say.... Four thirty five give or take outside your study." She gave a nod and looked to the book before having her horn glow. The same ribbon wrapped around her before shooting off to the side opening the portal right where I saw me looking at Twilight away from the portal. She was just amazed at this. I grabbed her puzzle cube off the shelf on her wall handing it to her. "Throw it at me." I pointed to the portal. She nodded and threw it through the portal before the portal disappeared. I huffed. "Good.... Goodgoodgood.... We're on track... Now lets get to your study and you're gonna have me woken up at four thirty sharp!"

"...And.... Let me guess.... Get you down to the room so you can go through with what ever you're doing?"

"Exactly. Lets just get down there first and... Maybe cast a perception spell on me so no guards question it..." She nodded and we walked together towards her study. She stopped telling a guard to wake me.... Yadda yadda yadda, I hide under the desk, watch as I sit in the chair after the portal was opened and I just grabbed the chair and launched myself through the portal. I gave a sigh and got out from under the table grabbing my wallet and phone shoving my wallet into my pocket and turning on my phone. Once on I went through my contacts and found Luna's number and started calling it.

I waited as the phone buzzed. Opened the door and walked out just feeling my chest. No pain. Still needed to go to the medical area to have em removed because i'm damn sure there was still blood on em. Moments after I left the study my phone stopped buzzing. "Ryder. Surprise to have you calling this early. Everything okay?" Princess Luna asked.

"Well... Now but... Lets just say I had a bit of a realization as to why you wanted me to be in the guard and why Celestia didnt...."

"Oh! You did?! So the spell worked! Starswirl did it right then!"

"Yep.... and.... I gotta say it was something that just... It definitely gave me answers to a lot of questions.... I do want to show Starswirl my thanks in some way in the near future but... I need to make a request..."

"What do you need General?"

"...I need someone to go to the freeway south west of Canterlot and start combing the fields there. There's something there that I want delivered to me.... And they'll know when they see it..."

"Uh... Might I ask what it is?" I huffed.

"Well... Lets just say when Nightmare Moon returned she unleashed creatures to help take out Celestia's guards.... I was actually targeted and when I defended myself I may or may not have gotten a parting gift which I had to drop... I have a feeling where but I dont remember too well where... blacked out and dropped it... but the crazy thing is the creature that attacked me ran off... and I think I know where...."

"You mean it survived you defending yourself? Did you go for the head?"

"Yep... Souvenir right there but it didnt work... Shadow creature... Griffon." She gave a confused sound.

"You... You surely dont mean the stories of the headless griffon in Ikkebuckero... do you?"

"Yeah... and guess where I'm wanting to vacation..." I turned the corner.

"...You... I... I wanna say you're joking but knowing your jokes they're sarcastic and dark..."

"Yeah... And the only time they arent sarcastic is when the jokes suck more than Pinkie when she's horny." She sighed.

"Alright... I'll dispatch a squad of guards to look for the head and bring it to me.... As much as I'd rather not have it its a better alternative to keep it away from fillies who would get curious.... and Applejack..."

"Thank you Princess... I'll give a more detailed report when I collect it and... Maybe have it in a backpack, that way nobody will question it."

"And the guards that find it? What am I supposed to tell them?"

"If anything use someone else... They can keep secrets and they can transport it safely for us."

"...I... I guess? What do I say for what you need?"

"Give it to em straight. I'll send a text later... Right now I need to be seen by medical professionals to get bandages removed from me... But... Guess I can thank Nightmare Moon for another thing..."

"What?"

"Long story. Lets just say she saw my worth and wanted me as a minion..."

"Oh I see... That's honestly interesting...." She hummed. "I... I need to process this... You get on with your morning... I'll speak with you later."

"Later Princess." I hung up and just put my phone in my pocket. When I got to the medical wing they took the bandages off but were a bit perplexed seeing the blood from my injuries but no injury to report. I told them not to worry about it... They've seen weirder.... Like me turning into a Timber Wolf... That. HURT. But after that I decided to slip into Applejack's room... She was just comfortable in her bed... Little Mash was sleeping nearby... Just cute... I lied back but.. that didnt last long. Baby started crying, disturbed AJ from her sleep but I just did everything... Filly just needed a change and a meal and they were back to sleep soon after. I even went and took a bit of a nap on the couch in there... glad we had breakfast as a family.... Though I did have to tell Twilight in full detail on what happened away from Applejack and she just.... Well... She believed me as well as the Starswirl thing... and she almost never turns down a story involving him.

Headed Out (Part 1)

Okay... Its been....I wanna say two weeks since I got thrown back in time.... God it was so awkward talking with Celestia about that because Luna told her to see if she could help process the information and when I recounted it to her she was honestly pretty freaked out about it.... But I was right. Celestia recognized me from when I came after Nightmare Moon was defeated and she definitely was pissed at what I did when I left. Buuuuut..... she forgave me and saw the errors of her ways since I joined but she remembered... She was actually grateful that I was one of the first showing kindness to her sister. But today I was getting ready to go on my... 'vacation'.... Yeah... This was work still but... important... didnt really get up early because of the foal but thankfully this was one night we slept soundly.... Everyone comfortable in the new house. Big Mac had a bigger room downstairs, we had a cellar put in, attic hangout, even the girls have their own bigger rooms and we had a room connected between ours and Scootaloos but thankfully its not connected to hers but it is connected to the hall.... And maybe Celestia may have actually included a thing I told the girls we couldnt have being a popup cooler... But now we have a rule about when its appropriate to get something from the cooler... Celestia only did it just to make it easier for me and AJ to eat but included snacks for everyone even for our little bundle of joy and oh MY GOD did Mama Spitfire just break down meeting our little girl.... Proud to be a grandmother. And as Dash said our filly has 'the most awesome grandmother ever.' I got dressed in jeans, boots, Gems tee and a leather jacket. I went and sat on my new bed and just looked at the room... a 'bigger on the inside' wardrobe for our clothes and a bit of a hidden surprise just in case anyone decides to break in. Either that or if we need to hide everyone while guards got here or what have you. I just took a deep breath and sighed as I fell back onto the bed. "...Its so good to be home..." I said to myself. Yeah... and then the phone rang. Immediately annoyed I grabbed it off my nightstand and looked to it... Celestia and that was one of two things... checking in or they found what I need. I slid my thumb across the screen sitting up. Went right over to the door and locked it before going over to the window looking out. Saw Big Mac, Applebloom and Scootaloo working on a few trees. "Lovely for you to call Princess. Shining texted and told me that he and Cadence would be here soon."

I heard Celestia sigh. "That's... Great..." She said. Sounded like she was... down a bit...

"You alright Princess?"

"I'm alright... Just... Well... I'm just thinking... I feel like I've grown attached to you and your family... Makes me fear what could go wrong if you werent there...."

"...I have that fear as well... But... Here we are... I know if something does happen to me there's someone there to help everyone...."

"Very true... My sister and I promise to help whatever way we can if something were to ever happen to you. We'd expend resources to try to find you if you went missing and we'd keep your family on payroll just in case you uh...."

"I understand there Princess... Anything and everything to help..." I just stared at the road. Nothing yet. "Any word on my request?"

"Uh.. Right right... I meant to say something about that... nearly forgot... I'm just worried this is gonna be costly with you going out there with that.... We did find it... The... head... of a griffon....Somehow fell into a subterranean chamber and got buried. It's been retrieved and washed to the best of our ability and just... Its... It's definitely a creature not of this world.... You... you did say it was a creation of Nightmare Moon right?"

"Yeah. Attacked me, told me that if I didnt serve and I quote 'The Empress of the Night' that I'd be dealt with and I was forced to defend myself... Knocked its head off and it was like a fucking roach with talons.... Kept going, attacked me more and nearly fucking killed me... Flew to Canterlot with the head, dropped it focusing most of my energy to getting some medical help and getting home... And yeah... Pissed you off good by being nice to your sister, scared and happy to be home.... Probably one of the only ways I could gain trust... with someone at least..."

"You somehow find a way even if it does cost trust in someone... At the moment we're running a study on it and there are brainwaves... Seems like its in a constant state of dreaming... I'm just surprised you let this thing live...."

"To save my own ass because I knew I was a bit out of my league? Yeah... Rather would live in that situation but you cant say I didnt try."

"Lets just hope you can get its head back and it doesnt harbor any ill will against you.... I've heard its responsible for attacks... Unsure if its attacking randomly or if targeted but just watch your back out there." I saw a black transport truck turn onto the road followed by a familiar looking RV... Same one we used going to the Mountains after I got married.

"I definitely will. Not sure if our contacts can give me some clothing that has some armor underneath or something...."

"Mythic thought of that. He's left you something to wear with me. Make your way up here when Cadence gets there."

"I'll do that soon. Just rolling up as we speak... Am I taking the transport they're coming with or am I driving myself?"

"Oh! Oh nearly forgot about that... Since your car will be much of a target and we dont want to alert anyone to you being affiliated with the guard so my sister and I picked out something that would still work for you but wouldnt draw attention and risk getting stolen... Then again its theft proof on all ends unless you know who to talk to."

"Alright... Hopefully its nothing that's gonna make me look like a creep either... but uh... Just before I let you go here do I have to pack my own bag or will I have a wardrobe picked out for me?"

"Luna chose some things from the local mall for you to wear... Rarity questioned why we needed your sizes but after your proposal she dropped the questioning knowing what went down..."

"Good... Now I gotta get going. See you soon." I hung up and shoved the phone into my pocket before unlocking the door and hurrying out. Ran downstairs into the living room and oh holy FUCK Celestia will have me on my knees servicing her under her dress from the shit we've got here. Electric fire place, mounted flatscreen WITH my game console and the library of games, stain proof couches that are easy to clean (Yes... mostly for the foal) and we even kept the recliner. Little bit reupholstered but other than that it was the same thing. I went out the front door just to see Applejack off to the side tending to our foal in the comfort of the porch... We could enjoy the outside without walking in dirt or mud during or after a rainstorm. She was still a bit sore but was able to be on her feet. Doc said to stay away from work until the foal is at least four months old... She didnt like that but she understood.... Oh to see her happy with our little filly... Mash is just SO cute.

Anyhow I helped Applejack up and walked with her outside just as Cadence and Shining stepped off the RV. Cadence was wearing her royal gown and Shining was wearing jeans sneakers and a button up. I gave Shining a hug like I hadnt seen him in years and even gave a quick bow to Cadence just as everyone else did... Cadence sighed. "Look at this!" She said. "A family that has been through hell and back and everyone with a smile on their face...." She looked to me and Applejack. "...And growing more and more.... I was glad to officiate your wedding and to say the team grows stronger every day? I was right about that..."

Applejack gave me a kiss on the cheek just as Big Mac came up. "This family aint going down without a fight and most of it comes from the father of my new niece." He said. I just gave a bit of a blush as everyone gave a bit of a snicker.

Shining huffed. "Gotta say... You've grown quite a bit from that lowly recruit I saw sometime ago Ryder.... Gotta say I'm damn proud to have you the rank you are." He said. "Sure... I fucked up by faking a kidnapping but I think i've learned my lesson there... Not to mention if I tried that again you wouldnt hesitate on anything.... And I feel like after the shit we've been through I'd rather not take anymore surprises from you."

I huffed. "Surprises could still come just uh... Rather you'd know about em than anything..." I said. "Now uh... I'm gonna really really hate to do this after all this but... Princess' orders...." I looked to Applejack who just gave me a loving smile. "...I really wish this wasnt an order from Celestia that I do this... To be away from you and our foal...."

Applejack sighed. "With what Twilight's been tellin' me you've been through? You deserve this sugarcube..." She said. "I'll be fine here... Got Cadence to help watch the foal while I get some rest, Big Mac'll teach Shinin' tricks of the trade and we get a little extra something special after the harvest."

Big Mac came over slapping me on the back. "Yeah Ry we got this here. Shinin' and I agreed we'd even share responsibility with our sisters and the chores." He said. "You just get on here. You got your phone and Wallet?" I gave a nod even checking my pockets to make sure. "Then you're good. Just go give Scoot and Bloom a hug and get going!" I gave a nod before kissing Applejack on the lips and then my daughters cheek... she just cooed a bit and smiled seeing me.... God this already fucking hurt.... I then went over to Applebloom and Scootaloo giving both of them a hug

I looked to both of them. "You two be good for Shining and Cadence while they're here and please please PLEASE... Listen to them when they tell you something... I dont wanna find out from Big Mac you two were grounded for something stupid..." I said.

Scootaloo huffed. "When was the last-" She said stopping as she noticed me giving a little bit of a curious look. She blushed and looked away. "N-Nevermind...." i sighed letting them both go.

"Good... Now I gotta go. Scoot, I'll call you once I get settled in to my hotel. If I dont call you by bed time tonight you call me alright?" Scootaloo nodded before just fluttering up and giving me a kiss on the cheek. She flew around me as everyone gave a little 'aw' before she flew off landing near Applejack.

I honestly hesitated on going anywhere.... Shining had to come over and start walking with me towards the transport. "Ryder.... They'll be fine.... You've got the best foal sitter in all of Equestria helping out with your family and I'm here to help protect everyone in case something happens." He said opening the door for me. "You just go and enjoy yourself dude. Got me?" I hesitantly nodded. He just hugged me and helped me into the transport.... I just looked out the window as he closed the door and then patted the side of the transport... I just couldnt keep my eyes off my beautiful family as we drove right around them and then down the road... Only watched them until we turned the corner and started heading for Canterlot. The whole time I had to listen to music to keep my mind from wandering to them.... I was misty eyed here and there for a song or two.... One about not wanting to miss anything they do, the other being one that just.... It described a family, happy as can be up until the singers timely death because he was away from the house.... I had to have the driver change the station a few times to find something that wouldnt worry me like that.

When we got to Canterlot I was greeted by some guards who just led me inside... They led me up the stairs and all the way to the medbay.... From the feeling I had from what happened the other day? I felt like I should've been in cuffs. But I was glad I wasnt. There were several guards outside the door to the medbay. Even though I was a General they patted me down before letting me in. Once inside I saw Celestia with Luna and a few doctors standing around a tank with the head in it, electrodes attached to it. Celestia looked to me. "There we are Ryder." Celestia said. "Thank you for joining us. This is a really interesting specimen you've brought us... crazy it survived all these years...."

I walked up just staring down the head.... Luna rested a hand on my shoulder. "...I... I honestly cant believe this thing escaped the purge of shadows somehow...." She said. I remember seeing that when I was in the garage.... I was put on lookout to watch for anyone or anything out there so we could either protect them or chase em off... We only brought in two ponies that were on the street, the boss was a dick and tried to throw em out, accusing them of stealing stuff.... Yet the only thing that went missing were his keys. Car was found later that day, keys in the ignition, out of gas.... Maybe some stuff missing out of the glove box because some dipshit decided to take a look in the car but because the keys were still in the ignition, it was being watched.... While I was on watch we saw the sun come back and even several creatures in the sky just dissolved in the sunlight.... Hell one of the ponies I was about to let in just dissolved too and the ponies they were with had NO fucking clue! They made a report to the guard and since they couldnt really do anything with that information it just... Well... Kinda went nowhere I think. "...Its been years since this thing was decapitated.... There are thoughts within and yet I dare not even walk in this things dreams...."

I took her hand and sighed. "...Probably for the best...." I said. "...I'm just hoping this thing isnt gonna try to kill me when I give its head back.... Maybe try to seek forgiveness because of this...."

"An admirable thing to do... But you know what must be done if forgiveness can not be obtained..."

"...Yeah.. But... If I do get forgiven... What happens to them? Will they give into reason and be nothing but shadow? Or will they live on? Maybe remember everything that they did before being decapitated and return to normal programming like an AI that got hacked or had their memory module disconnected...?"

"Hard to say. I'll have the doctors disconnect and put it in something for transport. For now, you go with Celestia and see the vehicle you're driving." I gave a nod and hugged Luna before breaking off and going with Celestia back outside.

We walked down the hall in silence. I just took her hand... she felt the pain I was feeling.... She sighed. "...Your aura... its.... You're in pain... Scared and heart broken...." She said. "Cadence and Shining are capable... sure you only got so much time with your foal but there are many years to come. Life takes many turns, some turns may bring you to your right location, others might require a few more turns to do as such... When it comes to your foal? You know some things already but as the foal grows you'll know more as time goes on... How she acts, how she plays... how she talks and how you could correct her if need be. Yes you're frightened on what happens if someone messes with your family but you do what you need."

I gave a huff. "...I feel like I'm neglecting my family all over again..." I said. "...I wanted to be there for my family, take care of my foal.... Yet here I am just leaving my wife to care for the foal herself... yeah she's gonna have help but just..."

"General. You are on order here to vacation.... My orders specifically. Why do you think I had Cadence and Shining Armor come help your family? I nearly threw you in Tartarus for fathers sake. And with Sunset back? I just.... I need to do something to make you feel better. You risked yourself to see I was wrong about our inter-dimensional visitor... And with what she had done? I... I almost thought she had somehow talked you into helping her into some scheme to overthrow me... And now I see that I was wrong... horribly wrong... The way you were freaking out about being thrown into Tartarus should've said something... I was too blinded by my thought of Sunset and how she had escaped...."

"Speaking of Sunset how's she doing?" I asked talking about something else for a moment other than my family.

"She's fine... She's had a little bit of a hard time adapting... she's afraid I'd be throwing her back in but... I just... I dont think I have the heart to do it.... But if I have to... I'll give the order... maybe send her somewhere less than Tartarus but able to watch her competently.... So far she's not given me reason to..."

"Good... She around?" Celestia nodded.

"Yeah... She's actually helping me with your vehicle. Since she got back we gave her a room to decorate, got her to drive a car for a bit to refresh her mind and its like she never left so no worries about car crashes... Okay might be a little worried but she's fine..."

"That's good. Just... Can I talk to her? Make sure she's fitting in? Maybe ask a favor?"

"If you're going to ask her to check on your family, Shining has already agreed to give you updates. Just take a deep breath. Hook your phone up to the car, listen to music and drive to the hotel I had programmed into the GPS in the car. Stop and get some food, I'll pay for it. Things are going to be fine. Alright?" I just nodded and took a deep breath.

We walked all the way until we were outside. I actually flew around just keeping my mind on flying... Even thought about Mama Spitfire and Soarin... I just know sometime soon they're gonna make their way down and visit. Even timed myself on how fast I could fly around the castle... Three minutes and that was going from gate, to garden, around to the back, other side where there was a fountain, few seats and just.... It was beautiful. After maybe a few more minutes I landed just as a BEAUTIFUL car was being driven in to the gate... Two door, black muscle car, red racing stripe and just... Oh the sound of the engine.... You ever just have that one thing happen that makes everything just feel so good and make your toes curl? This. This was it for me. It was a newer one... Not what I'm used to but I still love it. I landed and just took it in as the car pulled around. Sunset was in the drivers seat. She killed the engine and stepped out. She was wearing jeans some running shoes and a tank top. She tossed the keys to me. "One sweet ride coming up!" She said. "Sorry it took so long Princess! Took the long route! Princess Luna wanted me to pick up a few things for fly-boy here."

"Right... Some essentials I presume?" Sunset nodded just as I went and just took a closer look at the car. Two front seats, a back row, duffel bag taking up the whole thing, state of the art GPS and radio.

"Oh yeah... Ready to go!" Sunset replied. "Everything he needs is in that duffel and its even got a full tank... mostly full tank..."

"Thank you Sunset. You just get on inside. We're waiting on one more thing before the General is off." I just hopped in the car and just enjoyed the interior. Kinda spaced out just exploring everything. Duffel was stuffed full of clothes, few quality of life items.... yep... diapers included and a few wires, one of which was a phone charger... totally forgot about that... But yeah... I had to wait for a while before I was given a backpack with the head in it... They thought if it survived since Nightmare Moon it should be okay in a bag. The Princess' saw me off just as I drove out and down the road following the GPS. The drive was long, had to stop off a few times. Once to get food, another to hit the bathroom and once more to just jumpstart someones car on the freeway. Died and they got to the nearest gas station for a quick check.

I ended up getting to the hotel around a bit after noon. Underground garage thankfully. Checked in, went up to the Penthouse that Celestia reserved for me. It was nice. Wasnt as big as the other ones that the Princess let me use but it was nice. Single level, a few guards who were keeping watch knowing the type of ponies who go and prowl about this city. I left my bags with them, just took my phone, my wallet and just headed out for a walk, seeing what I could see around. As soon as I left the hotel I immediately felt eyes on my back. I just shrugged it off as I walked... Assumed that the Princess assigned someone to keep an eye on me. But just in case I went and had my wallet and phone in my front pockets. I went down the road just crossing the streets until I came to a park. Wasnt the best looking... Dead trees, trash everywhere... Manehattan's parks were cleaner. Cut through the park.... Just passed by a shop, glass door... sure enough group following me... all wearing red scarves in some way. I ducked down an alley.... Probably one of the best and worst things I could do. Worst because I was cornered but the best because they fell right for it. "Little lost here?" One of the stallions asked as I looked back at them. "We could give you some direction if you pay the toll for walking on our turf...."

I just took a deep breath and huffed. "Alright... I'll play along... How much?" I asked, monotone and not amused by their little 'game'.

"Fifty bits. All up front." I gave a slight chuckle.

"Alright... Lets make a deal.... How about I give you zero bits, and you fuck off?" The gang around the one I was talking to gave little 'oooh' like children in a school yard when someone has a good come back showing how tough they were. The one gang member walked up a bit distancing himself from his group... I stood my ground.

"Dont you know who we are 'tough guy'? We're the Red Squares. You're in our turf! And with that remark? We've upped the toll to seventy five!"

"And my offer still stands at zero. Leave now and you and your friends keep all your limbs in tact!" The solo member held his arms out just as his friends brandished weapons of some kind... few had knives, one had a chain and another had a lead pipe.

"Or you could give us a hundred and your legs dont get broken and your fuckin' wings ripped off!" I huffed. Looked at the others closely. No unicorn, two pegasai that could fly after me if I tried. That's when I just pulled my wallet and held it out. The one member came closer brandishing a knife himself holding it out towards me.... Bad move for him. As soon as he got close enough I tossed my wallet backwards.

"Woops! I slipped.... And so did you!" I immediately grabbed his arm with the knife, breaking it and just tossing him over the gang. They just looked at me as I turned the knife on them. "Anyone else wanna collect the debt or are we good?" The big guy with the chain came at me. He swung the chain at me and missed before I threw the knife at him... he dodged but his friend behind him didnt and ended up having it lodged in his arm. I grabbed the chain as it came close to me and I just in turn gave the guy a swift kick in the nuts before ripping the chain away and throwing him into the wall on top of a dumpster. The last guy who wasnt tending to his friend scared looked at me as I held the chain. "Last chance. Wanna try or get out of here?" I even pushed the envelope a bit more by ripping the chain, snapping a few of the links like nothing.

The last guy dropped his weapon and swallowed backing away. "....F-FUCK IT! KEEP YOUR MONEY JUST GET THE HELL AWAY FROM US!" He yelled before booking it away. I huffed tossing the chain aside before retrieving my wallet. Made sure everything was still in there and nothing flew out when I tossed it. I just shoved it back in my pocket before walking out of the alley looking at the gang members that were left. The uninjured guy looked to me scared just getting ready to defend his friend or run... and considering his weapon was on the ground and he was making sure his friend wasnt gonna bleed out? He could've run.

"Good idea.... Get your buddy there to a hospital... maybe use your skills for something better than gang time." He gave a slight nod as I left the alley.... The first guy I threw ended up in the middle of the street with everyone checking on him... Ponies looked to me as I kept walking on... Probably wondering what went on but other than that? Nothing much. I took my phone out and started calling Celestia. Waited a moment before hearing a click and some chatter in the background. "Well an hour in this city and someone already tried mugging me.... Gang activity everywhere."

I heard a sigh. "And let me guess.... You caused a stir?" Celestia asked.

"...Yep... Had to defend myself.... Two dispatched, one injured, the rest scared. None dead and considering nobody came after me? These guys had it coming.... I'll be keeping an eye over my shoulder but... to my mission specifically I might need to dig around places, see about the history of what I'm looking for and find out how I can at least get into contact with this entity.... at least nonviolently.... I might need to go to the place where I first heard about this. I was with my father when we went to get my sister back from those dickhead kidnappers.... Still feel sorry for those who had to go clean that place up but... That's basically what put the fear in me that my family- no matter safe how they could be- will be in trouble no matter what...."

"Its understandable there... And with your new foal? You'd rather not have to go and try to save them if they were taken from you. But this place? Where is it? I could give you some info on it if you want."

"The place is called Canterlot Carrots.... Mythic and I stopped there after I got cleaned up... basically went there to wind down... Still not sure I should've been eating after that... but... the drink I had helped slightly...."

"I'm surprised you ate at all after that carnage.... For now just go find that place, speak to someone there. Just try not to let on that you're a guard and then nobody is gonna give you information."

"Yeah... Very understandable there... So cant really grill everyone I see for information... just gotta ask em about it... see if I cant get personal stories...."

"There's an idea. Just be careful with things... I will not want to be the one to explain to your family how you got hurt on vacation..."

"Rather you wouldnt in the first place.... I'll try to be more careful but anything I do will be in self defense. Nothing aggravating on my end."

"Do your thing please.... Surprised you arent taking the car. It's damage proof and the only ones who can fix it are my specialized mechanics not including you. As much as you like your cars this one is special and if it needs work, it comes here to Canterlot. Now... On with your vacation Ryder." I sighed as she killed the call. I shoved my phone back into my pocket and just walked on. I did have to stop for directions from a local shop owner. Told him I was new to the area, wanted to know where I could go for night life stuff.... Told me about a few nightclubs... one of which lost its previous owner to some accident at an old hotel he was going to renovate... Wonder how he died. Even asked about Canterlot Carrots. Told me the place wasnt the best around but it was one of the more safer and more honest places because of those who frequent it not taking any shit. That and the owners have had to arm up due to robberies in the past. They dont even care if they have to replace everyones drinks because someone decided to be a scumbag or even if they bust the bottle over their heads to defend themselves when someone gets uppity because someone got their stuff first despite being there longer.

The worst part about that? I wasnt anywhere near it. I actually had to go back to the hotel and grab the car before driving out to it. Parked right in front and went right in.... Place was empty other than a few bar tenders gabbing away. Nobody in the tables, nobody in the booths. Just the bar tenders. One of the bar tenders looked to me. "Oh hey, I remember you!" He said. "You were here that night some shit went down at the abandoned hotel a few blocks away."

I just looked at him and just huffed. "Oh yeah... Same night my friend and I got our shit stolen..." I said. "Guards found our shit, called us the next day... apparently my friend left one of his business cards in the glove box... easy fixing there..."

"That's awesome. How've you been since then?"

"Meh... Friend ran off somewhere, never said where... Came back out here to get away from the house for a week or so and you said something about gangs last time I was here?"

"Yep. Gangs galore in this god damn city. Got the Red Squares, Blue Bandana's, Green Circles and The Bits."

"Ah so those fuckers that were fucking with me on the way over here... Red Squares... Red pussies it seems more like it...."

"Take it you had a run in with em?" Gave a nod. "Surprised you're still alive... they're not ones to back down easy."

"Yeah... They tried mugging me but lets just say I let em off easy with a few bruises on their end... Not gonna doubt they might come after me if they see me again."

"You'd be lucky if they didnt shoot you in the back. How'd you do it?"

"Alley way, using their own weight when they try attacking me and just.... Well... The ones who didnt get injured got scared and ran. Guess I got lucky that this time..."

The other bar tender whistled a bit. "Damn! I would've loved to see that!" He said, Manehattan accent like Babs. "Tell ya what? For that shit? How's about a round on the house? Anything you want on me!" I huffed getting a bit of a smile on my face.

"Eh... wasnt thinking of booze when I got in... but.... Shit might as well set me up with a shot of whiskey." The bartender nodded grabbing one of the bottles of whiskey off the shelf and a shot glass. He set the glass down and poured me my drink... I knocked it back and oooh... It just.... it burned on the way down but it tasted sweet. I huffed as the burn went away. "OOH! Ooh that is just... That's good."

"Thought you'd like that. Aged Honey Apple Whiskey."

"Write the name of that stuff down. I would wanna bring that home to my brother in law." He gave a nod and walked off to the register. I looked to the other bar tender... the one who was a spitting image of me as an earth pony. "Hay sliders good for food? Kinda wanting to talk a bit but not gonna stay without paying for something first."

The stallion gave a nod and wrote it down on on a ticket. He walked off and disappeared just as the other guy came back and gave me the name of the whiskey. I waited for a bit before the other guy came back with a few glasses of water in his hands. He handed one off to his coworker before setting one down next to me keeping the last one for himself. "So, what'd you wanna know? More about the city?" He asked.

"Yeah... I think last time you mentioned something about a griffon?"

"Oh that thing? Just an urban legend but folks will say its real. Only comes out at night and many ponies claim to see it but nobody has proof other than a shadow in the moonlight. Rumor is this thing was created long ago.... Spawned by those practicing magic to either hide in shadow or control darkness. Something must've happened to a griffon they were testing on... Somehow manage to infuse them with the power to control said darkness and live forever.... Those who say they've gotten a close look at the griffon all say the same thing. No head. Communicates through writing. Earlier reports was a note pad, latest is with a phone. Fuckin' thing is even said to have killed... Seems like mostly it comes from protecting someone.... Other times it looks like its searching for something... What it's looking for? Nobody knows and everyone is afraid to ask...." I huffed.

"So... The thing is headless and it does kill.... Well then..."

"As I said. Urban. Legend. Yet there are folks who claimed to have seen it. So... Could be more true than anything."

The other stallion gave a sigh drinking some of his water. "I hear the stories but havent seen the thing." He said. "Its just a legend to me.... Then again there's a lot of shit I hear about but never see firsthand." I gave a shrug and and drank my water.... The other stallion hummed a bit.

"You know.... If you want we are gonna be open late tonight and we usually have some of my friends come around for a late night meal.... They could probably tell you more about the griffon if you want to stay here that long. But again... Late at night... probably around midnight, two in the morning or so...." I huffed.

I sighed. "I think I'll come back later after I eat." I said. He gave a nod meaning 'fair enough'. I ate, paid and went back to the hotel for a while.... I sat in the main room watching TV... Decided to call Shining.

I muted the TV waiting for Shining to answer. TV was showing some movie based in Manehattan... Old cars galore, chases and a lot of gunfights... Mobster movie actually. After a bit the phone clicked. Immediately I heard a crying foal and an annoyed huff. "...About time you call but you couldnt call sooner or just a few minutes from now???" He asked.

"...I woke Applemash didnt I....?"

"Yeah... Yeah you did... and I just got her down for Applejack..."

"Sorry! I just... I kinda called for an update... See how everyones doing while I'm away?" He huffed.

"Gimme a sec to get Cadence to help get your daughter back to sleep and I'll be happy to do so...." I waited a moment hearing a door open and some muffled talking before the door close and the crying faded. Shining sighed. "There... Family's alright... Applejack is helping clean but Big Mac is making sure she at least is doing the least she can do but still feel productive. Scoot and Applebloom got invited over to one of their friends places and Big Mac? He's a little annoyed with the crying but its gonna be there for all parties included... As for Cadence and I? We're trying the best we can with your family... Cadie is finding it a little hard to move around in your new place but eh... at least its not so small that Celestia cant fit..."

"Yeah... But uh... Just uh.... Is AJ near you at all?"

"Yeah just give it a sec. Big Mac's trying to get her to sit down now... Applejack! C'mon you need to rest! At least sit down long enough to talk to Ryder!" He gave a huff. "Hold on Ry.... Gonna put you on speaker... She's being stubborn...."

The noises in the background got a bit louder and almost immediately I heard Applejack exclaim, "AM NOT!" I just shook my head a bit.

"Yes you are! You need to sit down and relax! You just gave birth and you're not back to full strength yet! Just relax and speak with Ryder!"

I heard the phone get handed off and Applejack mumbling.... I huffed. "AJ? You there?" I asked. "Applejack you really need to take it easy! Yeah you havent worked in the orchard for a while but you need to wait a few months at least! Please!"

Applejack sighed. "I wanna but Big Mac aint doin' the cleanin' right!" She said.

I heard Big Mac groan. "AJ! I AM doing it right! You're just not listenin to us when we tell you to sit your ass down and relax!" He snapped.

I shut the TV off and started wandering the penthouse. "Its four against one AJ. The only work you need to do until you're good is feed Mash and relax until I get back. And even after I get back you're still going to relax until Mash is at least 2 months old. Understand?"

Applejack sighed. "Yeah.... I.... I understand sugarcube...." She said.

"Good... Now I'm just calling to let you know I'm at the hotel, safe and sound.... Now you just listen and relax alright? If you wanna attend a sale day you're welcome to but Big Mac and I do the lifting alright?"

"Alright... I love you sugarcube."

"Love you too AJ. Talk with you later." I hung up and just went back up to the room. I went for the backpack and shut the door making sure I had nobody looking in at me. Closed the door, locked it even closed the window, shutting the curtains and just existing in the light of the overhead lamp. I unzipped the bag and took the head out.... Smokelike shadows started coming off of the solid entity in my hands.... Feathers were just straight black... eyes closed as if they were sleeping yet it wasnt breathing... how could it without a body? I huffed as I just looked it straight in the face. "...I doubt you can hear this but... you'll be reunited soon... just... just dont hate me for defending myself... I love the night, same as you.... You loved it for a different reason... because you were required to... I was trusted by your creator to love in my own decision.... I dont harbor hate for you.... nor do I harbor hate for the night sky.... I only harbor hate for those who try to hurt my family.... Hopefully we meet soon...." I set the head back in the bag and zipped it up. Put my phone on the charger and just lied back in bed.

For how long? I'm not sure. After a while I set an alarm and lied back.... Just sat there for a while staring at the ceiling.... I ended up passing out... Not sure when I did but I did. I found my alarm going off around ten thirty at night. I got up, changed clothes and headed out with the backpack in tow. I hopped in the car and just sat the backpack in the passenger seat. I drove back out to the restaraunt... That stallion was in front yelling more. "CANTERLOT CARROTS! YOU EAT! YOU GET DISCOUNT!" He said in his far eastern Steruopean Accent. I hopped out and grabbed the backpack. I just stared at the night sky... waiting for a sign that griffon was out there. Just as I turned to go in the stallion in front stopped me. He was a large fellow.... Towering over me, wearing some weird garb... I couldnt make it out.... It looked like something that I thought would come from 'Shadow's' old country way long ago.... Well... if Shadow was a real stallion and not a changeling.... I should ask how Rocky is next I call Shining... surprised they didnt bring her with em.... oh well. The stallion in front of me was wearing some oriental style garb that he combined with a teeshirt and suit pants as well as some nice shoes as he handed me something. "Here friend! Take this inside for discount!"

I gave a nod and took it with a little bit of a smile before heading inside. As I entered I saw the Bartender serving some mare in a winter jacket, jeans and a pair of running shoes... she was a pegasus and her mane was all messy yet in a ponytail. The bartender looked up at me as he set down a cocktail he had finished shaking. "Oh hey! Welcome back!" He said. "Want a drink before you meet my friends?"

I huffed. "Just a soda... Something that'll perk me up if you got it." I said just giving a slight yawn after. He gave a smile and dug under the counter pulling out an energy drink setting it on the counter.

Just as I was about to pull my wallet out the mare just handed me the drink. "Here stranger." She said in a nice gaelic region accent... something like my fathers but hers was... uh.... Well I do love me some accents out of country. "This one's on me." I took the drink blushing a bit. "Name's Izzy by the way.... What's yours handsome?"

"Uh... Ryder ma'am..." She huffed.

"Just call me Izzy... Callin' me a 'ma'am' is gonna make me feel like someones grandmother...."

The bartender sighed. "Izzy be nice. He didnt mean nothin' by it... just being nice is all...." He said. He looked to me. "You've seen me enough.... Just call me Hiro."

I smiled a bit and cracked the drink open... Just as I turned I saw a stallion come in, gun in hand and ready aimed right at me.... Same stallion I fucking screwed with earlier. I handed the drink back to Izzy who just took it and set it down. "...Well well well.... You're about as dumb as you are strong...." He said. He looked to the booth across the way with ponies in the corner. Three mares, two stallions.... One unicorn, three earth ponies and one pegasus. One set of twins. Earth pony stallion and a Pegasus mare. It happens. The Cakes? "I see any of you with a phone or a weapon this motherfucker gets popped!" He looked back at me. "...The backpack and your keys.... NOW!" I took my keys and tossed them over. Backpack? I just set on a nearby table.... This motherfucker did the STUPIDEST thing I thought he wouldnt do..... went for the backpack first.....He unzipped it and looked inside and he just fucking SHIT HIMSELF. He looked back at me.... "Y-You.... WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!" I just stepped closer.... slowly... giving a grin.

I sighed. "What? You dont want it? I thought you wanted the backpack and what was inside!" I said just as the gun pressed up against my chest.... The guy was shaking. "....Now... Two options.... You just get out or maybe you turn that gun on yourself before I shove it so far up your ass you end up coughing up bullet casings!" The guy just.... He was frozen.... I could tell he wanted to pull the trigger but he didnt want to.... Couldnt even run. That was when a blade flew out of nowhere ricocheting off the gun knocking it to the floor having it go off barely missing my foot. I grabbed him and slammed him onto the floor like he was a teddy bear. He just clutched at my hand as I straddled him. "...Should've stopped after I kicked your ass the first time..... I heard a gun or two click and a few blades get unsheathed. I looked around.... Izzy had a knife at the ready, the bartender had a shotgun. Looked to the other side and saw the unicorn mare having a large katana, the twins had their own knives and the one stallion had another gun. The last mare just sat there watching. I looked back down at the stallion. "Outnumbered. Out gunned. One wrong move and you're getting cleaned up off the fucking floor here.... Either that or off the wall across the street.... Understand?" The stallion just freaked out and went for the gun. I stomped on his arm letting him cry out just before I picked him up, brought him out the door, got him on the ground, picked him up by his legs before just flying up, spinning him around and launching him a few blocks. I landed back down and entered just with everyone looking at me. I grabbed my drink and gave a smile. "....Thanks for the backup everyone."

Izzy got up grabbing the gun and pocketing it herself... safety on. Should get her for that but... I'm not going full guard mode here... going the EXACT opposite. "Well... there's somethin' ya dont see every day...." She said. "Pegasus strong enough to send an earth pony flyin'...." I went and collected my keys pocketing them before going to the bag. "...Dont know what made that guy freak out like that but.... even I'm afraid to ask at this point.... Fuckin' psycho you are...."

The unicorn mare sheathed the sword... it just.... disappeared.... Into her chest..... She was wearing a uniform of somesort.... looked like a private school one. "She's one to BE the psycho.... but you're creeping her out? That's a new one!" She said. "So... Ryder you say?"

I smiled grabbing the bag keeping it unzipped but still hiding its contents. "Yep. That's me." I replied.

"Would you mind showing us what's in that bag that got him freaked out? We wanna know what we're dealing with here...."

"I will but... I want information.... The Griffon that prowls around during the night supposedly killing ponies..." The unicorn got a scared expression on her face. The others just looked at me a bit surprised.

The bartender gave a chuckle. "Told you he wanted to know... Told him to come back, here he is and so FULL of surprises...." Hiro said. "Sythe. Why dont you pull up a chair for our friend here?" The unicorn gave a hesitant nod before Izzy flew over to join us. Wedged herself right between the twins.

I walked over and sat down keeping the bag clutched tightly. Sythe gestured to the stallion closest to her. The one who had a revolver just in plain view polishing it. He was in a partial suit, sleeves rolled up and just out of place here with everyone else. Blue mane, dark blue coat. "This is Stamper." She then gestured to the mare next to him. Pegasus. Wore glasses and was just messing with her phone and also wearing a school uniform but with a few modifications looking like armor but it was very subtle. Could even see a slight reflection in her glasses. Couldnt make out what it was. "Here's Overcharge." She then gestured to the twins. "Here we've got Glitch and Snitch.... Nicknames for em both... and you already know Izzy and Hiro...." She looked to Overcharge. "Hey Overcharge? Why dont you tell him what you know about the Headless Griffon?"

The mare gave a hum as she just was typing away on her phone... "I would but... Not sure what a guard would want with it..." She said. I nearly dropped my drink like my heart did. Sythe looked to her friend.

"...Wait.. He's a guard?" The Pegasus nodded.

"Yep. General in fact. Not sure why he's here as I said... He's based out of Ponyville.... Exactly where I know but.... I'd rather not say more than that...."

Izzy slid under the table and came out next to me. "General? You sure that information you're gettin is right?" She asked staring me in the face.

I set my drink down and huffing. "Okay! Yes I'm a guard but I just came here because I need help!" I said."I only ask about the griffon because I just... I need to find it!" I held up the bag. "Got something that belongs to it and.... Look I know I'm a fucking risk.... You're armed, I know but havent I proved myself to know you could trust me?"

Sythe took the bag from me and handed it to Stamper. "Check it. See if he's telling the truth." She said. I shifted in my seat a bit and almost instantly Izzy had her blade to my neck.

"....Just... D-dont freak out the same as that guy did.... Rather wouldnt have this uh... beautiful mare slitting my throat and leaving my wife and child alone...."

Izzy huffed. "Fuckin.... Lie to me once more and I dont care if I slit a guards throat or your mothers...." She said.

"AH!" Overcharge interjected. "I wouldnt do either Izzy! His mother is uh.... Very special to a lot of ponies... Wont say who but.... Just... Lay off the knife before he really does some damage..... The pictures I'm seeing that were connected to him.... Yeah he can rip a car in half like a soda can.... and with what we just saw? He wont hesitate...." Izzy huffed taking the blade away... I caught a glimpse of it... clean steel, curved serrated blade.... Oh she could tear someone up with that thing.

Stamper huffed. "We doin' this or what?" He asked. "Tired of waiting with all this shit! There could be a bomb and that fucking asshole saw and wanted to book it!"

I sighed. "If it were a bomb WE'D BE DEAD ALREADY. JUST FUCKING LOOK!" I snapped. "Its either you do it like you're told or I show you all!" Stamper snapped his fingers and again Izzy had the knife against my neck again.

"...Talk to me like that one more fucking time.... Fuck if you're a guard, fuck your family YOU DO NOT TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!" He turned his attention back to the bag. Carefully lifted the zipper open... He and Sythe took a peek and they just looked inside shocked. "Woah..... Yeah... Yeah that DEFINITELY belongs to her...." He slid the backpack over to Overcharge and the Twins.... They all looked inside and just quickly pushed it way. Izzy grabbed the bag taking the knife away just enough to let me breathe a bit. She looked inside and just resheathed her knife before setting the bag in my lap.

"....Now you see why I came here... Wanting to know more about her! Or at least what you guys know about her!"

Overcharge sighed rubbing her throat. "Well...." She started. "...Good start is you know about her.... cant hide that.... She couldnt remember how she came to be, where she came from or what... that's how those legends started.... She kills because she's protecting others.... Just last week she saved some filly from committing suicide because her step father was abusing her... Right now that girl is getting psychiatric care because of what he did... She got dropped off at the local guard station, stepfather ended up dead on a bridge, mother was nowhere to be seen but a friend of ours has enough money to pay adoption fees for her friends to take her in."

Hiro came over and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Yeah... That griffon is named Celadon.... Not what we called her...." He said. "Just saw the color.... Somehow... Still not sure how she sees or hears but she can... Calls herself that because it reminds her of a forest she hid in for some time before appearing in Ikkebuckero."

One of the twins spoke up. The stallion. Not sure which one this was. "She lives with a doctor not far from here. She normally goes in during the day so she doesnt burn but if she needs to go out during the day its usually incognito.... Right now she might be out doing stuff so might not be good to intervene. Need someone to take you to the doctors place?"

I nodded hesitantly. "Yeah... Just uh... Let me get my car back to the hotel... Definitely dont want Red Scarves seeing it and tagging it up... I just got that thing and I'd rather not have to repaint it already." I said.

Izzy huffed as I got up grabbing my drink. "I'll ride with em.... You guys follow." She said. As much as I wanted to say no I really was afraid to say so with her.... As a group we all walked out except for Hiro who stayed behind with the guy handing out coupons seemingly ignorant to what went down... gunshot included... even surprised there werent any guards swarming the area. Is crime so bad here the guards here just cant get to it all? Or do they ignore it? I didnt know what to think. I just hopped in the car with Izzy, putting the backpack in the back seat after zipping it up. The ride was a bit tense until she sighed. "Sorry if I went and nearly gutted you.... Wasnt exactly expecting the General of the Guard to waltz in asking for help... Coulda been some ruse to break us up but... Hiro trusted you to tell you about us... Anything happened he would've been at fault anyhow." I sighed.

"You're fine. Just... Thanks for not slitting my throat... I almost lost my shit when your friend told everyone who I was..."

"Most do. 'Charge is a hacker. Knows about anyone and everyone about anything she can. Wouldnt doubt she's trackin' us right now listenin to us... and if she is she should get off our backs... Thinkin' of having a little fun to calm meself down if I can." I blushed a bit.

"I uh.... I'd say no but uh.... I think you need it... Not scared here or anything... Just keep your hands to yourself... Cant drive and do that at the same time....."

"I'll keep me hands to meself... But if you wanna come to my place later you're very welcome to.... Well... If you're still alive by the end of this... Griffon might be pissed beyond belief with her head in the back seat...."

"...I'd rather not think about that... Just go and start touching yourself and I'll just focus on driving.... No telling if she can hear us through her head despite it being disconnected...."

"The radio works doesnt it?" I gave a nod. "Well turn that up and keep your eyes on the road! Maybe later we can find somewhere to shag if ya wanna..." I just huffed and turned the radio up... Had to find a good station to use... House music. Fuck it. She went at it... Dropped her pants and just went for it. I took an occasional glance.... Few knuckles deep. There was a van behind us. Parked just as Izzy and I went back in to the garage and by the time we pulled in she had finished... Squirted all over the seat and even hit the dash.... Lucky me there were napkins from lunch earlier. Gave some to her and wiped the dash and seat down best I could before grabbing the backpack and heading back out with Izzy. We loaded in to the van. I had to get in the back with the Twins. Neither of them wanted anything to do with me but... This was my life for the time being.

To be continued.

Headed Out (Part 2)

Late at night.... In a town full of gangs, with the head of a griffon that attacked me when Nightmare Moon came back from her imprisonment in the moon and I only had that happen after my kid was born and after I went back to my wife and kid I got pulled away by a mandatory vacation where I attempted to put off because family and when on that vacation I was attacked by a gang, twice, helped out by another gang and just.... I had a mare masturbate in my car before getting into her friends van where I was just packed in like sardines with a set of twins, a hacker mare, dickhead stallion, some psycho chick with a magical samurai sword... And in that order it was Izzy, Snitch and Glitch, Overcharge, Stamper and Sythe.... Yeah...Eventful week so far. I sighed as we turned down another side street.... "Why couldnt we have gone back the same way we came?" I asked.

Overcharge sighed... She was sitting in the front.... "Did you already forget the fucking gang member you catapulted to his death after he tried killing you?" She asked. "Its all over the news, the guard chatter on their radios and we're trying to be discrete about this! This is a van full of ponies, late at night, you are in the back with two high school kids with a disembodied head! By all means why dont you get up here and drive us through guard ridden territory General!"

Stamper huffed. "Both of you SHUT UP!" He yelled. "Overcharge I can forgive you for this bitchy attitude of yours but the fucking guard in the back CAN NOT tell me what to fucking do!"

Izzy gave a grunt. "Lay off him! He came to us and we agreed to help!" She said.

"Oh shut the-"

"FINISH THAT SENTENCE AND YOUR BLOOD WILL BE ALL OVER THE DAMNED HOOD!"

The Stallion twin huffed as he leaned up over the back seat where Izzy was as well as Sythe. "Guys, drop it!" He said. "Faster we get this done, faster we get him out of here!" I could hear them collectively sigh... more than likely eye rolling. He looked back to me. "Dont mind him. He's a bit paranoid around guards... His brother was arrested and killed in guard custody yet they cover it up like he wasnt even there. Thinks every guard is gonna be after him and kill him too."

I huffed. "...I'll have someone look into it, if not look into it myself..." I replied in a hushed tone. "Thanks for the assist there... Dont think that would've stopped without someone's head being bashed against a window and no telling who's.... But uh... Which one are you by the way? Glitch or Snitch?"

"Glitch." He replied. "Overcharge might be the hacker but I make tech items, she uses them to her advantage so... we're pretty much a team..." He gestured to his sister who was just looking out the back window. "Snitch? Her name says what she does. She takes note of where things go down, finds the right pony, snitches on them to clients and we go from there..."

"So... Guess every one of you has a specialty in someway.... You make things that Overcharge uses, thinking mostly like to identify targets for your sister to point out... Not sure what Izzy, Sythe or Stamper do yet..."

"Izzy is an info broker, Sythe... She's basically an assassin and Stamper is a smooth talker.... He could talk the pants off anyone even if they arent selling stuff...."

"And those two back at the bar?"

"Hiro is the muscle as well as the other guy there.... We just call him Takedown... His real name is a bit hard to pronounce."

"...Alright then... What can you tell me about this doctor?"

Izzy looked back. "This doctor's a real piece of work. He fixed every one of us up in an emergency." She said. "First time he fixed me up I got into a bar fight with some fuckface that tried spikin' me drink... Guards found his pockets full of drugs and he was all cut up. I just had a bit of glass in my face since he had a friend who surprised me with a bottle upside me head. You can bet he was on the floor before his friend was and he was in more worse condition.... Think I saved several other mares from being date raped that night..."

I heard Overcharge huff. "This doc doesnt ask any questions other than how we got hurt but nothing ever comes of it." She said. "Only thing he does ask is to send anyone his way who needs help but make sure they wont do shit that's gonna put him in danger."

I just sighed and pulled out my phone. "Well... He's good.... You know where he came from?" I asked turning my phone on just to check the time. Going on 2 in the morning.

"Canterlot actually. He doesnt like to talk about his stories with anyone... That's pretty much all we know and I've been digging left and right to find something." Canterlot.... That's one thing that should've tipped me off. But it didnt. "I'd get ready. We're nearly there." I gave a yawn shoving my phone back in my pocket... Just held the backpack close growing a bit nervous being all around everyone... I honestly didnt even know if they were just gonna bring me to my death or what.

Not even about fifteen minutes later we pulled up outside an apartment building. Looked a bit like a luxury apartment building but it looked a tad run down here and there... even some graffiti on the wall. Green Squares. Another gang I assumed. We all walked up as a group. Izzy just next to me, the twins behind me, Sythe at the front and Overcharge and Stamper on either side of me and Izzy. We walked up to the top floor of this four story apartment complex and stopped at a door cleaner than the rest. Maybe a scratch or two here and there but... clean mostly. Sythe knocked and looked back at me. "Say nothing unless spoken to. Understand?" She asked. I nodded.

We waited a moment... I could swear I saw movement through whatever was blocking the small window on it. The door opened and... Well... It was... Celestia's Doctor.... The one who hit me with antibiotics all those years ago.... He looked at everyone... even me... but I felt something... Like he knew who I was without even saying it. "What uh... What's everyone doing here?" He asked. He looked older... I never said what he looked like but... He was a grey unicorn stallion, black mane and a long white doctors coat. Here? His black mane turned silver by time... It was even in a ponytail. "No one looks injured but I heard something went down at the bar... Anyone care to explain?"

Izzy grabbed me by the neck and pulled me down nearly putting me in a headlock. "This fucker right here gave one of the Red Scarf dicks a first class flight a few blocks!" She said. "All the bollocks they give us, they got in one swift toss." The stallion studied me. Almost like he was just.... undressing me and cutting off every appendage... and I mean every appendage.... He sighed.

"Ah... Very well then... Everyone come on in. I was just to sit down for a drink." He smiled and stepped aside. Izzy let go of me and just started walking in with the group... I started to follow but he stopped me just slamming the door with his magic. I quickly backed away. "YOU!" He snapped in a hushed tone. "I fucking remember you CLEAR AS FUCKING DAY!"

I sighed. "And I remember you like it was yesterday... Almost was but uh... can I explain?" I asked.

"Ten. Seconds."

"Okay okay someone found a spell, threw me back in time and you saved my ass and I got sent back by Celestia after pissing her off! What happened to you??"

"I got fired after saving your ass! You may have alerted everyone to Nightmare Moon but I know I should've kept you knocked out of it so the guards could put you into a strait jacket for even being on royal grounds! And when I heard you became GENERAL? I. Fucking. LOST IT!"

"Okay look, I'm sorry! It wasnt my intention to get you fired! If I wanted to I could've said 'Go fire doctor....' uh...." I trailed off.

"Doctor Shunko...." He looked as if he were about to pop a blood vessel.

"....Well... Doctor Shunko... If it were my intention to get you fired I would've had a different way of doing it!"

"Well it fucking happened one way or the other! And guess who's fixing up gang members because his medical license is garbage now because he lost a job healing guards and royalty?!"

"....Alright... Ruined your life.... Again. Not my intention.... I'd ask if there's anything I can do to rectify my mistake but... I feel your answer would be putting a gun to my head, hanging myself, throwing myself off a building or hitting the ground at high speed from a height or even set myself on fire but uh... hate to tell you four of those things happened and I'm still walking. And to hell if I wanna leave my wife, kid and sisters alone after everything we've been through!" The air between us was so tense I swear if you had touched a knife to it it would come undone like a fucking rubber band wrapped around a melon a few times. He huffed.

"...So. I've... Heard.... NOW WHAT DO YOU WANT?" I gave a sigh.

"...When I came to you all those years ago, something attacked me before Nightmare Moon... You thought it was an animal but I know it was a griffon, controlled by Nightmare Moon.... It attacked me, I defended myself and got away with my life! It easily could've killed me before I even got to Canterlot. And if I died, we wouldnt be having this conversation now would we?" He started pacing back and forth.

"So... This... This spell.... It sent you through time?" I gave a nod. "SO WHY DONT YOU USE IT TO FIX WHAT YOU FUCKED UP?!" I dropped the bag and quickly pinned him against the wall.

"I WOULD IF I COULD BUT YOU NEED TO CALM THE FUCK DOWN AND LISTEN THE FUCK UP!" I started panting as I brought him up the wall a bit. "Our paths cross by fate.... Past, present, future alike.... I go and change ANYTHING that I do it could cost something more than that! My family could be dead, your family could be dead too, you could even be dead along with them! And trust me when I say I'd rather we have things the way they are otherwise the entire fucking world could end just because I moved a god damn chair to the back of someones head in the past! Do you get where I'm coming from or do you need to look up where you're gonna go if you dont fucking help me with what needs to be done!"

"Okay okay just put me down! You're still as strong as the day I met you! Just... Just put me down, we can talk! Just- Just dont hurt me please!" I sighed and put him down. I turned around and grabbed the backpack... Almost thought I'd turn back around to him locking me out or pulling a gun on me but he waited.

"Look.... Sorry about that.... Dont wanna hurt you more than I have.... I just.... Its.... Its hard to think of anything but my family at points.... I just had a kid... She's at home with my wife and the family while I'm out here trying to do something to right a wrong I made back then..... Maybe clean one less target on my back and when I say I have a lot of targets on my back... you best believe I do.... I've had a few painted on my back after I got here.... And one that I can take away?.... Better that than anything...."

"And you want me to take it away?"

"No... But you can help." I held up the bag. "...Those ponies in there said you live with a headless griffon.... That was the griffon who attacked me. In this bag? Its something she wants... something she's probably been searching for...." I slung the bag over my shoulder again. "...We can talk more about this inside...." He gave a nod and opened the door...

When we walked in everyone made themselves at home... Glitch and Snitch on the couch, Izzy sitting at a breakfast bar with Stamper while Sythe and Overcharge were just texting away... or at least it looked that way. I went and sat on the couch with the Twins and waited for the Doctor to join me. He went into his kitchen... Started raiding his fridge and started setting out drinks. Beer, whiskey, water and stuff. Izzy immediately went for the whiskey but the doctor slapped her hand and made her grab a beer instead while he took the bottle and just grabbed a few glasses from a cabinet above. I just looked around the room. Bit of a balcony just out the side of the living room area, hall right where the mini bar was and such. Looked to be a few doors down the way. I watched as Sythe came over grabbing a couple waters, tossing two to the twins and giving Overcharge another. Sythe looked to me. "Nearly screwed the pooch here didnt we?" She asked. "I'd ask what happened but 'Charge tapped into your phone and we heard everything.... Soundproofing all around this place so nobody knows what goes on."

"...Yeah... Long story... but.... I'd say get comfy... This might be an interesting talk..." She nodded just as the Doctor came back over with a glass of whiskey in each hand. Handed one to me.... I sniffed at it.... Didnt smell off from whiskey I knew.... I hesitantly sipped it before putting it down on the table. I sighed feeling the warm alcohol slide down my throat. "Alright.... As I said your griffon friend uh... Celadon?" He nodded. "Yeah... Celadon.. She's looking for something she'd been missing since I came to you...."

Doctor Shunko huffed. "...So... What've you got?" He asked. I handed him the backpack.

"I'd put your drink down first... Waste of alcohol otherwise when you shit yourself...." He took a sip... Big one too before putting his drink down. He just lifted up the backpack... Felt the weight of it....

Izzy sighed. "Just open it ya damned pussy!" She snapped. "It's not a bomb... If it was we'd've been dead on arrival... our friend here doenst look like he could make a bomb let alone wire one..." We all just looked at Izzy.... "What? Its true! Wouldnt've said anythin' if you had given me the damned whiskey! Girl needs to feel the burn here!"

Stamper just reached over and smacked Izzy in the back of the head and just pointed to her drink. She just grumbled a bit before going back to her drink. We all turned our attention to Doctor Shunko... He just took a deep breath as he carefully opened the backpack... I just grabbed my drink and sipped it more.... Once he looked inside he lost all color. I set my drink down and gently took the bag from him. He just looked to me and grabbed for his drink... He shook a bit raising it to his lips before downing the rest of what he had.... "....Is... Is that what I think that is?" He asked.

I just huffed giving a nod. "Yep.... Her head...." I replied.

"...I havent thought of the day we'd find it.... and here I was just mere nights ago comforting her of a nightmare she had.... The stallion making her lose her head coming to finish the job.... I told her you were probably long dead from your injuries... hid the fact you became Celestia's top General... she's even had nightmares of the Princess coming to find her and having her executed... She hates herself for what she had done the night she lost her head.... Attacked so many ponies... some dying because her attacks were so bad.... She just... she never thought about watching.... waiting to what would happen... only acted upon orders from Nightmare Moon...."

"...I'm hoping we can give her her head back... and I can just apologize... maybe show her I serve the night as she does but in a different way...." I zipped up my bag. "You know where she is?"

"She's just roaming right now... She likes to take flights during some nights.... Other nights she's taken up jobs from contacts she trusts... I cant call her back because she left her phone here. She did take her whiteboard though just in case she finds someone who needs help." I leaned back in my seat and thought for a moment....

"...So... Its either we wait here for her to return.... or go out and find her some way.... Either that or make her come to us...."

Stamper sighed. "Well Celadon trusts everyone here but you." He said swirling his beer around. "We go roaming around, she might stop, talk to us if she's in a talking mood... You? She'd probably gut you before wanting to talk..."

"Yeah... And I'd rather not have to worry about my body being sent back home in a few different body bags.... Or even in a body bag at all..."

Sythe started pacing drinking her water. "Alright.... So our options are limited and we cant let our client here go and get himself killed...." She said. She quickly snapped her fingers. "That's it!" She looked to me. "We have a 'client' drop a note with Doctor Shunko here.... Gotta make up something though to where she goes somewhere to find you with her head!" I downed the rest of my drink before standing up. Stumbled a bit but Shunko and Glitch kept me upright.

"Good idea but... Someone is gonna have to be there to make sure she doesnt gut me! I'm like... Eighty percent sure she's gonna recognize me and try to finish the job, half of that is with her head back on and there's another twenty percent that does recognize me and she's grateful to have her head back..."

"And half of that being rage induced slaughter because you had her head?" I gave a nod. "....Well... We're gonna need a plan... Something that involves everyone.... We're gonna have to put this off until tomorrow night... longer we stay around here, longer she's gonna think something's shady if she sees us...." She looked to Shunko. "Doctor... You never saw us, you dont know about her head but we will be in contact... Understand?" The Doctor nodded before we all got up. Sythe looked to me. "Lets get you back to your hotel and rest up. Gonna need you tomorrow night. Overcharge will contact you when we have something." I gave a nod just making sure the bag was secure before throwing it over my shoulder. Everyone walked out... All except for me. Doctor Shunko grabbed my arm. He got up and took me down the hall. I shrugged as Overcharge looked to me. We ducked into a side room... Looked like an operating room. He went for a fridge in there and started raiding it after he sat me on the table in there. I waited nervously before he pulled out a bottle. Looked like a small bottle of alcohol that you'd get from liquor stores and they were usually a few bucks.

He read the label and handed it off to me. "Quickly, drink it! All in one go!" He said.

I just looked to him curious. "Uh... Why?" I asked.

"Drink! NOW!" I cracked it open and downed it. Tasted like ass.... Dunno what was in it.... Tasted worse than the shit that made me know someone was in heat.... He sighed as I gave a cough. "Good.... "

"What the hell was in that?!" I coughed a bit more rubbing my burning throat.

"...Something to get you to live. I spiked your alcohol with something that would've killed you but now that you drank that you should pull through albeit with some time with a toilet.... Trust no gas and just in case be ready to vomit.... Dont rightly remember how fast acting it is but uh....." Immediately I felt sick to my stomach. I dropped the bag and just looked around with my hand over my mouth. He quickly grabbed a trash can for me. Didnt take me a second for me to grab it and just hurl right into it.... Burning alcohol and just.... god.... Tasted horrible..... "There.... It might take a day or so to get it all out of your system but keep eating light and do try not to upset your stomach General...." I spat into the can but still held it close. "Look.... Until I saw that head I could swear you were there to kill me or something... and being out numbered? I had to take you out alone.... Little poison in your system but.... That head changes things.... She has been searching for it... You're right... She cant go far outside the city because by the time she does get to where she wants to search its time to hide away. And as of now she's far too busy to search. I only do this doctor job to get money to hire mercs to find her head.... Now I can use that money for better materials and for her.... I care for her you know... Not like a partner... but a daughter.... She's curious, learning and everything.... Luckily by being the creature she is, made of shadows, cant stand the sunlight.... House lights she can handle as well as some minimal exposure to sunlight... She can sit on the balcony if the sun isnt directly shining on her... Most times if she's not working... she sits out... admiring the night... the moon.... She tells me she used to work for Nightmare Moon... regretting what she did....Your work for the Princess show you work both sides.... Night and Day.... Favor of both...." I threw up more into the trash can.... I spat and coughed a bit.

"...Princesses trust me as I do them.... They've aided me in more ways than you could even imagine...." He sighed.

"...I can kind of.... I remember hearing of the attack on Canterlot Castle... There were reports of Celestia being injured.... She was caring for a little filly at the time and... I assume that is someone you know?"

"My baby sister.... She... saw our parents after they were murdered.... I was too late to stop her from seeing them.... nearly too late to save her from the guards taking her.... I was arrested... Kept for two nights on charges of assault on a guard.... Got lucky because the guard who arrested me put me in a headlock... charges were turned on him and he lost his job but thankfully wasnt jailed.... Though for a time I was suicidal... nearly shot myself.... sometimes... Sometimes I wonder if the crazy stuff I do as a guard is a deathwish I have that just one day would take me out because I did this....?" The doctor sighed.

"Maybe but... I'm no psychiatrist.... Perhaps I can tell Celadon she can stay away for the rest of the night... find somewhere to stay until sunset.... Have you stay here because with how fast that medicine acted... I doubt you'd be keeping anything down on the way back to wherever you're staying.... Just.. I would say go to the toilet before you sleep. You can use Celadon's room for the night.... Bathroom is right across the hall and uh... keep the trash can with you.... And if you like I could have one of our.... Associates stay with you to keep tabs on you just so Celadon doesnt seem suspicious in the slightest." I coughed and spat into the can.... God it burned.... Alcohol going down is one thing? Coming back up? FUCK THAT.

"...Please... And... More than likely its gonna be Izzy.... Girl couldnt keep away from me even after having a knife to my neck...."

"...Yeah... She's uh.... A little more than caring... If I do bring her in here and you do anything just... let me know, I'll test you and treat you. She sleeps around quite a bit and I wouldnt want you passing it on to anyone...."

"Got it... keep her at.... at...." I hurled again, no hesitation into the trash can. He sighed and helped me up from the table.

"Yeah... and with you how you are she might agree to be away from you.... Lets just get you in to the bathroom, make sure you're not going to just stink up the place and I'm not letting you wear anything of mine." I gave a weakened nod and walked with him to the bathroom taking the can with me. Made sure I was empty. Bladder, bowels.... Definitely stomach was empty mostly.... After that I was just hearded into a room across the hall with a bottled water, cool to the touch. I sat down on the bed inside.... Claw marks were on the wall, feathers here and there on the floor.... There was even a phone on the desk against the wall.... It was vibrating here and there. The doctor looked at it and sighed. "...She can never get away from gang bullshit..." I set the can down and sipped from the water bottle.... felt so good compared to what I had been through. He looked to me.

"If its from.... some random gang member that fell from the sky.... thank yours truly...." I sipped the water again.

"Huh.... Well then.... Guess that explains all the sirens I heard.... But no... This is different.... gang war brewing.... Green circles and The Bits...."

"Already know the Red Scarf gang.... Safe to say they're afraid of me... The other gangs I dont know...."

"Well hate to burst your bubble but you do know The Bits already. Our friends who you were with. They're part of it. Looked just like a bunch of friends who like going places and causing trouble... but that's what they do.... The Green Circles? Those guys run bars around town. Legit businesses but with everything being a front. Then there are the Blue Squares. These guys run chop shops, auto shops, anything to do with cars. Only time they clash with the others is when someone wants to blame them for shit they didnt do... Now go on, get comfy. Celadon should be here soon. I'll get Izzy and wait for her to come back." I gave a nod and just lied down.... Sleep came quickly.

I was out and comfortable. Fell into a dreamscape and honestly? It was just the bar I was in earlier.... I just sat there looking at the alcohol on the shelf... all marked with 'poison' except for one which was the whiskey I had earlier in the day. I heard a hum as the bottle not marked with poison floated off the shelf. I looked back just to see Princess Luna dressed in some altered UFG fatigues. Night time purple, stars on the patches and what not. She looked to the bottle in her hand and then to the ones on the shelf. "...Something tells me you've been busy since you got there...." She said. "New drinks to be had, the guards in the hotel telling me you left late at night and havent returned yet and even reports of a stallion who died falling from the sky...."

I huffed. "Drinks to celebrate, needed information and that guy had it coming to him...." I replied taking the bottle from her. "Best way I could show how serious i was about this information and that was deal with local gang members who wanted me dead because I ended up beating the shit out of them because they wanted to mug me."

"So you have the information about the headless griffon?"

"More or less. I just... So much fear to go with that... She.... She apparently helps.... Anyone who needs it... She's stopped a suicide attempt from what I've heard... more maybe... But... with the griffon... I wanna hope she's not gonna see me, attack to get her head back, get it and continue to kill me.... Rather would have a chance to talk... Hope I do have the time to talk and explain myself..."

"Yes... I hope as well... So far my sister and I are wondering if we were wrong about sending you there...."

"I'm not gonna lie... got a bit of thought about that.... Was nearly mugged, sent a guy flying to his death, I'm carrying a head of a griffon who was under Nightmare Moon's command who attacked me and wanted me dead because I was wearing Celestian colors and just.... There's a reason those other bottles are poisoned and that one isnt...." I pointed to the bottle that wasnt marked. "This one? Good drink. Warm and sweet." I pointed to the other bottles. "Laced...."

"Are you alright?! Are you getting medical care?"

"Yeah... Luckily from a source that was... unexpected....."

"So... Licensed? Unlicensed?"

"....Yes....? And here's the fucking surprise.... He used to work for Celestia until I came around.... Blames the loss of his work because of me showing up."

"....I'd ask if you're kidding but with the things I've heard so far I believe it...."

"Yeah... And puking your guts out in the wee hours of the morning and you're not drunk hurts like hell...." I just looked to her. "But uh... You mind getting me a bottle when I return? I wont mind sharing if you'd want some Princess." She smiled and sighed.

"Get out of this alive? I shall. Just remember to not kill unless your life is in danger... And with the stallion that fell from the skies? I say it was well deserved.... It was said there was a gun shot before he was found a few blocks away... Security footage from the bar was spotty at best but it did show he was there with a gun before the footage was cut.... Specifically to make everyone except a few stallions cleaning up and talking to a guard who responded disappear...."

"Okay now that was DEFINITELY not me Princess. I'm not stupid enough to screw with evidence like that."

"Nor are you smart enough to cut it out the way it was.... During the cut there was static and some weird emblem before it cut back in.... Seems it was hacked and the hacker left their mark on it...." I sighed.

"Well I feel like I know who that is.... But for right now let me rest.... Got a long time ahead of me.... But I want your word that unless I call for it, nobody is to be touched while I'm here. Please?"

"You have my word General.... But if those who are helping you do anything against the guard, they're fair game. Maybe not by you but to whatever guard they assaulted." I huffed as I got up from the bar stool.

"...And if I didnt need the help for this, each and everyone of these ponies helping me would've had cuffs slapped onto em but since I need their help and they're armed to the teeth... Probably best to have them on my side...." I hugged the Princess. She hugged me back. "....I'd let Shining know I can only accept text updates for the time being. Maybe make up a lie on why I cant talk." Luna sighed just stroking my mane.

"I'll think of something and just let you sleep. Just please stay safe...You're always getting yourself into trouble...." She released me and just watched as she woke me up making things fade with her magic.

When I was waking up I found myself in nothing but my underwear. My clothes were folded up nearby and by the way I felt I felt as if I were running through the orchard in hundred degree heat. Yeah... Sweating like crazy. And in the corner on the floor by the window? Izzy just using her jacket as a pillow. I got out of bed going for my clothes only to see a note. I picked the note up and looked at it.

'General.... Shunko here. I had Izzy get you out of your clothes because I neglected to tell you about how the purge works. Not only from both ends but you end up sweating it out as well. Celadon bought it. I just told her you were poisoned and Izzy brought you to my door. Her friends agreed to go with the story. Make sure you're feeling alright to go back out again. Though I still wanna make sure you're alright after things last night... I do advise you to take a shower and uh... make sure you're all clear. There's money on the counter for you and Izzy to eat something at the diner just next door. I had to leave for a while to make sure I'm well stocked for my next patient. Just wake her up and get her dressed, and well... You dont have to go home but I cant have you staying here. The Patient Privacy I need... Understand? Any questions, you can ask later.'

I sighed grabbing my clothes. Got em on, made sure everything was there, phone, wallet and key to the penthouse. I even went for the backpack and checked inside... head was still inside... and I made sure it was the real one. Took it out of the bag for a sec and exposed it to the sunlight.... Smoke started to emanate from it. I quickly put it away and closed the bag up. Even smelled the air making sure there wasnt a smell. Thankfully there wasnt... though there was a scent of alcohol coming from Izzy. I just kicked her a bit. she snorted and woke up looking up at me. "...Mornin' there Izzy. Up for some breakfast?" I asked.

Izzy huffed as she got up stretching her wings a bit as she grabbed her jacket. "....Fuckin... Couldnt've let me sleep a bit longer?" She asked.

"Nope. Now... You need me to carry you or are you sober enough to walk on your own?" She huffed holding a hand up.

"...Get me to the can an' I'll decide for meself..... " I huffed.

"Got it... You're about to piss yourself...... Feeling sick or is that all?"

"...Woulda been huggin' that porcelain t'rone if I drank more than my fuckin limit.... an' what about you? Big baby need a nappy?"

"No but if you're willing to share we can get out fast and get some food. Doc's paying." She huffed.

"Cant say no to free food.... an' after last night? I swear a bottle of rotgut is needed."

"A bottle of hooch is the last thing we need right now... Speaking of which do you still have that gun on you?" I got her in my arms carefully and started for the door.

"Nah... Stamper took it for his collection. Didnt trust me with it an' I can say for sure he's good to take it... I get a few in me an' I turn into a bit of a psychopath more than you scarin' the shit out of the pancake you left a few streets over from the bar." She opened up the bathroom door and as soon as I set her down she dropped her pants and planted herself on the seat.

"Good... Rather wouldnt have that drop out anywhere and go off hurting someone or scaring the shit out of everyone... Now spread em if you can.... I gotta piss too!" She huffed and just had me piss between her legs.... Even aimed for me just so I didnt get any on her.... Yet she didnt seem to mind getting very close to her snatch with the stream.... Hell if I werent watching her she'd be going for a drink with the way she was looking at it.

After we were done we grabbed the forty bits the doctor had on the counter and went out and downstairs. As we got into the stairwell my phone started ringing. I quickly pulled it from my pocket.... Not much charge left but enough to last until noon if I dont use it that much. But who was calling? Applejack.... I huffed and just gave Izzy a hand signal to keep quiet. Hopefully she understood. I slid my thumb across the screen and put it up to my ear as we turned each corner to go down more stairs. I heard a yawn through the phone... And a little bit of crying in the background. "Dangit Ry.... Dont even call last night... just... pick up please..... Lemme know you're alright...." I heard Applejack say. I huffed.

"Applejack? Is everything good over there?" She gasped.

"Sugarcube! Oh thank Celestia you answered! I was waitin for a call and you just didnt and I... I just..."

"....Did you stay up most of the night waiting?" She sighed. "Applejack.... You really need to get your rest.... I'm alright... Just a bit tired is all... Couldnt sleep, watched some TV until I passed out.... Heading to get some food now..."

"....Good just... Please call me or Shinin'... Let us know what's goin' on and where ya are please!""

"I will AJ... Now please just go give Mash some breakfast and get back to bed for a little while. Have Mac or Cadence wake you up in a few hours and I'll be sure to call you before bed tonight."

"I uh... A-Alright sugarcube... Maybe give Scoot a call or a text later too, make sure she knows you're alright."

"Okay. Love ya baby."

"Love you too Ry... I'll give Mash a kiss for ya. Talk with ya later." I hung up giving a sigh.

Izzy looked over at me as we hit the ground floor. "Awww well look at ya. Bein' a good husband and a grand father for your foal bein' all the way out here in the middle of gang infested cities with some fuckin' prized possession of some terror of the night so folks say." She said. I huffed.

"....Ah quiet... I dont like this as much as you think...." We walked out a gate together... The morning sun burned our eyes. "...I only left because I had to for this.... Kid isnt even a month old, we just had our house rebuilt and as much as I'd like to be there for my family, I'd rather not be found strewn across the orchard with some shadowy griffon hiding in the trees covered in my blood scaring the shit out of my wife, brother in law and my sister.... She's seen too much blood already...."

"She has? How old is this filly? The fuck has she been doin' to see all that blood?"

"She was just living her life. Came home one day, mom and dad were murdered, I leave for the war, she accidentally shoots someone because she had to be hidden away and didnt know it was over until she pulled the trigger. She even witnessed the damn building go down in Manehattan during the attack there... If I werent a pegasus or a guard I would've went down with it.... But nope... Busted out the window and flew out narrowly having rubble crush me and my wifes cousin to death."

"...Wait you're sayin' you were in Manehattan when all that shit went down over there? Fuckin' hell you're a god damned mad man!"

"I might be crazy but seriously.... The shit my sister has seen.... It surprises me that she isnt in a nuthouse because of all things...."

"Girl's stronger than some of the ones I've seen around the city. Dont know how many have had who they were with murdered to protect them from getting mugged or raped... Next thing you know they're on the edge of buildings, bridges, hung up by their necks or found somewhere bleedin' out..."

"Sad to hear.... Lots of victims blame themselves for someone else getting injured.... How I felt for a bit too after my parents were murdered.... that and the manehattan attack... Wish I could've done more but yeah..." We walked down a bit to the diner. Entered and just sat down and ate. Just chatted about things.... Saw maybe a few gang members in there but they just sat in a booth enjoying their meal. Even paid and left us alone. Yeah.... Probably being paid to protect this place and the money they get is going back into the business. Dunno. After that we paid and just went and tried to find a way back to the hotel. Ended up just waiting in a park while Izzy called someone to give us a ride back to our places.

Once I was dropped off I went up, set the bag down and just relaxed for a good portion of the day.... Only fell asleep a little while in the afternoon to get ready for tonight. Woke up around nineish because of a guard waking me up. And yeah... All because of Applejack. I guess Shining sent word over to make sure I did and remind me to do so.... wouldnt doubt it. I got up and just immediately started calling Applejack as I went and got dressed. Changed out of what I was wearing into something more easy to move in. The phone clicked as I was just pulling my shirt over my head. "There you are! Evenin' Sugarcube!" AJ said happily. "You alright from this mornin?"

"I'm fine." I replied. "Just about to head out for a walk here. Hows the family?"

"Uncle Orange dropped Babs off to spend time with the girls and she is just happy to be helpin' Cadence take care of our baby girl..."

"That's adorable! Oh I wish I was there. She still there?"

"Yeah... Girl's are upstairs enjoying their new little sleepover area together. Even invited Sweetie Belle over and just.... Lordy lordy Rarity cant do nothin' but make clothes for Mash.... You know what she did? She brought a dozen little onsies all made up like little guard clothes, overalls and- Get this.... Replicas of Celestia's and Luna's royal gowns... And trust me... She got permission... how? Aint a clue!"

"That's great. Dont wanna disturb their time together... Maybe call me in the morning once the girls wake up. Now I gotta get going... faster I take this walk, sooner I can get some sleep...."

"Aww alright.... Just get on with it. Night sugarcube. Love you!"

"Love you too AJ.... Night." I hung up and sighed. Grabbed the bag, put my mane up in a hair tie and headed out grabbing the backpack on the way out the door. I went through the garage just to see the van with Stamper standing outside of it with Izzy just flying around like Scootaloo when she's bored.

Stamper huffed. "Took your sweet time huh? C'mon we're burning moonlight here!" He said. I gave a huff as Izzy landed.

"Sorry I needed to not wear the same shit I've been wearing since I got into town and that the wife called!"

Stamper stepped forward a bit before Izzy grabbed his arm. "Oh no you dont! You saw what happened last night!" She snapped. "Just get in the car and shut your yap before Ryder here has two halves of ya on buildin's on separate ends of town!" Stamper groaned slightly before giving me the 'not even worth it' look... like he was gonna do anything. Izzy looked to me. "We're heading for the bar. Hiro and Overcharge have some plans but we need your input..."

"And maybe while I hear em I can get some food too... Havent had much since breakfast...." Both Izzy and I loaded into the back seat. Felt comfy and rightfully so because I wasnt crammed in between anyone and I actually was in a sitting position. Anyhow we got to the bar and the same guy was out there handing out coupons and such. We went inside and went for one of the tables nearest to the corner booth where Glitch, Snitch, Overcharge and Sythe sat. Hiro was just with them hanging out. Izzy flew up and sat in between Hiro and Sythe. She looked to Hiro as I brought a seat up for myself and just as Stamper took his seat in the booth.

"Hiro. Give our friend somethin' to eat. Gotta have him in tip top shape for what we're plannin'."

Hiro huffed. "Couldnt have called ahead?" He asked her ticked. She shook her head. He huffed. "Fine.... Fastest thing we got I can bring out is some soup..."

I looked to him. "Bring it. Maybe a grilled cheese or something if you can." I said. He nodded before heading over to the kitchen before I looked back to the group. "Alright... What's the plan?"

Overcharge fiddled with her phone before laying it down on the table. "Alright. Doctor Shunko, we're all here." She said.

I heard the phone crackle a little before hearing a sigh. "Alright... Good... Right now I have Celadon out running errands." We heard Shunko say. "Mainly picking up some stuff I've already paid for and stuff that I need for patients in the future. Upon her return I'm giving her a letter that Sythe has written to meet a contact somewhere to talk about something going on with a local gang... and considering what happened with a Red Scarf, we're making up stories about psychoactive drugs causing them to go crazy and kill themselves... Would give story to a stallion falling from the sky some credit and with three to five story buildings around where he fell? Very plausible... not going for the other doctors with the autopsy report but it will work for her."

"Time frame?"

"Within the hour or so. She works fast."

"Anything we'd have to worry about?"

"Nothing we havent calculated for. Gang activity is more higher than the area we've picked for the meet and we've got your friends there watching out for you. We're hoping this goes over smoothly but if things do go awry they'll step in and try to defuse the situation."

"Well... Considering where I stand with most of them I'd hope so... And considering I've nearly died a few times after getting here.... I'd rather have anyone on my side than nobody.... even WITH my line of work..."

"Good ideology to have even though having certain friends could very well get you fired. These friends? Could go either way depending on how you treat them but the most they do is to protect their friends. Me? I had a chance to do you in but... Hippocratic oath you see." I huffed.

"Didnt stop you from trying.... Glad you at least helped out when you knew what I was wanting to do this...."

"Yeah... Just prepare yourself. Everyone will have lines to each other and you. Not sure if you've looked at your phone but Overcharge has given you a hidden feature to contact any of us. Group chat in a network completely hidden from anyone toying with your device. Say you lose it, nobody gets into it. Only you will have the credentials to enter it. She'll contact you once this is done and give you the credentials. Now I gotta get things ready. Our 'client' awaits." The phone beeped a bit before going silent. Overcharge took her phone back. I looked to her.

"Alright... Food first and then we get going... hopefully not throwing a wrench in the plans." They all gave a nod and not long later I got my food. Scarfed the sandwich, drank the soup and jeez that was an idea... bad? Might be. Burned a bit but we immediately got to work here. We all left, piled into the van and this time I sat between Sythe and Overcharge with the backpack between my legs... I just had my phone in my hand and just was fooling around with the app that.... Well... That was something.... Chat feature, code names that were.... honestly easy to figure out who was who on their with the names they had.... I was 'The Force'.... I guess it was because I was part of 'The Force'.... and that's what I can do to assholes who cant take no for an answer..... Take that idiot who tried mugging me... TWICE.... I forced him to take no for an answer. AND HE PAID FOR IT WITH HIS FUCKING LIFE! But yeah... This app had the chat, there were little things you could do.... Challenge others to games if you wanted to.... Overcharge had the high scores.... And no. She doesnt cheat... that I know of. And there's even a map that include safe houses that are nearby just in case. Even checked around Ponyville and just... There's a few and I'm surprised.... It does include the Canterlot Carrots in town there.

Sythe looked to me. "You good General?" She asked. I just shrugged closing the app and just looking at the background screen of my phone with AJ on it.... "You'll get to go back and see her... We'll make sure of it...." I sighed.

"Its not just that... I just had a kid and.... I just feel like a shitty father because she's not even a month old.... The wife has help but... I just... I just wish I was there...."

"Well... Think of it this way... You've got her whole life to watch her grow up... Kids arent my thing but just... You've got this. Scary? Yeah... But you've faced scarier things and walked away. I mean... Manehattan? You're fucking insane! Anyone who walks away from that is a legend. Hell, Overcharge even looked up some of the other shit you've been involved in? Just... I cant say I've met anyone who's walked away from a plane crash and lived to tell the tale. Your kid wont have to worry about that. Will you be worried for their safety? Yeah... But you're a god damn General and anyone who messes with you gets to fly, wings or not!"

"And I'd like to try to keep it to where the only ones flying are the ones with wings.... But... Guess I gotta do what I can..."

Overcharge looked back. "We're nearly to the location. Get ready." She said. "General, you're gonna get onto the roof. Izzy and Snitch will be up there in the shadows with you being ready. We'll be in touch with either of them and rush up if things turn south. If we cant get up there right away, defend yourself and try to reason with Celadon before she kills you or at least tries to..." I huffed.

"Should've asked Hiro for some liquid courage with my meal...." I looked out to the streets. Cars were sitting at the curbs, some in alleys and even saw some encampments for the homeless.... Not long later we parked in an alley way. Izzy, Snitch and I flew up while the others stayed down. We landed on the roof of the building we were parked next to. We landed and there was just.... I felt weird standing on a roof top, bag with a head in it and two gang members hidden behind air conditioning units and high walls blocking off access to anyone wanting to jump.... I leaned against one of em, hands in my pockets, bag at my feet.

As I waited it just.... I felt the eyes crawling on my back again. She was near. I just acted natural just seeing her fly over, her ghostly screech ringing my ears. She circled before landing, shadowy smoke cushioning her landing.... She was wearing a tight motorcycle suit. And when I say tight... I mean it left nothing to the imagination.... I... I think i'm gonna call Gilda for a quickie when I get home.... Maybe get her to wear something like this with some.... easy access holes... But anyways... Other than the suit she wore a motorbike helmet.... Red, weird symbol on the side... nothing i recognized... She reached into an unzipped part of her suit around her breasts... I tensed up a bit thinking she was gonna pull a gun recognizing me immediately. Not that... thankfully. It was her phone. She was typing on it for a moment before it spoke for her. "You there. You're the client I was told about arent you?" Her phone said in a... near robotic mare's voice.... I swallowed.

"Yeah... Needed to speak with you personally...." I said. I picked up the bag in one hand and just stepped forward from the wall looking up to the sky. "....You ever just... look up at the night sky? Admire its beauty and just wonder what's changed over the years?" She typed again... Didnt look at her... only heard the clicking of her phone.

"Always.... It just.... Its a comforting sight... What annoys me is the way the sun comes up to ruin it...." I huffed.

"Yeah... I thought you'd say that... considering your origin...." More clicking.

"And what do you know about me? I've never seen you before!" I looked to her. Swallowed a lump in my throat.

"...Yeah... Yeah you have.... Years ago.... You attacked me for not 'bending my knee' to Nightmare Moon.... You attacked and didnt let me explain that I did enjoy the night.... I defended myself and hurt you.... Its my duty as a guard to protect myself no matter what but.... I just.... I'm just glad you're listening to me rather than attacking me.... I dont wanna hurt you or anyone any longer.... I've already hurt a few and killed once.... Pretty sure you've seen it possibly...." There was a moment of silence with her. Like she was staring at me. She typed on her phone again.

"I did see that... dead gang member.... Gunshots reported at Canterlot Carrots and then that guy falling from the sky a little while later.... But.... I.... Can I ask something?"

"Go ahead. Ask anything you want. I'm but an open book to you."

"How are you still alive? I should've killed you all those years ago!"

"...Well... I guess we have a friend in common that helped us in our time of need no matter what.... Doctor Shunko helped me when he used to work for the Princess before her sister returned to reign an eternal night.... He helped me back to health... or what I can say was health at the time... I should've been dead.... lost a lot of blood.... Yet he helped save my life. I thanked him the other night.... He was mad because I cost him his job but.... He figured because I was here to help he well... Kinda saved me a second time...."

"....The patient he had use my room the other night?" I nodded. "He is a good doctor... helps anyone and everyone no questions asked.... But what have you come here to help with?" I sighed sitting down and just setting the backpack in front of her gesturing to it. She released her phone and a smokey tendril reached from her hand holding it up while she went for the bag hesitantly. I watched as she carefully unzipped it and reached inside.... She was.... Scared at first... then surprised.... no emotion to see but I could tell by her movement.... But when she picked her head up out of the bag.... She froze.... I took the phone from her tendril and set it down gently... the tendril didnt even fight back..... I gestured to her head.

"May I?" She handed me her head.... I took it in my hand and hesitantly took off her helmet.... Shadowy smoke came from her neck. I turned the head so it faced me.... I hesitated for a moment but sighed. "....I dont know what memories lie in this head.... But I do urge you to hold back any rage you feel towards me.... Any hate for the sun.... I serve both sun and moon.... Each sister has their own thing.... The night is beautiful yes... But the sunrises and sunsets are something beautiful that greet the night and lay it to rest, only to greet it the next time they meet...." I set the head on her shoulders..... The smoke grew a bit but slowly stopped. After a moment I heard her breathing..... She coughed and a bit hard.... "Easy there..... It might be a bit dusty.... there might be some dirt left over from where we found it.... You able to open your eyes at all?" I could see her eyes struggle to open like she were fighting sleep. And once she was able to breathe and see.... She cried..... She cried and hugged me.... I hugged her back. "There we are..... just go on... let it all out Celadon.... I'm here for you...." I looked off at Izzy who was just peeking around from the AC unit nearby. I motioned to her for a drink. She nodded and flew up and out. Kinda startled Celadon a bit but I just held her close. "No worries.... That's a friend.... She's gonna get you something to drink... Not sure if you eat or need to but.... Something to drink could help you here...."

"I.... I cant believe it.... I... My head.... its back...." She said in a wheezy voice. I shushed her.

"Easy... Dont speak.... At least not yet.... You good to stand?" She nodded a bit. I grabbed her phone and her helmet before we stood up. I looked over. "Snitch, we're getting off the roof. Lets go." Snitch quickly flew up just as we did... I kinda had to carry Celadon... Didnt wanna have her wings intertwine with mine or crash because her tears were fogging up her vision... She held on to her stuff as we went down to the ground.... We landed by the van and everyone was already there... Everyone but Izzy and Snitch. I sat Celadon in the van and just huffed leaning on it. Stamper was alright with it but he was slightly annoyed. Not fully but just enough so you could tell.

Overcharge came to my side. "Hey Cel... How you feeling?" She asked. I huffed as Celadon hacked and coughed more.

"Happy to have her head back it seems... Got Izzy making a drink run and hopefully she brings something good...."

"And enough for the rest of us.... We were expecting screaming and some blood....." I looked to Celadon.

"Well... Only one of us was screaming but it was the good kind of screaming...." I looked back to Overcharge. "You wait here. I need to make a call." She nodded. I walked out of the alley, letting everyone see Celadon. Grabbed my phone and started a call up to Luna.

I put my phone to my ear just as Izzy was running back with a bag with some drinks and a six pack. She ducked into the alley just as the phone clicked. "Ah General. Strange for you to be calling at this time but... Fitting considering your night life lately.... Calling for an update?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am. Package dropped off, no blood spilled though... With what she is.... I think.... I honestly think she definitely regrets working for nightmare moon.... She listened, she talked with me.... And the way she cried after I gave her her head back.... It just... like a child who hasnt seen a good friend for years.... Like..."

"Like how Scootaloo would've been if you hadnt come home the way you did?"

"Yeah.... she was happy.... She's got friends... a surrogate family of a kind...."

"She has adapted well considering her origin.... This will be strange but... I wish to meet her..."

"I uh... I might advise against that... Her friends nearly killed me when they found out I was a guard but... How they'll think if a Princess comes around? I'm not sure...."

"General. I want to meet the griffon. Her friends can be around but you will have them unarmed and calm around me and my guards. You can either let them know or keep it a secret. I'll be meeting you in the hotel sometime during the day." I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye.... That and the sounds of yelling from both ways on the street. I glanced down one way. Red Scarves moving in... only could tell by the majority of them under the street lights. Same with the other way.

"Princess.... I'll be there but uh... I need to handle some business first.... Self defense you see... and its gonna require maybe a little help from our friend and my hidden weaponry...."

"Try not to cause as much damage and please... Contact me when you're done so I know you're alright...."

"Will do. General, out." I hung up my phone and looked to the alley. "Celadon! Gonna need your help out here!" I saw everyone come from the alley, even Celadon with them... Each member of the small gang looked up and down the street.

Sythe huffed as she made her Katana appear. "DAMMIT! I thought we were hidden!" She said just as everyone else drew their weapons.

Celadon came to my side making that shadow sword appear. I grabbed my hammer and just huffed as I went back to back with Celadon. "Well.... Seems these guys never learn...." She said. "Must've had someone tailing me from my last job.... Well then... Now they get to see why following me is a bad idea...."

I gave a chuckle giving a whistle and almost out of nowhere Schrivechnya appeared giving a demonic howl. "And they'll see why I'm probably the one they'd really think twice about fucking with me and my friends.... Some from low places...." I said giving a glance to the mange ridden dog beside us. We waited for a moment before I whistled and Schrivechnya shot off like a fucking rocket towards the gang I was facing. I chased her down and the gang came at me with blades and chains... Yeah.... none of them had guns.... Some had machete, some just had some combat knives and even some home made bullshit with sawblades. The first guy who rushed me got launched back into a few others. Another guy just got the hammer over the head and I picked up the blade he had before launching it at a group stabbing one right in the head. The others were ready to rush me before Schrivechnya jumped one of them and chewed out his neck.That's when I put my hammer away, grabbing two more blades before rushing them and just impaling them on both lifting them into the air before dumping them. I turned around just as another guy was rushing me but he stopped dead in his tracks before being swallowed by shadows. Behind him? Celadon, her eyes white as the moon was bright. I quickly drew my hammer once more and jumped up throwing it behind her smashing another gang member ready to attack her. I landed and huffed just looking around us.... Bodies lied scattered. Bleeding, broken, some still breathing but too hurt to do anything. I walked past Celadon and grabbed my hammer. I put it on my back and it disappeared leaving all the blood on it falling to the floor. I looked to Celadon. "You good?" Celadon nodded breathing a tad heavily.

"Yeah.... Had to get something from one of them... Guess they didnt take it sitting down that they lost something that was more valuable to the one they originally stole it from.... They must not respect death the way they dish it out...." Schrivechnya came up wagging her tail giving a playful bark. I sighed looking at the blood covered dog.

"Good girl! You coming to say hi?" Celadon smiled as she pet the demon dog.

"Aww thank you for helping us puppy!" I sighed.

"Celadon... I uh....." The griffon sighed as she stood up watching as Schrivechnya turned and ran off towards an alley way.

"Its okay... I forgive you for everything.... We should probably get out of here... Guards might be coming soon." I huffed looking down at myself. Covered in blood again.... Thankfully none of it was mine... again.... I looked to Celadon.

"You know anywhere I can go to clean up? Not gonna want to use a hose to clean myself up again...." She nodded and started down the street giving me a sign to follow. We flew up leaving the others to scatter to the wind as they left the van behind. I followed Celadon back to Doctor Shunko's apartment. We climbed in through the window into the room where she went and surprised the doctor with a hug. He was surprised she had her head but loved it anyways... And.... asked the doctor to clean me up...

I cleaned up, had to text Uncle Orange to have someone deliver new clothes.... And yeah.... already heard about my goings on from my father but what he heard sounded like a comic book than anything... He had the clothes delivered, I slept there, went back in the morning and just.... Celadon was so excited yet so nervous to step out during the day. She had a cloak and mask on to keep her protected but... I told her there was someone she needed to meet. By the time we got back to the hotel, guards were somewhat swarming the place. We had to have Stamper and the gang with us since they had to drive us from Shunko's apartment to the hotel. Before we even got to the elevator in the garage we were all patted down for weapons. Even me. I had to have Celadon go in the shade to get patted down. When we were all patted down and they had their weapons stripped of them we went for the elevator. Just before we entered the elevator Izzy grabbed my shoulder. "Now why the hell am I bein' felt up by your guards when it was just Celadon they want?" She asked. I had to take Celadon's hand as she went and hugged me scared. I huffed.

"Look.... This is an opportunity for everyone.... Yeah, you guys dont have weapons but they're not gonna hurt you or arrest you. If they do, its because you did something here today."

"Now just who are we meetin'?"

I looked to Overcharge. Everyone else did as well. She was just tapping away at her phone. "...This many guards means there might be a princess around..." She said. "Kinda common knowledge...."

Everyone looked to me just as I smiled. "Bingo. Princess Luna is here. She wants to meet Celadon here.... You guys are welcome to come up. Give some support to our friend." I said hugging Celadon.

"And how do we know this isnt a trap?"

"You'd know. If it wasnt having the guards pat you down and just confiscate your weapons and not arrest you all, you could trace phone calls, see transcripts of said calls and you'd've been able to say no." Overcharge looked to me and huffed.

"...fair enough.... Lets just... get this over with... With all these guards around I'm not liking this..." I gave a nod and just let everyone pile in to the elevator before Celadon and I went in. I never really noticed this but.... Celadon was just a little shorter than me. Maybe about half a foot in difference. She just stayed close to me as I put the code in to go straight to the penthouse. Covered the pinpad up the best I could. As we started going up I looked to Celadon.

"Cel? You good? Talk to me."

Celadon shuttered a bit. "...I'm.... I'm scared.... The... Emp- I mean... Princess.... She.... She hasnt seen me since she created me...." She said. "...I... I dont wanna be destroyed.... I... I have all my friends..." I sighed holding her close.

"...If that's a thought in her head, I wont let her.... You do so much for the city... Protecting seems part of it... Maybe I can talk for a spot in the guard for you... Maybe...."

Izzy huffed. "She'd be as good as a guard as I am when I'm drunk." She said. I didnt even look at her. Just heard someone slap her in the back of the head. I just huffed and shook my head waiting as we went up.

"Before we get up there I want it clear. Arms will be crossed in front of you, no sudden movements and stay with everyone. You will be patted down again once we get into the penthouse and before you go out making sure you wont have anything from inside with you. Have I made myself clear?"

They all agreed out loud. Maybe not even a minute later we reached the top. I stepped out with everyone. Had guards ready outside the door patting everyone down, even me again as we came into the penthouse. There were at least two guards at every post. On the couch? Princess Luna. As we all entered we gave a bow in respect to her. As we rose she sighed. "My my General.... Made yourself a little entourage havent we?" She asked. "Why dont you introduce everyone?" I gave a nod just turning about to point to who each was.

"Izzy, Stamper, Overcharge, Glitch, Snitch, Sythe and this right here..." I turned holding Celadon's shoulders. "This right here is Celadon... She's our mutual friend we know about...." Celadon whimpered a bit before hiding her face in my chest. Luna sighed.

"....I had a feeling she'd be like this.... Miss Celadon? Please.... Be not afraid of me... I'm intimidating yes but I mean you no harm.... I have a gift in fact." I looked to Celadon as she cowered into my chest.... I could see the tears streaming down her face.

"...Celadon its okay.... You want me with you? I can be there at your side if we can get closer..." She just whimpered.... not responding in any way.

"Celadon.... You might be a creation of my evil side.... I understand that.... You've obviously seen the error of your ways since your creation.... You're scared and I see that.... That stallion you're hugging? He's scared too.... He didnt want to be away from his family.... away from his young daughter, barely even a week old.... Ever since he became a guard all he knows is fear.... fear of losing his family.... fear of his family losing him.... same with his friends and vice versa.... What are you scared of other than me? If its my guards, I can send them away... If its me, tell me and I will do what I can to make myself scarce.... if its your demise.... there's nothing to worry about... I would never think of taking a life unless my own were in danger.... Everyone here could try something... but they know not to and my General? He wouldnt hesitate to protect me no matter what."

Izzy swallowed a bit. "Uh... Permission to speak?" She asked. Luna gave a nod. "...I'd say before I met this stallion, at a distance I'd be callin' him all sortsa things ranging from the common names like dickhead, jackass and maybe go to the things that... I'd rather not say in front of a Princess but uh.... After the shit I've seen he'd go a hell of a lot farther to make new friends and protect them the same way as if he'd known them for years.... Only wish me mother would've seen it that way but... too late for her now..." Luna gave a slight smile.

"That.... That right there.... I sense some regret.... there's everything we regret.... me? I have mine.... my biggest one? Attacking my sister wanting a longer night time.... even creating an army to help me do so.... But you Celadon.... You've had your regret for working for me... and defying orders on helping to create an eternal night at my side.... You've turned yourself from fighter for the night to Fighter OF the night.... The stories i've heard from guards in the area? They made it sound like rumors or what have you.... Gang members turning up dead, some with no blood, others with limbs missing, cut precisely. Surgically even... And after my General returned your head he did say he had to do something... I assume that something was defending himself from gang members and it does seem he had help from both you and... something else which he really shouldnt use unless needed but... I'll let it slide at this point...." I kinda blushed a bit. "....The point I'm getting at here Celadon is that you've done a lot of good to redeem yourself from the atrocities you were made for...."

I looked down at Celadon.... her whimpering stopped but she looked like she was just fighting sleep..... I sighed picking her up. Hesitantly I stepped forward... She didnt even react. I went over to the Princess and just handed her to her. "Seems someone's been up for a while...." I said. "Just.... Do what you're gonna do but please... be easy...." She nodded and used her magic on Celadon... There was a quick flash and just a little spark that just flew in a few loops before disappearing. She sighed.

"There.... Still a magical entity.... yet now? The sun will no longer hurt her.... She can act normal as anyone else.... Sure she might have to change clothing but she can fit in with just about anyone..." She looked to the group behind me. "...I think as for thanks for helping my General with this, consider any past actions forgiven. Anything beyond this point, you will be held accountable. Are we understood?"

I sat down on the couch next to the Princess. Everyone was silent.... Shocked for the most part. Stamper huffed. "....Princess... I think I speak for all of us and thank you for this....." He said. "Your General.... He's definitely a brave one. A bit of a nuisance but... Bearable in some areas...."

"I can agree he's brave.... He's done things you couldnt possibly have imagined.... In recent years I can say he's survived more close calls than all of you." Stamper looked to me.

"He has?" I gave a nod. "Maybe you can tell us later for a drink at the bar? I'm buying!"

I gave a smile. "Sure thing. Just uh... Be ready for something.... I'm gonna start off with something that introduced me to this city in general and the Princess knows more about that than she'd like to.... I'll give a hint that there were a lot of dead that night.... I'll only give details I know I can give out but... Hiro would really like to know what happened that night." They all smiled and left one by one. "Oh and if someone can? Let Doctor Shunko know Celadon will be back tonight." Izzy gave a nod and a thumbs up before they left the room. I turned my attention to Celadon giving a sigh. "....I'm honestly hoping she didnt pass out from fear or if this is just her being tired...." I got up and carefully picked her up off of Luna... She was kinda heavy with her armor and such... The armor was kind of a light armor but still tough enough to take blows. Luna had to follow me upstairs to help me get it off her... Even gave her a shirt to wear and had to uh... diaper her up just in case... and yeah... she does have boobs and a pussy... if she can use them, its a mystery.... But yeah... later that night we went back to the bar, I told my story and I swear Izzy was going to puke when I told everyone about the guy who's heart I ripped out. Just told em I had friends helping me track down my sister and her friends and that Hiro met one of em while I tried to get my mind off it. Told em about Manehattan, the Plane Crash, my wedding and good fucking LORD was I a bit sloshed before being brought back to the hotel.... a few Guards had to carry me in.... When I went home a few days later I did get grilled by Applejack seeing reports on the news about gang members falling from the sky and a 'massacre of gang members' as well. Didnt lie but told her it was self defense. She did say she was worried about some of em coming our way but I told her if they did, they better have something soft to land on by the road or wings to fly the fuck out of here with their shit intact. But holy shit was it the best feeling coming home, hanging out with the boys for another day before having to spend time with my daughter..... It was a good feeling... despite being made to change a few dirty diapers...Eh... Until next time I guess?

Gallus Greivances

It's been about a month since our foal was born and that I was on a.... Vacation... Yeah... get caught up in gang bullshit somehow while I was supposed to return something and relax in yet another city that's caused me so much pain... That brings it up to.... what? Four cities? Actually... three and a mountain.... the only ones I'd care to remember. But yeah.... I've been going left and right trying to balance family time and work, Big Mac has been a big help with everything.... Same with the girls... Girls cleaned up the house, helped Mac with work outside as much as they could and basically just left me and AJ alone trying to rest and play with Mash.... Oh she's such a happy little filly! The giggles too! God her being a little pegasus filly makes me so happy I'm teaching someone else to fly.... Wait did I not mention that? Well... There ya go. But today I thankfully got Dash to Foalsit with Rarity to help while Uncle Orange watched the girls and have Applejack rest.... Well.... She's still being stubborn..... She insisted she wanted to help work with today with the prep to sell.... Mac and I told her it was fine but she could not lift anything heavy. But we needed some help... I knew the perfect someone to help. Gallus. The day was cool. Cloudy, slight breeze yet no rain... thank you Dash for the weather report there... Also why we had Rarity help watch Applemash... Because Dash was just finishing up placing clouds and just getting a breeze going. And yes... Rarity will be there to make sure Dash doesnt do anything stupid with my kid... Is it obvious I'm still untrusting of her after what she pulled while I was at war? But yeah.... I had to go to the castle to find Gallus. Pulled up to the front, ran inside... stopped at the bathroom because fucking breakfast went right through me but then again hot sauce should not be added to anything early in the morning... Then again some left overs might be best for lunch. Anyhow after I got out of the bathroom I quickly ran into Twilight. She was definitely getting ready for the day wearing her pajamas and just carrying a cup of coffee as she tugged at her mane with a brush. "....Ryder? What are you doing here?" She asked.

I huffed as she sipped her coffee. "Just getting Gallus so he can help with production for a sale day soon." I said. "Applejack's being stubborn and I cant trust her to not do something we tell her not to do.... Rarity and Dash are already foalsitting for the day, we've given both of them diapers, clothes, food and a copy of the schedule you made up for us." She sighed stirring her drink with a finger tip.

"Of course she's being stubborn.... I keep telling her not to be her 'iron pony' self after this but she doesnt listen.... Should've listened after she nearly worked herself crazy while Big Mac was hurt.... Nope... She's just trying to be tough.... Not sure if its because of how she was raised or what not but she needs to take it easy."

"Yeah... And she just pushed a baby out... Rather she would take it easy than think we need an army to help us. And with my strength? I can definitely lift a lot and make it easier on her until she's good to work and we do not need to make another hospital visit because she pulled something, fainted or what have you because she over exerted herself. Now before we stand here complaining about the wife hurting herself... Gallus?"

"In his room. He's been in a little bit of a mood since he was helping build your house.... I tried cheering him up any way I thought but he's.... depressed.... Kind of worrying me...."

"You have his room checked when he's out of it?"

"Yeah. He was out with Spike playing games to get him to cheer up, guards checked everything in his room, even Fluttershy brought one of her dogs over to check for anything and even have him keep Gallus company but both came up with nothing. So... Good start but... his mood just.... When he came here he was having trouble sleeping, he was almost hysterical when he had nightmares...." I huffed.

"Doing anything right now? Might need to walk and talk here...." She sighed rolling her eyes before starting to walk down the hall with me. "...I didnt risk my ass to save his and have him come out here for a better life to ruin it.... He is at least helping out around the castle when he's not screwing around with Spike is he?"

"Yeah... He's cleaned dishes, cleaned up stuff and I've even seen him asking guards about stuff they've done... He's even had some good news with Rarity, Fluttershy and even Dash when he was being taught how to clear the clouds after a storm.... Dash was a bit of a bitch laughing at him because there was a cloud that still had some rain water trapped in it.... He came back here all soaked." I huffed.

"And yet Dash was with me when I saved him... Hell I made her AND Gilda cry because of what I had to do."

"And I nearly had a heart attack when Celestia told me you were bringing home someone extra and what you had to do yourself! You're a guard yes but fucking hell you really are gonna get yourself killed one of these days being that cocky!"

"Dont you think I know that?! Do you remember that time I was apparently sent forward in time?"

"How can I forget the weirdness that happened after?"

"Trust me, its not flattering for me to remember either.... But that was a reality where I died protecting my family... Was I worried? Of course I was! I. DIED. I left my family alone, broken and I nearly didnt get back because some dumbass guards wanted to lock me up or shoot me point blank and I was forced to give myself over to save the same filly from a burning building from getting executed because she was helping me contact you!" I glanced over at her. "By the by, if we have changeling problems and one tries to impersonate me, best way to see if its me is to give me some unenchanted handcuffs and make me break em."

"...Good idea.... Gotta have a pair that cant be sabotaged in that case but we're getting off topic. You keep putting yourself in danger. You're a guard, you're confident, you get things done... somehow but you're probably the guard that has the lowest IQ out of everyone else... No offense... I'd ask why you got the job but we can thank my idiot brother with that.... But if you werent General I'm not sure who would be or if they'd be as good as you are..."

"I'll agree not everything I do is the smartest and I can name several times where that is nothing but true but this kid? I gave him a new life.... There are some ponies who wish they didnt go through with trying to take their own lives... maybe more..... But i know how this kid was.... Thinking his life sucked because something went wrong and things just kept going wrong.... There are times I even think that the dumb shit I've done could've been an attempt on my own life yet it wouldnt have been my fault...."

"Ryder.... I'm only gonna say this again... and I've said this multiple times.... I do NOT want to be the one to deliver the news to your family that you went to try to save someone only to get hurt or killed because the guy had a weapon or you said the wrong thing trying to talk someone down... Please please PLEASE.... Pick your battles carefully... and if you do choose your battles right, please at least have backup before you do anything..."

"Understood Princess."

"I sure hope so.... I worry about the day you really do bite the dust.... It's gonna have to be a game of pulling straws to who tells AJ what happened...."

"Lets hope that day never comes.... Now... For Gallus?" She sighed and nodded before sipping her drink again.... Hopefully the warmth of it helped her forget the talk we had....

As we walked through the halls I just couldnt help but think of Gallus... He's a good kid, he was hesitant on doing what he was gonna do.... Did I help? Yeah... But how much did I help? I gave him a roof over his head, new clothes and such but.... I feel like I've neglected to spend time with him since I got back.... I was so worried about my family that I just up and forgot about him almost.... So far I feel like a shitty father passing out as my wife gave birth and then leaving them for a week to uh.... Well... I wasnt at home and I'd rather not talk about giving a headless griffon back their head.... By the by, Celadon was given my location to visit if ever needed.... Only figured that out maybe a few days after getting home.... Woke up to Winona growling a bit, told her to shush and when I looked outside because the dog was at the window guess who I saw flying about eating a few apples? Yep.... Celadon. Cute as it was I had to ask her to leave to not disturb the family or wake my kid. Anyhow we stopped at Gallus' door. I huffed and gave a knock before waiting a moment. No answer. I knocked again a bit louder this time. Now I heard something. I heard something hit the floor before nervous grunts and the frantic mumbling. "Uh... J-Just a second!" I heard Gallus call out. I just looked to Twilight.... We both kinda blushed a bit having a feeling he wasnt just sleeping.... After a moment he opened up the door... He was in a bathrobe and sweat pants. His feathers were a bit of a mess and thankfully I couldnt see any bulge or uh... hidden tip.... Helps when horny and wearing baggy clothing that isnt revealing but.... His was a bit baggy but the robe was open slightly.

"Uh... Everything okay Gallus?" I asked looking around his room... the bed was a mess, his bedding was all in a ball on his bed.... Even sniffed around a little. Just smelled like body odor, stale chips and nearly like the toilet I used... stank but with a flowery scent after some spray.

"Uh.... Y-Yes sir, Ryder... I was just trying to get some sleep!" He said.

Twilight sighed. "And you went to bed around ten last night didnt you?" She asked. He nodded. "Wanna tell us what you were doing after this door closed?"

"Well... I uh...."

"Gallus. Lights out at ten means lights out at ten. I'd rather not have guards check on you all night to make sure you're asleep! Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-Yes princess!" He replied scared.

I huffed. "Gallus, get dressed." I said. "Gonna need you at the orchard for today... and just so you dont go running off anywhere I'm gonna be inside your room to make sure you're not gonna fall back asleep." I looked to Twilight. "Sorry for keeping you Princess. On with your morning and uh... I'll ask AJ if I can send a pie or two your way after we're done..."

Twilight gave a bit of a huff. "I'll see if I cant pay half price for a few. Juuuuust wanting to support you and your family General." She said. "Have fun today!" She teleported away thankfully taking everything with her.... No lie AJ told me she was holding something one day, had to go do something real quick but dropped what she was holding.... Wasnt a fun cleanup either.... Anyhow I followed Gallus in his room closing the door behind me and turning on the light. It was bright in the room... his room was a mess... clothing on the floor, old food containers piling up in the corner in and around a trash can- reminded me of Daring... I should call her sometime, make sure she's doing alright in her bunker.... anywho I went over to Gallus bed and sat down on it. Softer mattress than mine even.

"Alright Gallus.... What's going on with you? Everything alright since the last time I saw you?" He hesitantly nodded. "Are you sure? Princess told me you've been down since you've worked on the house a bit... She's worried and I'm not sure if its for good reason or not...."

Gallus sighed as he got some pants from his drawers and another shirt. "...I... I dont know.... Its weird being in a castle like this...." He said. "...I was.... in an orphanage since I was ten.... Parents died from a heart attack and a car wreck... I was alone for a night because of the car crash.... next thing you know I'm taken into the orphanage, wasnt allowed to keep my stuff and what I did bring was stolen by the other kids.... I was fed, but anytime I was about to be adopted some other kid had to scream and blame me for something I didnt do.... I stayed there for years until they kicked me out.... no money, no other clothes to wear, not even anywhere to go if I needed food.... I had to resort to stealing until the Elder bought a few things for me.... Shoes, clothes and such.... Didnt bring me in.... Nobody did until the day I gave up...." I huffed.

"You're not used to all this kindness or work are you?" He shook his head not even looking at me. "....Look dude.... There's a reason I brought you here.... Not only was it to keep you from offing yourself which... I gotta say you've been doing good so far. It's because I'd rather see you with a good life.... I know how you feel when it comes to your parents being gone.... Maybe not as early as you but.... My sister has.... My parents were murdered some years back.... I was at work, my sister was with her friends.... I was almost too late to save my wife but I was too late to save my mom and dad... I was nearly too late to save my sister after she saw our parents murdered..... DOA, one shot each.... The pony who did it? Six feet under and burning.... from then on I promised myself I'd do everything in my power to save someone.... maybe talk someone down from something..... I've already had to do that with some of my friends and even I've had to have a few ponies talk me down from time to time...." He looked back at me just as he was getting his pants on.

"And.... You're saying this why?"

"I'm saying this because I really wanna help you.... To know you're not alone with thoughts as such... Now I wanna get you a phone soon because if at all you feel like doing something you might regret I want you to talk to me at any time of day...." He sighed and just continued getting dressed.

"I'm fine! I swear!" He snapped.

"Gallus.... I'm serious. I'd rather not lose someone I risked my ass to save. I dont wanna go to bed one night and wake up to Twilight calling me telling me you did something without anyone knowing and next thing you know you're in a coffin in the ground. Let me tell you right now that taking your life leads nowhere...."

"....Spare me your religious bull-"

"Finish that sentence and so help me I will not hesitate to ban you from playing games for a week!" He sighed just going and grabbing a pair of sneakers from the corner. "I dont like being strict with you but I dont want you being lazy either. Life of what you know is gone. Got a new life, new place and I dont wanna see you ruin it. Got me?"

"Yes sir..." He replied sounding defeated.

"Good... Now have you eaten anything yet?" He shook his head. "Alright.... Get you something to eat before we head back to the orchard for work." He gave a nod before I got up and walked out with him. We headed downstairs and just hopped back into my car before heading off. Every light I took a glance at him. All he did was look out the window until we got to McHoovians for some food. Tofu nuggets.... Maybe I got enough to share and a drink for myself but lets not talk about that with Applejack. We sat in the lot eating our food for a bit before we went back home.

Gallus looked a bit happy after he ate but just still stared out the window. As we pulled up I saw Big Mac and Applejack setting up a few tables and boxes of storage containers, knives and such prepping for packaging and sale. We both hopped out and Applejack smiled as she set a chair down. "'Bout time there sugarcube! What took ya? Nearly started without ya!" She said. I gave a huff.

"What took me was this guy right here." I rested my hand on Gallus' shoulder. "Brought him here to help us with making the product." Applejack gave a bit of a smile as he kinda blushed rubbing the back of his head.

"Well good for you to help us Gallus! How you holdin' on?"

Gallus cleared his throat a bit. "Uh... Good ma'am.... And you? How are you doing since the birth of your kid?" He asked. AJ gave a chuckle.

"Gallus, just call me Applejack. Callin' me ma'am makes em think I'm as old as my mother goddess rest her soul... And about me? I'm right as rain here! Feel like I could take on the orchard by myself!"

Big Mac gave a huff. "Throwin' your back out and strainin' yourself aint gonna be one thing you do today girl!" He said. "It's why Ryder and I are doing the heavy lifting while you and Gallus are cuttin' things up for pies, jams and what not. Only time you should be getting out of that chair is either for food or a bathroom break but make sure one of us knows what you're gonna do before you do it...."

I huffed. "Yeah AJ... I really dont wanna have to drag your ass back here because Gallus told me you up and disappeared because you wanted to do something more than just prep." I snapped. "I love you but you're still not back to your old self!"

Applejack huffed. "Sugarcube I AM back to my old self!" She said.

"Right... and I'm not buying this bullshit... Just sit down, relax a bit, maybe go and get the girls cooler from the house and bring it out, maybe a bottle of cider for Gallus if he wants one." She sighed giving me an annoyed look.

"...You're lucky I love you.... Least let the boy come in to help me." I gave a nod looking to Gallus.

"Gallus, go with Applejack, help her with what she needs and do NOT let her lift anything heavy!"

Gallus nodded. "Yes sir!" He said. I watched as he took Applejack's hand and walked with her to the house. Cute.

I walked over to Big Mac as he pulled out the chair to sit down. I sat on the table. He just huffed. "How long you suppose it takes for her to get up and try helpin' with the haul?" He asked.

"I'd give her an hour... maybe less...." I just looked off at the clouds in the sky... gave a sigh.

"Somethin' on your mind there Ry?"

"Gallus... Twilight told me he's been down lately.... told me on the way over that he feels like he doesnt deserve the life I gave him.... and when I tell you what I had to do to give him this life, lets just say I'd rather hug Tirek butt naked but that's a whole other can of worms I'm not opening up...." He chuckled.

"Yeah... Twilight told me all about that.... Cant believe you still get away with shit like that.... How many times have you nearly lost yourself to something stupid happening?"

"Too many to count... and yet I keep counting..... That week I was away? Several times.... Weapons drawn, aimed at me, poisoned, mugged.... One learned the hard way why he shouldnt come back messing with me after I threw him twice.... Second time he flew farther and met an old friend.... Maybe met some of his friends when we were attacked next night or so.... Managed to get away without injury but at least I had backup but definitely when I get into a bit of trouble, I've got backup from here to Vanhoover to even Ikkebuckero and you've met some of em but I'm not bringing you, Shining or even Soarin into the fights i get into." He reached for his belt and pulled the axe he has from nowhere just spiking it to the floor, digging the blade into the ground.

"You and I took on god damned Timberwolves and that thing came in handy to keep your ass alive!"

"Yeah but barely! I was lucky enough to have my... transformation heal me. But I'd rather throw myself into a volcano to sacrifice myself if it came to protecting you guys. I'd rather take my own life than you take yours."

"You might be brainwashed to think that but for fucks sake you got a kid!"

"Shining has a wife, Soarin' is helping mom and you? You can help this family if I somehow just up and have a heart attack in my sleep." Big Mac huffed grabbing his axe 'sheathing' it as he glanced off to the side.

"We'll talk about this shit later.... Gallus and Applejack are comin'...." I gave a nod and just looked to the house. Applejack had the box of plastic containers and Gallus was pulling the girls cooler from when they ran away.... Daring is still entitled to one rule free service no matter what. Gave a smile as Applejack set the box down.

"There we go. Was expecting Gallus to come out telling me you're trying to lift something you arent supposed to be."

Applejack sighed as she started to unload the plasticware, even a few knives. "Oh bite my ass...." She said.

"Maybe later. Right now, we got work to do!" She blushed as Big Mac got a bit of a chuckle in.

Big Mac stood up just as Gallus set the cooler down near the table. "Alright.... Applejack, you know the drill." He said. "You're in charge of cuttin' up and storing the product, Ry and I will be gettin' at least four buckets each for you to do and you'll have a little help from our friend here. Teach him some things and if you need somethin' from me or Ry, you know what to do..."

Applejack gave a side glance as she was setting a few of the blades aside. "...Do it my own damn self because you two are too busy with not letting me do my job?" She asked.

I huffed. "Applejack please...." I said. She took one of the knives and planted it into the table.... Honestly scared the shit out of me. "Uh... Gallus....Why dont you and Big Mac take things back inside? I gotta have a word with Applejack...." Gallus nodded just staring at the knife.... a stare I just didnt like what so ever.... Big Mac grabbed all the stuff and piled it back in the box as I took Applejack's hand. I walked past the chair taking it in my other hand before planting it under a tree and making Applejack sit. "Applejack WHAT THE FUCK?! What has gotten into you?!"

"What's gotten into me? You sure you wanna ask that question?"

"DAMN sure! Now seriously why the hell are you acting like this?! In front of a guest none the less?"

"You wanna know why? YOU WANNA KNOW GOD DAMNED WHY?! It's because our daughter is with your hot head of a cousin and SHE DONT KNOW A FOAL FROM HER ASS!" I huffed.

"And let me guess... You're worried?" She nodded. "...Alright... How's about I call up Dash up, if she doesnt answer, I'll call Rarity and we go pick her up and bring her back here.... Sound good?" She just blushed averting her gaze giving a nod. "Alright.... Now after I call do you wanna stay here or are you just gonna sit here?"

"....If I go I'm gonna be yellin' at someone...."

"Already yelled at me so what's the fucking difference?" I huffed. "Just sit here, cool off a bit and get back inside the house.... We'll try again tomorrow, postpone the sell day for the weekend.... Sound good?" She sniffled a bit leaning back in her chair. I huffed and just stood her up hugging her.... She didnt hesitate to latch onto me. "There there... It's okay I forgive you.... Sorry for yelling....." I picked her up and walked with her in my arms to the house. She just cried the whole time....

I brought her inside and just lied her down on the couch. Big Mac and Gallus were in the kitchen just putting things away. Big Mac looked to us. "Alright... The hell happened?" He asked. I gave a sigh just as I gave Applejack a pillow to cuddle.

"Little bit of yelling, few hurt feelings and one mommy who misses her baby...." Big Mac huffed as he looked to Gallus and then back to me.

"Need me to do somethin' with him?" I huffed.

"Nah... Think I might see if I can head up to see Soarin or something.... get him out of the castle for a while and let things cool down here...."

"And the harvest?"

"Tomorrow. Either that or later, maybe see if we cant get Fluttershy to help. Maybe get Dash or something to get it done faster... and yeah... I'll make sure she does it right so she doesnt hurt herself or screw something up. If anything Scoot and Applebloom can help, get Uncle Orange and Babs over maybe?" He hummed a bit.

"Yeah.... Guess we need all hands on deck for this..."

"Yep. And not to worry, I'll be back home tonight." He nodded before looking to Gallus.

"Your lucky day here. No work but you can chill here until we get things sorted out. Might need your help tomorrow if'n Twilight dont have you busy doin' something...."

"Oh! Speaking of which I might need to call her too, let her know what went on..." I looked to Gallus. "Gallus, why dont you just have a seat, keep Applejack company while I get things settled real quick." He gave a nod.

Cutting this short here because... boring.... Twilight did agree that he needed time outside the castle and Dash and Rarity wouldnt mind bringing Mash back a bit early and even help AJ until I get back home. Even checked with Momma Spitfire to see if it was okay that I go and head up and bring someone up with me. She said it was cool and that today was an off day for them due to Thunderlane fucking something up and Cloudchaser and Fleetfoot being away. So it was just her and Soarin. I got into something more comfortable, had Gallus use the can, used it myself before we started to head out. The drive was silent for.... oh a good ten minutes until we were stopped at a light getting ready to hit the freeway. I looked over at Gallus just to see him looking out the window. I reached over and just nudged him and his feathers just frizzed out as he jumped. He looked to me as I started going again. "Oh uh.... I... Is everything alright sir?" He asked.

"Things are fine... Just wanting to see how you're doing.... Applejack didnt scare you did she?"

"A little bit.... I wasnt expecting her to plant that knife in the table..." I huffed.

"Yeah neither was I.... Parenthood isnt easy.... Thinking that was either motherly instincts kicking in wanting to know where her baby is thinking she was in danger or she still has some leftover hormone spikes.... Doc said that would happen from time to time...." I glanced at him as I started looking for exits to take. "I'll apologize for her... That doesnt work, I'll have her apologize personally tonight..."

"I-It's fine... Really it is."

"To me it doesnt sound fine... And honestly you dont sound alright either.... Talk to me Gallus...." He sighed.... Stayed silent for about a minute.

"....I... I guess is just I feel like I've been yelled at all my life...." He replied. "....My dad was yelling at me before he died.... After that my mom yelled at me until she died.... Then it was everyone at the orphanage time and time again.... And if it wasnt someone at the orphanage, it's someone on the streets, yelling at me because I didnt pay them to step on their sidewalk, didnt pay because I looked at them for a second.... Only one who didnt expect me to pay was the Elder.... He gave me things every so often... Some things got taken at the orphanage and just..... I got yelled at when I tried getting those things back.... When I did, I had to give them to the elder to hide them for me. He took them, kept them safe before I ended up getting kicked out.... He gave them back to me and bought me meals from time to time.... Other than that I've just... I've been on my own...."

"....You getting at something other than the 'not used to being helped' thing?" I heard nothing from him. Just kept my eyes on the road. "...If you're thinking I'm gonna make you pay for things here, that's not what we do here in Equestria... Sure you still gotta pay for food if you go out or new clothes and such but.... I'm not gonna make you pay for anything that you're doing. Not even where you're staying. Cant really do anything with that but Twilight seems to like having you there... Not every day someone can say they're living at the castle of a Princess."

"....I... Do have to admit it does feel nice... having a home.... and a friend in Spike but it doesnt seem like the Princess likes me very much...." I huffed.

"She's a very busy mare. When she does have time she reads, spends time with her friends or relaxes with some tea and takes a little nap... If anything why dont you ask her what she's reading if you ever find her in her library? She'd probably love to talk your ears off about whatever book she's ready and trust me... she definitely will...." I started taking an exit. "She already knows I love history. Pretty sure you do too...." He just kinda sunk down into his seat a bit from what I saw from the corner of my eye. "Uh... Right... Not good to talk about that... but... At least we're getting you to meet those who actually trained me on awareness and such when flying... But please.... Dont mention to my mother how we met...."

"But... Wasnt that your mother when we were building your house?"

"Technically yeah but.... They took me in when my original mother couldnt care for me...."

"So.... You were adopted?" Hesitantly I nodded. I sighed.

"....Yeah... I.. I was.... I was just trying to go and avoid that word...." He sighed.

"...you could've.... I would be alright with it...."

"Doesnt sound like it to me Gallus..."

"Whatever.... Lets just.... Turn on some music...? Please?" I gave a nod and turned up the music..... Tuned it to a local rock station and we just sat there listening to everything as we went and drove. Took a detour, saw the falls and just sighed taking a look at them. Only took a few glances at lights before going up towards the WBTF.

Pulled up, parked and texted Soarin I was there. Gallus and i just got out of the car and waited in front of the office. We waited a while before hearing a door close on the other side of the fence before some footsteps inside before the door opened. Soarin was there, tanktop, sweat pants and running shoes and yeah... sweaty.... Did a quick fist bump before we both entered. "Sup dude! Hows fatherhood going?" He asked.

I huffed. "Tough.... Kid was crying as to be expected but literally just had to have a work day stopped due to motherly instincts kicking in." I said. "My friend here was supposed to help but.... AJ went a bit crazy.... And thats being nice...." I put a hand on Gallus' shoulder. "Speaking of my friend here, I'd like you to meet Gallus. Gallus, this is Soarin' Speedster for the Wonderbolts." Soarin' shook Gallus' hand.... Gallus just.... He was just nervous....

"Nice to meet you Gallus. Just meet up with the General here and get lucky?" I just pulled Gallus away gently.

"Uh.... I'll tell you later... Just... Uh... Ex-Nay on the ory-stay with my ma okay?"

"Got it... Risking your ass again?"

"Yep.... And just.... you got anything good to help me get through that story later?"

"Yeah. Half a bottle of whiskey left and I've hidden it to where the recruits wont find it and try to steal it.... Already had some of my personal stuff stolen by a few... Reprimanded and you know how I HATE being the bad guy...." I nodded. He sighed. "Lets get to it. Spitfire's in the workout area and things are getting a bit intense..." I huffed.

"She's not uh.... is she?"

"Thankfully no.... She's pushing herself... Should probably get back to her before she hurts herself...." I gave a nod and just nudged Gallus along as we followed Soarin back out. All three of us flew back to the building just far right of the Mess Hall.

We landed outside the building and entered. Everything smelled like sweat, there was loud music going and Mama Spitfire was just trying to lift a barbell. I walked over and helped her just putting it on the hooks knowing how she was struggling..... And with her sports bra, tight shorts and washboard abs going I had to repress the urge to uh.... ask the princess for some spells... She huffed as she sat up with the help of Gallus and Soarin. I just sat off on another machine just giving her a smile as she wiped her brow. "Thanks sweetie...." She said. "Mommy is glad you're here... Dunno if I should've kept doing that after Soarin' went to get you...."

I sighed. "Yeah... Rather you not hurt yourself so you can pick up your grand daughter...." I replied. "Speaking of which, hows it feel to be a grandmother?"

"Feels.... Honestly it feels like I'm dreaming and its a dream I never wanna wake up from..." I gave a little chuckle.

"That's good.... Hey why dont you and Soarin go wash up while I show my friend here around a bit." She coughed slightly.

"Yeah... Yeah that sounds good.... Could use some time to relax.... Nice shower and then some lunch would do...."

"Need help?" She gave a nod. I just huffed and took her up into my arms before walking with her back to the barracks and into the shower area... Thankfully they have a chair in there. Went back out, had to borrow a new shirt from Soarin because holy HELL was she sweaty. I took Gallus out after taking the shirt, leaving mine on a bunk.... Just had a weird anime character face on it. "So...What do you think so far?"

Gallus huffed. "...They remind me of Rainbow Dash...." He replied.

"Yeah... So far but they're nice. Dash can be a bit of a bitch at times but.... Dont tell her that.... She'll kill you but if you tell her I called her that she'll kill me...."

"She.... Kind of was when I was helping her trying to clear out the clouds.... Started yelling at me when I busted one and she told me to do it."

"Oh yeah... She definitely is gonna get an earful about that.... You hungry at all? Gonna go get some food, maybe hit up an arcade after if my mom is up for it."

"....I guess I could eat...."

"If you arent hungry I understand but.... at least eat something? I dont care if its small, or big but you only eat half. Just something? Please?" ....It was at this point I really started sounding like my dad. But Gallus sighed.

"...Alright... If it'll make you happy...." I gave a smile and huffed as we started to walk towards the office.

"Definitely will.... And just so you know, if you're feeling uncomfortable about anything, let me know, we'll do something else. Kay?" He gave a hesitant nod. "C'mon Gal, I mean it. I wanna make sure you're gonna be good and comfortable. Get me?"

Gallus gave another nod. This time more sure. We walked closer towards the edge overlooking the rainbow falls. Kept a hand on his shoulder just in case.... I could tell he felt a bit tense but he just grabbed at my hand on his shoulder... not to take it off... but for comfort. After a while we met up with Mama Spitfire and Soarin and loaded into my car. Ma sat in front while Gallus and Soarin sat in the back.... Yours truly always driving.... Whether it being myself insane, others insane or what not. Mama Spitfire changed into some skinny jeans, running shoes and a tank top, Soarin grabbed some new shorts and tee shirt. As we drove down the hill, Mama Spitfire looked into the rear view mirror. "So Ryder.... Who's your friend here? Never seen him around before." She said. I gave a silent huff in my mind.... told myself to not say anything stupid. Or reveal the actual way I found him.... Just had to think quick...

"Ah yeah.... That's Gallus. He's from Griffonstone and well... He's shown me interest in history and wanted to come to Equestria to get the history here."

"Ah a student! Always good to see someone ready to learn."

"Oh yeah... You wouldnt believe the hoops I had to jump through to have the Griffon Elder and the Princess agree to get him out here for this stuff...." I glanced in the mirror.... he was just looking out the window. "You and Soarin' doing anything interesting soon?"

"No but I was hoping you could maybe join us for a performance or two if you're up for it."

"Alright if I bring Applejack along? Gotta help with the kid...."

Soarin leaned forward. "Sure thing dude! You and your family are always welcome wherever and whenever!" He said. "Speakin' of your family how's Scootaloo doing?"

"Great actually. She's honestly been the biggest of help since Mash was born.... Same with Applebloom...."

"Good aunties there.... Honestly wish my aunt was that good but she just bitched and complained about my mom getting all the attention. When Sparkplug came along she still complained but MAN was I close with my cousin...."

"Speaking of your cousin, she doing any shows soon? Kinda wanting to go see one.... Hopefully be on better terms when I see em..."

Mama Spitfire looked to me as we stopped at a light at the bottom of the hill. "What happened last time?" She asked. ...Yeah... I cant believe what comes out of my mouth either.

"Someone had too many drinks, trashed some stuff and next thing you know a generator explodes, I'm waking up with a hangover, stripped to my underwear and someone has a baseball bat ready to cave my face in."

Soarin sighed. "That's my fault AND Big Mac's fault for feeding you drinks after Shining cut you off dude." He said.

Spitfire hummed as I turned onto a road heading towards the mall. "Wasnt that around the time you ended up freaking out because of how high you were and the Princess had to help you down?" She asked.

I huffed. "...Wasnt proud of that moment but.... Least I have you guys to thank for helping me overcome that fear.... Even though it still irks me every now and then but at least I'm getting off the ground to fly with my sister and soon enough my own daughter...."

"Well its good to know we're gonna have another flyer going about.... Just know mommy's willing to help with her grandfoal." I blushed hearing Soarin and Gallus snicker a bit.

"Ma, its one thing in front of Soarin but in front of Gallus? Can we not?"

"Awww come on just this once? It wont happen often but cant I just have today to do this?" I sighed.

"Fine... Just.... Try not to embarrass me in front of anyone else other than who we have here.... Rather not run into anyone I know... Aunt and Uncle for one...." Yeah... I'm hoping I dont run into either of them while we're out and about... Goddess help me if I run into my aunt after what she had uncle red do.... He regrets it yeah but.... Fuck man....

Anyhow Mama Spitfire giggled a bit just resting a hand on my shoulder as I kept my mind on our destination. Once we got there we kinda split up. Mom and Soarin went off to go reserve us a table while Gallus and I went off to check out the games that were here. Gallus huffed as we came to a quieter corner of the arcade area. "Really? A student?! That's what you introduce me as?!" He snapped. I huffed.

"Look I'm sorry! It was the best I could think of without telling my mother I nearly killed myself AGAIN saving someone! She already knows I saved someone from a terrorist attack in Manehattan and telling her I jumped into a ravine that had sharp rocks, hurricane force winds just to save someone who was going to commit suicide would give her a fucking heart attack!"

"Well it would make me feel a bit better if you told the truth!"

"Technically I did... You were talking about history, I tried talking to you about history, next thing you know I'm convincing your elder and Celestia to bring you out here. The only part I left out was your attempt on your own life."

"So you make me a student?"

"What would you rather I call you? Trust me, a student is probably gonna be better suited for you. And if my mother asks what you're learning, tell her Princess Twilight is helping with teaching you things, mainly about Starswirl the Bearded considering its one of her favorite topics."

"Wait wait Starswirl the Bearded? What could she teach me about him for him being a unicorn?"

"Powerful unicorn wizard, at one time was Celestia's magical advisor until his passing but he helped Celestia and Luna with keeping Equestria safe, forging it to what we have now. Trust me when I say he's a cool guy, very trusting." And Twilight says I dont listen to her random little lectures. Anyhow Gallus just looked to me a little confused. I huffed. "Trust me when I say there's a lot to learn anywhere you go whether it be through your own actions or from others." He just gave me a blank stare.... Then just kinda started staring off, thinking. I just took his hand and led him through the place taking a look at the games. Bass Villain (which me and Soarin are going head to head on later), some classic Alley Brawlers, even some weird puzzle games I used to like.

When we got back to the table we sat down and had a few drinks ready for us. Told Mama Spitfire what to order us. My usual and a cola for Gallus. I sipped on my soda just as Mama Spitfire drank from a cocktail she ordered. "This is probably the greatest way to relax right here....." She said. "Little Manehattan Mai Tai for me, soda for the boys and Soarin' DEFINITELY earned that Rum Gulley Washer. And these are the only ones we'll be drinking tonight... Gonna sleep real good tonight though...."

Soarin huffed after downing a sip of his. "Oh yeah... Gonna be nice and knocked out here...." He said.

"Not drunk hopefully... Nobody is gonna carry your ass anywhere." Ma snapped. "Maybe Ryder could carry you to the barracks but there's no way in hell that I'm helping you to the bathroom. You need to be sober enough to carry yourself there!" He huffed.

"Fine fine.... I wont get drunk.... Maybe another day when Ryder is free and we arent watching someone who isnt old enough to drink."

"Yeah.. But you're not staying in the barracks when that happens. But even then, limit yourself! Dont think you'd wanna be with your friends hungover with someone cleaning up a mess you made while off your rocker!" I looked at Gallus.... He just stirred his drink with his straw just... staring at the drink as the ice clinked around.

I huffed looking to them. "Can you cool it down guys? Gallus doesnt seem to be in a good mood..." I said. Mama Spitfire sighed.

"Sorry there Gallus...."

Soarin sighed as well. "Yeah sorry dude. Deserts on me if you're still hungry after." He said.

Gallus huffed. "It's fine.... I just..... I've got a lot on my mind...." He said before sipping his drink.

"Everything alright dude? Got a guard, a mental health evaluation specialist and a mother to help." Gallus just looked to me. I could see the pain in his gaze.

I just gave a nod before looking to Mama Spitfire. "We'll be right back.... Think I'll pick his brains a little bit...." I said. She gave a slightly concerned nod. Both Gallus and I got up. I just put a hand on his shoulder while we walked to the bathroom. Once inside I looked to him. "....I know that look.... something struck a nerve didnt it....?" He just gave a hesitant nod. "....Well? Ears are open and ready....."

Gallus just turned and leaned on the sink.... Just stared into the scratched smudged mirror. "....I.... I'm just.... I dont wanna lie to anyone....." He said. "....I'm just... I'm scared..... I kept having to try to lie to myself saying that I'm okay.... I'm not.... Being given everything like this.... Having someone care about me but... that someone has something I never had.... Someone who loves them... Someone who cares for them.... Me? I have nobody... I'm broken....." I sighed carefully stepping closer.

"...Gallus.... You're not broken.... The way I see it? You're a puzzle that needs to be put together.... You say you're broken but all the pieces are there.... You just need some help getting those pieces into place...." I stepped closer carefully putting a hand on his shoulder. "...And as for being alone? You arent.... You might've been an outcast and a reject where you came from.... But you had someone... The elder. He cared for your wellbeing. Might not have been often to feel like he was close to you.... but when you were gonna jump? You sat with me.... Talked with me.... Some stranger who was visiting your land, knowing nothing about you and you not knowing anything about me. I very well could've taken you, shoved you into a van with a bag over your head and took you away.... But you sat there and talked with me before deciding to jump.... And when you did? If I didnt care enough to follow you down and nearly get myself killed you wouldnt be here.... we wouldnt be having this conversation.... you wouldnt be meeting the ponies who built me up strong, helping me with the puzzle that I was..... And trust me when I said there were multiple times where that puzzle was almost complete and something had to come along and break it up a bit more..... If I told you what things happened to make that puzzle break apart again you'd probably still wonder how I'm still walking tall, acting as if I hadnt been through that bullshit.... and I ask myself how I'm still alive every time I think about that stuff....But it's because of that stuff that makes me who I am.... Did I wanna kill myself at points? Yeah.... Few times.... Each time I tried, one of my friends stopped me from doing anything.... Next time I have my buddy Shining Armor in town, he can tell you about the first time.... Soarin can tell you the other if you wanna know.... and as Soarin said before we came in here.... We're all here to help you dude...." I just stared into his eyes in the mirror.... I could see the tears welling up in his eyes.... I just turned him around, opened my arms and there it was.... Waterworks galore....He hugged me tight.

I shushed him as he sobbed. I heard the door open. Just looked to the mirror to see Soarin coming in. "Ah yeah.... That's what I thought....." He said. "Sorry... Was kinda listening from the door.... Lucky there's a few more restrooms across the way that are more apparent..... We good in here?"

"Yeah... Just someone who needs a little help up.... He fell hard like yours truly claiming he's broken but.... I hammered it home that he's just a puzzle that needs to be put together.... And you already know a lot about how you put me back together...." Soarin chuckled a bit and sighed.

"Yeah.... Course sometimes I think a few of those pieces are missing but you're the same you."

"Yeah.... I get that feeling to.... But I'm alright."

"You definitely are. Why dont we get back to the table? Your mom is starting to worry dude...." I huffed looking to Gallus.

"....You think we should tell her how I really got him out here or should we just keep it between us?"

"I'd say wait until we get home.... Or buy her another drink so she could handle whatever you did...."

"Would you believe I jumped into the Griffonstone Gorge to save him and nearly got myself killed doing it?"

"....Yeah... Another drink or two would get her ready for that...."

"...I'm waiting until she's somewhere I wont have to carry her to where it looks like she's drunk or being kidnapped.... would rather not have ponies get pictures of me carrying her over my shoulder or something..."

"Good plan... Lets just get out there, get him calmed down, maybe play some games while we wait for food." I gave a nod before prying Gallus off. Had to give him some paper towels so he could blow his nose before we headed back out.

When we got back to the table I sat Gallus down, gave him his drink. He just sipped it just as I grabbed my drink and sipped it as well. Mama Spitfire just looked to Gallus worried. Then to me. "What happened?" She asked.

I huffed after chugging half my drink. "Ma... We're here to have a good time. We'll talk about this later.... Alright?" I asked. She gave a nod.... The worried look on her face didnt give me any assurance either. But we had a good time. Ordered our food, Gallus, Soarin and I went out, played a few games and Gallus was just watching Soarin and I go back and forth on Bass Villain going crazy with the songs we picked. Only one each but it was best two outta three.... he won.... both times.... Even helped Gallus with a scrolling beatem up game and we managed to get through the four levels and to the last boss... who kicked our ass.... From there we went back to the table, ate our meal then just walked the mall for a bit... Soarin and Ma got to sign a few autographs. Ended up getting smoothies before heading back to the WBTF. Once we were back Soarin took Gallus and gave him a little bit of a tour of what could be seen as the sun was setting. I just went to the barracks with my mother... We both just sat down in a cot and she sighed.

"Alright... What happened back there at the mall? Why was Gallus crying?" I huffed.

"He's just.... He's had a lot going on in his life.... But when I tell you what he has been through... please... dont be mad and please.... tell me to stop and we'll leave it where it lies.... This is gonna be a heavy thing.... alright?" She gave a nod. "Alright.... Princess had me doing a job out in Griffonstone when Applejack was pregnant.... Went with Dash and Gilda, Gilda being our guide to the area and helping us with customs and what not... We were only sent there to pay off debts that Equestrian Citizens owed and free them from imprisonment... After that we went to go have a little meal somewhere for a job well done. On the way there Dash and I got into a fight.... Didnt hit each other... Just yelled and pissed the other one off. We were close to a dangerous landmark... a chasm that opened up, swallowed a relic of theirs and half the city.... I sat there to cool off, make sure I wasnt gonna go off and ruin the meal.... Next thing I know Gallus comes up.... He started talking to me.... sounded scared.... Started making me a bit uncomfortable because I didnt know if I was gonna be robbed right then and there from what money I had on me or not.... But we talked.... Kept talking until he stopped talking.... Next thing I know? He throws sand in my face and takes off for the chasm.... this thing was.... Unlike anything I dealt with.... But because of my ties here I managed to save Gallus from taking his own life.... He was homeless, lost his parents at an early age.... Nobody but the elder helped him and I brought him here to give him a new lease on life.... He just.... He just felt like he doesnt deserve everything I've given him... Felt like he wasnt loved, that he wasnt capable of being helped.... But you've seen me broken down in many ways.... I took my experiences.... Told him he isnt broken... just a puzzle that needed to be put back together but a puzzle cant put itself back together..."

"....And that others can help....?" I gave a nod. We sat there for a moment in silence. She was just staring off in the distance..... Just in the corner of the room.... She took a deep breath and gave a slow heavy sigh. "....Ryder....I'm not going to lie here.... it scares me you put yourself in danger like that.... Jumping from burning buildings, falling out of planes falling from the sky.... jumping into a known deadly crevice that has hurricane force winds that easily could've shredded your wings to bits.... Even throwing yourself at danger to protect everyone you love.... I keep saying this.... I dont wanna lose my baby boy... but time and time again you show me that nothing will keep you down... and to save the life of Gallus? When he had nothing left and was so close to regretting the choice he made? You gave that boy purpose.... A life worth living.... Maybe even a family who cares...."

"Yeah.... He's a good kid...." I sighed. "....Maybe you and Soarin could come back to the house with me for the night.... If anything be at the castle with us if I can get the family there.... I kinda wanna keep an eye on Gallus for the night... make sure he's okay.... Probably might put in a call to Princess Luna, have her check on him...."

"....That does sound like a good idea... I should really consult Soarin first... see if we need to do anything before we leave...." I huffed.

"Ma.... I'm gonna be alright.... I have a family keeping me grounded..... You already know I'm capable of protecting them...."

"But that's what I'm worried about Ryder! The way you protect them and yourself! It scares the ever loving hell out of me! ....I dont want my baby boy to be lost forever..." I pulled her in close. She just latched on to me.... I just hugged her giving a sigh.

"....I know you dont.... You're as scared of losing me as I am of losing my wife... my daughter... sisters... even my friends.... Cousin even...."

"Then why do you keep throwing yourself into danger like that?!"

"Ma.... I'm a guard.... I serve the princesses and protect the public.... I'm sorry if its something you dont like but.... I just..... Its something I was just thrown into.... I didnt ask to be a guard.... Yet I am.... I only took this job to give my sister a good life.... To pay to give her food, shelter...."

"But why stay doing this if she has everything she needs?" I stayed silent.... Even broke the embrace. Why was I still doing this? Not sure if this were me just still wanting to keep doing this just for the family or if this was of my own accord... "...Ryder...? Ryder I need an answer!" I just hugged myself...

"I dont know..." I mumbled.

"What? I cant hear you when you talk like that!"

"I said I DONT KNOW!" I replied turning to her. I sighed. "I'll just talk to the Princess when we get home... Just please dont ask me about that again.... Sorry...." She just sighed and got up going for the door. I just sat there.... Just watched her leave. Without a word. That question stayed in my mind as we gathered Mom's and Soarin's things. I just had to pretend I didnt have anything on my mind the whole ride... I had Soarin call Twilight for me to send transport to AJ and the family and get them to the castle so my mother could see Mash.

Took a while to get to the castle... Once we got back I split off from Soarin and my mother just to help Gallus to bed.... He was a bit tired but feeling a bit better.... Got him into bed and just tucked him in too. I walked out of his room and immediately I saw Princess Twilight coming my way. I closed the door just before she could get to me.... Leaned against the wall. "So how's Gallus? He doing alright?" She asked. I gave a little nod. "Mind giving me an update on what you guys did?"

"...He said he was broken, told him he isnt....." I just averted my gaze.

"....That's all?" I gave a nod. "....Are you good?" I shrugged.

"....Can... Can we just talk? In private please?"

"Uh.... Sure.... Anywhere in particular?"

"Throne room maybe.... This.... this feels like a serious matter.... it kinda is a serious matter....." She hesitantly nodded before we started walking to the throne room. Had to go up a few sets of stairs but once we got up there I just looked to everything.... The balcony.... The thrones.... I honestly didnt know where I wanted to go have this conversation.... I even thought about just walking back out to not have this conversation.... But that would plague my mind even more. I walked over to the balcony with Twilight... We just looked out over Ponyville.... Sun was just about set but there was still some light in the sky giving everything an artistic glow. I leaned on the railing.

"...What's on your mind Ryder? Gallus didnt say anything that got you thinking did he?" She asked. I sighed.

"...Yeah... but no.... He wasnt the one I wanted to talk about here.... What I wanted to talk about is myself.... Me and my status as a guard...." I looked to her. She was a bit worried.

"....You're not thinking of quitting are you?"

"I honestly dont know what I'm thinking here Princess... just.... My mother... She's.... She's just getting on my case the more stuff I tell her of what I've been through.... And tonight? I had to tell her how I had to get Gallus.... Made me question why I still do the things I do.... It used to be for my sister.... Protecting her.... Giving her food and what not... but.... we're stable as a family... I've got a daughter now.... Applejack and I are happily married.... But.... I just dont know what I'm even doing now..."

"Seems like a bit of an existential crisis.... I dont have the answers for this here General.... Maybe Luna might but... My advice? Think on this.... Try and find some answers. If you still wanna be a guard, that's fine. If you dont.... Please let us know. Celestia, Luna and I will talk about this. Kay?" I gave a nod just looking out to Ponyville again.

"Wanna just stay here for a bit? Or do you wanna go and find Spike? He's been asking me all day to play some games with him but I told him either you or Gallus would play with him when you guys got back."

"....I'll just stay here for a few minutes.... Take in the sight.... Tell Spike I'll be with him in a bit."

"Of course. I'll tell Applejack you've had a bit of an emotional day with Gallus and need some time to relax...."

"Tell her I'll still be in bed with her to take care of Mash... Hopefully she hasnt had too much trouble today..." I was wrong.... After I was playing with Spike apparently Applejack had to deal with crying all day, the girls came home, Applebloom was a bit snippy before a nap, Scootaloo helped out as much as she could but Applejack didnt want the help even though she needed it, Big Mac was losing his shit with Applejack because she's been snippy all day. Dash came by too because she was at the house trying to help Applejack but again.... Applejack was pissy.... I had to have Mash's crib brought a few doors down and had a guard stand at my door during the night while Applejack slept.... I was maybe up for an hour trying to get Mash to go to sleep.... She was dry, she was fed but just not wanting to go to bed.... Had to hold her, shush her, sing to her.... just do everything I could think of to get her to sleep.... Once she was asleep, put her back into her crib and went to bed myself.... before I was woken up four times... changing, feeding.... Yeah... Now I know why Applejack was pissy.... And it was only because she insisted on taking care of our foal.... Wouldnt let daddy take care of business either.... Next morning I almost didnt wanna get up... Only thing that made me get up was Mash.... Crying.... Got her, got dressed, took her to get changed and I swear it was like night and day with Applejack this morning.... Took her baby girl, fed her, changed her and when Mama Spitfire saw her this morning it was just adorable to see them together... Hell she almost started crying! Hell Gallus was happy during breakfast too and he even helped me and AJ feed Mash! Anyhow I gotta get some sleep.... naps are needed... both for daddy and his baby girl....

Manehattan Fashion

So .... It's been a week since I had to take Gallus out to pick his brains and give myself a little break from Applejack being tired and pissy.... And now she's letting me take care of Mash when she cant or doesnt wanna.... But we take turns now. But right now? Rarity asked for me and Big Mac to go with her to Manehattan for an important 'fashion emergency' as she called it and we'd be compensated for our time. What it is she hasnt said but she had to have Applejack and the girls to get help from Twilight..... and somehow she agreed.... Somehow... But yeah. Right now Big Mac and I are packing bags for a few days with Rarity.... She hasnt told us where we were going or why she needed us.... It was early in the morning and thankfully Mash was sleeping better. I was wearing jeans, white tee and my Lunar Republic camo service shirt. Mac was wearing a leather jacket, jeans and a Metallicolt tee. Applejack was up making sure we were getting everything together alright.... Swear she was sounding like a mother every day.... "You boys need to text me when you get on the train, call me when you get to Manehattan and Big Mac if you see Ryder starting to freak out, you know what to do." She said just as Big Mac and I got our bags ready by the door.

Big Mac sighed. "Applejack, he's been fine this long so he should be fine still..." He replied. He took a glance at me as I looked at my phone... Just making sure that I hadnt had a missed message from Rarity. "But... Course I could still be on the lookout there...." He looked back at Applejack. "And please dont freak out if you try to call us and we dont answer. Rarity might be havin' us somewhere fancy 'n us havin our phones go off aint gonna be good for us or her..." Applejack sighed as she fixed the collar of my service shirt.

"Alright but please let me know if you do go anywhere like that with her so I know not to do that."

I huffed. "Yes mommy we will!" I said almost mockingly. She gave me a light slap on the cheek.

"Hush now sugarcube. Aint nobody gonna take your lip here." I couldnt help but chuckle.

"Sorry AJ. You're starting to sound like a mother sending her children off to school and only one of us acts like a kid here sometimes..." I blushed a little bit as both Big Mac and her had a little giggle.

"Well... Gotta practice for when our sweet baby girl starts going to school and just knowing that'll happen one day breaks my heart..." I sighed.

"Luckily that day isnt too soon.... I'll call later to check on you guys and please let the girls help you with Mash..... I dont wanna come home or call later to hear you're being stubborn again..."

"I'll pretend I didnt hear that.... You just get on now." I gave a nod and grabbed my bags before giving her a kiss on the cheek. I looked to Big Mac who just slung his pack over his shoulder and extended his suit case handle before we opened the door into the still moonlit morning.

As we walked out Big Mac huffed. The cool morning air and a light fog in the air felt good. He looked to me. "Your car or the truck?" He asked.

I sighed. "Lets take the truck. Just in case AJ needs to go anywhere. Either way we're meeting Rarity at the train station." I said. He gave a nod and we tossed our bags into the bed, closing up the tailgate. We hopped in and I just couldnt help but just feel as if I was just.... Being taken off to war again.... Leaving everyone I love just when things are getting better. Still doesnt help that my mother was still making me question whether or not I should still be a guard... Or even why I still am a guard. As Mac started to turn the truck around he huffed glancing at me.

"You good? Last chance to tell Rarity you dont wanna do this."

"I'm fine Mac.... Just... Just tired is all."

"Ryder.... Be honest with me...." I sighed feeling like he just caught me with my hand in the cookie jar.

"Fine.... Tired and I just.... Do you think I'm still being a good father? Husband as well?"

"You're doing fine on both parts. Sure you might be away more than usual but you're still pickin' up slack. Might not be givin' AJ what she wants but... Rather only one kid than two runnin' around."

"Yeah... But... Just.... Another thing.... With me being a guard.... Do you think i'm good with it?"

"Of course man. You're one of the only ones I trust bein' in the guard. Why you askin?"

"....Blame my mother.... I originally picked this guard thing up because I wanted to protect Scootaloo from the world.... same with my friends and family.... We've seen what happens.... Everything from the small time kidnappings to big time ones, assassination attempts and even the terrorist attacks.... There's just so much out there I know I wont be able to take it all on... nor do I know if any one of those is gonna take me out...." He stayed silent for a moment as we turned out of the orchard and headed into Ponyville. I almost thought he was gonna stop the truck, tell me to grab my bags and just go back to the house. Force me to stay.

"Heavy question from your mother.... Just making you question yourself? I'm gonna say this is your mother finding out all the crazy shit you've gotten yourself into and she just doesnt want her baby boy ending up in a pine box before her...."

"Yeah... That's basically it... But... I'm gonna be honest when I say I'm even scaring myself with the danger I've been getting into.... Hasnt killed me, some of it came close.... and with everything I've got? Do I wanna give it up to be there for my family? Or would I keep going on, protect them because I can?"

"See now that's something I dont wanna answer all because if I push you to do what I said, you might regret it, try to turn it around.... and knowing how your mind works? I'd rather not feel responsible for putting that in your mind." He took a hand off the wheel and put it on my lap. "Just for right now, breathe, maybe text Rarity, let her know we're coming. And if you feel something coming on, tell me, we'll see what we can do to get you grounded. Kay?" I gave a nod and just did as he said. Took a deep breath, grabbed my phone and told Rarity we're on our way.... Know what she did? Told us to meet her at her place... Yeah... Why? Because she was not gonna be leaving her car at the station.... And I'm glad we brought the truck.... Why? Because she had at least 4 bags full of stuff.... Though it was annoying it was expected.... And guess who had to sit in the back with the bags until we got to the station? Yours truly, cold as hell but Rarity promised a warm drink on the train.

Didnt have to wait long for the train. Apparently one of Rarity's friends got her tickets for us. Caboose car room too. We dropped our bags off, Mac stayed back while Rarity and I went to the food car. Sat there at the bar and just huffed looking at the menu. Rarity was just in tight jeans, knee high boots, and a sweater. She sighed as the attendant came over. "One hot coaco for my friend here and a tea for me please." She said. The attendant nodded before going to some machines behind them. Rarity looked to me as I yawned. "Thank you again for coming Ryder." She said. "So nice to have company on this long train ride! Last time we went to Manehattan it wasnt the best time...."

I huffed. "Yeah... That time Celestia kinda flipped her lid a bit all because of a dickhead she met with..." I replied. "So... You're still aware of the stuff that I've dealt with in Manehattan right?"

"Sadly.... I still commend you for your bravery in saving your family. I still feel bad for yelling at you over Sweetie Belle being in danger.... I just... I love her as much as you do your sister..."

"Yeah... You've already seen what I do to keep her safe and come back to her...." The attendant put two steaming mugs in front of us. I grabbed mine.... So warm in my hands. I gave a nod to the pony. Rarity took her mug and smiled.

"Thank you!" She said before sipping. She glanced to me as she set her mug down again. "I have and I must say its just.... I'm speechless as to what you've been through..." I sipped my warm chocolaty drink. Went down smooth.

"I cant help but think back to those moments... What could've happened... and it scares me..."

"You and I both... You more than I but... Nonetheless I cant help but dread to think if you and I had our places swapped..." My mind couldnt help but think if i was like her.... I'd lose Scootaloo, I'd be dead in all cases after.... I just drank my drink. "But enough of that. What's your take on Fatherhood so far? You have a darling of a daughter and she's too cute with the outfits I've given her!"

"Its.... strange.... Taking care of a foal.... Padding someone up who actually needs em rather than to help them.... Holding a little ball of joy, giggling without a care in the world, not even knowing what goes on.... Just playing with mommy and daddy if he's ever around... I feel like I'm just not around enough but I wanna be there for her more..."

"You're still doing a great job with her while you're there. I've had to have Sweetie Belle slap some sense into me because of all the outfits I was planning for your daughter. Had to turn the outfits I was making into concepts that I might start selling to those with foals. I've had to try getting the idea of foal clothing out of my head by starting to make Sweetie Belle some dresses... Yet somehow I still manage to have an area to attach a pacifier on it. Dont realize it until she puts it on...." I blushed slightly and looked around. Nobody within earshot thankfully.

"When we get home, I'll pay you for a onsie my size with one of those on it."

"All yours darling. Perhaps Applejack can help model some maternity wear if she still wishes to?"

"That's something you'd have to ask her... Speaking of her I should tell her we made it to the train okay." She sipped her tea.

"Go right ahead with that Ryder." I gave a nod and grabbed my phone sipping my drink again. Just sent a text to AJ saying I was on the train with Mac and Rarity. Even just scrolled a little bit through my texts she sent me.... best one was a pic of Scootaloo just napping on the bed next to Mash while AJ was doing laundry and Big Mac was out in the orchard... Me helping him. I sighed. "Something the matter?"

"Nah.... Just... lost in thought...."

"Why dont you finish your drink there and head back to the private car? I'll be fine here for a while and we have a long way to go." I gave a nod and just put my phone away before finishing my drink and going back to the car.... I had to breathe and just keep my head down.... I dont know if I was freaking out because of the train ride again or what....Once I lied in that bed next to Big Mac I was out. Didnt take long for me to fall into a dreamscape immediately being met by Luna.

I sat in the middle of the park in Manehattan.... Didnt really know what it was like so trees were in odd shapes. Bushes were strange too. Luna came over dressed in some comfortable pajamas including a teeshirt. She sighed. "Everything alright Ryder?" She asked. "I havent found you in a place like this in a while... Beautiful and verdant but you never come to a place like this unless you've got something on your mind."

I couldnt help but just give a hefty sigh myself. "....I... I honestly dont know... Maybe I'm already homesick..." I said. "....I'm on a train with Big Mac and Rarity bound for Manehattan... Not freaking out... Least I dont think so... and just the biggest question that's wracked my mind since the twist ending to Blood Dawn 4 when everything went to shit anyways...."

"A question? Are you contemplating something...?"

"....Yeah but it's not what you think.... Its just... I dont know what I'm still doing in this stage in my life..."

"What's thy question Ryder? Ask me anything if it helps clear your mind." I thought about it for a moment... did I really wanna tell Luna I'm not sure if I wanted to lead the guard? Let alone still be one with my family worrying about me? And vice versa? I just took a deep breath and sighed before leaning into her.

"....Princess... If I tell you this... Dont make the choice for me... I wanna do it on my own.... And not a word of this to Celestia please.... I've already told Twilight and I'm taking a risk on telling you...."

"I see.... Well.... Go ahead... whenever you're ready." I took a moment.... Got myself comfortable... climbed into her lap and just hugged her.... Her embrace was warm.... Dream yeah but... warm...

"My mother... Spitfire.... She asked me a question a while back... It just... it made me think... Not sure if I'm having a crisis or something... but... I've told her about the things I've been through... she's scared that.... being a guard is just gonna send me to my death... and it scares me too.... She doesnt want me to die and I dont want to either... at least this early... but... I took this guard job to take care of my sister... that extended to family... friends... even you and Celestia and contacts from all over.... I wanna keep doing that but.... I wanna just not put myself in danger... but.... If I dont I leave my family open to those dangers and they could get hurt.... So the question is... What am I doing still being a guard? Am I doing this because I like keeping my family safe? Or am I just doing this because I'm still trying to provide for my family who pretty much has everything they need?" Princess Luna stayed silent for a moment... Just as if she were enjoying my company.... But she too was deep in thought... or shock... couldnt tell...

"That is.... indeed a heavy question to bear... Yet only what fruit grows is yours to know... The pros and cons are there... Pros of being a guard are saving your family and providing for them further... Cons are you might not come back home one day due to an unseen danger taking you down. Pros of not being a guard are being safe and sound with your family but the con is not being able to provide for them in a case of dire need. Either decision wont change the way my sister or I will perceive you.... But... perhaps I point something out perchance?"

"Go ahead... I... guess...."

"Before you became a guard... you definitely had the jewels to stand up to those who wanted to hurt your friends. You saved the mare that became your wife and a mother to a sweet baby girl from a murderer who could've taken a third victim.... Then you tackled a robber who threatened to hurt Pinkie Pie and her surrogate family of the Cakes. Sure you might've been banned from working there but you even had the balls to go back there, ask for something to do to get some money to help your sister... That all changed after that.... But you've done things then but what would stop you from throwing out some vigilante justice if you were in the wrong place at the right time? Hm?"

"...I know I've done those things but... that was because if I hadnt done anything... who would've?"

"A good question indeed... But being a guard saves you from someone blaming you for something that was different than what actually happened..."

"It does but doesnt.... I remember coming home from the war, having Shining show me something while I was still awaiting surgery for my wing replacement... Basically a news story that was put out about me executing that spy... Saying I executed a soldier for not following orders or something...."

"I too remember seeing that and for the lies, that journalist was fired on the spot. They wont do any journalism again and if they do whether it be a blog post or for a news station something will be done." We both looked out hearing a train horn go off. I sighed.

"There's my queue to wake up.... Please remember not to tell your sister.... If you want to talk more about this later we can."

"Alright... Just keep your wits about you General.... Speak with you soon." I just gave a nod as everything faded.

As I woke up I felt the hug still... As I opened my eyes I saw that I was right in Big Mac's arms...I'd pry him off but with the strength I had? Nah... dont wanna hurt him. I just wiggled a bit against him.... Very well could've grabbed his package but I'd rather not make a stallion cream his own pants when he's asleep... I'd rather do that when they're awake and willing.... And already horny. I wiggled a bit and he just snorted waking up... Before just yelling and pushing us both out of bed.... He got up moving his mane out of his face. I just huffed fixing mine as I stood up. "....Ry I swear you werent there when I fell asleep..." He said.

"I wasnt but you were the one who was cuddling me so... Balls in your court." He stretched a bit making sure he had everything.

"We nearly in Manehattan?" I stretched my wings a little bit.

"Should be soon..." I replied. "You wanna go find Rarity or you want me to?"

"All you bud... I gotta get our bags together, make sure everything's there." I huffed.

"You're not gonna be the one carrying it....."

"Yeah but she's gonna be pissed if she cant find the one missing bag in the five that she's taking...." I huffed and just went for the door.

"Just make sure we have everything.... I need to go and find her..." He gave a nod just as I stepped out of the car and into another. Went all the way to the food car just to see Rarity there with another cup of tea talking with the attendant. "Still here Rarity?"

Rarity jumped slightly hearing me. Luckily keeping her cup steady before looking my way. "Oh! Ryder! Awake already?" She asked.

"Yeah. Should be ready for Manehattan soon. Why are you still here?" She used her magic to pull her phone from her cleavage... The attendant definitely saw that. She checked and just gasped slightly.

"Oh! I dare say I've been here quite a while darling.... Too much tea and the conversations..." She drank the rest of her tea and huffed blushing a bit. "Uh... Ryder would you be a dear and pick me up? I'd move but... Tea.... and dont worry... I've paid for the five cups I've had..." I sighed rolling my eyes before carefully picking her up. At least she helped me open the doors back to our car before she had to grab a spare from my bags and use it because guess what? THE TOILETS ON THE TRAIN WERE FUCKED. Lucky I didnt have to go that bad. Though until we got to the station she had to wear it because she didnt wanna use a trash can and dispose of something she wouldnt wanna be caught dead in.... Yeah like she hasnt slept in one a time or two... Drunk or sober.

Anyhow once we got off the train and ran to the nearest restroom, Rarity and Mac first I just couldnt help but sit with the bags and start a call with Applejack. She answered real quick but I heard a little crying. "...Great timing Ry...." I heard Applejack say. "...Just got back to bed to feed our Mash.... Aint what I thought my mornin' would be but I'm just lucky Twilight made a little surprise visit with Spike to help make breakfast while you two are out.... How was the train ride? Assumin' you're at the station already?"

I sighed. "Yeah. Stuck watching the bags while Mac and Rarity use the toilet...." I said. "Just.... Still feeling like shit knowing that I cant be there to help you with my baby girl..."

"Oh dont you worry... I understand Ry. You're busy with stuff on Princess orders. You're a busy stallion and when you're here you're still a good help with her...."

"I cant take the credit there... Girls are a big help as well as your brother."

"Yeah... Maybe when you get back, we take em out to dinner?"

"Yeah... Their choice though."

"Of course. Now you just get on. Girl's getting hungry and the more talking I do aint gonna get her fed any faster."

"Alright... Give Mash a kiss for me and if the girls arent up yet, tell Scoot to text me later what she'd want from Manehattan if anything at all.... And please make sure she asks Applebloom too and have you text me what they both want if possible? I just... I've kinda not been trusting Scoot even after she says she did her chores when she didnt..."

"Understandable but I gotta go... Girls gettin' more and more fussy... Love ya sugarcube."

I just hung up and kept watch over our bags until they got out... Then I ran in, did my thing and came back out to help with the bags again. When we got street side... I... felt something.... Again... being watched but.... this wasnt the type of being watched my father does.... this one was literally right in front of me. Few guard trucks were across the street and a few were just looking right at us... I recognized them both. Mare with a brown coat and this time a neon purple mane, the other, pegasus, red mane, grey coat. Both wearing local guard armor. Pepper and Cinder! They both waved. "GENERAL!" Pepper called out before they both rushed across the street.

I swear I almost wanted to jump in the middle of traffic the way they ran over. They stopped maybe a few feet away and saluted. I just couldnt help but smile and salute back real quick. "At ease ladies!" I said. "How are you two doing? Havent seen you in a while!"

"A hell of a lot better since my trip to Appaloosa..." She replied. "...Heard from Rouge that you got married while I was in the nuthouse getting help for myself..."

Cinder sighed. "After Manehattan I swear you'd've been dead... but after Pepper said she saw you in the middle of the desert I thought the heat got to her head." She said nudging her other half. I chuckled slightly. "The hell happened last I saw you anyhow? Dropped you off at ground zero, next thing you know I'm trying to save as many ponies as I can before rushing the hell out of there, truck full of scared ponies and I think from Pepper you remember the rest."

I huffed. "Yeah... I remember." I said. "Maybe sometime later after you're off duty I can explain things if you wanna hit me up for a drink."

Pepper huffed. "Might take you up on that." She said. "What're you doing here anyways? Didnt get word from the Princess saying you were coming."

"This visit is a bit off the record.... But even I'm not sure what I'm even doing here...." I said glaring at Big Mac and Rarity just chatting among themselves. I looked back at Pepper. "Uh.... Maybe wait here for a sec? Gotta see what we're doing and where we need to go.... and what we're doing here.... The mare talking to my brother in law is keeping things extremely secret.... All I know is this is a trip to Manehattan but I know there are strings being pulled for something...."

They both snickered slightly just as I went over to Rarity and Big Mac. Rarity sighed looking at me. "Please tell me you can get us a ride to where we're going because Big Mac doesnt have any family that can get us and my friend cant come pick us up either!" She said.

"I'll get us a ride once you tell us what in Celestia's good name we're doing here. We came with you without knowing why we're coming with you in the first place and it doesnt seem like a vacation!" She huffed.

"I thought you knew at least!"

Big Mac sighed. "I didnt know either Rare." He said. "All I know is Twilight talked with Applejack, Applejack talked with us, made us go and there aint nothin' more to go on!"

"Twilight.... She didnt.... Say anything???" We both shook our heads. "THE NERVE! She agrees to help me but doesnt mention this!?"

"Rarity! Calm your fucking ass! She's a PRINCESS! She probably had other things on her mind that werent telling us what was happening! Now tell us why we're here or I'm taking my bags back to the station and waiting for the next one home!"

"Wait wait dont! Please! I'm sorry just.... Dont leave!" I could see in her eyes how worried she was... either that or scared.... Hard to tell with her.... "If you really must know why you're here its uh.... well...." She looked around. "Could uh... Could you get us a ride before I say? I would rather not leak anything and have any ideas stolen...." I just huffed resisting the urge to grab my bags and just walk back into the station... That and Big Mac was ready to tackle my ass and get my friends on me... I sighed.

"Fine... Tell us and I really hope dinner is included in this...."

"Trust me darling it will be. My friend who we're going to see is going to be paying for all our dinners." I gave a sigh before heading back over to Pepper and Cinder.

Cinder looked to me as Pepper ran back across the street to their truck. "So? Figure it out?" She asked. "Pepper's gonna see about swapping our patrol vehicle for a transport for you and your party here."

I gave a huff. "Yeah... Good... Kinda need it right now because the mare I'm with isnt wanting to say anything until we have transport...." I replied. She nodded.

"Fair enough. Just bring your bags on over to the truck and we'll wait there." I gave a nod and just grabbed a few bags before just nodding across the street to Mac and Rarity. Cinder stopped traffic for a moment while we crossed and waited at the truck. I swapped numbers with Pepper and Cinder, told them I talked to Rouge, had a drink with him and even got into contact with 'shadow'... Told them he came to the wedding and was scared shitless when guards rushed the place after I was kidnapped... Rarity and Mac basically confirmed it was Changelings and I swear the look on Pepper's face was just as shocking as when she heard I jumped out of a burning building during a fucking terrorist attack. Though I had to fudge the story about Appaloosa a little bit and actually have Big Mac keep his mouth shut while I told what 'actually' happened. We had to actually cut that story short before the transport came.... And we actually had to commandeer the patrol car to follow us with our bags in there too because RARITY'S FUCKING HAUL. Even the guards who showed up to take the patrol car couldnt believe it... Least they got a breather from action in this city.

After we started down the road with Pepper and Cinder in the front seats Big Mac huffed. "Mind tellin' us what we're doing out here?" He asked. "We waited long enough and now we've got the privacy. What's so secret we needed this anyways?"

Rarity sighed. "I have a friend who invited me to participate in a photo shoot..." She said. "She asked me if I knew anyone willing to participate and it had to be anyone who had modeled stuff for me before and well..."

"Lemme guess.... We were the only ones you could think of but asking us directly wasnt an option was it...?"

"Unfortunately with everything going on I thought you'd say no and with Ryder's newest addition its obvious he would've said no unless it was from a Princess."

I huffed. "....And I guess Applejack wouldnt have been able to come? Or the girls?" I asked.

"As much as I would love to have Applejack and the girls with us I dont want to get your daughter sick because she came with us traveling and the poor thing isnt even taking her meal from a bottle yet." I just huffed pinching my nose annoyed at this. Yet I didnt know which sucked more. Being ripped away from my family to do something I had no clue I was doing or that she didnt want to include the family either... At least she's caring for the new foal.... I just sighed.

"...Right... Next time you do something like this, ask them, see if we're good to do this as a family...." She looked out the window.

"I shall in the future.... You can assure that next time family will be involved. With them along for the ride or you with them just as a guest while they do the same thing you... That is if you'd be alright with that."

"I'd have to talk it over with Applejack... Big Mac would have to get input too....."

"Understandable... But... For now... My friend will be expecting us. She doesnt know you yet but... Please try to work with her as best as you can..."

"We will but... is there any outcome for us here?"

"Compensation for your time, meals, gifts for when we get home. I will be forever grateful if you do this."

I huffed. Big Mac sighed. "Can we not talk about this now?" He asked. "Rather deal with the bullshit we're in now.... Aint what I wanted but we're in it now...."

"Fine fine darling its alright. We have a while to go to get to my friends place."

"How long?" Rarity looked to Pepper in the drivers seat. "Miss? How long until we get to 24263 Adamantium Drive?"

Pepper hummed looking at the streets as we slowly cruised under the stop light we were at. "Lets se... We're on Creedence Boulevard right now...." She said. I could see the numbers being crunched floating around her head. "Give or take a half hour unless there's an accident in the tunnel... and when I tell you that it happens often enough to think about we better be lucky...." Rarity sighed.

"I better call my friend, let her know we're on our way... Need everyone to be quiet while I get this done." We all nodded as she pulled her phone out. I pulled mine out and just started looking at my texts... Saw one from Gilda and this one was just a bit of a tease.... She's been hella horny lately... Dash told me she was down at the park with her the other day and Gilda is wearing- guess what? A punk style school girl uniform... and no panties with the skirt as short as Applejack's shorts in the heat.The best part? Vibrator attached to her leg teasing her the whole time.... Hell Dash even took video of her walking around, flashing the camera and when she came? Good lord it looked like she pissed herself. Dont doubt in the slightest she held it until she did that. But as for the thing she sent me? Pair of pink panties, stained with the caption 'Miss you!' on it... Gotta say I miss her too but I'd wanna not fuck willynilly and end up with another kid... at least until this one is old enough to talk... Or not piss her pants. And yeah I know condoms.... But With the luck I've had I do NOT want a broken condom, a creampie to boot and a fucking kid with what I really consider a living sex doll who would take the rage I would put into it.... And I swear if you tell Gilda that I consider her a sex doll that willingly gets raped I'll gut you myself.... Somehow. Anyhow Rarity gave a hum as she put her phone to her ear. Took not even a minute before someone picked up I guess. "Hello Coco? We just got in to Manehattan and we've got a friend of mine helping us out with a ride to your apartment. Yes he's the one we're working with for the photoshoot. What does he do? He's a guard and I guess his friends from the guard were at the right place at the right time.... No he's alright with this. He basically is the one who allows this. Rank? Well... I'm not sure I'm at liberty to say but he's in good standings if you get me... I've got his brother in law with me as well. Both strong, able bodied and both are... Shapely to say the least..." Shapely with her means well endowed.... And dont ask what she offers if you try something on and get hard as a rock.... "Alright alright we can talk more about them later over drinks and lunch if we can. I just called to say we'll be there soon... Give or take a half hour or so... Oh! Oh alright! Alright I'll tell him. I'll chat with you when we get there! Toodles!"

I sighed looking to Rarity as I pocketed my phone. "So.... Why say I'm a guard? And tell her Big Mac is my brother in law?" I asked.

"She needs to know who she's working with Darling. Rather she knows who she's working with rather than have it be a surprise. She hates that sort of thing."

"Alright... Just.... When you ended the call she wanted you to say something?"

"Yes she did. She told me to tell you that she appreciates you doing this and to let you know there's a reward for doing this. Not sure what its going to be but with Coco she's willing to work with you on it."

"Alright... Just.... Hope this is gonna be quick.... No offense Rares..."

"Oh none taken darling. I completely understand. You'd rather be with your foal than here but trust me after a few days here you'll be glad to go back home and I'll not bother you unless you come to me."

"Alright..." I looked to Pepper and Cinder. "So... Got music you wanna listen to?" Oh they looked to each other like it was just the question they wanted to be asked. They ended up putting on some Sapphire Shores and both of em took turns singing. Even Rarity and I sang a few songs we knew. Hell in between songs Rarity told em how my mother got us to meet Sapphire Shores in Las Pegasus. They didnt believe it until I showed them pictures. Hell they didnt even know my mother was Spitfire until I told them and we had a huge fucking reveal and everything! Hell Pepper told me she'd suck my dick to meet her but I agreed to maybe schedule a meetup and yeah... without the alleyway bribe that some nightclub bouncers get when someone wants in and they know they wont be able to get in any other way. And there? That's a bad bouncer in my opinion.

Anyhow that drive took AN HOUR. Tunnel we wanted was blocked off, traffic was insane because the suggested route had an accident involving 3 cars and then the next route had us going literally on a fucking tour of the city. Hell I was about ready to order lunch waiting in traffic AND THERE WAS A MCHOOVIANS ON THE CORNER I COULD'VE EASILY WALKED IN, ORDERED AND GOT BACK IN THE FUCKING TRUCK! Yeah... That traffic annoyed the hell out of me. What bugged me even more was that the route we had to take took us past the memorial a few times.... First time was before the crash, second time we had to find a street to loop around.... The whole time Rarity, Pepper and Cinder were talking. Big Mac was on his phone and me? I just kicked back trying to pretend I wasnt in a car in a city that nearly killed me away from my family who I REALLY feel like I should be with at the moment but no.... I had to be here. Anyhow I just had to distract myself.... Nap, phone.... Didnt know... But we went all the way across town, passed by central park and came up to a fancy hotel... or... apartment complex? Was just a fancy place in general. Cinder looked back at us. "Alright, here we are. 24263 Adamantium drive!" She said. "Lost the car with the baggage along the way but we'll check where it is and bring your baggage up when it gets here." I huffed as big Mac opened the door for Rarity and himself.

"I'll stay down here to help with the bags."

Rarity sighed. "I hope it comes soon because Id rather do introductions only once and its rude for a late arrival." She said.

"I'll apologize once I'm there now get on inside, I'll call you when the bags get here so you can be ready for us." She gave a nod as she stepped out. I followed and just stretched a bit before flying around loosening my wings out. After maybe a few minutes I landed and just sat on the top of the transport.

Pepper huffed as she leaned on the truck after getting out. "So General.... You mentioned something about a wife and kid?" She asked. "Already know about the wife but the kid? How old?"

"....Month or so.... hard to tell considering I've been running around like this since she was born.... Beautiful little filly.... My eyes, Momma's mane.... Just.... Still shocking I'm the father..."

"Aww how adorable! Any pictures?" I sighed.

"I'll show a pic later but.... A question if you will?"

"Well.... guessing something tells me you're in crisis mode again.... C'mon. Hop down, lemme get a quick eval in before we talk." I rolled my eyes.... I forget she was my medic for a while because of trust issues due to that fucking spy.... Hell since I got there she's been there for me.... Considering I've been there for her.... Second in command was my best help there.... Anyhow she opened the door again to the front of the cab and had me sit inside.

Cinder looked to us as as I got myself settled in. "Uncomfortable up there sir?" She asked. Pepper looked over my shoulder.

"No. Doing a mental eval.... Been having to do it for him all the time while I was deployed. Quiet the radio chatter if you can." I saw in the reflection of the side mirror that she nodded and I heard whatever chatter quiet down right away. "Alright.... Any dark thoughts in the past few months?"

I swallowed. "Would thoughts about being afraid of losing the wife to childbirth count?" I asked.

"....Uh.... I'll count it.... Any thoughts of suicide?" I shook my head. "...This city doing anything? Making you uneasy by being here?" This? I didnt have an answer for this... I just shrugged. "Okay.... Just sensing some general anxiety.... Nothing a good chat, maybe a nice cup of tea and a deep breath couldnt fix. Go on. Ask the question." I just swallowed..... Took a look out the front of the vehicle at some parked just up ahead... sedans, SUV... Think one sports car but that was neither here nor there.

"...Have either of you thought of just.... getting out of this? Just... Getting out of the guard and do something else...? Something that wouldnt risk your life unless you used your own training to do something?"

Pepper and Cinder both looked to me. I didnt even look away from the cars in front of us. Cinder leaned on the steering wheel.... just made sure she didnt lay on the horn. "...After the attack that I swear killed you? I just wanted to go... stop doing this from everything I saw that day...." She said. "...Everything from having to find families for missing kids, pulling dead bodies from underneath rubble hoping I wasnt gonna find yours there and then to rush home to let Pepper know I was okay? I.... I can admit the thought stayed in my mind for a while.... I didnt wanna do anything that would get me killed.... and with how Pepper was? I was just glad that Princess Celestia herself gave us paid leave for a while.... You kinda know the rest for Pepper... For me? I had to head out to see my parents.... Would've brought her but... My father is a judgemental piece of shit.... Doesnt want her near me.... disregards her own struggles as 'part of the job' despite knowing she nearly fucking died and just....." I just looked to her.... She had tears in her eyes, struggling to try to say more... Pepper reached over my lap and grabbed her hand.

Pepper sighed. "....You love him enough to keep him around but he needs to learn to think about how he would be in our situations...." She said. "...take a deep breath hun.... Just breathe...." Pepper looked to me giving a huff. "...I've been asking myself that since the plane crash.... I could swear you died a few times on the mountain... hell when we got into Canterlot I thought you were gone.... Right in front of everyone... After that I thought what if I were in your position? Would I have survived the fall? If I did would I have mutilated myself for survival? I was scared shitless for you... Hell I thought about how Rouge acted after the crash... He was freaking out too...."

I sighed. "...Thinking back on that?" I asked. "...Makes sense... Wouldnt doubt he thought the enemy was around..... That we were gonna be targeted and it was survival of the fittest.... I should just.... Contact the Princess... have him contacted, do a mental evaluation on him.... he seemed fine when I saw him last but.... Who knows what goes on underneath?"

"....Aint that the truth.... Up until the attack here.... I thought I was fine... maybe a nightmare here and there but... that bomb went off and my brain just went to red alert....."

"Yeah... Just... Just glad you got the help you needed...." I looked in the mirror. Just saw a squad car pull up. I sighed. "Well ladies, take a deep breath and relax.... Bags are here... Gotta get inside soon." They both nodded. Pepper stepped out of the way and let me hop out. She got in, gave Cinder a kiss before they both hopped out and went towards the squad car. We grabbed our bags and went in.... and god the snooty jackass at the counter didnt believe I was here with friends. I had to call Rarity, Rarity had to tell her friend, her friend called the front desk, the front desk had to push a few buttons, lead us to the elevator WITH SECURITY BECAUSE THREE GUARDS WERENT ENOUGH and we went straight up to the suite level.

Lucky me Rarity was just at the top of the elevator waiting for us. She sighed. "Its about time! You have all our bags Ryder?" She asked.

"Yeah, got everything Rarity. Wanna make sure you've got everything in your bags or can we just go find your friend?"

"Use that tone with me anymore and the wife will hear about this!"

Cinder huffed. "Apologies for his attitude ma'am.... He's just.... Well... Stressed...." She said. Rarity gave a sigh just looking to me.

"Very well.... Just... Follow me...." She started down the hall. Just walked until we got to a door. She stopped and knocked. "Coco! Our things are here! Big Mac let us in!" She looked back to me. "When we get inside, dont touch anything, dont make an ass of yourself and for the love of Celestia puh-LEEZE act like a gentlecolt! I'd rather not have myself be embarrassed because you went and said something utterly stupid and before you say anything YOU DO IT ALL THE TIME!"

I huffed. "So... You're just expecting me to shut myself up the whole fucking time? Its gonna be rude if I fail to answer any questions your friend could have." I replied.

"....I'm not saying stay quiet the entire time I'm saying just dont say anything indicating your IQ is the same as your shoe size! Try to sound smarter than Pinkie but not as smart as Dash."

"You saying my cousin is smarter than me?"

"If you insist but seriously my friend is high class, we both make clothes and I'd rather not hear from anyone we associate with asking why you and Big Mac are acting like neanderthals!"

"Since when-" She just gave me a death stare that.... honestly scared me... and she only gets this way when someone REALLY pushes her buttons. And something tells me I was starting to press buttons... Anyhow the door opened up revealing Big Mac sitting at a side bar with a drink in hand watching a TV over a bar stocked with drinks... seems like everyone in the town drinks. The mare at the door? Short sleeved white button up, light purple vest, matching skirt, fishnet stockings and black heels, cream coat, neon blue mane. Rarity sighed as she looked to the mare.

"My apologies for the lateness with our other guest Coco. Our bags had gotten lost and he insisted on staying behind to bring the bags up...."

The mare smiled a bit. "Oh no worries there Rarity! You cant just expect our protectors to haul bags up by themselves!" She said stepping off to the side. "Come in! Come in just set the bags off to the side! My assistants will take them to your rooms momentarily! For now why not sit by, have a drink?"

I sighed as we entered. "As good as that sounds, I think for right now us three has something non alcoholic please." I said. "Two still on duty, one just.... Rather not drink until later..."

"Ah quite alright. I understand not everyone drinks this early but doesnt hurt to offer."

As we entered I couldnt help but marvel at the chic 50's diner-esque interior. Large sitting area with an entertainment center, a grand view of the city out the window, fire pit in the corner with a chimney... It was actually beautiful even with the art on the walls and a little bit of a workshop in the other corner. "Wow... This place is amazing!" Pepper said. "Wish our place was somethin' like this...."

I looked back at Cinder. I could see gears turning in her head as she was looking at everything. "...High end studio apartment, fashion supplies, Coco...." She said to herself. She looked to Coco. "You're Coco Pommel! The fashion designer arent you?"

Coco nodded. "The one and only!" She said.

"Ma'am can I just say I am a huge fan of your work? I have very few of your earlier designs but with your latest designs from your summer collection its something I've been saving up for!" Coco giggled slightly as Pepper set the bags aside as Rarity went for the bar to get a glass of wine.... always...

"I always strive for fashionable and affordable. And a guard wearing the summer sun couture? Its actually perfect because its designed for those who are active and with how breathable the fabric is you wouldnt be able to tell you've been sweating. The fabric also works with you so you arent as likely to get caught up with anything.... Armor, anything whilst on a run whether for your own health or trying to get someone."

I couldnt help but give a smile. "A fashion designer eh?" I asked. "No wonder Rarity wanted us to meet you."

"She at least did mention a photo shoot right? Rarity always forgets to mention things like this."

"Yeah she mentioned it. We good to talk details after some lunch? Kinda getting a little hungry here..."

"Oh but of course where are my manners? Lunch will be on me. Just right now, stretch, make yourself at home and take a breather if need be." I gave a nod and just walked over to the bar to sit with Big Mac as Rarity walked off with her friend. Even had Cinder and Pepper both strip off their armor just to join us.

As I sat down Big Mac sighed just as a bar tender just started taking orders.... Thankfully Pepper ordered for me a soda. "About time Ry. Thought you woulda been down the road and flying that damn truck over." He said.

I huffed taking my drink from the bar tender just giving him a nod. "Would've if it wasnt for that question I asked you earlier... wanted a little perspective from others in my position..." I said. "...Just.... seems there are always thoughts.... I'd ask for a definite answer but... I'd rather not get an answer in the form of something that nearly takes me out or anyone else I love..."

"You try talking to the Princesses?" I gave a nod.

"....Twilight, Luna... Havent talked with Celestia yet but... I'm just afraid to talk to her.... forcing her to make my decision... Could force me to stay.... either that or just cut me entirely.... I just still dont know why I'm here... doing guard stuff...."

"I know there.... You got a family now... wife... daughter... Hell our sisters just love the hell outta you.... Saw Scootaloo cry worrying about you.... That... Incident with Timber wolves.... That girl was so scared she didnt even sleep after getting out of the house.... I had to go to Rarity's, talk that girl into being strong for you... hell... that day you went and changed? I saw some fucker off himself with a guards gun.... Aint the first time I seen someones lifeless body hit the floor... just still disturbin' all at the same time... But your sister.... she's getting bigger... stronger.... been seeing her take more and more care of herself....She's been even getting more and more bold with bullies lately from what Cheerilee's been tellin' me... Girls growing up I tell ya..."

I just sighed turning my attention to the TV. News stories.... Most involving guards here and there either with arrests, takedown of dealers and such... Think there was one about a few guards injured in a fire fight down town.... Luckily no fatalities... but I just kinda spaced out there.... Just drank my drink mindlessly watching. Every now and then I just tuned back in to hear something about guards to something having to do with family. I guess everyone was getting up to do something leaving me there and I didnt notice until Pepper nudged me. Just looked around to see Big Mac gone, Cinder gone, Rarity and Coco not even anywhere near but Pepper was the only one, helmet under arm. "General? You good? Been here a while...." She said. I looked at my drink. Empty.

I sighed as I got up. "...Honestly dont know if I'm good Pepper.... That question just burrowed into my mind and I just cant stop thinking about it...." I said stretching. ".... I wanna stay to be providing for my family... but I wanna leave because I'm afraid of leaving my family alone.... Though I feel like there's no inbetween...."

"Take a deep breath.... Please.... I feel like there's gonna be a little breakdown here soon... Rather you'd calm down so nobody feels uncomfortable with you just having a mental breakdown... and with the city you've had issues in.... I dont think any good would come of it...." I started taking deep breaths... Made sure I was steady... "You wanna call your wife? Check in?" I thought for a moment... Nodded. "Alright.... Just go on... Grab your phone, call your wife... video chat if you want...." I just sat back down on the stool and grabbed my phone from my pocket.

I pulled up the video chat app and just hoped that she was free or not just putting Mash to sleep or something... I started calling her and just set my phone back down propping it against the glass. I just watched a little animation where it just looked like a signal going out before an exclamation mark appeared over the picture I set for AJ.... Her maternity photo Braeburn did. Amazing job. Before I knew it I saw her face pop up... Mane down looking fresh out of the shower and relaxed. "Hey there sugarcube! What's goin' on? Rarity gettin' on your nerves?" She asked. I just shook my head and looked over to Pepper. She sighed and just angled my phone towards her to get us both in shot.

"Uh... Sorry... Name's Pepper! I was helping your husband through the war and from what my significant other tells me she drove you guys around town during the attacks.... I'm just kinda butting in to say your husband is kinda having a little moral dilemma... Mostly out of the love for you and his little filly.... which I... Gotta say I kinda wanna see some pictures of the little darling if that's alright with you ma'am..."

"Moral dilemma? And his...." She pinched her nose. "Ry.... I'mma say this once.... and if you even hesitate to answer I'm hanging right up.... are you plannin' on leaving me alone with that filly you helped bring into this world?"

I sighed. "No AJ... It's not that... I love you guys too much to leave now... I feel like I've already left too much to even spend time with Mash but.... Its that love that makes me think of this dilemma... Something my mother brought up and I just cant help but get it out of my head..." I replied. "...Its about me and being in the guard.... Princesses have told me time and time again the shit I do could end up getting me killed.... and they're right... do I still do them? Yeah... all because every time I do it I see you and Scoot in that trouble.... I protect those who need it like I'm protecting you guys.... but... I just..." My eyes started tearing up. "....I dont wanna go out, protect someone and just have it take my life in the process... but I dont wanna leave it behind.... because I dont know if I can find something to do to support you guys like I do now... If I stay I could end up getting myself killed... if I leave....? Then there's the possibility we start losing money... start losing money we set aside for the girls... our Mash..." I sniffled a bit just as Pepper just grabbed a napkin for me to wipe my nose a bit. Applejack sighed.

"...Sugarcube.... I'm gonna be honest... I am GLAD you're in the guard and doing what you do.... it might scare the living shit outta me and your sister... but knowing you do that for us makes up for that.... the fact you come home, alive, well.... Maybe a bump and a bruise every now and then but that's from another can o'worms we aint gonna open up here but... it does scare me to think one of these days you're just gonna turn up dead on the doorstep.... either that or we got Celestia, Twilight... one of our friends or something just runnin' up the road, bawling just because they drew the short straw on telling me... You know how many times Twilight vented to me about something idiotic you got yourself into because it nearly tore you away from me for good? Think you know when it started but... she keeps telling me because she was afraid of how I'd react... But she knows now hiding it from me is only gonna make it worse... But the last thing she told me....? Tartarus.... that you nearly got your ass thrown in there because of some mare that came through a portal? I can handle you being in a drunk tank and a prison where I could actually visit.... But tartarus? Sugarcube... my heart just wouldnt be able to take it... knowing that you'd be there, away from us... not knowing who or what could be trying to kill you in there.... Just here.... This one's up to you... Aint one to make decisions for others.... if it were my decision you'd've been at my side doing whatever you could here at the orchard... Probably would'nt've had our little filly..."

"....Even though I say I'd give up anything and everything to keep you two safe.... I just dont know if giving up guard work would be a good idea..."

"Again... your call sugarcube... Now I gotta get going. Girls should be coming home from school soon and I gotta be there to meet em at the roadside. Love you sugarcube!" She hung up just leaving me and Pepper together.

I grabbed my phone and huffed as I turned back around. "...I can see this might not've given you an answer...." Pepper said. "...C'mon. Lets get down to the transport. Just put your mind on something else if you can..." I gave a hesitant nod before we walked down to the elevator taking it down. Once in the transport we had to wait for Big Mac, Rarity and Coco to come down.

We ended up going to a nice place that was trendy but not fancy to the point where I'm looking like a bum compared to everyone. We ate, actually enjoyed my meal but the place we went to? Just down the street from the memorial. Pepper, Cinder and I went down there after we ate. Actually just went down there, said our little things... me with my 'sorry I couldnt save everyone', Pepper and Cinder probably saying the same things.... We were just silent when we did it. When we met back up with Mac, Rarity and Coco at the restaraunt something didnt feel right.... Not the thought I was plagued with but... It just seemed like Coco was kinda... staring at me... Didnt say anything but I just caught glances. On the way back I sat in front to rest my eyes for a bit on the way back... had a good bit of traffic... But when we got back to the apartment Mac was just itching for a nap. I went with him considering we had to share a room. I sat down on my bed as he was just getting into something more comfortable. "C'mon Ry... We're here to have a good time. Just take a breath, have yourself a lie down, maybe get yourself a shot to make it easier to deal with." He said.

I huffed just laying back on my bed. Soft, warm sheets. "Its not that Mac." I said. "Just.... Caught Coco staring at me before we left the restaurant... Kinda made me uncomfortable... Just like... she realized something or was just questioning if I should even be here... Or just... Something.... It was like she was undressing me and dressing me with outfits like Rarity does... but just... with her eyes..." Big Mac huffed getting some sweat pants on, kicking his pants aside.

"You're saying that like Rarity hasnt. Girl told me few days before we came out here she could see you getting in a dress for her and she'd pay you real well for that."

"Sure its her saying that or you? Might dress up just to tease you if that's the case." He just gave a sigh like he was caught in a lie.

"Oh shut your yap before I shut it for ya... If her starin' at ya is botherin' ya so much, go talk to her, ask whats goin' on."

"...And if she doesnt wanna answer?"

"Then back outta this whole thing. Either that or have Rarity ask her for ya so you dont have to deal with her directly." I watched as he just started getting under covers. "Now... Unless you're gonna nap as well... Leave me be so I can get some shut eye before later..." I huffed getting up from my bed before leaving the room.

I went back out to the living area.... Rarity and Coco were off near the little fashion design area. Cinder and Pepper were just relaxing with each other by the fire pit. I was going to go over and join them before Rarity called out to me. "Oh Ryder! Could you come over here for a moment?" She asked... Honestly made me stop in my tracks and just let out an annoyed sigh. I went over to them... Just saw Rarity just looking to me with a slightly warming smile... Coco just looked uneasy with a high powered camera in hand. "I've been meaning to check in with you since we got here Ryder. How are you feeling?"

I sighed. "Fine.... Just.... Wanting to be home with Applejack and Mash..." I said.

"Anything.... stressful about this city?" Of fucking course. Yeah... I just couldnt help but just take a breath and give a deeper sigh.

"...A lot stressful about this place... The fact I had to keep visiting this place for multiple different reasons.... Everything from royalty issues, personal or just.... issues that turned the entirety of Equestria on its head...." I went over to the window just looking out... We actually were in perfect view of where Ground Zero was. "....So many issues, I'm like a fucking comic book series that still hasnt ended... And there? Out there? That pit, statue and everything over there? Worst fucking issue that nearly killed me for the umteenth time..." I looked back at Rarity and Coco, Coco still clutching the camera like she was ready to take shots. "The other guards that have been driving us around today? Pepper? She and I got thrown out of a plane that went down in the mountains. I was so scared I wasnt going to see my wife or sister again... even our friends.... Her marefriend? Cinder? She was with me at ground zero.... Thought I fucking died when in reality I was bailing out a window with my cousin-in-law clutching me, screaming her head off as we were trying to escape the chaos...."

Coco just gave a pained sigh while Rarity just slowly lost emotion, looking as if she regret even asking. "...One reason why I support the guards endlessly...." Coco said. "This photo shoot was for a line of clothing that supports guards with everything made from sales going to anything that helps guards. Funding, psychiatric help, medical help, whatever it takes...." She held the camera up. "May I show you something?" I hesitantly gave a nod before sitting down on a waiting stool. She came over to my side and turned the back of it towards me.... Screen and buttons.... None of which I knew what they did.... thought the screen? I saw the building... burning.... an explosion.... "...I saw this that day.... I was just so shocked with it.... I caught these to give to the newspapers.... I did but there was one that I never did...." She flipped through pictures... More of the building on fire, burning, the chaos down below.... Then a picture that just.... I never thought I'd even see.... yet it still plagues my mind.... The picture was of me.... Saving Babs.... Just flying away from the building.... It was slightly grainy but.... I could tell it was me... "....I never did because I never knew who this was.... I didnt want to have them use it.... only to have some blame you for the act, using this as an excuse to say you were a victim.... Yet with your account, family, those guard friends of yours.... It would have some merit... That is if you want to share your story.... Nobody will make you.... All your choice...."

I just froze.... All the choices I have.... the choice to stay or leave the guard, the choice to stay at home or leave, the choice to tell my story of a tragic event.... All these choices just got me frozen like you opened up too many programs at one time on a computer. I was spaced out so much I didnt even see Pepper and Cinder both come over. "General? General! C'mon man snap out of it!" Pepper said. She looked to Cinder just as I had caught my breath like I had just stopped breathing. "Cinder! Go grab him something to drink! Soda, water, alcohol anything!" She looked back to me. "Unless its something you dont like please dont refuse this.... Just breathe...." Coco handed the camera off to Rarity before she looked to Pepper.

"...Definitely close to him.... And from what he said you and he were involved in a plane crash? Was it the one in the Foal Mountains?" Pepper sighed as she checked me up and down.

"Yeah.... I was a personal medic for him, second in command when he was out of commission due to injuries... Kept him company during emotional distress so he didnt do anything stupid.... From what he's been through it shows he's a strong stallion... Though I'm not sure if he's still strong or if the will he has is weakening.... and judging from here? Seems like he's weakening a little bit.... if not a lot...." She looked to Coco for a moment. "I've seen this stallion at his high and low during the war.... His highs being in command, gaining ground, making short work of the war.... Lows just.... mostly about his family.... missing them... hearing they were in danger but being thankful they were safe after the fact. And with the mountain? he had to make decisions that helped us get off the mountain even while injured.... last one out of the plane, nearly died from the fall, had to do a field amputation that thankfully the Princess' helped with replacement and just making it look and feel realistic...."

Cinder came back with a glass in hand. Looked to be some whiskey on the rocks.... She handed it to me and I just took a good sip. Burned. Fires burned more in my mind but this was a good burn. "There.... A little alcohol helps but... just please dont overdo it.... Dont want you always drinking to kill the pain...." Cinder said. She looked to Pepper. "Everything okay? Thinking that psyche eval you did earlier didnt get everything?"

"No no... I covered everything... Just seems something was awoken...." She looked to Coco. "Mind filling us in here ma'am?"

Coco sighed as I sipped my drink again. "I just... I had a feeling I recognized him but didnt know where..." She said taking her camera back. She showed Pepper the image of me flying away from the building. "...This was a picture of that day of the attack.... He tells me you drove him around?" She looked to Cinder.

Cinder sighed. "Yeah... He's... His family was visiting...." She said. "I remember him going up, his family coming down, passing by.... Didnt see him.... All the chaos that happened I was loading up with anyone I could just to get em far enough away for safety before going back.... Only got three trips in before the building collapsed... I thought he was dead until Pepper told me he was in the desert on her mandatory vacation. Almost didnt believe her." I honestly wanted to down my drink... but slowly sipping it calmed me. Took deep breaths in between sips, feeling the cool glass get colder.

Pepper just patted my shoulder. "There... He's stabilizing..." She said. She got up and looked to Coco. "This stallion loves his family so much he doesnt let anything stop him from seeing them... Not injury, not fear of death, nothing...." She sighed looking back at me. "...Though for current circumstances? Guess the fear is getting to him...." She looked back at Coco. "Told us he has a wife and kid now... Too afraid to die leaving them alone now..." Oh if this were a game of 'drink every time you hear something you dont like' and I already had a few drinks prior I'd be fucking GONE. Though gladly I drank more of this just to cough slightly feeling the burn.

That's when Rarity sighed coming to my side. "....What say we just get your part of the photo shoot over with and you get to go home on the first train tomorrow?" She asked. "Big Mac can stay if he wants but I want you to go home and enjoy your time with your family... okay?" I gave a hesitant nod. "Alright... Just calm down, drink a little water and we'll get your outfit ready... Okay?" I nodded more sure before Pepper and Cinder helped me up and walked me over to the bar. I drank the rest of my whiskey before being given some water. Once calmed I was just brought to a restroom to splash water on my face, wash up and get dressed in the outfit given to me. The outfit was a bit of a guard outfit.... Kind of... Something similar with the fabric, looked older but felt new. Boots, socks, pants that were just like fatigues, shirt was a service shirt... at least a mockery of it but I wasnt complaining. Had me wearing it, the shirt had to be open because it was a little bit too small to close but I was given a tank top Coco made for her Summer Lineup. I posed a few times, took a few natural pictures, some of which were just looking over the city, even did one without the shirt but I kept the tank top on just holding out one wing. That photoshoot took an hour or so. Even gave Coco the right to take our stories, record them and even release them for this... Tells me the line of clothes she's taking pictures for is inspired by guards and the things being made are gonna be sold, most of it goes to local guard depots.

After changing back I had to wake Big Mac because we had to go out to dinner which Coco again paid for... This place? Might've had to dress up a bit more for this one but it was still good. That night after going back to Coco's place I grabbed my stuff and went back to Pepper and Cinder's place to sleep in their guest room... Next day I was back on the train heading home... Guess Rarity contacted Twilight, Twilight put in a word for me at the station and paid for a private car on the way back. Though I didnt go to Ponyville.... I went to Canterlot. Even contacted Twilight letting her know. When I stopped in Canterlot it was around 9AM. I was on the train about two hours or so... Still so tired... Though from the station I actually flew through Canterlot just to land at the castle gate with my bag slung over my shoulder. The guard let me in just opening the gate enough for me to slip through. I walked up the steps a bit and just.... Stopped at the door... Like I was just hoping I wasnt gonna just be thrown out for this..... I entered and went straight for the dining hall... I remember last few times around this time was the morning meal so I just had a feeling Luna would be there to help me. When I got there I saw both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna just eating their meals.... Neither of them noticed me walking towards them before I just dropped my bag almost at Luna's side... They were both wearing their royal gowns.... Luna got up just as I fell to my knees. "General? General what are you doing here? Is everything alright?!" She asked picking me back up and hugging me. I had no hesitation just hugging on to her.

Celestia got up and flew over the table. "Do you need a medic? Are you hurt?" She asked. Luna turned me around and they both started surveying me.... Only a pained expression on my face, holding back tears. "Not seeing any injuries... At least not anything of what we can see...." She started feeling my arms and legs. "No reaction...." Luna sighed turning me around again getting down to my level.

"....Okay... Okay that's good... No injuries... Thought that doesnt mean anything plaguing his mind...." She picked me up and sat me in a chair that Celestia turned around with her magic. "...Come on General.... Please talk with us...." Luna looked to her sister. "Get him a drink or something! Might help us!" Celestia nodded before teleporting away. Luna looked back at me. "General please... There is something wrong here... I just know it.... You wouldnt just show up here unannounced unless there was something wrong...."

I sniffled before the waterworks just started happening. "...I... I dont wanna do this anymore...." I said before just breaking down. I latched back onto Luna.... I feel like I was a child again just hugging my mother because I scraped my knee or something. "...I.... I just wanna .... be... be at home... with my wife.... my daughter.... my family.... I just dont wanna do this shit anymore...." Luna gave a slightly pained 'oh' as she held me tight.

"....Something tells me this is the answer you had for your mother.... The answer of whether or not you want to be a guard... Right...?" I nodded hesitantly. She sighed. "...I was honestly afraid of this.... but... it just seems like the answer you'd give.... What with the family and the near death experiences you've had...." She pulled out her chair and sat down. "....I know you want out.... we know you want out... I... Told Celestia even though you told me not to... But she had to know.... But we need you to know we've been talking.... we think you deserve something more.... For honor and your duty.... still keeping those safe but without doing anything yourself unless your hand was lifted from the start... I'd tell you now but... I'd rather tell Celestia your decision with things before you're told.... Alright?" I nodded again.... Sniffling. "Good... You hungry? Could get you a hayburger if you want some food." I hesitantly nodded and just.... I couldnt help but pull out my phone.... Started looking at pictures of the family I took over the years.... Mom and Dad bringing Scootaloo home for the first time, me getting to hold Scootaloo..... Those were old pictures I had before the house burned down.... After that I saw Scootaloo sleeping in my bed when she was sick, few of me and mom and dad moving in my stuff.... After they died? Days I became a guard, days I could spend time with AJ, getting time with Scoot.....

It wasnt long before Celestia teleported back and handed me a drink.... Was a thing of juice... She opened it up for me, before handing it to me. "There we are...." She said as I sipped the drink. She looked to her sister. "Luna, did he say anything at all while I was gone? Or has he still been silent...? I dont want to put him in a room and have him watched by the medical staff...." Princess Luna sighed.

"He did open up but.... it wasnt what we even wanted to hear.... He just... doesnt want to be a guard anymore it seems..." She just looked to me and knelt down.

I just lowered my head in defeat. "...I.... I'm sorry Princess...." I said. "... I just cant anymore.... I.... I'm just so scared of leaving my family alone.... Just.... Yeah I was confident going through dangerous events.... but... I just.... I just dont want to do this anymore...."

Celestia sighed.... her look of shock turning to a pained sadness. "...Ryder.... We understand this completely.... Over how many times you went to great lengths to keep everyone you love safe..." She said. "...I still cant help but think of that day you had to be carried in to the castle when we just were about to tell Scootaloo of the crash and your passing.... Nobody expected you to just burst in like that.... No word from guards saying you were alive, not even Shining or Cadence could believe you survived that crash.... And to hear you nearly died in the Manehattan attack.... That was fearful enough without knowing you were there... when Twilight told us.... Oh god she was so scared.... Luna checked on your wife and sister since they were both frightened but when she met you in a dream she up and cried knowing you were safe... But enough of that..." She stood up again. "Ryder.... If you would.... after this meal would you accompany me to my flower garden one last time as General? Please?" I nodded. She sighed and gave a warm smile. "Thank you... I promise only good will come from that walk...." She used her magic and turned my chair around again before hurrying around the table to sit back in her seat. Luna had to use her magic to pick up my bag and hang it on the arm of my chair before we ate. Thankfully I was calmed during the meal... ate like nothing was wrong. After that I walked with Celestia through the castle, my pack just slung over my shoulder.

We walked for a bit until we got out into the flower garden. When we got out there we saw Sunset dressed in a tight yet flexible outfit. She was just out here doing yoga... Guess Celestia passed on something Fluttershy does on a weekly basis. The outfit was a black and orange and she was wearing sneakers. She looked to us as she was getting up from her position that I wont even attempt to describe. She looked to us and smiled. "Hey there Princess! General! Come to join me?" Celestia sighed.

"Unfortunately not at the moment... Here for a talk with Ryder.... But while you're here could you take Ryder's things to a room nearby yours? You can come back out here in about twenty minutes." Sunset stepped off the mat she was on and rolled it up with her magic even taking my bag off my shoulder.

"Sure thing Princess!" She snagged my bag out of her magic as it floated closer to her. Everything she had disappeared as she teleported away. We just kept walking through the garden... my mood just felt ready for anything... She sighed.

"...The exact spot where you found out Daring Do... I still remember that day... You had to fly down here with my sister and I had to help her back to her room... Daring did give me what for when I berated you for being afraid of heights.... and with everything you went through I honestly felt sorry...."

I sighed. "Yeah... That was a day that just... God I just couldnt believe Daring was real.... And just... That thing about her berating you was hiding the fact that uh... well... Waking wet dream I guess..." I blushed a bit.

"It still wasnt right of me to say what I said." We walked towards the bench and sat down. I just couldnt help but look at the blue sky above, birds flying about, a few clouds painting a beautiful picture with the topiary of the garden.

"It was still an amazing day despite that... I got to live a dream, make a new friend out of it... speaking of which... I should contact her... let her know of me stepping down as General...." I just looked down to the ground... the cobblestone brick making a circle around into other gardens featuring Luna's cutie mark, Cadence' cutie mark and even Twilight's all made from flowers.

"...You will but... I do have something for you..." She used her magic as she held out her hand. A box appeared. She handed it over to me. "...This is just for you... something to thank you for your service... from the lows of the start, to the highs of being hailed as a hero when the time came for you to be that hero... Though there is something more to this.... Open it up..." I did as she said. I opened it up just to see a medal.... Golden, shining, engraved with the cutie marks of herself and Luna and a green emerald in the middle. Though on the top of the box? There was my name. Ryder Wheeler.... PRINCE. Ryder. Wheeler. Royal crest and everything. I just looked at Celestia. She smiled. "...You might be stepping down as our General... but after talking with mother, father and my sister.... I think we formally welcome you to the royal family.... Never again will you have to be called for service. Never will we order you around. And unless your hand is forced from where it rests.... you do not listen to the call to action. And by extension.... Your family becomes royalty as well... They may not live like it but will be treated as if they were of Canterlot or even the Crystal Empire..." I just started tearing up... a loss for words. Celestia chuckled a bit and used her magic to grab my phone... even typed in my birthday to unlock it... "Wow.... your father is right... you do need to update your password on this thing.... No matter... thing cant be hacked anyhow..." She navigated to the video chat app and opened it up starting a call with Cadence and Shining, Applejack, Twilight... Even Scootaloo.... Lucky for the weekend... otherwise she'd be in trouble with the teacher... unless she knew it was Celestia on the other end... still dont know.

It took a minute for everyone to pop up. Had Applebloom and Scootaloo in Scoot's camera, Cadence and Shining in theirs, Twilight, even AJ and my little filly, Mash in her arms. I could see Applejack give a confused look in the camera as I hesitated picking up the medal and showing everyone. "Princess? The hell you doing with Ryder? Aint he supposed to be in Manehattan with Rarity and Mac?" She asked.

"Well that answers where he was before this... Though... I called you all because I need to announce something..." She looked to me. "As of this moment... Ryder is no longer the General of the Royal guard... He faced one horror after another and came out strong after each though that didnt last for long..."

I heard Shining sigh. "...So no more leading the guard? Fuck... Never thought I'd see the day he stepped down... thought he would've been going for years to come..." He said.

"We thought that as well...." She looked back at my phone. "Scootaloo... Your brother loves you very much... same as your new niece. Though he wont be a guard... he is something... better than that...." She looked to me. "Show them." I gave a nod and just held up the medal in its box.... Kept the emblem out of frame for a moment... when they saw the emblem.... Oh I heard a lot of stuff. Gasps, a 'holy shit!' from Scootaloo... I'll let her get away with that one.... even a cheer from Shining. "He is no longer General Ryder Wheeler... He is now a full blown Prince with approval from mother and father. And by extension... Scootaloo, Applebloom and Applejack... You three are his princesses." I couldnt help but chuckle as Scootaloo scrambled to mute her phone only for both of them to scream and just hearing it through AJ's side... and Applejack? She was just in tears, smiling, happy for this moment like I was. "...Applejack, if you wish I will send a transport for both you and Twilight and your family to come to Canterlot for dinner tonight. Bring everyone you can. A celebration is in order. Thinking as for now Ryder needs to experience things with his new title... Up to Twilight if she wants to bring anyone else along."

Twilight smiled brightly. "I'll give the others a call! Though uh... Not sure if I can get Rarity out here because she's out of town doing something... and last I heard Ryder and Big Mac were supposed to be there... Guess we know where Big Mac still is..." She said. "But no worries there. This will be AWESOME!"

Cadence sighed. "We're gonna be ready to leave now! Gonna have Rocky with us too if thats alright. She needs to see her superior getting this." She said. "Got Shining packing our bags now! Should be there no later than tonight!"

Celestia smiled. "Go on and get packed everyone! I'll have Luna prep things on our end. We'll see you soon!" She said. One by one they all hung up... last one to do so was Scootaloo because she was just still freaking out. Celestia hung up and handed my phone back to me. "There. You've got friends and family along the way.... You're free to do whatever you need here in Canterlot. Though now? Lets go put that in your room and have you experience my spa.... Relax a bit and get a well needed massage." I just sniffled and nodded again before just hugging her. She just patted my back and sighed as we sat there for a while... After that she took me into her arms, me still clutching the medal as if this was my own child. We stopped by Sunset's room, I was right next door. I went in, set that down on my bed, closing it up and stashing it in my bag like I was afraid of someone stealing it. And after that? Spa. She took me up an elevator, set me down about half way up and we walked in to.... almost like we were in clouds. Golden clouds lined the floor, the sky above was almost spectral... Shining bright yet almost with a night sky, showing galaxies, constellations multicolored and just amazing looking. We went to a couple of tables and the massages we got? Oh fuck me side ways if this werent the best massage I had ever gotten. That night (after a much needed nap) we had ourselves a fucking PARTY! Hell... I even gotten surprised by Daring who just turned up at the party as A.K. Yearling... apparently Twilight told her and if it werent for Gilda being there I'd wanna do a threesome but eh... Rather only have Gilda because she has told me she wanted to bed royalty. She got her wish but Daring did invite me to the bunker in about a week for a party with my friends. She's only going to allow those who I can trust... I know Twilight and her friends know... and my sisters... but I think I'm gonna bring the guys with me. As for now I think I'm gonna relax.... I think I deserve it... Later!

Bird In The Air: Canterlot (Part 1)

Author's Note

This next one is a bit of a trilogy and will deal with scary thoughts of the world we live in and will deal with serious issues such as suicide, death and such. Avoid this one if need be, but if you do have thoughts of suicide there are options available to use. Suicide hotlines are there for you. And if you needed a sign to not do it, let this be it.

Bird In The Air: Canterlot (Part 1)

If I hadnt woken up today... I honestly wish I would've stayed asleep.... Either that or died in my sleep.... Yesterday was a party that Daring invited us to in the Bunker. We got there early morning. Stopped for breakfast along the way... We didnt know it would be a last good breakfast. We stayed all day, ate food, drank whatever to our hearts content.... and Daring and Sunburst went out to get food considering they ate a good portion of the food since I was last here when she delivered the line from the game casting me out... but as of now it was loving compared to today.... She left last night and I think I was the last one to pass out. Shining and Big Mac passed out after Big Mac drank him under the table, Soarin? Yeah he couldnt hold his liquor. Nearly pissed his pants but thankfully managed to get to a toilet... before puking all the alcohol he drank... I knew my limit and didnt wanna go blackout drunk. Dont wanna destroy anything or even find out how I am blacked out drunk. Though I was the first one up I didnt know what was going on. Slightly hungover but nothing I couldnt handle. I was in a room and passed out in the comfortable bed just in my pants and a tanktop. Went to the bathroom, pissed, grabbed some pain meds for a slight headache and went out. The door opening automatically was a little annoying but it was alright. I went down the hall and found the diner. Went in and just grabbed a glass from a cabinet and got some water from the tap. The place was littered with beer bottles, a half drank whiskey, empty rum bottle and such. Yeah... We were having some fun. When I sat down to drink I found a note. Picked it up drinking the cool water making me feel a bit better. 'Ryder or whoever finds this, if you hadnt forgot I went out with Sunburst to get supplies for the bunker. There is very little food here but it should be enough for you to enjoy. If I'm not back by morning I wouldnt worry. I'm with Sunburst and we probably went back to his place to rest. Be safe and try not to fuck things up. Hangover meds are in the medical area. And please... Try not to puke everywhere if you do feel sick. -Daring'

I sighed and just sat there setting the note aside. Just drank some water and once I was finished there I set my glass in the sink and just went to the medical wing. Grabbed my share of the meds and brought the others to the diner before grabbing my shoes and walking towards the door. Best thing about this place? I guess the alarm blares from the inside but doesnt stretch all the way in unless an alarm button is hit. I went over to the console, opened the door and just waited hearing alarms go off in the room I was in. The door was just beyond and I could just see it slide back and roll open. The room muffled the sound for me but knowing how it would be on the other side when it closed- if it did... would just suck... When I walked out I smelt something burning.... Didnt think anything of it... just thought it was just some fire that Daring did just because she wanted to camp out for the night.... the darkness of the shelter entrance should've tipped me off but no. Just thought it was storming. When I did go out? I just... I honestly couldnt believe what I was seeing. The forest around us gone, buildings in the distance ablaze, destroyed or not even there.... The sky blood red, the sun attempting to shine through clouds and the wind just whipping things everywhere. The worst part? Huge. Fucking. Mushroom cloud. I wanted to just pass out. But no. I ran back down the stairs, took flight and just twisted and turned back into the security room before hitting the alarm button making the alarm sound throughout the complex. I hurried back to the security area but I didnt get far before throwing myself against the wall and throwing up.... God that fucking hurt... Guess I'm not getting my meds for my hangover.... then again it isnt that bad. Not even a minute later I look over and see Shining, Soarin and Big Mac all rushing over. Soarin went to the security room while Shining and Big Mac helped me onto a nearby bench and sat me down. Took a minute or so for Soarin to take down the alarm and just rush back out. Shining huffed once the alarm was silenced. "...Sweet fucking Celestia what the hell was that for!?" He asked. "...At least wake us and warn us that the alarm is gonna be sounded... "

Big Mac groaned and just looking to me as he noticed the puddle of puke. "...Hopefully that aint the reason you sounded the alarm...." He said. "Fuckin'.... You good Ry? Lookin' like you just saw a huge ass spider!" Shining looked into my eye.... I just stared straight.... Not even looking away.

"Damn... You're right.... Though... this doesnt seem like he saw a spider.... Looks worse.... What happened dude? What got you this freaked out? Puke something out and just get scared at what you saw?"

Soarin checked the puddle I left and just choked back what he was stowing. "...I'm not seeing anything in there.... no red at least.... Just.... Alcohol... looks like a few pills too...." He said.... And with that he didnt hesitate on just adding on to the pile.... Big Mac had to grab him and ferry him over to my side. "... Oh FUCK! It burns.... My insides are on fire...." He coughed like he was trying to cough up the fire. Shining looked to Big Mac.

"Go see if you can find Daring or Sunburst. See if they cant calm him down. I got em both for now." Big Mac nodded looking to me worried and side stepped the growing puddle of puke.

I watched as he walked towards the door. I got up but Shining tried to sit me back down. I just pushed him back against the wall before flying towards Big Mac getting in front of him and grabbing his shoulders knowing DAMN WELL what radiation can do.... maybe not like in Nukes Galore games but.... Realistically. "NO! DONT GO OUT THERE!" I yelled. And this scared him. Slowly he just nudged my arms off him. "Seriously! D-Dont go out there.... Please... just dont...."

Shining hurried over and grabbed a hold of me with his magic. "Ry.... Easy there.... I dunno what you saw but I gotta see what's got you all riled up..." Big Mac said as calm as he could. "...Just go with Shining, sit your ass down and breathe.... Dont wanna have you needing to go to a hospital now do we?" I swallowed and just... shook my head. "Good... Now just follow Shinin', sit down and just breathe man...." I know I wasnt gonna get too far with this.... All I could do was nod and just hold back tears like I was just gonna say goodbye to the brother I knew and the one thing I had left. He turned away and just started out. Shining released me from his magic but I just collapsed onto my knees. He tried helping me but I was just dead weight. He had to drag me like I was dead. Honestly wish I was.... He didnt get far before Big Mac came rushing back in, the fear I had in my own eyes. Shining dropped me and just went to Big Mac as he collapsed... Again another one to puke...

Shining swallowed a bit rubbing his throat as he helped his friend up. "Mac? Mac what the hell is out there?! What did you see?!" He asked.

"....It.... It's gone... its all gone...." He replied.

"Mac? Are you good? What's gone? Someone come in and cut down some trees?" Big Mac didnt answer. I sat up and just looked to them. Shining looked to me again. "...You... You know what he's talking about.... right?" Guess Big Mac didnt know if he were talking to me or him. We both nodded. I looked around and just saw something in the security office. A radio. I got up and walked to get it. Lucky me it was somehow wireless. I brought it out and set it on the bench and turned it on. Static annoyed the other still half drunk guys I was with. I quickly fiddled with the volume and started changing the frequency until I hit a radio station I always had turned on in the car.

Big Mac and Shining came over just as I carefully tuned it to hear what was being said. "...Citizens of Equestria...." Celestia's voice said. "It is with a heavy heart that I must warn you a nation that has gone to war with us has launched nuclear missiles. If you are out of the house, go home and be with your families, if you can get somewhere safe, do so and hurry. I know not the time frame on when it touches down.... But if you do survive... please.... keep Equestria alive in your hearts... An all clear signal will be sent out in due time... hopefully... Keep your radios nearby, your wits about you and if I am not to survive.... I... hope others do... This message will repeat." I turned the radio off and looked to Shining. He was just trembling. Soaring just sat there looking at the radio as if it were just speaking gibberish and he was trying to decipher it. Nopony said anything... I got to my feet and just went for my brother starting to break down.

"...I... No... This... this cant be.... It cant be the end... it cant be..."

I looked to Shining. "...Well... It... It is..." I said through my tears.... "Everything... everyone we loved... gone..." I could see him trying to find words... Even saw the tears building up in his eyes not being able to find them. "....Just... Go close the door... all that radiation is getting in... pretty sure we got soaked with a few when Mac and I went out...." Shining just.... nodded without saying anything. He just walked over to the security area and just started the closing sequence. I motioned to Big Mac and Soarin to cover their ears. They did and just a moment later the loud sound of the door rolling shut and the screech of it closing. Things fell silent as Shining came back out. Wordlessly I motioned them to follow me back to the diner... they did....I got behind the counter, gave them all their meds, more water for myself and them. We all drank and just sat there in disbelief on what happened....

The air was so tense in there nobody wanted to say anything... Just sat there, drank water and just looked for whatever to eat. I didnt wanna eat anything. I just felt so... empty... knowing everyone I loved was dead... Though all that was available to eat was small snack cakes I didnt want anything except water. After that I just went back out into the hall, sat down and just put my head in my hands.... Big Mac came out leaving Shining and Soarin alone. He even brought a package of snack cakes for me. He just threw them on the floor next to me. "Here.... Eat it.... eat something... please...." He said, possibly trying to ignore the fact we were just the first to witness destruction anyone could've wished they hadnt seen. I just sat there motionless. He knelt down in front of me. "...C'mon Ry... please... just eat.... It... it hurts... like someone took a big ol knife.... just jammed it right through our hearts and twisted the blade a few times... just left it in there so we know what's up.... It aint gonna hurt any less if you dont eat... aint gonna hurt any less if you do...." I just looked to him.

"....Why should I even eat...?"

"...You just gotta Ryder.... Just eat.... please man.... We gotta have our energy here if'n we wanna go anywhere...."

"Where the fuck are we gonna go? We go out there, we're gonna soak up so many rads its gonna kill us before we can even touch Ponyville!"

"Well we cant stay here! You heard Daring.... Place is running out of food so we aint gonna survive here long.... Canterlot is within hiking distance.... Think I saw some hazmat suits when Daring was showing us the place... Go find some more food, survive as long as we can... maybe go back home and just.... be there until the end does come...."

"...Soarin and Shining wont be onboard with this... they're gonna be like me, ready to die anyway they can think of...."

"Yeah well... at least they're eating.... You eat as well.... We just... we're gonna find a place to go out.... Just maybe ask for mercy wherever we go.... Or however we go out.... We could at least see if any of our friends are out there... Family maybe...." He grabbed the snack cakes and handed them to me. I hesitantly took them giving a sigh.

"Yeah... Maybe... If we're gonna die... might as well make an adventure out of it..." He sat with me... I ate the snack cakes... They were sweet and marshmallow filled. He helped me back up and just went and grabbed me another water before I just went walking through the halls with him. "....So... where did you see those hazmat suits?" Big Mac huffed.

"Thinkin it was somewhere down towards the generator room.... Thankfully it aint a nuclear reactor but that dont mean it couldnt malfunction and blow up..." I sighed.

"If things are made right it might not but when it comes to fusion reactors that powered these places depending on which bunker you dive into you could be soaking the radiation in or it might've run out of juice... either that or it just works perfectly... the game this one comes from was slowly failing and would've been a massive coffin like we could be in... just with... less ponies in it...."

"World ends and you're still talking games like that? Shouldnt be surprised..." I sipped my water as we stopped in front of the maintenance wing door.

"Well... helps me not think about anything else... So either deal with it or deal with two depressed prince' and a wonderbolt that is out of a job because the winds would rip his wings to shred... Hell I wouldnt even try that...."

"Fair fair... Maybe there's something in this damn place that can even explain how we didnt feel any tremors when that thing landed... We couldnt have been THAT drunk... Hell you were the least drunk out of all of us! You should've felt something!" I hummed thinking to myself...

"Yeah... I really should've felt something.... You three were so fucked up you didnt know where I was when I was right next to you! Dont think I've ever seen you so drunk before."

"Trust me.... Being drunk was the least of our problem." He opened the door and we walked in. The door lead to another hallway, more compact but had doors on each side. Weapons fixing, Research and Development (because it a post apocalypse things needed to be produced still to adapt), Reactor and even another medical wing just marked 'First Aid' because cant do anything with a medical wing across the complex when you get a screw or bolt embedded into your arm or leg... And medical professionals are a good ways away... doesnt mean you couldnt go and get air support. Eh... lot of good that does us now... We passed by on our way towards the reactor. Took a look into the weapon maintenance and the R&D stuff. Lots of parts, some actual weapons that Daring and I shot earlier in the day before we were drunk. And yeah... Weapon storage and maintenance were locked. Alcohol and guns DO NOT MIX. We both looked in at the reactor and then in the first aid area. I hummed.

"...Not seeing the suits.... You sure they're around here?"

"Sure as there's a nuke outside spreading deadly ass radiation like manure in the pasture." I just stared at him. "...Yeah... Cant forget that and replace that with something normal.... Just... You get what I mean...." I shook my head and just opened the door into the first aid room. I went inside and just saw medical things... Blades, saws, kits and bandages and such.... Even opened up drawers and cabinets. Nothing. Just more medical stuff... disinfectant, innoculants, shit like that. I looked back at Big Mac as he looked around at the room. "Aint in here? But I swear...."

"You wanna look elsewhere? Might need to see if there's something in here that could help us survive the radiation... At least for a while anyways..." He gave a nod before leaving me alone in the room with... rather sharp objects... I desperately wanted to grab one and shove it into my neck or my head just to faceplant somewhere driving that thing into my fucking brain... I suppressed that feeling as I went into a few more cabinets.... Painkillers mostly... Opioid were a small majority, the rest were either strong stuff or weak stuff... Took a few of the strong ones pocketing a bottle. And Honestly I found nothing.... Well... until I looked on a kit attached to the wall... 'Radiation Supplies'. I opened it up and looked inside. There was a note as well as a few bottles of pills and at least eight bags of blackish liquid. I started reading the note.

'To whoever reads this, these are anti-radiation drugs in case of a nuclear attack, radon gas leak in subterranean chambers or the reactor exploding sending radioactive material into the air inside the shelter. Take these IMMEDIATELY if you feel as if you've been exposed. The pills are a slow acting charcoal that keeps radiation poisoning at bay. Two pills per day will keep radiation sickness away for that day. The bags of anti radiation drugs are a fast acting combination of purging drugs, radiation purging and otherwise. Note: if taken be aware of sickness and upset stomachs. If either is felt, do prepare to void radiation as well as any foods, liquids and such from your body. It can be ingested or intravenously, both of which get a similar effect. Note with taking this medication intravenously it takes slightly longer to take effect with the nauseation and the stomach issues but will clear rads like normal. If experiencing these symptoms for more than four hours, do seek medical help from anyone who is a doctor or with a resemblance to a medical background. If unable to, rest, hydrate, eat solid foods or semi solid foods to remedy. If still unable to stomach anything, just.... try your best okay?'

I huffed as I took the kit off the wall making sure it was secure. Best thing about this thing was that it was hung with a leather strap on the wall. It was all bundled up. I slung it over my shoulder before leaving the room just to see Big Mac checking out inside a few of the rooms in the hall from the windows not even getting inside of the rooms themselves. Specifically he was checking out the R&D room from the window. He looked to me. "Found somethin' eh?" He asked. I nodded. "Good...This is something that's gonna start em up..." He turned his attention back inside the R&D room. "Thinkin' there's something in here but I cant get the door open... Daring locked it before she left and more than likely she had the key... aint finding that thing now..." He looked back to me. "Got enough energy to get the door open?" I hummed looking at the doors.

"These things were made to be tough to crack.... Couldnt go through but with high strength or with hydraulic power armor you could jack those things up..." I took off the med kit just handing it over to Big Mac. "Gimme your axe. See if I cant make a divot to grip into..." He reached for his belt and the axe appeared in his hand. He gave it to me and sighed.

"Used this last when you turned into a fucking Timberwolf.... The shit I saw those few days just scared the hell outta me...." I aimed for a lower part of the door that was just around my knees... I brought it back and sure enough that thing got embedded in the metal. Even drug it slightly creating an annoying sound that was just as annoying as the door opening and closing when in earshot. I pried it out and handed it back to Big Mac.

"And trust me when I say being that fucking thing made me feel like one of the guards could've gone and killed me if they didnt know it was me.... Just lucky I found you and you took charge.... Did well that day." I readied myself and looked back at the door making sure my fingers were right there, ready to lift. "You might need to cover your ears or something... this is gonna be loud and annoying...." He nodded and went into the first aid room shutting the door behind him. I silently counted to three and this fucking thing just... Oh god I felt like I was lifting up something more than the limit I'm pretty sure I have now.... then again I could just be weak because of the fucking drinking I did and puking that happened not even an hour ago. I got the door open but I just leaned against the door jam which was now leaking some kind of hydraulic fluid down the side. I hobbled in before just plopping down against the wall. Big Mac came to my side and looked to me.

"You good?" I gave a nod. "Alright... Just take it easy... I'll search in here for a minute... maybe see if someone stashed something around here that you could eat..." He took the kit off his shoulder and set it at my side. I watched as he started raiding cabinets. In here there were just some experimental things that... even I didnt know what the fuck that was being built in here... Looked like a rifle being built, magnets and such.... I know I'm supposed to know how to fix things or jury rig things together but this was BEYOND ME! Anyhow I sat there for a minute as he just started going through cabinets. Ended up getting up myself and going towards a taller cabinet at the side of the room. I opened it up and sure enough there was a few hazmat suits. Six actually. Guess these were just in case some went missing or something. I whistled to Big Mac who just came over and grabbed a few suits while I grabbed one. Had to put it on right there and make sure the helmet to it was an easy on, easy off kinda thing. It was thankfully but sealed PERFECTLY.... though its a good idea not to pass gas in this thing... Character in game did that at one point because he ate some bad food, ended up having to take the helmet off but he ended up dying from a poisonous gas that was in the air. Anyhow I looked to Big Mac.

"You maybe wanna get Soarin over here to see if he cant pick the lock to the door to the weapon maintenance room? Might be a good idea to defend ourselves just in case something is out there... and I am NOT doing that again unless we get some more food..."

"Now there's an idea.... Just gotta make a pact to not use em on ourselves unless radiation poisonin' takes over or we're cornered by... whatever the hell is out there...."

"Yeah... Yeah agreed.... Just go and get Shining and Soarin... I... I'm gonna sit down in here...." He gave a nod and just set the suits right next to me. He just left me there as he went out to go find our friends. I couldnt help but think what could be out there... IF anything is out there.... Maybe some scared animals ready to attack.... survivors who quickly started to form gangs and shit because rules and laws dont apply anymore.... Wouldnt doubt Canterlot residents wanted anything and everything they could have.... more money which is now useless... gems, tech.... maybe even the means to defend their greedy ways... Big Mac came back with Shining and Soarin in tow.

Shining came into the room while Big Mac and Soarin went to go find something to pick the lock with. Shining grabbed a suit and looked to me as he put it on. "You good dude?" He asked. I hesitantly nodded. "Good... Mac told me what you did here.... Take it easy until we get more food to build us up.... Think the best place for food uncontaminated with radiation is the castle in Canterlot. Princess safe rooms. Should be at least four of them in the castle and that's if they havent been breached by... whatever forces hit us..."

"And if they have.... We're gonna give em what for... and if its too much we die trying...." He sighed.

"I hear that... While you and Big Mac were looking for this stuff Soarin' and I were talking about everything we lost.... I just hope that.... Cadie and Twily made it to a bunker.... Same with Celestia and Luna...." I sighed.

"Think they'd let us in if we found it?" He shook his head.

"Nope.... The guards that get in with them are under strict orders to not let anyone else in.... that means for anyone known or unknown to the Princess needs to be left out because who knows what they could bring in with either infection or glowing in this case.... Either that or its a ploy to infiltrate... End up assassinating a Princess..." I huffed.

"Well whoever kills us gets to say they took down two lead guards and Prince's all in one fell swoop... But we're not gonna let them get us that easy." He gave a smile as I saw Big Mac and Soarin come from the other room with a small box in Soarin's hand.

"Atta boy! Now c'mon... lets get going." I nodded carefully standing up just before joining Soarin and Big Mac. We watched as Soarin fiddled with a few bobbypins and a screw driver. Never thought a bobby pin would be able to open a door or anything for that matter but... what ever... game used Paper clips so I dont see the other one working... Took him maybe a few minutes for the opening of the door. Once he got it the door slid open.

"Alright.... Soarin, Big Mac.... Get suited up." I looked back into the room I was just in. "Shining! Need some duffels to carry some extra stuff if need be. Ammo, whatever food we find and we can distribute medical supplies when we find more." I saw everyone nod just before I walked right into the weapon fixing room. Found a few weapons still being assembled, few that were ready and waiting but nothing easy to carry. Why thinking a MAINTENANCE ROOM would have working weapons I have NO fucking clue... Had to tell Big Mac and Soarin to meet me down at the security wing where the armory is. Lucky us the key was nearby so no having to rip it open or pick the lock... I had to just figure out what I wanted. Had to think of something more lighter since carrying a shotgun or machine gun would suck. Took a magnum. Revolver magnum. Used .44 caliber bullets, big recoil but powerful and accurate. Had to stand at the door reminding them to take light weaponry, single shot and something small so it didnt catch anything if we need to run for cover. They all picked pistol like weapons. Shining got a mini smg, Soarin got a .38 revolver, snubnose and Big Mac got a clip fed 9mm. Even each grabbed at least two dozen rounds for our guns.

As we left the room I was given my helmet, slinging my bag over my shoulder, revolver on my hip, Soarin cleared his throat a bit as he put his gun to his side. "Uh... Ryder... A-Any words of encouragement here?" He asked. I huffed as we stopped just short of where we sat earlier trying to comprehend what happened.

"Gentlemen...." I started. "We near the end but we must survive as long as we can.... At least until we actually find the end....Whether that be the end of a gun, fall from a height, radiation poisoning, animal attack, famine or what have you we need to survive until then. Why? For our sanity, for our friends, family.... those we have lost and those that have survived. Walk on, walk tall. The hardships we have faced are mere childsplay compared to now. Once that door opens, there will be no coming back. No comfy beds, no meals... We may have to resort to drastic measures if need be. Unless proven otherwise all we encounter is hostile. We go out there now or make this our grave and I say we fight for the ones we loved and lost. No fear. No friendly. All fire. Blazing within, and and out. Fear turned to courage. There is no greater fear than what we already encountered. Laugh in the face of fear and turn it to the fight you need to survive. Am I understood gentlemen?"

Big Mac gave a determined grin, cocking his gun getting it ready. "Loud and Clear Ryder!" He said.

Shining and Soarin had to slap some sense into themselves but they gave the same exact grin both spouting off with a loud "YES SIR!"

I grinned myself. "Alright... get suited up and be ready for anything!" I said. "Once that door opens, we move out! First stop is Canterlot castle! Food, drink, maybe shelter for a while until we're good towards a second destination. We'll get a quick survey of where ground zero is, see where we go from there." They all nodded and made sure their guns safety was on and secured in their holsters before we all walked over to the door. I went in and used the door controls, opening the door up. I joined them back out there, the alarm blaring but muffled by the suits helmets. Lucky these things are adaptable with whoever wears them so Soarin and I had places to put our wings and Shining had a place for his horn without breaking anything. Once that door opened we all walked out into the cave. I looked back at the door and just sighed. "...An honor... and a privilege... May you rest with the Stable Spirits in the sky...." Quote from the second game about the original Stable dweller who founded a village that basically led into the other games. Anyhow we continued on out of there.

Walking out into the scorched woods we all kept a hand on our guns.... Most of us just looking to the nuke cloud in the distance. If we had a Geiger counter this thing would be doing fucking cartwheels.... No doubt. Didnt even think to check if there was one but I honestly dont think we'd need it.... Just a hunch... Anyhow when we went out things felt warm. Walked out towards the south. Big Mac shuttered. "...I still wonder how the fuck we didnt feel that...." He said. "Yeah we were blacked out drunk but.... That thing should've caused some sort of earthquake.... Woke us up, knock some shit down..... Who knows...." I looked to him carefully stepping over a still smoldering log.

"These things were just built to withstand tremors, earthquakes, direct blasts from explosives.... There was only one that didnt have those features to withstand earthquakes and that was in a quake frequent area. The one that couldnt stand a direct blast was honestly a fucking retcon by the devs..."

"Retcon or not... shit doesnt change out here..."

"Yeah... That's for sure...." I looked around.... trees were still burning, those that werent burning were burnt, some had some leaves on it still. "Guys when we get inside Canterlot... Keep eyes out for survivors. If you see them, call out, but keep eyes on and ears open. Try not to look at the bodies too much.... there's bound to be a lot of em outside the castle if they wanted to seek refuge inside..."

Shining sighed. "Yes sir. Dont forget to identify your targets first, make sure if they're hostile or not before firing.... Everyone we encounter is gonna be scared so act accordingly!" He said.

We just kept walking. Once we got to the outside we got a better look at everything. Canterlot was just burning. Civilian homes just gone, cars on their sides, upside down, melted. The castle was a bit destroyed as well. One wing was burning but it was only on the outside... at least for now... All the windows that we saw from the front were blown out... Some cars were wrecked into the wall protecting the castle... Some went through but not far enough to create an opening.... I saw a few bodies impaled on the fence... The fleurs sticking through their corpses like spears.... The flash didnt kill em.... or if it did their corpses were on the roof and the resulting shockwave threw them up off the roof across the road and there was a chance they'd land either beyond the fence, just short of it but they got skewered. We got to the gate which was just closed shut. Carefully I grabbed at the bars before prying them open just enough for us to sneak in one by one. The ruins were quiet... The only thing you could hear was the rushing wind and the fire that it fed. When we got inside it just looked like an earthquake happened... Some of the roof fallen in, the chandelier in the middle of the floor, broken... My mind could only go back to the day I saw Scootaloo sitting there with Celestia.... Right where another piece of roof smashed in the stairs... I looked to Shining trying to break the thought of my sister... Seems he was just remembering that day as well... Soarin swallowed a bit. "Uh.... Wh-what do we do now? Split up? Or... Stick together?" He asked. Shining looked to Big Mac.

"Big Mac. You want to go with me or head off with Ryder? One team to go for food, the other for medical supplies?"

Big Mac sighed as he just surveyed the damage. "....Think I'll stay close to Ryder..." He said. "...Just... Something dont feel right here..."

"What do you mean?"

"Just.... breaking in... looting the Princess's stuff for our own survival...."

I sighed. "In the rules of the end, anything goes...." I replied. "Morals go out the window when it comes to survival.... You'd trade food for ammo, ammo for food, money for whatever.... Sometimes its just giving that stuff so you dont get killed... sometimes its more... and trust me when that more comes into play.... That's one thing that would not change nuke or no nuke.... Then again... we'd have to pull some wasteland justice with that... All I'm gonna say about it...."

Soarin shuttered. "Yeah dude.... Just..... Dont go crazy with this stuff...." He said. "Grab stuff you can carry but not too much that its gonna be holding us down."

Big Mac nodded and looked to me. "So... Food or supplies?" He asked.

I hummed. "We'll get food....Just gotta make sure we go and eat something first...." I looked to Shining who still had the medkit. "Should go and distribute the anti rad meds before we do anything." Shining nodded and just knelt down dropping his bag. We all dropped ours too just watching as he put a bottle of pills into our bags and a few bags of the liquid in there as well. Once done we split up. Big Mac and I started going downstairs, Soarin and Shining upstairs. As we neared the dining hall Big Mac looked to me.

"Ry?" He asked.

"Yeah?"

"....You doing alright? Meanin.... Just... the thought of our family...." I sighed as he fell silent.

"...Yeah... Just.... As much as I dont wanna think about it... I just hope they didnt suffer with this...."

"...Yeah.... Yeah I hear that.... Honestly hoping they aint living through this hell..." Yeah.... Wishing that of our friends and family.... its... Honestly dark but... what else can we hope for in hell like this? We kept walking... I took my weapon out just keeping it ready... The sound of silence was uneasy for me... Big Mac drew his because he just wanted to make sure we were safe. Either that or he got a bad feeling about me getting a bad feeling. When we got to the door of the dining hall I had to go and carefully open the door keeping my weapon at the ready. When we got inside the long table, halved by the large chandelier that had fallen from it, the windows showing more destruction beyond.... Fires burned, vehicles and such carried upon the blast, debris now litter the fields outside of the castle. We went through a side door towards the kitchen. The kitchen was all sorts of broken, shelves were empty but the food vault was shut tight still. We set our bags down and I just huffed looking at the door. "Alright... Anything we can grab, canned goods, something quick if anything's fresh...." I looked to him.

"Uh... Well... If we do find anything fresh I'm gonna eat something... Give myself more energy.... Should pop a pill before I eat anything though..." He sighed.

"Shit... Wouldnt mind having something myself..." He rubbed his gut. "Alright... Pill pop, quick bite and we collect as much as we can carry." I gave a nod and went for our bags. I grabbed a bottle from my bag popping it open. Big Mac took his helmet off and grabbed the pill bottle dumping a pill in his hand before popping it as I took my helmet off and did the same. The air just smelt horrible... Not like things were rotting but just the general smell of everything outside burning mixing with the once good smelling kitchen. We set our helmets aside and just opened up the food vault. When we looked inside surprisingly it was fully stocked. Oh Big Mac and I went and just started munching down on fruit inside.... Apples, and oranges mostly. Even grabbed some to take back to Soarin and Shining. The canned food was plentiful as well. We grabbed at least a dozen or so cans each, maybe a few more than that just to keep us going for a while. When we stocked our bags full we put our helmets back on and just started to head out. We went down the hall and then up a set of stairs I knew was closer to the infirmary wing. As we got to the floor where the infirmary was we made a b-line for it. As we went in I looked around. Heard things being thrown around in rooms beyond. "Shinin'! Soarin! Got the food!"

The rustling stopped before Shining poked his head out. "Alright! Be there in a sec! Soarin is just packing away the last of the meds!" He said. "Bandages, painkillers, antibiotics... Think the Princesses took their pills... either that or had them destroyed..."

I sighed as I was getting some food ready for them on a nearby counter. "Dont need that anyways...." I said. "Speaking of pills, take some rad meds and get out here. Got some fresh food for you guys to eat." I waited about a moment. Heard bags getting zipped up, helmets get taken off and what not. Not long after that they came out, bags over their shoulders, helmets under their arms. I watched as they each set their helmets down and took the fresh food just munching down on it. "Alright... We're gonna need to plan where we can go from here..." I hummed starting to think. "...Princess should have a bit of a war room with maps of any country with marked locations right Shining?" He came up from a few apples with bites taken out and swallowed.

"Yeah, but its in a room hidden from view somewhere in the castle. I know what wing its in but from there I am just NOT sure what so ever..." He went back to eating.

"So.... Underground or above ground?"

"Under. Cadence talked about it before when we were waiting for you to come back from the war. The one in the Crystal empire is hidden very carefully at the entrance and when we need to access it, streets shut down for a mile at least. Though we didnt really need to access it for a good while.... think the only time we needed to was before we were married. And that was only for a bit of a.... well... you know...." I huffed.

"Alright... Gonna need to figure out something... and more than likely its gonna require me ripping shit up.... Maybe we could do some brain work to figure it out if the Princess kept reminders around and with how long she's been going there HAS to be some spots in her memory that even she cant remember...." He hummed before finishing off the fruits he had tossing the scraps aside.

"...Yeah... but she's not stupid enough to leave notes about secret locations around the castle...."

"Security area with cameras?"

"Security helps with private matters yeah but the cameras are probably all fried with the EMP from the nuclear detonation.... There's got to be something there within the files... maps of the castle, marked rooms... Safe hides it all and is blast proof..."

"But is it Ryder proof?"

"We'll find out.... Lets just get this stuff distributed before we think about going anywhere. Maybe have someone carrying extra just in case..."

"I can carry extra food if someone wants to carry extra meds."

Soarin huffed as he came up for air from eating. "I'll carry the meds!" He said. "I have a little bit of medical knowledge since I'm the one that has to patch up recruits when they take a tumble."

Big Mac crossed his arms. "Settles that then." He said. "Best thing I know about medical needs is washing out a wound when 'Bloom scraped her knee in the dirt playin' with Winona..."

Shining put his helmet back on. "Alright. Lets get stocked, get down to security and find that war room." He said. We all nodded and just got to work. I carried six extra cans myself, two for each one of us, while Soarin still carried a majority of the bandages and we all agreed to ration the food, share rations as well in case one of us has to use rations to help someone or keep our own asses alive. But we agreed if it wasnt worth it to give them food, a bullet would do the trick but only as a last resort and if they didnt seem right...

We felt like we were wandering the halls for a while... Just kept our arms close and at the ready. The security area was all the way across the castle near to the main entrance. Gotta have quick reaction to just about anywhere. As we entered the security area we were just taken aback at the chaos the state of the area was in... no weapons, security camera feeds were nonexistant, the screens that were supposed to show those feeds were smashed or cracked... There was armor but it didnt seem like there was anything we wanted to take or even could considering we were wearing hazmat suits. Big Mac looked around. "So... where do we start to find info on the war room?" He asked. Shining looked around.

"...Good question..." He looked to Soarin. "Check the drawers on desks." He looked to Big Mac. "You check filing cabinets." Then to me. "See if there's any hidden compartment in the walls but if you find it please dont use your hammer to open it...." We all nodded and got to work. I went to a nearby wall and just put my ear to it giving a knock. Just kept moving along... maybe a few feet, knocking every few seconds. I got nothing as I went around the room from just to the right of the door to the empty armory area and such. Nothing. Even had to sit idly by as Soarin and Big Mac were looking through things. Shining had to help Big Mac look through a few filing cabinets until Shining looked to me as he tried to pull one drawer open but it was stuck. "Ryder. Need a can opener my friend!" I nodded and came right over. I was lucky to get the drawer to open just enough for me to slip a finger in.... Got a good grip and the metal casing got ripped right open. Even luckier I didnt tear a hole in the suit. Shining nudged me out of the way as he started looking through files. He zeroed in on one marked 'Classified'. Grabbed it, held it up and smiled. "Bingo!"

He brought the file over to a desk and I did the honors of clearing EVERYTHING off it. Even a cute little hula mare. Felt bad about that... I actually wanted to get one for my car before I was with AJ but my mind would always go to Berrie because she never wanted me having one. Not even as a little joke. Still couldnt have it because of AJ... She just thinks they're tacky. Anyhow Shining set the file down just as Soarin got a light on. Guess there were still lights on out here... for how long is anyones guess... Power grid gets overloaded, generators go and blow, fuses of homes, businesses, and just... Yeah... Power is still a limited commodity. Soarin opened it up and we all grabbed a few bundles of papers all marked. I got the one for the far west wing, Shining got far east, Big Mac got midwest, Soarin, Mid-East. We all flipped our pages open.... Took maybe a few minutes before I saw the magical words 'War Room'. I grabbed my papers. "GOT IT!" I said. "The war room is under the garden, entrance is under Celestias study...." Shining hummed as he grabbed the papers.

"Celestia's study? That's in the library and that's in the eastern wing.... Unless..."

Soarin chimed in. "Might be a red herring?" He said.

"...I mean... Maybe? Its.... Kinda weird to have a location on one side when the entrance is completely somewhere else..."

I looked to Shining. "To fool enemies to bomb the wrong side of the castle if they dont know where to look for notes like this.... Frankly should've been more.... secure...." I said.

"Yeah.... might be real but could just be something to throw the enemy off...."

"Celestia's been at this game a long time... Someone just threw a rock when it was just hand to hand here. Doesnt mean she doesnt have a knife ready to cut someone stashed in her bra! She goes down, she might fool them into trying to kick her while she's down, next thing you know its a turn around with them bleeding on the ground."

"....Well... We need to take this information to the study and figure this out... No time to waste..." We took the papers and just started walking. I had Shining review the pages as we walked. We had to wind in and out of floors just because the eastern wing was on fire and destroyed here and there. I was just lucky that the door to the library was unblocked yet when we opened the door we just saw something that would've given Twilight a heart attack. Books were on fire, shelves were destroyed and books that werent on fire were just scattered about the floor, papers ripped from the covers, scattered as well. Speaking of Twilight i had a bit of a flashback.... Yeah... To the point where she fucked up a spell, wiped memories and she and I had to be on the run just to get to Canterlot.... All because guards were after me for 'attempted rape, assault with a deadly weapon and grand theft auto' according to papers a guard station had but even they didnt know what happened. I just felt the back of my head pulse like it did after I was blasted back by Twilight's magic. As we entered Shining hummed.

"Alright... if I'm reading this right her study is just beyond the 'forbidden book' section... She'd be the only one to have the key... We got a few keys of our own...." He looked to Soarin. "Soarin, lockpicking time." Soarin gave a nod and went to the locked door with Shining and Big Mac. I just went and grabbed the nearest fire extinguisher and started putting out the fires that could put us in danger if it caught more. Only took a few minutes to snuff the flames. Hell while I waited for Soarin to open up the lock I for once grabbed a book off the shelf and just flipped through it.

I just found an excerpt that just kinda stuck with me. 'When the flames died, the creature lay at their feet, gasping for air, the fur burned away, scarred, blackened.... It took one shot to finish the creature off.... It did not resist, it did not twitch, it did not even cry as it was ended.... It knew defeat and accepted its fate. Though it had fought tooth and claw to overcome, it had failed. The hero couldnt help but give the creature a warriors death. Fought to the end but knew when enough was enough.' I just bagged it before joining my friends again. I guess some light reading material would help keep my mind off death and what not. Soarin huffed as he tossed a majorly bent bobby pin aside. "It's no use.... Cant get into it..... Princess has some sort of locking mechanism that just cant be picked...." She said.

I loosened up my neck. Just rolled my shoulders a bit too. "Alright.... My turn...." I said. They all got out of the way as I looked at the gate. Black metal bars crissed and crossed every which way, the knob was very old looking.... I tried sticking my hand through but hesitated... some of the areas were a little sharp and I didnt wanna rip the suit. I just reached back and grabbed my hammer. I got into a batting position, tapping the head of the hammer against the knob and lock area. "....Alright.... Might wanna stand back.... Not sure if this is gonna send shrapnel around...." I wound up as Shining, Soarin and Big Mac just went and ran away taking cover with bookshelves and an overturned table. I gave that thing a good hit. First hit definitely made a dent. Only a dent. The next knocked the knob off yet the lock was still strong. I growled and just took a few steps back taking aim at the area I hit. I took the hammer in both my hands, raised it over my head before chucking that thing right at the lock. I swear that thing hit, broke the lock, bounced off and I was so fast I caught that hammer again. I went over and just opened up the door ripping the door off and throwing it at a window on the other side of the room. Once that window shattered they all came out of hiding. I looked to my friends as I resheathed my hammer. "Yeah.... thing was strong.... pissed me off..."

Big Mac huffed. "Good.... More damage from you when they wanna keep us out.... Might be able to use that in case of any resistance...." He said. He looked to Soarin and Shining. "C'mon. Lets get in there." Shining nodded. We all followed him in. We went down a set of stairs that led to another smaller library.

There was a door there that was locked so Soarin had to pick this one as well. I just took a look at all the forbidden books. All unmarked. I just grabbed one and just looked over the cover. There was just something about this book in particular that just.... It felt otherworldly. Just as I was about to open it, Shining snatched it out of my hand. "What the fuck do you think you're even doing?!" He asked. "These books are forbidden for a reason! By opening this book you could be unleashing something, maybe dooming yourself with a curse or something!"

I huffed. "Come on Shining I'm curious! The worlds over, Celestia could've taken these books with her if they could do something like that!" I snapped. "And what the fuck am I gonna do? Cast a spell? Turn someone into a frog? Destroy something?" I just... looked away for a moment thinking about what I said for a second before looking back at him. "Maybe not that last part considering I always do that but last I checked I'm a pegasus. No horn so I cant use magic. I dont even think you even know what these books even do!" He huffed.

"I dont and I dont want to! Now focus!" I huffed as he went and put the book back.... I waited a moment.... He just went back to the door to watch as Soarin picked the lock and he was getting close. Now I'm fast still.... I managed to bag the book without anyone noticing. I just looked as if I were just staring at the books while they managed to break the lock.

Soarin gave a laugh. "Got it this time!" He said. I turned around and we all just entered the room. The inner room was fairly large. Only one desk, more book shelves and a large chair. Portraits of Celestia and Luna painted hung on the wall and the whole thing looked untouched from outside forces. "Alright. What do the papers say about a code or way to get in the room?" Shining flipped open the papers again and just skimmed through.

"Alright... The way to get in only via emergency is to find books relating to the two sisters, pull them at the same time, wait five seconds before releasing them, then quickly press a button located on the mirror in the center...." He looked to Big Mac and Soarin. "You two get the books, I'll get the mirror. Just call out the books, I'll confirm if its good or not."

I huffed. "So we're gonna do this right? No need to blow anything open?" I asked. Shining looked to me.

"Might as well otherwise we could trip some security system. Might as well make use of yourself and help one of them to do something." I sighed and just went with Big Mac. I'm not gonna lie it took us at least an hour to do this....I found what book Big Mac needed to pull, 'Sunny Days, shade stays.' That one is a book about a stallion wished for an eternal summer yet it only lasted half a year. Fires burned down houses, all the shade from trees were gone, and he ended up finding a cave with a statue that he had to beg, plead with just to end the stupid wish, enjoy the cooler months when he had them.... Luna's book was easier to find... 'Goodnight Moon'.... Yeah... not making that up....Once we found the books I gave a countdown.

"Alright.... On go, we pull the books.... Once you pull them, Shining counts to five, then you push em back and then he pushes the button... We ready?" Both Big Mac and Soarin nodded. "Alright... Three... Two... One... Pull!" At the same time they pulled the books. Shining counted out loud.

"Five... Four.... Three... Two... One... NOW!" They both pushed the books back and the unicorn pressed the button. We waited for a moment.... That moment was so tense... Yet it only lasted that before the mirror cocked to the side and the wall slid back, and then to the side revealing a dark opening.

We all walked in and one by one a light kicked on above us. Some sparked, others flickered.... It was a long hallway. Twists and turns here and there, some intersections which surprisingly worked like that maze that Celestia had made for her summer home.... Yeah Applejack told me about that and even I thought that was bullshit.... I told for her to have AJ play a game on a hard difficulty.... Nope... Some bullshit.... We figured it out with someone backtracking and then coming back, staying where we came from and just finding the right way. Followed it, found more intersections, found the right way the first time and from there it was a straight shot. Guess this was something to give the Princess time to set up an ambush. At last we finally came to the war room. The room was just.... amazing.... This was a little more advanced than the one I had while at war. All I had was a drawn map of the country. Here? Think of a round map table like with Twilight's throne room table during the Elements of Brotherhood training. This was a bit more detailed considering we saw a giant mushroom cloud in the middle of it all. All the terminals along the walls were offline or locked with encryptions nobody here was gonna break. We just focused in on the map ad just looked at everything. "Fuck.... Mother of all fucking bombs right there..." Big Mac said. Shining sighed. as he looked to a wall, a map of the world, red dots just about everywhere.... Steurope, gone, Equestria, southern and northern, pretty much gone but only a few bombs including the big one... hell Griffonstone was just FUCKED.... Like seriously.... one big one did this to Equestria.... this one looked like a shotgun...

"Maybe not the only one.... Just... wonder how many survivors are out there.... Keeps me wondering how many are just suffering... actually...."

I sighed just shuttering. "We'll find out... MAybe... But right now we gotta focus...." I said. "Gotta figure out the way we need to go...." I zoomed out the map and just looked at everything. You could see live view of fires burning, entire cities crumbled and destroyed. Hell... Twilight's castle was knocked to the ground...

Big Mac huffed. "...Well... I... Guess if we're gonna die... might as well be at home...." He said. "Whole world's gone to shit.... Might as well get as close to home as we can get...."

"Yeah... Just... Wish there was a way we could get Shining back home to the Crystal Empire...."

Shining sighed. "...You know... Cadie would want me to be with Twily when the time was right.... Might just go to what's left of her castle... I just... hope she got out alright..." He said. I could hear him just.... choke up a bit. I sighed.

"....I hope so too...." I looked to Soarin who was just staring at the consoles against the wall. Flashing lights slowly flickered, others stayed solid. "Soarin.... You good there?" He just shook his head. "...Yeah... Yeah I feel that... Just try to stay strong...." I looked back at the map. "...I think from here if we take the roads east and cut south towards Cloudsdale we could probably make it to ponyville given a weeks time... if we survive that long.... Think as for now we go back up, find some extra stuff we might wanna take.... Maybe see about getting better arms than just pistols.... secondaries are good, just not when you need to reload in a firefight..."

"I know of a military depot bunker outside of Canterlot. We can find more stuff there, might be able to set up camp there too."

"Probably a good thing. Fortified if anything.... no doubt we'd have to clear out some undesirables there.... Still might be good to find somewhere to rest... Get some energy back before heading out...." I looked to the door. "Think we're down far enough to rest without the hazmat suits? Think those meds should help if we just took em within the last few hours.... said two for a day works."

Big Mac sighed. "Yeah.... I think so... Think I'm the only one awake enough to keep watch for a little while.... Shit might see if we cant find some of the Princesses energy drinks before we head on out...." He said.

"Sounds alright... Just.... Still wanna get some sleep here...."

Shining looked to Big Mac as I started looking around for a comfortable spot. "If you're going out there, let me come with you. Safety in numbers here." He said. "Soarin, stay here with Ryder and try to stay awake long enough for us to get back. Any doubts its us, call out Whiskey, countersign will be Tango Foxtrot. Got it?" I didnt hear anything from Soarin. He was just staring at things as tired as I was maybe. I mean... we are the only ones who puked. I yawned getting ready to take my suit off.

"Got it... Whiskey is us, Tango Foxtrot is you... and vice versa I guess.... Maybe see if you cant find an alarm clock... old analogue should do just to keep us on schedule." I looked back to Shining. He nodded. "Careful you two.... We'll be here...." I could only watch as Soarin and Big Mac left without a word. I had to snap Soarin out of whatever stress induced trance he was in and help him out of his suit before getting out of mine. We didnt have any pillows or anything that could be used as pillows say for our suits but who knows how much fallout that shit has on it....We just set those off to the side and just lied down, sleeping as best we could.... Had to stay close to him just to make sure we both were gonna be good.... I rested but didnt sleep deeply.... anxiety from what happened still kept me on alert. Think we were there for maybe a couple hours. After about a half hour Big Mac and Shining came back, heard them walk in and get undressed before laying down themselves.... Think we all just huddled together as a group before an alarm clock that Shining grabbed went off scaring some of us... thankfully not to the point of pissing ourselves but we still found a place to go before having to make our way out. Not much happened here... We had to go into a few houses to scavenge because guess who didnt think water was a necessity we needed? Yeah.... Food more important... meds more important.... Water? NAH! While we were there I found a tape recorder and a bag full of empty tapes. Was an old one, cassette tapes. Looked like a reporters one. We kept our eyes and ears open for anything that meant life was still out there.... We heard the occasional cry, a few gunshots that got us to aim our weapons... hell one was close enough for me to investigate... Poor bastard had to off himself because he was just burned and couldnt take the pain. Surprised the blast didnt kill him first.... There was maybe one or two ponies we found that we had to put down.... one due to trying to rob us, the other just... they needed a mercy killing.... I was the one to do it.... had to tell them to think of something.... their home before the bomb... any family that they loved.... Gives them something to look forward to wherever they go... I actually hesitated for a second before I had to pull the trigger.... We all gave a prayer asking for forgiveness for that....When we reached the military depot bunker we found it ransacked. Maybe more small arms than anything... few weapons that werent even in working condition and I didnt have tools to get em there. But that's where we hunkered down for the night. Big Mac and Shining were the first ones asleep, Soarin trailing behind. Though we agreed to take shifts.... I was first.... Then Shining, Then Big Mac and Soarin was the one to bring up the rear. I had to be in a room off to the side where everyone else rested. I saw the night sky outside the window.... blood red as fires all over burned.

I pulled the tape recorder out and just played the first tape that was in it. "....Given the circumstances I wish this would've been on paper..." An older sounding stallion said. "...Though there's nothing much left of what I owned.... I want my grandson to have my old knife, his sister, my notes, my son and daughter in law... you two.... I... oh Celestia...." He started crying a bit. I just huffed shutting the damn thing off and tossing the tape before putting in a new one before pressing record.

"....Day one.... survivors log, Prince Ryder Wheeler... Formerly General Ryder Wheeler..... if those even apply anymore.... Leaving record of what we've been through so far.... I'm with my brother Big Mac and our best friends, Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire and Captain of the Royal guard and Soarin, Flight instructor of the Wonderbolts..... We awoke in an underground bunker to find the nuke we never knew went off.... Though we were drunk, the nuke never made a sound, the bunker never made movement.... At the moment we're resting.... We're at least trying to make it home to wherever we think is home... For me and Big Mac.... Sweet Apple Acres... where our sisters, my wife and daughter are.... were..... where they WERE.... If anyone finds these tapes because we died, someone robbed us and you killed the bastard who did this.... I.... Equestria needs you.... To live on somehow... survive any way you can.... If possible, get to the coast, find some place away from all this fallout.... if unable to.... find fortification.... This is Ryder Wheeler, newly crowned Prince of Equestria, signing out...." I hit the stop button and just sat there. Contemplating things.... Felt like I contemplated forever until the alarm clock went off and my couple hours were up. I stashed away the tape recorder and just went to swap out with Shining. That night I didnt sleep that well.... Obvious reasons.... Still got as much rest as I could, same as any of us....

Bird In The Air: Cloudsdale (Part 2)

Its been a few days since we woke up to a changed world... We had to go a bit wider than we thought before reaching Cloudsdale... Well... We werent there just yet actually..... We had to find refuge from rain in a cave... It wasnt too deep but we at least collected enough wood before the storm actually hit.... only knew it was coming because the morning we set out, we saw clouds, thunder and lightning on the horizon. Managed to collect bundles of wood with Big Mac's axe. Last night I actually opened that spell book I stole from Canterlot without Shining knowing. Runes were something I didnt understand but hand gestures? Now this I knew. I did a few of these just to experiment.... I could make things levitate, move things slightly but I didnt wanna do anything destructive.... Okay maybe I threw a glass down. Scared Shining and I told him I nodded off a little, accidentally knocked it over. Anyhow tonight I was just.... afraid... to go to sleep.... I was scared.... May have actually grabbed a full bottle of whiskey during a quick supply run at a store, barricaded by survivors.... Not really any to speak of though. Didnt find anyone there... Might've moved on to go scavenging or something.... But hey... I got me a bottle.... Once I opened it, I took a sip. That sip turned into a few.... then before I knew it a third of the bottle was gone. I just closed it keeping it with me as I watched the wind whip outside, rain falling down. Though as I sat there watching everything I couldnt help but just hear the screams of my family.... Wondering where I was.... "Ryder?! Ryder!?" They all called out.

I swear that lasted forever.... their screams drowning out the sound of the wind and rains, lightning flashed green, illuminating the cave. Their cries still grew louder and louder still calling out my name. Things around me started to shake before I was just freaking out ready to run. I only realized that things werent shaking and the voices faded only to find Shining nudging me. "Ryder? Ryder you good?" He asked. I just started shakily breathing. The whiskey still clutched in my hands. He sighed before sitting down next to me. He took the bottle from me.... For a moment I thought he was just gonna smash it or toss it outside the cave. But no... He just took it and took a swig himself. "...Guess you're trying to drink away the pain huh...?" He asked. I sighed.... Just dug in my pack to grab a metal bottle for water. I sipped some making sure my water ration wasnt gonna screw me when I needed it.

"....Yeah... just.... my family.... if I knew this was coming.... I'd've been there with them.... ready to face the fire that burned the air...." I replied. I looked back at Soarin and Big Mac, both sleeping near the fire that was still burning. "....yet I was with you guys.... celebrating my new title.... the new life I thought i'd have.... Maybe do something for Equestria that wasnt putting myself in danger...."

"...I hear you dude.... When Cadence and I heard you were made a Prince by Celestia.... Cadence and I wanted to do something special for you.... we wanted to give you something to reflect that title you rightly earned.... It would've been something you, AJ, your sister and even Big Mac could enjoy.... Now I just wish there was a way I could tell Cadie i'm alive and kicking.... She'd probably send someone to get us... maybe.... but.... to her and the other Princess.... we're just skeletons in a charred wasteland, wind flaying our flesh from our bones...." He sighed swirling the alcohol. "Go get some sleep..... My turn to be on watch... And dont worry about this... I'll make sure the guys get some to keep em warm." He held up the bottle of whiskey. I nodded and just moved to the back of the cave near the fire. Tried to get comfortable before falling asleep.... though no matter how comfortable I got I knew it wasnt gonna be anywhere near comfortable as being in bed with Applejack....

As we slept I could hear everyone moving in and out during their shifts... my rest was about as good as a glass precariously perched on the edge of a pin needle ready to endure an earthquake. I still got as much rest as I could until the alarm clock went off. Once we were up we saw Soarin just asleep near the entrance, the now empty bottle. Shining went and woke him up while Big Mac and I got food ready for everyone. I've been more akin to the canned fruit we had though today I just had to suck it up and eat some veggies. Big Mac sighed as Soarin and Shining came over to us sitting around the smoldering embers of the fire, smoke still rising somewhat out of the bundle of burnt sticks. "....How's everyone holding up? Everyone good?" He asked. Nobody spoke up. Just the sound of us eating our food from the cans, the spoons we had just scraping the textured sides. "...Look... Judging from the whiskey bottle we'd all been drinking out of I know we aint good by far.... But we gotta keep going for our family... the ones we love.... We're doing good so far, just gotta keep going...."

I sighed just swirling around the juices in the can with a few pieces still floating in it. "...No objections here.... But you can blame that whiskey on me.... Just.... Hurt and that seems like it was the only thing to ease the pain...." I said.

"No worries there.... Guess'n we all had some pain... Others more than usual because I'm damned sure I left that thing with at least half the stuff still in there...."

We all looked to Soarin. Shining handed him some water. He drank it like it was still the freshest thing ever. "....Yeah... Sorry.... My drink of choice there..." He said.

"Aint nothin' to be sorry over Soarin. Just gotta ration it next time we get something.... Hell maybe if we find a few flasks we can split it up with whoever got the bottle getting the last bit of it that wont fit in the thing." Soarin sighed after swallowing a big helping of what food he had. Think that was a can of fava beans.... Think wine is better than whiskey with that but to each their own.

"Well... I know where to get something more if you dont mind stopping...."

I huffed downing the rest of the can. "Where at? Know of a liquor store around?" I asked.

"Nope but.... We can go get your mothers stash at the Wonderbolts facility if you want... I know where she has it."

I stayed silent.... Just tossed the can aside, the empty thing just banking off the cave wall. Shining huffed. "Sounds good there.... Though I'm just gonna stick close to Ryder today...." He said just resting a hand on my shoulder. "You and Mac gonna be good together?"

Big Mac let out a hearty belch. "'Course we are." He replied. "You just do whatcha gotta do there Shining.... Lord above he needs some backup..." Guess he could see how much that hurt without even me saying anything... and I'm not gonna lie it kinda did hurt... knowing we could just.... happen upon my mother's corpse.... I just sat there with Shining and started to breathe. Even took our rad meds while we had to redistribute things for our hazmat suits to fit in some bags. Of course I still held quite a bit. When we left the cave we just had to breathe the air.... You could still smell burning things in the air but at least you could see the sun.... The changing of the time of day actually made it better for our mood. We knew Celestia and Luna were still alive... or at least one of them.... I guess even they wanted the world to go on. Anyhow we set out making our way through the wilderness outside of Cloudsdale.

Forgot to say but we didnt really find any weapons in the depot the other night.... Guess they cleaned house for whoever was there.... No weapons, no ammo just a few rooms with wood scraps and such. We just had the pistols we had and all the ammo we had gotten for em. Think the most we've had to do was to just scare off some already scared animals. Mine was the loudest of the guns. Just pointed it in the air and fired scaring a few wolves off. Anyhow as we trudged through the area I fell behind with Shining. "....Why even suggest that?" I asked. "....Not sure if its to toughen me up or get to me but.... I just.... that's just uncalled for! We could just find a store, head inside again..."

Shining sighed. "Dont let it get to you.... He knows your mother had some stuff and it might be untouched." He said. "...We wont have you go in anywhere unless its clear.... If she is there.... We'll give her a burial.... Sound alright...?"

"Yeah... that's fine.... Just.... wrap her body up if possible.... I just dont wanna see her that way...."

"...No worries there... we'll do that... Just breathe deep dude..." I just kept breathing... the smell of burning stuff kept filling my nostrils.... I just kept telling myself it was just wood... and buildings.... Certainly not the dead cinders that are the flesh of ponykind cast into the wind.... After a while we found the cliffside to the WBTF. Had to walk around it to find a way up. Soon we came to the road and probably the worst view I've seen.... The weather factory in ruins and the rainbow falls just.... a dark drippy mess.... Something I once took comfort in watching now reduced to a slimy mixture, the colors just mixing together creating a horrific sight to see. As we walked up Soarin had to stop because the whiskey weighed a bit heavily on his bladder.... Guess we all had to go because once he went to the cliffside to relieve himself we all did.

Once we got to the top we just looked at everything.... the fence was busted, the office still in tact somehow, the other buildings just.... ruins.... all ruins.... The worst one was the mess hall. That thing was just crumbled down. Next one was the gym building.... Half gone. Least of the ones gone was the barracks. That was just missing the doors, part of the roof was caved in but it seems like it was still usable as shelter if needed.... Though as I looked at everything I started hearing their voices again... the voices of my family.... Scootaloo, Babs and Applebloom mostly.... All screaming to either go higher, lower, slower.... Hell I could even hear Dash.... "Come on! Lets see who's faster!" Her voice said. "Is it gonna be me or you Ryder? Ryder.... Ryder..." My name echoed until it faded becoming Big Mac's voice.

I was so spaced out I didnt see him trying to get my attention. "Ryder? Ryder? You in there bud?" He said waving his hand in my face and snapping his fingers. I just shut my eyes, shaking my head just snapping back to reality.

I took a deep breath. "....I'm.... I'm fine...." I said. "Just... so many memories rushing back...." Big Mac sighed.

"....Come on.... Try not to think about it..... Just a little longer and we can do what we need..." He hugged me.... I just hugged back.

Shining sighed just looking on at me just as Soarin was going in to the runway area via part of the busted fence. "Big Mac.... Just head inside with Soarin.... I'll hold back with Ryder...." He said. Big Mac pulled away from me and just patted me on the shoulder before hurrying over to sneak his way in too. Shining came over to me and just took my hand leading me towards the office. He looked to me. "You mind?" Without a word I just kicked at the door near the handle and it broke off. I looked away as he just looked inside. "Alright.... Clear for now...." He went in first... I followed hesitantly. The inside almost looked untouched.... Just had a few computers busted, knocked over, papers were all over the desk like it was sign up day. He pulled out a chair and just stood behind it. I sat down in it and he just sat in front of me. "...Ryder... You're worrying me man.... This isnt the first time I've caught you with that thousand yard stare.... I get it that you're having thoughts about the ones you love.... But you gotta keep going.... for them.... I get it you dont wanna see them gone before you.... I get you dont want them to live through this world that has been created.... but just imagine.... they're all there waiting for you where you want your final resting place to be.... Just be strong enough to make it there.... That's what I'm doing.... I'm just making believe my sister is at her castle... Just waiting for me...."

I just whimpered. "...But that's what I'm afraid of..." I said. "...I dont wanna see them dead or dying.... I dont even wanna see them alive, living through this wasteland... This hell brought upon the world... The night after the first we ventured out... I honestly wanted to strip off my fucking suit, walk outside until I just fucking dropped dead.... But no.... I didnt... Its not a way I wanna go out.... I'd rather it be quick and painless... yet its just painful enough knowing we didnt die like the rest of em.... but.... I just dont wanna suffer... nor do I wanna know they suffered...."

"....That's understandable.... But you really need to be strong.... They might not be there when you get home... they might be there as well.... Either outcome is scary..... But where ever they are.... they're waiting for you.... just take a deep breath here.... I'm gonna look around here... make sure we're not gonna find anyone here...." I nodded and just started breathing.... Didnt stop the tears from coming.... I honestly sat there and cried for a bit while Shining just scoped things out.... Thankfully my mother wasnt in here.... We did go into her office to find things... found a snub nosed revolver in her desk.... Fully loaded too.... Guess it was just in case she found Mythic snooping around... I just took it and unloaded it before putting it in my bag. I did get caught up in memories again.... mostly with pictures of after mom and I revealed our bond as mother and son.... He understood there but dragged me out of there. Though we needed to go find Big Mac and Soarin.... I just wanted to go look out over Equestria.... Biggest view here....

I saw Canterlot in the distance, still burning and destroyed.... Though the sun was still shining through the Fallout in the air it was beautiful in its own sense. The mushroom cloud had faded but you could still see where it was.... Ash still rose from the crater it caused. If being an artist was my special talent, I'd've painted this until my dying breath. If it werent for nobody to be around to see it and appreciate it I still probably would've.... Though something... Something felt off... Like... Someone was beckoning me.... Calling out somewhere below.... I heard nothing but... I felt that call... I wanted to step away but... something nearly pulled me forward.... Nearly.... The only thing that stopped me was the fact that as soon as I put one foot out I heard someone call my name. "RYDER!" I heard Big Mac call out. I stepped back and looked towards the buildings to see Big Mac rushing towards me. "Ryder! Fuck man get away from there!" He rushed over and grabbed my wrist dragging me away like I was Applebloom misbehaving at the mall. "Not. Yet. And dont be giving me that bullshit that you were gonna stretch your wings out or something. I know wanting to jump because of what happened when I fucking see it!" I just stayed quiet knowing I wasnt gonna talk my way out of this. "Look.... I aint gonna say anything because Shining asked me to come get you before those meds wear off. Gotta eat some lunch, take our meds and rest before plotting out a route to Ponyville..."

I just stayed silent.... Just kept breathing. Even looked to the buildings that were destroyed.... I just followed Big Mac back to the barracks.... When we got there we all just decided to shower to at least get clean. Nobody sat on watch while everyone else cleaned up. All just showered together, dried off and just sat down to eat.... Though I needed something other than water to drink. Soarin came with me to go clear out the rubble enough to raid the kitchen.... Big mistake.... We.... We found my mother... buried under the rubble.... I just.... honestly I couldnt do anything..... Only thing I could do was be dragged out by Soarin who had to yell for Shining and Big Mac while he sat there consoling me trying to keep me from crying... well... harder... Soarin and Big Mac had to help get my mothers body out from there and get her prepped.... Shining had to go in and grab whatever we could for drinks... Even found a few bottles of whiskey.... One to drink, the other to bury with her.... Soarin even knew where a shovel was kept and where they could bury her... Hell... Out of my depressed rage I grabbed a few bunk beds and just started destroying them, screaming it out. They just let me do it.... though they did take my gun away for the time being.... understandable. We had to carry her down the hill towards what was the Rainbow Falls.... Spent a good few hours digging a hole deep enough before I had to carefully lay her down in it. Big Mac found some machine parts from the weather factory that was just... GONE.... like no fucking joke that thing made rainbow falls and just... yeah... fucking gone... He just grabbed one, stuck it in the ground as we finished filling the hole... Helps when you fashion a makeshift shovel out of the hood of a car... Once we were done the sun was getting ready to set... Fitting even.... Soarin sighed as he wiped sweat from his brow. "....Anyone have any words?" He asked.

I gave a sigh.... Sniffling a bit. "....My mother.... She may have given me up but it was out of love..." I said. "...She loved me enough to make sure I grew up with parents who couldnt have a foal themselves... yet they did.... My mother was kind enough to adopt that foal that I called a sister for years.... If I could've spent the last hours before a new world born.... I would've.... Not only with her but with my family.... To hug her.... tell her I love her one last time.... But.... I cant now...." I choked up, tears welling up in my eye. Shining came over and just hugged me..... Big Mac and Soarin following suit.... I just couldnt help but break down there.... After we had our little makeshift funeral we headed back to the WBTF and just shut ourselves in to the barracks.... Shining was good enough to grab me a sports drink from the fridge in the mess hall but that was about it...

I drank that.... even made sure I ate something more and then sleep... thankfully they let me sleep...It was still a bit of a fractured sleep... Kept waking up to everyone moving about... shifting in their sleep but at least this was more comfortable than a hard floor.... Cots I'd have to get comfortable in during the war would've been more preferable to the hard floors of caves, armory bunkers, abandoned warehouses and such. That next day we just decided to stay here for a bit.... Not get comfortable mind you but maybe build it up for survivors to take refuge.... We had to take scraps from the mess hall and safe to say I had a destructive good time ripping chunks of debris apart, using them for walls at cliffsides to prevent ponies from going and climbing up or even having snipers take out innocents trying to survive. We were about half way done before it started raining.... we all had to race inside to take shelter from the irradiated bullshit that was this rain. I was the most wet out of it. That was fun.... And because I didnt wanna take another pill I hit myself with the liquid.... I was on the toilet for an HOUR. No fucking joke.... When Daring said that this was fast acting she really meant it... Drank the gross tasting liquid in one gulp, ten minutes later I'm on the can. Once I was done there I had to just go and lay down, sweating.... Lucky we stocked up on stuff to help me rehydrate and even eat. Big Mac sat with me as I ate some canned pasta. "Glad I aint you with that...." He said. "You good now Ry?" I hesitantly nodded as I drank a juice drink. "Yeah... Go and just take it easy and please try not to shit yourself.... Dont trust any gas." I nodded just being able to give a groan.

Shining came over and sat down. Soarin was just sitting by the door keeping an eye on supplies, the outside blocked from all of us. "Alright, Soarin says this might be a bit of a big storm so we might need to keep inside for tonight and tomorrow." He said just giving a sigh. "Might be able to run through the night tomorrow maybe but we need to figure out where we can go from here to at least get some shelter and rest for that night." Big Mac looked to Shining as I sipped my juice still feeling like I just shit my brains out.

"Big storm huh? Hopefully it dont last days... Dont really think we even have the food or water to do that... Might have to split up, have a team head out in the suits and under those anti rad meds and scavenge up some supplies or something... Not to mention Ryder here is shitting his brains out so he cant do anything and we dont want him alone if something goes wrong with him..." He huffed.

"Yeah.... Dont wanna have everyone go out if he's still gonna be out of commission... Least he isnt going through radiation poisoning... From what Twily made me read on it after explaining some lore from Nukes galore he'd mostly be weak, puking and losing his hair... So far only one of those but he's good there..." He looked to Soarin who looked almost as if he were nodding off at the door. "Thinking for just tonight nobody needs to be on watch... need to move a bed or two in front of the door and just sleep then... Gives us some much needed rest, we're protected, if anyone does try to get in we just show we arent to be messed with."

"Sounds good there... I know we've been taking turns on shifts but should at least sleep as best we can just maybe make sure we have someone sleeping closer to the door to warn everyone just in case... someone who sleeps lightly maybe?"

"Only one who sleeps kinda lightly here is Ryder and he's in no condition to fight anyone or anything..." I yawned a bit just rubbing my eye, my stomach just calming for the moment from the juice. "Speaking of him thinkin' he needs some rest after that liquid medicine..." Big Mac looked me in the eye.

"Seems like a good idea for him... Ry why dont you just go find a bunk, lay yourself down, I'll find a blanket for ya... Kay?" I nodded hesitantly. "It's alright dude... Its been a day... We're here for ya if you need... Just make sure you're empty before you get yourself some rest..." I nodded more as he took my drink and had Shining help me to my feet. Went over to the back, hit the bathroom and then chose a bed closer to the bathroom just in case. I fell asleep and just stayed asleep for a while. And I mean a WHILE. I ended up waking up when it was dark. Shining, Big Mac and Soarin were all asleep, there was like... four bunks piled on the door back to back. I got up, stretched and just sat there in the dark. Barely even a week ago I was contemplating what my mother said.... even longer since when she asked what I was doing even though I was a General, keeping my family safe and what not... But I never got a chance to tell her.... to say I was gonna be setting my weapons aside until I needed them.... that I wouldnt be getting myself into danger unless absolutely necessary... I could still hear her... Just telling me she doesnt wanna see me die.... that she doesnt wanna see me throw my life away all because I got cocky in a fight and fucking died because of it... I got up and just started walking towards the bathroom... Just looked into the mirror, splashed water in the face and just.... sat there breathing, trying to keep myself from crying.

I just sat there... I could just still hear all the screams, the voices just nagging at me to save them....everyone from Applejack, scootaloo and Applebloom to Dash, our friends, the Princesses.... hell... even Daring... all just screaming bloody fucking murder as if they were just on fire.... I just slammed my back against the wall and just tried ignoring them all... Just tried breathing... Nothing seemed to work. Their screams just ended up getting louder and louder before I just started breaking down... their voices just overwhelmed me... It didnt stop until I felt myself get pinned to the wall. I just looked up scared only to see Soarin just pinning me. I didnt hesitate on just tackling him crying. He just lied there.... Didnt try getting up... didnt try pushing me off... just let me cry...Big Mac and Soarin came in a few minutes later as I just cried.... Both Shining and Big Mac grabbed my arms and legs and carried me back to the bunk I was in.... Just lied me down.... Soarin sat next to me and sighed as the others went back to sleep. "...You'll see them soon enough..." He said. "...I saw what you tried earlier.... you're in pain.... but... you're almost there.... Just a little longer and you can see them again..."

I sniffled. "...I... I wanna see them now.... I.... I wasnt there... I wasnt there for the end... I couldnt save my mom.... she... she died without even knowing what happened....." I said soft as I could. He sighed.

"...I have a feeling she knows.... whether it was before or after the end... she knew you were special.... knowing whether or not you became a prince? You were her prince since she found you again...."

"...But... when we found her.... I... I failed to save her... she could've been there for days...."

"...Maybe but.... we found her, gave her a proper burial.... better we did than someone else.... We dont want kids coming up here for shelter only to find her like that.... Might make others feel better having them think the Wonderbolts are still out there somewhere.... That we didnt all die in this fucking disaster...."

"...I wish I would've.... I wish I was with my family.... sitting there... waiting for the end.... I would've wanted to fly into the fucking mushroom cloud with mom.... I.... I..." I cried more. Soarin said nothing more. Just consoled me as best he could with Big Mac and Shining looking on.

Shining came over and just moved a cot closer to mine.... just threw the blanket over me, grabbed his stuff and stayed near me.... Just rubbed my back as the others went back to their bunks. I just cried for a while longer until I fell asleep. Actually stayed asleep this time until morning... I wasnt the first one up. Last one in fact. I got up and hit the can before going outside. When I got outside there was a bit of a break in the storm. It was muggy but mostly clear. Clouds still lingered in the sky, the ground was all wet and I didnt doubt I was soaking up rads like I was swimming in a vat of the green shit. Shining was just coming from the broken buildings with an arm full of drink bottles. Water, juice, even a few beers. He sighed. "Mornin' Ryder. You feeling alright today?" He asked. I shrugged and took some of the bottles from him. "Yeah.... Had a feeling after last night... Lets get you back inside, take some meds real quick and eat something." I sighed as we went back in.

"...Lemme just... NOT take that liquid shit again.... Seems we have a window to get going here."

"I hear that. Big Mac and Soarin went down to cloudsdale, scouting around the mall. Should head down to help them, maybe see about getting something more to either protect ourselves or something. Longer we wait here, more danger they could be in." I nodded and we both went back inside. I went and changed clothes, grabbed some meds and we headed out, weapons in hand and ready for anything. Between me and Shining there was nothing much to say. I did take a second at the gate to just give my mother one last moment of respect, saying goodbye and telling her I'd be seeing her soon.

Shining and I even passed by her grave.... Just making sure it wasnt disturbed.... and if anyone did, I hope they dont meet me where I'm going... I'd rip their asses apart and I would hope that their blood doesnt stain anything .... Or if I'm told and allowed to meet with Hellfire to serve some justice.... and maybe give Berrie a visit... If she were still alive I would've hoped she got incinerated with the nuke that dropped. Either that or she would've gotten a double barrel in her cunt and her uterus in her lungs. Anyhow we walked through the ruins of Cloudsdale. I had to stop for a second and breathe as memories started flooding back. Shining didnt even hesitate to find me a soda to drink in a nearby shop that was mostly looted. The soda was warm, possibly irradiated but... I drank it like it was normal... though it was diet.... Wont complain. That didnt last long. Few gunshots broke out and I had to throw the thing down to spring into action. We ran quickly through the shopping center until we found Big Mac taking cover. We got just across from him by a streetside where we could hear yelling. I couldnt make out what was being yelled but I had to just make sure it was clear to go. Would've even done suppressing fire. And if the ballsy asshole inside me didnt wanna die going out in a blaze of glory I wouldnt have done this. I backed up a bit and just gave Shining a count before I flew up onto the roof and just got into position by a sign. I didnt hesitate from popping up and taking a few potshots at them. Few Griffons now raiders. I watched them scatter for cover. Think I even clipped one. I hopped down just keeping my gun aimed in their direction as I backed up towards my friends. Big Mac huffed as he came to my side. "Those sonsabitches got Soarin! Just took him hostage and nearly fucking killed me!" He said.

"You see which way they took him?"

"They just put a fucking gun to his head, I pulled on em and they ran just trying to shoot and protect my own ass!"

I looked to Shining. "You make sure he's good. I'm gonna go get Soarin!" I said. Shining and Big Mac looked to me.

"You're fucking insane if you're going in there alone!" Big Mac replied.

"Better I go in there and die and you and Shining try to get your asses home! And if I do die, leave my body here and for the love of Celestia if you run into anyone we know, tell them I died protecting my mother and we were buried together!" Shining and Big Mac looked to each other. Big Mac huffed and handed me his pistol.

"You get in there, pop a few for me with this thing and I swear if you do die and AJ is still alive I'm not gonna be happy!"

"And if she is, tell her i got drunk and died in the blast!" I replied taking the gun. I cocked his and mine together and just got ready.

Shining huffed. "...Ryder you're an idiot but Celestia be damned if we arent gonna get our friend back!" He said cocking his gun. "You get in there, draw them out if you can, I'll cover you if you need to find cover." I gave a nod and just got ready to rush in. Once I did I dont know what happened. I rushed their barricade, shot out the windows that were in the shop they hid in and just.... Nothing after that.... At least until we got Soarin out of there. ...The worst thing about it? He was injured... bad... So bad that we just couldnt move him much.... So we had to hold position....Shining had to do everything he could there while Big Mac and I kept watch just in case these guys had friends out scavenging.... You can believe I didnt hesitate on setting these guys out for anyone to see. I wanted to impale one of them but both Big Mac and Shining said it would be too much... Leaving their bodies out was enough. We sat there for hours holding position. Nobody ever came back... We didnt even know how Soarin was doing until Shining came out, blood still on his hands but wiping it with a wet rag. "....Mac... Ryder... Bad news guys..."

Both Big Mac and I looked to each other. We knew right then and there what was happening. We looked back to our friend. "...He gone or... is there time to say our goodbyes?" He asked. Shining sighed.

"Make it quick..." We both nodded and just lowered our weapons. and went towards the back. When we got back there we saw Soarin holding bloodied bandages to his gut. Big Mac sighed.

"....Soarin... dammit man.... Thought you'd be coming with us to Ponyville..."

Soarin grunted and coughed. "....I... Thought I'd be there too...." He said weakly, wheezing slightly. "...Shining was doing his best... kept me here as long as he could but... I dont think I'll be making it another few hours..."

I stooped down a bit.... Just put my gun aside and just stared him in the eye... his tired, tearing eye. "Soarin... do me a favor... alright?" I said. He nodded just trying to breathe. "...When you get up there.... if you see my mother.... tell her I'm not too far along here.... and just... thank you.... for being a good brother to Scoot while I was away.... and just... if you see her... tell... tell her I'm sorry I couldnt be with her in the end...." I teared up fast and just got up running out of the room.

Shining was already washing his hands in a sink while I just sat nearby against a wall. Shining just finished washing up and just sighed before coming to my side. Big Mac came out moments later, two bags over his shoulders and my gun in his hand. He sighed. "...Guys... he... asked me to give him a gun.... he doesnt wanna suffer anymore..." He said. "...I... I dont wanna give him a gun but... if we dont he's gonna bleed out.. and who knows how long it'll be.... We do.... would we be monsters for doing so?"

Shining sighed. "...Just.... Give him one of the griffons guns.... Let him know not to do it until we're out of here...." He said. "...We're not monsters for helping someone put themselves out of their own misery.... We were planning on it when we get to home... thinking this is as close as home as he gets..." He looked to me. "...I'll take him and get him out of here... maybe see about finding some booze to give to him... numb the pain and give him the courage to do what he needs.... Maybe even give us something to drink for later..." Big Mac just gave a nod before giving us his bag. Shining helped me up and just took me by my wrist like I was a child. He didnt even give me my gun. Big Mac just kept it. We didnt get around the corner from the shop before I just broke down. Shining just hugged me.... I couldnt help but just hug him tight. "...It's alright Ryder... he helped out as much as he could... I did everything I could to save him but I'm no doctor... None of us are... he was the closest..." I... Tried saying something... but it was just... a mess of gibberish. "Hey hey... I know... Just breathe dude.... Wanna find something to destroy? Maybe that'd make you feel better?" ...I swear he was talking to a toddler... then again I've got the IQ of one... I just sniffled and nodded. "Alright... lets find something for you to destroy..."

He led me along until we found a liquor store. Place was looted mostly but there were still some bottles on the shelf. Grabbed a few bottles of whiskey. Even found a little shot for me right then and there. Burned just right. I ended up seeing a shop that I damn well knew nobody could get anything from. Shining already knew what I was gonna do. I ended up grabbing a metal bench, throwing that thing right through the front end, followed it through with my hammer just taking out part of the wall and something else? Oh I took out a counter top, impaled a chair into another wall and even took a few bottles of wine smashed them and just let out the most primal fucking yell I could before just launching a table skyward. May or may not have destroyed more but that was just fun. I just huffed as I stepped out. "Fuck YEAAAH!" I yelled. Shining sighed.

"Better?" I nodded. "Good... Now lets get back to Big Mac and Soarin... And I'm gonna talk with Big Mac... We'll stay one more night here and then get going... Wanna make sure you're gonna be good to go... Already know its gonna be a depressing night..." I took a deep breath and just nodded putting a hand on Shining's shoulder. We just walked back together. When we gt back to the place where Big Mac and Soarin were we just.... we didnt wanna go through with it yet... we knew we had to.... We all were in the room when we gave him his gun, the bottle of whiskey.... Even said our final goodbyes... We all left the room... Big Mac had to drag me out. We just started walking down the mall. Didnt take but fifteen minutes for us to hear a lone gunshot to echo throughout the area.... We knew what happened.... I couldnt even keep it together.... I had to grab onto Big Mac and we had to sit aside for a while... Just try to accept the fact our friend was gone... Didnt even take a minute for each of us to take a swig of the whiskey we had... Shining made sure we only took one drink before shoving it back into the bag.

We went and scavenged for something more than just canned foods. Ended up snagging a bag of charcoal, a coal grill and stuff for hayburgers. And yeah... I had to carry most of it. The heavy stuff at least. Shining even snagged a spatula from a local fast food place. We headed back up to the WBTF together and while they got that stuff set up I had to run out and get something that wasnt alcoholic. Found a store that had some canned drinks. Juice and soda. Grabbed a case of each and flew back... even fought the urge to drop all I had, divebomb from such a height that I'd end up being a pancake and dead upon impact. When I got back the smell of hayburgers just.... filled the air. Saw Big Mac at the grill and Shining just sitting by, watching the sun start to set. As I set everything down Big Mac looked at me. "Wanna say this is the most peaceful moment we've had since the apocalypse..." He said. "...Gonna do the same thing we did last night. We're gonna barricade the door up, I'll keep the weapons near me, Shinin's gonna be near you just in case..."

I sighed. "...Good idea you got the guns... You're more sound minded than I am... Shining...? I'm not so sure he's as strong as you but... Yeah... He's gonna be alright if I freak out... probably gonna be inevitable..." I said. "...Think we should just... I dont know... have a toast for Soarin?" He sighed.

"...Good idea.... remember all the good times we had... Maybe give us a little bit of a speech to keep going. Doubt anyone would wanna get up after today...." I gave a nod and then just went over to Shining. Neither of us said anything. Just sat there watching the sunset.... Didnt leave my mind that Soarin was probably in front of Heaven's Light, on his knees begging for a spot there.... I just hope she has forgiveness for what happened to the world she helped create.

I went and flew around for a bit.... Acted like I was practicing a routine... Mom and Soarin were somewhere around just either watching me practice or getting ready to help me with movements... Kinda distracted me for the moment.... It was only until Big Mac flagged me down that the illusion went away. I landed and Shining tossed me a can of juice. I caught it and just cracked it open. Shining just held a few plates with food on em, one for me. "So... Prince.... Got anything to say?" He asked.

I took a deep breath and gave a sigh. "...This world that was born hasnt been kind to us.... Sleepless nights, death and destruction all around... yet we've made it this far..." I said. "Not our finish line that we wanted to reach but.... The loss of Soarin revealed this was his home... his finish line as well as my mothers... Their lives, images and deeds are symbols of this place... Hope it goes on for years to come here.... But here isnt our goal. Our goal is as close to home as we get! Whether it be dying fighting raiders or falling to our own weapons when we finally give in to the world we wish not to live in. I propose a toast. For those who survived, those who are trying to survive and to those we have lost. Soarin was a great friend, even greater brotherly figure to both me and my sister while I was absent.... If not for his bravery and being at her side I wouldnt have felt the comfort of her upon my return... Will I know that comfort again? Maybe not in this life but the next.... and until then we must keep pushing... Not for ourselves but for them!"

"Here here!" Shining said.

Big Mac raised his drink. "Agreed. For our friends and family!" He said. Shining handed me my food and we just took our things and just sat off to the side to eat. Almost didnt wanna eat because of Soarin but... Shining just had me eat no matter how much I didnt wanna... and holy FUCK did it taste better than lukewarm canned veggies. That night I just couldnt get to sleep right away... Shining slept near me, Big Mac was towards the front with all the stuff.

I got up and went into the bathroom. Didnt freak out this time but... I just still didnt feel like Soarin was gone... Like something was off somehow. I looked at myself in the mirror. "....Soarin just... He cant be dead..." I whispered to myself. "...I just.... Dont feel like he's gone..."

I heard a sigh that just startled me a bit. I only turned around to see Shining. "...Well... He is believe it or not..." He said. "....We all heard it... all saw the wounds he got... Even he knew he wasnt gonna make it even with his wounds...."

"I know but.... Just... Something about this doesnt feel real.... Like he isnt gone..."

"...Might just be your mind making you think he's still around here somewhere... Now either use the can, and get back to bed or just get to bed now.... I wanna get out of here early tomorrow...." I just nodded. He went and turned back into the sleeping area. I followed about a moment after. I questioned it still even while I slept... Didnt get the most restful of sleep. It just sat in my stomach like bad food but it didnt make me nauseous thankfully. That next morning we all popped some pills and just went out with our stuff. Even paid my mom one last visit before we moved on. We just moved slow... Kept scavenging, making sure there wasnt anything else around..... and even then Shining still had us check where Soarin was.... He went in alone and confirmed he was still there. Just to be sure nobody would find him that would recognize him we went and found a gas station not too far off from the mall.... Just piled the dead bodies from yesterday inside and lit the place up. Didnt stay long to smell the burning flesh of corpses. Just made sure that things burned. Even then we had to go outside Cloudsdale we didnt get far before having to take shelter from rain. Wasnt heavy. Just enough to make us take cover, stay dry and warm. Place we took cover was actually in the arcade. Gave us good distractions for a while. Good thing the Bass Villain machine was broken. I would've wanted to play it but I wouldnt get far before remembering the moment where I had to be tracked down by Soarin during the reveal of my family ties with my mother... Still ended up playing alley brawlers with Big Mac and ended up just playing something else... played so much we had to find a place here to barricade. Lucky us we could bring the big metal shutters down to help. Found a managers key before we started playing. Tokens galore. But as for now... I think that's enough for right now...

Bird In The Air: Ponyville (Part 3)

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

MIA (Shining's POV)

Shining here. It's been a week since our waking nightmare that was the scenario of Nuclear Annihilation. Like... It was strange the way it happened. I just arrive in Canterlot for a celebration for one of my best friends becoming royalty, being led to the bunker, swearing to secrecy of who we found- and no I wont tell you because secret means secret to a guard.... unless you're Ryder and Dash fucked up.... bedwetter.... But we're not here to talk about that.... I was up early in the morning... Got a good amount of sleep since last night I couldnt sleep well... Twily was good enough to let me stay at the castle with Cadence for a while.... Spend time with everyone I love... even thinking about inviting mom and dad up to the Crystal Empire if they're not busy. But yeah... been up since about four... yeah I went to bed early and slept until I felt comfy there. Especially since Cadence was just extra cuddly. Either she was or I was. Even gotten a feel for what time everyone wakes up... Twily at 6, Spike at 7... Gallus later but we try to wake him up earlier. It's tough knowing Ryder risked his life... again... to save that kid... seems so happy and chipper to help out around here. I was actually just making breakfast for everyone. Even urged guards to get Gallus up around the time Spike does. Get him ready for some pancakes. I was just getting things together in the kitchen when Cadence came in stretching. I was just in sweats and a teeshirt. She was in a nightgown... Hopefully with something underneath because the last thing she needs is to trip and there's her ass on display... Yeah... Happened once before... Canterlot, we were just coming out, she forgot she didnt have anything on after uh... our lovely night and she just threw on her gown. Went down to the dining hall to meet Celestia, she tripped and well... lets just say the guard behind her was lucky to not get anything other than an eyeful. He did help Cadence but she had to just teleport back to the room. Yeah... anyhow she came in stretching and sighed. "...Morning Shining..." She said. "Getting breakfast ready?"

I sighed just making sure I had everything from the pancake mix to whatever fruit mixins I know Twily loves and even some chocolate powder mix for chocolate milk. "Yeah. Been a while since I made anything for the family... Might as well test myself, make sure I dont fuck anything up..." I said. "You sleep well hun? You already know how my sleeping has been..."

"Unfortunately... I still think they went too far with things.... Hopefully Applejack at least apologized for yelling at Celestia and Luna..."

"...I spoke with Celestia after we left. Just texted her and she said the yelling at was deserved but she did apologize when Ryder was napping... Luna actually told me she found Ryder crying from a nightmare... I really hope he's okay... He's been through so much..."

"Maybe you could check on him... Go out to Sweet Apple Acres, spend some time with him. I can go out, watch the fillies and that adorable foal he has!" No lie here, Cadence actually wanted to talk to me about having a foal... not interested in the slightest and she knows...

"Good idea.... Almost wish we could've brought Rocky along. Probably would want to be there for Ryder... Doubt any of the guards around here would care that she's with us..." Yeah... When we went to Canterlot for Ryder's wedding she had to be under guard by Cadence who while I was out vowed to just kick anyones ass who wanted to harm her... Even she had to watch Applebloom even at that point we didnt even know... Twily knows about Rocky and trusts her but the other guards are a different story... Lucky with the Crystal Empire guards she's safe... even brings up morale when shes a bit hungry. All she does is hug them. Make sure nothing ever happens more than that unless its with someone we trust... Ryder specifically since he's the only one she would allow. Anywho Cadence huffed.

"She does need to get out more.... With us, nobody should be afraid of her... She still changes form to 'Shadow' when we're out so she doesnt scare the kids but yeah... Agreed." I looked to Cadence.

"Wanna go make sure Twilight's getting ready? Should be up here soon. Gonna at least get the coffee started for her." Cadence nodded and just teleported out. I will admit she's probably the best at waking Twily up... I hate doing it because one time when we were younger I woke her up and uh... Well she may have had an accident because she was having a nightmare... Safe to say dad had to help me get her bedding to the washer. I said NOTHING about that. Anyhow about ten minutes later I just had everything starting. Half a stack of pancakes, coffee machine brewing, bubbling almost and even had some tofu bacon ready. Ryder tells me he cant eat this stuff anymore because of something that happened while he was out at war. Food poisoning. Dont blame him.

Anyways After a while everyone was in here. Twily, Spike, Cadie and Gallus. All of them sat down at the table and just waited to be served. Breakfast was nice. Ate actually felt like a family... Albeit with a dragon and a griffon kid.... But adoptive families are nice especially when you got some who cant conceive... guessing Ryder's late parents were a good example before they had Scootaloo. But anyways after breakfast I got changed into some street clothes... Jeans, flannel shirt and my guard boots. Cadie got into some jeans as well, sneakers and a tee shirt. Last time we were at Sweet Apple Acres was when Ryder was on his mandatory vacation and she wore her gown and when she saw all the dust that was on it from watching the fillies run about it just.... Oh it took a little bit to clean her dress and get any discoloration from the first wash fixed. Anyways we loaded in to a transport. Just me and Cadie and a few guards in front. The drive through town wasnt interesting. Few ponies were curious but they knew they couldnt get close. Just waved hoping they got a wave back. Tinted windows on transports are nice. When we got to the orchard something felt off but we just couldnt figure out what it was. As we pulled up we saw Big Mac just pacing back and forth outside the house just beyond the porch. He was still in his pajamas. I just held a hand up to Cadence meaning 'wait' and I hopped out. He looked up and saw me before just rushing up to me hugging me. "Oh thank the fucking goddess you're here Shinin!" He said sounding panicked.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"No everything is NOT okay!"

"Calm down what's going on?!"

"I... It... He..." He was just starting to breathe heavily. I grabbed him by the shoulders and led him to the transport.

"Here. Sit down with Cadence, breathe... I'm gonna go ask Applejack... And do not talk back to me. Please." He nodded and just took shakey breaths... It looked as if his sleep was broken sometime during the night. I just opened up the door and just looked to Cadence who looked worried. "Here. Just... Sit with him, calm him down... Gonna go ask Applejack what was going on..." She nodded and just lied Big Mac down. I closed the transport up and just hurried towards the door. Threw open the door to the patio and just quickly knocked on the door only to hear screams coming from inside and a foal crying. "Girls! Girls its Shining! Let me in!"

I waited a moment hearing stuff being moved. The door cracked open a moment and out just popped the barrel of a gun. Attached? Applejack. Still in her pajamas, scared, looking as if she'd been crying. "...T-Tell me somethin' only the real Shinin' would know..." She said. I just put my hands up.

"...Applebloom... she... she was molested by a changeling at my wedding... we found out when you came to the castle..." She just lowered the gun and opened the door more hugging me just breaking down. I carefully stripped the gun away, taking the clip out and clearing the chamber with my magic before just sitting her down on the chair. "...Hey hey... Tell me what happened... Where's Ryder?"

"...He... He got up last night... told me to just go back to sleep.... Woke up this mornin.... He... He just up and disappeared... I... I... I tried... hiding it from Scootaloo... girl's smarter than she lets on... just... Dont know where he went... what happened... He... He's just gone...." I sighed.

"Go get your brother from the truck.... Have him and everyone in here pack up.... get to the castle... Have Twilight call all your friends together... Gonna get you guys out of here and someplace safe... I'm gonna find Ryder... Bring him back wherever he is..." I stepped aside... Just kept her sitting there. I took the gun, clip separated from it over to the cab of the transport. The guard rolled the window down and I just set it inside. "Ryder's personal piece. Put this somewhere safe when you get back to the castle. I need you to make a call, get guards out here, get this family out of here and back to the castle safe, get all of them and their friends safe at the castle and lock the place down until told otherwise!" He nodded just as Cadence stepped out with Big Mac. I looked to her. "Cadence get back in there, send Big Mac in to get bags together! We gotta get you safe!" She didnt question it. Just hopped back inside and getting Big Mac out. He just rushed the house and I just started patrolling. Just teleported myself up on the roof and started looking around. Found some white feathers... Ryder's definitely because from something I remember from Fluttershy's uh... interesting stories... about her animals white feathered birds arent native to Ponyville though some do live in Everfree.

Took maybe about ten minutes before everyone was coming out of the house, bags with them. I had to teleport down, make sure they all got in. Before everyone was in Scootaloo just hugged me tight... she wasnt crying but... I could tell she was scared. I just pried her off and knelt down to her level. "...Please... Find my brother.... I... I want him home!" She said. I sighed.

"I'll get him home no matter what... Just get in that truck, be strong for your family and just make sure you help anyone you can with anything... And please make sure Applejack eats something... I know how she is under stress..." She nodded and I just loaded her in and closed the door. I just tapped the door on the cab and off the driver went. I pulled out my phone and just started calling my sister.

It took a few rings before she answered. Honestly hurt the way I actually had to do this. "Shining? What's up? Ryder freaking out after what happened?" Twily asked. Yeah... she was referencing the scenario we went through.

"No Twily but we have a big issue. I've got Applejack, Big Mac and the girls on their way to the castle along with Cadence. Something happened here and I need you and your friends to be safe."

"What's going on with AJ and her family? IS RYDER ALRIGHT?!"

"I dont know Twily just please calm down and just... Send me a truck with some gear and someone who can help track if you can. Ryder went missing and I'm not sure where he went or who took him... Just hoping he's alright... You just get your friends there and... Just in case... get a changeling test ready..."

"O-Okay... What about Gallus? We know nothing about him!"

"Just explain to him what's gonna happen, tell him to stay calm and if you need just have him in his room under watch by guards who are to lead him anywhere he needs inside the castle and under watch. Now I have to go... Send that truck to Sweet Apple Acres. I'm gonna be checking out the house, see if I cant find anything..."

"Alright... Stay safe Shining... Give me updates if you can...."

"I'll try. Just... stay strong for his family's sake.. AJ's really scared... even pulled a gun on me..."

From there I just hung up and went for the house. When I got inside I saw all the windows darkened with the shades pulled, stuff put in front of them, the door had some stuff barricaded against it as well... makes me think they sent Big Mac out to have a look around and locked his ass out... I just carefully sidestepped things. Toys, pillows, blankets and bits of baby stuff littered the floor. I could only just look around making sure I wasnt just gonna be ambushed. Hell I even checked the attic to be sure. Still was set up, ready to have sleepovers in here. TV and game console set up, sleeping bags along the wall and an electric lantern that Princess Luna got the girls when they decided to show Ryder and Big Mac what for when they didnt believe them about something. I went over to Ryder and Applejack's room after that and just looked around inside. Even checked in their closet... it was made as a little shelter just in case someone broke in. That and extra storage for everyone. Nothing. There were clothes all over the floor some were actually closer to the window. I checked. Definitely Ryder's. Boxers, pajama pants and a shirt. Guessing he got dressed to go out last night... but why in the middle of the night? Didnt have time to think. Had guard trucks coming up the road. I just teleported outside and just waited as they all parked around. The first guard who got out ran up and saluted. "Orders sir?" He asked.

"I need everyone here searching for clues on the wherabouts of Ryder Wheeler. Went missing sometime during the night. Weird thing was he got dressed before going out it seemed. Had his pajamas thrown into a pile... While everyone here is looking for clues I need to head back to the castle, get info from the family." I looked around and just saw Ryder's car. Always loved that thing when he drove it. "Think I just found a way to get there myself... Keys gotta be in the house... Unless he took them with him for later..." I looked back at him. "Start patrolling, I need to check something." He nodded just as I ran back inside and started looking around the house living room. Key hook on the wall, no keys that Ryder would have. Checked the coffee table, checked the kitchen counters, even had to run back up stairs. Something I missed in his room is that he left his phone too... no use in calling him... totally understandable on why AJ was so scared... didnt know where her husband was or if he was even okay. When I got outside I just got the keys from a guard and took their transport back.

When I got back guards were swarming. Had to be lead into the castle under guard protection before going up. They walked me all the way to my sisters den. Inside I just saw everyone just cuddled up together around Applejack... Big Mac wasnt in the room, neither was her daughter. Scootaloo was with Babs, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. Twilight got up from her friends, still in her pajamas and just rushed me hugging me. "Shining!" She just about yelled. I hugged her just sighing. "Glad you're safe... Did you find anything?" I sighed and pried her off.

"...something but... Where's Cadence?"

"Taking care of AJ's daughter while she just spends some time with us... Big Mac is taking a nap... apparently spent all morning freaking out... dont blame him..."

"....he needs the rest... glad Cadie is using her foalsitting skills to help out in this situation... Though I may need to pry AJ and Scootaloo away just to see what if anything they know about last night...."

"...Are you sure? I dont want them freaking out or crying because they think something went wrong... nothing did go wrong... right?"

"No. Not that I know of... Just need to know if they saw or heard anything last night.... all I know is Ryder told AJ to go back to bed when he got up last night.... Even found his pajamas in a pile by the window and a feather from his wings on the roof..."

"So... Did he get dressed before going missing?"

"That's what I'm thinking but... I just need to know what if anything was seen or heard."

"Alright. I'll bring Scootaloo out.... Then I'll bring Applejack."

"Alright.. Just stay with both... thinking they're gonna need someone..." My sister nodded and I just went outside the room just standing against the wall. A moment later she was walking out holding the hands of both Scootaloo and Babs. She sighed as she approached.

"Sorry Shining.... Babs wanting to be there for her friend..."

"No worries there... Good to have friends to help." I knelt down and looked to Scootaloo. "Hey... I have a few clues about your brother right now but I need to ask if you were up at all last night... maybe have seen or heard something... I know its hard but... take a breath... tell me what you can..."

Scootaloo swallowed a bit... The scared look in her eye just made me think of that day Ryder came waltzing in missing a wing on his homecoming in Canterlot. "...Well... I only woke up a little bit... Went to the bathroom and came back trying not to wake my niece..." She said. "...I was just gonna get comfortable when I heard Ryder's and AJ's window open up.... Heard him land on the roof, walk around a bit then fly off... Passed by my window and then I just went to sleep... didnt hear him say anything..." She whimpered a bit. Babs just grabbed a hold of her. I just sighed.

"...Its okay... you dont need to say anymore... Why dont you go back inside to your friends... did good out here... I'll find him... dont worry...." I could only watch as my sister took Scootaloo into her arms and just walked with both fillies back into the room. I heard gasps, questions and what not...

About a minute after that Applejack came out alone.... She just looked at me. I kept my guard up.... Not only because of the gun earlier... had a feeling she would've done something. "...Why's that little filly cryin...? Where's her brother?!" She asked.

"Applejack... Please calm down... I'm still investigating his disappearance. I just asked her some questions and she was very helpful with what she told me. She's just scared is all.... I just need you to answer some questions as well... From what I found looking around your house it seems Ryder was on the roof at one point and he may have gotten dressed before going out there.... the roof part is solid with Scootaloo's story. Now I need something from you if you have anything to divulge."

"...He got out of bed... told me he couldnt sleep but... that I had to go back to bed.... I just watched him get dressed and fly out... I couldnt sleep for a bit... Just waited for him to come back inside... passed out... all I know..."

"Any reason he'd go out on the roof?"

"...Mostly to not disturb me... might go out and talk on his phone with Gilda... Dash tells me Gilda's not even in town. Out in Manehattan doin something..."

"...When I looked in your guys room, his phone was still on the charger... couldnt have gone into charge his phone and then fly off..."

"...Dont have his phone, just went off without as much as a 'be back' or at least of a where he's goin...?" She just whimpered a little bit. I just opened my arms and she just rushed me, burying her head into my chest.

"...He loves you... I'll bring him back.... you have my word.... We'll find him no matter what... He's royalty now and that makes this a whole different ball game." I walked with her crying into my chest back into the room... I saw Dash over with Scootaloo in the corner just cuddling with her.... Twilight was just leaning against the wall looking at them... i just took Applejack over to her friends before just going over to Twilight.

Twilight looked to me for a moment before looking back at Scootaloo and her cousin. "...Anything?" She asked.

"...He definitely went somewhere last night... more than likely left his phone so he wouldnt be traced it seems... Scootaloo told me he was up on the roof and flew off... Applejack just told me he just told her to go back to sleep... makes me think he saw something and wanted to go out and investigate but be in something that would keep anyone from thinking he passed out somewhere in his pajamas...."

"...Maybe... but why would he go somewhere in the middle of the night and not tell anyone...?"

"Dunno... He does slip off at the worst times it seems..." I just looked around at everyone... AJ was just in the middle of Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie being consoled, Babs and Sweetie Belle were just watching TV... But I noticed Applebloom sitting at a table struggling to stay awake. "...Hm... Might have another filly to question... Probably might need to get her into a bed to sleep... Maybe get some info before she sleeps..." I walked over to the table with Twilight in tow. I just knelt down resting a hand on Applebloom's shoulder. "Applebloom? Are you okay?"

The little filly let out a yawn rubbing her eyes. "...Yeah... just tired is all..." She said.

"Up late last night?" She nodded. "...Can I ask something about last night...? After that we can take you for a nap... Maybe see about getting Scootaloo and Applejack with you to be comfortable. Alright?" She nodded. "Alright... when you're ready..."

"Well... I... I havent been sleepin' well lately... Just... kinda busy thinkin' bout Diamond... Was sitting at the foot of my bed and just saw two shadows going into the trees... Wanted to go downstairs... tell Big Mac... But somethin' told me to just leave it be... and if they did do somethin' Ryder'd give em what for.. Just went and climbed into my bed and slept...."

"You remember which way they went when you were looking out the window?"

"...I... I think it was towards Everfree... Remember going that way when we ran off but dont really remember... got scared of somethin' that day and we ran everywhere... Just went off that direction and just... Yeah... Musta went off that way... why I aint got a clue..."

"Thanks for that Applebloom... You wanna just go with my sister now to your room to get some sleep?" She nodded. I just watched as Twily picked her up and just started out. Couldnt help but just see mom carrying Twily herself to bed... I can still remember a time where Twily fell asleep on the floor reading one night... Mom and dad kept telling her to get some sleep... Next thing you know she does but... then that happened. It was cute. Anyways I left a few minutes after that. Just got on my phone and just looked at an air view of Sweet Apple Acres. Ryder's room was closest to the road leading in, Scootaloo's to the side and Applebloom's and I'm also assuming Big Mac's being on the same side downstairs at least. Knew where I'd have to go, what to do. All I needed was to change into something that was more suited to go into Everfree. Had to go grab armor, get something breathable and versatile to wear.

As I came out of the armory I was found by Cadence. She just had her arms crossed, dressed back in her royal gown. "Anything yet Shining?" She asked.

"Got info from the girls.... Scoot and AJ are wrecks about Ryder... dont blame em... But thanks to Applebloom I think I've got a direction to go... Something made Ryder get dressed last night and go out on the roof, then fly off.... Thinking he walked off the orchard with someone, kinda frightened Applebloom... Taking a nap right now... Should actually get Scootaloo and Applejack into a bed to sleep..." She sighed.

"I'll handle it. Just... Please be careful out there... Take some guards with you as back up... Rather you be safe than lost out there too...."

"I'll do that. Have Twily give me information on anyone that can help if possible."

I swear if Twilight were any sneakier I'd have a heart attack. Fucking just teleported right to the side of Cadence making us both jump back a bit. "Well I've already got someone on the way." She said. "Someone who knows everfree inside and out. Already sent transport to her home and she should be at Sweet Apple Acres soon. Go get your transport and get out there...." I nodded and just hugged them both before going for my transport.

I hopped in the drivers seat and just pulled out of the garage. Almost immediately I started the siren. Though as I drove I failed to notice something... or someone... in the transport with me. Just glanced into the mirror and just went for the gun I had strapped to my hip. "Stow it. Not here to hurt ya." A stallion said. I checked the mirror again as I blew through a light. The same eye patch wearing stallion I saw at Ryder's wedding. Mythic. Black armor and I dont mean bullet proof vest.

I huffed. "I'd ask why you're here but considering last time I saw you I think you're here to help me find Ryder..." I said.

"Aye. If he goes missin' expect me to be there to find him..."

"And you couldnt do this yourself?"

"Nope. Cant be asking about a stallion that's gone missing and nary a question to who I am in relation to him... Those who know are either dead or should think I'm dead... And yet that fucked weddin' was somethin' I didnt think I'd even think of again. Think you remember Spitfire screamin' bloody fuckin' murder dontcha?"

"Couldnt get that image out of my mind."

"She's one who is supposed to think I'm dead.... That boy is the result of what I did to make her scream and to make her think I'm dead... Wont say what. Now... What information do ya have on where my boy went?"

"Guessing you werent inside listening?"

"Nope. Celestia specifically told me that if I contacted Ryder or his friends that I do NOT go anywhere near his sisters or their friends... Didnt help when they went and got themselves kidnapped... Good reminder to never piss Ryder off by hurting the ones he loves...."

"And dont I know that? He can destroy anyone if they give him a reason to..."

"And the fuckers who did take his sisters gave him more than enough reasons... Now... The information??"

"...Sometime during the night Ryder got up possibly to a disturbance which woke up his wife... Told Applejack to go back to bed, then flew out to the roof. Scootaloo heard him up there and saw him fly down to meet with someone and Applebloom says they went off towards Everfree... Hoping that we're not gonna have to search all of Everfree... dont have the manpower nor the time to do so... or even the resources..."

"Nor can I.... And yet it takes three soldiers under my belt to take down a band of mercs who threaten the very lives of neighboring countries either for profit or for the gain of someone who will give them that profit." I turned down towards the outskirts. "Took more than that to save me but that was something more on the lines of a Princess being captured... Everyone on alert, do whatever it takes...."

"And Ryder's in the same boat. Take it you're willing to risk your ass to find him?"

"Did we take C4 to the streets of Canterlot and banish a shit ton o' changelings?"

"...Can definitely see where Ryder gets his sarcasm from..."

"And I see where he got his start... now put it in gear, stop off just before you enter the orchard, let me out and get in there. I'll meet you after you've got contact with your lead."

"And here I thought you didnt know what was going on with the mission..."

"Ah button yer yap lad."

Couldnt help but have a chuckle as he just sat back and grabbed a drink from the cooler. Even passed me a soda which I downed as I was slowing down before the gate. I hopped out real quick, let him out but just watched him disappear right as he stood in front of me. Heard the fence just creak and just saw dust fly up as he ran through the trees... at least that's what I'm guessing. I hopped back in the truck and just went drive down the road. As I pulled up I found two guards standing with a zebra mare. Not only did the stripes give her away that she isnt from here but it was her clothing. Brown rags caressed her form, small polished and shapely stones hung from her neck along with what I'm thinking are teeth from animals... I pulled off to the side and hopped out. I just walked up to the guards and motioned them to leave. They did just as the mare looked to me. "You must be Shining Armor, the brother of the princess and protector from anyone who wishes to harm her." She said extending a hand. I shook it. "My name is Zecora, medicine mare of the forest Everfree, potions and trinkets are there for magical emergency."

"Nice to meet you. I wish this were under better circumstances but Twilight tells me you can help me find my friend who lives here?"

"I take it Ryder you mean? You know he once turned into a mare with a mane with a mighty sheen!"

"Uh... yeah...? I might need to ask him about that later but would you like to know what info I have?" She gave a nod. "Sometime during the night Ryder got up and left the house via his window and onto the roof. From the roof he went down to the tree's over here." I just pointed off to the side of the house where Scootaloo's room was. "And from there he walked towards Everfree from what Applebloom was telling me."

"So this stallion goes missing and you need a mares help pulling her away from making an antidote from animals that make hissing?"

"Unfortunately yes. None of the guards, not even myself know Everfree all that well and you should know we try to stay out of there unless its to help aid against the creatures within."

"I accept the job, but will require a favor. Ingredients needed for mare came to me for what a curse gave her. Ingredients I can not get myself because racist shop keeps wont let me, all I need are disinfectants in bottles of three. Better to stock up than have none, some for potions others for injuries either idiotic or unlucky for all and anyone."

"Fair. After this is done I'll help with that... might need you to point out the guy so we might have a talk. Now we have a friend of mine who's gonna be meeting us somewhere near the border of the homestead. He's gonna help us find Ryder and uh... He's just in a mood considering his relation to Ryder..." She nodded. I just started for the tree line just straight out from Scootaloo's window. I glanced back as we started following the trees around the house. "Since you know Everfree any tips you'd wanna share?"

"The foliage and fauna are very calm but dangerous, heed the warnings I say or suffer wounds that can be gangrenous. Most plants are safe to touch but Joke can do little to much. Floppy horns, deep voices and mini mares to be sure, your sister and her friends had to endure." I hummed.

"So... If I understand you right... and it is honestly kinda hard to do so... Sorry... But if I really do understand just listen to you when it comes to dangerous things like plants and animals and definitely stay away from this 'Joke' stuff eh?"

"You understand well, heed my words and not go through your own hell. When Ryder came to my abode I offered to Twilight to lead him well. Unfortunately he did have an unfortunate fall, joke he landed in but lucky he was that he didnt get turned to the size of a ball. I do apologize for my rhymes. Cursed I was back in time. Too late to reverse. Sounds as if I've rehearsed."

"Apologies for that. Lets just get on, find Ryder fast... Sister and his wife arent doing so well without him..." She nodded and we just walked into the trees looking as if we were going back towards ponyville almost. Just actually like we were walking off to the left of it.

The walk was kinda long. Actually found a footprint that looked like the bottom of Ryder's favorite sneakers. Meant we were going in the right direction. Took us about a half hour though to reach the fence that separated Everfree and Sweet Apple Acres. Sitting on the fence was Mythic just messing around with a device on his arm. He just looked up at us and sighed hopping up. "Took your sweet damn time didnt ya?" He said.

"Well sorry I had to make sure my contact knew what she was in for."

"And she is?"

"Mythic, Zecora. She's the one who's supposed to be leading us through Everfree, maybe even helping find tracks if she can. She does have some rules that you're gonna have to listen to-"

"What? Dont eat the fuckin' berries off a plant that growls atcha?"

"...No but you HAVE to listen... I dont wanna regret taking you and if something happens to you while we're on this I'm taking this to Celestia... I know she can do something about you... I know Ryder would but with what he's got going on I dont think he'd be in the mood."

"Say I dont. What happens."

"You get sick, you die. Good enough?" He stayed silent. "Thought so. Now if you wanna back out, here's your chance. Otherwise you're with us until we find Ryder."

"...Guess I'm staying... More eyes, less chance of your sorry ass getting hurt...." Anyhow we just hopped the fence and just started in, Zecora just starting to lead us. While we walked I was just jumping over hurdles into my mind on why Ryder would just up and leave in the middle of the night... I know he goes onto the roof for phone calls if he cant sleep or if he just wants to be weird and piss off the roof.... and yeah he has done that before... I remember back before he had to move in with his family he used to get together with Big Mac and I to drink... He had a few in him, ended up pissing off the roof because he could. Lucky him Applejack and Applebloom were with my sister. You can bet I cut him off and just had him lie down on the couch. Least he listened unlike Big Mac that one time... Like SERIOUSLY... Boy was so fucked up he just couldnt see straight, couldnt think straight and when he woke up after Ryder knocked his ass out and took Applejack, he couldnt piss straight.

Not gonna lie I felt a bit out of my element in Everfree... I know more about trudging around in snow storms to help ponies get off the street in the Crystal Empire than surviving in the forest... then again I feel like survival skills were more tested in my own mind with that test we were put through. Kept my eyes to the trees, Mythic kept his eyes down low. Had to take the occasional look down just to make sure I wasnt gonna get trapped by a vine. "You boys seem very silent. I really do hope neither of you are thinking violent." Zecora said. "Two soldiers at my side yet neither of which are from my pride. I'd think you two would talk more but to me you're a bit of a bore... Sorry to say with that, just trying to chew the fat."

I sighed. "Sorry Zecora... Guess we're both a bit on edge." I replied. "Ryder... He never just disappears like this without saying anything... and the last time he did disappear like this we nearly thought he got cold feet during his wedding."

"Understandable there, just keep watch so nothing raises hair. Need to check for clues, tracks, direction, running queues..."

Mythic looked to me. "Goin' high or low? Good with climbin' here but my legs aint what they used to be... Ask Ryder sometime after we find him." He said. I just sighed and started looking to the trees. Just teleported to the sturdiest looking branch I could just holding on to a broken nub that a branch once stuck to. Just looked out.... Saw vines hanging from trees, the root systems bulging up from the ground... Weirder thing was just seeing the birds scatter here and there.... Though... Something was watching me... And I couldnt figure where from.

I looked down a bit but back up because... Well me being a unicorn I dont do well with heights... Ryder on the other hand... I mean other than the times he's fallen out of a high spot whether it be saving his own ass or someone elses he's better than I am with that. "Mythic? You got eyes on? Got something crawling all over my back and its not fucking bugs..." I said.

"Got nothin! I feel em too. Watch for movement, I'm at your Four." I looked around and just kept eyes on the trees and just kept going from ground to trees. My eyes locked mostly onto the trees... Not because I didnt like looking down but because I had a feeling something was up there. I was kinda right... saw a shimmer of a form glimmering with some sort of active camo... I pointed out.

"GOT SOMETHING! ELEVEN O CLOCK!" I teleported over to a strong looking branch and started to relive my freerunning days. Yeah I freeran when I was younger. Mostly during my training days to build up endurance and agility, and I was somewhat good at it though. Think the last time I did it is the reason why I'm a bit.... gravity challenged.... Tried going around Canterlot, misjudged a jump from a staircase and might've really hurt myself. Think it was just landing wrong, twisting my ankle and may have just bloodied my arm up a bit. Had to just stick to running after that. I tried to keep eyes on to the form as I chased them. Went through tree branches like they were nothing, jumped through branch partings and even just grabbed on to ones a bit higher between jumps to make the other branch. Though that didnt last long. Grabbed onto a branch and just about shit myself. Had to quickly teleport myself back onto my feet just to stick the landing. I just huffed trying to catch my breath and grabbed a rock just chucking it in the direction I last saw that entity go.

It wasnt long until Zecora and Mythic were on me helping me up. "Shining are you alright? I just saw you running through the treetops with all your might!" Zecora said helping me up and brushing me off.

I brushed the dirt off my knees. "Dunno how you coulda seen somethin' lad." Mythic said. "So much shit in there I just thought it was the trees just playin' tricks on ya."

I huffed. "I know what I saw and it looked like someone invisible." I replied. "I saw them in the tree, seems like they were trying real hard to stay unseen but whatever they were using made it hard but not impossible to see." Mythic pinched the bridge of his nose.

"...O'course he still has that thing... using it to his advantage..." I nudged Zecora away and got closer to Mythic.

"Who has what? Why are they using it!" He looked to me.

"I'll only say this if you can BOTH keep your yaps shut about this shit... I'm already in hot water with Celestia for a lot of shit and I dont need more. Understand?" We both nodded. "Alright... You remember when I told you about what Ryder did when his sister and friends were kidnapped?" I nodded. "Well during that I gave him something and he went and had himself some fun with it showing why it was a bad idea to fuck with him..." He held up his wrist and pushed a button only to disappear himself. "This here's what I gave him. Guessing sometime after the last adventure he and I had he was either given or took one of these things... Fucker's definitely up to something if he's got this thing but no phone... wanting to remain hidden..." He reappeared and just looked around. "He's good. I'll give him that... doubting his is working right considering you saw him as clear as he was."

"So you're telling me that was Ryder and he's got one of those?" Mythic nodded. "...Swear the toys he gets while I'm still mucking around with my own tactics... Still a guard but a Prince through and through... guess he's still not used to the royalty..."

Zecora sighed. "Did you see which way he went?" She asked. "With that fall I'm surprised your head doesnt have a dent!" I gave a nod.

"Yeah... That way..." I pointed out the way I threw the rock. "He stuck to the trees... Thought I'd've had him if I jsut kept going..."

Mythic stretched a bit. "Guess we've got a longer walk than expected..." He said. "You good to keep going? Wont blame ya if you need to turn back."

"And not give my idiot of a friend a piece of my mind when we find him... ask him nicely WHY THE FUCK HE RAN OFF LIKE THIS!"

"You and me both...." We just started walking off in that direction. Just was pissed off there. "He has the speed unlike anything I've ever seen... Then again where he came from its understood why he is...."

"He's fast and crazy... bad combination.... Fast is good when going after someone but crazy? That comes from all the shit he does... Worst thing is he was in Griffonstone. Jumped right into the gorge, just to save someones ass and somehow he got out without a scratch on him though a few heart attacks... Kid he saved is cool, great friend to Spike..."

"Heard about that from contacts out there keeping an eye on him for me. The shit they've seen, that topped it... one minute he's there on the edge, next he's chasing after the kid, thought dead, next thing you know he's flying down from high up in the air."

"Guess we can also thank his mother for at least teaching him that conditioning..."

Zecora looked back at me. "Ryder is strong with body and mind. Stronger than a durian with a spiky rind." She rhymed. "The situation smells like the fruit, bittersweet but smelly to boot. He leaves without a word but runs from his friend... I hope we dont have a fight coming to this end...."

Mythic hummed as he just looked out to the trees. "She's right... somethin' dont add up here.... There's something going on and it doesnt seem right that he'd just up and leave with nothing and run from you when he sees you... Like he doesnt want anyone to find him for any reason...."

I looked over at him. "Yeah... Not good there....Now I've got a question for you Mythic.... That device... what can it do if me asking wont get you in hot water." I said.

"Suppose its not gonna hurt all the way out here. Still experimental. Active camo, tracking heat signatures and even to help breathe underwater.... Theres where the experimental part comes in. Cant go in water without shorting out...."

"Heat signatures huh?"

"Yep. Thing came in handy once before... Sadly this one I have is shite for the moment. Still needing repairs."

"Damn... There goes that idea...."

"Might need to scrap this for something else... Maybe promise Ryder if he comes out now and explains himself he can have it and fix his!" We stayed silent for a moment, everyone just looking high and low. Mythic huffed and kicked the dust. "Fuck... Thought that'd work... Boy's as smart as he is fucking dumb..."

"And of course he's the biggest fucking idiot we know but somehow he can just jury rig a plan and somehow it works...."

"Swear this reminds me of a movie... Only except there's no guns and we're only looking over our shoulders for fuckin' animals that want something to eat..."

Zecora just sighed. "Animals are hungry yes but we should go and get some rest." She said. "I missed my morning meal because of this and thinking feeding us should be best."

Stomach growled right on queue. I huffed patting my stomach. "...Honestly wish we could've grabbed some apples before we came in here...." I said. "I just wanna keep looking for Ryder... We can find him I know it!"

"We will find him sure but getting some food will help us a little more. Rather wouldnt pass out while looking for the lout."

"Fair fair... Just hope we can get back on track..."

"Everfree is big and wide. We should be able to find him before its dark outside. I would not want to deal with the creatures here, most come out at night and drive anyone away in fear." Big Mac told me about the Timberwolves who got to Ryder. Fuck if I hadnt gotten confirmation by my sister, Spike and the 'host of the party' we went to celebrate Ryder's new title I wouldnt have believed it to be true that Ryder got turned into a fucking Timberwolf. Thought he was just fucking HIGH. Either that or hopped up on the painkillers because Twilight told me he was ripped up pretty badly... Though I have to be proud for Spike in that moment.... strong enough to see his friend, injured, comatose and hurting. I could tell you when Twilight told me he was hurt I was nearly about to get in the chopper, fly my ass down to canterlot and grab a transport to haul ass down here. Lucky I didnt... Winds were high which made it hell to try and fly... both for Pegasai and aircraft.

"Lead on but... we should be able to find a way back to this spot... right?"

"Everfree is but a map in my mind, now come and stick close to not be left behind!" Both Mythic and I just followed Zecora through the trees. I couldnt help but look out there and think as to why Ryder ran... or if that even WAS Ryder...

I could swear we were walking for at least an hour through the trees. She must do this a lot... Mythic and I were just asking to take breaks here and there... him to take a piss and me just to sit down and rest. When we got to Zecora's hut I couldnt help but just look at everything. Tribal masks, lanterns lightening up the area, sunlight still glistening through the trees. Mythic sighed as we approached. "...Remind me to not wear this shite next time I'm in a forest to do some hiking.... Rather wear something more breathable than this...." He said.

I huffed wiping the sweat from my brow. "Noted... And... yeah... yeah same.... Only wore this to try to spend time with my friend but nope... had to go and run off..." I replied. I looked to Zecora as she was just opening the door. "So uh... Zecora... Anything we can do to just speed up the process of finding my friend?"

Zecora looked to me as she let Mythic inside. "The time it takes to find your friend will be long whether you like it or not." She said. "The worry you hold will make your mind rot! A strong will and strong mind will help you through. And with the help you offer I suppose help cooking is something you can do."

"Tell me what we need to make and I'm all over it."

"Just a stew from veggies and spices will be alright to eat. Hopefully it gives you both enough energy with your friends ass to beat. The caves of the areas are where we can look but with the animals, a reservation they might book. We disturb their homes and we might be on the menu, hoping we wont need a limb old or new...." I honestly felt that. Do NOT wanna find any caves that are occupied nor do I wanna disturb any inhabitants if we do find them.

Anyways prepping for the stew was quick. Just got some stuff together, chopped em up and dumped into a pot. After things were chopped up I decided to step outside and just catch a breather. Maybe watch for anything weird. While stepping out i did notice Mythic was outside. He was just looking at his device, checking out the inside of it. He looked up at me as I just came to his side. "Soups on I take it?" He asked. I nodded. "Just call me in when its ready... Gotta figure out if I can fix this thing to help with our search...."

I sighed. "Zecora will do that. I just.... I kinda need a moment to breathe..." I said. "You holding up alright?"

"Yeah... Think time is catching up with me.... Starting to feel the ache in my old bones... Then again my legs were broken in several places some time ago... Little help here and there, some rehab and pain killers and I'm back on duty but only light recon until I'm back to full force... Little shite we're followin' dethroned me and I cant exactly be mad."

"....Dethroned huh? Guessing even though he has his new title he isnt exactly away from guard stuff..."

"Just because you're a prince dont mean you're not gonna do guard stuff every once in a while... I mean what're ya doin' now lad? Searchin' for your wifes lost puppy?"

"...Fair point... guess once a guard always a guard...."

"...Guessing that's meanin' once titled something it sticks?" I gave a nod. "...Well I'll agree with ya. Fuckin' son o' mine kept calling me a rapist... 'course that's what he came from... Raped his mother... wont hear the end of it... not from her, not from him..."

"Makes a whole lotta sense why you and him have the relationship you do.... and with how he protects his family I'm surprised you're not dead."

"Makes two of us. He tried but I was faster. Beat the everlovin' shit out of him when he tried to defend his home from me, an unknown entity... All I wanted to do is talk and yet he got the instincts going... Regret? Both ends. I regret hitting him and he regrets trying to hit me. Guessing one reason he didnt kill me is because I do more to protect him and his family than he knows. Round the time I wanted to talk, two ponies were gonna target his family... sister mostly... Rather it looked like an accident they died rather than have them experience what he does... One crushed under his own car while he was fixing it, the other I had to get creative. Kill the guy first, with a shot to the head, burn the place down but I really had to make up something... Too close to neighbors so they'd smell the gasoline and too suspicious if they see someone coming in with a gas can... old lady was across the street during the days, neighbors partying into the night... Smell of that guy hit hard while I was trying to get the damn place to spark up.... Had to do something with the stove and a few flammable objects."

"You kill but everyone else is your cleanup crew... That and you gotta make sure no tracks are left..."

"You're gettin' it... might not be the whole picture but you see it..."

"Guess all if not some of those reports in every city of suicides or house fires are your guys doings?"

"Some. Most of the shit we dive deep into never makes news nor does it see the light of day. If it does, we dont see the light of day."

"So if Ryder gets caught doing this shit he could die?"

"Boy's been near death a lot of times... And if he's found out he does have friends in low places who can help wipe his face from every point it pops up. Not us doin' that there. That kidnappings I told ya about? Sisters taken, left a bloodbath in his wake... Apparently sometime after his foal was born, ended up going to Ikkebuckero. Found a group who are somewhat mercs... Give a lot of trouble to the gangs out there from what I got... Ryder befriended them, risked his own ass to return something to someone there and if he needs them they're there. Motherfucker's got an army and a half behind his ass..."

"To kick or protect? I'm in both parties now since his fucking dumbass ran off..."

"Thinkin' you're more the party to protect considerin' you're out here...."

"Well I'm gonna kick his ass too. Hopefully he's gonna come to his senses and come back.

...And you know if Ryder was an assassin we'd both be dead. Just hands on our shoulders making us both just brush em off and get into combat stances. Laid eyes right on him and he was just ready to defend himself. He looked tired, his mane a mess. He was dressed in jeans, a combat jacket with the sleeves rolled up, his pants torn a bit and boots muddier than the orchard after a rainstorm. "And yet you two know NOTHING about what I'm doing out here yet you're following me!" He said. Mythic and I looked to each other and just rushed him. I wanted to grab him but he just threw me into a tree, while Mythic actually got a hold of him but not for long. I rushed back as he dropped an elbow on him... And He doesnt know I have a trick up my sleeve... Temporary anti-flight spell. Makes a pegasus as heavy as an earth pony making them easier to catch. He tried taking off and went into a faceplant. We both piled on top of him and I just got my cuffs out just nabbing him.

"GOTCHA! You have some SERIOUS explaining to do!"

-To be continued.

Everfree to be Themselves (Ryder's POV)

Ryder here and.... Well.... Something happened. Let me start from the beginning. We had been home for a while. I obviously have been having trouble sleeping. First few dreams were tame.... Wasteland, nuke goes off, waking up before dying or finding someone I love bleeding out... Oh goddess above Gilda was one of the first ones I was happy to see just happy enough to cuddle with her, kiss her and just act like a puppy. Oh she made me feel good. Didnt tell her what happened only that something the Princesses did scared the piss outta me... literally. First night out of Canterlot ended up taking a nap in Twilight's castle.... Lucky me I was alone but ended up pissing the bed. Anyways I was just up tonight because I couldnt sleep right. Just... felt something was off.... Didnt know what. I was downstairs just trying to get myself to sleep... had a warm cup of tea in hand slowly sipping from it. It was good tea.... even when I added just a little honey. I finished it up and just put the cup in the sink. Didnt wanna start washing dishes this late because everyone was asleep, didnt wanna wake my foal... Oh you do NOT know how good it was to hear my baby girl cry... Almost made me cry. Anyways I just crept my way up stairs. Heard Scootaloo's door open up and she just ran across the hall to the toilet as quiet as she could... couldnt stop me from hearing her though. Anyways I was just about to sit down in bed until I just felt like I was being watched from outside. I went to the window and just stared out. Nothing over the trees, nothing on the road... but I did see someone lurking in the shadows under the moonlight. I grabbed some clothes, even my shoes and such. Got my pants on and shirt without any hastle, even grabbed a service shirt to stay as warm as I can. Even grabbed a little present Uncle Orange gave to me last I visited just before I sat down on the bed but that wasnt a good idea. Applejack stirred a bit and sat up slightly looking at me as she rubbed her eyes. "Ry... The hell are you doin' up this late?" She asked.

I huffed just looking back at her for a moment as I was getting my socks on. "AJ just go back to sleep..." I said trying not to panic her. "Just gonna go for a bit of a flight here, tire myself out." Applejack didnt fight me. Just went back to sleep while I just opened up the window. Guess I didnt hear Scootaloo go back to bed. Just opened the window, looked around to where the shadowy figure went and flew out, closed the window behind me and then landed on the roof to get a better look at everything. Walked a little patrolling the roof before I spotted them. You bet your ass I flew straight for them. They gave a little scream which I QUICKLY shut down. Hand over mouth them pinned against the tree. Yet I didnt feel clothing or fur. I felt chitin. Changeling. Chitin. "...Dont scream... dont call for help... What I want you to do is tell me one good fucking reason why I shouldnt rip your ass in half right now!"

I released my hand from their mouth but kept it nearby. They whimpered, whining almost. "....P-p-please.... We... We just need help...." She said. Her rough vocal tones was a little softer, her form was thin. "Friends we've had saw you... told us where you were.... You can help us.... Nobody else we can trust!"

"....You need my help?" I saw her nod a bit, a greenish mane glinting in the moonlight. I huffed. "Fine... Just know that if you or anyone else tries to trap me like your fucking leader has I will NOT hesitate! Do I make myself clear?"

"Loud and clear! Just... Dont hurt anyone that doesnt hurt you! Please!" I released her.... Just pulled her in for a hug. She was shaking.

"Alright... anyone hurts me I hurt them... but nobody else.... Promise there...." I looked up at the house, thought about telling Applejack... dont think she'd even like that I would mention a changeling after everything they've done to this family.... Everything from molesting Applebloom to kidnapping me on my fucking wedding day. I've already gained one changelings trust.... and this one could've attacked me or had me ambushed after I came down here. I released her from the hug and just looked to her. "Better?" She nodded. "Alright... Where are your friends? What's going on?" She just beckoned me to follow her. We stuck close to the treeline staying in view of the house and making sure we still saw each other. I'm gonna be honest I could barely see her as we went deeper through the orchard. She grabbed my hand making sure I wasnt gonna get lost.

"Our leader abandoned us.... left us for dead. Chrysalis once powerful and strong lost all faith in her changelings after a drone was taken from her. Each drone she took to replace the one lost was rejected, sometimes killed.... those who didnt want to endure that ran off... Drones who were captured on your wedding day prove that your friends didnt care about bloodlust... one was frightened... horribly by the stallion in the black armor.... He put a weapon to their head... threatening to execute them if they didnt tell him where you were..."

"...he's an asshole.... When I see him next I'll get him where the sun dont shine..." She looked back at me. I could see a little glint in her eyes. "Means I'm gonna kick him square in the... uh... what is it you changelings have that impregnates?"

"I assume you mean ovipositor.... Puts eggs into females so they can be fertilized."

"That's... strange... good to know about the anatomy of a changeling... Also... are you able to see in the dark?"

"Changeling eyes have evolved over the years.... Our eyes have the ability to see in low light settings. Makes good for lurking in the darkness to ambush prey if need be. We always feed off love and whatever is given to us... You have a strong love scent around you... Made you easy to find." I huffed as she looked back to the front of us. Came to the fence and we just just climbed over or through it.

"Yeah... Guess that's why Chrysalis wanted me so bad... Full of love and just wanting it all for herself... But that drone that she lost... I can tell you she's safe. Alive and very trustworthy."

"We know... Told us the way she watched you before she came back to us. Told us the ways you actually cared about her. Made sure she was alright in stressful situations... Even how you gave her all the love she could ever want because of the longing to be with your family again."

"...She was the only one who I could get to listen... My second in command was in charge of things most times. I was either sleeping because I'd been up most days fixing things, in bed sick because some dickhead left out tofu bacon out or I was just unfit to even do anything myself because I was already planning something and it took too late into the night or I was too pissed off to even do anything because someone fucked up. Only thing is I didnt know she was a changeling... Didnt know until it was revealed and if she had planned to do anything to me she could've done it while I was weak and bedridden with either wounds or sickness..."

"And here you are with full strength, willingly following a changeling into the darkness. Not knowing a name but following nonetheless."

"I'm helping you but you know what will happen if its a trap..."

"Sorry... Just... Trying to make conversation here..."

"Try to talk about things that dont sound suspicious. I'd rather help someone that needs it but I will run back home if I need...."

"Okay but... Tell me if you need to sit and rest a bit and I shall do the same." I rolled my eyes a bit.

"Alright... Lets just stop here... gotta do something here..." We both stopped and I took my hand back. Just poked at the device on my arm and had it give me the hud. Nightvision/low light vision. I hit that and everything got brighter. Not daytime bright but bright enough for me to see things in the dark. Even my changeling guide. She was just staring at me quizzically just... questioning what I was doing without even asking. "There.... This thing can help me see in the dark and more. Just having to use this is good enough... Could even put on heat signatures just to make sure nothing we're gonna run into..." I did actually put it on as well. Saw a few things but nothing that was within danger... Surprisingly the changeling didnt come up as a warm body... Cold blooded maybe? I honestly didnt know. Maybe the chitin just hides it. Not something I'd know. We just kept walking for a while until we got into a cave. The cave was marked with torches, lined with totems. Think this was actually the cave with the fucking Timberwolves... Glad we didnt run into anymore.

As we entered I could see changelings just cowering a bit, huddling together to keep warm... Fires just here and there. Some changelings stared, others looked away. I could tell some were almost family if they were well... not changelings. I... Is that racist to say? I'm not sure... One approached us. "...A-Are you here to help us?" They asked. I honestly couldnt tell if they were male or female... voice was very raspy... like they hadnt drank anything... I gave a hesitant nod.

"What am I helping with here? Why are all of you here?"

The changeling who lead me here looked to me. "We are here because we all ran from Chrysalis." She replied. "This has been our home from some time. There is a medicine mare in this forest yet nobody goes near fearing for our lives and the safety of this hive. Some of us have fallen ill and we're doing all we can with what we know. We ask you speak with our new leader. He awaits deeper in with the afflicted."

"These afflicted arent going to infect me are they? I'd rather not be bed ridden and sick away from my family... my foal especially..."

"They shouldnt affect you unless you've eaten what they have... forest fruits are safe yet not everything is edible..."

"Okay... so... seems like poison or something.... This forest is full of dangerous fruits and animals... But... Lead me to your leader... I havent been attacked here yet so... guessing you guys just must really need my help..." We just kept going down the cavern. We passed by more and more changelings huddled together, eating food or sleeping with one another for comfort.

When we got to the largest chamber there was a section of beds near a fire... The beds were made of leaves and straw for comfort and wood for framing. Didnt look that comfortable but to a changeling... maybe... I really need to test this with Rocky. The leader looked a bit strange. Dark green chitin, lime green eyes, even a necklace. He looked at us after standing up from a changeling lying on the ground. "Ichor. Why have you brought this stallion to our domain?" He asked. "He has connections that could wipe us out! He could wipe us out himself!"

The changeling he called Ichor got between him and I. "Thorax please! He comes to aid not hurt. If he intended to hurt someone it would've been I he hurt when I encountered him at his home!" She said. "He easily could've hurt me and I wouldnt have returned! He only asks that we not hurt him since he intends to help! He is the one Chrysalis was after!" He just looked to me.

"I do know who he is... But how are you willing to help us with our issue?"

I huffed. "Your kind... Changelings... They've interfered with my life and the lives of my wife and her friends... even those who had intended to hurt the ones I love... Even taking the innocence of a filly who was only at a wedding to be a flower filly." I said. "Yet one who was sent to spy on me changed her ways and vowed to help me because I helped her. Considering I'm here willingly is a good start... the way your queen wanted my presence caused much distrust. Ichor here cares as much for the hive as I do my family. Do you not trust her word for me? Or my word that I would help regardless of what has been done before?" He just studied me.

"You at least acknowledge the prior events are more associated with the leader who ordered those to be done... Right? We are different from the hive before. We want to live with peace, maybe try to be accepted by society outside..."

"I'm willing to blame her for the atrocities of the past. You still outnumber me, you might be weakened but still you outnumber me and I know no matter how much I fought you could've overwhelmed me, hit me with pheromones and kill me. And me being this deep? Little chance of me getting out now... Especially this late at night where I'm tired and my actions might be delayed because I'm tired...."

"Fatigue hasnt stopped you before. But you are right to blame her and we do indeed out number you. But we do want peace here. No fighting. Not with you and not with others. But you understand why we need your help. We try contacting ponyfolk we get attacked because of the reputation we've had. Understandable. We've gone out under disguise but still we get too close to anyone we just come back here. Too nervous because of that reason. And that's why we need you. You can help us help ourselves." I yawned stretching.

"...I'll help but... At least let me lay down for a while... Havent slept worth of shit last few nights and tonight isnt any fucking better... Also cant asks someone for help because they're asleep... Rather would be coherent to them as well..."

"Fair. We shall spare a sleeping area for you to rest. We shall awaken you when its time to do what we need." He looked to Ichor. "Take him to your resting area, stay with him until daylight breaks."

"...At least wait until like... nine or so in the morning... Do you changelings know how to tell time?"

"We're not savages you know!"

"Apologies... Just... tired here..." I watched as he gestured to Ichor. She just nodded and took my hand just making me follow her.

I can admit I felt a bit embarrassed there. Just that I assumed that... Felt like an idiot but I also felt like I could pass right out. Didnt even know what time it was myself so I'm feeling more like an asshole here. When I got to the resting area it was more of the same yet secluded from the others. She lied me down and just knelt at my side. "I can offer to transform myself into something that might be able to provide you comfort while you rest." She said. "Anyone or anything you have in mind?" I just sighed.

"...If i had my phone I'd tell you who... Just... something that isnt gonna creep me out when I wake up..."

"Would a bear work?" I just watched as she just disappeared in flame and in her place was a large bear. Couldnt even tell it was a changeling unless you saw them change in front of you. I just sighed and shifted so she could get herself into position. I'll admit it was soft and warm... Just got comfortable and I was out.

As I slept I just couldnt help but fall into a dreamscape. Little flashback to the cave where we had to hide out from rain. I just sat there at the mouth of the cave looking out at the nuke cloud and the destroyed area. I heard a sigh behind me. Just looked back to see Princess Luna in a stable suit. "About time you fell asleep..." She said. "What had you up so late? Afraid of your dreams still?"

I sighed. "...If I told you you wouldnt believe me." I replied just looking out again. She sat next to me.

"Ryder I'm here to help you in your need to sleep. I would appreciate it if you were truthful with why you're not sleeping." I just stayed silent. Sighed.

"...Okay... Yeah... Maybe I am still afraid to sleep just to see something that's gonna scare the shit out of me..."

"Ryder you're going to be alright... Stuff like this wont happen... Celestia and I are the only ones who can give word to fire off something like that.... And even then there are safe guards for Equestrians. Bomb shelters everywhere you can think of. Everyone will be given ample opportunity to rush to their local shelters. This doesnt mean it will happen but it shouldnt... Not for a long time." I huffed.

"...Sure hope not..." I stood up. "...Princess..."

"Call me Luna Ryder. You are a Prince now after all. No need for titles." I sighed.

"Apologies... Just... Something I'm still accustomed to Luna.... But... A question...."

"Of course." I leaned on the wall.

"...When it comes to someone... a group if you will.... They've hurt you countless times by order of someone high up.... Yet one of them comes to you because they need help...No weapons, they trust you but you have to trust them.... and I know me being the secret weapon I am they know I could go and destroy them... yet they dont attack.... Still ask for help nonetheless despite me being outnumbered, easily able to gang up and take me over. Do you still help them despite past aggression?"

"I feel like you know better than I a path of peace is sometimes the best way to go. If they ask for help, you help. If they fight, you fight."

"Even if they've done things to you and the ones you've loved before?" She looked to me. Curious but.... Scared all at the same time.

"Ryder... If I'm hearing correctly... This someone you're working with hurt you and your family... correct?" I gave a nod. "They did that and they still ask for help?" Again I nodded. "I swear you are some special kind of stupid... But what I've said before rings true... You'd rather take peace talks rather than the violent route... If I suggest something here, take it to heart but only keep your wits about you. If this group does anything to hurt you, hurt them right back... And I wanna say I know who you're helping..."

"I will but PLEASE do not say anything to anyone about this! I would rather not lose trust with anyone by having guards up their asses thinking I lead them there!"

"Alright... But if this group does anything to harm you and you can fight your way out, tell us where they are and we're gonna show them not to mess with the new Prince. Now you just wake up and just do what you need to."

I gave a nod and she made things fade off waking me up. As I woke up I still found myself lying with the bear changeling... She was actually asleep. I carefully got up and stretched. Back felt stiff as well as the wings but a few good stretches I was alright. Just walked through the cave just making sure I was good. I made my way back deeper into the cavern back to the bigger chamber with Thorax. He was making sure they were all drinking and eating something. He looked up from one of his patients and sighed. "You're awake. Good." He said. "I assume you're ready to go and contact for our help?"

I nodded. "Yes sir. I'll try to be back as soon as possible... Also uh... Think you can spare something to drink at all?" I asked. He nodded and went over to a container. Just pulled out a bottle of water tossing it to me. Like clean bottled water. Like from the grocery store. I cracked it open and drank from the bottle.

"We've been collecting as much fresh drinking water as we could. Some of us have been panhandling as homeless ponies and we've been saving up enough to get something like that. Other changelings have found other methods to get fresh drinking water. Nothing that's fast but that's what we got. Helps as much as it can."

"Got a friend who does stuff like that. She basically takes water from just about anywhere, boils it in a pot or something and then just goes and drinks it. Might not be the best thing to cool down on a hot day but it works."

"Drink up and if you need to do your business please do it outside of the cave... Had to tell some of the hive to do that after they've already done it... like I'm training dogs here..." I huffed.

"Alright. Need to go out, get some fresh air anyways."

He gave a nod and just let me turn around and walk out. I'm not gonna lie... The trust with them was getting stronger... I just walked silently as I could through the cave, the changelings all over just snoozing away. Most of em if not all of them are nocturnal it seems. As I exited the cave I saw the sun coming through the trees. It was cool, there was a little fog. Not much but it was nice. Just wandered out from the cave and flew up into the trees just getting a good look of where I was. Gave some thought as to where Twilight's castle was and tried to remember where the road was leading in to Everfree. I was pretty good with distance. Blame my time in the guard. And me being a mechanic. I could drive my car all over town, say it was twenty miles, have it be there, and even eye a target somewhere... Like say Twilight's castle. From where I was, it was a good seven to eight miles away. Maybe nine. Little rusty okay? But I went and just took note of where I was. Even broke off a branch and sat it on a tree top sticking out, broken piece above the treeline. I flew towards the castle and just landed near the outskirts just walking the rest of the way to Zecora's. Though when I got there she wasnt. Thought that was weird. Just thought she was just out picking herbs and shrooms and such. Anything for potions. I just wandered out through the forest this time. Maybe about twenty minutes out I stopped hearing something... Voices. I hit the invisibility button on my elite device. Flew up into the tree and just waited looking around. That's when I saw Zecora, Shining and Mythic. They even heard me. "Mythic? You got eyes on? Got something crawling all over my back and its not fucking bugs..." Shining said.

My eyes went to Mythic who was just ready to take down someone. "Got nothin! I feel em too. Watch for movement, I'm at your Four." He replied to him. I just waited still as I could be. That's when Shining was looking directly at me.

"GOT SOMETHING! ELEVEN O CLOCK!" He yelled pointing right at me. And mother FUCKER was he fast. I didnt realize he could do freerunning through trees and such! I turned and ran jumping from branch to branch, even having to use my wings to just reach the next few branches. I did that as far as I could until I heard a branch break behind me. I just kept going. Flew up and went to find the branch again where the changeling cave was. Landed right at the cave and ran right in just turning off the cloaking device just hurrying into the main chamber.

Thorax looked to me worried just as I fell to my knee panting. Never have I been so scared to see my friend and father. "You're back? What happened? Did you come face to face with the animals of this place?" He asked.

I shook my head just getting myself to my feet. "N-No... The medicine mare... She wasnt there... but I think someone knows I went missing!" I said.

"They didnt follow you did they?" I shook my head again.

"No... Dont think so.... Ran off as soon as they saw me.... They had the medicine mare with them.... No doubt looking for me.... Goddess above if Applejack called Shining or fucking Twilight...."

"Do not let your friends deter you. We need that medicine mare URGENTLY. Without her, the affected will die. Please. Go back out there and get her! If you need to bring them as well just PLEASE do anything you can to make them not hurt us!" I gave a nod.

"Just... Just let me rest a moment.... ran a while..." He nodded and just gave me another water bottle. Happily drank it slowly before walking towards the front of the cave once more.

I rested for a few minutes before flying up once more. Just flew back over towards the road and walked back towards Zecora's. This time when I got there I saw Mythic and Shining talking about the device. I hid for a moment... Just wondering if I should even tell them... They're gonna question it anyways. I did but you already know what happened. I got my ass beat, arrested and right now? I'm just sitting here in the fucking hut telling this damned story. Shining huffed. "Changelings?! Really Ryder?!" He snapped. "Do you KNOW how much fucking trouble they could be just by you trusting them?!" I huffed shifting in my chair.

"They could've hit me with pheromone, they could've slit my throat while I had SOME sleep and the more fucking time we spend here, the more likely they could die!"

"We need to let them!"

"Shining.... If we let them die its like letting ponies in Steurope dying to a fucking plague. The cure is there but there's someone standing in the way of it. They came to me asking for help and yeah I blindly trusted them but the way they didnt kill me or fucking gas me. I'm ordering you to release me!" He slammed his hand down on the table getting into my face.

"Ryder I do not give a FUCK! If I'm being insubordinate right now. Changelings have fucking taken the innocence of a little filly, they've tried to take you multiple times AND THEY BRAINWASHED ME trying to make me marry their queen!"

"And its not their queen who needs help! They've detached from her! They. Do. Not. Follow. Her!"

Mythic sat Shining down getting up himself. "And how do we know that? This here could be a trap and ye'd be daft to think we'd fall into that!" He said. I just looked to him.

"Alright then. Dont trust me? Fucking smell me then! I'm damn sure both of you know what changeling pheromone smells like and Shining I know DAMN well you do! If I'm under the influence of changeling pheromone FUCKING SMELL ME! GET RIGHT IN THERE AND DO IT PUSSY!" Both Mythic and Shining looked to each other. Mythic just motioned to Shining who gave a defeated sigh. He just got up, and came around the table just getting close. Smelling my neck, breath, pits, and wings.

Shining gave a cough and a sigh. "Other than needing a shower... Hate to say it but he's clean...." He said.

Mythic stood up. "Then unlock him." He said. "Boy's needed for some help. Rather he help than lose trust he's gained. Sometimes the enemy needs help and for damned good reason... he's seeing it there... And if they havent done anything to him everything that has been done might've been tied to her... How else would you explain the few times he's been taken hostage? Your wedding?" Shining unlocked my cuffs and just let me free.

"...Yeah... love lustful.... when it comes to Rocky... She just takes hugs, and cuddles, even just when you gush about something you love.... Maybe the occasional watching when things get freaky but... eh... She doesnt do anything but watch..."

I stood up rubbing my wrist. "Thank FUCK you're starting to see this shit..." I said. "Now is there ANY way I could get something to eat before we go back out there?"

Zecora came out carrying a few bowls of food. Just a stew. "Weave a tail of help and worry. Now why dont you eat this slurry? If you can lead us to where they reside, and maybe we might show them they should not hide."

I took the bowl as Shining handed one to Mythic who just took it and started downing it like it was water. "Considering who they are its understandable why they hide... and I'm assuming why you're the one who they had to ask to get them help..." My friend said. "...If they arent anywhere near Chrysalis then where would she be?"

I sighed after sipping from the bowl myself. Tasted good. "Fuck if I know. She's gone, unknown where to... Might have to question some of them maybe...." I replied. "Just... gotta do it in a way that they dont scare them... Maybe Mythic just stays back from this one..."

Mythic looked to me as he just set the now empty bowl down. "Why do I need to stay back?" He asked. "Gotta be there for ya just in case they try somethin!"

"And that's WHY. Werent you the one who fucking held one at gunpoint on my wedding day?"

"It was to get them to tell us where you were!"

"You scared the absolute shit out of them and scared them to death! Would you wanna be put up execution style with a gun to your head? I can tell you ITS NOT FUN. On either end nonetheless! Would you really think blowing one of their brains all over the floor would leave you feeling good? I can tell you when I was forced to do it I fucking DIDNT feel fucking fine and god damned dandy!"

"When did you-"

"When I was at war Mythic! I had to get a spy I caught stealing information. I brought him out into the fucking middle of everyone. Told them what the fuck he was doing and I blew his brains out right there for all to see. Even made it a statement to never fucking do shit like this. Could I have been court martial-ed? Oh fuck yes I thought that. I was expecting MP's to barge into my quarters in the middle of the fucking night to arrest me and ferry me back to Celestia to face judgement! I was expecting my own men to fucking come in, wring my neck because they thought he was a good guy and I was making up lies! Do not fucking tell me you'd've been fucking fine blowing some changelings brains out to know where the fuck I was! They werent hurting you were they?" He shook his head. "Then why hurt an innocent?" He just thought... looked for the words in the air... tense as it was he just stayed silent and sat back. "Now this is an order Mythic. I want you to go back to base. Maybe you can be useful. Help us find Chrysalis. Do not engage. Just report back. Have I made myself clear?"

"Y-Yes sir..." He replied.

"Good. Now move." He nodded and just got up. He looked to Zecora giving her a nod before walking out. I looked to Zecora as I got up. "Apologies for the harsh words there.... Just had to lay down the harsh truth I had to face to him."

Zecora smiled collecting the bowls. "Dont worry there Ryder my friend, I'm just glad to see you not at your own end." She replied. "Now if you've had your fill I do hope we can meet your new friends still." I gave a nod and got up just patting Shining on the shoulder as we left. We did have to wait for Zecora to get some remedies ready ranging from poison to parasites to even acute radiation sickness.... Yeah... No idea why someone would have that out here... And I could tell Shining was a little uncomfortable with that. I was uncomfortable as well.

I looked to Shining as we walked out together. "Ryder why the hell do you keep scaring the absolute shit out of your family?" He asked. "When I went to Sweet Apple Acres to visit with you and see if you were alright and yet when I get there Big Mac was outside freaking out, Applejack had a gun drawn on me and your sister was freaking out."

I huffed as I stretched my wings. "I'll take the ass kicking from the wife and Big Mac later." I said. "I already know I'm gonna have to talk to Twilight about this and I'm really hoping she's gonna hear me out...."

"If she does or doesnt is up to her but you've got me and Zecora as eye witnesses. I already know from your family to mine you're gonna catch some heat...."

"Hopefully not as much considering I havent been hurt yet.... Now stay here. Gotta get a lay of the land." ...I swear me and my big fucking mouth... I tried flying up, stayed there for a second flapping but fell straight back down into the dirt stomach first. Shining gave a huff as he helped me up and dusted me off.

"...Right... Hit you with a spell so you wouldnt be able to fly again... Forgot about that..."

"Fuck you.... How long until it wears off?"

"Well... I'm gonna say at least a day.... There's a counterspell but I dont know it.... Only ones who do are the Princesses and most guards at stations..." I facepalmed. Fucking hand against forehead, big loud slap. "Look I'm sorry I dont fucking study magic like my sister does! When we get back to the castle I'll talk with her and see if she cant teach me that spell."

"Then get Dash to go and help you test that shit.... Now why dont you go and do something to help me get my bearings and help find my way back to the cave they're in... Your magic strong?"

"Only strong enough to stop you... Lifting? Not the best there...."

"What about if I throw you? I throw you up, you look out to the forest see if you cant see a broken branch sticking out and maybe teleport yourself back down?" He thought for a moment and sighed.

"...I might regret this but we need to do that.... Run up or standing?"

"If you run up do not chicken out!" He just looked around trying to find a good point for us to do that... not much area.

"Standing it is then...." I crouched down and locked my fingers together.

"Step up, crouch down and jump when at the top. Just make sure you either hold yourself or teleport back down when you see it because I dont think a landing would be nice for either of us..." He stepped onto my hands, his hands on my shoulders. He crouched and took a deep breath.

"...I'll see what I can do... If I cant at least try to make it a soft landing for me..."

"I'll try.... On three... Ready... One... Two... THREE!" I stood up fast and just LAUNCHED him. I swear he went right through the trees and FAST! I waited a moment before he just teleported right next to me just falling to his knees. I quickly helped him back up and just brushed him off. "You good? You see where it was?" He just pointed to the trees... Guess vaguely away from where he and Mythic sat when I got here.

"...Remind me... to NEVER.... EVER... Let you throw me unless ABSOLUTELY necessary... Or if we know the water somewhere is deep enough for a high dive like that... but even then I have to want it...."

"Next time you have to use a spell like that on me PLEASE know the fucking counter spell then!" We waited a moment more before Zecora came out and just started wandering where Shining had pointed. We wandered for what felt like forever until we came upon the cave.

We got inside I can tell Shining was surprised to see so many changelings in one place and all not hostile. He didnt say anything but its like he was seeing Rocky all over the place. Actually did wanna go and spend time with her one of these days... Miss her actually. We went to the furthest chamber in just to see Thorax sitting on what I could only say his throne. He just sat there almost looking as if he were in mid prayer. I cleared my throat and he just looked up just to give a sigh as he stood... almost like me after I was done using the toilet... "By the sky and sea you're back! And you've brought the medicine mare!" He said. "I was starting to worry you had been captured and brought back to your home!"

Shining sighed. "He would've if he hadnt told me what was going on... Name's Shining... I'm the one who watches and leads your other drone, Rocky." He said.

"Ah yes... You were among the ones who freed who is now our savior from our queens captivation multiple times. To that we forgive and forget with the animosity we've had towards you and yours for this. And... Do tell the drone... uh... Rocky... Thorax says hi and that we miss her..."

"Will do but... She does still wish to stay with us... Perhaps you can send an Envoy with us back home to meet with my sister to perhaps make a treaty for peace?"

"That we will. I shall go once we treat my friends with whatever ails them.... I just... Do wish to not be harassed by guards or anyone after the moment we leave here."

I huffed. "When we get back to the homestead- which I know will be swarming with guards if this guy called everything in..." I said pointing to Shining. "...I'll say something, order them to stand down. I mean... If need be, you could change into somepony else... Just... gotta do something when we get to the castle though...."

Shining huffed as Zecora just started looking over the bed ridden changelings. "I'll handle things when we get back to the castle." He said. "Lets just make sure everyone gets their medicine there." The healing took a bit... had to drink some potions that had something about getting rid of parasites. Yeah... Guess they drank bad water so they were infected with parasites. They are required to rest for a day or so, eat lightly and hydrate with fresh water.... Yeah safe to say I'm sending Daring their way if she's available to help. That took about an hour or so before we headed out. Thorax actually had to appoint someone to watch over their friends while we just started to trek back to Sweet Apple Acres.

Zecora was the lead here. Couldnt help myself because of that fucking spell Shining hit me with. When we got to the fence to the orchard Thorax, Shining and I just went over while Zecora stayed on the Everfree side. "There we are, home safe and sound. Hopefully Ryder you'll be fine on the ground." She said. "As for your friend there, come and see me anytime for a brew, payment is usually necessary but I could use a hand or two."

Thorax smiled a bit. "I shall send one of the hive if need be." He said. "Perhaps later we can do something to help and thank you for your aid."

"Your hospitality is thanks enough! Now be ready for the road ahead. The guards might be rough!" She looked to Shining and I. "As for you two boys I'm glad nobody was mashed into paste but what happened to your friend who left with haste?"

I sighed. "Told him to rush off to do something with the Princesses. All I can say there unfortunately." I said. "You need anything from me, you know where to find me. Later on Zecora!" She smiled and gave a wave before walking back into the forest.

We just walked into the orchard... I stuck close to Thorax just in case I needed to defend him... Yes I was still willing to use myself as a shield. What ever. Shining looked back. "Okay... So how do you wanna do this?" He asked. "Got guards all over the place and I know they're gonna try something and report it to the Princesses and then guards will REALLY be up our ass..."

I just started thinking. Thorax huffed. "...Is there any way I could hide somewhere so you can tell them to leave? Maybe call the Princesses here?" He asked.

"...Might work but the thing is is that this is a Royal matter... Castle is on lockdown with friends and family in there and if I dont bring Ryder there to show he's safe then they're gonna think something is up."

I snapped my fingers. "Maybe he can hide as a bird in the trees and wait for the guards to leave." I said. "Have them leave a transport for us and when we return to the castle we have Thorax in cuffs maybe as a bit of a 'prisoner' but when we get an audience with Twilight we can have him released and speak... if we can release him that is...."

"Maybe... better than just waltzing up with a changeling in tow... Guards in Equestria are still gonna go batshit over a changeling whether they're peaceful or not... Cadie and I still find changelings here and there but we've kinda warmed up to them so much because of Rocky... really would hate to look like a bigot in front of her... yet we're still trying to keep the Crystal Empire safe from hostile changelings..." I looked back to Thorax.

"Change into a crow. I know they frequent the area... Not many question birds... Just land and hide in the trees or if nobody is on the roof, land there, try to stay away from guards patrolling." Thorax nodded and just erupted in green flames just releasing a crow into the air. He stayed low until he could get up above the trees just leaving Shining and I to walk to the house.

When we started seeing the house I saw guard trucks everywhere, guards patrolling and just milling about. Few spotted us and just rushed us. Next thing you know everyone was all over us. Most praising Shining for finding me, some asking where I was at. Shining just rallied everyone together and let me get inside, shower real quick and change into something more comfortable. Teeshirt, new pants and some sneakers. Even grabbed my phone and just looked out the window as everyone started to drive off down the road, Shining just making sure the transport we had was good. When I came back downstairs I may have had to steal a soda from Big Mac to chug before going back outside to meet with Shining and Thorax. Thorax flew down from the roof and landed right next to us just turning back into himself along the way. He sighed. "...Never have I felt more uncomfortable changing into something I'm not..." He said. "I swear one of those guards knew I was here..."

Shining gave a sigh. "If they did, they'd say something..." He said. "More than likely they just saw a bird just being a bird. Lets just get back to the castle and get this done with... I'm more scared about how my sister and Cadence are gonna react with us bringing a changeling back... And I know I'm gonna have to bring you up to see everyone Ryder otherwise the lockdown doesnt come down...."

"Can I hide as something else? Maybe change into a pony who helped?"

I huffed as we got into the transport. "Nope. Castle is enchanted to reveal changelings in case of some sort of infiltration attempt..." I replied. "...Just... Gotta try with the original plan...." He nodded and just got in.

Shining poked his head in tossing me the cuffs. "When we get close, cuff him." He said. "Just stay calm, be ready for anything. Both of you." We both nodded and he closed us up. I sat back and made the cooler pop up. Thorax was just surprised by it and I just grabbed what sounded good to me. Even gave Thorax a water. Took a bit to get back to the castle. Shining gave us a little time to do something. He finished his water and set the bottle aside just to put his hands behind his back.

"There... These handcuffs are enchanted... or at least they should be enchanted to reveal changelings if placed under arrest like this... Also are unbreakable so trust me on that... Hopefully these arent too tight... Or loose... Rather this be convincing..."

Thorax swallowed. "This is to better the lives of my hive.... Scared? Yes. Worth it? Hopefully..." He said. I could only tap on the shielding between Shining and I. He made the next turn towards the castle. I can admit I was scared as well. There were still guards patrolling, in the air and on the ground. It was weird knowing they were just looking for me but to make sure I was okay... Already remember the last time I was here and they were looking to fucking kill me. We parked and I just looked to Thorax.

"Alright...Stick close to me, stay calm and no matter what anyone says, you're listening to me and Shining... Alright?" He nodded just as Shining hopped out and ran over to the door opening it for us. Thorax stepped out first and I followed quickly hearing gasps from guards looking on. I just grabbed Thorax's arm and just lead him through guards with Shining to the elevator. We were alone in the elevator which was good.

Shining looked over at me. "...Knowing them, they're probably gonna radio the Princesses and we might have a welcoming party..." He said. "Thorax, you're doing great so far. Keep it up and we might have this."

Thorax shuttered. His chitin clicked together a bit. "I.... I wont lie... it feels strange... to be looked on as I am and have everyone know what I am..." He said. "...I cant tell if i should be scared or excited about this..."

"Well we're not out of the woods yet. Stay calm there..."

"But... Arent we already out of the woods?"

I'm not gonna lie I snickered here. "Figure of speech Thorax. Means we're not out of trouble just yet..." I said. "Gonna be a lot we can teach you and the hive if you're going to be a part of society."

"Ah... okay."

We waited a bit in the elevator but... something gave me a bad feeling. I just got in front of Thorax. Waited for the doors to open. When they did we were immediately met by four guards, Twilight and Cadence. Twilight just zeroed in on me looking PISSED. "RYDER WHEELER WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING BRINGING A CHANGELING INTO MY CASTLE!?" She screamed. "Just because you're royalty DOESNT MEAN YOU CAN DO THIS SHIT!"

I just stood there. Didnt get into a fighting stance. Last thing I'd wanna do with guards and two Princesses. Shining stepped forward pushing me back. "Twilight, calm down!" He snapped. "Do you not care that I found Ryder?!"

"Not while he's got that changeling behind him! And do NOT tell me to calm down!" She looked to the guards. "Grab the changeling and throw him out!"

Two guards tried pushing past us but I grabbed em and threw them to the sides. "Disregard Twilight's orders!" I commanded. "I havent called Rogue Princess since I had to deal with Celestia's bullshit and I would rather not have to do it to you Twilight! But that doesnt mean I'll hesitate to get you to listen to us!"

"You wouldnt DARE!"

Shining got in his sisters face. "He did it before and he will do it again and as much as I'd hate to say this I'd back him up with it!" He said. They just stared each other down...

Cadence was staring at me... not mad like Twilight was... but like she was trying to understand what was going on... not knowing if she should run or stay. She looked to her sister in law and husband just giving them a concussive blast of magic to knock them apart. "Enough you two!" She said. She looked to Twilight. "Twilight, we should hear them out. Something tells me this might be a situation like with Rocky..."

Twilight looked to her sister in law. "You're telling me you're buying into this?!" She asked. Cadence merely nodded. She gave a huff looking back to me. "Fine... But if I dont like what I hear, I'm throwing both of you out of the castle, demanding Celestia and Luna strip you of your title and not even give you a chance back in the guard! Am I understood?!"

I gave a calm sigh and nodded. "Yes ma'am." I replied as if I were still General. "Twilight, I know you've had run-ins with Changelings like I have. Hostile, ready to steal love at any chance, even kidnapping and hypnosis through pheromones. Yes I went missing during the night, but that was of my own accord. I left because a changeling, one... Ichor I think... Came to the orchard to find me to ask for help they couldnt get themselves. I went to them in the middle of the night, found where they live which will stay a secret unless you agree that no harm will become of them. They had all chance to harm me. Pheromones when I confronted them, slitting my throat when I was asleep in their domain, even poisoning water that they willingly gave me to show there was no ill will with them and I and yet all things in the past that have happened to me was due to their former leader Chrysalis who has gone off the deepend, making the hive flee from her! It is my nature to help those who cant help themselves and here you are, princess of friendship, denying a potential ally the very rights you'd give anyone else in his position? If that were me in cuffs, would you not hear me out? What about your brother? What about-" She grunted stamping her foot.

"FINE FINE! You win! I'll talk with him! Just leave Shining with me and your uh... friend... and go with Cadence to find your family... they're worried sick about you!" I didnt say anything. Just gave a nod and gave Shining a pat on the shoulder before starting to walk away with his wife.

Once we were far enough from Twilight and everyone else Cadence sighed. "...Really asserting your royalty there arent you?" She asked. "I havent seen Twilight that mad.... Well... In a good bit... And even her brother getting like that... He's usually agreeing with his sister... yet there he was defending you."

"I'm glad you were at least seeing there was some sort of situation like with Rocky... Three against one really does something... Actually glad she didnt call my bluff about calling Rogue Princess."

"Very convincing to both of us. If you hadnt brought up Celestia's issue I'm pretty sure she would've... That just stays between us though."

"Agreed. Now the time I spent with your family trying to help them was a bit strenuous. Applejack refused to eat anything, Scootaloo was doing what she could to keep herself distracted, Big Mac and Applebloom were just trying to make sure they were helping with either Applejack or Scootaloo and your daughter still no care in the world.... Lucky with that though... Doesnt mean as she grows she's gonna notice daddy goes missing..."

"...You know I didnt trust those Changelings when they came to me... took it all on faith... until I was given word they needed help healing their own and that Chrysalis wasnt in the picture I trusted them more.... They let me rest and then I went out to find the help that apparently Shining had leading him... Now I'm hoping Twilight will help changelings find peace and integrate them into our way of life without having to hide..."

"You're doing great so far. Likely Celestia and Luna arent gonna like that decision but considering Rocky as evidence of your trust with changelings might help your case... Same with having to explain the whereabouts of Chrysalis... does make me think what she's even doing if she's not leading the hive..."

"Time will tell..."

We walked all the way to the den. Everyone was in there. Gallus, Spike, Gilda, Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo. No Applejack though. Surprised Babs wasnt here but that's probably because she's at her now impenetrable home... not even I could break in. Last time was the first and final straw with things there with Uncle Orange. Even had me test it. We walked in and when one noticed me they all did. "RYDER!" They all yelled just rushing me... And yeah... even I wasnt strong enough to withstand five grown mares, three fillies and two colts rushing me just to hug me.... Didnt stop Gilda from fighting them all off to slap me...

Gilda just looked at me. "That's for making EVERYONE freak out!" She yelled as I held my cheek.

I was expecting her to kiss me but Dash pushed her back just making sure nobody else wanted to do that. Scootaloo just jumped into my arms, hugging me actually breaking down. I just shushed her. "...I'm okay sis... I'm alright...." I said just starting to walk back out of the room. "....Where's AJ? She alright?" She just whined and cried over my shoulder. I sighed and just joined Cadence as we just went down the hall.

Cadence sighed fixing Scootaloo's mane. "...Poor filly was scared... Strong up until you came in I guess..." She said. "...I did urge her to take a nap but she didnt want to until she knew you were safe...."

"...Well... if she was good until I came in... I could definitely say I'm proud of her.... Such a strong girl... Definitely grew stronger since.... well... you know..."

"Both of you are strong. Showing emotion doesnt make you weak. Your actions make you weak. And standing your ground with Twilight? That took a lot of strength..."

"Strength comes in different ways. Physical and emotional. Even mental. Mentally you were both strong. Emotional too. Yet only one of you out matches everyone with the physical strength. Now come on, Applejack should be with the little bundle of joy. Hopefully napping...."

"Who? Applejack or Mash?"

"Both if we're lucky..." I gave a nod and just transferred Scootaloo to my back holding her with my wings. That filly just held on tight, head still resting on my shoulder. We walked all the way until we reached mine and AJ's room. Cadence shushed us silently as she poked her head in. She looked back at us and just motioned me in. I slowly walked in just to see Applejack and our baby girl just asleep together in the same bed. Had to have pillows propped up on either side of the little foal. Applejack was just in sweat pants and a tank top, her mane a mess. Cadence used her magic to take the foal from the bed and into her arms. "...Think this one might be ready to wake up for a nice bottle and a change.... I'll handle this... You just get ready for her." Cadence whispered. I nodded just before she walked out with the foal. I carefully set Scootaloo down but she didnt wanna leave my side.

I went over to the other side of the bed and just gave Applejack a nudge. She didnt budge for a bit... Nudged her again and she swatted at me groaning. That's when I motioned for Scootaloo to look away. She nodded and just turned to the wall, shutting her eyes tight. That was when I just grabbed Applejack's ass giving her a little tease through her sweat pants. That got her up faster than anything. And she HATES it when I wake her up like that. Yet she knows I'm the only one that will do it. She jumped, gasping and looking around panicked. When she saw me she got up out of the bed. I just had my arms wide open... Should've kept em ready for what she did next. If this were a hoofball match... she'd be getting it between the fucking goal posts... Yep... Right where the sun dont shine for me... I just fell to my knees just groaning in pain trying not to completely lose it. She just got into my face. "...I swear if I werent so glad to see you I'd ask Twilight to have your ass thrown right back out!" She said. "That hit right there? That dont BEGIN to tell you how fuckin' worried I was! WHERE THE HELL DID YOU EVEN GO AND WHY THE FUCK DIDNT YOU SAY NOTHIN?!" ...I wish I could've answered here. Pain was intense. She just stooped down to my level. "I thought I would've seen you back in that bed by mornin' but NOOOOOOOO! You had to fucking go and get yourself lost or kidnapped or something!"

Scootaloo rushed over and pushed AJ away from me. "STOP IT! JUST STOP IT!" She screamed. "He's back and yet you're HURTING HIM! WHY?! He scared us but do you see me hurting him? DO YOU SEE ME HITTING HIM BECAUSE HE DISAPPEARED?! GILDA ALREADY SLAPPED HIM AND YOU'RE HITTING HIM MORE?! JUST STOOOOOOOP!" Scootaloo broke down more just dropping to her knees at my side hugging me. Applejack looked at me and the angered expression just faded as she just realized what she did. She just backed away and ran out leaving Scootaloo and I alone... I dont know what hurt more. The fact that Scootaloo is crying after yelling at Applejack after she hit me, the way Applejack hit me or just the look on Applejack's face after realizing what she did...

I sat there for what felt like forever with Scootaloo crying... Not long later Shining came in with a team of medics and a stretcher. Shining grabbed Scootaloo and sat her on the bed while the medics got me on the stretcher and took me out of the room. They wheeled me all the way down to the infirmary where they just stripped me down and just left me in a robe and my boxers... Ice right on the crotch. Not directly but cooling. Felt a bit better. "...Now I really know I should just tell my family where the fuck I'm going..." I said to myself, wheezing a bit. "....Either that or just leave a note..."

I waited there for a while just taking the ice off my pained crotch. After that while I had Cadence come in with Applejack in tow... She just looked as if she just regretted life. Cadence just nudged her slightly. "Go on. Say it." She said.

Applejack sighed. "...I... I'm sorry I did that sugarcube... I ... I just... got scared... with you goin' out like that i just... i thought somethin' happened to ya..." She said. "...Guess my stressin' just came to a head and.... hope I didnt bust anythin...." Cadence sighed.

"Good... Now you should leave him to rest... Maybe even apologize to Scootaloo for that since she saw the whole thing..." Applejack nodded. She hesitantly approached me but stopped. I just turned away... all it took. She just turned right back around and walked out. Cadence came to my bedside. "...I'll admit it was shocking when I heard Applejack was crying and it was because of your sister... Wasnt even half way down the hall but just decided to get Shining before she came running after her. Normally you would've been right after her but something was weird so... medics were a good call... AJ's not in trouble... Guessing really hurt by the way you're acting now but... its deserved a bit..."

I groaned as I repositioned. "....Probably one reason to let the wife know where I'm going..." I wheezed. "...I dont think she's ever kicked me that hard.... or even hit me in general..."

"Well she was scared... Even mad that you didnt say anything... I see why you didnt but... I couldnt be more proud... Celestia and Luna are on their way. You just rest. Doctors will help you with anything that you need. I'll even have Shining and Big Mac check on you. And by the by... Big Mac might give you a talking to... it was going to be yelling until he knew what happened...." I felt my stomach churn a bit.

"Uh... Maybe... Maybe just wait until later for that? And get a bucket...? Please?" She gave a nod and just teleported away for a moment before coming back with a doctor... Well safe to say I needed something to REALLY take the pain away. Sore for the whole night. Barely ate anything that night but I ate something just to try to keep it down. I have to admit I was expecting Celestia to put the castle on lockdown but... nope... I got lucky this time a changeling was involved... Thorax met with Celestia and Luna, they actually liked him. Had to call Rocky with Shining's phone but when she saw another changeling she was kinda scared but more surprised to know he was peaceful and even wanted to try to visit us in Equestria. Baby steps though... Scootaloo actually came to check on me, make sure I was alright. Told her I was proud of her for standing up and defending me... Hell even Applejack had to apologize to her... Even she met Thorax and thought he was nice. Anyways... Need some rest...

Flying High

So it's been a few weeks since I saved a hive of changelings... and got kicked so hard in the nuts by my wife, she very well could've made them burst. Lucky they didnt but I still had to take anti-inflamitory pills, wear a cage and ice em every so often for three days. Hell in that time Gilda came back and apologized for slapping me when I came back... Applejack and I did have a talk about things and she was just... She hated herself. Yeah she was scared but that doesnt mean when I do show back up to hit me like I just cheated on her without her knowing and getting a second wife or something. But we talked and we agreed to spend some time apart. Not like a divorce. Just me getting out of town for a week doing whatever. Cadence and Shining promised to stay in town for a bit, make sure Applejack and the family rest okay. Have a few things set up... first stop? My mother. I just got my clothes together and went off to see Mama Spitfire. And yes... I had to bring my medallion that was given to me from Celestia to prove the change in title. Had to actually leave during the late afternoon. Drove all the way to Cloudsdale and up to the Wonderbolts Training Facility. Luckily I wasnt alone.... well... With my thoughts anyways. Had Daring on the phone. "I do really apologize Ryder! I really didnt want to do that but the Princesses just... They had to ask Sunburst to do it and I didnt want ANY connection to drugging you!" She said.

I gave a huff just taking a glance over at the rainbow falls. "...With how much that's happened lately I dont know if I believe that..." I said. "Princesses said you did it yet you hesitated even though you were paid off to do it. Daring. I trusted you. Yet you took money to drug me. They apologized yes but just..."

"Ryder please believe me! Whatever it is you want for my apology to count for something PLEASE! Name it and its yours! I will not hesitate to get you down to this shelter, and strip naked for you the whole time or even just come out to where you are, take your family to a nice dinner or something!"

"Daring. We'll talk about this with Celestia. She was the one who made you do it. She's gonna be the one who you have to ask to apologize to you before we talk about anything. Now try to contact Celestia, set up a meeting where we both can do something. I've gotta go. Pulling up to see my mother here." She stayed silent. After a moment she gave a sigh.

"...Ryder... I understand... I'll talk with you later. Stay safe Ryder and... if I didnt say it before I'll say it again... Congratulations Prince."

I hung up there. Definitely weird to hear me being called a Prince. Does it feel any different? No. No it doesnt. I turned onto the main road going towards the WBTF. I had to just listen to music and breathe... The memories of the 'simulation' were crawling back. Felt as if I should've kept Daring on the call until I parked but then again we'd be arguing, she'd be begging for my acceptance of her apology which I know was bad. She took money from the Princesses and just fucking drugged me and my friends... That hurt the trust I had for her. She still trusts me to keep her secret and I'm not an asshole. That's like paying me to drug my friends for some guy who wanted to uh...... Force themselves upon them.... I wouldnt do that at all but the fact she did? Guess its more like hanging a shelf up, setting something up on it and that shelf which you knew was sturdy decided to just fall. Better analogy. Anyways I felt better once I got to the top. Pulled in, parked and just hopped out throwing my bag over my shoulder. Saw everyone just flying around. Mostly recruits and such. I just hurried for the office and dipped inside. The inside was a bit busy. Saw recruits lined up in chairs near my moms office, recruiters just talking with ponies, receptionists just taking calls trying to make appointments. Nobody I knew inside. Just knew my mother would be inside yelling at the recruits for dumb shit. Once of the receptionists looked to me as she hung up the phone. "Hello there, do you have an appointment?" She asked.

I gave a smile. "No I dont. Just here to visit with my mother... Maybe see Soarin' if that's possible." I replied.

"Oh! I thought you looked familiar. Go right on ahead in. Soarin should be in the mess hall preparing a meal. Your mother is obviously busy at the moment. Do be mindful of the recruits training on the runway on your way over." I gave her a nod and just started weaving through ponies and desks.

I walked out of the office and just put my backpack on and just rushed through. Made sure I avoided the recruits taking off or landing. When I got to the messhall I could just fall in LOVE with the smells in here. It was mostly empty but I fucking LOVED it! Best part about it? Hayburgers, fries, pasta just... Everything healthy and unhealthy just for a balanced meal. Didnt see anyone in the back. Just saw a stallion that wasnt Soarin making sure everything was prepped and ready for the meals. He looked up and just pointed. "Hey! Nobody is allowed in here! Get out before I have you escorted out!" He said just coming around the counter.

I gave a huff looking over his shoulder. "Yo Soarin! Tell this guy to calm down!" I called out. I saw Soarin just poke his head around the corner behind the counter.

Soarin gave a bit of a smile. "Let him through!" He said. "If not, get back here and finish up!" The stallion just huffed and turned right around just going into the kitchen. Soarin swapped places with him and he just didnt break eye contact with me until he was out of sight. Soarin sighed. "Sorry about him... Not used to seeing you while recruits are here training." I gave my friend a fistbump.

"No worries. Dont expect everyone here to know me... Thought I'd come to find you, visit with you and see if things are good with you since our little outing." He sighed as we started walking out.

"I can admit, I've been better.... Maybe a nightmare or two that made me not able to sleep. One reason why I've been in the kitchen...."

"Something tells me flying somewhere next thing you know you get hit with something and you fall?" He nodded. "...Shining's been a bit weird with sleep too... Big Mac? Havent seen anything different with him... Might be good to see what's going on with him... But... Just... Cant stop thinking about what happened.... I still feel bad that we couldnt do anything to save you and you just had to... uh...."

"You're fine not to say it... Wont make you... Surprised I didnt do it earlier... Had the thoughts.... Thought when I got drunk I would've... but nope... So gone I didnt realize the time and you guys were up and talking about me being in the pain I was..."

"Well... we dont have to go through that now... its over, we're back where we should be..."

"Yeah... The memories dont go away though and I think you know that better than anyone here..." Dont I know it... Ponies just say 'its all in your head' or 'just get over it!' BUT IT ISNT THAT FUCKING EASY! If it were I would'nt have put a gun to my head, threatened to slit my own throat, threaten to jump, do I need to go on? Anyways I sighed as we went towards the Barracks.

"Yeah... It's like gum that gets in your mane but you're trying to shampoo it out... Doesnt work real well unless you get your hair cut. Always helps when someone else does it. You do it yourself, you might screw it up." I patted him on the back. "I mean... you, my mom, all our other friends..."

"Speaking of your mother, did you tell her the news yet?" I shook my head as we got inside the barracks. Thunderlane and Cloud Chaser were just finishing getting ready for something.

"She's busy. Wont doubt someone in there might say I'm here. Speaking of being busy... the fuck is going on?"

Thunderlane stretched his wings. "Princess told us she was coming for inspection." He said. "We were just getting ready to go make sure everyone's ready for a few performances."

"And let me guess... My mother is trying to make sure the troublemakers stay out of trouble while the Princess is here?"

Cloud Chaser stretched a bit making her uniform stretch along with her. "Yep. Wouldnt believe how many class clowns she goes through during practices." She replied. "None of us here have the guts to do what she does but you already know she's a big softie just like her kid. Doesnt change a damn thing about you though!"

"Well... Thanks... But uh... Anything I could help with while I'm here? Dont wanna look like the odd one out here."

Soarin hummed as he took my stuff hiding it in a corner. "I'm assuming you didnt bring your own jumpsuit here?"

"Didnt fit in the bag and I didnt feel like digging it out of the closet. Just base essentials."

"I think I might be able to find a spare uniform for you. Lets just hope your mother is gonna be okay with letting you do this without pissing her off... When I say she's very to the point and formal when it comes to the Princesses I mean it... And maybe hold off on letting her know of your new title at least until tonight if possible..."

"That is if the Princess can keep her mouth shut... Rather this would be a surprise."

"Fair... Hell if anything maybe take the Princess aside, have her keep quiet about it until tonight when we can go for some dinner or something. Now lets get you into a uniform so you dont stick out like a sore thumb." I gave a nod and just followed him out and to a storage area. Grabbed one of the suits that looked alright and fit. Was a more standard one compared to the one I have at home. Still military grade material, not as many pockets but even though it was unique looking still I could still blend in.

We both walked out and just stashed my other clothes in my bag before walking with Soarin. We just took off and flew right back over to the office and surprisingly there was less recruits there. Just a few and we just waited for them to be cleared out before going in. My mother was just in her suit she wears when not out teaching recruits. Aviators and just staring me down, hands folded with a serious look until Soarin closed the door behind us. She took her glasses off and set them aside before just getting up and rushing around the desk hugging me with a smile. "Ryder! This is certainly a surprise! Didnt know you were coming!" She said. "How are you? Is everything okay at home? Is the baby keeping you up?"

I sighed hugging her. "I'm fine ma.... Did want this to be a surprise... Kinda was a surprise to me knowing the Princess was coming." I said. "Home life is fine... Got into a little fight with AJ... Kinda got a little physical with me but she realized she did wrong, apologized and we agreed to take some time apart..."

"Oh you poor thing! What happened? Why did she do that?" She sat me down in the chair before leaning on her desk.

"Went out the other night, thought I'd be on a quick walk, next thing you know I'm passed out somewhere and Shining had to come find me... safe to say I scared both her and Scoot but I'll admit it was my stupidity on going out late at night when I was tired...."

"Ryder you know mommy doesnt like it when you do stuff like that! What if you got hurt? What if you got bit by an animal??"

Soarin huffed. "Spitfire, leave it. Boy's been through a lot lately." He said. "Remember when I told you he got shitfaced with us? He was puking his brains out the entire morning after. We were just lucky where we were helped us rest without having to deal with anyone other than each other. The owner of the place even helped us get back to ourselves within the day." Mama Spitfire sighed.

"...Alright... fine... We'll leave it where it lies.... Just glad my baby boy is alright after that..." She came over and pinched my cheek making me blush. "Now why dont we get ready? Princess should be here any minute and we need to make sure everyone here is in top shape." I gave a nod just as she grabbed her sunglasses again. I got up out of my chair and Soarin and I followed my mom out. I just gave him a quick and subtle fist bump letting him know I appreciated the backing to the lie I just told. We all walked together back out to the tarmac just to see everyone grounded and falling in line in groups. My mother looked back at me. "Ryder, I want you to at my side when we greet the Princess. Judging by how everyone's grounded they must've gotten sight of the Princess on her way..."

I huffed. "Mind if I take a look to confirm?" I asked. She nodded and I took off for the highest point I could find. Right on the barracks. I just looked around a bit. Looked towards Ponyville, then to Canterlot. Saw the chopper coming from Canterlot and it looked like it was getting closer. Couldnt help but fly off that way. Took a little while for me to reach it and match speed with it. Had to wave down the pilot just for them to let me in. The door opened and I just had to land on the skid carefully.

I just stepped inside only to see Princess Celestia and a few other guards. Celestia just in her royal gown pinching her nose. "...Ryder what are you doing here? I thought you were going to be spending a few days with your family..." She said. I sat down in an open seat.

"Technically am. Twilight told you what happened right?"

"Other than the fact that you made contact with Changelings and made peace with them even having Twilight meet with her even though she did threaten expulsion from her castle..."

"And what she didnt tell you was that I scared AJ so bad that .... Well... Lets just say I had to step out for a day or two... Just visiting with my mother...."

"No wonder Twilight seemed troubled after you got back to the castle with the Changeling... uh... leader? Its strange Chrysalis wasnt leading them...."

"We can talk about that later. Right now I need you to PROMISE me that you wont say anything about me being a Prince to my mother. I wanna surprise her later. Just keep calling me General at least for her sake." She smiled.

"But of course.... General.... Secret is safe with me. And your underlings here."

"Thank you Celestia... And if I dont call you Princess just roll with it... I already know my mother is gonna give me flak for even flying all the way out here to meet you..."

"I'll do something to make it seem like you were being reprimanded by doing that. Wont make it too harsh because you're trusted but for the ponies there I'll put on a show." I gave a nod and just waited just trying to get my 'fucked up and sorry' face right. Ears back, looking as if I was holding back tears, head down just hoping the chewing out was gonna be over soon. When we were getting close the show was on. She just looked to me, pissed and went for it. "General! That was the stupidest thing you could've done! If you werent known by your face or your antics surely you'd've been seen as a threat and you could've been taken out right then and there!" I just glanced out the window and just saw we were starting to land, everyone at a distance and also fallen in line ready to greet the Princess. "And another thing you REALLY need to be IN the chopper when it takes off because you really could've been hurt!" I looked back as we touched down.

"Apologies princess just.... Please dont punish me too harshly..." I winked a bit. She winked right back.

"I wont but do that again you will be. Consider this a warning!" One of the gaurds opened the door and we all stepped out. Guards first, me next and then the Princess. Just kept my head down a bit as my mane whipped too and fro with the chopper taking off not moments later. More than likely to go back to Canterlot to refuel.

Mama Spitfire stepped forwards giving a quick salute. "Welcome Princess!" She said. Everyone else behind her stood in attention and saluted as well. "I apologize for my idiot sons invasion here. Thought he was just going up to see where you were... not fly out to greet you before you got here...." Celestia nudged me forward.

"It's fine. I gave him a stern warning after letting him in... Agreeable he's an idiot but he still has some ideas in that head of his..." ...Wont lie I was feeling a little offended here but didnt last long as I went to my mothers side. "Now... I guess its time to commence the inspection."

"Yes ma'am. Why dont you follow Soarin? I need to have a word with Ryder here...." The Princess nodded and my mother just grabbed me by the wrist and started dragging me towards the office. If years of my father dragging me into the house after a bad day at school told me anything... this was bad.... She dragged me through the door and into her office just closing the door behind her and just sitting me in the chair. "RYDER WHAT THE FUCK?! Do you know how much trouble you could've caused us with that stunt?!" I flinched a bit keeping my hand in my lap making sure I didnt piss myself... Yeah... little trauma from last time she yelled at me. "Do you even think I like yelling at you? Yelling at my own flesh and blood?! I dont but this doesnt mean I'm not gonna act like a mother and punish her son when he needs it! "

I just whimpered a bit. "S-Sorry Ma... I.... I just thought-" I tried saying but she cut me off.

"You thought? You thought what?! That you could tell the Princess to go easy on us? That you could tell the Princess that there might be some stuff she should overlook!?"

"N-No! No nothing like that! I just.... I thought the Princess might like to know that I'd be here, helping out with some things... Maybe keeping things in shape while I'm here!"

"And you could'nt have waited until she landed?"

"I..." Mama Spitfire sighed.

"Ryder I appreciate what you're doing but seriously. Unless Princess Celestia or I order something, you are to stand down. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes Ma'am...." I replied.

"Good... Sorry I had to yell..." She picked me up out of the chair and hugged me. "I dont enjoy yelling... even at my own son but if someone needs a reality check I have to."

"...Cant let even me get away with anything in front of the recruits... gotta show reason why you're in charge."

"Just like you lay down the law for real, I lay down the law with some of those rejects out there... speaking of those rejects why dont we go back? See what they're up to eh?" I gave a nod and just let mom go. She just opened the door and we walked out.... I have to admit my mother is SCARY when she yells... Then again I've been yelled at by my adoptive father, been in gunfights that nearly took the lives of loved ones, stuff that could've ended my life (take your pick) and even shown the deepest parts of Tartarus trying to prove a mare was there and that she hadnt escaped. Need to ask Celestia if Sunset is good to hang out with. See if she's gotten used to being on the outside. Anyways the groups were over preparing a few routines I could tell.

We rejoined the group... I just had some of the recruits looking at me as if this was school and I had just come back from a suspension. We went through all the way towards Celestia just to see her chatting with Soarin and Thunderlane while Fleetfoot and Cloudchaser were both getting the recruits into their spots. The Princess looked over at us. "Glad you two could join us again. Something tells me there needed to be some words exchanged?" She asked. My mother sighed.

"Unfortunately... Hoping this doesnt affect the score we get."

"Since my General has had two talkings to, I'd say it doesnt affect it at all. I do hope there will be no more interruptions today because of him. Though if there's anything he needs to take care of before the rest of the inspection commences I would suggest he do it now before it does end up affecting it."

I gave a bit of a worried smile. "Well... Now that you mentioned it I did forget to tell Scootaloo I made it here okay..." I said. "Left my phone in my pants... Gonna go grab it real quick!"

"Well be quick about it! Dont want you to miss the performance!" I gave a quick nod and made a break for the barracks. And you'd think I'd lie about this but I dont lie about letting Scoot know I'm alright and Celestia should know that. I mean... when i had to do it during my time with Pinkie and her family it was actually something I do while away. Still is.

When I got into the barracks I went for my stuff and just started digging through it. Found my pants and just grabbed my phone and sat on one of the cots. I just started a video call with Scootaloo. It buzzed a bit before she answered. She was still in her pajamas and looking a bit worried. "Uh... Ryder... Kind of a bad time to call..." She said.

I kinda tilted my head. "Uh... Why?" I asked. She looked back over at her door and leaned in.

"...Applejack is a little mad at me for accidentally stepping on one of Mash's toys.... Accidentally broke it and made her cry..." I sighed.

"Something I would be able to fix?"

"Nope... Not without a lot a glue and something to help it take shape first... I can buy her a new one I swear!"

"...Look... What I want you to do is take your phone to Applejack. If she yells at you, tell her its me, I'll tell her to take you and Mash to the nearest toy store or something to buy her a new one. I just called to let you know that I made it to Cloudsdale alright... Forgot to call because when I got here I was told the Princess was coming... Mom doesnt know about my new title yet and I already got into some trouble with both her and the Princess to try and keep it secret..." I watched as she grabbed her phone and stood up.

"...You're still gonna tell her right?" She poked her head off screen and just looked up and down the hall.

"Yeah... Not gonna change that... would rather she be in a great mood and maybe during dinner or something."

"Good idea.... Now... Just gotta find AJ..."

"Big Mac still there?"

"Nope... He and Applebloom are heading out to get some formula for Mash... AJ's probably out on the porch still trying to calm down Mash... Think that toy was her favorite..." She carefully walked down stairs.

"The little green toy car with the bells?"

"Yep...."

"Ah shit... as annoying as it was it was her favorite... Now when you talk to AJ, just tell her I'm on the phone... I'll explain things..." She gave a nod and just hesitantly opened the door. Just watched as she opened the door and poked her head out.

"Uh... Applejack..."

I heard Applejack sigh with a whining filly in her arms. "Scoot I thought I told ya to stay in that damn room until Ryder got back!" She snapped.

"Well... That's just it... Got Ryder on the phone..."

"And didnt I tell you to fuckin' leave your phone and games alone?"

I huffed. "Applejack. Leave her alone and let me talk to you!" I said. "Scoot. Hand the phone to her or just have it to where she can see me." Scootaloo just fumbled with her phone a little but now had it held pointing at Applejack. AJ looked tired herself, my little girl just resting her head on her mothers chest looking very upset... broke my heart.... "Applejack... Scootaloo said she'd pay for a new toy for Mash and it was an accident so she didnt mean it. Take her to a toy store or something to get it. If she does pay for it, she gets out of her grounding. Deal?"

"Ry, she made our little girl cry and I aint gonna stand for it!"

"Applejack.... Calm down..... It was an accident... We can get a new one.... Its not like she hurt our daughter directly... Now are we gonna find a solution to fix this or do we have to talk about this when I get home? We have Celestia here and I'm already risking my ass to surprise my mother!" She sighed.

"Fine... She gets that toy she's free to go... But when you do get home, you and I are going out to dinner and I choose where we go!"

"Deal. Now give our baby girl a kiss for me and I'll let Scootaloo get back up to her room to change. Love you."

"...Love you too..." She replied in a defeated voice pissy voice.

"Good. Now i really wanna see Scootaloo not being grounded when I get home. Gotta go now, my mother is probably wondering where I'm at." Scootaloo went back inside turning the camera back to herself. "Please try to keep me in the loop until I get home if you can... I know Applejack is gonna be pissy after that but just try to do what you can okay?"

Scootaloo sighed as she went upstairs again. "I'll try. Thanks Ry... Tell Mama Spitfire and Celestia I said hi!" She replied.

"I will. Talk with you later!" From there I hung up, stashed my phone back into my backpack and ran back out.

As I ran out I saw fliers going every which way. I hurried back over to the small group that was Celestia, Soarin and Mama Spitfire. Soarin looked to me. "There you are dude! You're missing the performances!" He said.

I huffed. "Sorry. Sister was in a bit of trouble all over something that happened on accident." I said. "New toy for the filly to replace one that was broken on accident.... Seems AJ's motherly instincts are just all over the place right now..."

"Sure sounds like it if you're here...." We both looked to the performance. Didnt know what was going on but I was enjoying it. Think I'd rather be in the stands watching this go down with a race after this. To think in the future I'm gonna be enjoying this stuff with my daughter... Gonna think her uncle Soarin and grandmother are so cool. I just glanced to the side at my mother just standing at attention, not saluting but watching the spectacle just like the Princess was. I could tell she was enjoying it. The performance lasted about ten minutes from where I came in at.

Once the performance was over the Princess and the guards clapped. "Wonderful WONDERFUL!" She called out as all the recruits were landing. "Spitfire you've outdone yourself here today! I do think you're just about ready for the Summer Sun Celebration soon. That's to be expecting but still a few more to go through before we really know. Perhaps we take a break for a meal and something to drink?"

Mama Spitfire gave a little nod. "Sure thing Ma'am. These recruits have been preparing all morning and a break seems fitting for their performances." She said. She looked to Soarin. "Soarin! Take Ryder and go make sure everything is fit to eat. I'll bring the recruits in after we get them to fall in line."

Soarin saluted. "Yes ma'am!" He said. He looked to me and just patted me on the shoulder. "Alright. Come on dude. Get the good stuff before its gone." I gave a nod and we both just flew straight over to the mess hall. He looked to me as we entered the still good smelling area. "So, when you gonna tell your mother about your new title?"

I sighed as I just looked around as if I were just entering the lunch room trying to find a place to sit at school. "If all goes well, I can see about having the Princess take us to dinner back to Canterlot maybe so I can tell her... Rather wouldnt want her to make a scene at a fancy restaurant..." I said. "Dont really have the clothes for it anyhow... Not to mention it would give me a chance to speak with the Princesses alone about what happened..."

"Still affecting you?" I nodded. "...I'm not gonna lie... that whole thing scared me until the moment i 'died'... Hell just seeing you break down broke my heart before I ended it.... Had nightmares that kept me up at night some nights... Tried to convince myself that it wasnt real... even tried listening to what the Princess was saying about it but just.... Doesnt wanna work there.... Still sits in my mind that I'm dead, this is the slice we have to share considering everything else was full...."

"Think Shining and Big Mac are the same... Big Mac is too big of a stallion to admit it but I can tell. After you did I just... I wanted to do everything in my power to just see my family again.... the fact that I could see them again and still be alive comforted me a bit... Did it help with the imagery of the end? No... no it didnt... Still scared of the end. My own, the worlds.... Dont know when it will come or where I'll be.... I can only hope I'd be surrounded by friends and family." I looked to him. "Maybe if you can get the Princess alone, maybe with me at your side we can talk with her together about that." He gave a nod and just looked behind us.

"Lets just get our share and get ready here. Should be in any minute." I gave a nod and just rolled up the sleeves a bit and just started getting a plate together. Just grabbed some moderately healthy stuff. Hayburger slider, cheese covered carrots and I even raided the fridge for a whole cucumber... Yeah... I eat whole cucumbers.

I sat off in a secluded corner at a small table. Celestia and my mom came in first with all her guards being followed by everyone else. Princess got her food first with everyone following suit. Celestia came right over to my table while my mom just stepped behind the counter most likely to talk with Soarin. Celestia sat down next to me , her guards just creating a protective perimeter with their food. She looked to me. "So... 'General'... Did you enjoy the performance?" She asked.

I sighed setting down what I had left of the cucumber. "From what I saw, yeah. Almost wish Scootaloo was here with us to watch it." I said. "Even though I want today to go swimmingly for my mother... I still wish to talk to you alone with Soarin sometime if that's alright... maybe if we can go to Canterlot for dinner if that would be alright." She smiled.

"But of course Ryder. And with that talk... I understand the reasoning behind it... This is almost like the time my mind was clouded with the hatred for that little fuckwit from.... fuck if I know ville... Been so long since I've thought about him I've forgotten his name and where he was from... That and well... the other things that happened that day... I only remember waking up after you and my sister dream walking only to see Luna with you on the floor, stark naked, smoking like you were on fire but not responding to anything... She told me what you had Nightmare Moon do and... Well... It might be why her full power didnt kill you considering she wanted you as a minion... think you know what I mean there..." I huffed.

"Oh yeah.... Considering that's what pissed you off and got your doctor at the time fired and made you not want me to be a guard I would NOT want that again... Not to mention that did make sense why I survived.... That moment there answered so many questions.... Did I feel like an asshole jumping through that portal that Starswirl made? Yeah... Yeah I did... Was it worth it to get back home? That's for you to decide."

"I'd say it was worth it. Considering you did fight your way to become my General and being trusted enough to run my guard... Not to mention trusting me to watch over your sister while you were leading my army to victory.... I'd say allowing you to be a guard was a good thing.... and you see where that lead when you felt yourself fall from grace...."

"True but... The fall from grace was nothing compared to the celebration of what happened..."

"I understand.... I wanted to keep this secret but.... My sister and I have something in the works to make it up to everyone... You, Big Macintosh, Shining and Soarin. We cant say what we're doing but I assure you it should make up what happened. We are working on this. My word might be softer than the action but the action will speak loudly for everyone involved." I looked up sighing just to see my mother coming our way with a plate of her own.

"We'll see but Soarin and Mac might need Luna's help as an addition to that... Now we need to change the subject... mother inbound." She gave a nod just as I kept eating my food.

My mother smiled as she sat near us. "There we go. Much needed lunch, quick rest and then we go for the next performance." She said. She looked to me. "So Ryder... How's Scootaloo and my grandbaby doing?" Gave a smile here swallowing the rest of the green.... phalic... food... I dont know just roll with it.

"Mash is fine. Been trying to trade off care and play time here and there but considering what happened, AJ's taking a few days while I'm resting." I replied. "Scoot... Apparently she got grounded for an accident that happened but agreed to make it right to be ungrounded and I'm trying to make sure of it.... Though I'm not gonna lie it felt like since yesterday she wanted to rip my throat out if I said anything wrong... She did apologize for hitting me but then again saying I was going for a walk in the middle of the night only to fall asleep somewhere.... Air between us still felt tense as a trip wire waiting to snap..."

"Sounds like motherhood stress is getting to her... Even sounds like stress is getting to you too if you're having trouble sleeping. I'm open to coming down to help take care of your foal if you want. Gives me a little time to actually feel like a mother taking care of her foal..."

Celestia chuckled a bit as I ate more of my food. "Someone saying she misses trying to care for a foal?" She asked.

"Maybe a little...." Ma blushed a little.

"Well I'm sure Ryder would love the help from his mother. Even to see her get to be a mother."

I sighed. "Would love to see how she can be with a foal in her care... As long as she isnt gonna sneak off with my kid..." I said. I looked to my mother who just looked unamused. "Kidding ma. Still wouldnt mind you visiting, maybe helping foalsit.... AJ's honestly expecting a date night too... Would be great to see you bonding with Scootaloo and Mash... Give AJ and I a break as well as Big Mac... Feel bad for the guy always having to watch the girls when AJ and I are busy with other things."

"Take me out for mothers day and I wont mind spending time with the girls."

"Deal. So... when's the next performance?" Mom just looked around at everyone.

"Hm.... I'd say within the hour... Maybe in an hour... Recruits need time to eat, digest and limber back up for the next routine." She looked to me. "Why? You wanting to be part of the routine?"

"Not particularly. Was hoping for a quick race or something with a few of your fastest fliers if you know who they are."

Celestia chuckled a bit. "I would just LOVE to see some friendly competition between your fastest fliers and my top guard." She said. "Been some time since I've seen Ryder's flying and from what he's told me he's pretty fast."

Mama Spitfire sighed. "Well... Alright... I'll admit the last routine still needs work anyways..." She said. "But only because my boy wants to be a part of something."

"Then its settled. One more performance fit for the summer sun celebration, I give the grade and we watch your son race a few of the recruits and then perhaps... Maybe a nice rest in Canterlot for the night for you and the team?" My mother smiled as I just kept eating trying to hide the smile on my face.

"That sounds... that's actually nice of you Princess... Thank you... We'd be glad to join you in Canterlot."

"But of course! Would rather see my General and his mother being as comfortable as they can after recent events for someone here..." Celestia glared at me... Made me uncomfortable.

"Of course! Hopefully we can get him to sleep easily and actually keep track of him if he starts to wander!" ...I swear if Applejack were here she'd be running my ass through the wringer for that lie but the fact she bought it just made things better. Well skipping the rest of the meal and the R&R as well as the next performance because I honestly wasnt paying that much attention and that I was just stretching my wings up for the race.

When the performance was finished everyone landed and those who could just tried to relax. "Alright!" Soarin called out. "Change of plans! Instead of the last performance the Princess wants to see a race between The General and a few of you guys! Any volunteers?"

I waited for a moment. Nothing. At least for the moment... Until I heard a snicker... "Doesnt look like he flies very fast..." They said.

My eyes snapped to the point in the crowd of recruits. "WHO SAID THAT?!" I yelled. "FRONT AND CENTER!" When I did that EVERYONE backed up quick. Hell even Soarin did as well and he knows what happens when I get pissed and yell like that. The pony in question walked out of the group. Her mane orange but looking like she got a jolt of electricity, her coat turquoise with just a cocky grin on her face. "You got a lot of nerve talking about me like that! Glad you actually had some balls to come and face me and not hide like a little filly who just pissed her pants! Surprised you aint doing that now! What's your name?" She made sure her mane didnt linger in her face.

"Lightning Dust."

"Well Lightning Dust... You wanna know what happened to the last fool who talked to me like that? I pinned his ass up against the wall and made an example out of him. But I'm a guest here... So I'll go easy on you.... Surprised to not see you in line near my mothers office getting your ass chewed out before I did... Guess you can see it runs in the family..."

"You're about as threatening as a kitten so far.... Guard or not..."

Mama Spitfire got between us. "LIGHTNING DUST YOU ARE OUT OF LINE!" She yelled. "After this race is done, win or lose I want you in my office! That is NO WAY to talk to a guard NOR MY OWN SON!" I could see how frightened some of the recruits were, hiding behind either Thunderlane, Cloud Chaser or Fleet Foot or just one another. The guards at Celestia's side were unfazed. Celestia herself? Looking... Not pissed or annoyed like I thought she'd be. But... looking as if her 'General' were just keeping his cover very well like he hadnt given up said title days earlier.

I sighed nudging my mother back. "No need for that... If she's up to the challenge I'll be sure to put her in her place...." I said.

"This better be a fair race otherwise she's coming into the office with me anyhow to sign discharge papers! I will NOT have any cheating ANYWHERE!" I looked to my mother.

"She cheats?"

"And how. Surprising she hasnt been discharged yet but she knows damn well if she does she could be out of here today! Glad Rainbow Dash isnt here.... She'd lay into this bitch harder than even you would..."

"She knows Dash?" My mother nodded. I looked back to Lightning Dust. "Yeah... This just got personal..."

Gonna skip this... She got her ass handed to her, everyone cheered blahblahblah. We had to stay back while all the recruits funneled out. Though I didnt hold a grudge against Lightning Dust there. She just apologized for opening her mouth like that in front of Celestia and Mama Spitfire. After all the recruits had left Celestia had us around her. She was just clapping a bit. "Bravo everyone! Those performances were amazing! And that race? It might've not been planned but it was beautiful!" She said. "Seems one hot headed Wonderbolt and A hot headed guard arent one in the same this time." She laughed a bit patting me on the shoulder. "Anyhow... You've passed the inspection and well... I would like to invite all of you to Canterlot for dinner as a way to say 'job well done' and to show I've no hard feelings when it comes to my General's antics today."

Mama Spitfire sighed taking my hand. "Antics or not he does show authority when it comes to someone badmouthing him...." She said.

"I'll say. He's changed a lot from the lowly recruit he was to my faithful General... Now... I only have so much room in my chopper for two others. I'll send transports for the rest."

I gave a sigh. "I think my mother and I would like those spots if possible." I said. "I drove over here and I think giving my keys to Soarin for the rest of em will help if they have an escort."

Celestia smiled. "I suppose that will work. Do make sure everyone has everything they need, change clothes if you need, maybe clean up." She said. "Not sure who that is but I can smell you from here..." We all just backed away from the Princess.

Mama Spitfire gave a nod. "Y-Yes ma'am! We'll be in and out in about ten minutes!" She said. She looked to us all. "Alright! Hit the showers! I want all of you fresh smelling and ready for Canterlot!" We all gave a nod and just rushed for the barracks. Soarin, Thunderlane and I went first, Cloud Chaser and Fleetfoot right behind us. Even got back into my street clothes before handing my keys off to Soarin. And yes. I made sure I had everything after leaving my bag inside the barracks. I just kept the bag at my side as we flew.

I sighed as we started to depart from Cloudsdale. Just looked out the window and saw the Rainbow Falls in the sunset. "...You know... I wont ever forget flying in this chopper only to be thrown out quite literally over Canterlot..." I said. "...I mean look at how far I've come since then... Getting in the air like its nothing."

Mama Spitfire sighed. "...I still regret that day... I honestly didnt know if doing that would've left you more scared or just..." She said stopping herself.

Celestia sighed. "...I will admit it was harsh to do that... I regret even doing that because it could've killed you whether it be from the stress making you black out, have a heart attack or just make you panic and your wings just stop working..." She said. "...But just seeing you flying down like you were having the time of your life... Made me smile... Even helped Babs too... Speaking of how is the little filly?"

I huffed looking back to Celestia. "She's good. Should be trying to get her out here to help her with height training but... I think she's just getting better and better." I replied. "Maybe we could put together a Canterlot sleepover so you can see Scootaloo again?"

"That would be lovely! Maybe after dinner we could talk." She gasped as if she remembered something. She took her phone out and just messed around with it for a bit. "Speaking of talking, I just reminded myself! General when we get to Canterlot, Luna requests your presence in her chambers with Soarin. She wishes to speak to you both!" I gave a nod.

"Yes Ma'am. While I do that, do show my mother something to relax a bit if you can. Please...?" She sighed.

"Oh alright I'll show mommy a little love from her sons request.... Say... Maybe a nice spa day tomorrow afternoon?"

Mama Spitfire smiled. "That sounds amazing Princess. Thank you!" She said.

"Oh dont thank me. Thank Ryder for doing what he does."

I couldnt help but just give a smile as my mother took my hand just as I was staring out the window at everything... even just seeing Twilight's castle off in the distance... Though my heart did sink a little... just remembering the destruction I saw from the top of the cliffs.... And yet... Just knowing my own mother's corpse was just yards away and we didnt know until we needed to get scrap for safety... The flight only took a little while... Give or take twenty minutes. When we landed I split off from my mother and Celestia and just went for Luna's room. Had to stop by a room near to Sunset's to drop my stuff off but I still made it to her room fast. When I got there I just waited outside. The guard at the door just let me sit there, wait for Soarin. He came about ten minutes after with a guard escort. I got up and we both approached the guard. "Princess Luna requested us to meet with her as soon as we got here. Is she awake?" I asked.

The guard nodded. "Yes sir!" She said. She saluted and stepped aside. "Go on inside. Anything you need, we're outside sir." I gave a nod and just opened the door for Soarin. He entered before I did. We closed the door just seeing Princess Luna in a night gown, sitting at her bedside preening her wings with a brush.

Luna just looked up for a moment before just looking back to her wings. "Welcome on in Ryder... Soarin... I'm glad to have you here." She said. "...I know this visit is referring to the scenario you and your friends have experienced... I do apologize for that... and I will do what ever I can for forgiveness... I will delve deep into your mind, the deepest parts of your memories.... That's only one part.... The other? Anything you wish. Materialistic or not, I will get it for you. No catch. Just all out of love and wanting that forgiveness. I might have Ryder's forgiveness... But his trust in me is hurt... I understand that with each of you... I will contact both Big Mac and Shining in my own time... I still just wish forgiveness..."

Soarin sighed. "....I wont lie Princess... There's not much I'd even want other than a fixed sleep schedule...." He said. "Nightmares of all the death and destruction..... the fact that I saw a mentor I care dearly for lifeless... I'd rather not remember that.... If I see that again, it's to be the time that it happens... Would rather not be at all soon...."

"Then it shall be so.... Tonight while you sleep and until you are sleeping normally I will fix what ails you. Same with your friends but I know the others might want more... what they want I dont know but they will get without fight." She stood up and just set her brush aside. "Now... Go... I must be ready for the evening meal and since we have guests I need to be presentable than how you see me now."

"Yes Princess.... Thank you ma'am..."

I gave a nod just as we went back outside. To be brutally honest I dont feel like Royalty even though I have the title and the medallion cementing it. I looked over to Soarin. "If you wanna distract yourself we could just use some of Luna's consoles if you want. Always decide to do that if I'm here." I said. "Least distracts us while Celestia and Mama Spitfire are doing whatever they're up to." Soarin sighed.

"...Sure... Just... Really wanting to get some good sleep tonight..."

"...Agreed... Wouldnt mind that myself... Took a nap after we got out of that afterlife... I just had a nightmare where I had to just end the wife.... Couldnt do it without taking myself out... Left me scared... Since then havent had the best time sleeping but I did get comfy with AJ... Well... Until the other day.... Between you and I, I did manage to go and get myself lost in Everfree trying to get someone help but when I showed back up.... Safe to say I needed to spend a night in an infirmary... Right in the jewels and she did not play nice... Took Scootaloo to chew her out... to realize what she was doing... and PLEASE do not tell my mother about that..."

"I wont I wont.... Just... Hope that isnt gonna cause anything between you and AJ..."

"...I hope so too.... She seemed afraid of even speaking to me before I left.... I still owe Scootaloo something for protecting me like that...."

"Sounds like she's earned something... Might chip in if anything..." I sighed.

"No need for that dude... I got it... Now lets just stop moping around and have some fun or now." He gave a nod and we just went straight for the entertainment room. We just played a racing game that I've loved since I was a colt. Oh it was FUN. Cartoon characters in gokarts throwing shit at each other. Loved it then, love it now. We played for what felt like a few hours.

Actually was until Celestia herself came in. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you two! I thought you'd've been coming back to join Spitfire and I for things!" She said. I huffed.

"Sorry Princess... Kinda needed a distraction from things... We ready for the evening meal?"

"We've been waiting on you two for at least an hour or so! Come on, put the game up and join us already! Your mother is starting to worry!" I huffed as we just shut off the game.

"Do I at least have time to get my medallion?"

"Nope. I'll have a guard get your bags. You chose a room near Sunset yes?"

"Yep. Sunset gonna be joining us?"

"Yep. And I've already had her swear to secrecy until you reveal it." I gave a nod and just followed Celestia. Soarin was silent during the walk. Either scared or just thankful he could eat. Didnt know. Didnt ask. When we got to the dining hall I saw Mama Spitfire just chatting away with Luna and Sunset, both looking Canterlot ready whilst everyone else there kinda stuck out like sore thumbs. Surprising for Sunset because last I saw her she liked wearing stuff I did... Probably heard there were guests and had to make herself presentable.

As we got closer to the head of the table I saw my bag sitting just along side a chair next to my mothers. Luna glanced up and smiled. "About time you join us! We were just about to order without you two!" She said.

I sighed. "Apologies Princess. Both Soarin and I needed a slight distraction." I said.

"Oh of course. After what you had told me it was to be expected." She gestured to two chairs that moved out of the way in her magic. "Come now. Sit down and be ready to order." We both nodded and went to our seats. Soarin had to fly over the table for his seat. Got right next to Sunset who just gave him a smile. We just gave our order shortly after but we all got a drink.... Something with Whiskey for Soarin, mom had some wine, I got something with rum, Celestia and Luna both had cocktails. I swear this was like I was getting ready to propose... except this time I wasnt in a protective suit and strapped. I just sipped my drink... Burned and bubbled going down... before I knew it half of it was gone in one drink.

Sunset definitely noticed as I set it down. "Drink that good there Ryder?" She asked.

I gave a sigh and coughed slightly. "Yeah... Real good." I said. "Havent had something like that in a while.... it feels like that at least...." I looked to Celestia.... Looked at her like without anything to say even I was asking her to help me start something.

And with that I felt like she understood what I was asking. She took a piece of silverware and just tapped her glass a few times. "Everyone! Everyone I would like to make a toast. If everyone will stand and raise your glass...?" We did as such. "This toast is for the friends.... the family... The ones we love, the ones we have here, the ones elsewhere and the ones who have gone on to the next. They pick us up when we fall down and vice versa... Everyone here has someone here like that, all with connections to someone who has been through the ringer but stood tall among us all. Not only does this toast go to family and friends... but to Ryder as well..." I'm not gonna lie... I blushed as everyone looked to me. Though I did notice something be pushed into my hand from below. I glanced down just to see my medallion waiting next to my hand in dark blue magic. I grasped it a bit and looked to Luna who was just drinking her cocktail hiding her magic use. "I have seen this stallion go from a depressed stallion, worried about the sweet little sister he has brought up after their parents had passed to a guard happy to protect his sister only to shoot all the way up to our General, leading the armies of Equestria to victory, showing his might everywhere he went. Though after many battles through saving family from attacks, saving himself from his homecoming, saving his family from those who would hurt them and onward... He has some news to share.... Right Ryder?"... I may have downed the rest of my drink and just choked back the burn before setting my now empty glass down.

"Unfortunately yes.... I know all of you knew me as General... Though thanks to a push from my mother, questioning why I kept the title all this time if I had achieved my goal of keeping my sister safe and keeping her clothed, fed and warm... For a while I didnt have an answer... I didnt until I had to go to Manehattan... ground zero for one of the worst terrors I had to go through.... I had met with two other guards who gave me their perspectives... One guard who helped find ways around when my family and I arrived in Manehattan on that faithful day, and my second in command during the war and my personal medic who kept me on my feet the whole time I was away, checked on me in and out of stressful situations and even saw me during my bachelor party in Appaloosa... They both told me after their harrowing ordeals that... I should step down... They both saw me before and after tragedy. Thankfully alive and well after both... But even though I step down from being the General of the Royal Guard... I do step up for something else... Something that allows me protection even if its not me doing the protecting. But to know what I do step up to... I think the one who urged me to step down deserves to say what I've become." I held up the Medallion and just got a few 'ooh's and 'ahh's from the other Wonderbolts. My mother just looked at me a bit surprised. I took her drink setting it down and replacing it with the Medallion.

Mama Spitfire looked at the Medallion in her hands, feeling the weight of it just running her hands over every inch before giving a gasp. "...This... This has to be some sort of joke...." She said. "....My baby boy... a PRINCE?! There is no way this is real!" The gasps from the others nearly drowned it out from her.

Princess Luna came around the table and sat my mother down setting the Medallion down with it. "There is nothing to joke about here Miss Spitfire." She said. "My sister and I spoke of this for a while, wondering what to do with your son to set your mind at ease... Yes he has scared us quite a few times and you're worried he might not make it to see you one day... We understand that... Neither my sister, myself or his friends would want to break the news to his family of his passing... But with everything he's done... I'd say he rightfully has cemented his place here among the Royals.... He might not be royalty by birthright or marriage but he fought, bled and more for that status... We dont ask that he stays his hand but if forced he does so with caution and we shall see to it he does... But if at all there is trouble in Equestria that doesnt involve him or his family but the entirety of Equestria they shall be protected. We are proud of his achievements and his time doing what he has paid off wouldnt you think?" Oh I could just see the tears in my mothers eyes... She just couldnt break her eyes away from the Medallion. I just helped her back to her feet and hugged her and just the embrace made the waterworks flow. There was a small bit of applause from everyone else but I just couldnt help but love seeing my mother happy... She just didnt wanna let go when our food came out... I made her but when we went to bed she just HAD to make sure we were in the same bed.... And yes... I was her 'padded prince' as she called me... Embarrassing as it was I was glad I could make her smile with that... But to be brutally honest I thought she was gonna blow me when she was padding me up.... Wouldnt have stopped her but.... Rather would leave the padded pounding with Gilda... Hopefully she can forgive me for running off....

Mythic and Legend

You ever pass out and wake up where you just DONT want to? Yeah... that's me... I've only been in Canterlot one night but well.... Guess who woke up IN A FUCKING CELL SOMEWHERE?! I honestly dont know where I am but I am pretty much naked, somewhat cold and just... Pissed. I got up and just looked around... Still felt tired but most of all weak... weaker than I usually should feel... the room was completely solid. Only one light above me, no window out. There was a door, a toilet , sink and a bed. Door was solid metal with what looked to be a few slots in it, One for arms to be cuffed while in here, one for someone to look in and one towards the bottom where there was supposed to be a way food could get in. Guessing this was solitary... and if there was a camera in here it's very hidden... nothing in the corners, not even anything small. On the bed was a stack of clothing. I just picked it up only to find it was a jumpsuit... It was just a dark grey and there was some slip on shoes. I just carefully put the jumpsuit on and my god was it fucking uncomfortable. Actually too tight for me to even bring it up over my shoulders. Rather these things run a little long so I can roll em up here and there and not have them hug my junk. I just fucking took em back off and just went over to the door banging on it. "HEY! HEY NEED SOMEONE HERE TO GET ME NEW CLOTHES AND TELL ME WHY THE FUCK I'M HERE!" I yelled. Just threw the fucking jumpsuit to the floor and went and sat down on the bed. I'd rather not piss off whoever is holding me captive because I feel like as soon as I ripped open that door there would be five guys in a crossfire ready to fucking end me. I huffed looking at the room. "...Alright... Judging by the room this is high security.... Might be strong right now but last thing I want is to cause an alert to just have me against an army alone....

I waited a while before the slot opened up and a hook was put through to drag out the jumpsuit and another moment before a tray was slid in with a new jumpsuit and a note on top of it. I waited until the slot closed and I went over grabbing the clothing and the note. I just put the jumpsuit on first... Even rolled up the sleeves once it was on. Fit comfortably this time... I just sat down and started reading the note. 'You are here because we want to enlist you into our army. You have a choice but we do have location on your families if you refuse. Not only will your family die one by one every time you refuse, but you will as well when there is nobody left. Say yes, they are safe as well as you but once you do, you are with us until you die. Follow orders and things will be fine. Signed, The Warden.' I just sighed tossing the note aside.

"Fuck.... Now what...? Gotta wait, see what I'm up against.... These fuckers are not gonna keep me here for long..." I just waited..... No meal at that time. I think I waited for hours just to get something.

There was a banging on the door before the slot up top opened up. Just saw some red goggles that were just a straight line. High tech bullshit like how the Elites would have... but these arent elites and this isnt the bunker. "Alright... Back to the door, hands in the slot!" The stallion on the otherside demanded. I honestly just wondered if these guys actually know who I am.... I just got up and walked over to the door, stopped a few feet and turned around putting my hands behind my back. I carefully stepped back just before feeling someone grab my wrists and pull me closer to the door and slapping cuffs on me. "Stay still. Do not try anything funny or you will be tazed!" I huffed and decided to test my luck.

"Try not to do anything funny? Have you seen my life? Its an entire fucking joke!" I chuckled a little before my arms were grabbed and I was just pulled back slamming into the door. That was uncomfortable but it didnt hurt.

"Try it again you clown. We wont hesitate next time! Now stay the fuck still. You're coming with us!" Yep.... Not gonna fucking try that again but... hey got me to see how well they take a joke... I just sighed and waited a moment before they opened the door. Once the door was opened they grabbed my arms and pulled me out. I just looked at the guards who had a hold of me. Yeah.... Armed to the teeth with submachine guns, pistols at their sides in secure holsters and armor that looked like it could stop a shotgun at point blank range. Think even had some knives just in case they somehow ran out of ammo and were in close enough range. So yeah these guys do not fuck with... at least alone. I was patted down once the door closed making sure I had nothing on me... Then again pretty sure they might've seen me get dressed. "Alright. Schedule for you. First, meal time. You eat the same thing as everyone else so dont go asking for something else. After that, its yard time. All sealed so you wont escape... And dont even bother trying to fly. There's a strength sapping serum in you that weakens both you and your magic, wings and anything else you might have. You have time to get to know the other recruits. Any issues arise, they know what happens and hopefully you do as well. After that, training and you will be expected to do as you are told. Any strays from the course will result in a beating for you or anyone you know. After that, dinner. Again, expected to eat what you are given and after that, lights out. You dont have to sleep but it would help for your sanity as well as your performance. Since you are new, we'll give you a little slack but only for today. Am I understood? And before you go mouthing off, you will refer to your superiors as sir or ma'am. And you will reply 'sir yes sir' or 'ma'am yes ma'am'." ...And here's where this can and will backfire. I just grinned.

"Ma'am yes ma'am!" Oh that guy just reeled back and punched me in the gut. Lucky with my training in the guard and later the Elites I was able to take the hit and not get winded from it.

"Real funny smartass! Now... Lets try this again.... DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

"Sir yes sir!" I replied.

"Good! Now come on. Follow close otherwise you'll be hit again." He turned around and just started walking down this long hallway. Lots of doors, same slots, same fucking way to get in... There were few marked with signs saying 'deceased, fit for cleaning' or 'diseased, fit for execution' or just 'sick, medicinal treatment issued..." the latter being the least worrying. At least they take care of us. We walked until we came upon a door that went into a room separating us off from others... looked kind of like a check in mixed with a safety net just in case anything happened inside here... or outside... not sure.

We went out into a large main area. Cells upon cells in a large complex but you could see the sky above, sun shining bright overhead. I just looked around a little before being pushed off to the side forced to follow the guard. I briefly saw a large window with someone standing in it... They wore armor but I could see they were a unicorn, buzz cut and sunglasses.... Fucking serious fucker. Soon we came to the mess hall which was just packed with ponies.... Unicorn with magic suppressing rings on their horns, pegasai with their wings either free or tied... some missing but with a large red not even moving prosthetic and earth ponies. I was pushed up against the wall and uncuffed before just being thrown to the floor. I just heard some stallions around me just doing that childish 'ooooh' before I just got back up and dusted myself off. Wanted to just go for them but by the time I got up the door to the mess hall was shutting with them on the other side. I just looked around. Saw a window where they just gave out the food. Just walked over and they slid out a tray with a box on it and a can of soda.... Weird but... Okay. I took the tray and just went to find the best seat... Wandered down an aisle before I saw... A fucking familiar face that usually Im not happy to see but this? I was actually glad. Someone I could.... Well... Someone I could trust in this situation.... Mythic. Just saw him without his usual eyepatch. Mohawk just a bit of a mess but eh... He's looked worse. I just grabbed a seat across from him. Set my tray down and grabbed my drink just cracking it making him look up from his food. Fucking hayburger. Yeah. That good of food. He took a doubletake at me as I sipped my drink. "Lad? The fuck're you doin' here?" He asked.

I huffed setting the sweet cola down... not my usual but this is actually fucking too sweet even for me. "If I knew I'd tell ya.... Just think I'm here because some dumbfuck guards in Canterlot couldnt see any intruders that wanted to kidnap someone..." I replied. I opened up my box and just as I do someone reached over to grab it. You do not know how fast I grabbed his wrist and started squeezing.... Oh that made him cry out in pain and everyone around us shut up. I looked over at him. Bat pony. Red eyes. Black mane and light grey coat. "....I dont know who you think you are trying to steal from me... But you try again... this arm comes off... Got me?" The stallion nodded before I just threw him back off the bench and just started eating. Everyone just went back to business... I just watched the stallion just go off to the side against the wall making sure he could still move it and shake it around without any big pain. Mythic leaned forward.

"Lad best you watch what you do. These soldiers are like nothing I've seen and they've got us in their midst. They've executed ponies just for disobeying orders. Been here for weeks...." He looked up over towards where I came from. "Hurry and finish what you can. Got company coming because of your stunt... If you're still good to come out to the yard, come find me. Near the weight area." I gave a slight nod and just started scarfing this burger hearing boots just coming my way. Hearing still good through all the voices babbling on about training and shit... I think I may have gotten my burger half way if that down before it was slapped outta my hands and I was pulled to my feet.

"The fuck? I wasnt done with that! And here i thought you took care of us wanting us to eat and be in shape for you guys!" Oh they just didnt like me I guess. Forced me to the ground and just cuffed me again... Again, doing this on my own not wanting to fuck with these guys alone.... Though with Mythic wanting me to meet him? I think there's a riot on the horizon. I was quickly taken out of the room and down the hall almost being dragged at some points. We walked down the hall a bit before I was taken into an empty room with just a table, a few chairs and I'm assuming a one way window. See from one side, a mirror on the other side.... Just stared at it letting whoever on the otherside knows I see em. My hands were uncuffed for a moment before being forced in front of me and one of the soldiers sat in front of me. "Wow one on one time! I must be REAL special if you're doing this...." One of the guys behind me just hit me with the butt of his gun in the head.... Yeah it hurt.

The stallion in front of me just gave a sigh. "Lay off him. He can be of use to us.... No matter how much of a smartass he is...." He said. "Leave us.... And make sure this talk is truly private...."

The other soliders saluted. "Yes sir!" They both said before leaving the room.

We waited just as they left the room and closed the door behind them. The room was silent. Just waited a few moments more before I just huffed. "Well thanks to that jackass I have more brain damage...." I said. "...Might have a thick skull but that hurt..."

The solider sighed. "Some of these guys are hot heads... Like you... But we do see that you're not one to be messed with by anyone in here..." He said. "...I'd like to at least give you a proposition.... Secretly join our ranks, tell us of anything going on the inmates might be planning and we'll take care of it. You can think on it. We'll make contact with you tomorrow, same way but... Perhaps less violent as we know you can be.... Still for today, you might be under watch after what happened in the mess hall. Though if things do get rowdy for you.... During some trainings we allow sparring matches with anyone who can volunteer. Gives you a chance to put someone in their place... and if they wrong you enough you do have right to kill them if you so please... But it will remain to be seen. As for now, we can be in here until its time to send you out to the yard. Any questions you have?" I stayed silent for a moment.

"...This place.... what is it?"

"Maximum security prison as well as a training facility for an army... And that letter you had when you first woke up? It is true we do use somepony's family as leverage so they'll do as we ask. Yours is a target... nothing has happened as of yet but consider this as something for joining us in secret. If you do, they'll be less likely hurt during any outbursts you might have... but they're still going to be a target just to keep you in line. So... The chance they'll get hurt isnt zero but it isnt as high as it is now...."

"Fair... Take it where I was is solitary?"

"Solitary yes, but its mostly where new recruits wake up and receive their initiation. Only time someone does go into solitary is if they've gotten multiple strikes against them and they havent been executed yet... We've had some ponies not care about their families, watched them die one by one.... Some didnt have any family to begin with and went until they either conformed or were executed. Those who conformed were treated for many things, injuries and mental trauma but they work for us with slight glitches here and there.... To be expected and you have some as well...." My eyes opened a bit wide. Almost sounded like these guys were elites... but not?

"You've.... been watching me?"

"Oh yes. Your life is very tragic yet... very interesting.... We havent watched your entire life but we've checked in here and there.... Kidnappings, the war.... Oh you get very bloodthirsty when someone does your family wrong and we'd like to avoid that as much as we can. I do realize if we do have to hurt one of your family members, you may descend into a rage so deep you might rip most of us in half as payback for say... plucking a feather off your sweet little sisters wings..." My eyes opened a bit wide and my heart dropped a little. "No worries... We wont touch her. All you need to do is work for us..." I just took a deep breath and just gave a long sigh.

"Alright.... I can help.... But maybe while I help you.... you might be able to help me with something.... Maybe a list of ponies that might be causing trouble for you that need to be taken care of? Maybe ways you can have me take care of em?"

"....Sounds alright but the ways arent needed much.... Some would pull attention away from you yes but as a convict like the others, you might not have much opportunity to do anything with ways so you will have to find ways to do it yourself. We might be able to give you a little aid for this but you will have to keep it hidden and it will be given to you later tonight as well as a list of potential trouble makers for you to take out. Any order, just be sure to take em out quietly if possible."

"Alright.... Maybe for today, you give me time to adjust to this... Tomorrow the work starts unless someone tries to push their luck... and I have a feeling someone will..."

"That happens, put them in their place, we'll act like this would be a normal punishment but we'll be in here, get debriefed on what happened. Seems quite fair eh?" I gave a nod. "Good. Then we are in agreement. You take care of trouble makers for us, we give you some power in our order. Might not be something too high up.... We do understand you were a General but we do require enforcers and you can fit the bill. Could still impress us and depending on what happens to our higher ups.... Might open more of an opportunity."

"...Liking the sound of that... Could go more into depth later but uh... how about I get something more to eat? Didnt get much before my meal was so rudely slapped out of my hands for this meeting...."

"But of course. Yard time isnt for a while longer and these meetings usually take quite a while because of the trouble that gets these meetings called... Usually there's a little more yelling and maybe some blood that comes with it... But we'll just say you were compliant... For now lets just get you your meal." I gave a nod and he just left the room for a moment before coming back in moments later. Waited a while longer before I was given another hayburger and a soda.

Not much longer later I was cuffed behind my back yet again. We walked all the way back through the mess hall and then out another door that lead to the outside. Once in the yard I just looked around as I was uncuffed. Stallions everywhere. All wearing the same things. Even thought about where Mythic would be... Near the weights area he said. Once they uncuffed me I was pushed forward, this time I was able to balance myself and just wandered out into the open area. I just looked up and saw some pegasai flying around, stretching their wings.... Even racing. I flew up just to look around trying to see where I could find him. Saw a corner where there were lots of stallions lifting or waiting for weights. I landed quickly just to head on over. I just walked through the crowd just trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I just waited for the bench to open up... Just undid my jumpsuit and tied it around my waist, tight as I could. Once the stallion using it got up I just plopped myself down.... Best part? I was kinda looking for a fight here on someone who wanted to look good... I just pretended to struggle with the bar... Two weights on either side... thinking forty pounds. Not including the bar... bar itself is around forty itself... Pressing eighty which I could do one handed. As I did the pony I was seeking came right up. "Need a bit of a spot there lad?" Mythic asked giving a grin. Gave a nod. He knelt down just as I was starting to do a few reps, struggling with one or two. "Alright.... Dont look too worse for wear.... What happened?"

I huffed just giving a little grunt acting like I was using all the strength I could just to lift this bar. "...they took me into a room and I think we may have our ticket out of here...." I said. "Did get the butt of a gun to my dome but... ground's a bit harder than that...."

"Oh yea? What'd they say if'n you dont mind?" He stood up just to kinda help me push the bar up a little as I struggled a bit. Held the bar up and just got a little second wind in me after that. He knelt back down.

"Well.. They wanna give me a spot to work with em.... and i might become a little bit of a hitman in here... Though if we can figure out their hierarchy I might be able to climb the ladder though it might have to look like they went missing or had a little bit of an accident.... Might be a ticket out of here if we can take em out... Though thing is I dont think massing an army ourselves is gonna go well with their armor and firepower... might have to try to be in secret... might try to talk about you, see if you cant get in there but they might suspect something.... Though I wonder... how much do you know about factions in here?"

"Not much. But enough to pinpoint leaders." He looked up for a moment and just sighed. "...Speakin of.... Stay calm as much as you can... Thinking that one you fucked with during meal time is coming over...."

"Distance yourself, maybe alert the guards to what's going on, see if you cant get in their good graces... Just make sure you're not seen snitching.... Rather you be at my side without stitches..."

Mythic gave a nod and just watched me do a couple more reps before being pushed away by the stallions into another group who caught him. Three other stallions just 'forced' the bar down onto my chest and held it there while the main guy got in my face. "Oooh fresh meat really fucked up...." He said putting his foot near my head. "....Here's what's gonna happen.... My boys here are gonna hold you in place.... Seems they almost didnt have to but with how strong your fuckin' grip was? I wanted to make sure I could beat the ever loving shit out of you so you know I can take whatever I want, whenever I want from whoever I want and that is gonna include you pussy!" I just spat in his face making him jump back. He went for me a moment before another stallion just body checked him making him stumble. I just started pushing up the bar like it was no trouble and even with the other stallions adding a few hundred more pounds onto that bar. I shook em off before getting up myself. I looked to one of the stallions who was just getting to his knees. Just gave him a little wave telling him to walk away wordlessly. "WHO DID THAT?! FUCKIN' WHO?" I looked back at the stallion who I spit in his face and just saw him looking at everyone else looking at him and laughing or even fucking just not giving him the time of day. The other stallions just ran off as a few guards appeared.

Two restrained the guy real quick while another got in front of him. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE EVEN DOING?" The one guard in front of him yelled. "You are out here to exercise! Not start trouble! Do we need to have a chat with what's left of your family? Or do we need to just do away with you because I'M SICK OF THIS!".... And if that werent a cue I dont know what would be. I was ready to make my presence known... and make sure nobody gets in my corner without praying to whatever god they worship.... I took the weights off the bar setting em down before just grabbing the bar, stretching myself and just bracing myself for what I was about to do. I readied that bar, squeezing it down to a point on one end, other stallions just looking on in shock... They even yelled for a moment to try and warn them but by the time they noticed, it was too late. That spit faced stallion was impaled, held high over me, his blood dripping down the pole, his screams filling the air.... And to shut him up I just used him as a hammer, breaking his neck upon impact. I just let the bar go, turning about and putting my hands up, bloody as they were.

I huffed. "Well... Cant say I'm not caught red handed for this.... But you know he deserved every bit of that.... And you did wanna get rid of him...." I said. The guards were speechless. Two at the side looked as if they'd be sick. One in front... I couldnt tell if he was mad or impressed. Either that or about to be sick on what he had happen in front of him. "Someone wanna help me clean up or am I gonna have to make someone else look guilty?"

One of the guards went for a radio. "Hit him!" He said. Didnt have time to answer before feeling a pinch in my side and I was out.

Woke up back in that solitary area. Again naked, felt drowsy, hungry, and a bit cold actually. The room was dimmed but still bright enough for me to see still everything that included a bag of chips and a bottle of water, a set of new clothes and another note. I went for the chips and water first just scarfing as many chips as I could before drowning myself almost in half the bottle of water before just going for the note.

'You've definitely made your point on wanting things to be discreet and that stunt you pulled out in the yard makes it hard to say no. He was indeed one of our targets but we could handle that situation... Doesnt matter now but that is one target off our list... He's dead and you've saved us some time with him getting him in line... Tried so many times with him but never works... found out the hard way what happens when you dont listen but also fuck with the strongest guy in here... We're getting another bar for that set but since you've demonstrated your strength we've hit you with something that saps that strength. Not our idea. If you do want someone dead, you're being given something that's discreet as well as deadly. Should be under your clothes along with instructions on how to use it.... Lucky you its built in with a safety feature... Prototype cut someones ring finger off and we're trying to make it user friendly... still unfriendly for whoever is on the business end of it. Your strength will return in due time but it will be a while before you get it back so try to remember before you throw eighty pound weights or another stallion at someone... We'll be in touch.' It was signed 'The Order.'

I huffed as I just cracked open the bag and tossed the note aside. "...Note to self, dont do that again... and if I do, it better be damn well worth it...." I just said to myself. I just started shoving chips into my mouth just getting as much as I could in.... Being naked? Yeah i've had to eat stuff naked before.... Blame Gilda.... Came home one day with her, she wanted some fun, pissed on her, fucked a bit... And apparently didnt know this but Big Mac wanted to pull a prank on me and took all my clothes... Gilda had no part in it... He was actually on the way back with a bucket just to put up over the door when he found me and Gilda at the table after a shower completely naked. Asked and got the answer when Gilda grabbed me under the table.... He just went back and got my clothes back. Anyways I just ate what I could... whole bag was good before I just got dressed again... right size this time and there was even something else. Looked like an armor bracer.... It was black with a little bit of an intricate design on the back.... I just ran my fingers over it only to find a slit in it... I turned it over to find straps and almost like a lever. I pushed on it and a long blade came right out of the slit... "Okay... Keep this nearby and not wear it during sleep...." I honestly didnt feel the least bit tired. Especially after sleeping pretty peacefully after getting tranq'd... That's what? The third time in my life I'd been hit with a tranquilizer dart? At least the second I felt and knew I got hit with. I just went and put the wrist blade aside and out of sight and DEFINITELY out of reach before just kicking back, closing my eyes and sleeping the best I could.

I didnt fall into a deep sleep. Just enough to be aware of my surroundings. Was it easy to feel comfy? No. Not in the slightest... especially with my clothes on but figure might as well try to get comfortable... I was gonna be here a while... That next morning... I think was maybe a few hours after that. I heard a banging on my door which got me up. "Come on, up an at em. Hoping that fucking tranq didnt kill you or make you brain dead...." I heard a stallion say. I just huffed getting up, grabbing the blade and getting my shoes on.

"...Gimme a minute to use the toilet and I'll be ready...." I called out.

"Alright. But hurry. Need to get you down to the medical office to see what the damage is." I quickly went over, put the blade on my forearm.... Actually on the top. Ran the risk of what would happen if I had put it on on my wrist.... Yeah losing fingers isnt gonna wanna be an option in any sense. I did use the toilet... at least pissed for right now and went to wash my hands being careful of the new toy. I hid it and just dried my hands on my clothes. I just went over and just turned my back to the door, hands behind my back. Slot opened and I was cuffed. These ones looser than the ones I had on yesterday. Not like around the wrists but... between wrists. They knew. Hundred percent. Guess they didnt wanna trigger my little surprise and end up hurting their ace in the hole for control. I stepped forth a few steps hearing the door open behind me. Slowly I stepped back into waiting arms who just grabbed me and nudged me along one holding my arm. The others followed behind and walked in front.

I was quickly lead to a medical bay where there were just cells, clear with injured ponies either laying in beds, on their feet but being examined and I think one just.... Undergoing some surgery or something... Hard to tell with the darkened glass and the curtains. It was quiet. Just heard the medical jargon, patient numbers instead of names, the usual shit you find in a medical office. I was herded into a room and just sat down on a chair in the middle of everything. There was a cot, the chair and not much else. They left me in there, still cuffed. Not long later a few soldiers and a doctor came in. Doctor was a mare. "Alright.... Prisoner number 35837... Cause to be in here, hit with a tranquilizer dart..." The doctor said. "...Patient is said to have ungodly amount of strength, caution advised...." The doctor looked to me. "Do me a favor, try breaking those cuffs if your strength is so great!" I just looked to my feet and back up. They nodded and I stood up and just started to try to pull them apart... Keyword try... its either these things were stolen from the guards in Twilight's castle or I really got my strength sapped. Chain would not break no matter how hard I tried. I just huffed and sat back down. "Alright... that's good... Any reported nausea or sickness?"

I huffed. "None that I could tell of." I said. "...Ate what was given to me, same with the drink, nothing came back up."

"....Good.... Gonna cut imbalances out while standing because no stumbling trying to get those cuffs destroyed.... Guards told me you walked here with no issues either.... Now... Any lapse in memory I wonder? Tell me what you remember before waking up."

"Had a meal in the mess hall of a hayburger and a soda, it got slapped out of my hand because I was defending myself from someone trying to steal it, got taken to interrogation, fucked around a bit only to be hit and warned, brought out to the yard, same fucker tried to gang up on me, guards broke it up, I made sure he didnt do it again." The doctor hummed.

"Descriptive.... So... no memory loss... very forthcoming with violent tendencies...."

"Most of it was self defense. Last one... Eh.... Guess that's more of his problem that he pissed off the wrong stallion...." One of the guards hit me in the back of the head. I just looked up at him giving a little bit of an annoyed grunt.

"Uhuh.... Well... this is alright.... Considering you were hit by a tranquilizer dart I recommend that you are limited to light activities for the time being so I'd stay away from lifting weights for a bit... maybe stick to light jogging and light activities that dont involve quick or straining movements." She looked to the guards. "I'd say keep him doing light labor projects for the time being... background says he's a mechanic so he could be useful during maintenance calls... Might be able to keep him busy as well and out of his cell for a while."

The guard huffed. "We can keep him out of the yard for a while but with being on maintenance we're gonna have to talk with the warden about this. He's already got one infraction against him but we're looking the other way because he's new and being hit with a tranquilizer is punishment enough. Warden still has final say in it but we're on board since he's being compliant... albeit being a smartass..."

"Well have him talk to me for my input but unless he has any other ideas of what 35837 can do that isnt putting him near any weapons you jackasses use then just keep him in his cell, watch him wither away going insane without any activity to stimulate his brain!"

"Doctor, I advise you to not speak like that to us. You are already on your second infraction and you know what happens if you get to your third!"

"My apologies if I'm short sir but I've been working round the clock with barely any down time and if anyone wants me working to the best of my abilities then my colleagues here could take over while I rest but no, if everyone has to be on their feet doing something within this complex nobody gets a break and goddess forbid I go on break everything falls apart because the warden has my top medical officers making sure you jarheads dont overdose on a single aspirin pill!" She huffed after a moment of silence. "You two wait outside, I still need to check this prisoners vitals to make sure he's alright... And for fucks sake undo his restraints. Cant take an accurate reading with something cutting off blood supply! And before you say it, this prisoner is COMPLIANT. You said it yourself and I can trust him to not leave me as a corpse on the ground because he's being on his best behavior in here! So either take his restraints off and wait outside for me to knock, otherwise I'm going straight to the warden and letting him know my medical expertise isnt going to be the best because I couldnt find any signs of a failing heart!" I just sat there like a fucking child with their parents arguing... something mom and dad did a little bit when I was younger.... Especially when it came to me breaking my father's prized record... still glad he doesnt hold it over my head anymore... The guards didnt argue. They just took my wrists and unlocked the cuffs.

"Alright... be a good boy and listen to the doctor, otherwise you'll be double bound next time."

I huffed rubbing my wrists. "Talk to me like that again, I'll be the one talking to your superiors if she doesnt. Now why dont you go fetch the doctors things for her?" I could just see how he wanted to hit me again. The doctor just stood up next to me and crossed her arms just giving him an evil look. He buckled like a stick holding up a twenty pound concrete ball. we just watched as they both left just leaving the doctor and I alone.

The doctor sighed as the door shut even giving a slight chuckle. "There we are....." She said. "...Never had a prisoner speak up against the guards in my defense before...."

"Well when you've been leading guards for as long as I have and having some talk down about you because you were given your position prematurely you have to show whos in charge and with me being high up in that guard ladder, you learn how to deal with the stupidity... and just hoping this stays under some sort of medical confidentiality but.... There's a sharp object on my right arm and you might need to do my left arm for more accuracy. If not possible.... Make something up to try to hide us more to hide the object if possible..." She gave a little smirk.

"...Forthcoming arent we? You know nothing about me yet you trust me with this information?" I gave a nod.

"Trust is given and if broken that can be turned to anger and that sharp object already has some blood that needs to be drawn.... Rather the only ones that need to do blood drawing are you and your medical officers."

"Agreed 35837 but-"

"Ryder." She looked to me confused. "While they're out there. Call me Ryder. Only call me by that when they're in here. Understand?"

"Sure thing Ryder. But why trust me?"

"You're one to treat me right here. Trust is there for me not to hurt you so I wont. If anything... Maybe give me a few targets to dispose of discretely to climb my way up the ladder of this organization but only when in here for checking in on my conditions.... You probably want to get out of here as bad as I do considering your treatment right?" She gave a slight nod. "Then we have something in common.... There's another one in here who I dont mind knowing... my father... Good with remembering my medical reports if need be. Mohawk, one eye."

"Hm... So.... You're related to him... I wondered why he wanted a patch.... Probably could keep some notes in that thing if it doesnt get too sweaty under there.... Might be able to find something that doesnt look too suspicious and would mess something up there..." I looked up and just saw one of the guards coming back with a machine wheeling alongside him.

"Alright... Enough talk for now. Just be careful with the arm...." She nodded and just looked to the door as it opened.

I just kept my head down as he just wheeled the thing next to me. "Here. Do what you need to fucking do so we can get him down to the mess hall for a proper meal." He said.

The doctor huffed. "I'll be as fast as this thing will allow me! Now leave and let me get an accurate reading!" She said. "Longer you're in here, higher his blood pressure is and the closer we're gonna think he is to a heart attack! Stand outside, wait for me to finish!" The guard wanted to argue but he knew he couldnt. I just watched as he left. The doctor followed and just locked the door before hitting a switch by the door turning on the privacy glass. "Alright... we've got five minutes before they question us. Take off your jumpsuit and maybe take off that device. Maybe let me get a good look at it." I gave a nod before standing up and just carefully undoing my jumpsuit with one hand. Had to keep the other one at my side because I would rather not trigger the blade and either pierce my own chest or cut myself. Once i unzipped it I just pulled it over my arm with the blade and pulled my arm out and just carefully took my other arm out. I just held out my arm for the doctor to see. She hummed as she looked it over. "Okay.... they gave you one of these things didnt they? Wrist mounted blade capable of leaving near unnoticeable marks unless you hit an artery... minimal bleeding will still happen but when it will be noticed is a good question..... and the way you have it mounted could make it look like you were in a fist fight and one hit could be disastrous for anyone you hit.... Might mean more bodies for the morgue and if the guards want to know cause of death it could just be written down as blunt force trauma.... Better than 'rammed through the chest cavity with a twenty pound barbell twisted to make a spear'...."

I huffed. "Gotta admit, that wasnt the first time I've done something like that.... least this one tasted blood... The other one is pinned to a wall inside of Tartarus if you can believe it..." I said.

"...I'll have to ask about that another time... By the by call me Forceps. Doctor Forceps. Doc is fine too if you dont wanna be too personal about it.... But seriously now just slip this thing off and let me do my job... Maybe whoever gave you this thing can teach you the best ways to use it. I gave a nod and carefully took it off just putting it beside my chair. I just sat back down just so she could get the reading. Was a quick minute. Even allowed me a minute to get my blade back on comfortably and then get my jumpsuit back on. I zipped up real quick and sat back down just before the doctor turned off the two way glass and then knocked. The guards turned around just as she opened the door. "Alright you two, all done with the reading. Still healthy. Now get him down for a meal and get him outfitted for something to fix!"

"Still need to pass it by the Warden. Until then he eats and rests."

"Still make sure he gets at least brought to me every so often so i can keep tabs on his condition. Now maybe find something for him to do that's gonna stimulate his brain. Rather him having quick wits than mashed potatoes for brains!"

They just huffed and left with me. They walked with me down the hall and just lead me to a library. Told me to find some books I could take back to my cell and gave me a limit of a dozen or so. I picked out a few novels, few Daring Do... One of them questioned if I was alright in the head considering I chose those and I told them it would remind me why I need to behave considering my family reads that and even asked if I could get a pen and a notebook to write things down... they agreed and didnt give me anything to think about when writing in it.... here's a nice documentation to my time in here as well as writing down target names and descriptions.... Both sides... I stayed in my cell the rest of the day. They gave me meals and drinks when I needed them. That night I sat against the wall and just started writing.

'Day 1

I'm in what I'm calling a stronghold.... Might be a day in this hell hole but at least I have a familiar face.... Rather it be him than be alone with nobody to help with a plan... Got the doctor in on this as well... She may be of use to me but I still need to be careful with what I say and who I say it around. They both offered to help me get out of here, maybe I can bring em both out.... Though I'm having to do this as stealthy as I can and with how clumsy my dumbass is, stealth is an option I dont take very often... I've been given a weapon by some shady organization after someone realized I'm not to be fucked with in any way. Only reason I have it is because they A: want me to be discreet in doing their dirty work and B: not make myself known when I do it like with the fucker I impaled... Yet that got me a date with a tranquilizer and getting my strength sapped.... I feel like if I were a normal pony I'd be unable to walk or something.... Doctor said I should be fine given time.... Though where I am is still a mystery... where my family is as well... The biggest question I have is how in the FUCK these guys snuck past all the security in Canterlot to nab me and how they nabbed Mythic as well.... Might find out in time... might not.... Either way... I'm spilling blood and flooding the room to get to freedom whether I want to or not....' Didnt sign it like it was a letter to Celestia... Wish I could've sent this to Celestia and ask for help but I know nothing is gonna get out of here unless its a brainwashed soldier or a bodybag.

I ended up just getting some sleep after.... Didnt sleep great all things considering but I slept.... More of like a light sleep ready for someone to attack me or something. I woke up and stretched, got to use the bathroom again before grabbing my blade and putting it on before grabbing a book. This one wasnt Daring Do. This one was a griffon becoming a dragon tamer in days of old. Different dragons that helped control different elements but this griffon was crippled in his legs, walked with a cane. He had a dragon that never picked anyone. And I mean ANYONE. Ponies from all walks of life, alicorn, earth ponies, unicorn, pegasai, even other griffons and some zebra tried. Yet this happened. Once this griffon stepped up he was the last to make his gift of bits he had found with his friend who ended up getting murdered in an attempt to mug him for the bits in question. His friend gave his life so he could make the gift to the altar for the dragon. The dragon appeared for him and he managed to become a very important creature even with his disabilities. He had servants, he had a great place to sleep, he even had someone helping him wash himself.... Yet his favor of the dragon wasnt all that well received by everyone else. He awoke one day to find his new home being invaded by those who wished him harm. Thankfully the dragon protected him and the guards that served their emperor captured them and locked them away, and promised if anyone had tried to hurt him it would only make his claim to the dragon stronger. And that's only the first three chapters. Soon they came to the door and banged on it. I sighed knowing what that meant. I put my pencil in the book as a marker before setting it on my bed and going over to the door. "We might be a bit late but we've got a small meeting with the warden about your new assignment." The guard said.

I huffed getting a thought in my head.... Am I going to be patted down or is he just going to assume I'm not gonna have any weapons? Part of me wanted to ditch my blade but I could feel Schrivechnya telling me to take it.... She wanted to come out but even she was afraid of coming out to help me.... That's how bad this was. I just took a deep breath, hid the blade on my arm and just turned about. I put my hands behind my back and just was promptly cuffed. I stepped away from the door for a moment before it opened and I was pulled out. Came face to face with a few guards and they started walking me through the halls. Pretty much just walked me through the halls and into an elevator and then out and down another hall and straight to an office. It was a nice office. Minimalistic but very furnished. Few recliners, a big screen TV on the wall, more than likely connected to security systems. Record machine on the back wall, bed, even a small kitchen and a mini bar with some sort of alcohol in a decanter.... God i need some whiskey after this. If anything I'm stealing that first chance I get. Anyhow I sat there while one of the guards walked off into a side room and moments later he came back out with a stallion following behind him. The Warden. Armor looked high tech. White, black and red. No notable marks but it was powered. And heavy. Each step he took was loud... even sounded like each step was like someone running on metal grating but with him he wasnt fast about it. "....Well well... You've certainly made a name for yourself and you've only been here a couple of days...." He said. His voice was rough but he sounded of a drill sergeant. "Caused a little trouble but paving your way to being a feared soldier among my army. Though the way you need to go about it requires secrecy, taking down empires from the inside. We have no interest in Equestria as of yet but we still need others to help us with that..."

I huffed. "Permission to speak sir?" I asked. He smiled a bit.

"Well yes since you asked nicely. Normally I'm doing most of the talking but you're already acting the part of our organization."

"I'm not sure how much research you've done when choosing recruits.... But you've probably chose the best and worst recruit when getting me. You took me out of Canterlot right under the Princesses noses. That's the worst part. The best part? You may already have someone on the inside with me." His face turned to curiosity hearing him hum.

"...I'll admit we have done research... most of these recruits are either ex militants from armies all over the world, some that dont have the might of others. You? You were probably the one I needed the most.... Ex General of the royal guards for Celestia and Luna, favored by them so much you still dine with them after you step down to being a lowly apple farmer."

"And there's where your information falls short. Yes I might still help my family out at an Apple farm... but I'm declared Royalty by Luna and Celestia themselves. I honestly suffer a little from PTSD because of everything I've had to go through.... Killing, saving, events that nearly killed me that include plane crashes and terrorist attacks... Probably the most experienced yet most damaged in that way."

"And you always intend to make your presence known with those who wrong you. I do like that for when you really want someone dead but cant see a way to get at them through stealth.... Speaking of stealth your hidden blade looks to be a bit wrong there.... No worries there... not gonna confiscate it from you... just try to teach you to use it before you get your assignments and new work orders." I gave a hefty sigh feeling my heart jump slightly.

"Alright... But... Think I'd rather have it this way than another. Seems like a danger to lose a finger and it seems like the way I have it if I get into a brawl it might fall under the radar with a puncture wound and it might look like a little bit of a trauma split... and with how many fights I've been in, you see it enough... Might even class the death up to some sort of brain bleed that happens to kill them... Might not be what you want if you want secrecy but that might only be if I get caught...."

"Well.... Alright.... See your point... still wanna put you through some training." He looked to the guard at my side. "Take him to the training station. Anyone there ask why there's a prisoner there, tell em to come to me. They get uppity, have our friend spar with them so they know to not do that..."

"Well hopefully I still have my speed... Might not have the strength but if they cant keep up with me they may still go to the ground...."

"We'll see there. But before we get you down to the training area how would you fancy a meal?"

"Sounds mighty fine sir."

"Good good... Keep an attitude like that and you'll find yourself climbing rank."

I gave him a smile and a nod. The guards just stood me up and just brought me downstairs to the mess hall. Still loud and noisy. Seemed like everyone was already done or just starting to clear out. I just grabbed my food and just wandered until I found Mythic. He just looked to me like he'd seen a ghost before just realizing I was alive. He just scooted over a bit and I sat next to him. "Lad y'gotta stop scarin' me like that! Might be a hardened stallion but yer gonna give me a heart attack with the shite you pull!" He said just as I took a bite. "Guards wanted to know what happened from me since I saw the whole thing. Told em the one you ran through tried to take your food, you made sure he didnt need any and that his friends were trying to hurt you. Keyword try. What the hell happened to ya after you got tranq'd? Havent seen you drop that hard for a while."

I huffed and just swallowed what I had before drinking the soda. Great stuff. "Where do I start?" I asked. "Waking up stark naked, no strength to hurt anyone the way that fuck found out the hard way... but I've been given some duty that keeps me out of trouble and out of my cell... though I met with a doctor.... Said I was in good health and well... she might be a key in plans... You might be part of em too..... but real quick.... just roll up my sleeve a bit... not all the way but enough to see something." I stuck my arm straight out below the table between us. He rolled my sleeve up a bit before I gave him a thumbs up and triggered the blade. He jumped slightly but I put it back in and just rubbed the sleeve onto the seat rolling it back down. "Little present that they probably shouldnt have given me.... Though there's a reason for this... I'm a hitman on the inside... rather not do this but I feel like this is a way to gain more trust.... After this I'm gonna be brought to a training area to know how to use this thing... Might be a little while before we get out but I'd rather be breaking them up from the inside rather than come at them head on. Cant beat em, join em... but only if you get more reward than risk... and I'd say freedom is reward enough... Might try to see about kissing a little ass old man. Might be able to join me if I can ask for a little help during maintenance duty."

"Think they'll go for it?"

"They should.... Just gotta make yourself open to orders no matter how bad it is.... as I said. Be a kiss ass." He sighed.

"....You better be buying the drinks after we get out of here.... Fuckin' dont like takin' orders from some jackass... But if it gets us out, it gets us out... Just gotta spill a little blood to get where we need...." Wasnt the first time we did something like that and wouldnt be the last.

"I may need to ask during training to see about you identifying and pointing out targets for me.... Maybe even help cover tracks if I need a getaway... You can improvise an alibi and maybe even go and report back the target I was assigned is dead. Course I'm probably gonna be swept away after it happens.... Though you still may need to keep an eye out for maybe some sort of heirarchy... Maybe see about getting something from the doctor because she seems a bit fed up with how she's treated... might be a good medic for the Elites when we escape..."

"...Hm... Might see if you cant get a cell with me so we can plan something.... Doubt they have many cells with more than one bed.... Perhaps you doing what they want gains some favor with that...."

"....Yeah... Just... gotta try not to get myself killed..." I ate some more of my sandwich... still better than i've had at a McHoovians but... eh... rather have home made stuff.

"Do what you need. If you do end up getting caught just keep your head down, do what they say and if our friends know what to do.... Families will be safe...." I gave a nod and just finished my meal with Mythic at my side... Felt weird having him and I both captured... Dont know how he got captured and I sure as HELL know I'm gonna rip into someone- possibly literally unless the Princess stop me... After this I was cuffed and brought down to a rather large training yard. Guards with rifles stood atop towers, while I was put to the test. I didnt do well the first time. Got the idea. ... The dummies they had moved and I didnt know... Even had cameras installed. Drove the blade into a dummies neck from a bench, a dummies back before dumping it behind a few boxes, then even got up high before dropping down on one, blade right in the top of the head. I even got creative. Asked them if they could set up a group protecting someone killed one behind the target, joined the group before taking them out and dipping out into another group for a getaway before hiding in one of the boxes where I dumped a dummy. After a few hours of that and a little jog I asked to do to keep my legs limber and such from all the crouching and stuff I had to do. After that I was given assignment back inside but I had to wear a tracking anklet so they could keep eye on me while I fixed a few things around. They really made sure I didnt have any weaponry to fix and 'accidentally' break. Already had someone tuning up their stuff I guess. Worst one I had to fix was wiring... I know next to nothing about wiring on anything that isnt in cars. I told the guy I was mechanic, not an electrician.... Guy told me to figure it out and I managed to break a door kinda.... This one an electronic mag locked door and I managed to undo the maglock. Re-connected things for the lock and the door worked like new... somehow... me and my fucking dumb luck there. Anyways... Later.... Tired of talking right now...

Shade of Crimson

Days. Its been days. Nearly a WEEK since I was captured and put into this fucking facility.... I've dubbed the organization I'm working for in here the Shadowskins. They're nothing like the elites but they want control. Killing those that need to die but for their gain. I've been doing jobs for them to just work my way up.... And so far I've not gotten any closer to getting out. Denied my requests for Mythic to help me during maintenance but they did move us into a cell together. Yet they still bring us into the doctors office and tell us who dies if they want me to get out. Four names. Well... code names. The names in order from bottom to top were Nightshade, Predator, Fireborn and The Warden. Of course I've already met him... but I'm nowhere near ready to face him. Though Nightshade? Of course he's first..... Lowest on the rungs on this ladder we call a hierarchy. This guy was a nut in guard armor. Terrorized the ponies who followed orders even to the T. Anyone who even showed the slightest of hesitation didnt fair so well. A beating. Maiming. I've been beaten and maimed before but this? This took the cake. This guy would line up and make everyone watch as he had the one cuffed fucker in front of everyone on his knees like he was about to enjoy a bukkake but this? This wasnt that. As much as I love to be on my knees around stallions willing to glaze my face with their stuff this wasnt that. He took a baton and beat them even to the point to where he split skin.... He's even cut pieces of fingers and ears off. Small mutilation but it had to do with what he said what they werent doing.... Not fast enough? There goes a finger. Not listening? Your ear. Talk back? Oh he cuts your tongue.... or cheek.... And I've had to talk to the guys who know about him. Though now? Mythic and I are trying to figure out how I get close to him.... I was laying in bed reading my book while he was pacing back and forth. "Alright.... We want this fucker on the ground and dead.... but the way we get close to him has to be seen coming but not to the point where we have to fight your way to him...." He said. "....If we can get something to say you're to be there you might be able to start something... Then again rather you not get in trouble..."

I huffed as I just set my book aside. "Getting to him isnt gonna be easy just as anyone... Warden is gonna be the hardest of all unless I get my strength back." I replied sitting up. "...I've got an appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning and I could see about getting a pass to train with Nightshade. Though pretty sure the Shadowskins are gonna ask me to take out a target or two while I'm in there and have you relay who, what and where. Maybe when to make it interesting...."

"Bah.... Shouldnt give yourself a time frame like that. Making yourself start panicking, making mistakes and shite. Rather you stop being messy with your killing.... Leave the impaling and tearing someone apart limb from limb unless they really piss you off." I got up and just stopped him from pacing.

"I'm gonna have to be tactical and secretive about this. That fucking tranq dart they hit me with was fast acting and if I were anyone else I'd probably still be bedridden pissing and shitting in a bucket a medic laid out for me. And when I tell you when a certain 'generator' exploded in Manehattan my friend hit me with four tranq darts and he thought he killed me but considering I had my strength still means these guys are using something to either kill and leave it painless or they would rather not have someone be strong enough to be able to overpower even the warden with his armor... And I think I'm a lucky case considering when I got hit with that they had to make sure I wasnt braindead more than I already am from all the times I've hit my head at high speeds. And you know I've at least been trying to test myself seeing if my strength is returning. You weigh how much even with the metal in your legs?"

"Two sixty. But that still dont mean shite! Lad I might sound like your mother here but I dont want to see you throwin' your damned life away just because you did something stupid! That dart makes you more vulnerable now that your strength is gone. You might still have that agility but without the strength to back it up you're more of a liability than you were with it. One wrong move and you get beaten or worse with these high priority targets. The higher the priority, the more the danger. There's already high danger with this one... Maybe while you take out your assigned targets I can find out some stuff from some of the other prisoners who had run ins with them... Now lets get some sleep.... More awake you are for your doctors appointment and me for my target finding, more coherant we're gonna be when we do our thing...." He just climbed into his bunk and lied back. I grabbed my book laying down in my bunk just read until I felt like I needed to sleep... couldnt tell how long but I just passed out after a while.

And after a fucking WEEK. Guess who decided to show up in my dreams because I was actually able to sleep somewhat calmly? Princess. God. Damned. LUNA. I was just still in the jumpsuit. I just rushed over and hugged her and she did not have any trouble hugging me back. "Oh thank mother you're alive! What are the chances there would be two red alerts sent out about you within such a short time frame?!" She asked. "Where are you? Are you okay? Are you being tortured?"

I just pried her off and huffed. "Not being tortured, I'm fine, pissed and ready to rip someone apart but thanks to that someone I cant do it the way you know I can... Even too afraid to use my sledgehammer considering they fucking sapped my strength... And if I knew where I was I'm pretty sure I'd tell you and expect an army to barrel down on us, releasing me and- believe it or fucking not- my father.... Fucker's actually keeping me sane in here but I've got a real problem on my hands.... and its gonna cause them to run red with the blood of those who I'm damn sure are innocent but also those who arent.... What happened when you found out I went missing?" She sighed getting two seats ready for us from the black abyss that was my dreamscape.

"We had to hide it from your mother, hide your car from her and the rest of the wonderbolts while they all got shipped back to Cloudsdale in the chopper, your family is getting worried again but we told them you're just gonna be staying with us for a while, not even letting them know... We even had to borrow Rocky to impersonate you for whenever your sister calls to make sure you're alright... Thankfully its going without a hitch but I think they're a tad suspicious...."

"Please tell me Elites are taking shifts protecting my family, mother and all! These fuckers are making me do what they ask.... Otherwise they might do more than de-feather my sisters wings.... But you know once I get my strength back I'm ripping someone a new asshole, mouth hole and I am making DAMN sure Schrivechnya tastes blood from those fuckers who decided to kidnap a fucking prince and his dumbfuck of a militant father- who I have to now trust with my life after not for so long!"

"Elites have been notified, Babs' father is trying to not let that work get in the way with other work he has and he's doing his best to not tell your family what really happened as per our orders. The Elites have already caught two strange masked ponies around Sweet Apple Acres and there are more Elites patrolling day and night to make sure your family is safe. Even hiding outside school, following vehicles to and from the house... at the moment we're trying to extract information from them on your wherabouts. I'm just... I'm just hoping we can get you home quickly...."

"When I get home, I'm gonna go for a drink and maybe take my father out for one as well... Figure I owe the old bastard after this... but... I think I have an idea to expedite the extraction... Ikkebuckero, Canterlot Carrots, there should be a group of ponies that you've met that frequent there. Thinking we need help from Overcharge to help... Hacker Mare who might be able to crack the nut that is this place... maybe cause a few malfunctions to allow me access into areas I cant normally get to to further my goals.... So far they have me on maintenance duty on account of my good behavior and my work for them.... Still gonna have to keep up appearances until I get to the head honcho... and by then I hope I'll have my strength back to rip off that armor and maybe his spine out of his ass so I can use his skull as a mace to break the rest of his still twitching body!" ....Yeah... she gave me the look of 'he's insane but I understand' but it was more on the freaked out side. She took a deep breath and sighed before just stepping back.

"....Ryder... You are pissed off... But we will work HARD to bring you home! And if you do manage to regain your strength... please... Make sure your battle is one you can finish..."

"I will Luna.... My father has been making sure that's been burned into my brain since I got here.... Just... Wake me up and be quick about getting 'Charge to help.... She might be a good ticket out if she can hack the system... Only one I trust to do it..."

"I will be as fast as I can.... Wont doubt they'd be hesitant to help me unless I mention you... Be safe... We'll come for you as soon as we know where you are.... but do what you have to for your cover to be effective... and Ryder..."

"Yes?"

"...I wish this were mothers scenario's... but since last time she's been afraid to do so...."

"...At first I thought it was... played along... but the fact everything I've felt thus far hasnt gone and changed.... Its all too real... Do let Celestia know I'm alive and well... but extremely pissed off.... and if you guys get there before the final battle... I do hope I get hold of a gun to feed the barrel to the one who put me in here and give him a little lead to eat as well!" She shuttered.... Just... cowered a bit. "...Apologies... just wake me... feel like the longer i'm asleep, more trouble i'll get in..." She nodded and just hugged me real quick before making herself fade.

Once I woke up I hit the toilet.... Glad Mythic has had something done with him that renders scent useless for him... Though once I was done and flushed he woke right up. He stretched and hopped off the bunk. "...Fuckin' hope its mornin...." He said.

"...Hope so too but... body told me to wake up... feel like we may have visitors soon too... So get what business you need done and be ready..." And wasnt I right? Five minutes after he did his thing, I was just getting ready to sit down on the bed to read some more... Banging on the door. We knew the drill. Both of us just got ready... Went to the door, turned around... I was first... They cuffed me and I stepped away. Then he got cuffed. Didnt take long for him to get dragged out with me following close behind.

One of the guards got in front of us. "Alright... Morning meals are going to be ready for both of you yet one needs a trip to the medical office first..." He said. And of course I have to be a smartass.

"Hope the doctor will use lube this time.... and that they warm it up..." Oh I could tell they wanted to hit me but... instead I got a chuckle.

"Funny.... Now get moving before we forgot to laugh and should punish you like we should!" Oh to have favor with the enemy.... Gonna be a nice surprise when I slit throats left and right.... Anyhow they went and took us separate ways after a while. I went straight to the doctors office.

Office was a bit quiet... only a few doctors getting any work done it seemed while others were going over charts and drinking coffee. At this point I would love a cup... And I dont even drink coffee. Doctor Forcep came from a nearby desk and smiled making sure her folder was nice and neat. "Welcome back patient 35837... Ready for your check up?" She asked.

I huffed. "...As ready as I'll ever be... Oh and if you're doing prostate exams... Not to be gross but havent had a good shit in a few days... feeling a bit bloated..." I said.

"Ah not to worry. I'll see about getting you on a diet that keeps you regular... Maybe see about getting you into the yard for a few laps on your own just to keep things moving."

"Sounds good but uh... Can we get some privacy? I'm uh... I think I'm pushing a little too hard to try to get it out and I think I may have hurt myself a little... wanna make sure the damage isnt too bad...."

"Alrighty then!" She looked to the guards. "Room 3, keep him standing for right now. Once I get in, you know the drill." They just nodded and walked me into the room. I actually started to size em up without em noticing... these guards that were with me were big... still dont have my strength and trust me if I did, these guys would be dead, one maybe into the other room and I wouldnt mind stripping them of their weapons and using one in each hand. Though I'm really needing to think things through here... and this? Yeah... doing that even WITH strength might be a bad idea... even with crossfire. I stood there just hoping she wouldnt actually probe my ass... or if she does I really DO hope she warms the lube.... She came in writing on a clipboard as she also carried a tube of lube, a box of gloves and a pack of moist wipes. She looked to the guards as she put the stuff aside. "Alright, outside gentlemen. Gotta be calm and loose for me to see the damage and not make more! Plus I'd rather not have to wrestle my fingers from someones asshole again!"

The guards sighed. "Yes ma'am." One of them said. They released me and just walked out the door. Doctor Forcep shut it behind them and turned on the privacy glass even going as far as locking the door.

"Alright Ryder... Drop em..."

I blushed hard. "Doc... Things are fine... Just need to do a little checkup and see about getting close to the first guy on the list.... Nightshade is the first target.... Supposedly a psycho who mutilates ponies for stupid reasons just to show others what happens when they dont follow orders or what have you... figure you dont like fixing his bullshit with what supplies you do have right?" She smiled a bit.

"...Think I might be able to do something.... With how your energy levels I've seen as of late from what the guards are telling me I think we may as well test your capabilities as a soldier.... Of course with Nightshade he's got a route around the complex between training for his unit and choosing new ones he thinks are gonna be a nice fit for the unit. Teaches his soldiers to not hesitate even when in danger or even civilian casualties are imminent. Even if there are innocent hostages... He says to empty a clip into them both..."

"...Seems like a real piece of work.... I doubt the maintenance work I do today is going to be on his route... They could have me working somewhere just void of anyone and even change patrol routes."

"Considering he is one of the lieutenants to the leader he may disregard anything in place because he feels the need to do so. And if someone let slip we have an ex soldier doing maintenance work who is willing to cooperate he may just make a b-line for you... My advice? Do everything as you're asked. Take down your targets, keep your mouth shut and if he likes you? He meets with you. One on one. Gives you some alcohol for a job well done... Any one alcohol you want. He's got a fully stocked bar and even can get you anything to eat that you want. Personal chef.... And this one will make anyone anything... Fully stocked fridge of everything from the normal stuff, to fancy... even actual meat.... rumor has it he has pony and griffon meat...."

"...Well lets hope I can get what I ask for... thinking something that isnt a hayburger for once... and maybe his head on a silver platter.... Though uh.... We maybe wanna try to make it seem like you checked me just so they dont get suspicious?"

"Probably a good idea... May even prescribe a placebo for you to take... either that or we just do a quick procedure."

"....If the lube is warming go for it... Just... be gentle..." She gave a nod and just helped me undress before doing the thing with the glove.... She didnt do anything then but the snap... fucking hell.... Just had to think of home.... I was flustered a bit when we went out. Told the guards that I had nothing to worry about but that it should clear up if i keep hydrated throughout the day... And maybe give me something other than a soda to drink... maybe even a sports drink if any can be spared. After that uncomfortable appointment I was brought to the mess hall. I ate there pretty much alone. Bowl of soup this time and some grilled cheese. Even had a sports drink. Cherry thank fuck.

Though after that I was brought to a work closet. Given a tool belt and they even allowed me to take a look at a few maintenance issues on a computer to choose which one I wanted to start on first... Honestly thought they'd assign me on something like that but this was perfect... why? Just as I was about to click on one for stuck doors a new one popped up... It glitched out for a moment but there was a familiar logo attached to it.... On my phone in The Bits chat. Overcharge. I looked over my shoulder at the door. Guards were just standing there having a chat amongst themselves. I quickly clicked on that one and it pulled up a note. 'RYDER! Fucking shit I know you're looking at this but just so they dont get suspicious, this note gets deleted after you click out. We're coming to find you soon. I've got a pinpoint on this but this place is highly advanced and I was lucky enough to find a small window to send this through to get to you undetected. Not only is it highly advanced but I'm thinking this gonna have to be through a fucking frontal assault and hoping I'm gonna be able to stay back. I checked records on you specifically as well.... Drove a weight bar through someone killing them and hit with a tranq.... Nice but fuck me is that a way to go. Keep doing what you're doing and when we see a good opening we'll come as fast as we can. If you can create that opening we can do what we can from our end. OC out. Be Tee Dubs, Izzy wants a word when you get back....'

I heard a sigh just clicking out of the report and just as she said it deleted itself. "You finished choosing an issue yet? Faster we get this done, faster we can get to your outside time." One of the guards said.

I huffed. "Sorry. Trying to choose... Bad with that...." I said just clicking on the first one I saw. Kitchen walk in fridge fans malfunction. "Guess I'll just go for the fans in the kitchen fridge.... Staff says they might just need to be tightened or something... Think I'm just gonna need screws, stabilizers, and... Maybe a flashlight to check inside, make sure nothing is really beyond my repair... and that's a tough thing to do when you figured out to jury rig stuff... and I'd rather not do a shit job on it even if it does end up working..." I just stepped away from the computer and just started to look for things. Just grabbed a box of screws, a box of nuts and put them into a toolbox full of other stuff I might need before heading out. Guards didnt cuff me. Just escorted me to the messhall and into the kitchen. Honestly? Kitchen was pristine. Like better than what you'd find going out to eat. Everything was neat and orderly, clean storage, fridges for what needs to stay cold, dry storage high off the ground and a big nice walk in where they keep cold items that they need in bulk.

Of course immediately while I was in there I heard it, pinpointed the noise and had them shut down the fridge for a bit while I fixed it. And yeah... Just what I expected. Rusted through screws from moisture and luckily no mold so they do a good job cleaning. That didnt take long... maybe about fifteen minutes at most... only because I needed to wait for them to turn it off and bring me a ladder to get up there. Yeah I could've used my wings but rather be steady than trying to use my wings and staying at a constant height where I may or may not hit my head... Trust me when you're asked to fix things here and there but cant move them, you find out stuff. They decided to take me over to the maintenance closet again to have me check the computer yet again... but as we walked back we were stopped by a few guards standing across the hall just in front of the door. One was wearing carbon black armor plating, purple detailing yet it was close to the normal guard armor you see here. The stallion wearing it had a silver mane, a scar over one dead eye and he even had a big ol combat knife on his hip.... and I mean big... not machete big... but big. "...So...." He started. "...You're that one who bent that heavy weight bar out of shape... even used it to give someone giving you trouble... What's your name kid?" Actually got nervous a bit.

"Uh... Ryder sir... And you are?" He grinned.... teeth yellow like he had smoked for years but sounded as old as my grandfather.

"...Your new commanding officer... I was told you were an ex guard... but I feel like I want to learn more about that after your new assignment after lunch.... I'll come retrieve you after that... But some rules before we meet again... unless spoken to, do not speak to me... follow orders as given.... I say you shoot, you shoot, I say fight, you fight and if I say die... well... you can guess.... Do I make myself clear?" I stayed silent. "...You know you can speak now Ryder."

"Yes sir." I replied calm and collected as I could.

"Good. Now on with your work." He looked to the guards as I gave a slight nod. "After his lunch, keep him inside the mess hall. I need a meeting with him." I was restraining myself so much as to not try to tackle him and shove the blade I carried up his ass... That waited until later... but that meant outperforming his other troops.... I just went into the room and set the stuff aside before going back to the computer. No message from Overcharge here... But hopefully next I do.... I have a plan... Went and chose the next one.... Just fixing a door jam but that one was easier said than done... I had to figure out how to take the sliding mechanical door out of its track figure out where it was caught, how to fix it and just.... holy fuck that took up a chunk of time.... Turns out the track was gunked up with hard oil that needed to be cleaned out but apparently they need a different maintenance crew to completely fix it... gotta take out the door, track and replace it and use lubricant of a different nature that doesnt gunk shit up... But hey... at least I diagnosed the problem.

After that I was brought to a nearby restroom so I could wash up and even use the facilities since I was being good whilst uncuffed. But after that I was brought to the messhall where I grabbed some food and went to find Mythic. Didnt take long. He sits in his usual spot somewhere around the door to the yard. I sat down and huffed. He smiled as he cracked open his drink. "How's the ol work horse doin? Kissin' arse already?" He asked.

I cracked mine open just taking a sip out of it. "...And it seems my ass kissing has gotten me noticed.... though I have to keep going... otherwise I might end up losing an eye like you...." I replied.

"Ah... So you got in then..." I gave a slight nod as I ate my food. Even got a little brownie wrapped in plastic wrap for a job well done in the kitchen earlier. "That's good... As far as you've gotten you can go further... just make sure you get him when you have a chance."

"And I might have that chance tonight after the training I have to do.... Nightshade conscripted me into his unit for training.... He seems calm for a drill sergeant but with how calm and old he is... rather not fuck around and find out..."

"Good. You're learnin' some restraint.... Keep that up. Maybe this ol dog has some tricks to teach ya."

"...Honestly starting to not give a fuck on what mom says about you.... Yet maybe get you and her together so you can explain what you do... even if you have to take a kick to the crotch..."

"...And i'd take it... She knows I'm alive and I dont doubt she'd wanna do worse than kick me in the jewels... we do... check her desk for a snub nose or something and hold it until we've talked it out... or if she's already worked out her shit...."

"Yeah... We'll worry about that after we get out of here... but also while choosing maintenance jobs... there is some outside help that knows we're here... Gotta make a window of opportunity... might need to cause a little chaos but in a way that doesnt involve us directly..."

"...Might have an idea... though we just gotta keep doing what we're doing... both for them and us..."

"Right... Now lets just stop talking, eat and have you get out to the yard... I got a date with Nightshade later..." He gave a nod and we just ate. Even shared some of my brownie with him. Oh the taste.... I might get a few from Sugarcube corner once I'm back. But after I was done eating I just sat there. Everyone started filing out of the mess hall. I could hear some guys telling me to get moving. Other than that it was just insults and shit. I was expecting someone to hit me in the back of the head but I guess they knew better to not do that.

Not long later I was almost alone. Few kitchen workers came in to clean up the tables and a few guards were just standing nearby just to watch over me. I just kept my hands folded on the table. I just huffed as I felt I was waiting too long. Went and stood up to try to stretch only to hear the door open behind me. I just looked back only to see Nightshade coming in with his two other guards. "Going somewhere Ryder?" He asked. I sat back down sighing.

"No sir. Just wanting to stretch my legs... Not much for exercise you see."

"You have been restrained to menial labor... I can forgive that. Come. Walk with me. Let us have a chat about what I expect from you." I gave a nod and got up. I walked over just for the guards to stop me. They pulled out cuffs before the old stallion pushed them away. "Leave him be boys! If he's stayed here uncuffed this whole time and hasnt hurt anyone you're good to leave him as we walk. He tries anything, I'll handle it." He patted their shoulders. They just stepped aside and I joined Nightshade's side. His guards walked in front, the others behind. "...Before we talk the nitty gritty... tell me about yourself. Doc said you were a royal guard before we found you."

"Yes sir. I was General. Promoted quickly and had to learn it all through experience. Some of the shit I've been through though..."

"Do tell."

"...Well... Sent off to war, shot, fell out of the plane upon arrival back in Equestria, nearly died landing in snow, nearly killed myself a few times before that, after that... Kidnapped multiple times, and I survived a terrorist attack somehow... Though doesnt end there... but those are the big ones."

"Terrorist attack you say? Wasnt it the one in Manehattan that you survived? How did you do it?" We turned out and walked down the hall... not describing every movement here... Too sprawling and i have zero clue where to go.

"Quick thinking and uh... well that strength I had when I took someone out after getting here helped..."

"I did see that... Guards tell me from eyewitness statements that gentleman tried to steal some of your meal correct?"

"Yes sir."

"Well its good to see you do not tolerate anyone stealing from you..."

"That I dont sir. One of the times after the terrorist attack I was having to watch over my sister and her friends at a sleepover. I went to bed, they were downstairs... Only woke up to screams and next thing you know I'm rushing downstairs just to get hit with a cattle prod... ended up following the bastards myself and if you heard of an abandoned hotel in Ikkebuckero full of bodies... that was me... and if you had seen the last guy that I got my hands on... Oh you probably would've been sick... I nearly was the next morning... fucking adrenaline running the rest of the night."

"A blood bath from the father of the sisters some called it... some thought ritualistic suicide up until they found one with his heart ripped out of his chest, laying in a puddle of his own blood... money scattered about... Like the sins he had crawling on his back drew his hand from the ground and pulled his heart out in the most painful of ways.... and with his death he was forgiven to an extent... but what that last sin was... only he would know..."

"And the sin was wanting to sell little fillies to the highest bidder... and no matter if they figured out what a life is actually worth or not.... They'd die like the rest.... Now about what you expect of me? The thought of it still gets my blood boiling and I'd rather not ramble on about more than my own life stories...."

"You're alright to stop there son. Sounds painful. Now... about what I expect from you..." He went on to explain things plain as day. Fuck up? You'll be made an example of... So if you're told to fire, you fire, you kill and do whatever it takes. Even if you have to shoot a hostage to get shit done. That one kinda pissed me off. He told me how every so often we'd have to take shots and execute a loved one of a prisoner who is brought out to watch... and today is a day that is going to happen. And if i do well. I'm the one to do it. Yet as much as I dont want to.... I have to if i want to have a meal to take down the target.... The blood on my hands already pains me.... more wont hurt but... the fact that of its innocent blood.... The thought of it makes me shutter.... and to hope that Heavens Light might have mercy on me and the life i take for this...

Not long after we were outside. Like.... Actually outside. Got a good look at the place. We were in an outdoor range surrounded by high walls with a guard tower about forty feet apart, two guards in each, barbed wire protecting the tops. The range itself was standard. Targets, stalls, the works. There were snipers, assault rifles, LMG's and such all waiting to be used. There was even a group of prisoners all fallen in line. The two guards who were behind us stayed back at the door while I joined everyone else in line, arms behind my back. I scanned the towers above us. Long range rifles ready. Semi auto, scopes ranging from short to medium range. I looked to the stallions next to me. Unicorn, pegasai and earth ponies. Unicorn wore magic suppression rings, pegasai wings were strapped down... I think I was the only trusted one... Yeah... trusted. "ALRIGHT!" One of Nightshade's guards yelled. "Each of you will be tested. You will aim down range and fire when told. You will be given a second of delay but we expect you to fire when told. Those who perform best, will be promoted. The worst of you will be made an example of! Turn your gun on anyone but your target you best hope your shot goes off first! Attempt to run, be faster than a 5.56!" Nightshade stepped forward. Started marching in front of us.

"First things first! We have a new guest joining us today... Ryder... Former guard for Equestria.... Willing to do jobs nopony else will... He's got more experience than any of you have in your little toes!"

I heard a groan from right next to me. "Big fuckin' deal!" They said. Sounded from Manehattan. "I've seen four guys shoot better than a damn guard!" Nightshade walked over next to me. I couldnt help but look. Guy was right next to me, unicorn. Nightshade snapped his fingers and the guards he had lead us were immediately on him making everyone back up. One guard with the gun to his head, the other holding his arms forcing his legs out from under him.

"Well... Glad you spoke up.... you've been quite the thorn in my side... since you claim the guard cant shoot for shit, why dont we bring out a special guest for you to watch him shoot dead!" Nightshade whipped out a radio and put it to his mouth. "Bring her out." He turned his attention to the range. Down range I saw a door on the side of the building open. Out came was a stallion pulling a target behind him. The target? A mare. Unicorn, her horn cut clean off, blood dripping all over her head... she was even naked. "...You recognize that mare down there? Pretty marefriend of yours..."

"NO!"

"TOO FUCKING LATE!" The old stallion whipped right around getting in his face. "...You've had multiple warnings... all the damage onto her is yours.... and now her blood is on your hands..... You've done nothing but do as I ask but also talk back and I've just about HAD IT!" He looked to me. "...Ryder... Choose a weapon.... Do this and show him why its not wise to defy me...."

I saluted. "Yes sir!" I said. I looked at my options.... The fucking guns taunted me.... But I knew once I picked one up there was no turning back. I chose a sniper. Got a feel for the weapon and went prone with it.... The sight trained on the bloodied mare.... "Just think of Berrie..." I told myself under my breath. I made sure the chamber was loaded... Fifty Cal....

"Ready! Aim!" Everything went silent.... And I mean everything... The stallion behind me was screaming but I heard nothing. The mare at the end of the range was crying. But I heard nothing. All I heard were the beats of my heart just pounding out of my chest. And then it happened. "FIRE!" Without thinking, without hesitation..... I pulled the trigger. I.... I killed her... The fact that I made myself think of Berrie made it better. Not by much though. It was a clean shot.... right between the eyes... Blood and gore flew everywhere. After that shot rang out sound returned.

The stallion behind me was crying. "YOU ASSHOLE! DONT FOLLOW THIS DICKS ORDERS! HE'S LYING TO YOU!" He yelled as I stood up with the rifle setting it back on the table where I got it. I had to take a moment to breathe. I looked back just looking at the group who just stared at the stallion... none of them felt sorry for him... I did. Though I tried not to show it. Nightshade crouched down in front of him.

"....Me? Lie? He did as I asked. Do you hear him talking? Do you hear him speaking out of turn? He follows orders like the guard he was! He's practically programmed that way! And what do you know about the truth anyhow? The mare who you thought loved you is dead.... She murdered before... she would've done it again. That stallion may have saved your ass... and yet here you are still not believing anything I say!" That stallion... he made a mistake. A big one. He spit in Nightshade's face. Caught him so off guard he fell back. I went over and offered the hand that didnt have the blade attached to it to Nightshade. He took it and I pulled him up. I turned away for this next part. I heard a gun cock, the stallion scream before a gunshot rang out. I didnt even jump. All I heard was the wind for a minute. I only turned back when I heard a relieved sigh. The stallion was dead on the ground... Bullet to the brain. "...Change of plans since we have to clean up every part of the range now boys.... We're just gonna send you to the yard for a few laps. Lucky that isnt going to be making us expect anything from you! Wait here while we get more guards to escort you out." Nightshade turned to me, blood on his hands. "For you Ryder... I think we get you cleaned up for tonight. You might go back to your maintenance but rather you relax for tonight. I'll find you later. As for now feel proud... you've cemented your stay at my side... I'll see to it about talking with the warden to give you something more to do around the compound." I wanted to speak.... but I couldnt mutter a word. "Speechless I see. Well no worries there. Nothing a little shot of the hard stuff cant fix..."

I swear when he said shot... I jumped slightly... thought it was code for 'fuck him up'.... But no. I just went over to the group and just... sat down with the rest of them... the fact they let us sit was great. But.... I was waiting for one of em to talk to me... tell me what a monster I was for doing such a thing. Nobody said a thing... Though I did have one of em just kinda reach his hand over... check if I was good without a word while the others watched the body of their prison mate get dragged away. I didnt even give any answer. As I was escorted to a solo shower I uttered a silent prayer to hope that word of an apology reach their ears. To be honest... I havent felt like this since I killed Berrie actually. When I got into the showers I washed myself down... Thankfully I was alone. I honestly had flashbacks to the day I was arrested... The rain falling on me as I thought of the blood on my hands. I was just lucky that I didnt puke until I got out of the car. It took one gag before the guard had to lean me over a trash can to puke. The only thing keeping me grounded mostly was the breathing I did. I showered for about ten minutes or so... Soap, water, shampoo... nothing smelling good but kept me clean. I dried off with the towel they gave me and I was given new clothes. New jumpsuit, shoes, the works. The guards still knew I had my blade. I put the blade on, then the jumpsuit... They gave me a cold drink and just put me in my cell alone... Mythic was doing whatever in the yard still. Though they allowed me to take a nap if need be. I wanted to... But I couldnt... Not after that. To face Luna and tell her.... it was a gamble that I wasnt willing to take... not yet at least. I sat there for what felt like forever until the door opened. I jumped a bit and got ready..... No need. It was Mythic just being pushed in. He fell a bit and grunted as he turned to the door. "Ya fuckin' bastards couldnt've let me just walk in here on my own? Sweet fuckin' Celestia no wonder everyone hates you..." He said as the door closed behind him. He huffed as I helped him up.... Though something compelled me to hug him... I could tell he was worried considering he hugged right back. "Lad...? Ryder what's up with you...? Dont tell me they got to one of your family members..."

I swallowed the lump I had in my throat. "...N-No... They havent... not yet... But... I had to... I had to kill someone that wasnt part of our target lists.... Mare... in a relationship with some smart ass who thought he could joke his way through things..." I said. "...I got Nightshade to bring me to him... I'm part of his troupe... but... god... the fucking shot.... I didnt want to but I had to..."

"Oh Lad... I'm so sorry... but... here... you gotta do what you gotta do... you've just opened a window of opportunity for us." He just stroked my mane.... trying to comfort me.... It helped a bit. "Just buck up, take him down and we got this... You're strong boy.... But I think now you're realizing you arent gonna be alive if you keep fuckin' around the way you do.... Just keep calm until we get out of here. First meal and drink is on me and I dont give a fuck how expensive it is! Just make sure when you do this you arent caught...." He pried me off and just sat me down. "Tell me. What's happenin' now that you've gotten in. Any info I should know?" I stayed silent for a second thinking. What did the doctor tell me earlier?

"...The doc tells me that Nightshade has a chef... Cooks anything, alcohol... Not sure what else is gonna happen but we're gonna be alone..."

"Alone? Works in our favor... but that chef... Either he's tired of being in service to an asshole or he's a psycho too... Cant outright ask... You'll probably see soon enough though..." Soon wasnt soon enough though. I sat there for what felt like forever watching Mythic do pushups and sit ups for what felt like an hour. Maybe more. After a while there was a banging on the door. Mythic and I looked to each other before he got to the far wall. Hands to his side. Guess he learned that one quickly. Either that or PTSD of his own from when he was captured. Listen to what he was told. Otherwise legs get broken. I just stood up and went to the door. Lucky me... Nightshade's guards. No Nightshade.

The guards didnt cuff me. Just closed the door. One got in front of me, the other behind. The one in front glanced back. "Follow me. Should be a quick trip. Good dinner ahead of you and a stiff one for a congratulations on today." He said. I just gave a nod. It took everything in my power to not stab the one in front. I just followed like a little lost puppy. Fuck me was it a long walk. Hallway after hallway, even an elevator... Guess they wanted me to be so confused on where to go just in case... But this was the only time I wanted to go this way....

When we got to the door they stood side by side in front of me. They didnt pat me down. "Nightshade is waiting for you inside." The other guard said. "Best not keep him waiting any longer." I gave a nod and the guards just stepped aside and looked inward at each other. One pressed a button on the wall and the door slid open. I walked in to a very nice living area. Very vintage... honestly impressed me. Vinyl records on the wall near a record player on top of a shelving unit with a lot of records. The player itself was playing... Something I knew from Nukes Galore... Honestly was comforting... but it was about to bring a psycho out to do someone else in.

I just stood there looking around at the furniture. Flatscreen TV on the wall yes but a nice long round horseshoe couch in front of it, looking as if it were pulled from the mid 1950s. There was a mini bar in the corner of the room, few shelves lined with everything needed. Wine, whiskey, rum... even Mead. I was dying to try some to be honest. I hestitantly walked forward into another room only to see Nightshade in... honestly a sweater vest, tie and nice shirt, slacks to go with it. He even had a chef... but... this guy was wearing a collar... Looked tech heavy too with a little antenna poking out the side. "Uh... Sir?" I said alerting Nightshade.

Nightshade looked up and smiled. "Ah Ryder! Come in come in! Glad you could join me sonny!" He said... Honestly sounded more like a grandfather I never knew I kinda wanted... did I really wanna kill him...Yeah... Yeah I did... "A fine job you did today! More than what I could've asked for from any of those! I know this might not make it better but those two... They were part of a fierce gang out there in Manehattan... Protection rackets, sex rings... just everything wrong with the city..."

"I've killed so much... yet everyone I had killed were armed... they wanted to kill me... Only other time i've felt like that was when I killed my ex the day my parents were murdered... then a spy when I was at war... One deserved it... the other was more of a message that I might've regretted after...."

"The feeling fades after some time... yet it gnaws at us like dogs whether it be under the radar or right there annoying us until we snap... Do you know why I do what I do?" I walked over and sat down on the seat he pulled out for me. I shook my head. "...Its because years ago... Nobody would listen to me... I was part of a mafia... Cartel kind of.... I was a lieutenant and high up on there... One day I got a tip from an informant that a deal was gonna go bad... that there were ambushes inside the warehouse ready and waiting. I caught the guys just outside of the warehouse, told them not to go in and to turn around and return the goods. Even go as far as finding another suitable buyer.... but the idiot in charge of our side of the deal was the only one to get away... he didnt have anything... no gun, no drugs, no money.... He was a coward...." Nightshade picked up a knife from the table and just caressed the blade. It was a sharp cheese knife. Short handle, big blade. Pronged at the end. "...I had to teach him a lesson... I cut him up so bad he wasnt recognized by anyone... not even his wife.... She divorced him, took his money, kids... The bastard tried getting back at me... broke into my home, killed the dog I loved dear... Was a gift from my late wife. I woke up to him barging in my room... Silencer on the gun... If it werent for the gun jamming I wouldnt have grabbed the knife in my bedside drawer and stabbed him.... Just watching the life drain from his eyes disturbed me for quite a bit... I had to skip town, burn his body in my bed just to escape... After that initial mutilation others refused to listen to me... say I was trying to ruin the deal and everything... He had everyone else in his pocket..." He grunted throwing the knife... That thing went fast and planted itself in the wall. "...That bastard ruined me... I sold many hide outs to enemy gangs for my own passage out of the city... Slowly but surely it was dismantled up until the leader.... I had to see him get strung up.... But after that I went my own way with the rest of what I had."

"...And... Somewhere along the way the Warden found you... correct?" He sighed and turned around.

"Few years in fact. I was being stalked by someone who wished to do me harm... The Warden was gonna step in but by the time he got there, the assailant already had a smile forced upon his face, drowning in his own blood.... Warden brought me on but... I gotta say I'm getting too old for this... Those guards out there? They arent there just for my protection... they aid me when I have medical episodes... My health has recently been declining... Started coughing up blood and I just... I dont know how long I have left.... I think you might be my replacement.... I've already talked with the warden... He's thinking about this. His call... But we can talk that after our meal. Go on, anything you want. Oh! And I do owe you a drink... Give you a little something to ease the pain."

"Well... For the drink I'm good with anything sweet. Alcoholic or otherwise... Food uh.... I mean burrito with tofu, fries, beans and salsa sounds good...." Honestly? Havent had a burrito in a while... Last time I had one was around the time I got sent back to Nightmare Moon's return. After that I drove past the shop I worked at just to see what was going on. Decided to stop down there just for something. Was. GOOOOOOD. Anyhow he brought me a glass of whiskey and some water. Vanilla whiskey on the rocks. The food? Left something to be desired but I wanted to be nice to save this guys life... Though I could see how pissed he looked while we ate. I faced right towards him. Though as Nightshade finished he gave a sigh.

"That hits the spot.... Do you have room for desert? I've actually got some pie in the fridge. Baked it in the kitchen myself. Might not be the freshest but its great. Cherry pie with ice cream good for you?" I gave a nod. I watched as he got up... probably the worst mistake here... For him... He turned away leaving me to get up and just lodge my blade right into his neck! I'm not sure what happened here.... I dont know if it was due to adrenaline or something that was put in the food but... I found myself with Nightshade in a white void.... Him just on the ground in front of me clutching his neck. He looked up at me scared as I paced back and forth. "...Wh-Why would you do this....? I... I trusted you! I brought you into my team because of your experience... I even cared about your mentality!"

"You didnt care... You never did...." I replied crouching down over him. "....You're a fucked individual... The ponies you've mutilated, the ones you've gone and killed just because they were slow on the draw.... Everyone who you ordered was afraid of you... They did as you asked still but a seconds hesitation is what gets you killed in the end.... Me? How do I know those ponies that were killed were part of a gang? You might be spouting lies just to make us feel better! That mare... She was crying... and she was fucking maimed.... Anyone who does that... they deserve death... and you? This is where you rest.... Whether it be in peace or in fire.... Rest well...." I plunged my blade into his neck again... right where I planted it the first time.... Deeper.... When everything faded I was in front of the chef who was shocked. I took the blade back but just before I dropped him, the chef picked up one of the butchers knives and stabbed him in the same place I did pushing me back and stabbing him over and over.

The chef grunted. "...I wanted to kill him..." He said. Raspy voiced like his throat was dry as a desert. "Rather it look like I did than you.... You heard him... you'd be his replacement.... I... I just want death knowing he did... I cant take life in this thing anymore.... Just.... get the guards in here.... And no need to thank me.... Just.... get out of here... Dont do what this guy did... please..." I gave a nod.

"...Just... Make it look like you're attacking me..." He gave a nod and dropped the body... blood smeared the bar and the knife. He walked around and I just dropped back as he grabbed a drink and threw it on me. "FUCK! GUARDS HELP!" I watched as the chef just pulled on the table cloth making a plate go to the floor and just before he had it all the way off... his head just exploded.... Collar just exploded sending his blood everywhere, head in chunks.... His body dropped to the floor, his blood just... covering me.... All over my face and clothes.... I was just lucky his blood didnt land in my mouth from the way I had my hand... I looked over at the door and just saw the guards rushing in. One checked Nightshade's body while the other one came to my side.

The guard at Nightshade's body just looked over. "He's dead! Multiple stab wounds... Even one to his neck...." He said.

The other guard stood me up by one arm.... I just... hugged myself shaking. "What the hell happened?!" He asked... demanded more like.

I just.... Spit making sure I didnt swallow anything I didnt notice... "...He... He was gonna get desert... The fucking chef stabbed him.... and... he was gonna... gonna kill me..." I said.... I was genuinely scared... No acting here. "...Wh-What happened...? Why did his head explode....?"

"Bomb collar. Made sure he stayed put when in service... guess he wanted it off so bad he caught him off guard.... Just gave up on service...."

The guard who checked on Nightshade sighed. "Get him into a shower and a new suit... second one today that he's needed..." He said. "....Just... tell us if you feel like you're gonna be sick after that... wont object to getting any more food for you so you have something on your stomach." I nodded before they walked me towards a shower inside the living area. I stepped in to the room and just stripped down turning the jumpsuit inside out. Even had to hide the blade under the towel after I washed it. Even had to wipe it down with toilet paper just to hide evidence better. I showered up and I REALLY scrubbed down... I was scrubbing my face down so hard I thought I would've torn it off.

After that I was just herded back to my cell with Mythic... He woke right up when I was let in... as soon as the door closed I just fell to my knees. He hopped down from his bunk and came right to my side. "Lad! Holy fuck thought you'd've gotten yourself killed!" He said. "Heard guards rushin' around saying a bomb went off but never heard a damn thing! Thought you went and martyred yourself to get him! He.... Is dead right?" I nodded. "Great! One down... Three to go... You got enough energy in ya to tell me what went on?" I just... Shook my head.... He looked into my eyes. "...Alright... Bed time lad... but that blade stays with me tonight..." I just offered my arm and he took it right off putting it in his bunk before helping me into my bunk and laying me down.

I just passed out soon after only to be met by Luna. We were in the range... It was dark, run down and it just looked as if it were going to storm any minute. I just got picked up and hugged. "...I feel the pain that plagues you Ryder... I can see it in your eyes..." She said. "What happened? Are you alright...?"

I took a deep breath prying her off just to go and sit down on a range counter. "... Four lives taken today... Two by my own hand... One to get to another... The one I had to kill deserved it... the other that I had to kill to get to them? I... I'm not entirely sure..."

"And the other two...?"

"Collateral casualties... One because he couldnt keep his mouth shut... the other was assisted suicide by helping me cover one of the kills I had to do..." She stayed silent for a moment. The wind of the dreamscape just blew whistling through the ruins. She sighed.

"...No trouble will come of this... and I'm hoping mother can forgive this... Perhaps help cleanse your mind of these..." She looked around. "...Was this where one of them happened?" I nodded. "...Such disrepair.. but what I'm seeing is foliage outside... there's many forests around Equestria... Cant take the time to look through them all. Might need to replay a memory... Dont worry... I'll try to ignore what happened... if that's possible... Might even see about snagging a picture or two to send to Elite scouts who might be able to help..." I wanted to stop her... but... she's seen things through me... Only wants to help. She used her magic to tap into my mind. Cleaning the training area up, brightening the skies and lining everyone up behind her... I zeroed in on the guy who was being executed. The shock in his face still being held tight by the guards whilst Nightshade stood there... grinning.

"Just keep your eyes to the trees... I know the better shot might be down range but... I'd rather you not see what's down there...." Luna just looked off at the trees lining the compound.

"Noted... These look like Eucalyptus, oak and birch trees.... Doesnt narrow it down by much.... But... Cant see any mountains..." I looked around a bit. ...Of course there was a mountain... Down range...

"...Fuck... I think... I might have you disregard what I said Luna... But... Be very aware.... I didnt want to but i had to... blood on my hands because I'm a hostage who wants to go home to his family and is willing to do what ever it takes to do that..." I could see her swallow before looking down range... she lost all color almost and just developed that shocked look. "...Princess... Just... Just do what you need to do please.... I didnt want to but I had to.... Take note and go... this already plagues me... I dont want you to think any different of me...." Her eyes locked to me.

"Ryder.... I will never think any different of you... You're trying to do what you need.... You were told you were not to act unless your hand is forced... And here your hand was forced... it might've been something you didnt want to do... but it was forced... And not to worry... You will not be held accountable for their death....I will do everything in my power to wipe this from your mind... Now breathe.... I need to do some work..." I nodded just breathing heavily. I watched as she pulled out her phone and started taking pictures of the trees and even flew down range just to take a picture of the mountain. She flew back over and landed in front of me shuttering a bit. "...There... I'm no map maker... but that is definitely the largest mountain of The Foal Mountains.... From what face I cant tell but scouts will aid in finding you. Just do what you can... We will await your homecoming."

"...May the day come where my hand is never forced to do that ever again... and if it does I hope my end comes swiftly after..." Luna hugged me.... Even gave me a little kiss on the cheek before breaking away and making things fade. That next morning I woke up and just used the can again before Mythic and I were taken separate ways again.

I was taken all the way to the wardens office. This time he wasnt in his armor but two other ponies were with him. A Pegasus guard who just... he was twice my size... think Big Mac levels with a little more added in. He wore green and yellow armor. The other? Unicorn mare. Two daggers at her side, mask over her face... looked like a gas mask. Grey armor all around. Nothing reflective. I was sat in front of them still cuffed. "This is the new aspirant?" The stallion asked... sounded Steuropean.

The warden nodded. "Yep." He replied. "Nightshade talked highly of him as of yesterday before his demise.... Cant say I didnt see it coming but I told him that chef would've been the death of him... yet he kept saying that one was meaningful to him in some way... dunno why but... definitely did him in..." He looked to the mare. "Predator? Anything to say?"

The mare studied me. Even came around the desk just walking around me. "....You say he was a guard?" She asked.

"General. Stepped down recently. Yet he's a firey one. Assumed you both saw the tapes?"

The pegasus stallion in yellow chuckled a bit. "Firey? I know firey... Yet this one seems like cinders to a snuffed flame..." He said. Finally faces to names. Fireborn the stallion, Predator the mare... and an assassin it looks like.

"And yet he didnt hesitate on showing everyone who was in charge... He was in charge of the guard and gained respect among the Princesses. He would've torn every guard apart if we hadnt tranquilized him before subduing."

"Ah.. so he was the strong pony... Interesting he was able to lift so much albeit being so... puny..."

I grinned. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn... but sometimes good things come in small packages...." I said trying to hide the fact I was freaking the fuck out.

Predator chuckled slightly. "...I like him..." She said. "...Takes charge any way he wants... I wouldnt mind putting him through a few tests of my own..."

The warden slammed his fist down. "Predator. Knock it off. He is going to be a part of our team!" He snapped. "He aint some toy for you to play with! The ones you choose out there are your toys and if they cant find you, they might be as good as dead!"

"Well if he wants in my room, he's welcome any time..."

The warden sighed pinching the bridge of his nose as she joined his side once more. "Bah. I feel he would rather train more, maybe show his skills with explosives and such?" He said. "But only if he wants. Would not mind him dropping in on a few tests..."

The warden huffed. "Alright... So we're in agreement... Ryder is the newest part of us." He said. The two ponies nodded as he looked to both of them. Then his eyes fell on me. "Welcome aboard Ryder. So fast moving up... Real go getter... But now... What do we call you...?"

"You have power behind you... But you seem to like lying low..." ...And I hope that doesnt come to bite me in the ass.

I hummed. "...how about Claymore? Dont know I'm there until its too late?" I asked. I could see them all contemplating it. Even looked to each other.

"Sneaky but when you go off you make it known. Good choice... As of now we're still deep cleaning Nightshade's room... That damned collar did a number on everything. But it will be given to you when its cleaned. Anything inside is yours to keep unless requested otherwise."

"Fair... Though I do ask one thing... Keep me among the prisoners if you can. The sneakier I am when it comes to taking out your targets, the more fear the prisoners would have for obedience."

Fireborn laughed. "I like it! Have them fear us when one of them is always watching!" He said. "Anything we need, we meet in secret anyhow. Even through secure line if need be. But I do like the way you think!"

The warden stood up. "Then its settled. Claymore is one of us but acts as one of them... He is our hand to teach those who defy us a lesson and still has free reign of the facility to a degree." He said. "He can still work maintenance or mingle with the rabble unless we have targets for him to take down."

"Shall I announce it sir? Usually we have your new lieutenants do the announcement but if he wishes to remain secret we might have to do it ourselves." The warden looked to Fireborn.

"Go ahead Fireborn. We'll let Claymore here do as he pleases for the time being. Get a good feel for the place. If we need him, we'll send for him." He looked to me. "Go on. Explore, learn, do whatever until we send for you. If anything get something from the mess hall. Meal time soon." I gave a nod and stood up giving a quick salute before walking out on my own. I did end up exploring but as I explored a thought came to my mind... What happened in Ikkebuckero other than me having to save my sister? I was poisoned by a doctor... yet he detoxed me... And that gave me an idea...

To be continued....

The Break

Its been two days since I've been dubbed 'The Claymore' by the Shadowskins. I killed Nightshade who spoke highly of me before his.... 'cook' went and killed him.... That's the lie I told myself. But I was given his room yesterday. I still speak with Mythic who's told me targets and I've been going after them.... I was nearly caught by someone with one of the targets... Ended up having to kill him too. Though that night I went to Doctor Forcep. She was surprised that I was alone but I told her what had happened... She questioned me for a bit... Until I told her something about Ikkebuckero. The poison and the fast acting detox meds which she actually had a bottle of. She gave it to me and I drank it right down... Didnt take ten minutes before I was asking for a bucket and a new pair of pants.... Oh I felt so bad for the ones who had to clean that up but she had medics watching me all night, puke, shit and sweat that stuff out. And it hurt. BAD. Though I did manage to get some sleep it wasnt the best. Didnt get a deep sleep here either so I wasnt able to talk with Luna. That next morning I was given a new jumpsuit... even some underwear to keep things clean and tidy just in case. Though I went back to maintenance duty just to keep up a little work time between meals. I actually just got done with working on another broken door. Had to walk all the way back to the nearest maintenance room just to find a new job to do... And I've been keeping in touch with Overcharge. Secret communications that are encrypted to hell better than what these guys can do since she's got programs from the Elites that help with staying hidden for double agents.... At least that's what she told me.... But here? I had free reign. I closed up the door behind me, set my tools aside and just got on the computer. I bypassed all the work orders before getting to the glitched out one. 'Ryder! Good news, we've found out where you are. Bad news is this may be our last communications so we may have to work this out quickly.' Overcharge typed.

I huffed grabbing a nearby metal rod. I just bent it... Barely had to try so I knew I was back in action.... I quickly bent it back to near its original shape before going and typing. 'Good. All I need. I'm ready to make my move but its gonna have to be a quick hit for the targets keeping me here... Been plotting with someone close to see about getting to hasten that process and he's done his research...' I typed in reply. 'Three targets... One is The Warden yet to get to him I get to the other two, Fireborn and Predator... Fireborn is an explosives expert... Might have an idea to signal that we're ready for an assault... Predator is another story... Assassin... she handles all the training with carrying out assassinations... Surprised she hasnt gone and noticed an extra toy I have... Yet to get to her I know one thing I can do... Might have to work the charm... Though I probably have to go at her head on.... I'd give more info but I'm limited on what I can say right now'

'Fine. This might be time to at least alert Equestrian Royal guards as well just to have them come down on this place.'

'NO! No RG. No casualties on that end. I want the best of the best fighting for me and if they have to fight dirty. There's gonna be fuckin' blood in the water and I'm the shark that's spilling it... Get on with things. Hopefully I'll see you soon... And tell Izzy if she wants to drop by for a celebratory drink to bring Celadon with her.'

'Gotcha. OC OUT.' I just took a deep breath and sighed wondering what to do next... Tell you what I did. I went all the way back to the room I was given. It took a bit but I just looked to the guard at my door.

"...Gonna nap... Anyone needs me, I'll be up in an hour..." They just saluted and I went right inside. I just looked around. They had this entire room cleaned spotless. Even the bar restocked as well as the food... and thank fuck they got rid of all the meat in here.... Weirdest thing is I've yet to see ONE griffon in here... I'm just gonna believe that there was a team of griffon here at one point but they didnt after a while and couldnt find more. I just closed up the windows and went straight to the bed. Lifted it right up and went down into the little hidden bunker that was in here. Nobody but The Warden knows about this. And I'm assuming Fireborn and Predator have their own. Inside? I had pictures of Fireborn and Predator as well as the warden up on a cork board. Another mistake is they gave me some throwing knives.... Not just for them but me as well. I never knew how hard it was to throw those fucking knives. I learned that the hard way. Got one richochet'd off the wall and nearly got me. I just took these and just stabbed them into the pictures. Even flicked one between my fingers before just stabbing it into the warden again. I walked back out of the bunker and set the bed back in place. I just took the blade off but kept it in a drawer just in case. Set the alarm on my alarm clock and just nodded off. As I fell asleep I started to dream.

I just thought of those two ponies. Predator and Fireborn. Fireborn I might have to try to dispatch quickly and alone if possible.... Even have his body booby trapped with anything explosive... dark I know but I want to send a message... and a signal to my saviors. Though when it comes to Predator... She's probably gonna wanna jump my bones if I even go near her... Last thing I wanna do is put my dick in crazy. And no matter how many times I say that I've fucked Pinkie a time or two. But she's the good type of crazy. As I slept I was joined by Luna who looked at the two ponies apparitions. Just walked right in front of me and around them both, looking at them. "...Something tells me your captors?" She asked. I gave a nod. "Silent... You arent usually silent unless you're in deep thought..."

"I am..." I replied. "...I dont usually have to think this hard on what I have to do... but things are being put in perspective here... I was glad to get detoxed to get my strength back.. fucking lucky I did something on a whim and not just shit my pants over it..."

"Uh... Did you...?"

"Well worth it to get my strength back to myself.... And if I ever get exposed to a toxic substance that is poison or something.... I'm gonna need it... Drink it all down and I would need someone to watch over me while it works itself through my system... And trust me when I say its not a fun experience...."

"So... Do you have plans yet for these two?"

"...Not much... one is gonna have to be a head on approach... The other nobody is gonna know he's dead until the signal goes out... and its gonna be a big one... Gonna be going for Jungles of South Eastern Steurope levels of fuckery with the big guy... Take him down, set a few traps... they're only gonna know when they're sent to find him...." I pointed to Fireborn. "This guy is a master with explosives... from what I hear he's a fucking menace when it comes to selling explosives to everyone who wants to use them to get at their respective governments... Either that or for war.... Wouldnt doubt he sold something to the enemy when I was at war... And her..." I pointed to Predator. "She's an assassin.... Wouldnt doubt she could poison me or anyone just to put someone else in power that could control their narrative. Hell she probably could've carried out murders we've seen but had no connecting suspects... And neither do I want to ask questions... I only want them to die... Give me an opening to the Warden...." The darkness opened up with bright lights... The warden in his armor... Ready for anything. "...Soldier... drill sergeant... Acts like one but he's a false leader... Yet with that armor I'm already gonna have one hell of a fight...."

"....Do be careful with these ponies... Use Schrivechnya if you need to. I'd say something about your message.... but with how pissed off you are.... I'm allowing this signal to be sent if it sends everyone into a frenzy... And if it gives you an opening to deal with the Warden he should expect an army to rain hellfire down burning brighter than the fire that burns within you..."

"...I quench their want for fire, you snuff the flames with what you do... whether by words or blood... And with the words you speak.... I must too snuff the flames of their progress..." Luna smiled.

"...I might see about putting a good word in to the Nukes Galore devs to see about getting you to voice a character after we're done... Might still have to dig through your mind and get those thoughts out of your head..."

"Do what you need. Just make sure I'm good and knocked out... Now If you'll wake me I have work to do..."

"Be safe Ryder... But before I wake you, Applejack... she came up to Canterlot trying to find you...." I just stayed silent... not even meeting Luna's gaze. "...She asked where you were to guards, Celestia.... even me... Guards pushed her along to Celestia, Celestia to me since I've had the only contact with you..."

"...What did you tell her?"

"...Since there werent any fillies present I just... I had to sit her down to talk with her... I told her you were taken but she couldnt say anything to anyone about it... She did freak out a bit but.... She's thinking because you got your new title that you're too good for her... And you just- in her words... 'dropped all ties and fucked off to who knows where'..."

"Is she still in Canterlot?"

"Fortunately and unfortunately yes. We've had to hold her here just so she wouldnt say anything. She's mopey and such but we're having Twilight distract the family and Cadence and Shining are down there now helping with the foal. She's limited to texting and we are making sure that she doesnt tip anyone off..."

"When I get back I'll explain myself... she doesnt take it at face value... well... I'll just leave her be... let her think about it...."

"If you cant go through with everything today and you somehow manage to get away with your life, I'll see that your minds are connected when you are both asleep. I just have to make sure you're not going crazy first...."

"Good idea... Lets just wake me up..." She nodded and everything faded one by one. Luna first, Fireborn next, Predator next and then finally the Warden. I woke up with my alarm and got up stretching. Went and did my mane, preened my wings before grabbing my blade and going out. I looked to the guards at my door. "Anyone need me while I was out?"

They both looked to each other and then back to me. "Nothing sir." He said.

"Totally fine. Thinking I might join the prisoners for a meal as to keep disguise. Gonna need an escort." They nodded just before one started walking me down the hall. Took a few minutes before I was inside the mess hall. Got my food and went to find Mythic.

Once I found him I sat down next to him. He barely looked at me. "Good of you to join me... Got a few targets that need to be taken care of...."

"And I've got a few of my own..."

"So you're ready?"

"Almost...." I took a bite of my food. "...There's a few kinks in the lines... Trying to figure out a way to get at em. And these things need fixing..."

"And I take it you might need some tips on getting em fixed." I gave a nod. "Well.... Definitely a few options.... From what I hear training with explosives is set after the meal here. Always needs help with wiring. The other.... Guessing nothing a good hit in the right place cant fix." I sighed.

"I... was kinda hoping with the second problem you'd have some solution."

"Everyone else I've asked about that second problem cant really say... either that or just wont... I mean... There's another hand to their reach... Who the fuck even knows at this point?"

"...And the problems you have?"

"Well... Two have been thorns in sides... kinda mine as well since you pissed em off.... Lucky you arent on the list..."

"I can handle them... But maybe you can help... Might have visitors soon... might pay someone a visit, give signal... you can either get these guys to go crazy... or you can keep your ass out of any crosshair... Your call."

"Aint much I can do... Maybe start spreading rumors of you being someone else completely... start some chaos while keeping my head down. Just do what you gotta... and dont forget to pick me up on the way out." I gave a nod and just kept eating.

When I was done I excused myself once everyone started going out to the yard. I had to figure out where Fireborn was. I had to ask where he was and a guard had to show me where he was.... Long walk and we went down an elevator. When we got to where he was we were in a large underground bunker looking area. I could see him getting explosives ready. Everything from C4 to grenades to even a box of mines. He looked up as I stepped off the elevator. I had to keep myself from just going off like a grenade with the pin pulled... Just bide my time like a long fused stick of dynamite. "Ah Claymore! Glad of you to join me! I was wondering if you'd help teach the prisoners how to toss grenades and possibly place mines properly." He said. "Surely a soldier of your caliber can do that dah?"

I hummed. "Well... The grenades sure. Actually havent placed a mine myself so I might be in the mood to learn something myself." I replied. "Where's the training taking place?"

"Topside. We got guards keeping tabs so nobody runs. Maybe you want to help carry some things? Just make sure you dont drop anything. Dont want these things to go off before they're ready!" He let out a laugh... honestly made me nervous but I've handled C4 before.... The rescue with Mythic. Oh that was an escape plan and something fun.... I plan to do something similar... Anywho I picked up a box he had and ferried it in to the elevator. Set it down gently before we headed up. I had to fake having a little trouble with the box just so he wouldnt suspect anything. When we got topside I carried out the explosives again. We were in a scorched field, craters here and there... honestly looked like a warzone. There was a group that was fallen in line. Fireborn just pointed where he wanted the box. I set it down and just went to fall in line as well. "Alright little fire lice! You are here today to learn explosive techniques. You know rules. If not, best rule is not kill yourself or others. You already know what happens if you pull pin on grenade and hold it for too long.... But that thing better try to go down range... Its either you throw it or you end up eating it... And trust me... you do not want to eat it...." I watched him reach down just to pull a grenade out. He held it up. "Speaking of.... There are few types of grenade. Some start fire, others give off smoke... Some give out gas you'd rather not breathe. And here? Here we have grenade that send shrapnel all around. But is simple enough. Once pin is pulled..." He pulled the pin and just held it with the primer still in place. "Make sure before you're ready to throw hold primer down. Keeps explody stuff from mixing. And when ready, release." He released it, the primer flying off. "And THROW!" He whipped right around and launched it down range. I saw where it landed. Made a little dust cloud fly up. Five seconds to explode from when he released the primer and threw it. And it was LOUD.... Oh I wont lie I actually had a little flare up.... Waking up in the dead of night because some fucking coyote stepped on a land mine while I was at war and the entire base was on alert. No gunfire, no enemy sightings for an hour. Just spotlights going around. One found the crater and the carcass. Oh it was hard getting back to sleep that night for sure. Fireborn turned back around. "Would anyone like to try?" He looked around. At me, then the others. "Ah come now. Do not be shy! Sometimes is fun to blow things up!" I just huffed and stepped forward hesitantly. He just looked to me and smiled. "Good! We have a volunteer! Come friend! Throw grenade. See if you can actually throw properly."

I gave a nod and swallowed as I came back to the boxes filled with all these things that could just instantly end me if not careful. He was the one to grab the grenade and hand it to me. Had some weight to it. I just took a deep breath and swallowed. "...Here goes...." I told myself. I turned around with the grenade and just chose a good place to throw it. Once I chose a spot I pulled the pin and just chucked it. It flew a bit but landed somewhere around where I wanted it. But this explosion was a bit bigger. Kinda knocked me on my ass with the sudden explosion... Caused everyone else to laugh at me. Even Fireborn. He helped me up giving a chuckle.

"Aha! He found a lost land mine! Even I was not expecting that! Good job friend! Go dust yourself off and watch from sidelines. You deserve it after that!" I did as such with dusting myself off. As I stepped away he looked to the rest of the group. "That is another thing. If you have far target, you throw over hand. If you have target that is closer say in room... You throw underhand. Little toss but get to cover or get clear. Understand?"

The group just all in unison said "YES SIR!"

"Good good! You learn quickly! Now lesson on land mine. Proximity fragmentation mine, EMP, bouncing boys, you name it. If its in ground, and explodes in way, it is mine. Though you can make mine out of anything, not anything can be mine. If placed correctly you can make mines with grenades to trap bodies. Enemies move bodies to see if they are comrade, they trip it and explode! Here someone try to arm this mine and bury it. Mine have five second delay after being armed for you to back off."

I sat and watched.... Oh one guy got unlucky when he went to set a mine. He went out there and buried his mine. All good there. On his way back.... yeah he found another one. Oh a few of us couldnt keep lunch down... First there was one guy, then there was no guy.... The rest were afraid to step out there. Totally fine. Guards had to watch us while Fireborn had to call someone to find any loose land mines and clean the guy up. That took about fifteen minutes. Guy who came was in a blast suit and he had a metal detector. He went straight for the body going slow. Mapped out the perfect path and even marked little spots with mines and even got out without blowing his own ass up. He looked to Fireborn just as a medical team in full hazmat gear went in and bagged up the body. "All clear!" The blast suit guy said. Fireborn nodded before turning back to us.

"Alright. After that we will probably call it early. I do not like it when we lose someone like that... The guards will take you to go into the yard to just decompress after that. Those of you who got sick will be given snacks." He looked to me. "You there. Help me carry this back. You did good today." I gave a nod and hurried over. This was it. I grabbed the boxes and carefully carried them into the elevator putting them down. He followed in and hit the button going down. "You did good out there Claymore. Throw grenade like pro! Just wish we could've taught you plastic explosive..."

I smiled a bit. "How about you just tell me and I'll figure it out?" I asked.

"Eh... Couldnt hurt..." It wont... for long.... "You can set a timer on it, set a signal on it and match it to detonator, arm the detonator and once you are ready squeeze it and BOOM!" ...Oh the smile turned into a grin. An evil grin that made Schrivechnya happy.

"...Good to know...." I grabbed him and just thrusted the blade right into his neck.... Again we were in a white void. He was laying on the ground in front of me. I really wish I knew what this was.... But I'd rather think this is just a moment of bliss knowing I'm doing good.

"....You... YOU TRAITOR!"

"You call me a traitor even though I'm still allied to who I served.... To who I love... the only traitors here are you and the others...."

"...You do not know what you are getting yourself into... I could've taught you so much... You probably could've brought down more buildings like those terrorists did in Manehattan!"

"....Those terrorists died cowards.... They might've died with everyone else that day... yet they couldnt kill me... And something tells me why I'm still alive and they're not speaks volumes.... You have emotions yet you do not see others, you have the fire but you do not feel it burn. All you are is ashes... Take my words to your grave... And prepare to say hi to the big guy downstairs for me... Might actually see an old friend waiting for you and the others...." I shoved the blade into his neck yet again. As the void faded I found myself holding him up. I took the blade out, wiping it on his clothes before setting him down in the corner. I took things out of the boxes and started setting them up. C4 on the elevator walls, a grenade in his mouth, belt of grenades across his chest with a land mine between his legs... And the best part? Two more just hidden out of sight. One of the C4 I set with a frequency and matched it on the detonator. I didnt arm it yet. Once I put the frequency on and armed the mines i just hurried over to the other elevator. Fuck me was that ride up tense.... Though I had to think fast.... Just to have them not find the body before it was ready I had to break the elevator in some way. Just punched the control panel and it stopped right there... a bit rough but it stopped. I had to fly up the rest of the way in the shaft. Dark, only lit by emergency lighting. Once I found the door I landed on a steel girder and pried the door open. I had to poke my head out slightly just to make sure nobody was coming and just squeeze through before shutting the doors as best I could as to not raise suspicion. I got away from there as fast as possible. Just went to my room and just proceeded to just tear his picture up with the blade. Then I looked to Predator. I just couldnt think of the best way to do it. Its either I go straight to her or do I try to figure out a way to do things?

I figured I'd need info from the doctor. I went down there, told the guards at my door I was getting a little pain in my ears and might see if she had medicated ear drops or something to help after the explosions that were happening. When I arrived Doctor Forcep was treating a patient in a room. Patient looked laid up with bruises and what looked to be a broken leg. I just sat to the side waiting for her. Once she was done she came out of the room and came over to me. "You again? What is it this time?" She asked sounding annoyed.

"Having a hard time hearing you. Think we can get a one on one so I can hear you better?" She gave a nod and an annoyed huff. She just waved me over just before going into the furthest room. We went inside and closed the door.

"Alright! What did you do for you to be hard of hearing?" She asked loudly.

"Nothing but you dont have to yell... I just need information... Just keep doing your thing to keep up appearances."

"...Info? Who now.... And why should I help you when you keep sending bodies to the morgue?" She came around and checked my ear with something that she got in her pocket.

"Predator. Gonna have friends here soon and it may get chaotic.... I need to know what she does, where she does it and how she does it..."

"Well..." She started as she kinda cocked my head to the side. "...What she does is always secret... Even I have no idea but all of her trainee's come out alive. Where she does it you'd have to ask her. I rarely see her and when I do want to see her for a check up she disappears before I have a chance at asking her. And the how? Oh she's an assassin. Blends into the crowd, poking and prodding everyone in just the right way all for the sake of information... Even opportunities just like how you do things... My advice? Ask her yourself. You might have access to her room if you ask nicely."

"And that's something I thought I'd have to avoid... Now another question... The explosives storage... Only Fireborn has access to those things right? Nobody else goes down there?"

"Yep. Only he gets down there. Anyone who does go down there and is caught dont live long to tell the tale... and if they do tell... Well we see them being brought down range or having to defuse a bomb that was set by Fireborn attached to one of their loved ones and most of the time it isnt pretty.... The times they do manage to get them defused Fireborn gives them a minute before taking the loved one away and giving a warning to the fucker who fucked up. Why?"

"...Well thats why it may get chaotic... Fireborn is in on it in a way..."

"...Wow you work fast... How?"

"Never. Ever. Piss me off."

"Noted." She flipped off the tiny bit and stowed the thing back in her pocket. "Allow me to prescribe something... Stay here, give me a minute." I nodded and just watched as she exited the room and went over to one of the cabinets. She grabbed a few bottles of meds. Just looked at the labels before bringing one right back to the room. She handed it to me. "Take one of these tonight and the other tomorrow morning. Instructions are on the bottle and do NOT mix them with alcohol..." She just darted her eyes to the bottles. I looked at them for a second. Cyanide and a numbing agent.

"...Ah... Something quick and easy eh? Got it. Just gotta figure out the best way to do it...."

"Well take these first." She tapped the numbing bottle. "And then these ones in the morning." She tapped the cyanide. "You should only need to take one of each if you do it right."

"Got it. Something tells me taken with a meal and a drink?" She nodded giving a smile. "Ah... Got it... I'll see to it that these are taken as soon as possible."

"Well lets hope there arent any distractions that mess things up..."

"Well... Things should be done tonight if I'm lucky... Just keep safe... Alright?" She nodded and I pocketed the bottles in the other pocket of my jumpsuit. I got up and followed the doctor out just kinda fiddling with my ear a bit trying to 'clean' it out.

I just walked around until I came to Mythic's cell. Had to tell a guard I wanted to question him about rumors going on. The guard looked to me as he brought him out in cuffs looking pissed. "Orders sir?" He asked.

"Bring him to the nearest interrogation room." The guard nodded and just pushed Mythic forward. I just followed behind. Once we got to the interrogation room the guard sat him down and just cuffed his hands to the table in front of him. "Thank you. Now leave us and do make sure the other room is empty... This might make even them sick...."

"Yes sir." He saluted and just walked out sealing the door. I just walked around waiting for a minute or two before going over and sitting down. "...I gotta move fast... Please tell me you've got something to help cause chaos."

"Yup. Got intel that there's a fire drill and everyone will be hearded out into the yard tonight... Once that happens there's gonna be a little fun thats gonna happen... And I'm gonna try to fight my ass off to stay upright... Made a deal with the guys who you were supposed to off. Told them if they did as I asked, that we'd get em out. You?"

"One down, two to go... After this I might have to have a dinner date with someone... Also got a couple meds from the doc who i need to get out with us... might be of some use to us... Got a signal ready and a surprise for those if they find it early... That happens I've got one hell of a fight on my hands... and I'd rather not..."

"Just in case... I'd stop by somewhere to get gear... maybe a disguise to aid in escape. Either that or a better way to get to the last target among the chaos...."

"Now there's an idea.... Gotta love playing dress up..."

"Well dont wear your mothers panties just because you wanna. Now just clean up, dont be late for your date."

"I'll ignore that comment about moms underwear... but thank you for that information...." I held up a finger and went back to the door just to have the guard waiting outside. "Take him back to his cell. I have what I need..." The guard saluted without a word. I hurried down the hall and just sorta wandered. Well... Until I found a guard. "Please tell me there are spare uniforms somewhere? I need something better than this... Makes me feel like I blend in and dont even intimidate the prisoners much! I'd rather them be afraid of the guards rather than their fellow prisoners."

The guard gave a nod and just beckoned me. "Sure. Follow me." He said. He lead me down the hall just to a room with uniforms galore. I knew my sizes pretty well. Just grabbed a button up long sleeve, a hoodie, combat boots and pants and even a pair of long socks. They even had a private changing room in there.... PERFECT. Everything fit perfectly... Well.. Almost... The shirt was a little big but it was perfect because of the hidden blade. The hoodie was still pretty light weight enough to not trigger the blade. I was lucky the guard left me alone while I was in there... Connected was an evidence room... Inside? The big ol twisted weight bar and what looked to be a shot up riot shield. It wasnt that busted but I thought I'd help myself to these.

The best thing about being a lieutenant of this place nobody questioned what I was doing with those. Walked em all the way back to the room and even got inside before heading to my.... 'date'. Made sure I had the pills and the detonator in my pockets before heading over to Predator's room. Once there it was... weird she had no guards at her door. I just knocked and waited before she answered. She was wearing a tight leotard... Like... No legs and it was giving her a camel toe that looked almost like it could bust out at any point. "Oh Claymore! I wasnt expecting you!" She said. Honestly? She was beautiful... So sad I had to end her soon. She stepped aside. "Come in come in! I was actually just about to get dinner started. Hopefully you're hungry. I made plenty to have leftovers and rarely do I get to them." I entered hesitantly and just looked around as the door closed behind me. It was... Oddly comfortable. Of course she came across as always lusting for a good fuck or fight and you wouldnt know which one depending on how you ended up on the floor... Though she had toys here and there sitting out as well as a rack and whip out... Yeah she was more horny than anything... Surprised I never stepped in anything wet... yet now that I was here I'd have to watch my step. Think the only things that werent leather here was her bedsheets and her carpets.

"Apologies for not saying anything sooner... kinda wanted this to be a surprise... Hopefully I'm not too overdressed here..."

"A little but we can fix that later... Do make yourself at home!" ...I swear she reminded me of Rarity... But as an earth pony who would love to run me through with blades.... She sorta followed me as I went deeper. Where my kitchen area was there was a fully stocked bar there. She had her cooking area against the wall and it smelled really good.

"Whatcha makin? Smells amazing!" She looked back at me as I went and started eyeing up the drinks.

"Oven baked macaroni, tofu bits with a little cayanne hot sauce mixed in to spice it up. Hope that's alright."

"Spicy is good... Honestly the mess hall food is a bit bland... Though doesnt mean the cooks are bad with what they do..." I looked over to her. "Fancy a drink? Thinking I'd like one if thats fine with you. Craving a whiskey shot."

"Go for it. I'll have my drink after dinner. Helps me wind down... And get in the mood..." I'm honestly tempted to ask what her poison was. Though I'd be playing my hand a bit too soon. I grabbed the lowest bottle of whiskey and just quickly poured a shot before knocking it back. Oh the fire on that one burned. Felt good though. Though at this point I grew a bit nervous. Didnt want her to have me drink myself stupid or strip me down just to see the blade... Only time I wanted her to see that blade is when it is driven into her vital places... After that I excused myself to the TV... Just watched for a bit while Predator tinkered in the kitchen. I just had to make sure the stuff I had on me stayed in my pockets and didnt fall out or trigger. Though once we ate I felt comfortable again. The food was amazing.... I honestly wish I could ask for the recipe but I might be able to do something with it. The spice wasnt too bad. Gave the chewy bits of tofu something to perk it up. And the baked macaroni itself had just the right amount of cheese that wasnt just liquidy bullshit. Like it was just that good. Almost forgot what I was here for... Almost.... Though after we were done we cuddled on the couch.... Big. Mistake. Let me tell you why. I looked to her giving a slight smile.

"Up for that drink now? In the mood for another one here...." She gave a seductive smile.... she probably could've shoved a hand in my pants and started stroking me off a bit.

"Sure... Bars always stocked with my favorite drinks.... Pick anything and bring it here...." I gave a nod and got up... should've suspected something when her arm slid over my stomach. I just walked around the corner to find the bar. Poured a few shots of whiskey and just started feeling around my pockets for the pills.... Nothing... no numbing, no cyanide... I still had the detonator though. I had to get rid of the hoodie and open up the shirt... Didnt even do the buttons. Just ripped it open sending the buttons everywhere. I hurried back around to see her admiring the bottles of pills in her hands. "...Well well.... I must say you're either the smartest idiot I've ever met... Or you're just plain stupid to think I'd fall for something like this...."

"H-How-" She got up tossing one of the bottles aside.

"...Poison training.... Both with enduring and noticing it.... When you walked in I did catch a whiff of cyanide.... highly sensitive nose does that sometimes.... Though the food wasnt poisoned but I'm sure if I had taken a drink earlier... you might've gotten me... but I worked on a hunch and I was correct."

"...Well then... Bravo.... Now... something tells me its time for a dance... no guards for you to call it seems..."

"....A dance it is... Lets hope your fighting is as good as your stealth.... Still sloppy..."

"This one I wont take seconds on!" I made the blade trigger before rushing at her. Oh she was FAST. Grabbed my arm and tripped me flipping me over the couch. I did stumble a bit and thankfully I had my blade still... Though by the time I readied myself she disappeared. She laughed just as everything went dark. Pitch black. No lights at all.

"...Dont try to run... doors locked... No alarm though... Nobody will know what went on here but us.... Only thing that will show up is your body and those cyanide pills.... Though I'll have to cut you down to size before I think about that...." Just then I saw a light in the room happen from sparks. She had her daggers. I had to think quick... Though something at the back of my mind whimpered a bit. Schrivechnya. She whined a bit before giving a bark. Hard for you to understand but since she was kind of a part of me I knew she wanted to help me. I just closed my eyes for a moment... when I opened them I saw everything almost as clear as day. Schrivechnya had a little night sight action. I looked to where I saw the sparks from and just saw Predator rushing me silent as ever. I just jumped to the side fast and delivered a swift kick to her sending her down. "What?! N-Nobody's ever done this!"

"...Yeah... Well I'm not just some normal asshole.... I'm the last asshole you're ever gonna fuck with!" I rushed her and tried getting her. Blade missed because she rolled. She got to her feet and threw one of her daggers.... I dont know what happened here... Most of like what has already happened. Maybe reflex boost from Schrivechnya. I just saw things in slow motion as the dagger flew at me. I stepped aside, grabbed the dagger and just returned to sender. She didnt have any reaction time before that thing just imbedded itself in her shoulder disabling her arm. She dropped her dagger giving a scream. She went for the dagger but stumbled knocking it away. I kicked it to the side. She just started wanting to scramble away but her body wouldnt let her. I grabbed her leg, pulled her closer and just drove my blade into her turning everything into a white void.

"Finally... Predator turned prey...."

"...You... You're no ordinary pegasus... There's evil inside you..."

"You think I dont know that?" I started pacing in front of her. "...I've faced demons... Personal and supernatural... dated one at one time too... You? You're evil.... Rather not care about the lives you snuff... take the ones you train and either kill them or you teach them to snuff out others.... You're a burning candle whose wick just reached its end.... You're still gonna burn after that... Just with someone controlling the heat of it... And its gonna be a low... searing... burning heat until the end of time... but even then... you'll still burn...." I honestly relished this moment. Driving the blade back into her. Though once I did everything faded. I pulled the blade and went to turn the light on. I grabbed my hoodie, hid the blade again after wiping it clean and just knocking my other shot back before heading back to my room for the finale.

I just waited until the alarm happened. Once that alarm happened I grabbed the shield and the workout bar and just started walking. Guards ran past trying to get out... They were just that focused as I walked past. Though when it came to the door to the wardens office.... there were a few guards... I let them have it. One got ran through and the other got his neck sliced by the follow through. Yeah... May have torn one guy open splattering his blood everywhere. I wanted to make a scene where applicable. I opened the door and walked through just to see the Warden looking out his window in his armor. Didnt even break his gaze away. "...They were almost ready.... We almost had our army...." He said. "They're still training... but no... I dont think there's any more time.... I should've known you fucking killed Nightshade... That blade I gave you did nothing but take... You were supposed to give us power..." I planted the makeshift spear into the ground before taking the detonator from my pocket arming it.

"...No... No I wasnt.... When we met face to face I said I was both the best choice... and the worst.... something I left out of that part... I was the best because I had power... but I'm the worst not only because of my troubled past... but you kidnapped royalty... a Prince... everyone has been alerted to your presence here.... and this?" I clicked the detonator setting off the explosives. Shook the building and started causing alarms to go off... I tossed the detonator aside. "....That was the signal... You're gonna have an army coming down on you harder than a hammer on a nail.... And by the by.... That smoke cloud might have some ashes in it... Fireborns to be exact...." I could feel the air change. From tense... to heated.

"...No need for him anyways..." He stepped to the side and just pushed a button on his desk holding it down. "Predator. My office. Now. Alert Delta." He released and waited. I heard nothing but yelling and gunfire. He pushed it again. "Predator? Predator do you copy? Alert DELTA!" I chuckled a bit.

"...She was a great host... yet she was the parasite always taking.... You're alone... Just you... You and me... Yet I'm not here to protect you..." He growled before he grabbed his desk and chucked it out the window giving a grunt before turning to me.

"I SHOULD'VE KILLED YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY AFTER THAT STUNT!"

"You could've tried but due to connections everyone you sent to do anything to my family is already dead! Now come on! Less talking and more fighting! This thing needs to taste some blood again!" He just scraped his foot across the floor before charging at me. I dodged one way trying to bounce him away with the shield... it shattered upon impact. I wasnt worried... yet... I readied the spear and just started to jab it right into his armor. It punctured but not too deep. He shoved me away before I started spinning that thing like a bo staff. I got it ready before just charging him and trying to puncture that armor... Yeah nothing... He just stood there and laughed before swatting the fucking thing away.

"You think you can penetrate this armor? You're a fool! This armor is made with a steel alloy, plated and is made to be practically impenetrable! Your strength cant even rip this apart..." He grabbed me and just tossed me back into a wall. Oh that hurt... Though I wanted a good fight. I just gave the juke box in here a quick hit and holy shit I'm stealing this for a colt cave if Luna can help me build one. This just started playing some thrash metal. Oh that got me ready and crazy. I just jumped onto the wall before vaulting myself off just tackling him to the wall. He threw me off but I just kept going at it until he just swatted me out of the air... and holy fuck did that hurt. Got me right when I tried to tackle him out the window... Oh that would've been a sight but no. Knocked me out of the way so I hit the wall dazing myself. He just grabbed me by my leg and held me up. "You put up a good fight... but even with everything... you've lost..." He raised me up before just starting to slam me down. He might've slammed me three times before I just started getting desperate... and... I... I keep saying this... but I have. No. Fucking. CLUE what I did. I mimicked the hand signs from the magic book in the nuclear scenario. Though once I closed my hand and opened it... I was surprised... A fireball. It caught his eye right before I sent it straight into his face causing him to drop me screaming. "WHAT THE EVERLOVING FUCK WAS THAT?!" I gave an evil laugh as I conjured up two more fire balls after distancing myself and getting to my feet.

"That? Say that's a little gift from below... or above... Not sure which but lets hope this suit can take the heat!" I just cuffed my hands together combining the fireballs just before sending it straight for him. It exploded sending us both back, him finally out the window and even blowing the wall apart. I stayed on my feet using my wings to keep me upright. Even had to make sure they werent burning before I just rushed out and jumped down.... And I could'nt have landed any more perfectly... Drove the blade right into The Wardens skull. Everything became a white void... He was on the ground, no armor... Just burned and bruised in the face.

"...No... No this isnt how its supposed to go! I should've won!"

"And yet here you are... a loser... I'll say you won my respect by nearly besting me... maybe even making me realize I might not have to use my strength with everything... But thats as far as it goes.... You've tried... and failed... You thought you had your ace in the hole... Someone to take charge and lead your army into battle against anyone and everyone.... Though its either you lose then because we were all cut down... or you lose here... alone... restricted by thoughts of power overcoming your own mortality... you knew you were fucked but you didnt wanna believe it... you thought yourself unkillable with that armor... Yet here we are... End of the line..."

"....Fuck you..." I grinned.

"...Nah... Fuck. YOU!" I drove the blade into his skull yet again. Before I knew it I was in the fray. Everyone still fighting about, guards getting overpowered by the prisoners, some guards and prisoners just looking at me standing on top of a corpse. I just looked around before grabbing a rifle off a dead guard nearby... crushed by debris. I just grabbed it and fired it in the air. Two short bursts. Just caused attention to turn to me... Guards just started rushing me trying to take me down without weapons because the prisoners stole them or their ammo. Oh I went on a spree just ripping guards apart showering myself with blood. I used the blade sure bit I had more fun ripping them apart. It didnt take long before things calmed down just to have prisoners taking corpses and beating them or even their injured comrades aside to make sure their injuries werent life threatening.

I just wandered through the crowd with what gun I had. I was covered in blood... some I didnt even know was my own and other I knew from someone else. I just looked around as the groups grew further and further apart. I could even tell by looking at some ponies they were both relieved it was over... and scared that this might've just been the beginning. I just stood there and looked up at the night sky as helicopters flew over. Some had lights going all over the compound... I still heard gunfire. I heard a laugh as I felt a hand on my back. I looked over just to see Mythic looking up at the choppers. "Lad ya did it!" He said. "Ya look worse than Ikkebuckero but ya did it! Couldnt be more proud of ya!"

I huffed as a chopper came right over head and stopped. It just circled slightly before starting to lower down. Everypony backed up fast as it came down. Mythic and I included but we stayed just out of the groups just to be seen. Elites definitely. Five of them jumped out. Four from the back and the copilot. The copilot? Uncle Orange. Smoke. I could tell by his mask. "TAKE THESE PONIES AND GET THEM THE HELL OUTTA HERE THROUGH THE FACILITY!" He yelled at the four ponies over the chopper blades. He came right over to us and just looked at me. "What the.... I honestly dont wanna ask but fuck me do you need a shower before we get you into that chopper...." I just looked at myself.

I huffed. "Yeah... Got a little too excited..." I looked up at the Wardens office. "Gimme a minute. Be right down!" I flew up there quick and just went for the bathroom. Showered up with my clothes on and washed it up as good as I could. The floor looked like a murder scene. Though once I was out I raided the wardens closet for clothes. Grabbed sweats, a white tee shirt and a jacket. Military obviously. Though once I grabbed it and went out I looked at the juke box... You bet your ass I grabbed it, unplugged it and brought it down to the chopper just to get it strapped in.

I even looked to one of the Elites and told him to figure out how to get the warden out of his armor and to just fix it up and maybe see about reverse engineering it for more suits. The flight out wasnt anything special. Just me, Mythic, the pilot and Uncle Orange. I had to keep making sure the jukebox was in place every so often so we wouldnt get thrown off balance. Took us... half an hour or so to land in Canterlot. Princess Luna and Celestia were there to greet us when we touched down. They just cut the engine to the chopper after we got out. Luna and Celestia both hugged me tight. I had to just keep the blade out of the hug just in case... I do not want a fact about me to be stabbing a princess... Scootaloo already shot one.... Accidentally yeah but... she can say that she did... and hope she doesnt get in trouble... I broke the hug with them and backed up. "Thank mother you're alive Ryder!" Celestia said. "I didnt know what to think after we went to wake you for the morning meal and you werent there! We thought you just went for a walk and fell asleep in a different room... But when we sent guards to look for you they came back with nothing and we had to think fast because your mother was here and just.... I dont think she believed our lie that you went home early due to something that happened at home but Applejack and your family believed that lie.... She came up here and learned the truth... We've had to keep tabs on her..."

"Has she been trouble?"

Luna sighed. "Yes.... After last I saw you she got a bit combative over her phone and assaulted a guard." She said. "She's being held in a room despite the assaulted guard's protest but we managed to talk him down to not having her arrested and yet only to have her in a room only to stay there until given word."

"Give the word she's to be released. Let me see her first though. And please tell me you still have my stuff around..." I looked to Mythic who was just sitting aside on the chopper talking with Smoke. I looked to the Princesses. "Wait for me inside. Gotta do a quick handoff here." They both nodded and just hurried inside.

I came back over to them just as Mythic was in the middle of telling Smoke something. "...Swear that boy gets pissed when he does shit... and there? I cant blame him.... Still less torturous than the fucker who took your kid." He said. He looked up. "Speakin of him... You here to see me off before headin' home?" I huffed.

"In a sense..." I just unstrapped the hidden blade from my arm and handed it to him. "Take this back to the bunker. Maybe see if you can find a better way to make these things... And dont poke your other eye out... Rather you see everything your granddaughter is up to..." I gave him a smile... Oh the look on his face just was shocked but it turned into a smile. I looked to Smoke as well. "You need to come around a bit more as well. Still wanna have you and Babs building a relationship with the kid. Now you two stay safe and... Maybe in the future we head out for a drink."

They both gave a nod and just watched as I ran off towards the door. I hurried downstairs to join the Princesses. Only found Luna but Celestia did tell her to lead me to AJ. There were a couple guards at her door but we walked right in.... I found her just sitting on the floor laying against the wall looking like a mess... Mane unbrushed, her pajamas wrinkles and stained. She was just cuddling a pillow struggling to stay awake it looked like. I just stooped down a bit just looking at her... Just a broken mare missing her husband... being lied to just to keep her in a good mood which turned sour. Princess Luna just nudged her a little bit. She jumped and looked around wondering where the fuck she was. Her eyes locked to me and she just threw the pillow down just knocking me on my ass to hug me. "...There... See? We found him... Just like we said Applejack..." Luna said. "We found the compound he was being kept in... Caused quite the ruckus just getting out of there..."

I just held her close.... She sobbed quietly into my shoulder. She quickly pushed me down on the ground and pinned me... Not to kiss me... But she looked pissed. "NO! NO HE WASNT YOU'RE LYING YOUR GOD FORSAKEN ASS OFF!" She screamed, spit just flying onto my face. I just pushed her off and when I got up she tried tackling me again before I just tossed her on the bed.

I looked to Applejack mad. "Applejack I was fucking kidnapped!" I snapped. "Do you think I would leave the Princesses and my mother alone after I said I would spend time with her? Yeah this is the second time since I've been dubbed a prince that I've gone missing but this time it wasnt my fucking fault!"

"BULL! SHIT! You're a fucking liar! You're goin' behind my back and cheatin'! Dunno whether stallion or mare but you are a fuckin' cheatin liar! WHATS THEIR FUCKIN NAME SO I CAN KICK THEIR ASS BEFORE I KICK YOURS?!"

"APPLEJACK SIMMER THE FUCK DOWN!" I yelled... I actually jumped on the bed and caused her to cower. "DO YOU FUCKING KNOW WHAT I FUCKING HAD TO DO TO STAY ALIVE IN THERE?! DO I NEED LUNA TO SHOW YOU WHAT THE FUCK I WENT THROUGH AFTER SHE KNOCKS YOUR ASS OUT WITH MAGIC?" I panted a bit before dropping to my knees. "I fucking KILLED a defenseless mare. I watched her lover get executed after I did it.... I had to do it just to stay alive... And it was either her or me at the end of that gun. I thought after that what if that was you at the end of that gun? I would've killed the lot of them before being gunned down myself. Either that or I would've just fucking killed myself before they could kill me!" I just took my legs out from under me and sat on the edge of the bed facing away from her. "And here?! I thought I'd come back home to the mare I love, that I married to welcome me back, open arms, asking if I was okay maybe even kissing me but no! You had to go and fucking say I was cheating on you when you let me bed specific ponies. Only ponies I'd even touch even with your knowledge are Gilda, Daring and maybe a stallion if they're invited but thats fucking it! Any other one it would be me asking you if I could and if you wanted to join... But... I get this...."

The room was silent other than the sobs of the mare behind me. I just stared at the wall... almost as if I was staring down the range at that mare with the sniper scope. Luna had to kneel down and just hold my hand rubbing it with her thumb. "Applejack... I'd apologize if I were you...." She said not even breaking her gaze away from me. "He's been through a lot in there.... Even at his request I wouldnt show you what he had done but its pretty scary.... So... Just... Kiss and make up?"

I waited there.... Felt like an eternity just for Applejack to hug me from behind and kiss me on the cheek. "...I... I'm sorry sugarcube..." She whimpered. "....I... I just... I'm just scared... you've been through so much... guess now that you're royalty... I... I just cant help but get worried... that someone would just kill ya outright.... I... I dont wanna lose you sugarcube... I... I dont... i really... really dont...." She broke down again just crying on my shoulder. I just turned around and hugged her... bringing her into my lap... Even giving her a kiss. I stayed there for a while before she nodded off... finally out of energy. I lied her down, covered her up and just left the room. I looked to Luna as she followed behind closing the door.

"Something the matter Ryder...?"

I sighed. "....No... Just... I just wanna get some sleep finally... but... I just... I cant get it here..." I said. "...If you still have my phone... I need to make a call... Might need someone to give AJ a map and a note saying where I am just to be sure I'm gonna be safe for the time being...."

"Guess you're going to the bunker.... Right?" I nodded.

"Yeah... Figure... I just... I owe someone an apology... Not only that but... I think security needs to be strengthened here and there around the castle.... Just to be safe.... Rather sleep soundly knowing others cant get in without alerting me.... Honestly might take a bit for me to readjust until I know I'm gonna be safe."

"...understandable. Do you want guards to take you straight there? Might even be able for Smoke and Mythic to drop you off at the chopper. I think Celestia offered them to spend the night and it would be a quick flight."

"Mythic stays. Give the man a drink if he wants one. If Smoke is still around I'll get him to fly me." She nodded and lead me to my room. Rocky was staying in there all huddled in blankets... I couldnt help but give her a little kiss on the cheek which just made her give a little squeak before curling up more. I grabbed my things and just called Daring. Took 3 calls to wake her and get her to be ready for me... Flight took about ten minutes. Was cold because I was just strapped in with the door open. Once we were at the drop zone which admittedly had to be brightened up with a spotlight I just jumped out and glided to the ground before getting down underground. When I got down there Daring was already waiting with the door open and in a warm looking set of pajamas.

Daring sighed as she fixed her mane a bit. "....You better have a good reason to wake me up like this...." She said. "...This better not be a way to get this open to sleep with me again.... And besides I thought you hated me after what I did..." I huffed.

"...Alright sorry, I forgive you now can we go inside before I explain things??" She kinda looked at me scared and nodded just letting me pass first before following me. Once inside I just tossed my stuff aside on a bench and just sat against the wall just as she closed the door up. The screeching of the door was music to my ears even though it still did bring bad memories back. She came out of the security room as the door locked shut... She came over and just knelt down next to me.

"...I... I should say you're always happy to see me but.. something must've happened for you to come here... Is everything alright?" I sighed.

"...Honestly? I dont fucking know..." I replied. "...I just came back after being kidnapped for a week... I have blood on my hands that is normal but this time I'd rather it not be and just..." I looked around. "Is there anywhere we can go so I can show you something? Somewhere that isnt flamable and doesnt have sprinklers above?" She hummed.

"Without opening the door.... Yeah actually... needed a little plan B incase the door got jammed or the main entrance caved in for whatever reason but we made damn sure that wouldnt happen that soon... And I'd rather not open the door again because of Sunburst... dont think he liked me opening it in the first place..." She offered her hand.... I was shaking as I took it. She just helped me up and hugged me... I just hugged her back before she motioned to grab my bag and follow her. We dumped it in her room and just kept walking. We went down a set of stairs into a lower part of the bunker. Wasnt much other than storage here of emergency supplies.... WISH WE KNEW THAT DURING THE FUCKING NUKE DREAM... Anyways we wandered through the storage until we found the entrance to a cave, lit with construction lights. Felt weird being this deep. I looked to her.

"...How sound is this cave? Am I gonna cause a cave in with what I'm about to do?"

"Sound as anything you juryrig together." Yeah... Stuff I rig up is sound... ish... That beer hat that I made Dash didnt last long with her.... Apparently she put 4 sets in on one day and when she tried to do a fifth she managed to break it... The cans she used stressed the plastic bits a bit and snapped em... She was mad... but called me to see if I could fix it before she wet her bed during a nap while I tried to fix it... Yep. Went over there to fix it, she laid down for an hour and when I thought I finally had it she screamed causing me to break it to being unusable. I go see what happened and she's mid piss in her bed. Anyways I took a deep breath before just mimicking the signs again and just opening my hand into a fire ball. Daring just looked at me surprised. I huffed.

"Stand back! Might get hot!" I reeled back and threw it at the wall just having it explode sending flames everywhere and even coating the ceiling of the cavern before everything went back to just having the lights light the cave.

"...How... How did you do that...?"

"...If I knew, I wouldnt come to you.... But I remember in that dream we broke into Celestia's bunker to get a map for where we needed to go... maybe even seeing about finding them to save us... But when we did I snuck a book into my bag from the forbidden book section of Canterlot library and studied the book and managed to cast fireballs... That was a reach from what just happened.... My strength couldnt help me with what I was dealing with but... that fire ball saved my ass but... I just... After that I dont feel safe.... I need to be here for at least until tomorrow while Applejack rests up.... Just... please make sure that this stays between us.... Celestia would love to know I can do that but she'd be afraid of what I can do with it.... Frankly I'm afraid to know as well..."

"....I can understand the fear of having power you dont know what to do with.... Book four... That staff that could summon creatures of darkness.... I almost wanted to use it on Ahuizotl... But couldnt... I had to throw it somewhere nobody would be able to get it... and that it got destroyed." She sighed as she rested a hand on my shoulder. "....If you can... Go get some sleep.... You can share my bed or find your own if you dont trust yourself. I'm not gonna make that choice for you.... I... I'm gonna be honest... I feel like if you are in bed with me... you'd do something to hurt me because of what I did..."

"...I'm not holding what you did against you... You're important to me but my trust was shattered with what you did... Doesnt mean I'm not gonna up and hurt you... All you gotta do is start building that trust up again... and by letting me in you definitely started that... Just keep up with what you can... But yeah... thinking I'm gonna get my own bed..." She huffed and just waved back at me as she started walking to the door. We went back upstairs, she gave me a few sleeping pills and gave me a room just near hers incase I changed my mind. Didnt. Just lied in the dark for a bit after I took the pills and sometime during the night I passed out and didnt wake up until the morning where Daring had to wake me up. I did get a call from Applejack apologizing more about what she said.... Told her how much it hurt but she ended up coming to find me.... she was a bit shocked by the underground bunker but thankfully I did get to explain to Daring and AJ at the same time for what I did in depth.... I actually cried but they understood why.... Neither of them held it against me... But Applejack did tell me she was gonna get Luna to go around in my mind... She'd even have me at home until it was time for bed but that was for both our protections just in case. Fair. Totally fair. Anyways... I think I need to rest for a bit... Until next time.

The Day The Music Nearly Died (Pt. 1)

It's been... I think a week since I was saved from the fucked up prison that was the Shadow Skin complex. The night after I got back I slept downstairs on the couch just to be around the family... I was actually happy to hear my daughter start crying the moment I got into the house though because when she did start crying she was with Shining as he was just trying to keep her calm while Cadence was out with Big Mac, Scootaloo and Applebloom. I was actually glad to take over for a bit just to calm my daughter... changing and feeding.... All she needed. I played with her for a bit but that night I did wake up with a little scream... startled her. She cried, annoyed AJ... luckily I was padded because I may have pissed AND shit myself.... though the shower after was a bit shameful I still felt alright when Scoot came out to check if I was alright. I told her I was fine, to go back to sleep and just went back downstairs just to try to sleep as well as I could. Though that's when I had to start sleeping at the castle until Luna helped clear my mind. Though after that week I did find comfort... Managed to sleep in the same bed with Gilda as a comfort. She knew I was gone and was told by Twilight to keep quiet about it to my family. She was worried yeah but when she knew I was back she was told just to give me space until I could get back to the feeling of this... and yeah.... Prison life is WAY different than on the outside. Anyhow I was just in bed with Gilda... She was just trying to get me comfortable.... Had me stripped down with her to our underwear. I stayed dry during the night a few nights but she wouldnt mind if it did happen. She sighed as she pushed her bare chest up against mine. Oh she was warm... Missed this. "...If this werent something to keep you calm during the night I'd love to make a beast with two sets of wings...." She said. "...Princess only told me to stay close to you and not sleep with you.... Technically I'm still within boundaries.... But you wanna enlighten me on why you're freaking out again? Is it because of you going missing again?"

I nodded. "Yeah... Not of my own accord this time but... It was not a fun experience... All I'm saying..." I said turning towards her. ...I may or may not have put a hand near her crotch and teased her with a finger. "....If I do manage to stay calm tonight... maybe if I ask Applejack we might just do something like that... Though... not here.... I may have an idea that I wanna put to use...."

"Hopefully its good.... Now get as comfortable as you want.... From what the Princess tells me you've got a big day tomorrow." She fondled me a bit before cuddling right up to me. I just cuddled with her but stayed awake for a bit before falling asleep myself.

I was honestly preparing myself for the worst nightmares. That night I actually scared the shit out of myself literally was the only time it was that bad. Did I still have nightmares? Yeah. Was this one? Not really. I came into a dreamscape that was calming for me. Hillside, cherry blossom tree and just the view of an ocean... I know I take comfort in the Rainbow Falls but that kinda changed after the nuke dream.... After seeing the falls going and mixing together mixing with the faked death of my mother... I couldnt see that as a comforting spot anymore. I just sat there as petals fluttered through the air onto the ground. A sigh was heard. "...Alright... I think I'm just about done fixing your mind here..." I heard a familiar voice said. I looked back just to see Luna coming around the tree in a kimono and her mane up in a ponytail. Was actually cute the way it was done. "...I have to say... With the amount of death at your hands... This has to be the most fucked I've seen your mind... And I dont usually want to say that to your face.... But you're doing good so far." I huffed looking back out to sea.

"...The other times... It was the blood of those who deserved it.... This time? Innocent blood... Something I never wanted to have AT ALL on my hands.... Its why I have to try to speak my mind when some fucking idiot talks bullshit when I'm with Applejack at a sale day. Yeah I only hurt those who need their ass whooped but the fact that my hand was forced to put someone out of their misery that needed to be saved made it ten times worse...."

"The mare was mutilated beyond recognition.... The scarring of her mind would probably have lead her to suicide... If she had taken her own life she would've probably cause her partner to go insane and maybe go on a killing spree, maybe getting himself killed in the process... The fact he did still died by someone elses hand meant that he and his marefriend spend their afterlife together... it might not be what you wanted but... you may have given them the better of the options..." I just stayed silent... watching the waves... hearing them crash against the cliffside. She came to my side and knelt down next to me. "...I know it doesnt bring you comfort at all about that.... I can tell... I have asked mother about them after you came back to Canterlot... They did hold a grudge after being brought up there... but she explained your actions... she told them of your silent prayers.... They forgive you for that...."

"...You're gonna have to bring me there to hear them first hand... I trust your mother but... After the scenario that you guys put us through.... Trust is hard to come by..."

"...I understand... you've trusted us for a while... from when you first became General... Yet we decided to bribe someone you saw light in... had a mutual trust in... Only for that to just break that trust.... Both in her... and us... Tell you what.... If it helps... I will do anything you wish. I would degrade myself, make myself a whore just for you. If its my body you want, its yours. If its something else just name it."

"...Luna... I would not have you as a partner for sex unless it was consensual and Applejack said it was okay. I know you and I have past together... Would I want to lay with you again? Yes. But not you being degraded by me. I'd see you as an equal, doing whatever you wished. And... What have you done with the others?" She thought for a moment.

"...Big Mac is getting that truck of his a brand new engine. Once your fathers old truck is back in your hands we'll take that and do what we can with it without changing it style wise. Soarin' already agreed to a charitable donation in our names. You and Shining are the only ones to not have anything. I've asked Shining and he said whatever it is you want to do he'll do with you... And since you dont want to have me be just a breeding mount you'll have to think of something.... And I'm kinda glad... Dont exactly want a threesome or a divorce on our hands..." I huffed as I stood up.

"...Well flip it around, ask Shining what he wants to do, then do it. My mind is so muddled I dont know what I want anymore..." She sighed.

"...Its understandable.... I wont bother you further with it.... I just...." I heard her whimper a bit. I looked back at her just trying to fight tears. "...I... I just feel... so bad about what we put you guys through..." I went over and just knelt down next to her. "...I.... I dont care if you believe this or not... but... I... I told Celestia not to do it.... I TOLD HER NO.... But... she had to go through with it... test you and your friends... yet... you just ended up doing what you did... I... I had to have them pull you out... I couldnt go and watch any longer with that.... It.... I... I cant.... I didnt...." She broke down just as I hugged her. I sighed just consoling her.

"...Luna.... please PLEASE dont cry... For what its worth... I believe you... I will accept anything you give me but PLEASE.... do not degrade yourself... I dont want you out in public, pants around your ankles while you piss yourself or you on a leash or whatever! You're forgiven with whatever! Celestia pays for her role in the matter. You've already paid for it...." She just held me tight... Cried into my shoulder. We sat there for a bit... The tree started to decay and the sky started to turn dark as my mood went down... just watching a Princess cry... It hurt to see to be honest. After a while she wiped her eyes and stood up. She helped me up and hugged me, pressing my head against her chest.

"...Oh.. Oh thank you Ryder... I... I'm so sorry...." I huffed trying to push away... guess my strength in dreams isnt strong enough to pry myself out of princess arms.

"...No worries Luna.... Just... Do what you think is best, invite Shining and give your sister what for and tell her to do something for all of us. Now uh... Can I go?" She whimpered a bit holding me a bit tighter.... tight enough to where a warm spot started growing.... I just looked up at her. "Princess....? Did.... Did you just....?"

"...S-Sorry Ryder... I... I know how you feel about these things in dreams but... I... I should at least show that I was serious about the degredation.... but.... Come morning you and Shining shall have your gift.... Now... I... I should wake you up and get changed.... I might need to crawl in bed with my sister after I clean up.... I... I do apologize for your sheets but you should be fine... right?" I just blushed hard. "....You.... Arent in bed alone... are you....?" I shook my head. "...Someone who will understand?" I sighed.

"Sure hope so... I still couldnt tell if she was expecting it or not... Just hoping she's not gonna be mad about me soaking her sheets...." I was kinda right... Once Luna woke me up Gilda was just making sure I was balls deep in her, still pissing.... I could feel it but she didnt realize I was awake. I just groaned a bit... Felt a wet patch beneath me. She just looked back at me, the dim light from her phone light just illuminating the bed. "...So... Please tell me you have a plan to not spill everywhere...."

Gilda just blushed a bit. "Uh....I can try to turn around... Either that or you carry me to the bathroom across the hall...." She said. I huffed as I just sat up and grabbed her legs.

"...You're gonna have to be my arms here... And for fucks sake next time just ask..." I stood up just carefully making my way to the door. She opened it and we had to go out sideways.... And yeah... Guard patrol was right there. I looked to them as we went for the bathroom. "...Say anything, there goes your job!" The guards nodded and just rushed the opposite direction. Once we got into the bathroom it didnt take long for me to uh.... Finish... Yeah... We got in, closed the door... Fucking came right inside her. And you could hear it too if you were in the same room. She knew it too... She moaned, wrapped an arm around me and.... Well... I guess it made it harder to pull out the way she squeezed her legs together while I flared up. Took a minute for me to pull out.... Worst part was I had to position myself over the toilet and just lift Gilda off me. Everything just poured out and she couldnt keep quiet about it. Had to at least finish up everything there and clean up. After that we cleaned up, had to pad up along with her and just had to flip her mattress and get back to cuddling... Yeah... did have a word with Gilda about what she did while we were cleaning up but I was tired. And yes... that is EXACTLY what she wanted....Maybe not that way but she would've let me do it after we woke up.

But yeah... safe to say that sleep was a little fractured. She shifted, I felt it and kinda woke up but for the most part just kept my eyes closed. After a while the alarm went off waking us both... Yeah... decided to shower together just to be safe before getting dressed. We ended up going down to the kitchen where we saw Twilight and Spike preparing breakfast. Twilight was just in her pajamas, wings still unbrushed but her mane was. "Morning you two... Care to explain why my guards tell me of seeing something interesting around Gilda's room early this morning?" She asked. I huffed.

"...Princess.... Do you really wanna know? Because I'd rather not ruin an appetite...."

"...Totally fair there... Just... One thing about being royalty Ryder... Guards dont like it when their jobs are threatened. Even if what they see is.... out of the ordinary with royalty. If Celestia and Luna's guards could speak about what they've seen, they would... but since their jobs would be on the line for having loose lips they're best to keep quiet anyways." I sat down just as Spike came over with a jug of juice.

"Well... If you speak with them again, give them my apology... I know they'd rather hear it from me personally but.... You know... All the stress I've had lately...." She sighed as she just levitated a collection of forks and knives over to the table.

"I'll be sure to let them know royal life isnt treating you well so far. You know you're gonna have to adapt some time." She just stirred a pot as the cutlery just assorted itself in our spots. "Speaking of.... How are you feeling right now? Heard about your ordeal...." I took the drink Spike poured for me and drank just giving a sigh.

"...an ordeal was an understatement.... This was a one man army against idiots who thought it was a good idea to get me to be one of them...."

"Considering what Celestia told me of what you told her? Yeah... That's the gist of it... But uh.... Shining told me he was coming down here soon so you may wanna eat and get on down to the train station. Said he wanted you to pick him up personally."

"...And something tells me he either heard what happened and wants to see if i'm good or drop something off with me to see you Princess." Twilight chuckled a bit.

"He did he wanted to see you... and I get it still calling me Princess thing Ryder. Hard to adapt to being royalty when you were just a normal somepony. Lets just take a deep breath, eat and get you on your way. Alright?" I gave a nod and just sat back waiting for food. Food was quick. Pancakes. Nothing special. But it was good. Spike always does good when he's cooking. Anyways after that I just went downstairs to the garage and hopped in my car... Though as I hopped in there was a present in the passenger seat.

I'm not gonna lie... I was a bit scared of this thing after what I went through... I didnt know what this was actually gonna be. I felt the box carefully and pulled a tag. 'From a friend' it said. I carefully took the top off the box and inside was the blade I was given... but upgraded a bit? This one looked like how it was when i was given but.... There was some technological aspect to it. I could definitely feel the difference. More plastic than leather. Leather strap just hung off it. And attached to that? A note. I took the note and started reading it. 'Lad, here. Boys in the lab. Might not work the same as before with punches but put it on underneath. Gives you a little bit more than just a sharp surprise for someone. Got a few surprises for you. Some you could use to your advantage if you ever get in trouble again. Also plannin' on dropping by sometime soon just to see my grand daughter. Aint gonna bring anything other than myself. Also... If you wanna bring me to your mother, cuff me, make sure she doesnt have her gun (yes she has one, Soarin' confirmed) and let her just kick me between the uprights and let her know I'm gonna have to be a part of your life whether she likes it or not... gotta keep you on your feet somehow. If you need to use this thing, lets hope you pounce on em like in Ikkebuckero... -M. PS: We're picking apart that armor slowly but surely trying to figure out how its made and if you can use the original frame. Dont worry. Got rid of the guy and we're cleaning it real well. Will be in contact.'

I huffed just stuffing the damn thing in the glove box and tossing the box into the back seat. Fired up my car and just drove it out. Didnt take long to get down to the station. Hit green lights and drove pretty quick. Pulled in just to see guards milling about. Had a few look like they were about to stop me but they let me on through to park. I just pulled into the first parking spot that wasnt already occupied by a guard truck or a civilian vehicle. Did get out and just get up to the platform. Had a few guards salute me, I just saluted back real quick before just sitting down on a bench just waiting. Took about fifteen minutes or so for the train to start pulling in. Crystal Empire logo emblazoned on the side of the engine. Three cars followed behind... Once the middle one was in front I stood up. The doors opened and out came Shining with a backpack over his shoulder. He gave a smile as he just opened up his arms and I felt like a magnet when I hugged him. "There's my bro!" He said. "You really need to stop going missing dude! Nearly gave Cadence and I heart attacks but I'm glad you're alright." He broke the hug and huffed as the door to the train closed up behind us. "So... Here's what we're gonna do... first... We're gonna go back to your place and you're gonna get a bag together... Second, you and I are gonna take the train all the way to Las Pegasus for something that Luna got us into all because of that dream we shared... think you know which one..."

I sighed. "...The one where I wished I had a geiger counter..." I said. "....What does she have planned? Still kinda feeling weird after her 'apology' last night..."

"Do I wanna know?"

"...Better if you dont.... Lets just say your sister had something to say about a warning I had to give guards understandingly because of my mood at the time...."

"Ah... Annoyed and tired.... I've been there before. Guards wake me up in a weird position after a few, i'm hungover and naked with a nudie magazine between my legs and I threaten their job if they say anything... I do apologize yeah but some guards need a reality check every once in a while.... Just gotta make sure the reality check's dont happen to those who are new or who are getting used to their orders at their rank. But hey, lets just stop talking about that and relax.... Lets just head back to your place, grab some stuff and get back here. I'll let you know whats going on when we're back here. Kay?" I gave a nod and just walked him to my car. Backed out and went on the main road. Shining sighed as we were now having a few guard trucks escort us. Started blowing through lights with them having their sirens on. "....There... Quick and easy...." He looked to me. "Ordered them to do this. No worries there. But... How does being royalty feel if I might ask?" I huffed.

"I mean... so far I feel like I've had a target on my back after I was made royalty... First with Changelings wanting peace to then actually being kidnapped out of my own will only to fight my way out through.... means.... It just is weird...."

"Yeah... I gotta congratulate you on those Changelings... Heard news from guards down here that people are a bit weirded out that changelings are down here but they're getting jobs and helping everyone out the best they can. Few guards did get called about a changeling or two being inappropriate but with things they got on camera saved em." I sighed.

"...I ever see Thorax again I'm gonna see if I cant invite him out for a meeting to see how things are going and if there are any issues."

"Not a bad idea... Might have to wait until after we're back in town for that. Lets just keep rolling." Oh if a guard truck werent in front going somewhat of the speed limit I'd wanna GUN IT.

Anyhow we just kept going until we reached Sweet Apple Acres. He grabbed his stuff and just waited outside the house as I went in. Inside I just saw Big Mac doing some dishes while Applejack was on the couch feeding Mash. Applejack looked up as my foal just drank from her bottle. "Well looky here Mash! Daddy's back!" Applejack said. I sighed kneeling down just making it easier for Mash to see me. I could see a slight smile behind the bottle too.

I looked to Applejack as I sat down on the coffee table. "Hows things here? Miss being in bed with you..." I said. She sighed.

"...Things are... alright I guess... Scoot was having a nightmare last night, had to crawl in bed with me... Bloom's been mopey about Diamond being outta town but I'm thinkin' we get her a phone so she can keep in contact with her... Course we're gonna have to put parental controls on it... Aint gonna hurt to make sure she aint gonna go on anything and mess her phone up... But... Other than that, things've been fine... Just... Honestly feelin' a bit sorry I freaked out atcha still... blamin' you for doin' shit behind my back...." I sighed setting a hand on her lap.

"No worries about that... I forgive you.... But uh... I need to get a bag together here... Shining is here and apparently we're going to Las Pegasus for something... Never said what but I have a feeling it has something to do with Luna..."

"Luna? The hell she do now?" I stood up and walked around the couch.

"Apart from making me wake up early this morning in an extremely awkward position and threaten guards... I have no clue...."

"... Shouldnt ask but I'm tempted to...."

"Trust me. No. You dont."

"Uh... Right... Somethin' tells me it was real weird...."

"And the shit I've been through would be more normal compared to that.... Rather you not know... Now if you'll excuse me..." She stood up and just started following me.

"Yeah but... Just a quick question sugarcube?" I looked back as I climbed the stairs.

"Shoot."

"....Just... How're you doin' after that sugarcube...? You good?" I sighed as we entered our room.... There were baby clothes everywhere, her panties just hanging off the bed... A diaper just sitting, open on the dresser... its clean and mine.... Yeah... First night she offered it to me but I said I'd be fine.... How wrong I was...

"...I... I dont know... I'm just glad to be alive..." I said. "...Scared me to know I was heavily guarded... somewhere I couldnt be touched... or thought i couldnt be... yet... next thing you know I'm waking up in a cell, naked, already knowing I wasnt gonna fight my way out and get myself killed...." I looked to her. "....Can you put Mash down for a sec? I'd rather you not drop her with this next thing...." She gave a nod and just went into Mash's connected room laying her in her crib... In that time I grabbed my backpack and just started packing things in. Underwear, extra pants, shirts, a diaper or two and even some charging cables for my phone. Once she was back in the room she sat down.

"...So...? What happened?" I took a deep breath and sat down setting my bag between my legs. Faced away from AJ.

"...They said they could get to you guys if I didnt cooperate.... What made it worse was my own father was there.... The fucker who raped my mother.... He was there, stuck with me.... My only form of sanity in that godforsaken place. They asked me to do thing I'd never want to do in a million years... no amount of money would change my mind on doing so... but they had me just.... take out those who needed to be.... I didnt know if they were innocent or if they werent...." She gasped. "...I know... shocking... stallion who has blood all over him has blood he didnt want there... But they said if I didnt... they'd hurt you.... Scoot... everyone I knew and loved.... And they had an army around me at all times... only thing that got me out was obeying...." I looked back at her. The worry on her face. I held out a hand. "...It was worth it to come back to you though... we've been through a lot... and ....I'm just glad we're still together.... Just so I can say I married the most beautiful mare in the world...." I pulled her over and sat her in my lap. Gave her a kiss and cuddled with her a bit. "...Do I like that I had to do it...? No.... Something I cant ever forget like everything else.... Its why when I have these freak out moments... I wanna stay away from you and Scoot... not because I dont wanna scare you... but because I dont wanna hurt you guys..." I just sat there with her for a while before just laying her down and covering her up. She wasnt tired but I figured she could use a bit of a lie down... didnt fight me on it. I went back downstairs with my bag over my shoulder just as Big Mac was grabbing something from the fridge.

My brother in law looked to me. "Y'good there Ry? Where's AJ?" He asked. I sighed.

"....I'll be fine... AJ's just relaxing in bed upstairs.... You just stick around to help her and I'll be back home soon.... Hanging out with Shining." He gave a nod and I walked out with him coming behind me. I went for my car and grabbed the box in the glove compartment before closing it up and tossing the keys. I looked to Shining.

Shining smiled. "Ready to go?" He asked. I gave a nod and just walked towards the guard trucks. He just followed me and we both hopped in the first one that opened its doors. We hopped in and took our own bench... I just leaned back and looked out the window. Not much happened on the drive between here and the train station. Though the train ride was good. Took a while. In that time we ate some food the chef on board cooked for us and I took an hour nap. Though after that, a quick drink and a bathroom break we sat down to game for a while. Alley brawlers... And yeah... the one I'm in. I went and hit him a few times before he executed a combo that just floored me for a moment. I sighed.

"So... Now that we're on the train you wanna tell me what you got planned in Las Pegasus?" He sighed as he ended up doing a finishing move... Bloody as hell.

"I suppose there's no harm in telling you...." He said setting his controller aside. "First things first, we hit the hotel that's got the carbon copy room of the Princess' suite in your favorite Nukes Galore game, drop our stuff off, rest, gamble what ever.... But tonight? Oh we got something BIG planned. Gonna take a trip down to the arena and this is where Luna came in. She pulled a few strings, and got us a box to enjoy one of your favorite bands! She's even got merch lined up for us, buffet and a bit of a meet and greet.... You probably know the band since we've already had one run in with them."

"Gems?"

"The very same. I know they were kinda freaked out last time after you destroyed their venue but this time we're not gonna let you touch any instruments and if you do, I'm gonna have a tranq or two ready.... And so are the guards who are gonna protect us... Single fire, clip fed but you need to cock it every time." I shuttered a bit as I just set my controller down and went to a mini fridge to grab a soda.

"...I feel like I've been hit with so many tranquilizers since I got a spot in the guard and now that I'm just a fucking pincushion for em... You hit me with a few, got grazed with ones from the some friends of mine... And then that kidnapping.... I fucking hated that one... but thanks to a trick I learned in Ikkebuckero I purged the toxins from my system... Though when we get to the hotel I'm gonna show you something I picked up during that visit... Rather you not say anything about it to anyone...."

"...Its not a toy or some weird pervert thing is it? Because if its some cage I am NOT holding the keys for you...." I sighed as I grabbed a Senor Salt and cracked it open.

"Shining... if it was the keys to a cage, I'd be under changeling pheromone again.... and we both know how bad that was for me.... But this is something that I learned to use.... Take things slow, steady.... And trust me after actually being kidnapped without putting up a fight it does put things in perspective on why rushing into things could get me killed...." I sat down and sipped the drink. "...The fact that all the injuries I've had, the scares that I put everyone through didnt do shit to make me stop and me being taken out from under the dead of night, under princess' noses in a heavily guarded area means that if someone tried hard enough I could have my throat slit in my sleep... And if I am captured again.... I'm gonna have to fight my way out slowly... either that or not at all... I've got a lot to lose and its just NOW hitting.... Feels like someone took a brittle two-by-four, smashed it over my head and stuck splinters in my chest... I might've been wearing a helmet but the slight stab that at any moment could end me...." He took a deep breath and sighed after a moment.

"...Yeah... It's good you're realizing that now but.... I just wanna make sure that you're not gonna get into any fights, get yourself killed... I know its been rehashed so many times at this point but... Nobody wants to pull the short straw and tell your family you kicked the bucket because of the danger you got in and you ended up doing something stupid...." He huffed as he picked up his controller again. "Lets just keep playing. Still got at least an hour or so before we reach the station..." I nodded and set my drink down to play a few more matches. I honestly dont know how he does it but he somehow perfectly counters me. Perfectly counters my special move, stuns me and juggles me! And of course he has to do that bullshit that makes fun of me but doesnt kill me. Its like playing a shooter and teabagging someone in front of their family.

When we pulled into the station we were greeted by guards who lead us out of there and into a transport. This one solo. We went and rode all the way to the hotel... big tower.... The Sky Peircer as its called in game. It's actually called Cloudsdale Needle resort and casino. That game brought so much business to that hotel they decided to make an entire section themed around the game, rooms, games.... Even a food place and a store. Food place didnt fare well. Store? Merch... Shining basically grabbed our bags and went for the room Luna allowed us to use and I went STRAIGHT for that store.... May or may not have gotten a replica jumpsuit and a duster coat that I'm SO wearing to the show tonight... The coat. Not the jumpsuit. Hundred and fifty bits. WORTH IT considering the show, dinner and merch was comped by Luna. When I got to the room I found someone more than just Shining there.... Luna was there as well. And the suite itself? Just like I walked in out of the wasteland to find a companion... There was a fully stocked bar, a small kitchen area, entertainment area.... Honestly looked like a small luxury apartment. Luna herself was at the bar... Guard just serving her a martini. She was in an outfit from the game as well. Jumpsuit mixed with a few leather armor detailings but she did look a little thicker around the hips. She looked up as I just set the stuff I bought down. "Good of you to join me Ryder.... I was afraid you didnt come with Shining until he told me you went to shop." She said. "You're not... mad over last night are you?"

I gave a sigh. "I did say you didnt need to do that...." I replied. "But no... Not mad.... Was I tired? Yeah. I feel like I was more pissed off at the situation I found myself in when I woke up.... And lets just say when it takes two to tango you're better off not moving somewhere else during.... And with Gilda no less...."

"...And with a dirty birdy like her I think I've learned all I needed to.... But I truly am sorry Ryder..." I went over and just hugged her gave her a kiss on the cheek and sighed.

"....I forgive you Luna.... Yet your sister still needs to answer. Your debt has been paid yet your sister is holding back, making it seem like her problems are everyone elses." I broke the hug and joined her at the bar.

"She will let you know what she will do. I had to distance myself from her this morning because of not only what happened last night but what I said to her. I told her that I've done my part to apologize for what happened yet she alone still needs to atone for what had happened. I may have used some words that left her unable to finish her meal but I drove the point home."

"Good.... Hope she contacts me soon... As for now I need to go find Shining and get ready." She gave a nod and sipped her drink. I got up and went to grab my stuff.

I found Shining in a shared room. Two beds, my bag on one, his on the other as well as some clothes for each of us. He was just putting on a jacket sighing. "Got a few hours until the show tonight. Could walk the strip and see stuff. Either that or we could gamble a little bit... wouldnt mind hitting the tables." He said. "Anything you wanna do?"

"Not sure. But... Still need to show you something and if this gets me in trouble with who gave it to me I'm gonna have some words.... But this doesnt leave us....." He nodded as I closed the door and went for my bag. I grabbed the box from my bag and pulled out the gauntlet. I put it on trying to get the leather strap on right. Felt weird but I just held it up. Just gave him a full 360. Then I extended the blade. Just brought my hand back pulling the leather strap. He just looked at it interested. That's when I retracted it and started fiddling with the buttons on it. "...Got that little toy from while I was on a forced vacation.... Combined with tech from friends...." I turned invisible. "...I might be harder to find and more of a danger to those who want to give us trouble." I fiddled with it appearing again and just started messing with the other things. Found the infrared and saw ponies all over the place... some having a little fun, turned on night vision which made things brighter and there was even a sound amplification thing.... turned that on and I heard a gurgling.... "...Shining, bathroom....." He blushed holding his gut before just rushing to the bathroom. I shut off the enhanced sounds just as the door slammed.

"YOU FUCKER HOW?!" I heard him yell.

"Just.... Forget that if anything..." I just took it off and tossed it on the bed. "Just.... Make sure you spray in there. Gonna get changed here!" I did end up getting changed. The clothes that were waiting were a long sleeved Gems n Tulips shirts, black jeans, ballcap, beanie, even a few other accessories. I even had a few packaged up marked for Scootaloo and I do recognize Sparkplug's hand writing. I put the beanie on and the coat I bought and just looked at myself in a mirror. The coat was more of a marked ranger coat. The Marked Rangers in game were part of one of the major factions that came down from the north that didnt really know what a desert was. Had NPC's complaining about the heat, the mutated animals.... Even complained about how they wanted to go back to the Nuclear North. Which raised a question, is that place still livable? Anywho their jackets were made to withstand the heat for them but still didnt help most ponies who went down there to try and expand territory. Heat stroke is a sonovabitch. Doesnt care if you're wearing tank tops or hoodies. Anyways... I just huffed once I was dressed. "Shining! I'll be at the bar!"

"A-Alright... I'll be a minute anyways..."

I went back down to the bar and sat with Luna. Just wanted a shot of whiskey. Downed it and just sat there until until Shining was ready. Guess it took a bit. Once he was done we left Luna there and just went down to the Casino. We did gamble a bit... Lost... Not much but I did lose. He didnt do any better. We just started walking the strip and I couldnt help but talk lore on the game and where things were, what happened canonically... Yeah Shining just let me do that. Though we did ask Luna if it was too early to just pop in, watch the band practice maybe. She did say there was no harm in it. That's when we just found the nearest place to sit down and wait for a guard truck. Came fast to pick us up. Took us a bit to get to where the concert was. We got lead in by guards, and we just got right back stage just off to the side seeing the band side view. They were just in the middle of one of their older songs but I was too busy jamming out to know what one. Once that song was over they all put their instruments up. "Alright! Take five guys!" Jax called out before heading off stage opposite with the drummer while Gash and Sparkplug came our way.

Sparkplug smiled a bit. "Hey you two!" She said giving both of us a high five. "If you're here for the show you're a bit early."

I huffed a bit straightening myself out. "Yeah well.... I got a bit excited about this and wanted to come see you guys, see how things were after our last run in." I said.

Gash huffed. "If it werent for the Princess helping pay for the damages to the stadium after the 'generator' blew I'd say we'd be better off but safe to say the manager of that place will be doing everything he can to keep the power on and keep things from blowing up in his face." He said. "Just... Dont touch any more guitars.... Rather not have anything like that happen here.... Jax already got us put on notice for puking outside after drinking a bit too much...."

"Jeez the guys here that strict?"

"Yeah and we werent even doing anything that day! We literally had JUST gotten in..... We were drinking, kept telling Jax to drink water, kept grabbing alcohol and once things stopped moving..... You get the picture."

Sparkplug walked over and just hopped up on a speaker being held back here. "So.... what's new with you guys? Sure as shit nothing ever changes around here..." She said.

I sighed. "Well...." I started. "Some time ago I became a father... Then just a lot of shit happened that.... To be honest I'd rather not talk about."

"Well congrats on becoming a dad dude! What's the little tykes name?"

"AppleMash. She's just the cutest!" I pulled out my phone and quickly went to find a picture of her. Best I could find was just after she was born. Applejack wanted some sleep, I just couldnt after I passed out trying to get to the castle.... Twilight came in to check on both of us and snapped the picture of me looking into the little crib she had brought in from the medical area. Did come in to bring her back but she wanted to take a picture to capture a moment for me so I could just remember that moment forever. It was beautiful actually. I showed Sparkplug and she just melted.

"Awwwwwww! SHE'S SO CUTE!" She handed my phone back and I showed Gash. Not as enthusiastic but I saw a smile on his face. "You REALLY need to come see us after the show. We'll see if we cant get the merch guys to set aside a few little gifts for your foal. Gonna need the sizes of that little cutie to do so." She hopped down. "Anything else?"

I looked to Shining. "Well... Few bits of news he wants me to say about..." He said as I pocketed my phone once more. "Not too long ago... Ryder's had a lot to think about and it pushed him to make a big decision to step down from the guard... That little bundle of joy you just saw was probably part of it...."

"You have got to be kidding! No more guard stuff?" Sparkplug asked me. I just shook my head. "Aw man.... I'm sorry dude... What are you doing now?"

"I actually was just getting to that." Shining said. "After he had that thing that made his decision to do so easier he got the Princesses talking.... They've noticed him being a little deep in thought with that because you already know how much he loves his family and would do anything to protect them. And I actually would like to introduce you to a new Equestrian Prince, title bestowed upon him by Celestia herself." He gestured to me and I gave a slight bow. Yeah. I'm a cocky asshole.

Gash chuckled a bit. "Now he goes from being a pain in the ass to a Royal pain in the ass." He said getting a chuckle from everyone. Me included. "Well that's awesome to hear dude! Just uh... Try not to flex that title to get free stuff. We got paid by Luna to let you guys have all that merch in the hotel and even letting you into that show." He looked to Sparkplug. "Speaking of which we gotta get something to eat before we get back to work out there." He looked back to me. "Up to you guys if you wanna go back to the hotel or chill until the show. Either way we'll see you guys later!" They just fist bumped us, me having to make sure they did the hand without the gauntlet. Didnt wanna accidentally activate it and injure someone. Or just vanish before their eyes. Yeah.... rather be a ghost to our enemies. Not friends. We just watched as they hurried to find their bandmates. Shining and I looked to each other.

"Hungry as well Ry? I could eat a little something." I gave a shrug and we just left there. Went to go find a place. And we found the WEIRDEST place we could find. And I mean weird weird. Normal food yeah but this was served even weirder. Like no joke. I had a hayburger. But the way it was served was half was going into a portal, the other was coming out of another and the fries it came with were colored to the portals and the sauces were just in the middle of everything. Oh I loved it. Shining covered the bill for lunch but we went back to the hotel. Luna had gone but left me to take a nap for a bit.

Though as I lied down I decided to text Applejack. See if it was okay to call her so I wouldnt wake Mash if she was sleeping. She wasnt thank Celestia. I called and AJ answered almost immediately. I huffed. "...There we go... Sorry I had to run off like that AJ... Are you doing alright?" I asked.

Applejack sighed. "...yeah... I am.... Just... shocked.... I... I do hope Luna's helping you with that...." She said.

"Yeah... she is.... I didnt wanna do that.... yet.... it had to happen.... Luna saw some of the things I had to do... "

"....Please next time that happens... please... at least make the Princesses tell the truth to me... hurt knowing you just ran off... when I went to just see the Princesses and get an answer I had to be detained and held there until they found you.... I still just thought you ran off.... I... I shouldnt think like that all things considerin.... but I'm glad you're alright sugarcube..."

"...Yeah... glad you're alright too.... and for the record... I'm gonna be stuck with you unless we're agreed that we cant stay together... either for each others safety or for other reasons...."

"Yeah... and if a gunfight, a war and a shit ton of other stuff didnt push you away, I aint going nowhere..."

"Love you AJ.... If you see Scoot soon, tell her I've got a present for her... And uh... Might have a few gifts for Mash... What size is she again?"

"3T. She's small but gettin' heavier every day it feels like.... Lucky you got that strength.... Dont really notice... But you're a gentle one with it and.... Well I might wanna have you throw me over your shoulder and we go find a nice quiet spot...."

"...Maybe... But all depends on how I feel.... But... Yeah... just called you to tell you I'm here... check in... Gonna lay down here for a while...." She sighed.

"Well I'll let you be for now.... Just hopin' I can cuddle with you in bed one of these nights.... Missin' your touch...."

"...And i miss yours baby.... I'll keep you updated and bring you a few gifts as well as the girls..."

"Alright. Have fun sugarcube and please... bring something for Mac at least. He deserves it for the things he does."

"Will do. Love ya."

"Love you too.... Be careful while you're out there...."

"...I'll try. Give the girls a hug and a kiss from me."

I hung up, put my phone on the charger and just lied there. I couldnt help but feel there was something wrong. Didnt fall asleep for a while... Nodded off but still just didnt sleep lightly. Just felt there was something wrong as I was asleep. I wrote it off as something that was left over from the kidnapping... Someone just wanting to come up and slit my throat while I slept but with how guarded this place is not to mention the population? Yeah... There has to be a witness to that. Woke up an hour later but still couldnt shake the feeling. Went downstairs, took a shot of whiskey and then went to find Shining down in the Casino. He was just chilling at the wasteland themed bar. Bar was actually made in the style of the one you start out in. Even got the name for it. Radioactive Runoff. Despite the name its a pretty popular spot. "Hey Ryder! Glad you could join me! Have a nice nap?" He asked. I sighed as I joined him, watched him drink his beer.

"It was a nap. Nice? All depends on what you call nice.... I'm just a little bit on the iffy side right now..."

"Iffy? How so?" I grabbed a little tablet they have to order. Soda. And a little snack of some chips.

"...I just... I dont know if this is paranoia from what I just went through or just general anxiety.... I just got this gnawing feeling at the back of my mind..."

"Alright look... I know how your mind works.... Something bad happens, you dwell on it, once things get better, you think its gonna all come crashing down... Just take a deep breath and relax.... I dont want you ruining your little gift from Luna and I dont think she'd like it if you went home early when she did this for us.... Rather you enjoy yourself than break the heart of a princess who's heart was already broken because of what she did. Understand?" ....I gave an annoyed huff.

"Fine... I'll stay here and enjoy it... we get back home without something going wrong I'll apologize.... Something does go wrong you know what I'll do..."

"Yeah yeah.... Tell me 'I told you so' and I buy dinner next time we're out together."

"I pick the place too, remember that."

"Yeah yeah... still got a bit before the fucking concert so just chill and dont piss me off more than you already are."

I gave a shrug and just waited. Few moments later they brought a basket of chips, salsa and my soda. Fuck was that salsa KICKING... Spicy and I loved it. Shining took one dip of that salsa and he went for his beer. I laughed a bit. After that we went to the tables, played a few hands.... lost.... and then went back to the concert. This time we had to go into a VIP area, up some stairs and escorted into our own private box. It was quiet inside though we had it all to ourselves. Just a few TV's above the seats, a window out to the filling stadium area. We could barely hear the fans chanting. "GEMS. AND. TULIPS! GEMS. AND. TULIPS!" They chanted. Oh it almost shook the box we were in.

We felt on edge. Shining being excited because of the concert. Me with being both excited but still not knowing if this shit was gonna be bad. I just took deep breaths, smelling the food we had being warmed near us. I still couldnt tell where the anxiety ended and the excitement started. Though I really did feel excitement when the curtains pulled back and the first strum of Gash's guitar just graced my ears. Best thing was this was a cover of a great song by a classic rock band that had its lead bassist pass away. Great song. Oh we rocked out for a few songs... Right before an 'I fucking told you so moment' scared the ever loving shit out of me. Shining and I watched as at least four gunmen rushed the stage. Real weapons. One of em fired into the air breaking a few lights and it made me and Shining just hit the deck. I just looked to Shining and he just shook his head before I just carefully poked my head up over the window sill just to see gunmen ferrying the band off stage leaving their instruments on the floor... Some guards actually tried rushing the guy on stage... Worst idea... and I just saw it happen... These guys had assault rifles. Few guards rushed into our room and just kept our heads down before bringing us out into the hall where we had to rush out.... But I wasnt gonna let that happen. "RYDER DONT!" Shining yelled.

I looked back as I just side stepped. "YOU GO! GET OUT NOW! I'LL MEET YOU WHEN I'M SAFE! NOBODY FUCKS WITH MY FRIENDS!" I yelled back before just breaking out into a sprint blowing past guards and civilians. I was scared yes. But I was pissed.

To be continued....

The Day The Music Nearly Died (Pt. 2)

Out of the frying pan and into the oven. I got kidnapped a week ago only to escape only to go see one of my favorite bands get fucking kidnapped and held hostage somewhere backstage. Not to mention a few dead security personnel. I just carefully wandered through the hall just hiding in side rooms. Sat in one for a while in the dark... watching the door... Every so often I'd hear gunshots. Bursts from automatic weapons, screams from fans who were running away.... Either that or just staff that were unfortunate trying to think they'd escape. Just as I was about to run out I heard talking. "REALLY?! REALLY! FUCKING ROYALS WATCHING THE SHOW?! HOW FUCKING STUPID ARE YOU THAT YOU DIDNT KNOW THAT!" I heard someone yell.

I just stuck to the shadows but peeked out the window of the office I was hiding in. Two gunmen. Masked up, body armor, combat boots and bandoliers of ammo. "I didnt! This was a last fucking minute that they were here! I dont even know who they were!" The other gunman said. "We decided to do this AFTER I fucking went to go and see how many fucking attendees were gonna be here! Number 1 said we fucking take everything from who came here, then fucking get the band for 10K a head! THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ROYALS ANYWHERE."

"THAT DOESNT SAVE US FROM THE SHIT WE'RE IN!" There was silence for a moment. The one tasked with the scope part of this 'heist' flinched a bit. "You just start patrolling here. I'm gonna go check the boxes and see if I cant fix this mess..."

"Woah woah you cant be serious! You cant just shoot at Princesses! You'd be fucking shot on sight!"

"If the guard did their job we're more in the clear than we are. If they were still in here we'd be drowning in guards"

"We're still gonna have an army outside. Just dont come towards me and tell me to draw fire!"

"Just get patrolling Six... And keep your fucking head on you....." He just waited while the other walked down the hall from where I came from. I ducked out of the window and just waited. I heard doors open... Gently. I went and got myself ready.... I just got the cloaking up before just getting into a stance. The door opened and the gunmen came in. I quickly disarmed him, shut the door and just pinned him to the wall bringing the cloak down.

The gunman looked back at me scared. I growled. "...How bad do you wanna stay alive?" I asked brandishing my blade. "....Your friends out there are making a mistake.... Royals were here... still are.... Yet one is out... the other one is right here and he will not fucking sit back... not after what you guys did...."

The gunman swallowed just staring at the shining blade. "....I-I swear we didnt know you were here!" He said. "....We only came for the money and the band.... Th-that's it! We got tired of the small scores.... we wanted bigger... this is the first time we've done this!"

"...And yet you still didnt answer my question... So I might assume you dont wanna live that badly...." I brought back my hand and drove the blade right into the wall I slowly brought it out just having a shaking stallion pinned beneath my arm. "Awww I missed.... One more chance... How bad do you wanna live? ANSWER ME!"

"I.... I...." ...You'd think I'd question myself here with my sanity and all. I pushed that blade up against his throat.

"...Three seconds before I have you meet a friend of mine... If you dont tell me how much you wanna live, tell me how many of you guys there are."

"S-S-Seven! Three roaming, the other four with the band! Our leader might be trying to negotiate for their release! Just dont-"... I dragged that blade across his throat... Just listened to him gurgle as I dropped him to the floor. I grabbed his gun and just made sure there was something in the chamber. I just walked out and looked up and down the hallway. Decided to go back the way I came.... And sure enough what I heard... bodies of innocents trying to run. I just walked, saying silent prayers and just getting the gun ready. I didnt have to walk long before I reached the boxes. The one we were in had the food thrown out the door and I could still hear someone inside. I peeked inside from around a corner. The other gunman tearing the place apart. Probably seeing if there were any valuables left. I aimed the gun and slowly crept in. It wasnt until he turned around just to have the barrel in his face where he noticed me.

"Ah.... No reaching for it now.... less your brains are gonna be all over the nice viewing window we had...."

"...Princess?"

"No... Princes.... This one isnt fucking around... Came out here to have a good fucking time and what the fuck do you guys do? Try to make bank. Also... Should've been nicer to the other guy.... You made him so sad he slit his own throat! Looks like more take for you...."

The guy swallowed as a radio sounded on him. Just heard muffled movements before we heard the voice clearly. "Four. The hell is happening? Where are you and Five?" They asked.

"...Answer... And say anything about Five being dead, you are too... Just say you're fine, cleaning up leftover jewelry left behind...." The stallion was frozen staring down the barrel. "....Five..... Four..." The stallion started to shake. "Three...." I continued to count. Each second felt longer. "...Two...." Before I had the thought to even say one... He panicked, went for his gun.... I put one right through his head, his blood splattering behind him on the glass, the glass itself cracking almost immediately as the blood hit it. I went for his radio... just patting down his body. Found more ammo, a pistol and a wallet. Didnt bother with robbing him. Just grabbed the radio and picked it up.

"Four. Answer me! What the hell is going on? I'm hearing gunshots but no answer! Dont tell me you found the one fucker who broke your radio with a lucky shot...." I pushed the button.

"....Seven turned five because two crossed the wrong royals... One with a smile, the other with less brains than the lot of you combined.... Release the band, the rest of you walk free...." I released the button to silence.

"...The hell we will. You pay us, ten bars for each member...."

"...You'd probably get more for me.... I've been told I've got bounties worth twice that... maybe triple..."

"...I'd say you're full of shit...."

"Full of shit... maybe. But I've got enemies out there... Gangs in ikkebuckero, griffon mercs... Princesses themselves could pay for my safety.... Last chance to come find me before I come find you guys...." There was nothing but silence before I watched someone come out on stage. Thankfully alone. Gunman and he looked pissed. Big LMG. He scanned the arena before spotting me. I ducked quick just as he started unloading. Debris from the ceiling, broken glass pieces fell on top of me. Did my best to crawl through without hurting myself and keeping the gun and radio with me. Once I was out the door I bent the gun barrel and tossed it aside. I pushed the button on the radio. "....Missed me..... Now come find me before I find you...." I crushed the radio in my hand. PISSED. I rushed down the hall getting the hell away from there. Last thing I want is a grenade to fly through the window and send me flying into a wall and becoming a red mist in the process. No grenade came, didnt hear an explosion. Just rushed off but started taking it slow. I made my way down some steps... These were covered in stuff. Papers, merch and whatever else fans or staff was holding. I just fiddled with the device on my arm and just pulled up heat sensing. I just looked around. I saw groups outside rushing about in a mashup of red and orange. I could see guards in full swat gear that had cooling magic on it. Showed up as blue. I couldnt tell where Shining was. Only hoped that he made it out okay.

I had to dip into a room just to see more towards the stage. I had to stay crouched as I moved to not make any noise.... As I moved deeper into the room I just saw heat signatures. Four on their knees, others looking like they were holding weapons and another pacing slowly. And I mean real slow. Walking pretty much. I turned on what I'm gonna call the eavesdrop setting. It took a second for me to focus in on them. "....Seems there's a Royal in here and he's not happy.... I've already sent one of my best men after him...." The main guy said. "...You pay me what I want, I call him off, everyone goes free.... You dont.... Someones blood is all over the place... band... the royal...anyone you try to send in?"

I heard the radio static. "What is it that you do want?" The guard or what I'm assuming is a guard on the other end asked.

"Twenty for each member. Was ten... That royal pissed me off... Band goes for twenty.... I get my hands on the royal... Seventy."

"So you want... One fifty for all?"

"Only if I get that Royal.... He might be damaged goods when he gets back but on top of that... need a ride out of here... Wont doubt the cars we used to get here are gone but rather get something out of here... maybe to the airport with a chopper. Make that decision quick. Once I get my hands on that royal... price hike and we're more better to negotiate... Get em while they're cheap.... I'll give you a bit to chat it over with the Princesses...."

I huffed as I turned off the eavesdrop mode. I turned back around and exited the room. I looked both ways down the hall. I wondered which way I should go... both to avoid the guards and get a clean shot.... Take em one by one maybe.... But how I wondered. Maybe I just play a game of cat and mouse. Or whack-a-mole. Pop my head up, taunt him, maybe see about grabbing the next guys gun and take a potshot or two. But did I really wanna go and risk him getting more pissed and killing the band? No. No didnt wanna risk that either. Still wouldnt mind a little cat and mouse.... I just went to the concessions area. The smell of fast food graced my nose as well as a slight burning smell. Guess even the workers here had to get out. I made my way back there.... even with the blood I've drawn in two gruesome ways I may have been wanting a snack. I did wash my hands dont worry and I just found the fries in the heating area. Grabbed the scoop, poured it in a box and just started eating. Yeah.... I know what you're thinking. 'You're stealing fries while your life is in danger! You're a fucking idiot!' Think I dont know that? I've got a moment of safety, I can stomach something at least.... and then yeah... If I have a low intelligence score in a game I managed to get stuck in, YEAH its true. Anyways I sat there eating the fries. Grabbed a drink from the drink cooler, even some dip for the fries. Though as I ate I felt... watched. I just ate the last of what I had and just sipped my drink before just walking out. I just sighed as I came out. "C'mon out.... Looking for me and I'm right here..." I called out.

I just waited a moment relaxed as everything as I leaned on the counter. Just heard a gun cock from one side. Looked only to see a gunman come out, pistol aimed right at me. "...Heh... Not putting up much of a fight...." He said. "I should kill you right where you stand."

"...You do that, you miss out on big money my guy...." I replied barely even putting my hands where he could see them. "....Kill me? Guards will be so far up your ass, prison goons would be able to walk right in if you live.... and that's IF they dont kill you on the spot." I could see him struggle with the logic. He huffed after a few seconds of silence.

"...Fine... Come with me, do as you're told and I swear to fuck if you dont I'm gonna blow out both your knee caps and feed you your wings!"

"...Rather have cauliflower wings drenched in buffalo sauce.... Maybe even some honey lemon pepper....Willing to whip some up if you wanna wait here." I could see him think... Hear his stomach growl.

"...Do anything stupid while we're in there, I wont hesitate... got me?" I gave a nod before hopping the counters. He followed still aiming the gun at me. Went in, found their little fridge where they kept the cauliflower and just dumped em into the fryer. I gave it a moment.... And this... this was where I really should've realized there was something wrong with me. I had to do this perfectly. I bent down to stretch... When I bent down towards the gunman I grabbed his leg and before he had a chance to react he was on the floor and I smashed his hand with my foot, knocking the gun away in the process. Didnt stop there because I've broken a guys arm and leg before making him crawl away... But this? This would've made anyone sick. I grabbed him and just picked him up before pushing him towards the fryer.... He didnt save himself from going into it, burning himself in hot blistering oil. I grabbed him by his pants and vest where it didnt have oil crackling. I just took him out and went all the way back to where the boxes were. I set him down... He tried crawling away but the still searing oil made it hurt as he tried. And... A warning from here... This got darker.... There was a fire hose on the wall. I cracked it open, unraveled it and grabbed the end.... I.... I wrapped it around his neck a few times before picking him up the same way I did.... I just took aim for the broken window in the box before throwing him out. He only screamed for a second before that hose tightened.

This is where Shining would've hit me with tranquilizers if he was as bullheaded as I was. That was too far. But I didnt stop. I just rushed down the hallway the opposite way before finding an employee door to the rafters above. Once up over the empty stadium I turned on the eavesdrop mode. Just looked around and saw the body of the guy hanging out the window. "...A high value target is giving us so much trouble... If not saving him, SAVE US.... Get us what we want, get us out before he does... AND PUT THAT ANIMAL BACK IN ITS CAGE!" I heard the main gunman yell behind the stage curtains.

I heard radio static for a moment. "Look the best we can do is twenty five grand for the band. No car but we will let you walk free!" The stallion on the radio said. The gunman grunted. I heard a gunshot. Loud. Thing really boosts everything...

"I'm getting impatient... The lower the sum you want to give, the better my aim will get.... Twenty. For. Each." I slowly started walking the catwalks.... cant tell if i was trying to get a better angle on the situation or if I was going to find a good way to drop in on them.... I went across just as quiet as I could just keeping my attention to the curtains just in case. I had to walk all the way to the other side to even get within sight and still stay hidden. The entire time I heard more grumbling from the main gunman. "This royal is really getting to be a thorn in my side... That's three of us taken out... Nobody goes out... We hold here... Guard come in, we hold back, keep them at a distance. They wanna pay, I go out, you keep them here until I give the word..." This gave me an idea.

I had to stealth out. May have had to do a risky move and glide to the broken window and... yeah mistake... the guy was cooking still... the smell just grossed me out a bit... surprisingly not enough for me to puke. I wrote it off as to some of my past experiences. The blood i've spilled, the things I did to the bodies... and who i had to kill as well. I landed inside just stepping on broken glass, and over the body that was just torn up there. The guy was just still there, bullet holes, flesh torn from him.... Blood everywhere on the ground which I tracked out. I just just walked right down stairs again and out.

Crowds were everywhere. Guards too. For every guard swat van, there was at least twenty five civilians. Once the guards saw me they rushed over and just started to lead me to one of the vans. As we got closer to the van I looked to the closest guard. "Three dead. All enemy." I said. "Who here is handling the negotiations?" The guards stopped as I did. I just looked to each of them. "Find who's handling the negotiations and tell them to find me. And for fucks sake Shining Armor better still be here" I was herded around the van and I just leaned on it while a few of the guards ran off to figure out where Shining and the negotiator went. During that wait the guards urged me to get inside the van just in case of snipers. I agreed but I told them I needed a uniform. Mask, helmet, the works. I got the uniform first. Changed into that real quick... had to take the blade off and put it back on after I put the guard swat top on. And the ballistic vest. I actually felt the weight on it which was... weird. Didnt question it. Thought it was just due to my adrenaline coming down for right now.

After I was done I sat for a while... Getting it all together... Meditating almost. Once those doors opened I saw two ponies climb in. Masked guard and Shining Armor. Shining took one look at me and huffed. "...I'm glad you're alive but what the FUCK are you even thinking?!" He snapped. "I run out of there, head covered and into cover to call the guard if someone hasnt already and I hear gunfire like its a fucking warzone and I have ZERO clue if you were turned to fucking swiss cheese or not! This answers my question but I dont doubt that the gunfire is your fault in the first place!"

"Wont argue but there's three dead.... Just.... Giving a warning to the guards who have to go in to clean that up... lots of blood on one.... Another was uh.... Well... Lets say the guy was stupid and trusted me for a moment. And anyways I have a plan...."

"No! No no no you are NOT going back in there!"

"And with every low ball they get thats gonna mean more blood on the floor that doesnt need to be... And I'm willing to spill the blood that does deserve to be there. Just gonna have to agree to the terms, give em a loaded case with a few phone books or something with the money on top, then once the band goes free I finish the job...."

"Or you can give em the money and when the band goes free we get in there and fucking get those assholes."

"You're no fun...."

"And you're a fucking psychopath if you think I'm letting you go back in there!"

"And you'd be an idiot if you think you can stop me from doing this! I wanted to have fun tonight but this is some shit that I didnt wanna have happen but whoopdie fucking do! These assholes fucking ruined a great night so I might as well ruin their dreams of being rich and figure out why I'm the wrong one to fuck with!" Shining wanted to argue. I could tell. But I was a brick wall here. More than usual. I huffed as he just turned away annoyed as I looked to the negotiator. "Alright.... As much as you'd hate to hear this, give him what he wants.... Get me and just so pissy mcgee here is happy, give me a few other guards to keep an eye on me.... Just... Have them ready to pounce when I give the word...."

The negotiator sighed. "If I may sir, the Princesses arent in the mood to deal with these guys...." He said. "Celestia's having to make sure her sister isnt going to have a heart attack because of both of your safeties and she's well aware we cant just give them the money they ask for."

Shining's ears perked up and he looked to the negotiator. "Do NOT tell me you're going along with his fucking hairbrained scheme!" He snapped. "If you say you are, get this fucking idiot out of this van and get me the hell out of here! Princesses be damned if I'm staying here another fucking minute with this going on!" The negotiator stayed silent. He looked to me. "When and IF you get out of this fucking shit alive, find me at the hotel and spread your fucking legs because I want a good shot right at the jewels because maybe that will put your brain in the right place!"

I huffed just glaring at Shining. "....Lets just finish this outside. Get him out of here...." I said getting up. "If these guys let us do a redo on the concert I want you NOWHERE near it! and if you have to be there, I dont even wanna be in the same room as you!" I opened the door and hopped out. The Negotiator followed. I just slammed the door and there was a part of me that wanted to break the door to where he'd have to have someone cut the fucking thing off. I looked to the negotiator. "Get things together soon. I want at least three to four guards on me.... Maybe a marksman or two if they can sneak onto the catwalks above.... Either that or find another box, stage left, audience right and just pop one through the glass... Either that or get a heat sensing scope...."

The negotiator sighed. "No can do. None of that around here. Only military outposts get it, nearest one is somewhere between here and Manehattan." He replied. I sighed fighting the urge to just ask for a rifle myself. I wanted to get them to bleed and do it up close and personal. I just huffed.

"Then we go in. Still want a few guards on me.... But once the band is out I want these guys dead. If I have to do it myself, I will." The negotiator huffed.

"Yes sir."

"Good. Now get things together and get him the fuck out of here!" I pointed to the van we just left. He saluted just as I hopped up onto a van just to sit there. I had guards urging me to get down but I just sat there watching over everything. Nothing happened the entire time. But I just had my eyes trained on the building. Had to ignore the guard van pulling out getting Shining out of there. No doubt that he was calling the Princesses letting them know how much of a fucking moron I was.

I waited up there scanning the building for a while. Maybe took about twenty minutes for me to get word that it was happening. The negotiator up and told me they were gonna do the full amount to make sure I get out alive.... Celestia's pissed at me but... its to protect me. I still didnt like it but I was ready to rip someone in half. I hopped down and grabbed the suitcase of money from the guard holding it. He didnt mind. Didnt question it either. No guard here questioned me. Though I was actually afraid to say anything they understood. I hid my face, with the mask I was given. I just walked in between four guards, all armed. Behind me had rifles, in front had smg. I designated one of the ones in front to do the talking while I handed things over. When we got inside we had to keep our eyes peeled. Checked corners, even made sure we were good going backstage. Rather would know if I'm gonna get a gun to the back of my head. I just walked down the backstage halls. I didnt know if I was gonna roll up, see dead civilians, fans, just.... Yeah... Didnt wanna think about it. Just took a deep breath and kept following the guards until we found ourselves on the stage. I saw the band just on the floor, Sparkplug just covering her head, Gash just sitting against the wall with Jax and the drummer just leaning on each other, hands bound in front of them. Two gunmen at their sides had their rifles aimed towards them, fingers ready for the triggers. They knew trigger discipline. So they had some sort of training. The main gunman stepped forward, his rifle down but ready. We all stopped a fair distance away. "....See? That's all you had to do...." He said. "....I dont know how you stopped the royal from mucking around with my plans.... But I appreciate it.... Rather you get the band and us out of here...."

The guard I told to talk cleared his throat. "Understood there." He said. "Release the band, we give you the money." The gunman just stared at us. Tightening his grip on the gun.

"...And how will I know you wont just take aim and execute us like we're on the line for a firing squad?" The guard stayed silent. "Money first. Then the band." The guard looked back at me and nodded. I walked forward and was just about to set it down. "Ah.... Dump it.... I wanna make sure there's gonna be no tricks.... I know the old padding to make it seem like its all there trick.... Used it myself once..." I just looked to the guard. He nodded. I carefully opened the case and just dumped it all out. Just stacks of bills which made me feel better. Just shook it a bit making sure nothing was stuck before closing it and stepping back. The gunman whistled a bit and one of the other gunmen rushed over, the other one keeping everyone in check. Barely anyone there flinched. Only one who did was Sparkplug from what I saw. He grabbed bills left and right as if he were mentally counting each and every bill like some robot. He looked up at the main guy. Nodded. The gunman looked to us. "...Good... Good! Band is free to go.... Have your men get them out...." I tossed the case aside and just went with the other guards towards the band.... Though as I got close to the gunman next to them... I snapped. I stabbed him with the hidden blade. Grabbed his gun, popped the gunman counting the money before dropping both the gunmans body and the gun itself rushing for the main gunman just before he got his weapon ready.... Stabbed him right in his back and lifted him up.... I felt the blood run down my arm, the pain and gasps he had done trying to escape as screams.... But... something was wrong... Really wrong. The guards I was with disappeared. I looked back at the band.... They were..... All faced down... pool of blood... but it wasnt them.... it... it was my friends... Fluttershy, Dash, Rarity, Pinkie.... And Applejack next to them.... I looked to the gunman on the floor. Big Mac.... and the one in my arms? Shining. I tossed him down and just started backing up towards the stage... I couldnt look away. I just walked backwards until I fell off....

Everything went black. I just screamed, waking up in the hotel room.... I was drenched in sweat. I tossed the beanie I wore off, the jacket just stripping myself down to cool down... I didnt even have the blade on thank fuck but.... I just rushed to the bathroom looking into the mirror.... Didnt take a minute or two for Shining to rush in to see what was going on... I rushed him and hugged him... We just lowered to the ground as I cried. "Hey hey... easy dude... Easy... It was just a dream... I... I think... It was a dream... right?" He asked. I just cried nodding. I was actually glad he was okay... "Look... you were only out a few hours... we can still see the band tonight but you gotta calm down first.... I think Luna still has somethings to iron out in your head..." That she did.

I calmed down... shook but all it took was some alcohol... a good amount to do it but not get me too fucked up, a little food to even me out and a call to Luna... I had to have Shining leave the room with me on the phone but... She just requested after I get done with the concert I get to the helipad of the hotel and come to Canterlot. The entire concert I was jamming out trying to ignore things I saw. Shining kept having to check in with me, make sure I ate something. I did enjoy the concert but no matter what Shining went and forced me to leave when it was done. Had to go and leave under guard supervision and straight up to the chopper. I'm gonna be honest here... I had flashbacks to the train when I wanted to step down from the guard... I just sat there, bag with me just on the way back. I was listening to music, just eyes out over Equestria. I could see Ponyville in the distance, the castle glowing a bit in the moonlight. When we landed Luna was there to greet me. She looked worried. I hopped out and just hung my head as I approached having the chopper just take off once more back to Shining. Fuck me was it hard to even be here. "...Ryder..." Luna said. "...Just... Just say it.... My gift to you was a mistake... you'd rather do anything else...."

I huffed throwing my stuff down. "Princess... The gift was fine... My mind just... it nearly ruined things for me...." I said. "...If you want we could go somewhere but please... dont go doing what you did earlier...." She used her magic and picked my stuff up.

"...I wont... already got an earful from Celestia about it...." She just beckoned me to follow. "...I requested that I speak with you alone anyhow... Celestia has a feeling she already knows about what happened..." I just walked along side her. "....Shining told me that you took a nap and woke up screaming.... Mind telling me what happened?" I stayed silent for a moment as we entered the castle.

"....Well..." I started. "....I just... I remember going in to see the band, getting ready to enjoy the show... But a group of gunman took them all, scaring fans.... killing some.... I didnt wanna take it sitting down but.... I found myself doing... darker things... stuff that I'd usually do but.... It disturbed me that I even did that.... At the end of everything I pissed Shining off, I went in with guards under disguise.... We freed the band but I killed the gunmen after we bribed them.... I.... I didnt know it was a dream until the band and gunmen turned into friends and family... I.... I'm just... I dont think my family is gonna be safe around me... with or without me..."

"....Are you certain?"

"Yes.... It might've been a dream but.... I still wouldnt rather wake up just to see AJ or one of the fillies who crawled into bed with me ripped apart because I got violent in my sleep.... I love them too much to hurt them.... and if I did I'd rather your mother strike me down as soon as it happened..."

"....I... I dont know what to say...."

"I dont either.... How am I going to tell Applejack that I just... I need to seclude myself until I know they're gonna be safe..."

"My magic should-" I stopped and looked to her.

"Princess, no offense but I feel like your magic isnt powerful enough to stop these thoughts!" She jumped back a bit. "How many times have you tried to suppress the shit that goes on in my head and have it not appear again?" We just stared at each other. "...I'm sorry but I think I'm gonna need a professional.... without the magic.... I do thank you for trying to help but this isnt helping when the fucking memories keep crawling their way back! And with that hell of a nightmare? I need somewhere to go to just keep my family safe." I sighed. "....Lets just go put my stuff in a room, maybe go spend some time together... play some games or something..." I just turned and kept walking. Luna trudged behind me a bit. We did throw my bag into a room near hers. Went down to the dining hall and just sat there to get a quick snack. I was hungry but didnt wanna eat much. Just had a quesadilla.... jalapeno cheese.

We went and played games for a while... Lost ourselves wandering an open world game together. I didnt know what time it was until I got a call from Applejack. I just looked to Luna as she paused the game. She knew this was something that just..... That I didnt wanna do but I had to... I just took a deep breath and answered. I set my controller down and got up. "Finally! Scoot and I have been trying to text you to answer all damn night!" She said. "Would've appreciated a text saying 'made it back to the hotel' or 'concert was great, gonna sleep now' or something at least!"

I hesitated. Just locked up. Luna huffed and took my phone as she stood up, sitting me in a nearby chair with her magic. "Apologies AJ... Ryder's in Canterlot again..." She said.

"Oh sweet fuckin.... Is he alright? Did he have too much fun and get drunk or somethin?"

"No he isnt drunk.... Dont doubt he has something in his system but he's coherent, not pissing his pants yet but... I.... I do want to let you know he did have another scare.... And I'm afraid he doesnt want my magic to help... He says when I do use my magic things always seem to come back... I hate to say it but... I feel he's right... my magic doesnt stay forever... just blocks it out long enough for him to forget for a while.... but it comes crawling back worse.... He just wants to face it head on but have someones help with it... Just... not mine..."

"Is... Is he... is he needing to be under guard watch...?" She looked to me.

"...No... I'll be keeping a close eye on him over night.... But... there is something else.... And... You're not going to like this...."

"...Do... Do I wanna know....?"

"...Its either I say it or he does... and right now... I think if he said it he'd cry.... But... He loves you and the family very much.... He wants to distance himself from you and the family for the forseeable future.... It.... It hurts both you and him... but he just wants to make sure if he does fall asleep that he doesnt wake up with one of you covering him with your own blood... I know its not what you want to hear but this is what he wants..."

"...Can... Can he hear me?"

"Yes..."

"Ryder. Are you. Or are you not leaving me...?" I stayed silent. "Ry. I asked you somethin.... Are you thinking about leavin me....?" I heard her voice weaken. "...Please sugarcube... just... just say something..."

Princess Luna handed the phone to me. Just urged me to talk while wordlessly asking. I took the phone and took a shakey breath. "....AJ... I... I'm not leaving you... I love you and the girls too much to hurt you guys.... Would you think I'd like it if I woke up after taking a nap with Scoot in the bed... maybe bloom or Babs for that matter... and only to wake up with them just..." I stopped. Shook my head and whimpered. "...I want you guys to be safe... with or without me... and the current state I'm in.... I want to make sure nothing like that happens.... I can come home... grab my things.... stay at the castle for a few days or so... visit a few days out of the week or more to keep watch over Mash... maybe help in the orchard... But its all you guys when I'm not there.... I can explain this to Scootaloo... Just... She stays with you... Rather she stays with you because I'm not gonna put her through anything drastic like a move somewhere and still keep her in danger..."

There was silence. Luna sighed. "...See Applejack? He loves you... he'd never forgive himself if he hurt you.... And if I know either of you, the things you've been through together were strengthening that bond.... And with Ryder away at war, you still worried for his safety... you cared enough to sit down, speak with him over video about your woes.... Probably brightened his day to see you each time he did. Vice versa as well. He saved your life. Multiple times. He's even gone and given you a child whom he'd do anything for.... And he is doing this for both your sake and his..."

"...If I could sleep soundly next to you without looking like some sort of prisoner and still wake up to you every morning safe and sound I would.... But with my strength I'd be put in a strength diminishing collar, a straight jacket, leg restraints.... You'd probably have to sleep with a tranq gun nearby...."

I heard a sob or two come from the phone. "....Ry.... I... I dont want you to do this..." I heard Applejack say.

"...I have to.... You want me to wake up and you crushed to death...? That's neither a threat or something I even want AJ.... I dont want to hurt you if we're in bed together.... I dont want to lose my sister, our daughter not even Bloom or Big Mac! I've pretty much severed a princess' spine before almost after one of my freak outs. I dont want to leave you, immobilize you or the girls.... I love you guys too much to hurt you... Just... I.... I'm sorry... It has to be this way..." I gave the phone back to Luna.... I didnt... I didnt want to hang up on her myself. I just had tears fill my eyes. Just filled and overflowed. Luna hung my phone up and just hugged me... I hugged her and just broke down. She just brought me up and sat me on her lap just to console me. She just sat there for a while with me until she took me to my room and lied me down on the bed. She just sat with me for a while as I cried. Just gave me a pillow to hold. I lied there.... Just until I passed out. Didnt know when I did pass out but I started dreaming fast.

When I did start dreaming I found myself just... in the house.... I was just in the living room... Trails of blood lead right out the front door, to Big Mac's room and up the stairs. I followed the trail up the stairs and just looked where it lead. It split up... One down the hall into the girls rooms, one into our baby girls room... and then one into ours.... I didnt wanna follow any of them. I went back downstairs... There was blood that lead outside... It was the only way to go.... But even then it was the wrong choice. I walked out only to see just... Torn clothing. Bodies everywhere... Most of them unrecognizable. Arms, legs just everywhere... Even heads just.... covered in blood... I didnt even wanna pick em up to see.... I just looked around seeing trees uprooted, cars flipped... I didnt get half way down the road before I saw a tree.... Pinning Applejack's body to the ground..... I went over and just lifted it up but I was forced to snap the branch to get it off. I didnt get a chance to inspect her corpse before I was rudely and quickly awoken by the sound and feel of a taser. It was still dark. I just had a sharp pain in my side as I rolled off the other side of the bed from where the pain was coming from. I quickly propped myself up still tired yet still in pain a bit. I saw a guard with a taser just ready between me... And... Celestia... who was holding her arm... sitting against the wall. The guard came around the bed just causing me to dive right back over the bed and to Celestia's side. The guard rushed me getting the taser ready just before Celestia blocked him from me. "NO! STOP! He... He's awake now! Stand down! He's not a threat!" She said letting the arm she was holding go limp. "Just... Go fucking get my sister and have her bring me a pill!" I could see the guard hesitate. I had to take a quick breath.

"Y-You hear her! That's an order! Pill and Luna! NOW!" The guard didnt know whether to listen or not... but he did. He rushed out turning the taser off. I looked to Celestia rubbing my side. "...Fucking.... That's three times I got shocked by something without knowing...." I huffed. "What happened? Are you alright Princess?" Celestia shifted and groaned a bit in pain as she tried to keep her arm from bending into an unnatural position.

"I... I got woken up by my sister who sensed I was worried for you... I wanted to make sure you were alright... Tried to wake you... but... bad idea..."

"...I... I grabbed your arm and broke it didnt I?" She nodded. "...I... I... I knew this would happen.... I... I'm sorry...." She sighed.

"Guard heard me scream and just... Well... You know... but I hold no grudge against you Ryder.... I know better than to try to wake you like that... Mind my language when I say this... this fucking hurts...."

"...This is... this is exactly why I dont wanna be near AJ if I freak out and dream like that... I break her arm or worse... I'm gonna fucking hate myself..."

"....I heard you had told Applejack... and she didnt like that... I told Luna to call Twilight, go spend the night with her and keep a close eye. She should be good until you get there tomorrow for your things... I've arranged for you to stay at Twilight's until you decide to go back... But... As... As for now could you pick me up and set me on the bed...? Please? And be gentle when setting me down...." I hesitated. "...Ryder dont worry... Cant hurt me anymore than you have... Well... you can but... just... Please try not to..." I hesitated yet again. I did get my arm under her legs and then got onto the side with her arm that was good... I slowly picked her up and moved as carefully as I could before laying her down on the bed. She sighed as she rested. "There... Right there... Just... Wait outside for my sister... and if that guard gives you anymore trouble... You have my permission to put him in his place... Just... dont hurt him...."

I nodded and just walked out of the room.... Just walked right across the hall leaving the door open just to sit on the floor and hold my head making sure nothing was gonna spill out of it. I spaced out quite a bit... Just staring at the floor. I saw reflections in the dimly lit castle flooring with what lights were there. It wasnt until I closed my eyes trying to stop the tears from coming that someone tried nudging me. I jumped and just tried to scurry away before I heard someones voice. "Ryder wait! Its only me!" She said. I looked up and just saw Princess Luna looking scared. She offered a hand and I took it... she helped me to my feet and hugged me. "...Thy mind is plagued and truly nobody sleeping in the same bed as you is safe...." The crying started. And hard. She shushed me. She just picked me up and carried me like the child I was acting like. She brought me back into the room I had just left... Inside I saw the guard getting a lecture from Celestia now sitting at the foot of the bed.

"Yes you did the right thing but he's still a royal and he's going through something serious! You woke him and helped release my arm but he wasnt some criminal you needed to chase after!"

The guard huffed. "Princess forgive me for speaking out of turn but he hurt you!" He said. "Whether he meant to or not still needs to be investigated and necessary action should be taken!" She grabbed the guard by the armor and just pointed to me.

"This stallion has seen more blood than you have when you skin your knee! He's killed, he's saved and he's done more for me than you have for the other guards.... Now we're going to drop this matter and you will apologize to him." She released him. He just backed up a bit scared. He just looked to me.

"S-Sorry sir..."

"Good. Now leave us!" The guard nodded and saluted before leaving shutting the door leaving us inside. Luna sat next to her sister still holding me. "There.... all better there...." Celestia moved her once busted arm as if it werent just minutes ago. "Are you alright Ryder?" I shook my head. "...I'm silly to ask that but... I still need to check... Why dont you at least let Luna use her magic to allow you to sleep more soundly? We can get to therapy next week but as for right now I do urge you about using Luna's magic to aid you for a bit. Just to sleep. When you feel comfortable with trying to sleep on your own, say something and we'll allow it. Okay?" I gave it a thought. Would be better than thrashing about in a nightmare. I nodded. "Alright... Lets get you in something comfortable... Luna should be there to keep you at ease until morning. After that we'll take you to get your things and we'll both help as best we can to get you all set up." I gave another nod sniffling.

They had to run out and get me some padding and some PJ's but I slept comfortably as I could with Luna distracting me. We talked, shared stories... she even wanted to see the things that happened in the dream that caused that revelation that nobody around me is safe. I cut that short after the first guy I killed.... Told her the rest. Bullet through the head, stuffed into a fryer and out a window being hung then disguised and butchered... That next morning I could barely stomach a meal. Had to go from Canterlot with Luna and Celestia with me all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. I felt like here was the moment we were trying to get Shining to his final resting place in the nuke scenario. Though instead of bypassing we went on... Pulled up to the house just to see Twilight's car out front. Celestia had to carry me to the door and inside... It was empty other than Applejack and Twilight on the couch... no Big Mac, no girls.... Goddess above Scoot isnt gonna like it at all. Applejack looked tired out of her mind.... Good reason too. Twilight looked to us, tired as well but not as much as my wife did. "...She didnt wanna stay asleep last night.... Especially after what was said..." She said. "...Big Mac has the girls and Cadence made it down here as fast as she could last night just to foalsit.... Everyone heard the crying in here, wondered what was going on.... she didnt say anything but I had to explain to Big Mac.... He wanted to put your balls in a vice grip until I told him why." I hung my head.

Luna sighed. "I hope he's either explaining it to his sisters... or trying to at least...." She said kneeling down. "...I... I feel so bad for this... But there was evidence of what he said ringing true last night... Ryder was having a nightmare and ended up breaking my sisters arm and that caused a guard to taze him awake." She lifted up my shirt. There was actually a few welts where I didnt even notice but were very red from how hard he had pressed them in.

Twilight just covered her mouth looking wide eyed at my wound. "Yes... I know you didnt like hearing that he would do that but he's being safe... And with proof like that... it shows he cares enough to keep from injuring his family..." Celestia said kneeling down next to the couch. "...I could take it with my stature.... You? He'd snap you in half like a twig... And when I tell you he cried hard when he found out he broke my arm. Think how bad he'd feel if he paralyzed you. Either that or killed you.... We'd get you back... but we'd have to keep him from offing himself..."

I went around the couch and just sat on the arm. I just rested my hand on Applejack's arm. She looked up.... I just... felt like her heart was just.... broken... like I actually was divorcing her. "...I... I know how you feel AJ... like... I'm just taking your heart and ripping it apart... I feel the same way..." I said. "...I just want to keep you safe.... same with Scoot... and our daughter... I can come by every day... Take the girls to school, take care of Mash... Do whatever... I just wanna make sure nothing happens to you... Promise I will continue to help you guys as much as I can...." I just got up without her saying anything. Just went upstairs and grabbed my suitcase and just started stuffing it with clothes. Even grabbed a diaper bin trash bag from the stash and used that.... Luna came up to help me get things together. Grabbed my charging wires and everything. Didnt take but a few hours.... Loaded things into the truck but as we loaded the last of it... I saw my car pull up... Big Mac in the front seat, Scoot in the passenger and Bloom in the back...

Once they stopped Big Mac didnt even bother turning off the car. Just threw it in park and hopped out... He just rushed at me, grabbing me by the collar and pinning me against the guard truck. "You best explain why the FUCK you had AJ cryin' last night.... Otherwise I aint gonna mind beatin' the ever loving shit outta you!" He snapped.

Before I had a chance to answer Scootaloo ran over. "Big Mac leave him alone!" She yelled trying to push him away from me. Applebloom rushed over and started hitting her brother. Gave him enough to be distracted by to pry him off and push him away.

"Oh no you dont you asshole!" He rushed at me. I just dodged out of the way and started running back for the house.

I ran inside didnt even bother closing the door. Just went for the stairs and past the Princesses and AJ. I didnt get too far up the stairs before tripping. Why didnt I fly you ask? Panicked brain can only make one decision at a time. I just cowered in a corner as Big Mac grabbed me again pinning me against the wall. Applejack actually got up and rushed up stairs! "Big Mac let him go! Just stop it and let him go!" She snapped. Big Mac looked to her.

"After he made you cry?! Not a fuckin' chance until he says why!"

"Just. Put. Him. DOWN!" He just stared his sister down.

Celestia came up the stairs and just caused a small concussive magical blast between me and Big Mac. "That's enough!" She snapped. "Ryder is going through a crisis and he hates that he's having to do this. If you wanna know what he's doing, you're gonna sit your ass down on that couch otherwise I have no objection if Ryder wants to put you in cuffs." Both Applejack and Big Mac looked at me. I could see the fire in Big Mac's eyes and the worry in Applejack's.

He looked back at Celestia giving a huff. "If the reason aint good enough I got all right to beat the shit out of him!" He said.

Applejack grabbed her brothers hand. "...You lay one hand on him, you are sleeping in the tree house... I will tell all my friends that you are NOT allowed in their homes and I'm gonna keep your fuckin' wallet in here so you cant get a hotel! Keys too!" She said. Big Mac took his hand back as I straightened myself out. He just glared at his sister before going back down stairs and hopping the couch. Applejack followed him down but went to the recliner. Twilight just stayed with them while Celestia escorted me downstairs. I just stood across the table just taking some breaths making sure Mac wasnt gonna rush me.

When I was calm enough to talk the door swung open and in rushed Scootaloo. "RYDER NO YOU ARE NOT LEAVING! NOT NOW! DONT LEAVE!" She yelled crying.

Luna and Applebloom rushed in after her when she was just hugging me crying. "Scootaloo please! It's only temporary!" Luna said prying my sister off. Scootaloo fought to not leave my side.

Big Mac just looked at us while we struggled to keep Scootaloo under control while she cried and yelled. He sprang up and grabbed her holding her while he sat back down. Twilight used her magic to mimic Cadence' magic. Hearts fluttered down over Big Mac and Scoot... Scoot didnt stop crying... but she did stop yelling... She sighed. "...There...." She said. "Now lets all take a deep breath and calm down... Just.... Let Ryder explain...."

I huffed still holding back tears. "....Thank you Twilight...." I said before just turning my attention to Big Mac, Applebloom and Scootaloo now on the couch together. "...Well... You heard Scoot... I... I have to leave... I love you guys too much and this hurts me as much as it does you guys...." I felt myself pause up a bit. Went to the fridge, grabbed a cider, cracked it open and chugged it. Let out a hearty belch before just walking back over. "...Sorry... Just..... As of last night I had a freak out moment.... Celestia tried waking me during it and I broke her arm... Magically healed but.... I knew something like that would happen... if not to her... To one of you.... I could be in bed with AJ, next thing you know she cant walk or.... worse.... Either that or on the floor in Scoot's room after she had a nightmare... Next thing you know her legs broken because she tried stepping over me to go to the bathroom.... I.... I dont even wanna think about whatever happening to my baby girl.... I just dont wanna hurt anyone here.... deliberate or not...."

Everyone stayed silent. Applejack sighed coming over to me. "....You best come back and visit Ry.... Dont want her not knowing who daddy is...." She said hugging me. Scootaloo whimpered a bit. I sighed pushing AJ off gently. I knelt down in front of my sister.

"....Scoot... I'll be there for you still... Might not be in the house.... Always a phone call away... I'm doing this because I love you.... You're getting to be a big girl.... It might be hard to spend the night here without me... but I'd rather you be safe..."

She just.... Scootaloo just broke down again hugging me... It was heartbreaking.... I just sat with her.... Clinging to me.... I went and sat with her for a while... I did run her to the bathroom because she did cry hard enough to nearly get sick... nearly.... Luna had to get her off me and calm her. I felt like hell when I got everything. Scoot didnt still like me leaving.... Got all my stuff and made sure we went and got everything... Actually had to wait for another guard truck to pick us up. Celestia and Luna sat inside talking with Applebloom and Scootaloo, making sure they were okay... Though I was outside just.... staring at the trees.... Kinda like I was looking for something but I wasnt... just... admiring the view like I was just being banished from here. Big Mac followed me out there and sighed. "....Ry.... Next time you gotta do shit like this.... Please just be honest with us..." He said patting me on the shoulder. "...I know my record with you being honest aint that great but... Just have someone slap me or something just so I sit my ass down and listen next time... Sorry for attackin' ya like that... Just... didnt like hearing AJ screaming and crying last night... I had to bring her down to my room, sit up with Mash until she went back to sleep, made sure the girls were alright and made sure AJ got something to eat this morning.... Hell if it werent for Twilight and Cadence pretty sure AJ would be more of a wreck...." I just sighed glancing at him.

"....I hated having to do that.... Originally I was just gonna come home, sit everyone down and do that.... but Celestia got her arm snapped in half while I was dreaming.... I dont wanna be sleeping on the couch nor do I wanna be near any of you to have something happen to you guys.... I mean.... I had a dream where I was just killing everyone who was doing bad.... only just to find out it was you, our friends and family.... And my fucking god the things I did to who I did think was the enemy.... I threw someone out a window hanging them with a fire hose and shoving him in a fucking fryer.... Even just slit some guys throat looking into his eyes the whole time... fucking even point blank shot a guy in the face...."

"....More of questioning your sanity to add on to the night thrashings?" I nodded. ".... Damn... And here I thought your night terrors would've just been slapping diapers back on you and just making sure you were taken care of.... guess this is gonna need more than a babying..."

"Yeah... Just.... Get me a few days to be alone, get used to things.... I'll just be back, weeks time or something like that.... wont mind calls... Just need some time..." He nodded.

I heard the door to the house open. We both looked back and just saw Celestia and Luna coming out with the rest of the family. Celestia sighed. "....It's time to go Ryder." She said. "The longer that goes on the more heavy emotions happen..." I sighed and nodded. Since Big Mac was the closest I hugged him first. Next I got Scootaloo and Applebloom up for a hug.... Scoot didnt wanna let go again... Luna had to take her and hand her off to Big Mac while I gave a hug and a kiss to Applejack. It was.... It hurt... real bad. Luna had to sit with me in Twilight's car while Celestia took the transport back to the castle. It was weird getting things set up in the room I was given. Gallus came in, asked what went on and I told him.... He was worried but I was alright for that moment. For the night... yeah... wasnt fun.... I was given a pillow to use as something to cuddle... Woke up to the thing ripped in half. Twilight wasnt happy to see that but she did start enchanting everything in my room to be unbreakable. The adjustment was hard. Got easier but not as fast as I thought. But... I think that's it for now....