Family and Friends

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.