Family and Friends

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.